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CSIR-CFTRI celebrates 75 years of innovation
New milestone technologies, new logo mark Platinum Jubilee, Foundation Day
The Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), a premier laboratory under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), entered its 75th year on Monday, Oct. 21. A series of events and product launches marked the Platinum Jubilee and Foundation Day celebrations.
Located on the 150-acre historic Cheluvamba Vilas Mansion campus, donated by the then Maharaja of Mysore, Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar, CFTRI was established on Oct. 21, 1950.
The 75th Foundation Day celebrations, held at the IFTTC Auditorium at CFTRI yesterday, were inaugurated by N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology.
The event saw the presence of CSIR-CFTRI Director Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh, former Directors, Scientists and distinguished guests. Kalaiselvi unveiled a special logo to commemorate the 75th Foundation Day and a photographic display chronicled CFTRI’s illustrious history and global impact in food science.
In her address, Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh highlighted the institute’s achievements, noting that CFTRI has developed over 1,000 technologies since its inception, with 400 currently available for transfer to industry. The institute has issued more than 4,100 licences for its innovations.
he also emphasised CFTRI’s success in designing food processing machinery, particularly for traditional Indian foods. Notable innovations include the leaf cup-making machine, papad press, maize milling system, versatile dal mill, rice bran stabiliser, and automated machines for making dosa, idli, chapathi, vada, and ragi mudde.
AI-driven technologies
Looking ahead, Dr. Singh mentioned CFTRI’s future focus on AI-driven technologies, personalised nutrition, mobile food processing, 3D printing, and Ayur Ahar. Over the past 74 years, CFTRI has significantly boosted India’s food industry and established itself as a global leader in food science research and industrial services, she said.
Dr. Singh further noted that CFTRI’s work spans five key areas: Training, technology, translational research, testing, and engineering. The institute has formed partnerships with numerous national and international organisations to advance its goals.
CFTRI has conducted over 1,100 training programmes, benefiting nearly 20,000 participants, including 3,000 individuals trained under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme, aimed at enhancing livelihoods and ensuring food security.
A global pioneer
In his address, former CFTRI Director Dr. V. Prakash highlighted that CFTRI was a global pioneer in developing convenience and instant foods, which became a game-changer in food technology worldwide. Reflecting on the institute’s growth, he noted that CFTRI advanced rapidly, gaining global recognition for its basic research and breakthroughs in food biotechnology and engineering.
The introduction of short-term industry courses further solidified its leadership both nationally and scientifically, drawing the attention of policymakers and visionary leaders. This support led to significant funding, bolstering CFTRI’s infrastructure, including state-of-the-art facilities for instrument research, cell biology, and fundamental food science.
Humanitarian aid
Dr. Prakash also recalled CFTRI’s pivotal role in providing food relief during disasters, notably its 2004 efforts following the tsunami, where the institute delivered safe, hygienically processed food along the east coast for two weeks. Earlier, CFTRI responded within 24 hours to the Gujarat earthquake, showcasing its readiness to address food crises and earning international recognition for its swift action, even from critics.
Former CFTRI Director Dr. Ram Rajasekharan stressed the need for innovation in the field of nutrition, calling for a shift in approach. “We must focus on the nation’s nutrition, not as supplements but as integral food,” he emphasised.
Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, who was the chief guest at the event, could not make it to the function but sent his message on the momentous occasion of the country’s premier food technology lab. Former CFTRI Director K.S.M.S. Raghava Rao was present.
Product launches at CFTRI
Biodegradable cutlery
Under Project SHREE ANNA – The Millet Mission, CFTRI has developed biodegradable cutlery and tableware using millet by-products, addressing plastic waste concerns. High tea was served on biodegradable plates as part of a trial. Future innovations aim to create edible cutlery.
Probiotic carrot nectar
A vegetable-based beverage enriched with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MCC5231, this probiotic carrot nectar offers a non-dairy alternative for probiotics. It meets FSSAI standards and provides over 50 percent of the daily Vitamin A requirement.
Gluten-free bread premix
This premix, made from proso, foxtail and barnyard millet, enables convenient gluten-free bread production. It meets rising demand for gluten-free products and supports millet utilisation.
Multigrain waffle
A healthier waffle variant made with whole wheat, pearl millet and finger millet flours. It offers higher fibre and minerals with lower calorie content than standard waffles, catering to the growing demand for nutritious snacks.
