Category: Leaders, Karnataka State

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)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA FIRST: TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY / HOTELS: K Syama Raju, first from Karnataka to head Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India

K Syama Raju, Managing Director of Hotel Maurya, Bengaluru and President of the
Southern India Hotel & Restaurant Association (SIHRA), has been elected as the
President of the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI). 

He is the first person to be elected from Karnataka as FHRAI President in the last 50 years.

The election took place at the Federation’s Annual General Meeting held in Delhi, where Raju and other Managing Committee members were chosen for a one-year term.

In addition to his new position, Syama Raju also serves as President of the
Karnataka Tourism Society.

Upon assuming office, Raju outlined FHRAI’s priorities, including securing industry status for the hospitality sector, obtaining subsidies, and addressing human resource challenges.

He further stressed the Federation’s commitment to collaborating with state and union governments to support hoteliers and facilitate new investments, as the tourism industry is expected to witness rapid growth in the coming years.

FHRAI Office Bearers for 2024-25 are as follows:

President: K Syama Raju
Vice President : Pradeep Shetty
Vice President : Surendra Kumar Jaiswal
Vice President : Nitin S Kothari
Hon. Secretary : K Nagaraju
Hon. Treasurer : Garish Oberoi
Jt. Hon. Secretary : Nirav Gandhi
Jt. Hon. Secretary : Ashoke Singh, according to Jaison Chacko, Secretary General, FHRAI.

source/content: mysoorunews.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: BUSINESS & ECONOMY: FIRST: Karnataka unveils India’s first-ever Global Capability Centre policy, aims for 500 new centres and 3.5 lakh jobs by 2029

The policy has also set an ambitious $50 billion economic output target for Karnataka from GCC operations by 2029.

The Karnataka Government Friday unveiled the draft of India’s first-ever Global Capability Centre (GCC) policy.

The policy outlines a vision to establish 500 new GCCs by 2029, contributing significantly to the state’s economy and creating 3.5 lakh jobs. The draft policy is now open for public comment and the government has invited inputs to refine and strengthen the policy.

A GCC is an offshore facility that provides services to a parent organisation, most often a multinational corporation.

Karnataka is home to over 30 per cent of India’s GCCs and accounts for 35 per cent of the country’s workforce in this sector.

GCC policy objectives

The policy has also set an ambitious target for the state to aim for an economic output of $50 billion from GCC operations by 2029. The new GCC policy also aims to create an investor-friendly environment to attract GCCs and facilitate their expansion in Karnataka; position Karnataka as a global leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI), promote research and development tailored for GCCs; foster a research and development-driven environment focused on deep-tech and emerging technologies and provide platforms for collaboration between GCCs and the local innovation ecosystem, helping to generate cutting-edge solutions. Moreover, the policy also encourages decentralised growth through the ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ initiative, spreading GCCs across various regions in the state.

Innovation and Infrastructure Focus

The policy places a heavy emphasis on creating Global Innovation Districts in Bengaluru and beyond. These districts will provide state-of-the-art infrastructure, fostering collaboration among startups, academic institutions, and businesses. The government has also proposed creating Centers of Excellence (CoEs) focused on emerging technologies like AI and machine learning. Karnataka already houses 21 such CoEs and aims to expand further through public-private partnerships.

Support for GCCs Beyond Bengaluru

Recognising the need for balanced regional development, the government’s ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ initiative promotes the growth of GCCs in cities like Mysuru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Tumakuru, and Shivamogga. Companies that set up operations in these areas will receive a special package of financial incentives, including rent reimbursements, internet cost subsidies, and property tax exemptions. The policy also supports the establishment of Nano GCCs, which require fewer employees, making it easier for companies to set up operations.

AI and Research Development

A Center of Excellence for AI will also be established in Bengaluru, focusing on the research and development of artificial intelligence. The policy also introduces an AI Skilling Council to develop AI-specific curricula, which will be implemented across the state’s educational institutions. The government has allocated Rs 100 crore to support joint research between GCCs and academic institutions, with a focus on solving real-world business and societal challenges.

Special Incentives for ER&D

Engineering Research and Development (ER&D) is a focus area within the policy. Karnataka is already contributing over $34 billion to India’s GCC market size. The government aims to foster innovation and encourage collaboration between industry and academia to accelerate product development in ER&D.

