Karnataka First

The coronagraph onboard Aditya-L1 (VELC) and Proba-3 (ASPIICS) conducted joint observations of almost the same part of the solar corona in two different types of observations (spectroscopic from VELC and imaging from ASPIICS).

In a first, scientists from Bengaluru and their international collaborators have analysed scientific observations of solar eruptions and studied the coronal mass ejections (CMEs) by using data derived from India’s Aditya-L1 mission and Europe’s Proba-3.

Scientists at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) combined observations from the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) payload onboard Aditya-L1, and the Association of Spacecraft for Polarimetric and Imaging Investigation of the Corona of the Sun (ASPIICS) payload onboard Proba-3 to study the mass, density, and energetics of these CMEs in the region very close to the Sun.

The coronagraph onboard Aditya-L1 (VELC) and Proba-3 (ASPIICS) conducted joint observations of almost the same part of the solar corona in two different types of observations (spectroscopic from VELC and imaging from ASPIICS).

ISRO stated that these joint observations provide deeper insights into CME evolution than observations from a single spacecraft.

Sharp images, accurate estimates

“ASPIICS white-light and green coronal emission line observations provide sharp images that enable accurate estimates of a CME’s shape, dynamics, and mass. VELC spectroscopic observations in the green coronal emission line provide information on CME gas at about two million degrees. This gives independent estimates of the CME’s density and thermal energy. The two instruments share a common field of view in the low corona. The team found that only two CMEs, on September 14 and 16, were recorded simultaneously by VELC and ASPIICS from July to December 2025. In both cases, VELC caught the eruptions at an early stage, demonstrating how the two instruments complement each other,” ISRO stated.

According to ISRO, the two CMEs showed two behaviours. The September 14 CME was fast (about 645 km/s) while the September 16 CME was much slower (145 km/s).

“The density of the September 16 CME dropped more steeply with height than that of another CME, indicating its stronger early expansion,” it stated.

The estimates of mass and thermal energy from ASPIICS and VELC agree well, despite the two instruments using different geometric assumptions, physical considerations, and observation types.

Complete, cross-checked view

“In the September 14 CME, thermal energy was only about 1% of the total. In the September 16 CME, thermal energy grew until it matched kinetic energy. The estimated magnetic energy is comparable to, or greater than, the kinetic energy. The results demonstrate the scientific potential of synergetic ASPIICS and VELC observations to constrain the CME mass, density, and energetics in the inner corona, thereby providing new observational constraints on the early evolution of CMEs. The study shows that pairing a coronagraph that images the corona with one that measures its spectrum yields a more complete, cross-checked view of the origin and evolution of CMEs,” ISRO stated.

The Aditya-L1, which is India’s first dedicated solar mission, was launched by PSLV-C57 on September 2 2023. The Proba-3, a mission of the European Space Agency (ESA), was launched by PSLV-XL from Sriharikota December 5, 2024. Two spacecraft are about 150 metres apart, and one casts a shadow on the other.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

 A rural government school in Karkala taluk has achieved a rare distinction, reaching the international stage for the second time through a student innovation.

Aditya, a student of the high school section of the Government Pre-University College at Kukkuje, has secured a place among the country’s top 60 innovations with his invention, ‘Cut It Easy’, earning selection for an international-level competition in Japan.

Developed under the guidance of national award-winning social science teacher Suresh Marakala, Aditya’s innovation successfully cleared the various stages of the INSPIRE Awards–MANAK competition before advancing to the national-level.

The project secured a place among the top 60 innovations at the national-level competition scheduled to be held in Delhi and has now qualified for the international stage in Japan.

According to available information, Kukkuje Government High School has earned the distinction of being the first school in the country to achieve this international-level recognition twice through the initiative.

The school had earlier made headlines when its students Amulya Hegde and Nikhita achieved national-level success through the INSPIRE Awards–MANAK programme and were selected for Japan’s Sakura Science High School Programme.

Significantly, all three students received guidance from Marakala, whose efforts in identifying and nurturing young talent have drawn widespread appreciation.

Of the 120 students from Karnataka who reached the national-level this year, only nine secured selection for the international stage, making Aditya’s achievement particularly noteworthy.

The latest accomplishment has brought fresh recognition to the rural institution, underlining the potential of students from government schools to develop innovative ideas and compete on international platforms. Marakala’s consistent success in mentoring students for national and international recognition has also earned praise.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

The facility aims to provide researchers and students from institutions across India with opportunities to engage with quantum technologies and specialised experimental infrastructure that may otherwise be inaccessible due to high capital and operational requirements.

Samsung Semiconductor India Research (SSIR) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.) inaugurated the Quantum Research Lab in the campus of the institute in Bengaluru.

