Karnataka First

The other advantage is that since these pillows are fluffier as they are made of silk, it provides better sleep, improve blood circulation, better neck support.

Retired researchers, scientists, and experts from the Karnataka State Sericulture Research and Development Institute (KSSRDI) have developed pillows crafted from silk threads, offering a feather-soft feel.

These pillows are the alternative to bird feather pillows that are normally used. To make the silk feather, the teams have used silk fibre strains that are 1.5cm in length and even smaller, which are not used in making clothes and are usually considered as a waste.

“Silk is a natural product that can resist high temperatures and as low as less than -5*C. Pillows made of silk strands do not absorb moisture. Also, as silk is non-hydroscopic in nature, it makes for an ideal pillow stuffing material,” said H Maharaddi, retired scientist from KSSRDI.

They are rightly bulky unlike cotton and nylon fibre pillows. Further, the usage of ostrich, duck or cock and hen neck feathers usage is completely negated. While one kilogram of bird feathers is used to make a feather pillow, in making a silk feather pillow around 400 grams of fibre material is used.

The other advantage is that since these pillows are fluffier as they are made of silk, it provides better sleep, improve blood circulation, better neck support. He also said that it helps to reduce hairfall and hair do not stick to the pillows also.

While reeling the cocoons and making the end products a lot of silk waste is generated. The protein extracted is used in making cosmetics including creams, lip balm and oils. Studies are now on to create silk hair gel and gum.

An official in KSSRDI said, the aim is to launch the pillow in couple of months and trials are on. “There are a lot of formalities with the present government due to which things are taking time. We dropped the research on creating silk heater blankets for the defence personnel going to Siachen and other such places due to lack of funds and political issues,” the official said.

Presently there is a rise in the trend of gifting silk bedding collection which include silk blankets, pillow covers and bed spreads, this new inclusion of silk thread feather pillows will complete the set. There is also a rising demand for these products from star hotels, the official said.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

This official group photograph of the smartly dressed Ursu noblemen in traditional court attire was taken in the forecourt of the Mysore Palace to celebrate the conferral of the GCSI honours on the then Maharaja of Mysore, H.H. Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar Bahadur, who is seen seated at the centre of the picture.

The GCSI (Knight Grand Commander of the Star of India) was a senior order of chivalry which was bestowed on individuals for distinguished service in India. The motto of the order read “Heaven’s Light our Guide.”

It was awarded at the monarch’s pleasure, founded by Empress Victoria. This order was created by the crown four years after the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 to honour Indian princes and chiefs as well as British officers and administrators. It was used as a tool for the consolidation of colonial power as the governing authority of India.

[Size: 29 x 12 cms; Collection: Ramsons Kala Pratishtana] )

Members of the Order wore elaborate costumes on important ceremonial occasions:

The mantle, worn only by the Knights Grand Commander, was made of light blue satin lined with white silk. On the left side was a representation of the star.

The collar, also worn only by the Knights Grand Commander, was made of gold. It was composed of alternating figures of lotuses, red and white roses and palm branches, with an imperial crown in the centre.

By R.G. Singh, Secretary, Ramsons Kala Pratishtana

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

The department of hospitality science at the Yenepoya Institute of Arts, Science, Commerce & Management (YIASCM), a constituent of Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), created history by entering the India Book of Records for organising the fastest culinary and beverage marathon representing all Indian states.

The unique record was set on January 30, 2026, marking National Tourism Day, where 28 student chefs and 28 student bartenders simultaneously prepared 28 traditional dishes and 28 beverages representing the 28 states of India within just 28 minutes.

The event celebrated India’s rich culinary diversity and showcased the creativity, precision, and teamwork of hospitality students. The remarkable achievement was officially recognised by the India Book of Records and celebrated during a felicitation ceremony held on Saturday March 7 at the YIASCM Kulur Campus, Bangra Kulur, Mangaluru.

The record-setting initiative highlighted the theme ‘28 States, 28 Chefs, 28 Dishes, 28 Baristas, 28 Beverages in 28 Minutes’, symbolising the unity in diversity of Indian gastronomy.

The felicitation programme began with a welcome dance, followed by a video presentation showcasing glimpses of the record-setting event.

Head of the department Mervin Jaison Vas presented the highlights of the achievement and explained how the department meticulously planned and executed the culinary marathon within a limited time frame while maintaining authenticity and presentation standards for each state’s dish and beverage.

Guest of honour Dr B T Nandish, controller of examination at Yenepoya University, described the achievement as a proud moment for the institution.

He said the felicitation ceremony was not merely about receiving a certificate but about celebrating the innovation, teamwork, and excellence demonstrated by the students and faculty.

Referring to the concept ‘28 States, 28 Chef Dishes and 28 Bartender Beverages in 28 Minutes’, he stated that representing every Indian state with authentic cuisine within such a precise time frame was truly remarkable.

