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With a senior gynaecologist taking over as president of the Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes’ Association (PHANA) in Bengaluru, the 24-year-old organisation got its first woman chief. 

Outgoing president Govindaiah Yathish passed on the responsibilities to Shobha Prakash at PHANA’s National Health Summit 2024 held in the city on Sunday. The new team headed by Dr. Prakash will have a two-year term till 2027.

“As president of PHANA, I am deeply committed to upholding the highest standards of safety, compliance, and innovation in healthcare. Ensuring that private hospitals, regardless of size, strictly adhere to fire safety norms — mandatory for licence renewal under the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (KPME) Act — is crucial for building trust and ensuring patient safety,” Dr. Prakash said.

She said the new team will hold deliberations with the government and Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI ) and General Insurance Company (GIC) on the low reimbursement costs and the need for revision.

Discussions at the summit with the theme “Small Hospitals to Smart Hospitals” were aimed at integrating technology into smaller healthcare establishments to revolutionise patient care and operational workflows.

The summit featured various sessions including discussions on ‘Insights into healthcare efficiency and customer-centric strategies’ and ‘Hospital Infection Control (HIC) to ensure patient safety and quality standards.’ Panel discussions on health insurance and medico-legal issues related to heath care providers were also held.

On the occasion, several doctors including Prathap C. Reddy, founder-chairman of Apollo Hospitals; Prasanna H.M., former PHANA president; B.M. Muralidhar, Trinity Heart Centre; V.S. Raju, Vijayaagar Hospital; Bikamchand Saklecha, Santosh Hospital, and Prashanth Marla, A.J. Hospital and Research Centre, Mangaluru, were felicitated.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Dr Shruti Ballal, a distinguished diabetologist from Udupi, has made India proud by winning the “Mrs Earth International Tourism 2024” title and being named Ambassador of “Mrs Earth International 2024” at a grand event in Manila, Philippines.

The 10-day event highlighted her intelligence, compassion, and commitment to environmental causes, marking a significant milestone for Indian women’s empowerment.

Dr Ballal has dedicated her career to diabetes prevention and early detection, organising over 100 free awareness programmes at the grassroots level.

Her advocacy for healthy living promotes traditional, regional, seasonal, and local food habits, along with yoga, meditation, and physical activity. This eco-friendly approach fosters a harmonious relationship between human well-being and the environment.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Mallamma has been recently awarded the 2024 Kannada Rajyotsava Award for her tireless service as a midwife.

In the quiet town of Kavital and neighbouring villages in Karnataka’s Raichur district, Mallamma, 74, has become a household name for her unwavering dedication to ensuring safe, natural childbirth.

Known affectionately as ‘Soolagithi Mallamma’, she has been recently awarded the 2024 Kannada Rajyotsava Award for her tireless service as a midwife.

Mallamma’s journey as a midwife began over 40 years ago, during a time when access to healthcare facilities in rural Karnataka was scarce. Without formal medical training, she relied on the wisdom passed down through generations and her deep understanding of traditional childbirth practices. Mallamma would travel on foot from village to village, responding to calls from expectant mothers at all hours of the day and night.

By assisting in natural and safe deliveries, Mallamma saved the lives of countless mothers and newborns. Over the years, she has assisted in over 10,000 deliveries, all free of cost.

By assisting in natural and safe deliveries, Mallamma saved the lives of countless mothers and newborns. Over the years, she has assisted in over 10,000 deliveries, all free of cost.

For Mallamma, the awards are a source of joy but not the ultimate goal. “I don’t need money. I am content with the respect and love I receive from the people I serve,” she said.

In fact, she was also offered opportunities to work in hospitals but declined in the “interest of serving the society”. “My doctors in the village asked me to work and earn a decent livelihood. But I refused. I want to pursue this as a social work and help the needy,” she said.

Despite her contributions, Mallamma’s personal life has been one of struggle.

She has a small shed where she sleeps and another shed where she cooks. Between the two sheds, one can find a herd of cattle sauntering. In fact, her sheds are located on government land and run the risk of being demolished at any time.

She, therefore, submitted, “All I ask from the government is to provide me with proper housing to live, cook, and conduct my day-to-day chores.”

In addition to the Kannada Rajyotsava Award, she was recently honoured by the Raichur district administration for her contributions not only as a midwife but also for her role in promoting traditional medicine and women’s health.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

The 92-year-old veteran politician was ailing for quite some time, a family source said.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister S.M. Krishna passed away at his residence early Tuesday (December 10, 2024) morning, his family said.

