Business & Economy – Page 2

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)

Dalai Lama arrives at Bylakuppe Camp, Jan 2025

Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama, arrived this morning at the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement Camp in Mysuru district, for an extended stay. His last brief visit to Bylakuppe was in 2017.

The Dalai Lama departed from his Thekchen Choeling residence in McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, on Jan. 3. After a day’s stay in New Delhi, his special flight arrived in Bengaluru on Jan. 4 at 2 pm.

Following his stay at a hotel where he was welcomed by over 600 Tibetan students from various colleges and Tibetan businessmen, the Dalai Lama’s helicopter took off from Bengaluru at 9.30 am and landed at Tibetan Dickey Larsoe (TDL) in the Tibetan First Camp, Bylakuppe, at 11 am. A basketball court at TDL was converted into a helipad.

His Holiness was received according to protocol by Mysuru Assistant Commissioner Vijay Kumar, Mysuru SP N. Vishnuvardhana, Kushalnagar Tahsildar J. Nisargapriya and other officials.

Thousands greet their Guru

The Dalai Lama was escorted in a procession from the helipad to the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery — a four-kilometre route — where thousands of monastics, Tibetan monks, nuns, schoolchildren and Bylakuppe residents lined both sides of the road to pay their respects.

They were holding ceremonial scarves and incense sticks to greet His Holiness and seek his blessings. People in their finest traditional attire had lined up hours in advance to welcome their Guru.

Upon reaching the fully adorned and artistically painted Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the Dalai Lama was guided by Abbot Zeekyab Rinpoche to an elevated seat resembling a throne, where a prayer in his honour was scheduled for 15 minutes as per Tibetan rituals and culture. Lunch was arranged at the monastery, followed by rest.

Accompanying the Dalai Lama at the Tibetan Camp are 400 Police personnel and teams of officers from Dharamshala who have been accommodated inside the Tibetan Camp as they will stay till the spiritual leader leaves Mysuru. Hundreds of monks have arrived from Ladakh and Dharamshala in preparation for his stay.

Prayer sessions, interactions

The prayer sessions, visiting schedules and blessings sessions have not yet been finalised. After a two-day rest, the Dalai Lama is scheduled to hold prayer sessions, interactions and enlightenment sessions with a 15,000-strong crowd of monks.

This is the Dalai Lama’s first trip outside Dharamshala since his return on Aug. 28 following knee surgery in New York City. Officials at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery stated that His Holiness would spend the majority of his time in the settlements at this monastery. It was also mentioned that he may remain in Bylakuppe until Tibetan Losar (New Year) which falls in February.

Subject to his health, he may conduct teachings and grant some audiences at the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. Bylakuppe hosts the second-largest population of Tibetans living in exile after Dharamshala.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

Hoysala Award 2024 Ceremony, Mysuru on Jan. 5

The following 18 achievers from various fields have been selected for the State-level prestigious Hoysala Award for 2024 given by Hoysala Kannada Sangha and Savigannada Pathrika Balaga:

K.T. Veerappa (Literature); Dr. Aralumallige Parthasarathy (Spiritual and Dasa Literature); Dr. Gajanana Sharma (Literature); Dr. B.S. Pranatharthiharan (Literature and Akashvani Service); Dr. H.T. Shailaja (Literature and Education); Dr. T.R. Anantharamu (Science Literature); Dr. K.S. Sadananda (Medical); Dr. S.N. Hegde (Science Literature); Dr. K. Kumar (Dance); M.V. Roopa (Space Science); N.V. Dinesh (Education); Vidwan M.S. Naveen (Classical Music); Shringar Sanjivashetty (Industry and Social Service); Yashasvi Somashekhar (Industry and Rotary Service); Vidushi K.S. Ramamani (Classical Music); Dr. Janardana Bhat (Literature); R.A. Chetan Ram (Education and Personality Development) and S.K. Suresh (Social Service).

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

IISc alumni association remembers Ratan Tata, presents Entrepreneur Award to Kavyashree Manjunath Ph.D for her Research on Drug Delivery & Immunogen Development

During the first part of the programme, the association remembered Ratan Tata and his contribution to IISc.

S Mohan, Professor Emiritus (Centre for Nano Science and Engineering, IISc) and M R Chandrashekar, ex-security officer, IISc, paid respects to Tata, while members of the executive committee and the audience paid homage.

At a programme hosted on Saturday, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) alumni association commemorated the birth anniversary of Ratan Tata and presented a young entrepreneur award.

The ‘Smt Shuba & Prof Dwarakadasa Young Entrepreneur Award’ was presented to researcher Kavyashree Manjunath, PhD, by Prof Eswarahalli Dwarakadasa. Kavyashree was recognised for her work in the field of drug discovery and immunogen development.

According to the association, during her nine years of academic research, Kavyashree has solved and deposited 20 protein structures in the Protein Data Bank and co-authored 13 research articles, two review articles and a book chapter.

It further said that Kavyashree transformed her expertise as a scientist to address “one of the most challenging but often ignored areas, the plastic pollution.”