Established with CSR support from SSIR, the lab supports research across qubit characterisation, cryogenic electronics, quantum-device reliability, single-photon sources and detectors, and the integration of advanced semiconductor materials with quantum systems.

According to IISc, the lab has also catalysed research on 2D-material-based quantum devices and emerging device concepts under cryogenic conditions within IISc’s Department of Electronic Systems Engineering. A key objective of the Quantum Research Lab is to extend the benefits of this advanced infrastructure beyond IISc.

IISc added that through structured training and research exposure, the facility aims to provide researchers and students from institutions across India with opportunities to engage with quantum technologies and specialised experimental infrastructure that may otherwise be inaccessible due to high capital and operational requirements.

“This approach is designed to help build a broader national talent pool capable of contributing to India’s emerging quantum technology ecosystem,” IISc stated.

The collaboration strengthens the intersection between quantum technologies and advanced semiconductor research, creating opportunities to explore new materials, devices, and architectures that could contribute to future technology platforms.

“Semiconductors and quantum technologies are well poised to be the next wave of innovation, making talent and research capabilities in this domain critical to India’s technology ambitions. Our partnership with IISc demonstrates how industry and academia collaboration can create lasting impact by bringing together advanced infrastructure, education, and access. We are proud to see the Quantum Research Lab reach this milestone and enable our national ecosystem to engage in research that will shape our future,” Rajesh Krishnan, Managing Director, Samsung Semiconductor India Research, said.

The IISc–SSIR collaboration will also focus on selected learning modules on quantum materials and devices, cryogenic electronics, and qubit technologies as part of another skill-building programme: The India Semiconductor Workforce Development Program (ISWDP), which addresses critical gaps in semiconductor workforce capabilities across device physics, process development, modelling, simulation, characterisation, and reliability.

“Industry-academia partnerships create the greatest impact when they build lasting infrastructure while expanding access to knowledge. Samsung’s support has enabled IISc to strengthen both frontier quantum research and semiconductor workforce development. These initiatives complement IISc’s larger role in advancing national capabilities in quantum computing and next-generation semiconductor technologies,” Professor Govindan Rangarajan, Director, IISc said.

Manipal Institute of Technology launches Quantum-Hub

Manipal Institute of Technology, Bengaluru (MIT Bengaluru), has launched Manipal House of Quantum, Quantum-Hub@MAHE.

Established by Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, this initiative will advance quantum hardware experimentation, engineering education, and indigenous technology development in alignment with India’s National Quantum Mission.

Located in the MAHE campus in Bengaluru, Quantum facility at MIT BLRU provides students, researchers, and industry collaborators with hands-on access to advanced quantum computing infrastructure, including quantum hardware, cryogenic systems, and quantum control technologies.

MAHE stated that through an integrated academic framework, the facility will support experimentation, application development, deep-tech start-up incubation, component innovation, testing, and translational research, positioning MIT Bengaluru as an emerging centre for quantum engineering and indigenous hardware development.

The facility commenced operations with a 25-qubit open-architecture dilution refrigeration system designed for advanced training and experimentation. This marks the first phase of a structured roadmap progressing from sub-50-qubit training systems to 150-qubit proof-of-concept platforms and, ultimately, to industrial-grade quantum product systems with more than 1,000 qubits, according to the institute.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Over 265 women from across State participate in competition at Mysuru palace.

A 63-year-old woman from Mysuru, Sarasamma, won the first prize in the State-level rangoli competition organised on the Mysuru Palace premises on Tuesday (October 13, 2026) as part of the Women and Children’s Dasara celebrations.

More than 265 women from different districts of the State participated in the competition, displaying their artistic skills through colourful and traditional rangoli designs that reflected the cultural heritage and festive spirit of Mysuru Dasara.

The competition was inaugurated by Krishnaraja MLA T.S. Srivatsa.

Speaking on the occasion, he said women had participated enthusiastically, arriving on the Palace premises early in the morning to celebrate Navaratri through their artistic expressions. The participants drew rangoli designs inspired by the Navadurga and incorporated nine varieties of grains, adding a traditional touch to the competition.

The vibrant rangoli designs in the courtyard in front of the Palace attracted the attention of visitors and tourists.

Sarasamma bagged the first prize, while Savithri of Gaminahalli in Srirangapatna taluk secured the second prize. Mala, a resident of Vijayanagar in Mysuru, won the third prize.

Certificates were distributed to all participants.

Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikantha Reddy, Additional Deputy Commissioner R. Aishwarya, Women and Children’s Dasara Sub-Committee chairperson Chudamani, secretary R. Nagaraj and deputy special officer K.G.S. Savitha were among those present.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Ramdas M. Pai, chancellor of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence and deemed-to-be university, has been conferred with the FICCI Legendary Institution Builder Award 2026 in recognition of his enduring contribution to education, healthcare, and institution building.

