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News from November 9, 2025

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Zimbabwe schools urged to embrace AI
Technology

Zimbabwe schools urged to embrace AI

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has called on school heads across the country to fully embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to stay relevant in a fast-changing global education landscape. Speaking during an AI workshop for school leaders, Manicaland Provincial Education Director, Mr Richard Gabaza, said the integration of AI in education marks a transformative step that schools must not ignore. He emphasised that AI has revolutionised the way education is delivered worldwide, offering Zimbabwean schools a chance to modernise teaching and learning processes. “The introduction of Artificial Intelligence has indeed brought our education system to a defining juncture,” said Mr Gabaza. “It represents both a new opportunity and a challenge – a chance to rethink, reform and realign our practices to the needs of a modern, knowledge-driven and innovation-oriented society.” The workshop aimed to equip school heads with the skills and understanding needed to integrate AI into their institutions. According to Mr Gabaza, adopting AI tools will help schools improve learning outcomes, enhance creativity, and foster problem-solving among learners. He said the use of AI can strengthen competency-based learning, promote practical skills, and make the curriculum more relevant to real-life situations by bridging the gap between school, industry and national development. “AI reminds us that our learners are not merely candidates for examinations, but citizens in the making – equipped to think critically, innovate and solve problems in real contexts,” Mr Gabaza said. However, he acknowledged that many schools still face challenges in implementing advanced ICT learning due to inadequate infrastructure, unreliable electricity supply and lack of funding to purchase gadgets such as laptops and tablets. Mr Gabaza urged school heads to persuade their School Development Committees (SDCs) to prioritise investment in ICT infrastructure to enable smooth adoption of AI-driven education. “We must also acknowledge the challenges that accompany any major transformation, including the need for teacher capacitation, limited ICT resources and the transition fatigue that often accompanies change,” he noted. He encouraged school leaders to remain adaptable and forward-thinking while ensuring that the integration of new technologies aligns with Zimbabwe’s heritage-based curriculum. “As educators, we must take the path that keeps our profession dynamic and transformative,” he said. “We must move from mere knowledge transmission to skills transformation, from routine teaching to creative facilitation, from compliance to commitment.” Mr Gabaza concluded by urging schools to view AI not as a burden, but as a tool for redefining quality education in Zimbabwe. “Education has always been about adaptation and renewal. Let AI not be a stumbling block, but a stepping stone toward a more relevant, inclusive and transformative education system,” he said. Source – ManicaPost

Staff Reporter
OK Zimbabwe suffers US$25 million financial loss
Business

OK Zimbabwe suffers US$25 million financial loss

Leading retail chain OK Zimbabwe Limited has reported a staggering US$25 million loss for the financial year ending March 31, 2025, as revenue plunged by more than half in what company chairman Herbert Nkala described as one of the toughest trading periods in the group’s history. The company’s financial report shows revenue dropped 52 percent to US$245 million, a dramatic fall that Nkala attributed to a mix of economic instability, supply chain breakdowns, and growing competition from the informal sector. “The decline is attributed to supply chain disruption, an unstable exchange rate—especially in the second half of the year—liquidity crunch in the economy, and heightened competition from the informal sector, compounded by exchange rate controls that distorted pricing,” Nkala said. Zimbabwe’s retail industry has been under immense strain as formal players grapple with fluctuating exchange rates, inconsistent pricing policies, and eroding consumer spending power. The informal market, largely operating in hard currency, has continued to lure customers away from regulated supermarkets. Nkala admitted that OK Zimbabwe’s cash flow problems compounded the crisis, crippling the company’s ability to keep its stores adequately stocked. “The Group failed to settle suppliers’ accounts on time, leading to some withholding deliveries while others demanded payment upfront,” he said. This breakdown in supplier confidence severely disrupted the retailer’s operations, creating empty shelves and weakening customer trust. Nkala acknowledged that the group’s operational capacity had been “negatively impacted,” reflecting the far-reaching consequences of its liquidity crunch. Despite the grim outlook, OK Zimbabwe has embarked on a comprehensive restructuring exercise to stabilise operations and restore growth. The chairman cautioned, however, that the turnaround process would take time. “Though the recovery of the Group has started, it will take some time to return to normal operations,” Nkala said. The company’s leadership remains optimistic that ongoing reforms—focused on improving supply chain efficiency, cost control, and customer retention—will eventually restore the retailer’s market position. OK Zimbabwe’s struggle reflects the broader economic difficulties facing Zimbabwe’s formal retail sector, which continues to battle currency volatility, inflationary pressures, and constrained consumer spending in a highly dollarised economy. Source – online

