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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)

KARNATAKA: INDIA’s FIRST /AIR MOBILITY TO AIRPORT: ‘City to airport in 5 minutes’: Bengaluru airport, Sarla Aviation partner for India’s first advanced air mobility solution through eVTOL

According to Sarla Aviation, a journey of 1.5 hours to Bengaluru airport from the city can be reduced to just ‘five minutes’ through an electric powered seven-seater aircraft – eVTOL.

Travelling to Bengaluru airport amid the chaotic traffic of the city is going to be a thing of the past. In a first-of-its-kind partnership, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) and Sarla Aviation, an aerospace component manufacturing company, recently signed a statement of collaboration to explore a sustainable and advanced air mobility option to travel from city to the airport.

With this partnership, according to Sarla Aviation, a journey of 1.5 hours to Bengaluru airport from the city can be reduced to just ‘five minutes’ through an electric powered seven-seater aircraft – eVTOL.

Sarla Aviation on Monday announced its partnership with BIAL to make Bengaluru India’s first eVTOL-friendly airport. eVTOL or electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing uses electric power to hover, take off and land vertically, similar to a helicopter.

eVTOLs are being developed as part of the broader push toward advanced air mobility (AAM), aiming to offer urban air transportation solutions such as air taxis, cargo deliveries or medical emergency services. eVTOLS are often seen as part of the future of urban mobility, with the potential to reduce traffic congestion and create more efficient transportation networks, particularly in cities.

According to the company’s website, the aircraft is capable of covering distances up to 160km, but it’s optimally designed for the typical 20-40 kilometre inner-city commutes. “In our launch cities – Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi – passengers can expect to save up to 87% of their usual commute time, transforming the way you travel in the bustling urban landscape.”

It also states the with eVTOL the time taken from Electronic City to BLR Airport is set to reduce to under 20 minutes, compared to 152 minutes taken by road. “Equipped with four, double-isolated battery packs, our eVTOL powers seven electric motors. Sarla achieves speeds up to 250 km/h, transforming hour-long commutes into mere minutes. It is built to accommodate a pilot, and comfortable seating for 6 passengers, along with their luggage. It is also capable of performing back-to-back 40-kilometer trips with just 15 minutes of charging time in between,” the company has stated in its website.

The company in a statement said, “We are very excited to share that Sarla Aviation partners with Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BLR) to make Bengaluru India’s first eVTOL-friendly airport! We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Bangalore Airport Ltd as we join forces to bring the future of air mobility to India’s tech capital. Bengaluru International Airport is not only our home base and one of the largest airports in India and the world but also a forward-thinking hub where #sustainability is at the heart of everything. Together, we aim to make Bengaluru India’s first eVTOL-friendly airport, setting a new standard for sustainable aviation.”

Adrian Schmidt, CEO and one of the co-founders of Sarla Aviation, said, “I am proud to partner with Kempegowda International Airport, marking a significant step in addressing Bengaluru’s congestion challenges. Currently, a journey from Indiranagar to the airport can take 1.5 hours—very soon, we will reduce that to just 5 minutes with Sarla’s fully electric flying taxis. I am truly inspired by the leadership at Bengaluru Airport, whose vision challenges young companies like ours to push boundaries and redefine what’s possible.”

He said that the collaboration represents a transformative journey towards reshaping how passengers travel, providing faster, cleaner, and more efficient air mobility options.

Last week, Sarla Aviation also met Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in Delhi to discuss India’s leadership in the Era of Urban Air Mobility, steps toward creating a Bharat-centric eVTOL policy and outlining the company’s steps to bring Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to India and ensuring smooth regulatory pathways.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: HISTORICAL RECORDS: 13th-century stone inscription discovered in Davanagere district

A 13th-century stone inscription, or Veeragallu, has been uncovered in Davanagere district during the renovation of the ancient Kalleshwar temple.

A 13th-century stone inscription, or Veeragallu, has been uncovered in Elehole village, Harihara taluk, Davanagere district during the renovation of the ancient Kalleshwar temple, a site dating back to the Kalyana Chalukya period.

The stone inscription, which had remained buried for centuries, has revealed historical connections to the Sevuna dynasty and the heroism of local defenders, offering significant insights into the history of the region.

