Karnataka First

These images are expected to provide information on the propagation of the coronal mass ejections along the Sun-Earth direction, which were unavailable till date.

Scientists have generated Doppler velocity images of activities taking place in the solar corona using data obtained with the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) payload onboard India’s maiden solar mission, Aditya-L1.

The Aditya-L1 satellite generates Doppler velocity images of the solar corona, and these images are expected to provide information on the propagation of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) along the Sun-Earth direction, which has been unavailable to date.

What scientists say

Scientists at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), who generated the Doppler velocity images, said it is well known that solar activity leads to the ejection of hot plasma.

They said that the massive and energetic plasma cloud ejected during powerful eruptions like the CMEs can travel either in the direction of the Earth or in any other direction from the Sun.

Scientists said that because CMEs can disrupt near-Earth space, it is important to infer their direction of propagation from the Sun as they erupt.

“Universally, it is taught in high schools that the Doppler effect in sound helps to understand whether a train is approaching the railway station platform or moving away from it. A person standing on the platform would hear a steady increase in the pitch of the sound waves due to the train’s whistle or horn when the train is coming into the station. The pitch would steadily decrease when the train is moving away from the station,” scientists said.

Using a similar Doppler effect concept in light waves, they have now generated Doppler velocity images.

What doppler velocity indicates

“The positive and negative Doppler velocities indicate solar plasma moving away from and towards the direction of the observer, respectively,” they said.

The detailed software for processing the VELC data is developed by Dr V. Muthupriyal, Senior Project Scientist with the VELC payload operations team in IIA, and her team. The technical details related to the data processing have been published recently in the Astrophysical Journal after international peer review.

According to Prof.R.Ramesh, Senior Professor in IIA and Principal Investigator, VELC project, the Doppler velocity images of the solar corona are unique.

He said that only VELC has the capability to generate such images at present due to its one-of-a-kind spectroscopic observing capability in the visible wavelength range from the Lagrangian L1 position in the Sun-Earth system.

He added that the related processed images will be disseminated to the scientific community, in addition to the data which is already there in the public domain.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

The Dasara Drone Show created a record yesterday evening, with the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) entering the Guinness World Records for forming a peacock in the sky using 3,473 drones.

With this achievement, CESC surpassed the previous record set in Libya on Sept. 30 this year, when about 3,000 drones were used to form a bird.

Guinness World Records officials, who had flown in from London certified the achievement after the show and presented the record certificate to CESC Technical Director L. Lokesh and his team.

The certificate stated: “The largest aerial display of a bird formed by multirotor/drones was achieved by Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited, Mysore and Energy Department, Government of Karnataka in Mysuru on October 18, 2026.”

This was the second time CESC had entered the Guinness World Records. In 2025, CESC earned a place in the records for forming a jumping tiger using 2,983 drones in the animal (mammal) category. This year, it achieved the feat in the bird category with the aerial peacock formation.

Officials said, the team had planned to use 3,500 drones but fell short by 27. Delhi-based BotLab Dynamics conducted the show this year as well, drawing on its experience from previous editions.

The peacock formation was the centrepiece of 12 aerial displays that mesmerised more than 25,000 spectators. The show opened with a tribute to legendary actor Dr. Vishnuvardhan, followed by formations depicting the solar system, a soldier holding the Tricolour, a butterfly, a lion, the Sudarshana Chakra, Shiva Tandava, Nandi, the golden howdah elephant and finally, Goddess Chamundeshwari.

Energy Minister K.J. George and MLA D. Ravishankar were present.

The evening also featured musical performances by singers Manikanth Khadri, Anuradha Bhat and Hansika Iyer, who entertained the packed  audience before the drone spectacle.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

 The Mangaluru–Bengaluru air route has emerged as the country’s leading corridor for airmail transportation, with the movement of letters, parcels and high-security documents accounting for the bulk of its traffic.

The Department of Posts’ consignments routed through Bengaluru to destinations across India have played a key role in this distinction, making the air link an important channel for the nationwide distribution of postal materials.

Between April 2025 and the end of March 2026, a total of 3,238.09 tonnes of air cargo was transported from Mangaluru International Airport to Bengaluru airport, while 608 metric tonnes travelled in the reverse direction. Of the cargo sent from Mangaluru to Bengaluru, 3,076.19 tonnes, accounting for around 95%, comprised airmail handled by India Post.

The route continued to register substantial volumes in the first half of the financial year, with 1,806 metric tonnes of airmail transported between April and September.

Sources attribute the heavy traffic to the movement of high-security documents through Bengaluru to various parts of the country. These include examination question papers, cheque books, credit cards, debit cards and other sensitive postal materials that require secure and reliable transportation.

The September figures further underlined the route’s dominance, with Mangaluru–Bengaluru handling 138 tonnes of airmail to secure the top position nationally. Delhi–Mumbai ranked second with 123 tonnes, followed by Delhi–Leh in third place with 105 tonnes.

The figures highlight the vital role of the Mangaluru–Bengaluru air link in India Post’s logistics network, particularly in moving important documents and postal consignments swiftly to destinations across the country.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

The agreement between the two airports is focused on seven different areas of collaboration, including innovation to further support efficient airport operations through the use of technology.

The Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) and Vancouver International Airport have signed a sister airport agreement to further operational, technological, economic, and air service connections between Western Canada and Southern India.

The agreement between the two airports is focused on seven different areas of collaboration, including innovation to further support efficient airport operations through the use of technology.

This includes work around Vancouver airport’s Digital Twin as well as emerging tools and potential innovation pilot projects that could be jointly developed or trialled between the two airport teams.

The agreement lays out efforts to further the transit of air cargo between southern India and Canada, and particularly when it comes to supporting growing industries such as the tech sector in the two regions, as well as the goal of developing direct air service between Bengaluru and Vancouver.

“This agreement highlights the growing importance of the Canada–India corridor and the need for stronger collaboration across the aviation ecosystem to support passengers, cargo, and trade,” said Albert van Veen, Vice-President of Innovation and Chief Information Officer, Vancouver International Airport.

“This strategic partnership establishes a robust framework to advance technology integration and operational excellence by benchmarking against global best practices. By leveraging Vancouver’s standing as a premier international gateway and Bengaluru’s position as one of India’s most dynamic aviation hubs, the collaboration will focus on co-developing next-generation capabilities across digital platforms, data-driven decision-making, and process optimisation,” said Girish Nair, Chief Operating Officer of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL).

The two airports, in a joint statement, stated that the two-way trade between Canada and India was valued at more than $10.9 billion in 2025, with both governments working to grow volumes considerably in the coming years.

“British Columbia is home to one of the largest Indian diasporas in the world, comprising nearly 500,000 people and representing close to 10% of B.C.’s population. Meanwhile, Bengaluru has seen considerable population growth with a rapidly growing tech sector and increasing business-to-business connections with western Canada and the western United States,” according to the statement.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

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)