Amazing Feats – Karnataka First

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)

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)

Udupi: Rajaram Tallur’s book ‘Karidabbi’ receives Sahitya Akademi Award for thoughtful writing

Writer and columnist Rajaram Tallur’s book ‘Karidabbi’ has been honored with the Karnataka Sahitya Akademi’s 2022 Book Award for best thoughtful writing. The award was presented on March 25 at a ceremony held at Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bengaluru by the state’s minister for Kannada and Culture, Shivaraj Tangadagi.

The event was attended by senior writer Dr Hampanagarajayya, Karnataka Sahitya Akademi president L N Mukundaraj, secretary of the Kannada and Culture department Dr N Manjula, director of the Kannada and culture department K M Gayatri, and several other dignitaries.

During the ceremony, the Sahitya Akademi’s Honorary Award and Sahitya Shri Awards for the year 2023 were also presented.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Mysuru’s Sumithra Raju – Traiblazer, 2-Wheeler Female Mechanic Breaking barriers with Grease & Grit…

Mysuru’s woman mechanic powers ahead.

On International Women’s Day, stories of resilience and determination shine a light on women who step beyond societal norms. One such trailblazer is Sumithra Raju, Mysuru’s two-wheeler mechanic, proving that no field is off-limits for women.

For the past four years, Sumithra has been repairing scooters at Suchithra Auto Service Centre on Basaveshwara Road, defying the conventional belief that mechanics is a male-dominated domain.

Her journey into this world of grease and gears was fuelled by two things: A passion for learning something unconventional and the need to support her family financially.

A journey from fields to workshops

A native of Byathahalli in Mysuru taluk, Sumithra, now 49, was born into a family of agriculturists.

Hard work was ingrained in her life early on. With only a Class 5 education, she toiled as a farm labourer alongside her father and siblings, harvesting cotton and groundnut to make ends meet.

Marriage to Raju, a construction worker, brought new responsibilities, and when her two daughters were of marriageable age, Sumithra sought ways to supplement the family’s income.

Her turning point came when she repeatedly visited the garage where she now works, getting her scooter serviced. Intrigued by the mechanics, she asked the garage owner, Surendran, if she could learn the trade. Surprised but supportive, he agreed.

Spanners, scooters & success

Today, Sumithra can handle all scooter repairs, from minor fixes to complex engine overhauls. “If you are determined to take up the challenge, success is guaranteed,” she says, tightening a bolt with a practiced grip.

Surendran, her mentor and garage owner, takes immense pride in her journey. “In my 28 years of running this garage, she is the first woman mechanic I’ve trained. Sumithra is living proof that if a woman is willing, she can master any skill,” he says.

Sumithra’s garage exclusively services scooters, and with more women riding two-wheelers, she finds herself in a unique position to encourage others to enter the field. She even services her five personal two-wheelers on her own and is open to teaching other women who are interested in learning vehicle repair.

In a world where women are making strides in every sector, Sumithra Raju’s story is a testament to perseverance and breaking gender stereotypes — one scooter at a time.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

6 organizations, 20 women achievers awarded ‘Kittur Rani Chennamma’ award 2025, who deserves the award?

On the occasion of International Women’s Day-2025, 6 organizations and 20 women achievers who worked for the all-round development of women were presented with the Kittur Rani Chennamma Award. The Yashodharamma Dasappa Award, Antaraal and Model Parenting Guidelines were also released at the event held at the Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bengaluru.

Highlights :

Kittur Rani Chennamma Award presented to 6 organizations and 20 women achievers
The award was presented by Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar.
Selection of associations for state-level awards under the Stree Shakti scheme in 2024-25

Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar on Saturday presented the Kittur Rani Chennamma Awards to 6 organizations and 20 women achievers who have worked for the all-round development of women.

The Kittur Rani Channamma Award was presented during the International Women’s Day-2025 program held at the Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bengaluru by the Department of Women and Child Development.

On this occasion, the Yashodharamma Dasappa Award, Antaraal and Model Parenting Guidelines – 2024 edition were released.