Dating back to 1283 AD, the stone is carved from charcoal stone, measuring 4 feet in length and 2.5 feet in width. It bears a five-line inscription referring to the Sevuna royal family, also known as the Devagiri Yadavas. The inscription honours Ramachandra Chakravarti, a prominent ruler of the Sevuna dynasty, who held the title Yadava Narayana Bhujbala Praudhapratapa Chakravarti. This discovery highlights the strong presence and influence of the Devagiri Yadavas in the region during the late 13th century.

K Ravi Kumar told HT: “The lower part of the stone depicts Bhoja Narayana and Vambhava in the heat of battle. One of the brothers is shown beheading an enemy, while another enemy lies defeated. On the left, carvings of cows represent the cattle they were defending.”

“The central section of the stone illustrates the brothers’ journey to Kailasa, the divine abode of Lord Shiva. In this part, two celestial nymphs lift a vimana (celestial chariot), with musicians following behind, celebrating the heroes’ valour. The artistic representation symbolizes the heroes’ ascent to divine realms, honouring their sacrifice,” he said.

He further said: “At the top of the stone, the scene shifts to Shivaloka, where the brothers are depicted in Anjalimudra (a pose of reverence), worshipping a Shivalinga. This final image suggests eternal peace and glory, with the sun and moon depicted in the background, symbolizing that the brothers’ fame would endure as long as these celestial bodies exist.”

On the historical context of the Sevuna dynasty, or Devagiri Yadavas, Kumar said: “The Sevunas were a Kannada-speaking dynasty with a kingdom that spanned parts of present-day Karnataka and Maharashtra. They initially served as vassals under the Kalyana Chalukyas before asserting their independence in the 12th century.”

He said that the hero stone specifically refers to Ramachandra Chakravarti, a significant ruler of the Sevuna dynasty, who reigned from 1271 to 1312 AD. “Ramachandra was known for his military victories and cultural patronage, and he played an important role in shaping the region’s history. His reign saw the construction of the Lakshmi Narayan temple near the Harihareshwar temple in Harihara, commemorating his triumphs.”

The archaeologist said that the newly discovered stone inscription has not only shed light on the political and cultural dynamics of the late 13th century but also underscored the importance of local heroes in the social fabric of ancient Karnataka. The Kalleshwar temple, where the inscription was found, continues to be a focal point for archaeological study.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: ARTS & CULTURE / FESTIVALS : DASARA 2024: Tableaux showcase vibrant Karnataka

This year’s grand Dasara concluded with a spectacular procession featuring 52 tableaux that celebrated the rich culture and traditions of our State.

For the first time, the number of tableaux exceeded 50, a significant increase compared to previous years, where it ranged from 28 to 35. This year, not only districts but also various Boards and Corporations participated with their tableaux.

Among the highlights of the procession was the tableau from Yadgir, showcasing the Thinthani Mouneshwara Temple, while Kodagu district highlighted the Harangi Reservoir, land conservation, coffee, pepper, and elephant camps.

Raichur district presented the Mudgal Fort, and the Chamarajanagar tableau captured attention by showcasing Soliga tribal culture. The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) raised awareness for its ‘Ksheera Bhagya’ and ‘Ksheera Sanjeevini’ schemes, and Karnataka Soaps and Detergents displayed products highlighting Mysore Sandal Soap.

The newly formed Vijayanagara district transported spectators back to the glorious days of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The audience also enjoyed the Bengaluru Urban district’s portrayal of the iconic Vidhana Soudha as the ‘Power House,’ while Bidar highlighted Kannada Pattadevaru. Koppal showcased traditional Kinnala art, and the Tourism department’s tableau presented the State’s tourism spots under the title ‘Ondu Rajya Halavu Jagattu.’

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Dr. Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd. featured Lidkar products, Uttara Kannada district displayed the Murudeshwara Temple, and Bengaluru Rural showcased Ramadevara Betta and Heggunda.

Karnataka Silk Industries Limited (KSIL) presented various silk products under the theme ‘Karnataka Reshme Namma Hemme,’ while Davanagere district spread a message of humanity with its tableau themed ‘Naavu Manujaru.’

Udupi showcased its rich culture and coastal heritage, Shivamogga district highlighted the ‘Kaitabheshwara Temple’ located in Kotipura, Soraba taluk, and Ballari district presented the Kurugodu Temple.