The 92-year-old veteran politician was ailing for quite some time, a family source said.”S.M. Krishna is no more. He breathed his last at 2:45 am at his residence. Mortal remains are likely to be taken to Maddur today,” the source said.

Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna is survived by his wife Prema and two daughters Shambhavi and Malavika.

Early years

Born in Somanahalli in Karnataka’s Mandya district on May 1, 1932, Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna started his career in electoral politics in 1962 by winning the Maddur assembly seat as an independent.

He was then associated with the Praja Socialist Party before joining the Congress.

He later joined the BJP in March 2017, ending his nearly 50-year-long association with the Congress.

He announced his resignation from the Congress in January 2017, saying the party was in a “state of confusion” on whether it needed mass leaders or not.

Mr. Krishna in January 2023 announced that he was retiring from active politics, citing his age as the reason.

He was the 16th Chief Minister of Karnataka from October 11, 1999, to May 28, 2004, (from Congress).

Served as External Affairs Minister in UPA govt

He also served as the Governor of Maharashtra and was the External Affairs Minister during the Manmohan Singh-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government from 2009 to 2012.

A law graduate, Mr. Krishna studied in the US graduating from the Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and The George Washington University Law School in Washington DC, where he was a Fulbright Scholar.

Mr. Krishna served as the Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly from December 1989 to January 1993. He was also a member of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha several times between 1971 and 2014.

Mr. Krishna was a member of both the Karnataka Assembly and Council and also served as Deputy Chief Minister (1993 to 1994).

He was Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president ahead of the 1999 assembly polls in which the party won and he became the chief minister.

Mr. Krishna is credited by many for putting Bengaluru on the global map as a fillip given to the IT sector during his tenure resulting in the city growing as India’s Silicon Valley’.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Space technology company Pixxel on Monday announced the raising of $24 million in additional funding as part of its Series B round.

This new investment brings the total Series B funding to $60 Million. With this, Pixxel has raised a total of $95 Million across all funding rounds to date, the company said.

Pixxel is building the world’s highest-resolution hyperspectral satellite constellation. Its hyperspectral satellites are designed to capture data across 250+ spectral bands at an unparalleled 5-metre spatial resolution, spectrally fingerprinting the earth and delivering details invisible to conventional imaging methods.

The Series B extension round added new investors, M&G Catalyst and Glade Brook Capital Partners, who have joined existing backers Google, Radical Ventures, Lightspeed, and others.

“This funding positions Pixxel as one of the highest-funded space-tech startups in India and the highest-funded hyperspectral imaging company globally, reinforcing its mission to build a health monitor for the planet through advanced earth observation satellites and drive impactful climate action,” the company said.

Awais Ahmed, founder and CEO of Pixxel, said, “This funding echoes the investors’ confidence in Pixxel’s technological capabilities. The new infusion of capital will help us launch more satellites quicker, transforming how humanity understands and acts on the challenges of our time.”

The funds will accelerate the development and launch of Pixxel’s entire constellation of 18 commercial hyperspectral satellites planned for the near future. It will also support the growth of Pixxel’s software offerings, including Aurora, its AI-driven Earth Observation platform, enabling seamless analysis and actionable insights for diverse applications from hyperspectral data.

Additionally, the funds will drive Pixxel’s plans to expand its satellite manufacturing capacity, scale its operations for upcoming missions, and enhance its capability to provide a full spectrum of satellite manufacturing services—from small satellites to advanced imaging payloads for other organisations and governments.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

With this state-of-the-art facility, athletes will have chances to succeed at international levels including the Olympics, whilst increasing their performance.

 To boost sports and provide world-class facilities for athletes, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) and Sports Authority of India (SAI) for the establishment of state-of-the-art HAL-SAI High Performance Centre at SAI Netaji Subhas Southern Centre on Friday.

According to a press release, under HAL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the company has committed to the establishment of HAL-SAI High Performance Centre in Bengaluru.

This centre will leverage science and technology to enhance the performance of athletes. It will provide facilities in areas such as Anthropometry, Biomechanics, Exercise Biochemistry, Nutrition, Sports Physiology, Psychology, Strength & Conditioning, Sports Medicine, Physiotherapy, and others. With this state-of-the-art facility, athletes will have chances to succeed at international levels including the Olympics, whilst increasing their performance.

