Karnataka First

The Directorate of Cashew Research (DCR), under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, at Puttur by joining hands with Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (KVAFSU) is developing a technology to produce fish feed from cashew apple, J. Dinakara Adiga, Director, DCR said on Wednesday.

Speaking at an industry interface meeting on ‘cashew apple to market’ organised by the DCR on the Cashew Day at Puttur, he said that the initiative is to make further value addition to cashew apple, in addition to various value added products of cashew apple developed by the DCR using its technologies. The fish feed will be in the form of pomace powder (of cashew apple), the Director said.

Mr. Adiga said that the country produced about 60 lakh tonnes of cashew apple per annum. But only 1 % of the production is being used for value addition. There is immense potential for making value addition of cashew apple which otherwise goes waste.

He said entrepreneurs who produce value added products of cashew apple should ensure that the products will have pan India coverage.

Mr. Adiga said that eight kg of cashew apple can be harvested while producing one kg of cashew nut. “About eight tonnes of cashew apple can be harvested from one hectare of cashew orchard,” he said.

Shree Padre, a senior farm and developmental journalist and Executive Editor of ‘Adike Pathrike’, said that Brazil used 20 % to 25 % of its cashew apple for making value added products.

The end products of researches made at government institutes should come out of the shelves and their benefits should reach farmers and farm entrepreneurs, Mr. Padre said.

By serving the value added products of cashew apple developed by the DCR to the food sector entrepreneurs at the meeting, the scientists of the Directorate sought feedback for further improving them.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Pixxel will provide micro-grants for women researchers working on projects related to climate resilience and environment.

Pixxel, a Bengaluru-based planetary intelligence company on the occasion of International Women’s Day, has announced the launch of Shakuntala Grants, a programme supporting women researchers studying our planet while opening pathways for the next generation to discover science.

In partnership with Escape Velocity Grants, Pixxel will provide micro-grants for women researchers working on projects related to climate resilience and environment.

“These small, timely grants enable fieldwork, pilot studies, data collection, equipment purchases, or exploratory research that might otherwise remain unfunded, particularly for independent researchers and early-career practitioners working close to the ground,” Pixxel said.

Pixxel is also partnering with Saare Tare Zameen Par Trust, a non-profit recognised by Indian Space Research Organisation as an official Space Tutor, to advance STEM learning opportunities for students through its flagship Spark of Curiosity programme, which has reached over 7 million government school students across India.

The initiative focuses on immersive, hands-on science education through activities such as science kits, digital planetarium shows, and interactive learning modules designed to build curiosity and conceptual understanding among girls in government schools. This will be implemented at GMPGS Devanahalli Middle School, helping extend experiential STEM learning for girls in the region.

“The future of science and technology can only be truly inclusive if women shape it at every level, from classrooms to research labs to leadership roles. At Pixxel, nearly 48% of our leadership roles are currently held by women, and the Shakuntala Grants build on that commitment, expanding opportunities for women to lead work that advances critical knowledge about our planet,” Awais Ahmed, founder and CEO and Tanya Pallavi, head of people practices, Pixxel, said.

Vinod Kumar, director promotions, IN-SPACe, said, “The launch of the Shakuntala Initiative by Pixxel is a commendable step toward bridging the gender gap in India’s rapidly evolving space sector. At the IN-SPACe, we believe that the next frontier of space innovation-especially in critical areas like climate change and environmental monitoring- will be defined by the talent and perspectives of our women researchers. By providing targeted funding and community support, this initiative not only honours the legacy of trailblazers like Shakuntala Devi but also empowers the next generation of women to lead India’s space-tech revolution from the front.”

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Farmland Rainwater Harvesting Systems, a leading innovator in sustainable water solutions based in Chikkamagaluru, has been honoured with the Water Transversality Global Award 2026 in the Rainwater Harvesting and Groundwater Management category. This national-level recognition celebrates the company’s outstanding contributions to promoting rooftop rainwater harvesting systems and sustainable groundwater recharge practices across residential, commercial, institutional and public sectors.

The award was presented by Om Birla, speaker of the Lok Sabha, during the 2nd edition of the Water Transversality Global Awards & Conclave held recently at the India International Centre in New Delhi. The ceremony was attended by distinguished dignitaries, including Dr Satya Tripathi, secretary general of the Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet, and Dr Arvind Kumar, president of the India Water Foundation (IWF). The award was graciously received on behalf of the organization by Varun Rinaldo Baptist, director, Farmland Rainwater Harvesting Systems.

Farmland Rainwater Harvesting Systems has been at the forefront of addressing India’s growing water scarcity challenges through practical, scalable technologies. The company designs and implements effective rainwater harvesting systems that capture rooftop runoff, facilitate groundwater recharge, and promote long-term water conservation. By raising awareness and delivering real-world solutions, Farmland has empowered communities, institutions, and industries to build resilience against water stress while supporting environmental sustainability.