Talent Development

To strengthen Karnataka’s rich talent pool, the government will provide recruitment assistance, skilling reimbursements, and support for leadership development. Internship programs aimed at providing hands-on experience to local talent will also be a key part of the policy.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: UNSUNG HEROES: Bengaluru remembers valorous Mysore Lancers on Haifa day – September 23rd, 1918

For 106 years, the contributions of these unsung heroes have been celebrated on Haifa Day.

As Bengaluru prepares to celebrate Haifa Day on Monday (September 23), honouring one of the most extraordinary cavalry charges in military history, the story of the valorous Mysore Lancers is remembered.

The Lancers, the personal soldiers of the Mysore Maharaja, stormed the battlefield in an act of bravery that not only changed the course of World War I but saved the sacred city of Haifa and rescued the Bahá’í faith’s spiritual leader from imminent death.

On September 23, 1918, armed with only lances and swords, the Lancers faced the firepower of Ottoman Turkish and German troops, riding headfirst into a mission that seemed impossible: capture Haifa, the last Ottoman stronghold, and save Abdul Baha, son of the Bahá’u’lláh.

The Lancers triumphed. They not only secured Haifa with minimal casualties but also captured over 1,350 enemy troops, cementing their place in military legend. For 106 years, the contributions of these unsung heroes have been celebrated on Haifa Day.

It is also a tale of humanity, and of a rescue that transcended religious and national borders. Abdul Baha, moments away from execution, was saved by the swift, selfless courage of the Lancers. Without their intervention, the Bahá’í faith would have faced a devastating blow.

Former Bangalore police commissioner Bhaskar Rao recalled the heroics of his great granduncle, “Harohalli Subba Rao participated in this operation and the one to save oilfields in Iran.’’ Mysore Lancers Heritage Foundation secretary Anil Raje Urs said,

“The Bahá’í community owes a debt of gratitude to Mysore Maharaja Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, who selected and sent his most trusted commanders, Col J Desraj Urs and Lt Col Chamaraj Urs, to lead this critical mission. He raised a force of 700 soldiers and contributed a staggering Rs 50 lakh to the war effort.

Dinesh Rao, head of the Bahai community, said, “Baha’is salute the Mysore cavalry, who fought valiantly to save Abdul Baha and city of Haifa. Baha’i faith stands for unity of mankind, the fundamental theme of the Hindu philosophy, Vasudaiva Kutumbakam.”

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA : HEALTH &MEDICINE: Dr Royson D’Souza secures gold medal in national colorectal surgery fellowship exam

 Dr Royson D’Souza has been awarded a gold medal after securing first place in the national-level fellowship exam conducted by the Association of Colon and Rectal Surgeons of India (ACRSI). The award was presented during this year’s ACRSI annual conference held in Chennai.

Dr Royson D’Souza completed his fellowship in Colorectal Surgery from Christian Medical College, Vellore.

Colorectal surgery, a super speciality dealing with disorders of the large intestine and rectum, covers a range of conditions including colorectal cancers, inflammatory bowel diseases, pelvic floor disorders, and proctology ailments such as haemorrhoids, fistulas, and fissures.

Currently, there are no super speciality courses in colorectal surgery in India, with fellowships available at only a few institutions.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: SPACE: ‘Bangalore Space Expo 2024 (BSE 2024)’ Concludes on a High Note – September 18-20, 2024

It was three days of treat for the afficiandos of space technology as the eighth edition of three-day Bangalore Space Expo 2024 (BSE 2024) was held from September 18 to September 20.

What is of significance is that with the push from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has privatised space launches and is targeting a fivefold increase in its share of the global launch market, which some expect to be worth $47.3 billion by 2032. This increased private sector participation would help to generate employment, enable modern technology absorption and make the sector self-reliant. It is expected to integrate Indian companies into global value chains. With this, companies will be able to set-up their manufacturing facilities within the country duly encouraging ‘Make In India (MII)’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives of the Government.

In this background, the BSX 2024 which was held at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) gave visitors an opportunity to see cutting-edge innovations, exciting space technologies and future of India’s space.

Nothing could be more apt than what Dr S. Somanath, Secretary of Department of Space and Chairman, Space Commission said, “Times have changed. We are capable of building the best equipment. The best devices and the best rockets in India.”

