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HUL and NSRCEL-IIM-B launch ‘Climate Incubation Hub’ to accelerate climate-positive innovations

The Climate Incubation Hubwill primarily focus on start-ups working in key environmental areas such as climate, nature and plastics circularity.

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), in collaboration with Nadathur S. Raghavan Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (NSRCEL), the startup hub at IIM Bangalore, has launched the Climate Incubation Hub. It is a collaborative programme between industry and academia to nurture Indian start-ups to advance climate-innovations in India.

“The Climate Incubation Hub aims to foster scalable solutions that address critical climate challenges, enabling start-ups to create transformational and sustainable environmental impact,” said a press release.

The Climate Incubation Hubwill primarily focus on start-ups working in key environmental areas such as climate, nature and plastics circularity. This will include regenerative and climate-smart agriculture, waste-to-value technologies to reduce emissions, alternative energy and clean technology, bioenergy & biomass solutions, and more

B.P. Biddappa, Executive Director and Chief People, Transformation and Sustainability Officer at HUL said, “Our collaboration with IIM-B’s NSRCEL to scale innovative solutions addressing the urgent effects of climate change is a testament to our commitment to sustainability, while also contributing to India’s long-term vision of Viksit Bharat”.

Participants will gain a tailored mentorship from IIM faculty and industry leaders. A key focus of the program is ensuring start-ups achieve a strong product-market fit.

Anand Sri Ganesh, CEO of NSRCEL, said, “This collaboration enhances our ability to identify and nurture climate innovators, and we are excited to work together in accelerating impactful solutions. Through this initiative, we aim to create a dynamic network of startups dedicated to addressing climate challenges and driving the widespread adoption of sustainable practices.”

Additionally, the programme will offer a grant opportunity to up to 15 start-ups to help them scale their solutions. The programme emphasises building robust governance frameworks and developing sustainable business models to ensure long-term scalability and impact.

The Climate Incubation Hub is designed for Indian start-ups that are at least one year old, have early revenues and a customer base.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

SJEC AERO team creates history by securing all India rank 1 in Micro Aircraft category

SJEC AERO is an aeromodelling club of St. Joseph Engineering College, established with an aim to create innovation in the field of aviation with regard to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (RC planes and drones). The tagline of the club is “The lower you fall, the higher you fly”, which is an epitome of how the club has taken shape over time.

SJEC AERO secured First Place in the Micro Aircraft Category at the SAEISS Drone Development Challenge 2025, held from March 28 to 30 at Karpaga Vinayaga College of Engineering and Technology, Tamilnadu, competing against 80+ teams from across India, the team showcased exceptional aeronautical engineering skills, emerging as champions in this prestigious competition. Additionally, the team secured Second Place in the Technical Presentation Category, further solidifying their expertise in drone technology and system design.

The success of SJEC AERO at this competition was a result of the dedication and expertise of the following members: Team Captain – Akshay Bangera, Pilot – Manvish M K, Theoretical Team -Jeevith G, Adithya R, Gurumadhava H, Rahul T P, Design Team – Jeevith G, Manvish M K, Akshay Bangera, Lekhna Shetty, Computational Team -Rijish A G, Renika Yathish, Stanzil Flemin Menezes, Akshay Bangera.

SJEC AERO’s aircraft stood out for its Innovative aerodynamic design, Lightweight yet efficient structure, Optimized flight stability and control, Superior real-world performance during flight tests. The aircraft featured a rectangular-winged design with an S1223 airfoil, ensuring excellent lift characteristics and energy efficiency, helping the team outperform its competitors. The aircraft was piloted by Manvish M K, who executed the flight tests with precision and control.

The team impressed the judges with a well-structured and insightful technical presentation, which focused on A scientific approach to design and development, Computational and experimental validation of their aircraft, Real-world applications of micro-aircraft technology and Future improvements and innovation potential. The presentation effectively demonstrated their technical depth, problem-solving skills, and research-based approach, earning them a well-deserved Second Place in this category.

About the Club: SJEC AERO was founded in 2019 by Varun Raj J and a team of passionate students, debuting at the SAE Aero Design Challenge Southern India 2019 with a 13th-place finish. Following this success, faculty coordinator Mr. Yathish officially established the club, initiating formal recruitment and setting the foundation for future achievements.