The Mysuru district administration’s tableau, themed ‘Manavakulada Samanathe,’ emphasised the significance of unity among humanity. Other noteworthy tableaux included Bagalkote district’s ‘Rannana Kavya Gadayudha,’ Haveri district’s ‘Elakki Kampinadu’ and ‘Santara-Sahitigala Nelebidu’, and Ramanagara district’s portrayal of diversity.

Kalaburagi district showcased its commitment to development, while Vijayapura district featured Basavana Bagevadi. Belagavi district highlighted the 200 years of the Kittur War, and Chitradurga district presented its famous Fort and windmills.

Additionally, Chikkaballapura district showcased the Nandi Ropeway, Hassan district highlighted Belur and Halebidu and Tumakuru district featured Siddarabetta. Beyond the districts, various departments also participated, including Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation, Health and Family Welfare, Information and Publicity, Police, Minority Welfare, and Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, all highlighting different Government schemes. Notably, the Health Department’s tableau raised awareness about female foeticide.

Institutions such as the Central Food Technological and Research Institute (CFTRI), All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), and Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) also presented their contributions through tableaux. The Indian Railways tableau showcased the Vande Bharat Express, which has been popular since its launch.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: KARNATAKA: HISTORY : Know Your City | Exploring Bengaluru’s connections to World Wars

Two institutions deeply entrenched in Bengaluru’s history of the World Wars are the Madras Engineering Group and Bishop Cottons School.

While walking through the cities of Europe, one can still see the scars and memories of the World Wars, with the occasional bomb being discovered even today. On the other side of the world, Bengaluru was far from these earthshaking conflicts, but it nevertheless took part in them. And if you know where to look, the World Wars have left clues to the city’s participation in them, too.

One of the better known such remnants is the World War 1 Sappers Memorial at Brigade Road, in tribute to the 449 slain soldiers of the Madras Pioneers who fought in war theatres across the Indian frontier, the Middle East, and Africa. The other faces of the memorial recall the dead of other pioneer units, one of which, the 61st King George’s Own Pioneers, lost 235 men. They were also part of the “Bangalore Brigade,” which saw action in the defence of East Africa during World War I.

Another fixture of Bengaluru’s military history is the Madras Engineering Group itself. Long headquartered in the city, it has existed under various names since 1780. The unit saw action across the major theatres of World War I, from the Egyptian and Palestinian fronts to the battlefields of France. This era also saw the unit make a major military innovation. Just two years before World War I broke out in 1914, Captain R L McClintock, who was assigned to the unit at the time, developed the Bangalore Torpedo. While not a weapon in itself, the pipe-shaped explosive device proved useful in clearing out traps and barbed-wire barriers in front of attacking troops. Modernised versions of the device are still in use worldwide.

The Madras Engineering Group would go on to fight across the battlefields of World War II. The unit saw extensive action near the frontier at Imphal and into Burma, fighting in the vicious slog that was the Allied invasion of Italy as well as the African campaigns against German general Erwin Rommel, the famous Desert Fox. It brought back a souvenir from these battlefields—a Stuart M5A1 light tank that one can still see near the Ulsoor lake. While the small, fast vehicle seems to have been prone to high losses in combat and was heavily used in a reconnaissance role, a unit of these tanks would become instrumental in the Taiwanese victory over China in the 1949 battle of Kinmen Island.

Another city institution that is deeply entrenched in the history of the World Wars is Bishop Cottons School. While nearly 200 alumni signed up for the Great War, as World War I was initially known, over 300 would respond to the call when yet another World War broke out. Their history is extensively documented in Aditya Sondhi’s The Order of the Crest, which follows the history of the various alumni of the institute. One of these, Clive Armstrong Johnson, would die at just 18 years of age fighting in the Mesopotamian theatre of the war in 1916. As Sondhi records, the school magazine sent to him (The Cottonian) seems to have been a comfort in a time of turmoil. One of his teachers at the school, Lieutenant Cyril Wallace, wrote back regarding Clive’s bravery before his death. He did not long outlive his student. Sondhi records that 23 Cottonians died fighting in World War I.