Institutions that received the Kittur Rani Chennamma Award for the year 2024-25

1. Janachintan Town and Rural Development Institute, Chikkamagaluru.
2. Family Planning Association of India, Bangalore.
3. Sreedaneshwari Mahila Vidyut Looms Cooperative Society, Mandarapet, Near Veerabadreshwara Temple, Banahatti, Bagalkot.
4. Chetana Seva Sanstha(R), Deevagi, Kumta, Uttara Kannada, Sri Ramachandra Kanna Ambiga Po-Deevagi, Uttara Kannada District.
5. Ruchi Trust (Education, Literature, Social, Cultural Arts) Near Muddal Cross, Yadgir.
6. Navashri Kalachetana Sanstha President, Keshwapur, Hubli-Dharwad District

Women who received the award,

1. Dr. Veena S. Bhat, Bhadravati
2. Dr. Pooja Mallappa, Bevur, Gadag
3. Prema H, Udupi
4. Rashmi S.R., Hassan district
5. Nazima S., Shivamogga,
6. Suvarna, Bangalore
7. Manjula, Mandya
8. Aditi Parappa Kshatrateja, Dharwad

Art field

1. Dr. Vedarani Dasanur, Dharwad
2. Usha Basappa Bangalore
3. Vidushi: Rajani L Karigara Ranebennur
4. A.S. Padmavati, Bhadravati
5. Pooja Raghunandan, Hassan

Literary field

1. Richal Britti Fernandez, Mangalore
2. Dr. Sangeeta M. Heeremath, Kalaburagi
3. Kasturi.D. Pattar, Koppal District

Sports field

1. Gayatri, Uttara Kannada
2. Amulya, Haveri

Education sector

1. Lalitha C. Karimani, Gadag District

Heroic woman field

Dr. Vishalakshi. Karaddi, Kalaburagi

The best Stree Shakti groups selected for the best state level award under the Stree Shakti scheme for the year 2024-25

Adishakti Women’s Self-Help Association, Gadag
Aishwarya Stree Shakti Self Help Association, Belgaum
Shree Sharada Streeshakti Swasahay Sangh, Bangalore Rural

The best women empowerment groups selected for the Smt. Yashodharamma Dasappa Divisional Level Award for the year 2024-25

Shri Parvathi Streeshakti Swasahay Sangh, Chitradurga
Shri Gautama Buddha Mahila Streeshakti Swasahay Sangha, Mysore
Neelambike Women’s Self-Help Association, Bagalkot
Sri Shakti Mallikarjuna Women’s Self-Help Association, Kalaburagi

Taluk Unions selected for the Best Taluk Union Award for the year 2024-25

Stree Shakti Women’s Block Society, Bangalore City
Sahana Stree Shakti Block Society, Chikkaballapur
Sri Banashankari Streeshakti Block Society, Bagalkote

source/content: vijaykarnataka.com (headline edited)

India Paddle Festival 2025: Top global athletes to compete at Sasihithlu Beach

The much-anticipated India Paddle Festival, the country’s premier international stand-up paddling event, returns for its second edition from March 7 to 9 at the picturesque Sasihithlu Beach. This year’s event will feature a stellar lineup, headlined by World No. 2 Christian Andersen and former world champion Daniel Hasulyo, promising a thrilling three-day showcase of elite paddling talent.

Alongside Andersen and Hasulyo, the festival will also feature the defending women’s champion Esperanza Barreras, a four-time world champion, and South Africa’s rising star Chiara Vorster. The men’s category will bring fierce competition, with athletes like Spain’s Antonio Morillo and Denmark’s “Polar Bear” Christian Andersen battling for the top spot.

India’s own Sekar Patchai, the reigning national champion and a 25-time title-holder, will lead the home charge, representing the nation’s growing stand-up paddling prowess. He will be joined by Manikandan, one of the country’s most promising paddlers, as they take on international rivals in what promises to be an action-packed contest.