Technological advancements: The club has significantly improved its fabrication methods. Manual cutting has been replaced by laser cutting for precise components like wooden spars and Depron fuselage sheets, thanks to the support of the Idea Lab at St. Joseph Engineering College. Materials have also evolved—from heavy foam to lightweight Depron and Balsa wood, improving overall flight performance. Access to tools like 3D printers, soldering stations, and hot air guns has streamlined the building process.

Beyond competitions, SJEC AERO is actively developing an autonomous RC aircraft for medical relief and exploring autonomous quadcopters, emphasizing innovation in unmanned aerial systems. The club frequently conducts school visits and workshops, sparking interest in aeromodelling among students. It also hosts educational sessions at its workspace, engaging with aviation experts who offer valuable feedback and guidance. This success and growth are possible due to the Management’s commitment to support student technical clubs in terms of the infrastructure as well as financial support. SJEC AICTE IDEA Lab has been the platform for the skill development in terms of fabrication and building of aircraft models. SJEC   Aero Team is grateful to Abdul Shamer and Shamanth Gowda from Ninetron Tech for their contribution in the success of the project.

Key achievements

  • 13th Rank – SAEINDIA Aero Design Challenge 2019 (Team GRAPHENE)
    Led by Varun Raj J with team members Meldrin, Vikas, Shashank, Sukumar, Adarsh & Puneeth.
  • 2nd Place – Fluxus 2023, IIT Indore
    Aircraft piloted by Manjunath Shetty. Team: Nikhith, Ismail Jaseem, Nikhil, Prathvish, Puneeth, Sushan, Vikyath & Yajnesh.
  • 1st Place – Boeing National Aeromodelling (West Zone), IIT Bombay (Dec 2023)
    The team set a record by transporting 40 golf balls with the fastest time. Pilot: Abhik L Salian. Team: Akash Acharya & Mayur. Qualified for nationals at RVCE, Bengaluru.

Current office bearers are Captain: Mayur, vice-Captain: Akshay Bangera, chief pilot trainer: Abhik L Salian. SJEC AERO continues to thrive as a hub of creativity, innovation, and excellence in aeromodelling and UAV technology.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

CSIR-NAL signs technology transfer deal with private firm to manufacture HANSA trainer-planes

It would be the first time that aircraft would be manufactured in India based on technology fully designed and developed indigenously,

In a first, the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) — a Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) body — has signed a technology transfer agreement with a private company to manufacture trainer airplanes in India. This would be the first time that aircraft would be manufactured in India based on technology fully designed and developed indigenously.

The Hansa-3 NG aircraft is a two-seater aircraft and is the latest iteration of the HANSA planes that have been made by NAL since 1998. Fourteen Hansa planes have been made over the years by NAL and used by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Indian Institutes of Technology. “While we have had a successful track record, we have now managed to seal a partnership with a private company which will manufacture these planes,” said N. Kalaiselvi, Director-General, CSIR.

The company, Pioneer Clean AMPS Pvt Limited, is expected to set up manufacturing facilities as well as handle marketing, servicing and after-sales, though NAL would be closely involved in the initial years to help them with various aspects of the manufacturing and operations, said Abhay Pashlikar, Director, CSIR-NAL.

At present, all of the aircraft being used in India’s flying training organsations are imported. Kishor Patel, Founder and Managing Director, Pioneer Clean AMPS told The Hindu that his company — newly setup for aircraft manufacturing — hoped to offer a “competitive value” to these organisations. “The aviation sector is rapidly growing and with that, demand for trained pilots. We expect that locally manufactured aircraft trainers will be cheaper and will also offer better value — in terms of quick turnaround time for maintenance — than foreign planes,” he said on the sidelines of a press event on Friday (April 4, 2025), to announce the technology transfer.

While costs are not clear, Mr. Pashlikar told The Hindu that over the “lifecycle of an aircraft” the Hansa planes would likely cost ₹3 crore or “about half” what comparable imported planes would costs.