Staff Reporter
Muchinguri fingered in plot to block Sanyatwe’s rise
Politics

Muchinguri fingered in plot to block Sanyatwe’s rise

Zanu PF national chairperson and Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has been accused of orchestrating a plot to block Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture minister Anseleem Sanyatwe from joining the ruling party’s powerful central committee, amid allegations of vote-buying and factional maneuvering within the party’s Manicaland structures. Sources within the ruling party allege that Muchinguri-Kashiri, who fears Sanyatwe’s growing influence in Manicaland since his retirement from the army, is pushing for MenBelievED founder Justice Matsatsire to be co-opted into the central committee instead. The move would effectively sideline Sanyatwe – a former Zimbabwe National Army commander – from Zanu PF’s top decision-making body outside congress, leaving him a junior figure in provincial politics. Sanyatwe, who is widely regarded as a close ally of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, is said to have become a target of loyalists to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who reportedly view him as an extension of Chiwenga’s influence in the party. The VP is believed to oppose a plan by Mnangagwa’s inner circle to extend the president’s rule by two years, to 2030. According to impeccable Zanu PF insiders, Muchinguri-Kashiri recently met with the party’s political commissar Munyaradzi Machacha and secretary for security Lovemore Matuke at the Zanu PF headquarters in Harare to deliberate on the issue. “On November 4 there was a meeting at the Zanu PF headquarters between Muchinguri-Kashiri, Machacha and Matuke where it was resolved that Justice Matsatsire would be co-opted into the central committee,” one well-placed source said. “They also resolved to find all means possible to block Lt General Sanyatwe from being co-opted due to his links to VP Chiwenga. Money is already changing hands – all provincial members will reportedly be paid US$500 to support Matsatsire’s elevation while rejecting Sanyatwe.” Matsatsire, a known ally of Muchinguri-Kashiri and a vocal supporter of Mnangagwa’s “ED2030” agenda through his MenBelievED organization, hails from Mutasa District in Manicaland. His endorsement, insiders say, is part of a wider strategy to consolidate Muchinguri-Kashiri’s control over the province and ensure the loyalty of key provincial figures ahead of Zanu PF’s next elective congress. The growing influence of Sanyatwe – once a powerful military figure who was retired in March this year in what analysts described as a “coup-proofing” move – is reportedly unsettling the Defence minister. “Muchinguri-Kashiri is afraid of power shifts in the province. She believes Sanyatwe could overtake her as the political godmother of Manicaland,” another source claimed. “If he rises through the ranks, he could rally the whole province behind VP Chiwenga.” Factional tensions within Zanu PF have continued to simmer as rival camps aligned to Mnangagwa and Chiwenga jostle for influence ahead of the party’s 2026 congress. At the recent Zanu PF conference, Vice President Chiwenga openly condemned corruption and the abuse of the Agenda 2030 development vision – which has increasingly been personalised as a campaign slogan for Mnangagwa’s bid to stay in power beyond 2028. Chiwenga also reignited his anti-corruption rhetoric, warning against the rise of so-called “Zvigananda” – a term he coined to describe politically connected businessmen accused of looting public funds through inflated tenders and opaque contracts. Observers say the ongoing tug-of-war between Muchinguri-Kashiri and Sanyatwe reflects deeper divisions in the ruling party as the battle for post-Mnangagwa succession intensifies. Zanu PF officials could not be reached for comment at the time of publication. Source – The Standard