World War II was no different. Among the most famous alumni of this era would be none other than General K S Thimayya, the third head of the independent Indian Army. Thimayya was one of the rare Indians to command larger units in the battle, commanding 8 Kumaon in the Burmese theatre and the 36th British Brigade during the later Allied occupation of Japan. Another alumnus, Lt Gen A C Ayappa, was a captain in the Malaya theatre, where he survived terrible conditions as a prisoner of war. He served as chairman of Bharat Electronics Limited after Independence.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL : NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: SPORTS : International equestrian event returns to India after 14 years with ‘The Asian Equestrian Federation Cup Youth (AEF Cup-CSIY-B) in Bengaluru, October 11-13

International-level equestrian events will return to India after a gap of 14 years on Friday with the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) hosting an FEI-approved Asian-level Showjumping event for youth riders. The Asian Equestrian Federation Cup-Youth (AEF Cup-CSIY-B), will be held in Bengaluru from October 11-13.

To create more competitive opportunities for young Indian riders, the AEF Youth Cup will ensure world-class competition at home. The competition will see a total of 11 countries, including hosts India competing at Bengaluru’s Surge Stable, which has state-of-the-art facilities.

The format of the competition is of borrowed horses with an age limit of 16-21 years for the riders having a 115 cm maximum jump level.

India will have two participants – E. Suryaa Aaditya and Avik Bhatia, as they topped the selection trials held at Surge Stable in Bengaluru on Thursday, which was attended by 11 riders.

“The EFI is proud to have successfully brought this FEI-approved international tournament to India after a 14-year hiatus. Hosting such a prestigious and competitive event is not just a point of pride for us at EFI; it’s a tremendous opportunity for Indian riders to experience top-tier competition right at home,” said EFI Secretary General Col. Jaiveer Singh.

“This tournament allows us to showcase India as a promising destination for international equestrian events, enhancing our status in the emerging global equestrian market. Moreover, it provides local riders with the chance to excel in familiar conditions, further elevating the sport in our country,” he added.

The other 10 participating countries — Kuwait, Malaysia, Pakistan, Iran, Hong Kong, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Chinese Taipei, and Uzbekistan — will put up one rider each, the EFI informed in a release on Thursday.

Both Surya and Avik have risen through the EFI junior rank competitions. Surya was a silver medallist at the Junior National Equestrian Championship (JNEC) in both Dressage and Jumping events in 2022. He has also won a silver medal at the Grade III NEC event last year.

Avik was adjudged the best junior rider (2023) and the best young rider this year at the Delhi Horse Show. He is also a medal winner at the junior and senior Nationals.

source/content: ianlive.in (headline edited)

NATIONAL: Ratan Tata’s Karnataka connection

The Tata family’s association with Karnataka goes back decades, when Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata along with the then Maharaja of Mysuru helped set up the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in the early 1900s.

Eminent industrialist Ratan Tata, who breathed his last on Wednesday, had a strong connection with Karnataka, something that he fostered over the years, keeping with the legacy of the Tata family.

This relationship would continue for years to come, with Ratan Tata, as chairman of Tata Sons, later becoming the president of the IISc Court, the highest decision-taking body of the prestigious institute.

But it didn’t end there.

A frequent attendee at Bengaluru’s Aero India air shows, Ratan Tata took audiences by surprise in 2007 when he flew a Lockheed Martin F-16 jet.

A few years later in 2011, Tata, then aged 74 years, flew in on an F/A-18 Super Hornet.

Commenting on his experience in flying the advanced fighter jet in 2011, Tata said at the time, “During the ride, we performed aerobatics. We flew low, high and went through some accelerations. I loved it and I would not mind doing it all again.”

“This is not my first time flying in fighter jets but definitely my favorite one. The Bengaluru aero show gave me a terrific experience,” he added.

Although the industrialist did not fly any sorties after 2011, he was still a frequent attendee, and was spotted at many editions thereafter.

As Bengaluru and Karnataka prospered, Tata also saw it as an opportunity, and highlighted the state’s potential in sectors such as information technology (IT) and aerospace, and pitched Karnataka as a state ripe for investment.

During the Invest Karnataka Global Investors’ Meet in Bengaluru in 2016—attended by then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Union Minister Arun Jaitley, among others—Ratan Tata asserted that the state “boasts remarkable human capital.”

“I’m not making this statement based on promises but on my own interactions and experiences with the state over the years,” he said.

source/content: deccanherald.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: ARTS & CULTURE / FILMS :‘Will have 50 per cent women in team’, Filmmaker Kiran Rao on her feature film ‘Laapataa Ladies’ being India’s offical entry for the 2025 Oscars, and more

Ladies, go for it! Go for it!” says film director, producer, and writer Kiran Rao, giving a message to young women joining the film industry and looking to make strides. Rao has recently been in the news for her film Laapataa Ladies which has surpassed 28 other Indian films to be the country’s official entry in the Best International Feature Film category for the 2025 Oscars.