With over 100,000 visitors attending the three-day BSX 2024, the event saw participation by over 250 delegates, space companies from over 250 and pavilions of over ten countries, shows the interest in space technology and increased private funding, technological advancements, and public sector interest. There’s a renewed push to explore beyond. Declining launch costs and rising public interest are propelling this industry to new heights, offering a galaxy of opportunities for investors.

India’s space sector has seen tremendous growth over the past decade. India’s advances in space programs have been highly remarkable, with vigorous and determined efforts by ISRO. Taking the vision of the Government of India in enhancing private sector participation in the space sector, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in association with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has been organising the Bengaluru Space Expo 2024 (BSX), a Biennial International Exhibition and Conference since 2008.

From the humble beginnings of transporting rocket parts on bullock carts to the proud achievement of launching a record number of satellites in a single mission, India has proven itself as a trailblazer in space exploration. Until recently, India’s space sector could broadly but in no way exclusively be divided into two major domains: commercial and research. The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), which made India the fourth nation to reach Mars, and the Chandrayan-3 Mission to soft launch on the south pole of the lunar surface, are purely research initiatives for space exploration. On the other hand, launching foreign satellites for communication, navigation, and resource survey/management are commercial space activities.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), formed on August 15, 1969, is the country’s official space agency.  While pursuing space science research and planetary exploration, ISRO  has led and defined the nation’s space industry and economy with 124 spacecraft missions, 432 foreign satellite launches, 98 launch missions, and much more. The Bengaluru-headquartered organisation is gearing up for Gaganyaan, India’s first manned mission to space. Several Non-Government Entities (NGEs) aid ISRO as vendors and/or suppliers.

A report by the World Economic Forum and McKinsey estimates the size of the global space industry to be $630 Billion in 2023. It is expected to grow 9% per annum and reach $1.8 Trillion by 2035. The private sector plays a defining role in driving innovation and access through large-scale investments, while non-space private sector partnerships with space players continue to expand.

In a landmark effort to engage and promote private entities in the space sector, the Government  launched the Indian Space Policy 2023. There are 189 DPIIT-recognised space technology startups in India, and the space startups have garnered investment worth $124.7 Million during March-December 2023. The policy enables NGEs to engage end-to-end in all domains of the space sector, making startups a lucrative investment option for investors. Alphabet Inc. became one of the first to capitalise on the lucrative potential with an investment of $36 Million in a Bengaluru-based satellite imaging startup called Pixxel.  As the space sector flourishes with emerging startups, established NGEs like Dhruva Space, SatSure, Skyroot, and more are also expanding the remit of their operations and research under the policy.

India’s space economy, valued at $8.4 Billion in 2023, currently accounts for 2-3% of the global space economy. But it is estimated to grow to $44 Billion by 2033. The private sector can play a critical role in realising this and BSX 2024 provided the appropriate platform to boost India’s space development.

To facilitate participation from the private sector, the Department of Space (DoS) established the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe). Though funded by the DoS, IN-SPACe is an autonomous, single-window, nodal agency for all space sector activities of NGEs. It serves as an authorisation and clearance agency for space launches, provides infrastructure support for launch pads, monitors and facilitates the procurement and trade of satellites, enables the use of DoS facilities, and more. IN-SPACe also offers technical expertise and assistance to NGEs and handholds them through the process by sharing technologies, best practices, and products.

Meanwhile, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), serving as the commercial arm of ISRO under DoS, helps NGEs commercialise their space technologies and platforms. It facilitates manufacturing, leasing, procuring, and trading space components, technologies, and other assets for global markets. It also facilitates space services offered by ISRO and now private companies and consortiums to international and global agencies.

In a more recent and direct reform, an amendment to the FDI policy allows up to 100% foreign direct investment in manufacturing and procuring satellite systems. The satellite sub-sector of the space industry has been distinguished into three different segments with defined foreign investment ceilings. Launch vehicles and their associated products/services can have up to 49% FDI. Activities like operation, data products, and ground and user segments can receive up to 74% FDI. And up to a 100% FDI for the manufacture of satellite components, sub-systems, and ground and user segments of the same.