Staff Reporter
Sikhala says he is lucky to be alive
World

Sikhala says he is lucky to be alive

Outspoken opposition politician Job Sikhala says he is fortunate to be alive, alleging that the Zimbabwean state has been trailing him in an attempt to frame him on trumped-up charges. His remarks came just a day before he was arrested in South Africa on allegations of possessing explosives. South African police confirmed that Sikhala was detained after officers, acting on a tip-off, intercepted a Ford Fiesta believed to be carrying explosives in Pretoria. Upon searching the vehicle, police reportedly discovered 26 blasting cartridges and 15 capped fuse connectors. Sikhala, who was travelling with a relative, is expected to appear in court tomorrow. The National Democratic Working Group (NDWG), which Sikhala leads, dismissed the allegations, describing the arrest as part of a coordinated smear campaign. “Honourable Sikhala was subjected to what is believed to be suspected foul play, as the vehicle in which he was travelling was stopped and searched by officers of the South African Police Service (SAPS),” said NDWG deputy national spokesperson Silenkosi Moyo in a statement. “We categorically maintain that the explosives found do not belong to him. As the NDWG, we stand unwaveringly beside our leader and reaffirm our commitment to defending him through all legal means available.” Freedom movement merchandise Sikhala, a veteran opposition figure, claims to have been arrested more than 70 times in Zimbabwe since his student activism days at the University of Zimbabwe. “I am the most jailed politician in the country,” he told Standard People. “If I can recount properly, I have been incarcerated more than 70 times. And in all those times, I have been proven innocent. It means that I am someone who is targeted for persecution, and it is systematic.” His most recent imprisonment came after he was accused of inciting public violence following the 2022 murder of opposition activist Moreblessing Ali in Nyatsime, Chitungwiza. He spent 595 days in pretrial detention before being acquitted. “They hate me more than Satan is hated by Christians; I don’t know why,” Sikhala said. “I cannot forget the torture. I was beaten everywhere, including on my manhood. It is a miracle to be alive. If I had not gone to Europe to seek medical attention, I might be dead or sterile because of what they did.” Sikhala also accused authorities of continuing to target him, citing the recent police ban on his planned birthday celebrations at Chaminuka/Macheka Square in St Mary’s on October 30. “I know they say Wiwa has no following and is not a threat, but why did they not allow me to hold my birthday celebrations?” he asked. “I am giving them sleepless nights. Whatever they do to try and intimidate me won’t work-it only strengthens my resolve to fight for a better Zimbabwe where everyone is free and equal.” Source – the standard

Staff Reporter
Magaya turns prison preacher
World

Magaya turns prison preacher

Self-proclaimed prophet Walter Magaya has reportedly become the centre of attention at Harare Remand Prison, where he is being held pending trial on charges of rape and fraud. Magaya, the founder of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries, was arrested on November 1 along with his wife, Tendai, and has since applied for bail at the High Court after being remanded in custody. While behind bars, Magaya is said to have drawn a large following among fellow inmates, many of whom now regard him as a spiritual leader. Sources at the prison said the charismatic preacher has been conducting informal “crusades” and prayer sessions that attract hundreds of inmates. According to reports, Magaya – who is being held in the D-Class section – has also been assisting fellow prisoners financially, paying bail for those unable to afford it and even hiring lawyers for some. “I got bail money from the prophet,” said one recently released inmate. “He has helped many people with money and legal assistance. He is a humble man of God.” Another freed inmate claimed Magaya prayed for and supported him during his five-month detention on armed robbery charges, saying, “He brought hope to many of us inside.” Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) says it has received numerous calls from alleged victims across several countries, including South Africa, the United Kingdom, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Malawi, and Zambia, who wish to report cases of rape, assault, and fraud involving Magaya. In a statement, police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that international reports were being taken seriously. “Victims in Zimbabwe and abroad are urged to report freely and allow police to conduct investigations,” Nyathi said. He provided contact details for victims to reach the police, including mobile number 0776 830 226, the National Complaints number (0242) 703631, and WhatsApp number 0712 800 197. “For those victims in South Africa, please report to your nearest police station to have your statements notarised and submitted to the Zimbabwean Embassy,” Nyathi added. He also issued a stern warning against individuals or groups attempting to intimidate witnesses or complainants, saying such actions would lead to charges of obstruction of justice. Magaya, who has previously faced controversy over alleged sexual abuse and unfulfilled business promises, remains in custody as the High Court prepares to hear his bail application. Source – The Standard