“India’s entry in itself is an award for me. I am so humbled and we will do our best to make everyone proud,” says Rao. The film, set in rural India, explores themes such as marriage, patriarchy, and societal norms. Two veiled, red saree-donning brides, Phool (Nitanshi Goel) and Jaya (Pratibha Ranta), undertake an adventurously arduous journey of self-discovery after being mistakenly exchanged during a train ride to their respective homes after marriage.

Though both of them go through very different experiences, they learn, unlearn, and wake up in their own ways. Rao says, “The idea of the veil is a great physical metaphor showing that there is a dayra or limit that circumscribes their potential. We did not critique any type of veil; at the end of the film, they are still wearing veils and it doesn’t matter because it is their choice.”

The original story, called Two Brides, was written by Biplab Goswami. Rao tweaked several aspects of this story for her film and also introduced a character called Manju Mai, a quirky middle-aged woman Phool meets at a train station. “Manju Mai symbolises women’s independence, living on her own terms.

The women in our lives our mothers, aunts, grandmothers, sisters have done so much for us. Yet their work is not valued and Manju Mai really essays that as a character,” says Rao, who, going forward ‘plans to have 50 per cent of women in her filmmaking team’.

Further, Rao highlighted the need for more women, queer people and those from marginalised backgrounds to be in filmmaking. “But I do believe there are sensitive male directors as well; just look at The Great Indian Kitchen! And as someone raising a son, the human that he is speaks about who I am! So, raising empathetic boys is important,” she says.

Rao is also working on films in the comedy, dark drama and supernatural horror categories. Signing off she says, “When you have humour, it creates a space for conversation.”

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: Bengaluru-based Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospave (FWDA) announces successful maiden flight of indigenous unmanned bomber aircraft

Bengaluru-headquartered Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA) on Tuesday announced the successful maiden flight of indigenous unmanned bomber aircraft, the FWD 200B.

Classified as a Medium Altitude (15,000 feet) Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), the FWD 200B is equipped with optical payloads for surveillance and missile-like weapons for air strikes and bombing, the FWDA Founder and CEO Suhas Tejaskanda told reporters here.

“The aircraft’s aerodynamics design, airframe, propulsion systems, controls systems, electronics are all made in India at FWDA’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility of 12,000 sq.ft built on 1.5 acre land, located at Electronic City, Bengaluru,” he said.

FWD 200B features a wingspan of five metres and a length of 3.5 metres. It has a maximum take-off weight of 102 kg and a payload capacity of 30 kg, the company said.

It can fly at a cruise speed of 152 kms per hour, with a maximum speed of 250 km per hour. Its runway requirement is just 300 metres allowing it to operate from shorter airstrips, Tejaskanda said.

“With an endurance of seven hours and a range of 800 km, the FWD 200B ensures extended mission capabilities, providing substantial coverage without the need for frequent refueling or landing,” he said.

PTI GMS RS RS

source/content: thebengalurulive.con (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: HEALTH & MEDICAL: Epione Bengaluru branch celebrates one year in Bengaluru, treating over 1,200 patients

This milestone underscores the centre’s commitment to innovative and compassionate pain management solutions.

Epione, a pain relief centre, successfully completed one year in Bengaluru, providing care and relief to over 1,200 patients. This milestone underscores the centre’s commitment to innovative and compassionate pain management solutions.

With over 20 years of experience, Epione has treated more than 50,000 patients across its centres in South India and is recognised for introducing plasma therapy (PRP) for pain relief in the country.

The Bengaluru branch has been pivotal in offering specialised therapies that help patients manage chronic pain and enhance their quality of life through advanced, non-invasive treatments.

Founder and Managing Director and Chief of Pain Medicine Dr Sudheer Dara said, “Our mission has always been to enhance the lives of people suffering from chronic pain. Our first year in Bengaluru has exceeded our expectations in terms of patient response and clinical success.

We are committed to expanding our services to reach more people in need.” Moreover, to meet the growing demand for services, Epione plans to open two additional branches in Bengaluru next year. Clinical Head Dr Vidya Bandaru, highlighted the centre’s progress over the past year and the commitment to expanding patient-centric care.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)