The Water Transversality Global Awards, organized by the India Water Foundation, recognize organizations, leaders, and innovators who adopt integrated, cross-sectoral approaches to water management—linking water with energy, environment, health, climate resilience, and ESG principles.

Commenting on the honour, Varun Rinaldo Baptist said, “This award is a proud validation of our team’s dedication to innovative rainwater harvesting and groundwater management. We remain committed to scaling practical solutions that help combat water scarcity and foster a sustainable future for India and beyond.”

Farmland Rainwater Harvesting Systems maintains a strong pan-India presence and growing global footprint, specializing in the design, supply, and installation of turnkey rainwater harvesting projects and customized solutions. With a widespread dealer network across India and exports to over 20 countries, the company delivers scalable systems for rooftop runoff capture, groundwater recharge, and long-term water conservation—empowering residential, commercial, institutional, and agricultural clients nationwide and internationally.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Chimy Nanjappa’s passion for Karnataka’s textiles and crafts lives on at the Vimor Museum of Living Textiles in Bengaluru.

When one speaks of textiles and fine crafts in Karnataka, the Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium on MG Road in Bengaluru is one of the first places that comes to mind. The shelves of the state-owned emporium are packed with a vast array of the traditional crafts of Karnataka—from intricate silver-based Bidriware items to charming Channapatna toys. However, this wasn’t always so. And one of the people who painstakingly worked to transform the emporium into a showcase of the state’s finest creations was the late Chimy Nanjappa.

Chimy was selected to head the emporium in the late 1950s—then known as Mysore Arts and Crafts Emporium—by its governing board, which included many women, including Sudha Reddy, a proponent of Indian handicrafts.

“It was not a cakewalk for her. In those days, women did not work and close up a place as huge as Cauvery and then walk home at 8 pm,” Chimy’s daughter, Pavithra Muddaya, recalls.

Born in 1928 in Madikeri, Chimy did not have an easy childhood as she lost both parents by the age of nine. She went on to pursue higher education in Chennai, securing a BCom degree, and later settled in Bengaluru after marrying advocate A C Nanjappa. With the family facing financial difficulties in the early days, she began working as an assistant manager at Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium, before being promoted to manager.

“She had nothing by way of a background in the field and had previously done accounts work…but life forces you to take up opportunities,” says Muddaya, adding that her mother always said that women need to work and be financially independent. She also credits her father’s role in encouraging and supporting Chimy, recalling him as a person who held views that would be considered progressive even today.

In the early days, says Muddaya, several dignitaries visited Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium and were hosted by Chimy—from Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to Sri Lankan premier Sirimavo Bandaranaike, and even a young Queen Elizabeth.

In 1963, cultural activist and author Pupul Jayakar, a major mover in the revival of traditional crafts and culture, recruited Chimy to represent Indian textiles at the New York World Fair the next year. It turned out to be a success, says Muddaya, recounting what an IAS officer familiar with the event told her. “Good lord, nobody could go past her without buying something!”

Later, Chimy was offered an opportunity to head an outlet anywhere in the world under the Handicrafts and Handlooms Export Corporation, but declined, refusing to be a “second-class citizen” in a foreign country.

After A C Nanjappa passed away in 1974, Chimy went on to start the Vimor Handlooms, a home store specialising in handloom sarees and textiles. Muddaya remembers, “No one who came to her for help was sent away…she would give weavers’ addresses to people. Freedom fighter and social reformer Kamala Devi Chattopadhyay would say that anyone coming to the Regional Design Centre (on Church Street) without a recommendation could ask my mother for one.” Vimor would go on to revive many traditional sari styles, such as one dubbed the ‘Cubbonpete’ sari.

Those interested in Chimy Nanjappa’s legacy in textiles may visit Vimor Museum of Living Textiles after making an appointment. The exhibits on display include saris up to a century old, in styles that are not often seen today.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

Mohan Rao Goli, managing director of Samsung R&D Institute India-Bangalore (SRI-B), was the chief guest while Srimanu Prasad and Dr Lokesh R Boregowda from Samsung were the guests of honour.

 Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology recently launched a Samsung Innovation Campus at Yelahanka university campus. Karnataka Science and Technology Academy chairperson Prof AH Rajasab inaugurated the facility.

“Our curriculum is inadequate to prepare our students to become future leaders in the domains of science and technology. It is essential that our education fosters critical thinking in light of technological advancements, enabling students to progress further,” said Prof Rajasab, adding that this year, a total of 80 students have been selected for training in the field of artificial intelligence.

Mohan Rao Goli, managing director of Samsung R&D Institute India-Bangalore (SRI-B), was the chief guest while Srimanu Prasad and Dr Lokesh R Boregowda from Samsung were the guests of honour.

The event was chaired by Vishal Hegde, chancellor of Nitte (Deemed to be University). Principal of NMIT Dr HC Nagaraj, trustee of Nitte Education Trust Rohit Punja, Vice President (Bengaluru campus) of Nitte (Deemed to be University) Prof Sandeep Shastri, and more were present.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

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)