Instant masala tea premix
A convenient premix blending traditional Indian spices like cardamom, ginger, cloves and cinnamon, offering the rich flavour of masala tea in single-serve sachets. Available in multiple sweetener options, it’s ideal for on-the-go use.
Ethylene scavenger technology
This innovation, using agricultural and industrial by-products, extends the shelf life of fruits by scavenging ethylene. It offers a sustainable, safe, and cost-effective alternative to traditional chemical-based scavengers.
source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)
NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) first university in India to host IELTS test centre
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first university in India to host an IELTS test centre. MAHE Manipal signed a memorandum of understanding with IDP Education India Private Limited, New Delhi towards this engagement.
With the test centre now accessible on campus, students will have convenient access to course modules, along with additional benefits such as discounted memberships and trained faculty mentors for assistance. The department of humanities & management, Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal will be hosting the centre as a closed avenue exclusively for MAHE students. Registrations are now open for the first IELTS paper-based test going live on November 7.
The MoU was officially executed on October 14 in the presence of Dr Giridhar Kini, registrar MAHE Manipal and Kishan Kumar Yadav, area manager IELTS Operations (South India), IDP Education India Pvt Ltd.
Dr Anil Rana, director MIT Manipal, Dr Anup Naha, director International Collaborations, Dr Yogesh Pai P, head – department of humanities & management at MIT Manipal and colleagues witnessed this exchange. Abhishek Swamy, assistant territory manager – Karnataka, IDP Education India Pvt Ltd was present during the occasion.
“We are incredibly proud that MAHE has become the first university in India to host an IELTS test centre. This achievement reflects our commitment to enhancing global opportunities for our students and the community. Having a test center on campus will provide easier access to international education pathways and strengthen our efforts in promoting academic excellence and global exposure for our students,” said Dr Giridhar Kini registrar, MAHE.
Achieving this significant milestone is yet another testament to MAHE’s commitment to fostering global education standards towards the holistic development of students and staff. This joint initiative between MAHE and IDP Education India Pvt Ltd will have a profound impact on both the university and the region, creating numerous pathways for students and professionals alike.
source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)
KARNATAKA’s economy exceeds national growth, affirms GOI data
Karnataka continues to drive India’s economic progress, registering a robust GSDP growth of 10.2% in Financial Year 2023-24, significantly surpassing the national average of 8.2%, according to data from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
The State achieved this feat despite severe challenges, including the worst drought in a decade and a slowdown in global IT markets.
Initially, the National Statistical Estimate (NSE) had projected a modest 4% GSDP growth for Karnataka. But this was revised to 13.1% by the end of the fiscal year, indicating early underestimation of the state’s economic performance.
The state’s agriculture sector faced negative growth due to drought conditions, while Karnataka’s dependence on the IT and hardware sectors—accounting for 28% of its Gross State Value Added (GSVA)—made it vulnerable to global economic downturns.
The Indian IT industry’s growth, which slowed from 15.5% in FY 2022 to 8% in FY 2023, reflected global recessionary fears and inflation. However, Karnataka’s economy remained resilient, thanks to strategic governance and diversified growth drivers.
For FY 2024-25, the NSE forecasts Karnataka’s GSDP to grow at 9.4%, slightly below the national average projection of 10.5%.
However, the Ministry of Finance projects a more optimistic 14% growth for the state, supported by strong fiscal indicators.
As of September 2024, Karnataka recorded a 10% year-on-year increase in GST collections and a 24% surge in stamp duty revenue, signalling a healthy economic trajectory.
Karnataka’s per capita GSDP remains among the highest in the country, on par with Telangana, reflecting the strength of Congress-led governance in both states.
The state government’s pro-people policies, including its Guarantees, have ensured that the benefits of growth reach all sections of society, fostering inclusive and equitable development.
Karnataka’s success demonstrates the synergy between economic growth and social progress, making it a key engine of India’s economy. With its innovative policies, business-friendly environment, and ability to adapt to challenges, Karnataka stands as a model for sustainable development.