“On the scientific side, I am sure the best work has been done,” Prof Dwarakadasa said. “However, if there is no audit of the material – how much is produced, how much is distributed and how is gotten back – any amount of scientific work is useless.”

During the first part of the programme, the association remembered Ratan Tata and his contribution to IISc. S Mohan, Professor Emiritus (Centre for Nano Science and Engineering, IISc) and M R Chandrashekar, ex-security officer, IISc, paid respects to Tata, while members of the executive committee and the audience paid homage.

source/content: deccanherald.com (headline edited)

Kannada Sahitya Sammelana displays ancient scripts, celebrates heritage

The interactive gateway also proved to be an invaluable tool for scholars and educators attending the event.

A school going boy with curiosity leaned closer to a monitor, trying to decipher an ancient Kannada script displayed on the screen. Beside him, his friends lined up eagerly pointed out the characters, guiding him through the process.

This scene, a mix of wonder and camaraderie, was one of many at the Akshara Bhandara platform that captivated visitors during the 87th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana in Mandya on Saturday.

The Sammelana witnessed a vibrant spectacle on the second day as curious individuals from all walks of life thronged the Akshara Bhandara stall in the exhibition area. The interactive exhibits captivated attendees with its display of ancient Kannada scripts on large monitors, sparking a sense of pride and wonder in Karnataka’s linguistic heritage.

The Akshara Bhandara platform, aptly named “Treasure of Letters,” transformed the academic study of ancient Kannada scripts into an engaging experience. Developed as the first-of-its-kind software, the platform bridges the gap between history and modernity, offering users access to over 30,000 ancient Kannada characters, revealed a stall manager. “We are sensitising people about our initiative which acts as a platform providing a treasure trove of historical metadata, shedding light on Karnataka’s dynasties, regions, and rulers as well,” he said.

The platform became a focal point of attention, drawing an unending stream of visitors eager to explore its features. Children, many of whom were experiencing the ancient script for the first time, gazed in awe at the intricate characters displayed on the monitors. Meanwhile, elders shared stories of Karnataka’s cultural past, weaving a poignant connection between the past and present.

The interactive gateway also proved to be an invaluable tool for scholars and educators attending the event. Researchers praised its extensive database for providing a comprehensive insight into Karnataka’s epigraphic legacy.

Meanwhile, the Book Mela organised as part of the Sammelana added to the literary charm of the event. Over 150 publication houses and publishers set up stalls, offering Kannada books spanning genres such as novels, short stories, poetry, and essays at discounted prices.

The stalls also featured shirts, keychains, and other merchandise adorned with Kannada words, fonts, and letters, which attracted both young and old visitors alike.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Priyank Kharge highlights growing Indo-Swiss Biotech Collaboration

IT/BT and Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge highlighted the growing Indo-Swiss Biotech Collaboration as Anabio Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a pioneering force in femtech innovation has acquired the Microbe Investigations Switzerland (MIS), a Zurich-based leader in microbial research and diagnostics.

The event was attended by Priyank Kharge, who lauded the acquisition as a reflection of Karnataka’s burgeoning biotech ecosystem.

Other key leaders from both India and Switzerland including Mr. Jonas Brunschwig, CEO and Consul General of Swissnex, Mithun Shah, CEO of Anabio Technologies, Prof Dr Hendrik Tevaearai, Chairman of the Board, MIS were also present at the event.

The minister, in his address, said “This acquisition is a testament to Karnataka’s thriving biotech ecosystem.

With initiatives like Elevate, Unnati, and world-class infrastructure such as the Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre (BBC), Karnataka is proud to provide a conducive environment for innovation.

“We are committed to supporting companies like Anabio Technologies, who are taking India’s biotech prowess to the global stage,” He emphasized the critical role of collaboration between India and Switzerland in advancing biotech research and addressing global challenges,” Kharge said.

The event also marked the launch of a refreshed MIS brand identity, including a new logo and website.

The acquisition is a significant milestone in strengthening the Indo-Swiss partnership in biotechnology, fostering greater collaboration between India and Switzerland in microbial diagnostics, microbiome research, and sustainable innovation.

It will allow Anabio Technologies to enhance its capabilities in areas such as entomology, microbiome research, and environmental sustainability.

With a renewed brand identity, MIS is now poised to scale its operations globally while continuing to drive innovation in microbial diagnostics.
This landmark acquisition signals a new era of collaboration between India and Switzerland, positioning both countries as key players in the global biotech landscape.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

PM launches Centre of Excellence in Ayurveda for Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders at IISc

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday digitally launched a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Ayurveda for Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru.

The launch of the CoE under the Union Ministry of Ayush coincides with the 9th National Ayurveda Day observed on Tuesday (October 29).

This year’s theme “Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health” emphasises the importance of integrating Ayurveda with modern science to address critical health issues like diabetes.

Led by principal investigator Navakanta Bhat (professor at the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering at IISc) and co-principal investigator Sona Rajakumari (assistant professor, Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics at IISc), the CoE is one of the six new ones in Ayurveda launched across India on National Ayurveda Day.