Staff Reporter
Vice-President arrives in city
Politics

Vice-President arrives in city

Delivers convocation address at JSS AHER; to visit Suttur Mutt, Chamundi Hill Temple Mysore/Mysuru: Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan arrived in Mysuru this morning to take part in the 16th Convocation of JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSS AHER). He arrived at the Mysore Airport on a special Army helicopter from Bengaluru. At the Airport, Radhakrishnan was received by Governor Thawarchand Gehlot and Mysuru District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa. From there, he travelled by road to the JSS AHER campus at Bannimantap, where he delivered the convocation address and presented medals and awards to meritorious students. Following the event, the Vice- President is scheduled to visit the Suttur Mutt branch at the foot of Chamundi Hill to seek the blessings of Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji, and later offer prayers at the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hill. Subsequently, Vice-President Radhakrishnan will depart from Mysore Airport to Bengaluru on the same Army helicopter and later proceed to New Delhi on a special aircraft. Radhakrishnan visits Melukote Earlier in the day, Vice-President Radhakrishnan participated in the commemoration of the visit of Acharya Sri 108 Shanti Sagar Maharaj at Shravanabelagola in Hassan district, and later landed at Melukote in a special Army helicopter. He was received by Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy, Mandya District Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy, MLA Darshan Puttannaiah, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Kumara and Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi, who accompanied him to the temple. At Sri Cheluvanarayanaswamy Temple, the Vice-President was accorded a traditional ‘Purna Kumbha Swagatha’ by the temple priests. After offering prayers, he left for Mysuru to attend the scheduled events.

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Suspected killer tiger captured
Sports

Suspected killer tiger captured

Drones lead operation; Big cat had a snare around neck Mysore/Mysuru: The Forest Department officials and staff, after obtaining special permission to carry out a high-risk operation post-sunset, successfully captured the suspected killer tiger in Saragur last night. The tiger, aged between 11 and 13 years, is suspected to have killed Chowdanayaka and partially devoured his body at Hale Heggudilu village, bordering the Bandipur Forest in Saragur taluk, on Nov. 7. The big cat was captured about 2 kms from the spot where fatal attack had occurred. The special approval to tranquilise and capture the tiger after dark was sought by Bandipur Tiger Reserve Director S. Prabhakaran, prioritising the safety of nearby villagers. Conducting combing operations in forest areas after sunset requires prior permission, primarily to safeguard wildlife, ensure human safety and adhere to strict forest and wildlife conservation laws. Thermal drone surveillance At around 4 pm yesterday, a thermal drone detected the tiger hiding among bushes roughly 500 to 750 metres from where Chowdanayaka’s body was found. The tiger’s movements were constantly monitored through drone surveillance. Around 5.30 pm, when the animal emerged from the bushes, the drone captured multiple close-up images revealing a metal snare deeply embedded around its neck, causing an infected wound. The photos also showed that its right upper and lower canines were broken. Forest officials suspected that the injuries and damaged teeth had impaired the tiger’s ability to hunt wild prey, forcing it to target easier victims — humans and domesticated animals. Elephants put to the task Domesticated elephants Srikanta and Lakshmana were initially deployed for the combing operation, later joined by elephants Bhima and Mahendra once the tiger’s location was confirmed. As the search advanced, the tiger moved along the forest edge for nearly 2-km before resting in a bushy patch. It reportedly attempted to enter a nearby village but was successfully blocked by the elephants and Forest personnel, prompting it to retreat deeper into the forest. Following pug marks, the Forest team tracked the tiger resting among dense bushes. After waiting for the right moment, Veterinarian Dr. Ramesh, positioned atop elephant Mahendra, fired a tranquilliser dart at 11.07 pm. The tiger lost consciousness around 11.15 pm, after which the officials moved in and secured the animal. Veterinarians Dr. Ramesh, Dr. Waseem Mirza and Dr. Adarsh, who were part of the operation, removed the metal snare from the tiger’s neck, exposing a one-inch-deep infected wound. The wound was treated on-site and the tiger was then placed in a cage and transported to the Chamundi Wild Animals Rescue, Rehabilitation and Conservation Breeding Centre at Koorgalli, Mysuru, around 2 am. The tiger is now under observation at the facility. Forest Minister orders DNA confirmation Forest Minister B. Eshwar Khandre confirmed the tiger’s capture and directed officials to conduct a DNA test to verify whether the same tiger had killed Chowdanayaka. The results will be cross-checked with the DNA samples collected during Chowdanayaka’s post-mortem. The Minister also instructed the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF – Wildlife) and the Project Tiger Director to remain stationed in areas where tiger sightings have been reported, to assess the presence of other potential man-eaters and take necessary action. Following these instructions, Forest personnel collected hair, scat and blood samples from the captured tiger, along with tiger hair earlier recovered from Chowdanayaka’s body. These samples have been sent for DNA analysis to confirm whether the captured tiger was indeed responsible for the fatal attack. ACF D. Paramesh and other officials were present during the operation.