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Legendary Institution Builder Award recognises individuals whose vision and sustained leadership have created institutions of lasting national and global significance.

Former Union Minister Murli Manohar Joshi presented the award at the 12th FICCI Higher Education Excellence Awards presentation ceremony held during the 21st FICCI Higher Education Summit in Delhi recently. Sharath K. Rao, vice-chancellor of MAHE, accepted the award on behalf of Dr. Pai.

Beginning his professional career as medical director of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, Dr. Pai carried this vision forward and led the expansion of the Manipal Group across academic disciplines, healthcare, and international education.

Under his leadership, the Manipal educational ecosystem expanded beyond India, with institutions established in countries including Nepal, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, and Antigua. His commitment to social development has also found expression through the Manipal Foundation, which supports initiatives in education, healthcare, community development, and assistance to underserved populations, a MAHE release said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

All roads lead to Mysuru as Nada Habba returns. For next 11 days, the city will play host to events showcasing state’s culture and tradition that’ll end with the famous jamboo savari.

Nandi flag pole breaks

An untoward incident was reported at Chamundi Hills when one of the two Nandi flagpoles brought for the traditional puja broke while it was being installed near the Mahishasura statue circle. As per tradition, the Nandi flag is worshipped before the inauguration of Dasara every year. Accordingly, the team led by Udigala Mahadevappa arrived at Chamundi Hills with two Nandi flags. However, one of the flagpoles broke. Chief Minister D K Shivakumar performed puja to the other Nandi flag.

Flower show celebrates ‘Festival of Democracy’

CM DK Shivakumar inaugurated the Dasara Flower Show, organised on the theme ‘Festival of Democracy’ at Kuppanna Park in Mysuru on Sunday, He said the flower show aimed to create awareness about the right to vote. “In a democratic system, every individual has the right to vote. Recently, there have been attempts at vote theft in the country, and people have realised that democracy is under threat. The entire nation is protesting to save democracy, and the Congress is fighting to protect voters and their democratic rights,” he said.

Private durbar begins on first day of Navaratri

The private Durbar of the Mysuru royal family commenced at the Mysuru Palace on Sunday. Scion of the royal family and Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, dressed in traditional royal attire, participated in a series of religious rituals before ascending the gem-studded golden throne. Following the performance of homas and havanas in the morning, the Enne Shastra (oil ritual) was conducted for Yaduveer at the throne during the auspicious period between 6.12am and 7.12am.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Smriti Nambiar speaks about her journey from Bengaluru and Delhi, to China.

Bengaluru-based baker Smriti Nambiar won a silver at the 48th WorldSkills Competition held in Shanghai recently. Conducted between September 22 and 27, it is one of the biggest international competitions for vocational and technical skills. Five other women represented India across five significant hospitality categories.

Along with the silver medal, Smriti has also been recognised as India’s ‘Best of the Nation’ competitor. This places her achievement high on the global stage and strongly represents her skills within and outside India. WorldSkills brought together 68 countries and regions across 64 skills in six distinct sectors. In the bakery category, 22 competitors participated from across the globe.

Smriti grew up in Bengaluru and did her schooling in Sarjapur, graduating in Hotel Management from IHM Pusa, New Delhi. She says, “I was always passionate about pastries and baking, and wanted to work in that field. Even though I didn’t know much about it while applying, through this competition, I learnt a lot about baking and was able to carry my skills forward.”

Talking about the competition, she says, “The event was organised on a massive scale. Everything from crowd management to time efficiency was perfect. For the bakery section, we were provided with everything from equipment to ingredients.

Her mentor Avin Thaliath, co-founder of the Lavonne Academy, played a vital role in her training. He says, “Smriti’s silver at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 is a landmark achievement for her and a proud moment for Indian baking. As her mentor and coach, my role was to help her develop the technical discipline, precision and confidence needed to compete at the highest level, but it was her perseverance, composure and relentless pursuit of excellence that ultimately brought her to the podium.”

Smriti trained for two years, but says the most rigorous period was the last four months before the competition. “They give us a module list of breads, and we had to practice how to prepare them. We had to create 16 modules across two days which included pain au chocolat croissant, cinnamon rolls, cream buns, baguette and two types of sourdough

For the final round, they had to prepare a showpiece product based on a theme prescribed by the organisers; this time it was Year of the Horse.

“On Day One, I had an hour to assemble the pieces to bake overnight, the final piece is prepared once all the baked segments are ready.” It took her around two hours to assemble her showpiece on the second day.

“In WorldSkills, there is a practice of exchanging badges with everyone. You can exchange a badge from your country with someone else and I ended up collecting a lot of them,” she smiles. For Smriti, this was also a chance to gain international exposure and learn from people around the world. “Now I can say that I know people from different parts of the world, which is something I could not say before.”