Apart from IISc, these centres – established under the “Ayurswasthya Yojna” programme, will be led by premier institutions such as Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, and Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, Mumbai. Backed by a grant of ₹52.47 crore, the centres will spearhead cutting-edge research, education, and healthcare innovation in the field of Ayurveda, according to an official statement.

Additional investigators of this CoE from collaborating institutes in Bengaluru include Sulochana Bhat, who heads the Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI); S. Srikanta, director of Samatvam: Science and Research for Human Welfare Trust and K.S. Nagabhushana, Prayoga Institute of Education Research.

Longitudinal study

As a part of this CoE, a randomised active comparator controlled clinical trial will be conducted, with a longitudinal study over two years, to assess the efficacy of two new Ayurvedic formulations (Mustadi Ghana Vati and Varadi Ghana Vati) in prediabetes and type II diabetes. A total of 444 patients, including 120 from CARI, will be enrolled for the clinical trials, stated an official release.

In conjunction with the clinical trials, systematic in vitro (cell lines and animal models) and in vivo (blood samples of participants) studies will be pursued to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of protein glycation and oxidation (through mass spectroscopy), the role of different adipose tissues (brown, white, beige), and response to therapy.

“This study builds on our prior work on albumin glycation and oxidation,” said Dr Bhat. “By generating scientific evidence for the efficacy of Ayurvedic approaches, the Centre will pave the way for its integration into mainstream healthcare,” she said.

Dr Rajakumari said this would perhaps be the first such comprehensive study on the interplay between Ayurvedic therapy and reprograming of adipose tissue function.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Bengaluru emerges as top market for GCCs, holds highest share in IT/ITeS

2024 marked a rebound in demand, attributed to global companies aiming to reduce costs while accessing India’s wide talent pool.

Bengaluru has emerged as the top market for Global Capability Centres (GCCs) occupying flexible office spaces, accounting for 41 per cent of GCC-focused flex seats across India’s major markets, according to Knight Frank India’s latest report.

Titled ‘GCC — Driving India’s Real Estate Growth Story’, the report shows that GCC flex space occupancy across eight cities rose from 17,380 seats in 2023 to 22,881 seats by September 2024, with Bengaluru’s large share underscoring its position as a tech and corporate hub.

The report also highlights a significant regional contrast in GCC flex space distribution — while Bengaluru holds 41 per cent of GCC occupancy in flex spaces, Kolkata claims just 1 per cent. This distribution suggests distinct regional preferences, with Bengaluru leading the way as the preferred market for flex space among GCCs.

Across India’s top six cities, GCCs occupy nearly 202.6 million sqft of Grade A office space, with Bengaluru and Hyderabad collectively accounting for three-fourths of this space. From 2018 through the second quarter of 2024, the IT/ITeS sector has consistently dominated the GCC landscape, followed by Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) and consulting sectors. Specifically, Mumbai leads with the highest share of GCCs within the BFSI sector, while Bengaluru holds top position in the IT/ITeS sector.

The report points at several recommendations, including innovative financing strategies, exploring new micro markets, supportive government policies and flexible office space for enhancing GCC operations and growth in India.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

EIB Global announces 300 million euro loan for Bengaluru suburban railway network

EIB Global, the arm of the European Investment Bank (EIB) for financing activities outside the European Union (EU), on Friday, announced it would provide a 300 million euro loan to build a new suburban railway network covering four dedicated rail corridors in Bengaluru.

The network will stretch over a total of 149 km and include 58 stations and two depots.

At a meeting here, EIB Vice-President Nicola Beer and Karnataka Rail Infrastructure Development Company Ltd’s (KRIDE) Director of Finance Awadhesh Mehta, formally announced the loan towards Bengaluru suburban railway network will help cut pollution and carbon emissions and improve safety for women passengers.

“This funding complements the 500 million euros we allocated for the construction of the Bengaluru Metro R6 line, addressing Bengaluru’s mobility challenges by developing a clean, modern and efficient public transport system,” said Beer.

“The two projects we are financing in Bengaluru aim to create India’s most integrated rail network, providing seamless connectivity with all other modes of public transport in the city,” Beer said in a statement.

The earlier 500 million euro loan was given to build the 23 km Bengaluru Metro R6 line and purchase a fleet of about 96 metro cars. The EIB has so far financed metro projects in Agra, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Pune, with a total of 3.25 billion euros committed since 2016 – making India the largest beneficiary of its transport financing outside Europe.

EU Ambassador to India and Bhutan, Herve Delphin, said it marks a major milestone in our collaboration as “we unlock new opportunities for growth, connectivity and positive social, economic and environmental impact, further strengthening the partnership between India and the EU”.

Once fully operational, the Bengaluru transport system will see a 43 per cent drop in CO2 emissions. The estimated daily ridership will be approximately 400,000 trips per day in 2029, the first year of full operation, and is expected to increase to about 1.4 million trips per day in 2040, largely aligned with the projected population growth.

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)