The event was graced by Dr DK Sunil, CMD of HAL, Dr Divya Gupta, independent director at HAL, AB Pradhan, director (HR) at HAL; Colonel Rakesh Yadav, CEO of TOPS, Vishnu Sudhakaran, regional director at SAI, Shri Kamkhan Singh, under secretary at the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) and other senior officials.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

This marks Agrileaf’s first fundraiser after being bootstrapped and profitable to date.

Agrileaf, a leading Indian manufacturer and exporter of biodegradable dinnerware, has secured Rs 16 crore in growth funding led by Capital-A and Samarsh Capital.

This investment will enable the industry based in Nidle near Dharmasthala in Dakshina Kannada district to expand its operations in existing markets across the US and Europe, as well as build a consumer-facing brand in India. This marks Agrileaf’s first fundraiser after being bootstrapped and profitable to date.

The round also saw participation from angel investors including Shaji Devekar, Siddharth Bafna, Co-founder of The Nutcracker, Family office of Ved Prakash, Pritie Jain of Bling Mushrooms, Sumeet Bhalotia, Director at Vario Lounge, Dhruv Taneja, Founder – Matchlog and Chiranth Patil- Beta Plus.

Avinas Rao, Founder, Agrileaf, said the funding comes at a pivotal time as the global biodegradable packaging market is anticipated to grow significantly.

According to Mordor Intelligence, the market for biodegradable packaging is expected to reach approximately $140.66 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of around 5.97% from 2024 to 2029. This growth underscores the rising demand for sustainable, compostable solutions driven by environmental awareness and stricter regulations on single-use plastics.

With this investment, Rao said Agrileaf will expand production capacity, enhance its biodegradable dinnerware and packaging line, and deepen its community impact.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

The Internal Security Division (ISD) – CIED of Centre for Counter Terrorism (CCT ISD-CIED) won the prestigious National Joint Counter IED Competition: ‘VISFOT KAVACH’ – VIII, which was conducted by the National Security Guards (NSG), Manesar Delhi.

 In a first, the Karnataka police have won the top award in the national counter improvised explosive device (CIED) competition.

The Internal Security Division (ISD) – CIED of Centre for Counter Terrorism (CCT ISD-CIED) won the prestigious National Joint Counter IED Competition: ‘VISFOT KAVACH’ – VIII, which was conducted by the National Security Guards (NSG), Manesar Delhi.

The ISD is a special wing of the state police trained in counter terrorism operations. It was set up in 2011, post the Mumbai terror attacks on November 26, 2008.

Speaking to TNIE, Col Akkula Balakrishna, who is training the CIED team said the competition was conducted from November 11 to 16 at Manesar for all the paramilitary forces, state special forces and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).

“The teams were extensively tested in various bomb disposal (BD) techniques and put through tough IED scenario tests. There were 18 states, two Union Territories and five CAPFs, which had participated in the competition,” said the serving Army officer, who is on deputation to CCT, ISD to train and equip the Karnataka police special force to deal with any terrorist situation in the state.

“The competition recognises exceptional performance, innovation and excellence in BD techniques. The teams are judged by a panel of esteemed judges from the relevant field. The Karnataka State Police CIED team has stood first in all the categories of the competition. This is a stupendous achievement by the team and is a reflection of their hardwork, dedication and strenuous training they have undergone. They defeated all the other teams by a very high margin,” said Col Balakrishna.

He added that this is “one of the greatest achievements for the state police at the national level.”

The teams were tested in various categories, including BD courses, experience, components, equipment handling and holding, identification of explosives, fabrication of IEDs, counter IED exercises, innovations etc.

Recently, the CCT-ISD Remote Pilot Training Institute won the ‘National FICCI Drone Award, 2024’ for training and capacity building. “The FICCI had called for nominations from various stakeholders – state police, CAPFs, paramilitary forces and civil establishments, drone training institutes, and companies from across the country.

Our team was judged the best for training and capacity building. The ‘Drone Training Institute’ set up by the state police at Agara in the city is the first-of-its-kind initiative by any state police,” said the Army officer. The first edition of drone awards was instituted last year to “recognise and felicitate some of the path-breaking initiatives towards drone technology by government and private sector organisations,” he added. The CCT-CIED team conducts drone training,

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

The two activists from Karnataka, have been creating awareness and working for policy change, to benefit those with haemophilia and thalassemia.