The 48th Edition of WorldSkills 2026 was held in Shanghai from September 22-27, 2026

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Karnataka has been recognised for its leadership in the wind energy sector, winning the award for Highest Under-Construction Wind Power Capacity of 9 GW at the 8th edition of Windergy 2026, an event organised by the Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers’ Association (IWTMA), at the Chennai Trade Centre on Friday.

Minister for Energy and Tourism K.J. George said, “The achievement reflects Karnataka’s sustained focus on renewable energy development and the State’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for large-scale investments in clean energy.”

Meanwhile, Gaurav Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, Energy Department, said, “The Energy Department will continue to work closely with Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited and other stakeholders to facilitate timely execution of renewable energy projects and further strengthen Karnataka’s leadership in the clean energy transition.”

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

 GI-tagged Kalaburagi tur dal has made its way to the Maldives, with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitating the shipment of one metric tonne of the Karnataka specialty on September 24.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the export marks an important step towards expanding international markets for India’s GI-tagged agricultural products and strengthening the participation of Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO)-led brands in agricultural exports.

The initiative is expected to provide FPOs with greater opportunities to participate in export-oriented value chains and connect local producers with international markets. It could also help create sustained market opportunities for producers and exporters from Karnataka through regular shipments to the Maldives.

Gulbarga tur dal, associated with the Kalaburagi region, received its Geographical Indication registration in 2019. Known for its distinctive taste and quality, the pulse is an important part of the region’s agricultural economy.

The consignment was exported by M/s Silken Global Exports and Imports, Mysuru, through its FPO-led brand and will be transported to the Maldives by sea.

APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev highlighted the importance of taking India’s GI-tagged agricultural products to global markets and creating stronger market linkages for farmers.

The export is part of efforts to promote GI-tagged and other value-added agricultural products in international markets while improving value realisation for farmers and strengthening their integration with export-oriented supply chains.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

As the Miller Museum of Anamorphic Art in Cooke Town celebrates its first anniversary, founder Cheryl Miller speaks about artist Shereen Miller’s legacy and bringing the museum to life.

“This museum is a love letter from a mother and daughter to Bengaluru,” says Cheryl Anita Miller, founder and director of the Miller Museum of Anamorphic Art. Located in a quiet neighbourhood in Cooke Town, this is perhaps the only museum in the world dedicated to anamorphic art.

Anamorphosis is an art form based on optical illusions created with geometric precision and the museum has art by Cheryl’s mother, Shereen on display. The museum was established on September 28, 2025, and Cheryl talks about her mother’s journey and the decision to open a permanent home for her art in Bengaluru.

Girl next door

Born in 1941 to a conservative family in Benson Town, Shereen was not encouraged to pursue her passion as an artist, since, “Her parents not only considered it a male-dominated field, but also believed it wasn’t a repectable profession for a young woman to pursue,” says Cheryl.

Shereen met her husband, Paul W Miller, an American, in 1967, while on an art assignment in Kuwait. Their marriage gave her with both freedom and encouragement to pursue her passion. A chance visit to an art exhibition at the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam in 1976, gave Shereen her first glimpse of anamorphic art.

At the time, it was usually created by optical illusionists, but it piqued her interest and on her return, Shereen began studying this art form, and eventually mastered it.

Cheryl recalls, “My mother loved Bengaluru. She used to go to Koshy’s after classes at Clarence High School, and would tell me about her classmates and siblings here. We spent a greater part of my childhood abroad, but would come here almost every year for the holidays.”

Though Shereen spent most of her life out of India, in the final days of her life, she returned to Bengaluru with her daughter. Here, they jointly designed the present-day building of the Miller Museum. Unfortunately, Shereen passed away in 2023, two years before the museum’s inauguration.

About the museum

Once you enter the museum, the effect and influence of Shereen’s art is clear. A strong feminine vibe emanates from her work; the walls are mounted with her early paintings and the floor is dedicated to her anamorphic art work, with wood and plaster sculptures dotting the hall.

Each wall represents her work in each of the four continents Shereen lived on — Asia, Africa, Europe and America. One can clearly see her unique vision, anamorphic precision and philosophy embedded within each of the artworks and sculptures.

Shereen’s early works were deeply inspired by Indian traditions and women. Later, she began painting ballet dancers, women from the Middle East, and conceptual oil paintings centered on gendered experiences.

Cheryl says, “I would like for people to have a sense of pride that Shereen was from here and share her dream of returning where her story began.”

Miller Museum of Anamorphic Art is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 6pm. Tickets are priced at ₹250 for adults and ₹200 for students. More details on millermuseumofanamorphicart.com

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)