Industry experts note that Karnataka’s leadership in the IT sector and its continued ability to attract investments underscore its role as a major contributor to India’s digital and economic landscape.
source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)
The first nectar: Vijayapura GH set to establish first breast milk bank in North Karnataka
The first nectar: Vijayapura GH set to establish first breast milk bank in North Karnataka.
India has one of the highest rates of premature births globally, with 12 per cent of all deliveries resulting in pre-term babies. Several babies, especially in poorer districts, suffer from malnutrition for want of mothers’ milk. To address the problem, the Vijayapura Government Hospital is set to establish the first breast milk bank in North Karnataka, which will serve over 2,000 newborns annually.
Spearheaded by Dr Santosh Karletti, General Secretary of Sushena Health Foundation, this initiative aims to address the nutritional needs of premature and ill infants, while playing a critical role in reducing neonatal mortality by providing breast milk for vulnerable babies, particularly those whose mothers are unable to feed them due to health or other reasons.
The hospital handles around 10,000 deliveries every year, with 2,000 newborns requiring neonatal intensive care, including around 1,000 premature babies. Dr Karletti informed that breast milk is the best nutritional option for such infants, significantly reducing the risk of infections and lowering mortality by over 20 per cent. Meanwhile, formula or cow’s milk poses health risks for premature babies, making breast milk essential.
First vaccine after birth
Explaining the benefits of breast milk, Dr Karletti says colostrum, produced in the first hour after birth, acts as the newborn’s first vaccine, protecting against diseases such as jaundice. Accordingly, in a bid to ensure the health of newborns, the milk bank will ensure that every baby has access to breast milk, either from their own mother or donor. Donor milk is especially vital for babies, whose mothers are unable to breastfeed them due to illness or other complications.
Meanwhile, Dr Mastiholi, District Surgeon at Vijayapura Government Hospital, notes that around 20 per cent of newborns need donor breast milk due to maternal deaths, abandonment, illness or insufficient milk production. Even convincing 150 mothers out of the 900, who deliver at the hospital, to donate milk, could meet the bank’s initial targets.
The milk bank, part of a larger hub-and-spoke model planned for North Karnataka, will serve as a centre for milk distribution to other districts, such as Bidar and Kalaburagi. Initially, the bank aims to collect 45-50 litres of milk per month, with a goal to reach 100 litres every month by the first year, eventually increasing it to 150 litres.
Taboos galore
While societal taboos about breast milk donation exist, the hospital plans to overcome them through education and counselling. Many mothers produce excess milk, which can lead to complications if not expressed. Lactation counsellors will guide such mothers to donate surplus milk, which would otherwise go waste.
Dr Karletti points out that breast milk donation also has historical precedents in ancient civilisations, including Roman, Egyptian, Greek and Indian societies. The milk bank aims to revive this practice in a modern setting, ensuring the milk is pasteurised and preserved for up to six months.
All donated milk will undergo pasteurisation to preserve vital nutrients and antibodies, ensuring a shelf life of up to six months. The milk will be stored at minus 20 degrees Celsius, and most will be used within 1-2 weeks of pasteurisation to prevent waste. Only healthy mothers can donate milk; those with serious illnesses like cancer or HIV are ineligible. However, mothers with conditions like diabetes or hypertension will still be allowed to donate.
Vijayapura’s milk bank will follow the model of Hyderabad’s Niloufer Hospital, which has the largest mothers’ milk bank in India, collecting up to 300 litres of milk per month. Dr Karletti mentions that one of Niloufer Hospital’s notable donors, an anaesthetist, contributed 50 litres of milk in just two months, while a software engineer donated 28 litres.
Free services, universal access
The services of the milk bank in Vijayapura will be entirely free of cost, including screening, pasteurisation and milk distribution. Unlike blood banks, no fee will be charged from recipients. Dr Mastiholi is confident that this initiative will revolutionise neonatal care in North Karnataka, significantly improving infant survival rates.
The milk bank is set to be established by December at a cost of Rs 2 crore, funded by Sushena Health Foundation. The organisation will operate the unit for two years before handing it over to the District Hospital. Local staff will receive necessary training on its operation and maintenance during this time. Through education, donor participation, and advanced preservation techniques, this novel initiative is expected to save lives and serve as a model for future milk banks across the region.