‘Needs doubled’

“Today we stand as the third largest domestic aviation market in the country,” said K. Rammohan Naidu, Minister, Civil Aviation, at the press conference. “Our needs have doubled in the last decade. At this rate of demand, we will need at least 750 trainer aircraft. This is a good practical aircraft with a glass cockpit and improved instrumentation. We want to bring down the costs of training for a pilot and the time it takes.”

The HANSA-NG is powered by a Rotax Digital Control Engine with features such as a composite light weight airframe, a glass cockpit, a bubble canopy with a wide panoramic view, and electrically operated flaps, among other features, a promotional brochure says.

Currently the entire airframe of the plane can be manufactured in India and over time, CSIR-NAL and the private company hope to be able to manufacture the engine as well as avionics instrumentation, said Mr. Pashlikar.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Cardiac telesurgery performed in city using surgical robot

This achievement has opened new corridors, setting a new benchmark in making extended surgical care accessible across long distances.

SS Innovations, the maker of home-grown surgical robotic system SSI Mantra, has successfully performed what it claimed to be India’s first north-to-south robotic cardiac telesurgery. The surgery was made possible by the advanced SSI Mantra 3 Surgical Robotic System. This procedure bridged a 2,000-kilometer distance between SS Innovations’ headquarters in Gurugram and Aster CMI Hospital in Bengaluru, according to a release.

This achievement has opened new corridors, setting a new benchmark in making extended surgical care accessible across long distances, the release said. “The success of this critical cardiac telesurgery brings in a big revolution in Indian healthcare, paving the way for a future where advanced surgical technology plays a vital role in making healthcare more accessible and efficient worldwide,” it added.

The long-distance tele-robotic assisted intracardiac surgery was performed on a 35-year-old patient, lasted for 2 hours and 40 minutes and involved closing a complex Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), which is a congenital condition where there is a small hole between the two upper chambers of the heart.

The first robotic telesurgery on the Mantra System from Gurugram to Bengaluru was demonstrated by the successful completion of two highly complex procedures – Transthoracic Oesophagectomy and Pelvic Exenteration for T4 Ca Rectum- remotely performed from SMRSC 2025, Delhi/NCR, while the patient was in Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru.

Dr. Arul Furtado, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, said, “The team was highly encouraged by the success of this telesurgery, reinforcing the vital role robotic-assisted surgery will play in the future of cardiac care. This unique insight gives it a distinct advantage, making it highly adaptable and tailored to the needs of cardiac surgeons. As we move forward, I believe robotic telesurgery will redefine access to specialized surgical care, and today’s procedure marks just the beginning of this transformation.“

SS Innovations Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, said, “With CDSCO approval, we are not just pushing technological boundaries but fulfilling our mission to democratise robotic surgery. Telesurgery is revolutionising healthcare, eliminating the need for patients to travel and making advanced surgical care truly accessible and affordable.”

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Machines to separate nuts from cashew fruits developed in Puttur

For the first time in the country, three types of machines that can separate seeds from Garcinia fruits have been successfully developed.

Under the leadership of the Cashew Research Directorate in Puttur, seed separation machines have been designed and inaugurated. These machines are expected to reach farmers in the coming days. They include a fully automatic machine, a semi-automatic machine, and a pedal-operated version.

Manually extracting seeds from cashew fruits is a tedious process that requires considerable human effort and time. The machines were jointly developed by the Cashew Research Directorate, Puttur, and the Regional Research Centre of the Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE), Bhopal, located in Coimbatore. Dr Manjunath, a scientist at the Puttur centre, led the project. Dr Ravindra Nayak from the Coimbatore centre, along with Dr Balasubramanian and director Dr Dinkar Adiga from the Agricultural Engineering Division of the directorate, also contributed as co-researchers.

“These machines are highly effective in reducing labour, time, and cost. There is also a growing demand for compact machines suited to small-scale farmers, and we are actively considering this,” said Dr Manjunath.

“There is great potential for cashew cultivation in India. In line with that, crop variety development has been undertaken. With these machines, we aim to bring a modern technological touch to cashew farming,” said Dr Dinkar Adiga.

Made entirely of stainless steel, this machine separates seeds, pulp, and juice distinctly. It has the capacity to process 300 kg of fruit per hour. It requires 0.75 litres of petrol per hour and can also operate on electricity. Priced at Rs 1.95 lac, the machine has been commercialized by the directorate, and the production rights have been granted to Fission Agritech Pvt Ltd, based in Ramanagara, which will distribute the machines to customers.