The festival is organized by the Surfing Swami Foundation and Mantra Surf Club, with support from Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism, Government of India) and Karnataka Tourism. Sanctioned by the Association of PaddleSurf Professionals (APP) World Tour, the official World Championship Tour for stand-up paddling, the event will feature intense SUP racing across multiple formats, including sprint, technical, and distance races. In addition to the thrilling competitions, the festival will offer live music and vibrant cultural celebrations, creating an exciting atmosphere for spectators and participants alike.

With over 40 paddlers from across the globe set to compete in four categories—men’s open, women’s open, junior U-16 boys, and girls—the India Paddle Festival 2025 will further strengthen India’s reputation as an emerging hub for non-motorized water sports. This milestone event comes on the heels of India’s recent achievement in securing its first-ever surfing quota for the Asian Games, marking a new chapter in the country’s growing interest and success in water sports.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Karnataka tops in Devolution Index ranking of Panchayat Raj system

In the overall category, Kerala and Tamil Nadu bag second and third spots, respectively, says the report.

Karnataka tops the overall Devolution Index (DI) ranking of the Panchayat Raj system among States in India, while Kerala and Tamil Nadu are in the second and third spot, respectively.

The report titled ‘Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States – An Indicative Evidence-Based Ranking’ (2024) released by the Centre on February 13 states that Karnataka tops the chart in the DI and in the key sub-indices of ‘finances’ and ‘accountability’. Overall, the State has commendable performance across nearly all identified metrics.

States/UTs were ranked according to the overall panchayat DI and six key dimensions of framework, functions, finances, functionaries, capacity enhancement, and accountability. The Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi, prepared the report.

Overall index score

The report notes that Karnataka ranks first with an overall index score of 72.23 followed by Kerala (70.59), Tamil Nadu (68.38), and Maharashtra (61.44). While BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh ranks fifth (60.07), Gujarat is ranked sixth (58.26). Bihar along with the north-eastern and hilly States of Assam, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand emerged as moderate scorers but with values above the national average of 43.89.

Six key dimensions

In the framework criterion, Kerala ranks first followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Haryana

In the functional criterion, Tamil Nadu tops the list followed by Karnataka, Odisha, and Rajasthan

In the finances criterion, Karnataka has secured the top place followed by Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan

In the accountability criterion, Karnataka tops followed by Kerala, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh

In the functionaries criterion, Gujarat ranks first followed by Tamil Nadu and Kerala

In the capacity building criterion, Telangana has secured the first spot followed by Tamil Nadu and Gujarat

Framework dimension

In the ‘Framework’ dimension, Kerala ranks first with a score of 83.56 followed by Maharashtra (74.74), Karnataka (74.43), and Haryana (73.3).

This dimension includes legal requirements such as holding regular panchayat elections, reserving seats for women, SCs, and STs, and establishing State Election Commission and State Finance Commission.

Functions

In the ‘functions’ dimension, Tamil Nadu tops with an index value of 60.24. Karnataka (57.62), Odisha (57.46), and Rajasthan (56.13) are marginally separated from each other. This criterion stipulates States to assign local functions to panchayats, enabling them to act as institutions of self-government. Karnataka delegates a significant number of functions to panchayats and GPs enjoy maximum power to levy taxes and non-taxes, it said.

Finances

Under the criterion of ‘Finances’, Karnataka has secured the top place with a score of 70.65 followed by Kerala (62.89), Tamil Nadu (55.78), and Rajasthan (54.56). In this indicator, States have been evaluated based on the release of funds in time under the 15th Finance Commission. It is found that most States are not serious about the constitution of the SFCs and implement their recommendations.

Accountability

Karnataka has topped in the ‘Accountability’ dimension with the highest score (81.33) in the indicators of ‘social audit’ and ‘gram sabha’. Karnataka is followed by Kerala, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh with the score of 81.18, 80.36, and 76.07, respectively.