India’s space sector has always promoted domestic manufacturing and innovation. These principles have held the nation’s space economy in good stead, with the NSIL reporting an annual turnover of INR 28.42 Crore in FY 22-23 alone.  The space economy is on a sharp upward trajectory with the influx of space-tech startups and other NGEs. The IN-SPACe has already signed 51 MoUs with NGEs to actualise and support the manufacture of launch vehicles and satellites. Other notable successes include the commercial launches of LVM3 & PSLV and the successful launch of Aditya-L1 aboard PSLV C57 to observe the Sun, cementing India’s place in the global space industry for research and commerce.

The space industry has a crucial role in implementing innovative solutions in several sectors, such as telecommunication, healthcare, agriculture, defence, and others. India’s space sector is at a pivotal juncture. With a rich history of innovation — even at a cost less than Hollywood movies — a booming private sector and a supportive regulatory environment, the nation is poised for a significant leap forward.

By harnessing the collective potential of ISRO, NSIL, IN-SPACe, and its thriving startup ecosystem, India can not only become a major player in the global space economy but also unlock transformative applications for its citizens and the world. The final frontier beckons and India appears well-equipped to answer its call. The space startup ecosystem has flourished, with 189 startups in 2023, receiving $124.7 million in funding. With favorable policy changes, including the Space Policy 2023 and upcoming legislation, India is poised to emerge as a global leader in the space sector, offering new avenues for investments and technological advancements.

As a leader in the space technology domain, India understands the importance of staying at the forefront of innovation and collaboration. The Bengaluru Space Expo 2024 served as a premier platform for industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts to come together, exchange ideas, and explore the latest advancements in space technology.

source/content: raksha-anirveda.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: C V Raman’s tablas, explosives used in World War I: Bengaluru’s Sci560 exhibition showcases city’s scientific heritage

Karnataka Science and Technology Minister N S Boseraju inaugurated Sci560 at Science Gallery Bengaluru on August 24.

Science Gallery Bengaluru began an exhibition at its Bellary Road premises to showcase the city’s science history. The exhibition named Sci560, after the city’s PIN code of 560, was inaugurated by Karnataka Science and Technology Minister N S Boseraju. Other prominent guests at the event included Rohini Nilekani and Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, who sit on the Gallery’s board, and Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi.

The exhibition spans a broad and varied cross-section of the city’s scientific history. For instance, the nearly two-century-old tradition of brewing is represented by an ongoing fermentation process from Scoby Labs, in the form of a container of kombucha that visitors can taste at different points in its fermentation. A couple of rooms over is a Bangalore torpedo contributed by the Madras Engineer Group. These long explosive devices were developed in World War I to remove battlefield obstructions such as barbed wire fortifications.

Other interesting exhibits are a set of tablas owned by Sir CV Raman, sitting a few feet away from a set of ‘Simputers,’ touch-screen devices developed in the early 2000s that heralded the upcoming smartphone age. Nature lovers will also be glad to see a display titled ‘Wingbeats and Warbles’, matching the sounds of birds to the parts of the city where they are likely to be heard.

According to Gallery director Jahnavi Phalkey, this exhibition is the first one at the Gallery to lean more towards the historical side, with the hope that more additions can be made as it goes on. She said, “There are many people that know far more than we do about science in this city….we have a project called Recollect, where my colleagues will be collecting stories, objects, etc. And at the end of the exhibition, we will have this entire collection of stories, objects and documents that will allow us to present a more comprehensive story of what science is in the city.”

Speaking to the media on the inauguration day, Nilekani said, “We needed some way to bring the city and its institutions close. Even people just coming to Bangalore need to feel like they are part of what is happening. This is about fostering a culture of scientific exploration along with ordinary citizens.”

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: HEALTH & MEDICAL: PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGISTS: KARNEUROPEDICON 2024: Stellar gathering of Pediatric Neurology experts held

The annual KARNEUROPEDICON 2024 conference, a premier event in Pediatric Neurology, took place on August 24 and 25 at the Father Muller Convention Center, Mangaluru. The event witnessed a confluence of esteemed pediatric neurologists and pediatricians who convened to discuss advancements and share insights in this critical subspecialty.

The conference was officially inaugurated on Sunday, August 25, in the presence of renowned medical professionals. The event’s primary focus was on enhancing clinical skills and knowledge sharing among pediatricians, ensuring better patient care. Attendees engaged in a series of paper presentations, debates, reviews, and roundtable discussions, making the conference a significant milestone in Mangaluru’s medical education landscape.