This machine features four top openings with rotating blades inside. It operates on electricity or battery power. When the fruit is fed into the machine, the seeds are separated by the rotation. The intact seeds fall inside and are collected at a separate outlet. It is suitable for separating seeds of all sizes. Two people can work on the machine simultaneously by sitting on opposite sides. It can process 35 kg of seeds per hour and is priced at Rs 35,000.

This version features a sharp blade-like design. The portion of the fruit containing the seed is placed on the blade, and pressing the pedal cuts and separates the seed. The blade then returns to its original position. The fruit remains in hand, and one person can process the fruits using both hands. This machine can separate 15 kg of seeds per hour and is priced at Rs 15,000.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

YuvaSpark founder Akarsh Shroff of Bengaluru conferred National Youth Award

Recognition for his ‘commitment to improving quality of early childhood education at anganwadi centres in India’.

Akarsh Shroff of Bengaluru was conferred the prestigious National Youth Award on April 3 for his ‘commitment to improving quality of early childhood education at anganwadi centres in India’.

The award was conferred during a ceremony at Parliament House in Delhi by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya. The event was organised to honour award recipients of both this and the previous year. A total of 22 awardees were honoured across both the years.

The National Youth Awardis conferred by the Ministry of Youth Affairs to recognise the excellent efforts of youth working towards national development and social service. The prize recognises work in health, research, culture, human rights, tourism, education, sports, innovation, community service, by people under the age of 30.

Akarsh founded YuvaSpark as a 17-year-old high school student in 2018. The organisation has built technology platforms that have digitised learning at over 600 anganwadi centres across rural India. To enhance quality of education at anganwadis (early childhood education centres in rural India), YuvaSpark’s digital platform is periodically providing teachers with custom-curated interactive vernacular language academic content.

Apart from this, the organisation runs programmes to improve infrastructure at orphanages, enhance library infrastructure in government schools, and provide smart learning devices to special schools.

The organisation has impacted the lives of 3,46,000 children across 10 States by engaging over 700 volunteers from 35 institutions, and has raised ₹2.5 crore in funding from Amazon, BCG, Indian Oil, MNGL, SECI, and other companies.

After graduating from one of India’s most prominent institutions, BITS Pilani, in 2022, Akarsh opted out of placements and chose to devote his time to improving the quality of education for children in India.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Karnataka Bhavan built at Rs 138 crore to be inaugurated in New Delhi on Apr 2  

In a significant milestone for Karnataka, the long-awaited Karnataka Bhavan (Kaveri) in the national capital is set to be inaugurated tomorrow, April 2, at 6:30 pm. The newly constructed building, representing the state’s rich cultural heritage, will be unveiled by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

The grand event will be attended by prominent dignitaries, including AICC president Mallikarjuna Kharge, who will grace the occasion. Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi will preside over the ceremony, while Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar will join as a special guest.

Other distinguished guests include opposition leader R. Ashoka and minister Cheluvanarayana Swamy. Additionally, Union ministers H D Kumaraswamy, Pralhad Joshi, V. Somanna, Shobha Karandlaje, and Nirmala Sitharaman have been invited. Delhi’s special representatives, T B Jayachandra and Prakash Hukkeri, will also be part of the inauguration.

The Karnataka Bhavan, located in the upscale Chanakyapuri area of New Delhi, spans 3,532 square metres and boasts a total built-up area of 12,212 square metres (131,450 square feet). Designed as a multi-purpose space for state functions, meetings, and cultural activities, the building is a symbol of Karnataka’s enduring heritage.

This multi-storey complex, which comprises 9 floors, including two basements, is equipped with 52 rooms. Among these are 2 luxurious VIP suites, 32 suite rooms, and 18 single rooms. In addition, the building features 86 toilets and parking for 10 cars in the basement. Originally estimated at Rs 81 crore, the final cost of the project soared to Rs 138 crore, marking the completion of a major architectural endeavour for the state.