BENEFITS FOR LIFE
Breast milk is beneficial to the baby, right from birth:
Nutrition
Provides all the nutrients a baby needs for the first six months of life, including fat, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water. It is easily digested
Protection
Provides immunity and protects babies from many illnesses and diseases, including asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, ear infections and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Antibodies
Contains antibodies from the mother, which protects the baby
source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)
INTERNATIONAL: KARNATAKA: ACQUISTION: IBM acquires Bengaluru SaaS firm Prescinto for renewables business
“The acquisition of Prescinto will enhance the capabilities of IBM Maximo Application Suite (MAS), IBM’s solution for asset lifecycle management…It will further IBM’s leadership in the energy and utility space, an industry undergoing significant transformation and seeking solutions to manage and optimise wind, solar, and other renewable energy storage assets,” IBM said in a statement.
Global software maker IBM has announced the acquisition of Bengaluru-based Prescinto Technologies (Prescinto), a solar monitoring and analytics platform that provides asset performance management (APM) software-as-a-service (SaaS) for renewables.
The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
“The acquisition of Prescinto will enhance the capabilities of IBM Maximo Application Suite (MAS), IBM’s solution for asset lifecycle management…It will further IBM’s leadership in the energy and utility space, an industry undergoing significant transformation and seeking solutions to manage and optimise wind, solar, and other renewable energy storage assets,” IBM said in a statement.
Founded in 2016 by first generation entrepreneur Puneet Jaggi, Bengaluru-based Prescinto leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to enable advanced monitoring, analytics and automation to streamline renewable energy operations and manage clean energy and storage assets. Its services help merge clean energy plant data with latest technology to deliver increased power generation.
The company has been backed by venture capital funds including startup incubator and accelerator Venture Catalysts, Inflection Point Ventures, Mumbai Angels and LetsVenture.
Prescinto works with and services global customers across 14 countries with 16 GigaWatts under management. Prescinto’s application performance monitoring (APM) capabilities aims to help organisations simplify operations and maintenance to maximise return on investment (ROI).
IBM has been acquiring businesses to build capabilities in software, cloud, consulting, automation, AI and data.
Quoting data from Allied Market Research, the IBM statement said, “The value of the global utilities asset management market is expected to grow from $4.3 billion in 2022 to $12.4 billion in 2031, with a CAGR of 11.3%.”
In September, IBM made two announcements including purchase of US-headquartered Kubecost led by co-founder & CEO, Webb Brown and co-founder & CTO, Ajay Tripathy, to broaden hybrid cloud cost management capabilities. It also proposed to acquire Accelalpha, a US-based global Oracle services provider.
source/content: economictimes.indiatimes.com (headline edited)
INTERNATIONAL: KARNATKA: CYBER SECURITY: Cybersecurity Leader Arctic Wolf Opens First India Office in Bengaluru to Accelerate its Platform innovations
Arctic Wolf®, a leader in security operations, today announced the launch of its first Indian global capability centre (GCC) in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The new India office location will play a pivotal role in scaling and advancing the Arctic Wolf platform, along with its entire suite of security operations solutions.
With Bengaluru, also known as the Silicon Valley of India, emerging as a global hub for technology and cybersecurity expertise, the centre will be pivotal to driving innovation, product development, and enhancing the company’s security operations platform. This expansion positions the company to benefit from around-the-clock development capabilities and closer proximity to clients in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, setting the foundation for future growth in these markets.
“Our mission is to end cyber risk for organizations of all sizes, and the research and development work that will happen out of India will be a major enabler in furthering this goal,” said Dan Schiappa, chief product and services officer, Arctic Wolf. “By tapping into the highly skilled workforce in Bengaluru, we aim to further accelerate the development of advanced machine learning models and AI-driven cybersecurity detections within our platform, providing our customers with unparalleled protection against evolving cyber threats.”
The GCC plans to create numerous job opportunities, contributing to employment in India and attracting top-tier talent in India’s IT and cybersecurity sectors. Arctic Wolf plans to hire 150 employees by mid-2025, with recruitment focused on roles in core research and development areas including threat intelligence, and AI, while service delivery roles will continue to be staffed out of North America and Europe.