Criteria adopted in this category are accounting and audit of panchayats, social audit of panchayats, functioning of gram sabha, transparency and anti-corruption, panchayat assessment, and incentivisation. Overall, the GP system in Karnataka has served as a vital institution for promoting local self-governance, participatory democracy, and sustainable development in rural areas, the report noted.

Functionaries

In the ‘Functionaries’ dimension, Karnataka has one of the maximum number of panchayat officials working as per the sanctioned positions prescribed by the State. Gujarat tops the list with a value of 90.94, followed by Tamil Nadu (84.25), and Kerala (82.99). Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Maharashtra have secured scores above 70 along with Himachal Pradesh (70.06). Key indicators included in this dimension are the physical infrastructure of panchayats, e-connectivity of panchayats, panchayat officials, and sanctioned and actual staff positions.

Capacity building

In the ‘Capacity building’ dimension, Karnataka is among the top 10 States. Key indicators included in this category are training institutions, and training activities of elected representatives and officials.

Telangana has secured the first rank (86.19) followed by Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat, with the score of 84.29 and 83.96, respectively.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Karnataka sets record with highest passport issuance in 2024

With an increasing number of Kannadigas, especially those from tier-2 and tier-3 cities, aspiring to go abroad, the regional passport office has been witnessing a surge in applications. In 2024, a record-breaking 8,83,755 passports were issued, the highest till date.

In 2023, 34,000 passports were issued, which was the highest at that time. This information was shared by Krishna K, the regional passport officer of Bengaluru.

Krishna further stated, “There are 23 Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) in Karnataka. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of applications has increased significantly. We are receiving 700 to 800 applications daily from these POPSKs.”

He added, “International travel has regained momentum post-Covid, leading to a steady rise in passport demand. There has been a significant increase in the number of Indians traveling abroad for work, education, or tourism. In 2024, 4,88,509 passports were issued to men, 3,95,236 to women, and 10 to transgender individuals.”

Among those who obtained passports in 2024, one person was 100 years old, eight were between 96 and 99 years old, and 8,668 were in the 76-95 age group. The highest number of passports (3,88,453) was issued to individuals aged 16 to 35. Notably, February 2024 recorded the highest monthly issuance, with 78,416 passports.

Apart from passport issuance, the department also provides Police Clearance Certificates (PCCs), which are mandatory for employment in some countries. In 2024, 7,284 PCCs were issued for Kuwait, 2,712 for Australia, and several for Israel, which also requires PCCs.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Mysuru’s Tejaswani, Class 9 student’s tech-driven ‘monkey repellent’ grabs eyeballs at hackathon

Tejaswini, a Class 9 student from Morarji Desai Residential School in Mysuru, is making waves at a hackathon with her innovative solution to tackle a common yet persistent problem — monkeys invading hostels and homes to steal food and clothes. Together with her five-member team, Tejaswini has developed a prototype that uses technology to drive away monkeys humanely.

Their project is one of 11 creative solutions being showcased at Hack to the Future 2025, organised by Quest Alliance from January 27 to 31 in the city.

The solution features a 360-degree camera to detect monkey activity, triggering an ultrasonic sound at 35 to 40 kHz frequencies. Inaudible to humans but irritating to monkeys, this sound deters them without causing harm. Powered by electricity and components like Raspberry Pi, the system was developed with the guidance of mentors during the event.

“This project is not just about protecting our belongings but also ensuring the monkeys are unharmed. We’re still fine-tuning the system and haven’t tested it yet, but we’re hopeful about its impact,” she said.

The hackathon has provided Tejaswini’s team with the tools and knowledge to refine their prototype, with mentors offering hands-on training and materials.

For mentor Roshan Ara Begum, the event has been transformative for the students. “Hackathons like these are golden opportunities for students to gain exposure to technology and build confidence,” she said.

Tejaswini and her team are among 57 students from five states participating in the event. The hackathon will culminate in a Shark Tank-style presentation before a jury, where students will pitch their solutions.

Beyond the event, participants are encouraged to apply their learnings to real-life challenges and explore government schemes to scale their projects.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)