Dr Nandish congratulated principal Prof Jeevan Raj, vice principals Prof Shareena P and Narayan Sukumar A, HOD Mervin Jaison Vas, faculty coordinators, and the students for successfully executing the event.

He also noted that hospitality education extends beyond classroom learning and that every dish prepared by the students reflected India’s culture, heritage, and traditions.

The achievement was officially recognised by adjudicator advocate Harish R, strategist and CEO of KM Global Tech Manage Services, who declared the record and presented the India Book of Records certificate to the department.

In his presidential address, principal Prof Jeevan Raj described the achievement as a historic milestone for the institution.

He said the recognition brought pride not only to the institute but also to the entire university community, adding that the chancellor, pro-chancellor, vice-chancellor, and statutory officers of Yenepoya University had conveyed their appreciation and congratulations.

Highlighting the importance of teamwork, he said many world records are individual achievements, but this accomplishment was unique because it was the result of collective effort and coordination among students and faculty.

Prof Jeevan Raj praised the department of hospitality science for demonstrating the institution’s spirit through unity, planning, and commitment, and said such initiatives strengthen the academic brand of the university.

The achievers, including the participating chefs and bartenders, were felicitated during the ceremony in recognition of their dedication and teamwork.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks followed by the national anthem, marking the celebration of a historic achievement in hospitality education.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

He highlighted efforts to strengthen IP protection and expand global market access.

Bengaluru GAFX 2026 concluded on Sunday with a turnout of over 10,000 visitors, more than 50 exhibitors and solution providers, and wide participation from students, studios and investors, reflecting the expanding scale of India’s Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) ecosystem.

The three-day summit hosted over 200 speakers from India and 10 countries with nearly 100 sessions, 300 curated B2B meetings and 35 investor pitches connecting startups with global investors. 20 intellectual properties were launched, including ten from Karnataka.

At the valedictory session, IT & BT Minister Priyank Kharge said artificial intelligence is transforming animation, gaming and visual effects production by reducing timelines and reshaping creative workflows. He announced measures under the Nipuna programme to support large-scale reskilling with government assistance, plans for a Responsible Use of AI Committee. He highlighted efforts to strengthen IP protection and expand global market access.

Higher Education Minister M. C. Sudhakar outlined apprenticeship-embedded degree programmes that place students in workplaces by the fifth semester, with stipends in sectors such as retail, e-commerce and logistics, aimed at producing job-ready graduates.

The summit witnessed the signing of an MoU between the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies and ABAI to strengthen collaboration in curriculum development, incubation and research. KalaVerse, a cultural pavilion integrating Yakshagana and Janapada art into animation and gaming pipelines, and expanded investor engagement platforms were among other highlights. The next edition will be held from January 29 to 31, 2027.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bengaluru based space startup Bellatrix Aerospace have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the design, development and manufacturing of satellite systems and payloads.

“The collaboration brings together BEL’s decades of experience in developing advanced electronics and mission-critical payloads for defence and strategic applications with Bellatrix Aerospace’s innovative capabilities in satellite propulsion and satellite subsystems. By combining their complementary strengths, the partnership aims to advance indigenous capabilities in satellite platforms designed for Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) operations,” BEL said.

It added that this partnership is expected to be transformational in accelerating innovation and strengthening India’s capabilities in building next-generation satellite systems for VLEO.

BEL further said that as space continues to play an increasingly strategic role in today’s scenario, partnering with innovative deep-tech startups like Bellatrix allows BEL to combine its expertise in defence electronics with emerging space technologies.

“Such collaborations are essential to strengthen India’s indigenous capabilities in the evolving space sector. Together, the two companies aim to develop integrated satellite solutions that support India’s strategic and civilian space missions,” the defence PSU said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Chief secy urges priority evacuation or special repatriation of stranded individuals.

Karnataka has fully activated the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) and all District Emergency Operations Centres (DEOCs) to function round-the-clock in response to the evolving situation in West Asia, officials said on Sunday. 

At least 92 people are stranded, including 82 in the UAE and eight in Bahrain. 

Authorities said the SEOC and DEOCs are closely monitoring advisories issued by the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian embassies and consulates in the affected countries. The Karnataka Resident Commissioner has also activated the Karnataka Bhavan team in New Delhi to ensure coordination with central agencies. 

Helplines and travel advisories issued by Indian missions abroad have been shared with all districts and widely circulated on official social media platforms, including X and WhatsApp, to reach families of those affected. 

According to data compiled by the SEOC, at least 84 people from Karnataka are currently stranded in the UAE, mostly in Dubai.

District-wise figures indicate that Ballari accounts for the highest number at 32, followed by Bengaluru 19, Davangere 8, Chikkamagaluru 5, Kodagu 4, Raichur and Shivamogga 3 each, Kalaburagi, Udupi and Vijayapura 2 each, and Chikkaballapura and Tumakuru on each. Officials said the majority of those stranded in the UAE are tourists. 

In Bahrain, eight persons from Karnataka have reported being stranded. These include four from Hassan, three from Udupi and one from Kodagu. Officials said they are on employment and visit visas. 