Inaugural highlights

Dr Santosh Soans, professor and head of the Department at AJIMS and a past national president of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), graced the occasion as the chief guest. Dr Soans emphasized the importance of Pediatric Neurology as a subspecialty, highlighting its potential to revolutionize patient care in Mangaluru and across Karnataka. He urged the medical community to revive the essential skills of clinical history and examination, which, despite technological advancements like CT and MRI, remain crucial in early diagnosis and patient management.

A ceremonial honor was bestowed upon Dr Suresh Rao, director of Parijma Institute of Neurosciences, Bengaluru, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Pediatric Neurology. With four decades of dedicated service, Dr Rao has significantly advanced the subspecialty, positively impacting the lives of countless children with neurological disorders. In his acceptance speech, Dr Rao expressed his elation at receiving the honor in his hometown of Mangalore.

Guests of honour

Dr Sanjeev L Joshi, national chairperson of the Academy of Pediatric Neurology, and Dr Vykuntaraju K N, Karnataka state president, expressed their satisfaction with the successful organization of this academic feast in Mangaluru. Dr S N Mothi, Karnataka state president of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the conference’s role in enriching the knowledge and clinical skills of pediatricians, ultimately benefiting their young patients.

Institutional pride

Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions, expressed pride in the institution’s achievements, including the 25th anniversary of Father Muller Medical College, the 25th year of the PG program in Homoeopathy, the 40th year of the UG program in Homoeopathy, and the 30th year of the BPT program. He underscored the importance of accurate knowledge and ethical practice, particularly when dealing with vulnerable groups such as children with neurological disorders.

Acknowledgments and contributions

The organizing chairperson, Dr Shruthi N M, received widespread praise from all quarters for her tireless efforts in bringing the conference to Mangalore and ensuring its smooth execution. Co-organizing chairpersons Dr K Shreedhara Avabratha, professor and HoD of Pediatrics at Father Muller Medical College, and Dr Abhishek K Phadke, along with organizing secretaries Dr Swathi Rao and Dr Sweta Shanbhag (assistant professors at FMMC), also played pivotal roles in the event’s success.

The conference provided an invaluable platform for pediatricians to deepen their knowledge and forge new paths in Pediatric Neurology, furthering the cause of better healthcare for children with neurological conditions. Dr Jason Glen D’Souza, senior resident pediatric FMMCH compeered the event.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: NATIONAL / KARNATAKA: Foxconn’s Karnataka facility set to become second-largest after China plant, says CEO Young Liu

Under Project Elephant, Foxconn is setting up an iPhone assembly plant in Karnataka. The company has acquired 300 acres of land in the ITIR industrial area, located in Doddaballapur and Devanahalli Taluk of Bengaluru Rural district. The project, with an investment size of Rs 22,000 crore, is expected to generate employment for more than 50,000 people.

Young Liu, Chairman of the Taiwan-based Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn), met Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on August 16.

Young Liu, chairman of the Taiwan-based Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) on August 16 said that the unit in Karnataka will soon become the second-largest Foxconn plant after the one in China.

Taiwanese electronics major Foxconn, a major supplier to Apple, has been expanding its presence in India as tech companies seek to diversify production away from China.

Under Project Elephant, Foxconn is already setting up an iPhone assembly plant in Karnataka. The company has acquired 300 acres of land in the ITIR industrial area, located in Doddaballapur and Devanahalli Taluk of Bengaluru Rural district. The project, with an investment size of Rs 22,000 crore, is expected to generate employment for more than 50,000 people.

“It will create 40,000 direct jobs, especially for middle-level educated individuals, and  our investment will not stop here. In the future, we plan to explore other sectors also .If there is mutual trust, anything can be achieved.” said Liu.

Liu also shared that Foxconn plans to create a comfortable working environment for its employees, providing them with quality entertainment, gym facilities, accommodation, and food. “This would help establish a global standard industrial environment” he said.

Liu met Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on August 16. Siddaramaiah hosted a dinner for Liu and senior Foxconn officials, assuring Liu that all necessary cooperation and assistance would be provided to Foxconn for its operations in the state. Liu is also expected to visit the manufacturing plant in Doddaballapur on August 17.

The CM urged Foxconn to consider investing in other sectors, including the fab industry. He said that Karnataka’s rich industrial culture and values make it an ideal hub for comprehensive industrial development.