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Rs. 4.41 cr. trading fraud: Scammers target
Technology

Rs. 4.41 cr. trading fraud: Scammers target

3 retired employees, a Government official Mysore/Mysuru: Three retired individuals and one Government employee collectively lost more than Rs. 4 crore after falling victim to a fraudulent online trading scheme. Separate cases have been registered at Cyber Economic and Narcotics (CEN) Crime Police Station in city. The victims were drawn in by flashy advertisements for online trading circulating on social media platforms. Trusting these promotions, they transferred their hard-earned savings into bank accounts operated by fraudsters. Despite repeated warnings and awareness campaigns about cyber scams, the victims failed to exercise caution and were ultimately deceived by the scammers’ convincing tactics. The total reported loss stands at Rs. 4,41,75,534. Case 1: Added to WhatsApp group A 70-year-old retired employee residing in a reputed layout near KRS Road was added to a WhatsApp group managed by fraudsters. The group frequently shared messages promoting lucrative online trading opportunities. Believing the claims, the senior citizen made multiple investments over time, amounting to Rs. 1,87,85,418. When no returns were received, he attempted to withdraw the funds — only to realise he had been cheated. Case 2: Facebook trading ad A 61-year-old retired resident of Ramakrishnanagar fell victim to an elaborate cyber scam after clicking on a Facebook advertisement promoting ‘block trading.’ The ad redirected him to a mobile application, which he downloaded and registered for by entering his personal details. Soon after, a woman, identifying herself as Yashaswini Jindal, contacted him and persuaded him to invest in block trades and IPOs. Trusting her assurances, the victim transferred a total of Rs. 1,44,64,527 to various bank accounts provided by the fraudsters. When he later tried to withdraw his investment, he was told to deposit an additional Rs. 58 lakh as a ‘security deposit’ to process the withdrawal. Despite repeated attempts and reassurances, the promised returns never materialised, and communication ceased. Case 3: Fake trading app A 34-year-old Government employee from Subramanyanagar was duped after clicking on a website link that appeared during a Google search. Out of curiosity, he downloaded a mobile application and registered by entering his phone number and bank details. The fraudsters then sent him a list of bank accounts and verification codes, instructing him to transfer funds through a specific mobile number. Tempted by promises of high returns, he transferred Rs. 87,54,589 to various accounts. Initially, he received Rs. 1 lakh as a ‘return,’ which encouraged him to invest more. However, after subsequent larger transfers, the scammers cut off all contact. When he noticed deductions from his bank account labelled as ‘fees,’ he approached the bank and realised he had been defrauded. Case 4: WhatsApp trading scam A 63-year-old retired resident of Srirampura lost Rs. 21,71,000 after clicking on a suspicious link received via WhatsApp. The link led to a fake mobile application, where he registered by entering his mobile number and bank account details. Soon after, he began receiving messages promoting high returns through ‘block trading.’ Trusting the claims, he made multiple phased investments — ultimately losing over Rs. 21 lakh to the fraudsters.

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10th-century Ganga inscription unearthed
Science