Two people from Karnataka, who have been separately spearheading efforts to highlight blood disorders and those suffering with social stigmas and struggling with financial burdens, were honoured with Shresth Divyangjan, a national award for empowerment of persons with disabilities.

On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, Suresh Hanagavadi, founder of the Karnataka Haemophilia Society, and G. Manjudarshini, a sub-registrar posted at Srirangapatna, were presented the national awards. Their efforts have not only created awareness with regard to the “hidden disability in the blood”, but they have also successfully lobbied with governments to bring about policy changes.

While Dr. Hanagavadi, a haemophilia patient, is credited with having created awareness about the disorder in society over three decades besides facilitating policy changes, Ms. Manjudarshini, who has thalassaemia, has worked with the Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Society and blood banks highlighting the importance of preventing the disorder.

Dependence on transfusion

“Thalassaemia patients depend on others for blood transfusion that happens once in 15 or 21 days. Bone marrow transplant is very expensive. People lose hope or feel depressed due to such conditions. I work with children, motivating them, and also spread awareness about the need for screening to prevent child birth with blood disorders,” said Ms. Manjudarshini, who requires blood transfusion once in 21 days.

The 33-year old government official, who volunteers with Rashtrotthana Blood Centre and Samraksha, lost her sister to thalassaemia, over two decades back. The incident spurred her into social service. “I have had more than 500 transfusions till now but many of my friends do not know about my condition. I have also not sought any special preferences,” she said.

Dr. Hanagavadi, currently a professor of Pathology at JJM Medical College, Davangere, and president of the society, which he co-founded in 1991, was spurred into becoming a medical practitioner after the death of his uncle from haemophilia, and Ms. Manjudarshini decided to volunteer for the cause of thalassaemia after her sister died owing to the disorder.

“Thirty years ago the government was not involved in the management of haemophilia. We used to raise funds to buy medicines to be distributed among the needy as a large number of patients are poor,” recalled Dr. Hanagavadi, who had a highly sheltered childhood to prevent any injuries that could turn fatal.

SPB’s role

He also credited the late singer S.P. Balasubrahmanyam for helping raise funds. “Today, the society has established a well-equipped laboratory for blood diseases and other facilities needed at Davangere to serve those requiring treatment. Barring subsidised cost for laboratory services, every other facility including blood component is free,” said Dr. Hanagavadi.

By 2000, the society had been advocating for free medicines to be distributed through district hospitals, which the government implemented, he said, adding that awareness had also been created among government doctors to handle haemophilia patients.

The 61-year-old hopes to convert the Davangere facility into an institute that would treat all kinds of blood disorders to work on the focused way. “Disability in haemophilia is preventable. We look healthy from the outside, but our disability is in the blood. We have lot of challenges,” said the doctor.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

IN-SPACe earlier formulated and released the norms, guidelines, and procedures for the implementation of the Indian Space Policy 2023 this May 3.

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has announced Ananth Technologies Limited (ATL) as the beneficiary of the Announcement of Opportunity (AO) enabling access to Indian Orbital Resources for non-government entities (NGEs).

Under this AO, Indian International Telecommunications Union (ITU) filing in the Ka band is being provided to ATL.

The allocation of orbital resources requires adherence to both national and international regulations, including frequency coordination with other satellite networks and compliance with the ITU processes.

IN-SPACe earlier formulated and released the norms, guidelines, and procedures for the implementation of the Indian Space Policy 2023 this May 3.

This framework provides guidelines for granting access to available Indian orbital resources to Indian entities. Following this, the Announcement of Opportunity was released on July 30, with the bid submission closing on October 21.

Ananth Technologies Limited will undertake the end-to-end management of the project, which includes the development, launch, and operation of a multi-beam high-throughput Ka band communication satellite.

Responsibilities also include frequency coordination with satellite operators, managing filings with ITU, and ensuring compliance with due diligence and notification processes.

“This announcement is a transformative step for the Indian space sector. This will make Ananth Technologies Limited, the first private Indian satellite operator to provide state-of-art Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO) communication satellite services to the country. With support from ISRO and DoT, this effort establishes a new benchmark for private sector participation in generating SATCOM capacity through indigenous satellites. It is a significant step toward achieving ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in satellite communication,” Pawan Goenka, chairman, IN-SPACe said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)