The details of all 92 stranded individuals have been shared with the Rapid Response Cell of the MEA and the Resident Commissioner’s office for further action. 

Authorities said the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) affecting flight operations in the region will be reviewed on Monday. If instability continues, the restrictions may be extended. 

Officials urged families of stranded persons to stay in touch with district authorities and rely only on verified advisories issued by government agencies. 

Chief secy writes to Centre

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh wrote to the union government to extend all necessary assistance for the safety and well-being of stranded Kannadigas. 

In a letter to Ministry of External Affairs Secretary Vikram Masri, she made the following requests: 

a) Extend all necessary assistance through Indian embassies/consulates to ensure the safety and well-being of Kannadigas presently in the conflict zones.

b) Consider arranging priority evacuation or special repatriation measures, if required, for stranded individuals from Karnataka and elsewhere. 

c) Establish a dedicated coordination mechanism with the state government to faciliate timely information-sharing and effective response. 

She said the state government would designate nodal offices to coordinate with the ministry for streamlined communication and facilitation of return arrangements. 

In a separate letter to Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, the state’s topmost official sought urgent intervention for the rescue of tourists who are unable to return due to flight disruptions. 

Urging coordination with airlines, she urged the ministry to provide necessary assistance, including complimentary boarding and lodging, to stranded tourists who had confirmed return bookings but are unable to travel. 

She also urged flexibility in ticket rescheduling and waiver of additional charges, and arranging and operating adequate flights once the situation normalises. 

Munish Moudgil, Relief Commissioner and Principal Secretary, Disaster Management Department, urged people from Karnataka to strictly adhere to the guidelines and advisories issued by the local governments, contact the Indian embassies/consulates through helplines and register on the Sarthi Sahayata portal and other official portals of the concerned embassies/consulates. For visa-related matters, they should contact the nearest FRRO. 

Separately, the Bengaluru Urban district administration has initiated measures to ensure the safety and rescue of residents from the district who may be stranded in the war-affected regions.

Jagadeesha G, Deputy Commissioner, has requested family members or concerned individuals to provide information regarding the well-being of such residents to the District Disaster Management Centre for necessary action. 

Affected individuals or their relatives can share information by phone  call (080-22967200) or WhatsApp 810599707/9538047199. 

Indian embassies

Helplines

Israel

+972-54-7520711

Iran

+98 912 810 9115, +98 912 810 9109,

+98 912 810 9102, +98 993 217 9359

Saudi Arabia

Riyadh

00-966-11-4884697 | 00-966-542126748 (WhatsApp)

800 247 1234 (Toll-Free)

Jeddah:

WhatsApp: +966 536209704

Landline: 00 966 126648660 / 00 966 12 2614093

Mobile: +966 556122301 | Toll-Free: 800 244 0003

UAE

Toll-Free: 800-46342 | WhatsApp: +971 5430 90571

Qatar

00974-55647502

Bahrain

00973-39418071

Jordan

00962-770 422 276

Oman

Toll-Free: 8007 1234 | WhatsApp: +968 9828 2270

Iraq

+964 771 651 1185 (English & Hindi)

+964 770 444 4899 (Arabic)

Kuwait

+965 65501946

Palestine

+970 592916418

source/content: deccanherald.com (headline edited)

 The government of Karnataka has fully activated its emergency response mechanisms following significant disruptions to international flight operations caused by the prevailing conflict in the Middle East. Several nations have declared a closure of airspace (NOTAM), leaving a large number of passengers, including those from Karnataka, stranded in affected countries, particularly in the UAE.

According to the latest advisory from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, airspace over Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, UAE, and Qatar remains closed until March 2.

State emergency response activated

On the directions of the chief minister and the revenue minister, the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) and all District Emergency Operations Centres (DEOCs) are now functioning 24×7. These centres are monitoring the fluid situation and extending necessary assistance to stranded residents and their families.

The Karnataka resident commissioner has also activated the Karnataka Bhavan team in New Delhi to maintain close coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and its Rapid Response Cell.

Guidelines for stranded Kannadigas

The state government has urged people from Karnataka residing in the affected regions to strictly adhere to the guidelines and advisories issued by local governments. Stranded citizens are advised to:

• Contact respective Indian Embassies or Consulates through designated helpline numbers.

• Register on the Sarthi Sahayata portal and other official embassy portals.

• Contact the nearest FRRO for any visa-related matters.

Emergency Helpline Numbers

The government has released comprehensive helpline details for those seeking assistance. Requests received at the state and district levels are being compiled and forwarded to the MEA for immediate action.

District-specific helplines (Select Districts):

• Dakshina Kannada: 0824-2442590

• Udupi: 0820-1077, 0820-2574802

• Bengaluru Urban: 080-22967200

• Uttara Kannada: 08382-229857

The situation is being continuously monitored by the relief commissioner and principal secretary, Munish Moudgil, with further updates to be issued as necessary.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)