10th-century Ganga inscription unearthed

Discovery at Mahalingeshwara Temple in Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Nagar Mysore/Mysuru: A remarkable archaeological discovery has shed new light on the ancient history of Mysuru, with the unearthing of a 10th-century inscription from the Ganga Dynasty at the Mahalingeshwara Temple in Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Nagar (SVP Nagar), located about 10 kilometres east of the city centre. The inscription, carved on white granite and written in Kannada script, dates back to 948 AD — making it 1,076 years old. Measuring two feet wide and two and a half feet tall, the six-line text was found on the east-facing wall inside the temple, which locals previously believed to be only 200 to 300 years old. What the inscription reveals The inscription is believed to have been carved during the reign of Butuga II, a ruler of the Ganga dynasty. According to the inscription, Maremma — a bodyguard of Butuga II and a member of the Besta community — may have donated a garden to a temple, exempting it from taxes, and entrusted its management to the village chief, Vijaketa Gavunda. Although the inscription is partially damaged and cannot be fully deciphered, the mention of “Vijaketa Gavunda Dise” suggests that the garden’s administration was indeed assigned to the village head. A symbolic engraving of a temple further supports the interpretation that the donation was temple-related. While the specific temple is not named, the presence of a Ganga-style Shiva Linga in the Mahalingeshwara Temple — where the inscription was found — strongly indicates that the donation pertains to this temple. At the bottom of the inscription, a carved image of a cow feeding its calf serves as a symbolic warning: Defacing or destroying the inscription would be equivalent to committing the grave sin of killing a cow. E-stampage of inscription taken The find was initiated by retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Shivanna, who alerted archaeologist Prof. N.S. Rangaraju. Fieldwork was conducted by Dr. C.A. Shashidhara, an archaeological researcher with the Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Kannada. The research team, led by Project Director Prof. N.M. Talwar and supported by Prof. Shailendra Mohan of the Central Institute of Indian Languages, included Dr. R. Mariswamy and photographer Ramesh Patel. An e-stampage of the inscription was taken with the cooperation of residents P.B. Pramukh and Raghavendra. “This discovery confirms that the Mahalingeshwara Temple is over a thousand years old,” said Prof. Talwar. “The architectural style and inscription reflect the population density and cultural priorities of the Ganga period,” he added. Dr. Shashidhara emphasised the importance of preserving such heritage: “Many Ganga-era temples have been misattributed to other dynasties due to renovations and lack of awareness. This research helps restore historical accuracy and honour the legacy of the Ganga rulers.” CIIL Director In-Charge Umarani Pappuswamy, Assistant Director Pankaj Dwivedi, Coordinator L.R. Premkumar and epigraphist Prof. Devarakondareddy supported the research and inscription analysis.

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Michelin chef in Brittany champions sustainable seafood
World

Michelin chef in Brittany champions sustainable seafood

AYESHA RASCOE, HOST: Industrial fishing is plundering the oceans. According to the United Nations, more than one-third of global fish stocks are now being harvested at biologically unsustainable levels. So can you eat seafood while preserving threatened species? Well, two chefs on the French coast of Brittany think - certainly think so. NPR's Eleanor Beardsley reports on their crusade to save the seas, one diner at a time. ELEANOR BEARDSLEY, BYLINE: Hugo Roellinger looks out across the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel from his restaurant, Le Coquillage, tucked inside a gray stone chateau high on a bluff. He says, on a clear day, you can see the bay's iconic 10th century island monastery. HUGO ROELLINGER: (Through interpreter) If they chose to build the Mont-Saint-Michel in this place at that time, there must have been something special going on here. BEARDSLEY: The free-spirited 37-year-old has just earned his third Michelin star. That's great, he says, but what really compels him is this bay with its vast tides. H ROELLINGER: And what is the tide? It's a relation with the moon and the sun. Here, we don't cook the same thing when you are in big tide or in low tide. (SOUNDBITE OF WAVES CRASHING) BEARDSLEY: Because, he says, the fish and shellfish are different at high and low tide. Roellinger's father opened Le Coquillage and earned its first Michelin star. As a boy, he says he had no desire to follow in his father's footsteps. He joined the Merchant Marine as a ship captain, but sailing around the world led him back home. H ROELLINGER: When you are out on the sea, you understand that the Earth, it's mostly liquid. When you are a chef, you can try to protect this. BEARDSLEY: France is one of the EU's biggest consumers of seafood, with much of it eaten in restaurants. That gives chefs like Roellinger a lot of power over what's served and caught. Down in the kitchen, final preparations for lunch are underway. (SOUNDBITE OF KNIFE BEING SHARPENED) BEARDSLEY: A sous-chef sharpens his knife to fillet a giant sea bass. Roellinger only serves fish in the summer that's caught by local, small fishermen. H ROELLINGER: (Speaking French). BEARDSLEY: "In the winter, we work with crustaceans, shellfish and algae," Roellinger tells me, switching to French. "Because fish have seasons," he says, "just like vegetables, and you shouldn't eat them when they're reproducing." H ROELLINGER: (Through interpreter) We have to remember that we are eating wild animals. It's like wild game, and it is no banal act to kill and eat fish. The sea is not inexhaustible. Eating fish should be reserved for special occasions. OLIVIER ROELLINGER: (Speaking French). BEARDSLEY: Hugo's father, Olivier Roellinger, arrives on the bluff. H ROELLINGER: (Laughter) Bonjour. O ROELLINGER: Bonjour. BEARDSLEY: Bonjour, Olivier. O ROELLINGER: Bonjour. (Speaking French). BEARDSLEY: This longtime chef, now retired from the kitchen, helped save the threatened bluefin tuna in the aughts. As head of an international hotel restaurant network, he convinced hundreds of chefs across the U.S., Europe and Japan to take it off their menus. It worked. He says Japanese sushi masters who'd been furious later thanked him when the species was saved. O ROELLINGER: (Through interpreter) We saved scallops in this region. Forty years ago, they were becoming extinct. So we restricted the fishing season. Sea bass, you just have to stop eating it in winter for it to come back. Science knows what to do. We just have to follow. (Speaking French). BEARDSLEY: Roellinger calls the sea humanity's cupboard and small fishermen the key to keeping it stocked. If they disappear, he says, our oceans would be depleted by overfishing and that cupboard would become a trash can. Eleanor Beardsley, NPR News, Brittany. (SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC) Copyright © 2025 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information. Accuracy and availability of NPR transcripts may vary. Transcript text may be revised to correct errors or match updates to audio. Audio on npr.org may be edited after its original broadcast or publication. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