“Foxconn, which is investing Rs 25,000 crore to establish a massive manufacturing plant near Doddaballapur, will be provided with all necessary infrastructure and support. The state government will extend full support to Foxconn. We will provide everything from water, electricity, and roads to legal assistance,” the CM said.

Industries minister MB Patil said, “The state welcomes more investment without hesitation. The government departments are working with dedication to ensure the smooth implementation of Foxconn’s project. We have already allocated 300 acres of land to the company.”

Deputy CM DK Shivakumar said, “Karnataka has the best business-friendly policies in the country, and it is heartening to see Foxconn investing here.”

source/content: moneycontrol.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: BUSINESS & ECONOMY: Karnataka stands 3rd in country with ₹54,427 cr FDI during 2023-24: CM Siddaramaiah

The Chief Minister was delivering his address on the occasion of 78th Independence Day, after hoisting the national flag at the Manekshaw Parade Ground here.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday said Karnataka stands third in the country by drawing ₹54,427 crore Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) during 2023-24. He said the state government has taken up multidimensional programmes in the areas of industry, agriculture, infrastructure development, and education to accelerate economic growth, besides the implementation of welfare programmes.

The Chief Minister was delivering his address on the occasion of 78th Independence Day, after hoisting the national flag at the Manekshaw Parade Ground here. He noted that MoUs (memorandum of understanding) have been signed with 13 industries, which will bring in investments worth ₹42,915 crore and is expected to create around 22,600 jobs. The government has approved 591 investment projects through single window committees during 2023-24, he said adding this will result in a flow of ₹84,232 crore investment and employment generation for 1,56,986 people.

“During 2023-24, our state stood first in exports, with a value of USD 1,66,545 Million. The growth is 5.20 per cent compared to previous year.” On the Global Investors’ Meet- Invest Karnataka 2025 to be held in 2025, Siddaramaiah said preparations are in full swing and investors are invited by holding roadshows across the country and the world. The state government has drafted the Karnataka Clean Mobility Policy 2024-29 aimed at attracting Rs. 50,000 crore investments within the clean mobility vehicle sector and creating approximately one lakh new jobs, he said.

The policy is now in its final stage of approval. In his speech, the Chief Minister further said a ‘Skill Advisory Committee’ has been established to provide skill training that matches the demand in the IT and BT sectors. “The committee has submitted a detailed plan for courses aligned with industry needs, and steps will be taken to impart these skills.”

Good infrastructure and transportation connectivity are accelerators for economic growth, he said, in this regard, 1,917 KM of state highways, 2,502 KM of district main roads, and 150 bridges will be constructed in the current year. Pointing to the government’s “Brand Bengaluru” initiative, the CM said it is being implemented to transform the state capital into a world-class city.

It is intended to take up long-term infrastructure development plans for the city through innovative Integrated Financial model with at least ₹48,686 crore. “Our government has made a strong resolve to implement the Peripheral Ring Road project in an effort to reduce traffic congestion (in Bengaluru).”

To expedite the implementation of the state’s irrigation projects, Siddaramaiah said a larger budget allocation has been made this time. Under the Yettinahole Project, ₹855.02 crore has been spent so far this year. Regarding floods due to monsoon showers in parts of the state, Siddaramaiah said he has personally visited the flood-hit districts and Ministers have also managed the situation by camping in district headquarters. “I have directed officials to provide relief for the loss of human lives, livestock and damaged houses. It has been decided to allocate houses along with Rs. 1.2 lakh compensation for those lost houses.”

Stressing that maintaining a balance between development and the environment is essential, he said, in this regard, 1,351 villages in 250 Gram Panchayats located in Chikkamagaluru, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Kodagu, Shivamogga, and Hassan, within the Western Ghats, have been identified by Geological Survey of India, as prone to landslides.

To prevent landslides in these areas, mitigation measures will be undertaken at a cost of ₹100 crores in collaboration with the Geological Survey of India and the National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM). On human-wildlife conflict, the CM said, to address this effectively, the government has initiated the construction of 120 km of railway barricades since it came to power.

“Additionally, 7 elephant task forces and 2 leopard task forces have been established. Recently, an international conference on preventing human-elephant conflicts was successfully held in Bengaluru,” he said.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)