“The Karnataka Bhavan will not only provide a warm and hospitable environment for our government officials, dignitaries, and citizens but also serve as a vibrant hub to promote our culture and heritage in the capital,” said Siddaramaiah.

The Bhavan’s facilities include state-of-the-art amenities designed for both comfort and functionality. It features spacious meeting rooms, VIP lounges, conference rooms, a gym, and even a terrace with solar power units. The building’s purpose is to elevate Karnataka’s presence in New Delhi while also providing an official venue for government activities and cultural programmes.

Key features of Karnataka Bhavan:

  • Basement 1 (2335 sq.m.): Lift lobby, stairs, driver’s laundry, security room, BMS room, 50 car parking spaces.
  • Basement 2 (2335 sq.m.): Stairs, staff rooms, 24 car parking spaces, staff rest room.
  • Ground Floor (1050 sq.m.): Reception, waiting room, board room, pantry, media briefing room, VIP lounge, toilets, fire control room, tourism info desk, security room.
  • First Floor (1005 sq.m.): RC chamber, DRC, PA room, staff room, administrative record room, server room, pantry, liaison officer room, conference room.
  • Second Floor (1050 sq.m.): 3 suite rooms, 4 single rooms, special representative office, PA room, legal record room.
  • Third Floor (1050 sq.m.): 8 suite rooms, 3 single rooms, gym, pantry.
  • Fourth Floor (1050 sq.m.): 9 suite rooms, pantry, housekeeping facilities.
  • Fifth Floor (1050 sq.m.): 6 suite rooms, 4 single rooms, pantry, housekeeping.
  • Sixth Floor (1050 sq.m.): 6 suite rooms, 3 single rooms, pantry, housekeeping.
  • Seventh Floor (237 sq.m.): Terrace, stairs room, solar power units.

With its architectural brilliance and a blend of modern facilities, Karnataka Bhavan is poised to become a symbol of the state’s pride and a central venue for official functions, cultural exchanges, and public engagements in New Delhi.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

12 SDMCs in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi districts adjudged best in Karnataka for 2023-24

Each of the 204 SDMCs selected from the State have been given a reward of ₹1 lakh, as part of “Pusti” scheme of the government’s Samagra Shikhsana Karnataka Programme.

School Development and Monitoring Committees (SDMCs) of seven government schools in Dakshina Kannada and five schools from Udupi district are among the 204 SDMCs adjudged as the best in the State for 2023-24. Each of the 204 SDMCs have been given a reward of ₹ 1 lakh.

The reward was given as part of “Pusti” scheme of the government’s Samagra Shikhsana Karnataka Programme recognising the role of SDMCs in all-round development of the schools. Starting from this academic year, the reward will be given every year, according to M. Kurma Rao, Director, Samagra Shikshana Karnataka Programme.

The seven SDMCs of Dakshina Kannada are Government Lower Primary School, Emaje in Bantwal taluk, Government Higher Primary School, Kattadabail in Belthangady taluk, Government Higher Primary School in Madhya near Mangaluru, Government Pre University College, Nalyapadavu near Mangaluru, Government Higher Primary School in Neerkere near Moodbidri, Government Higher Primary School at Veeramangala in Puttur taluk, and Government Higher Primary School at Kolchar in Sullia taluk.

The five SDMCs of Udupi district are Government PU College Manoor in Brahmavar taluk, Government Higher Primary School (Hindustani) in Naguru in Byndoor taluk; Government Higher Primary School, Miyaru in Karkala taluk, Government High School Beejadi in Kundapura taluk and Government Higher Primary School in Nandikur of Udupi taluk.

Reward amount for betterment of schools

In a letter to all district Deputy Directors of Public Instruction, Mr. Rao said ‘Pusti’ is a programme to recognise contribution of SDMCs in development of schools. The programme is also for empowering SDMC members. It is also for developing competitive spirit among SDMCs. The reward amount should be used for betterment of schools and utilisation certificate should be submitted by school head master to respective block resource coordinator.

The official further said a total of 44,762 government schools had registered for the survey done for “Pusti” reward. As many as 1,836 schools qualified for the taluk level, and 612 schools at the district-level survey. Ultimately, 204 SDMCs (one for each taluk ) were selected for the reward, the official said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)