Eleanor Beardsley
Nandi Statue Road work stalled again
Technology

Nandi Statue Road work stalled again

Contractor delays Chamundi Hill retaining wall project for similar work at Madikeri PWD to terminate contract; to call for fresh tenders; work to spill over to 2026 Mysore/Mysuru: The construction of a retaining wall along the landslide-prone stretch between the View Point and the Nandi Statue on Chamundi Hill has once again come to a halt. The contractor entrusted with the project has reportedly diverted attention to a similar retaining wall construction in Madikeri, Kodagu district, leaving the Chamundi Hill work incomplete and neglected. Having taken simultaneous contracts at both locations, the contractor is said to have prioritised the Madikeri project over Chamundi Hill. Owing to the lack of progress, the Public Works Department (PWD) has decided to terminate the contractor’s services for the Chamundi Hill project. Fresh tenders will soon be floated to appoint a new contractor capable of completing the long-pending work. The project’s urgency stems from repeated landslides that have severely damaged the road between the View Point and the Nandi Statue. A minor landslip occurred in 2019, followed by a major landslide on Oct. 20, 2021. Just eleven days later, on Oct. 31, another slide damaged nearly 80 percent of the road and a third landslide struck on Nov. 4, 2021, barely 10 metres away from the previous site. Road closed for devotees Despite the severity of these incidents, the retaining wall remains incomplete even in November 2025. The road continues to remain closed to tourists and devotees, particularly during Dasara and other festive days, when visiting the Nandi monolith holds religious importance. PWD officials had earlier stated that nearly 80% of the work had been completed and that they aimed to finish it by Dasara 2025. However, the project has faced multiple setbacks — including delayed payments and repeated monsoon disruptions. The retaining wall project was divided into two phases. The first phase, worth Rs. 9.75 crore, involved constructing a 350-metre wall, after excavation of a 30-ft trench. Of the 350-metre wall, 310 metres have been completed, leaving 40 metres pending. The second phase, valued at Rs. 4.90 crore, aimed to build a 284-metre wall, with 200 metres completed and 84 metres yet to be executed. Both walls are being built using Reinforced Earth Retaining Structure (RERS) technology, based on recommendations from scientists of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.), Bengaluru. The IISc. team conducted soil testing and other studies before suggesting the Geo Trail Technology method for the wall’s construction. With the current contractor failing to deliver, the PWD is preparing to issue new tenders to ensure project completion. However, the fresh tendering process — following the termination of the existing contract — is expected to take at least two months. As a result, the retaining wall work will likely spill over into 2026. The PWD has a narrow three-month window early next year to complete the task before the onset of the monsoon in May-June, which could again disrupt progress.

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