Speaking on the expansion, Jeff Green, senior vice president, research and development, Arctic Wolf: “The launch of Arctic Wolf’s first Global Capability Centre in Bengaluru is an exciting milestone for us. This centre will allow us to build a dedicated team focused on advancing cybersecurity innovations, while also fostering collaboration across our global operations. We’re committed to leveraging India’s strong technical expertise and pedigree of innovation to support core areas of our future product development. I am eager to see the unique perspectives and skillsets that our team here will bring to further elevate Arctic Wolf’s solutions and enhance our ability to protect organizations worldwide.”
With this expansion, Arctic Wolf’s global footprint continues to grow, now protecting over 6,000 customers across key industries, and employing more than 2,500 employees worldwide. Recognized as the fastest-growing security services vendor in the 2023 Gartner Worldwide Security Services Market Share Report, the company has also been named one of the fastest-growing technology companies by the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 for five consecutive years and is the only cybersecurity firm included in CNBC’s Disruptor 50 three times in a row. These achievements underscore Arctic Wolf’s commitment to innovation and its position as a leader in transforming security operations globally.
source/content: business-standard.com (headline edited) / press releases ANI
KARNATAKA : VALIMIKI AWARDS: Five achievers to be conferred Valmiki award
As per a government order, the achievers are Kilari Jogayya, Dr Ratnamma S, Rajashekhara Talwara, K S Mrutyunjaya and Ratnamma B Sogi.
A native of Chitradurga, Jogayya has worked towards social progress as a cattle conservator.
On the occasion of Valmiki Jayanti, five achievers from different fields who have worked for the welfare of Scheduled Tribe communities will be awarded the Maharshi Valmiki Award 2024 on Thursday.
As per a government order, the achievers are Kilari Jogayya, Dr Ratnamma S, Rajashekhara Talwara, K S Mrutyunjaya and Ratnamma B Sogi.
A native of Chitradurga, Jogayya has worked towards social progress as a cattle conservator.
Hailing from Chamarajnagar, Dr Ratnamma is an educationist who has strived for the education of tribal children.
Belagavi’a Rajashekhara has been creating awareness in the community about health and hygiene.
A Bengaluru resident, Mrutyunjaya has been striving to ensure that the community gets government facilities and has been endeavouring to organise the community.
Vijayanagar’s Rathnamma is a renowned theatre artist who has popularised the art in rural areas. She has played a pivotal role in the survival of theatre in rural areas.
source/content: deccanherald.com (headline edited)
NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: INDIA’S FIRST / MANUFACTURING: India’s first indigenous bullet train set to roll by 2026. BEML has been contracted to design, manufacture, and commission by 2026
BEML has been contracted to design, manufacture, and commission India’s first indigenous bullet trains, each with eight cars. The trains will offer modern amenities as part of India’s high-speed rail initiative and are set to roll out by late 2026.
India is advancing its high-speed rail ambitions by developing indigenously built bullet trains. The first bullet train is expected to be manufactured in Bengaluru, featuring a design speed of 280 kilometers per hour (kmph) and an operational speed of 250 kmph. This train is slated for rollout by December 2026.
State-owned BEML has secured a contract worth Rs 866.87 crore to design, manufacture, and commission India’s first indigenously built bullet trains. BEML announced it will supply two high-speed trainsets, each comprising eight coaches, under an order placed by Indian Railways’ Integral Coach Factory (ICF).
BEML stated that each coach would cost Rs 27.86 crore, with the total contract value also covering design costs, one-time development expenses, non-recurring charges, and the costs of jigs, fixtures, tooling, and testing facilities.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS:
While Indian Railways initially considered Japanese technology for bullet trains on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai route, discussions remain inconclusive.
As a result, India may now deploy locally developed trains for this corridor. Notably, BEML’s cost per coach is significantly lower than the Rs 46 crore quoted by Japan for similar bullet train coaches.
BEML highlighted that the infrastructure from this project will be leveraged for future high-speed rail projects across India.
The project, a major milestone in India’s high-speed rail initiative, will deliver trainsets with a 280 km/h test speed.
In comparison, the Japanese Shinkansen E5 series, initially considered for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad line, can achieve speeds of 320 km/h.
The trains will be produced at BEML’s Bengaluru facility and are expected to be delivered by the end of 2026.
They will feature fully air-conditioned Chair Car configurations with modern amenities, including reclining and rotatable seats, accommodations for passengers with restricted mobility, and onboard infotainment systems.
source/content: indiatoday.in (headline edited)