Records, India – Karnataka First

Two Bengaluru students Arham Nilesh Gada & Atharva Shastry set to represent India in the ‘Wild Wisdom Global Challenge ‘(WWGC) international finals

Students from different schools worldwide participate to test their knowledge about nature and wildlife.

Two students from Bengaluru — Arham Nilesh Gada, a student of grade 9, and Atharva Shastry, a student of grade 7, from National Public School (NPS), Koramangala — recently won the Wild Wisdom Global Challenge (WWGC). The WWGC is an educational initiative organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature-India (WWF-India).

The WWGC challenges students to explore various aspects of wildlife, ecosystems, and sustainability through quizzes, activities, and interactive formats. Students from different schools worldwide participate to test their knowledge about nature and wildlife. The challenge also helps them build teamwork and enhance their problem-solving skills.

This year over four lakh students from across the country and more than 2,500 schools participated and six teams from Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu made it to the WWGC National Finals. Among them, Arham and Atharva representing Karnataka won the finals.

National winners will represent their countries at the WWGC international finals, set to take place on December 12.

Atharva explained how her fascination for nature and wildlife helped her win the quiz. “I have had an amazing and enjoyable time preparing for this quiz, reading about reptiles and discovering more astounding facts, skills, and myths about all kinds of reptiles. Every day, my interest grows as I explore the diverse world of reptiles,” she said.

For Arham it was Jurassic Park movie he watched seven years ago that fostered his dream of becoming a paleontologist. “My interests include math, photography and wildlife, and one of my favourite things to do is watching and photographing birds. It brings me a lot of joy to observe and learn about animals, and it has been my dream to become a paleontologist, ever since I saw Jurassic Park seven years ago.”

“Preparing for WWF’s WWGC was very insightful, and I got an opportunity to learn more about some of the most interesting creatures on this planet. It involved a lot of reading and watching videos about reptiles. I think the experience opened my eyes to a lot of things that I have never thought about,” he further added.

A statement from the school said, “The students’ journey to the national stage was a team effort, with teachers, parents, and peers providing constant encouragement. Regular mock quizzes were held to simulate the competition environment and hone the students’ quick-thinking and decision-making skills.”

The competition was hosted by the quizmaster, Gerry Martin, a distinguished herpetologist, conservationist, and founder of The Liana Trust.

source/content: thehindu.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)

An Atlantic Odyssey…. Ananya Prasad will be rowing solo 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean for a noble cause

Imagine travelling 3,000 miles rowing across the Atlantic Ocean for over 60 days to raise funds for a noble cause. Not many would come forward. But, Ananya Prasad, an Economics graduate from Sheffield University, is just about to embark on a voyage next month to raise funds for the London-based Mental Health Foundation and Deenabhandu Trust in Chamarajanagar. She has named her campaign as ‘Atlantic Odyssey.’

The Atlantic Row, considered to be the World’s Toughest Row, is held every year in the month of December, where rowers from across the globe participate in teams or alone to row across the Atlantic Ocean from San Sebastian village in La Gomera located in Canary Islands (Spain) till Nelson Dockyard in Antigua (Caribbean Islands). Ananya will be rowing solo in her journey.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Ananya said, “I have been associated with adventure sports since my childhood but rowing is something that I have picked for the past three years. I enjoy challenging myself which is why I chose rowing. It is important to understand the navigation system, using radio, fixing the boats while on water and most importantly to be mentally tough to overcome fear.”

Ananya will be using ‘Odysseus’, her 25ft ocean rowing boat built to withstand tough marine environments. The boat is completely neutral and self-sufficient, fixed with solar panels for all electronic needs.

It also has a water desalinator which helps convert ocean water into drinking water.

Ananya will have to face 30ft waves, sleep deprivation, isolation and the forces of the ocean for approximately 60 days.

This endeavour of Ananya to row across the Atlantic is being supported by Mysuru’s Cycle Pure Agarbathi.

Ananya’s Mysuru Connection

Ananya, daughter of Dr. Poornima Prasad and Dr. G.S. Shiva Prasad couple, is a graduate of Economics from Sheffield University in the United Kingdom. While her mother Dr. Poornima Prasad is a retired General Physician, her father Dr. Shiva Prasad is a retired Paediatrician.

Ananya’s maternal grandfather is Guggari Shanthaveerappa Shivarudrappa (G.S. Shivarudrappa), who was awarded the prestigious ‘Rashtrakavi’ title by the Government of Karnataka in 2006 and her paternal grandfather Prof. Parashivamurthy was a Professor in the Department of Psychology, University of Mysore.

Ananya’s paternal uncle is the Founder of the popular Deenabhandu Trust in Chamarajanagar.

source/content: starofmysore.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)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) first university in India to host IELTS test centre

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first university in India to host an IELTS test centre. MAHE Manipal signed a memorandum of understanding with IDP Education India Private Limited, New Delhi towards this engagement.

With the test centre now accessible on campus, students will have convenient access to course modules, along with additional benefits such as discounted memberships and trained faculty mentors for assistance. The department of humanities & management, Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal will be hosting the centre as a closed avenue exclusively for MAHE students. Registrations are now open for the first IELTS paper-based test going live on November 7.

The MoU was officially executed on October 14 in the presence of Dr Giridhar Kini, registrar MAHE Manipal and Kishan Kumar Yadav, area manager IELTS Operations (South India), IDP Education India Pvt Ltd.

Dr Anil Rana, director MIT Manipal, Dr Anup Naha, director International Collaborations, Dr Yogesh Pai P, head – department of humanities & management at MIT Manipal and colleagues witnessed this exchange. Abhishek Swamy, assistant territory manager – Karnataka, IDP Education India Pvt Ltd was present during the occasion.

“We are incredibly proud that MAHE has become the first university in India to host an IELTS test centre. This achievement reflects our commitment to enhancing global opportunities for our students and the community. Having a test center on campus will provide easier access to international education pathways and strengthen our efforts in promoting academic excellence and global exposure for our students,” said Dr Giridhar Kini registrar, MAHE.

Achieving this significant milestone is yet another testament to MAHE’s commitment to fostering global education standards towards the holistic development of students and staff. This joint initiative between MAHE and IDP Education India Pvt Ltd will have a profound impact on both the university and the region, creating numerous pathways for students and professionals alike.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: KARNATKA: CYBER SECURITY: Cybersecurity Leader Arctic Wolf Opens First India Office in Bengaluru to Accelerate its Platform innovations

Arctic Wolf®, a leader in security operations, today announced the launch of its first Indian global capability centre (GCC) in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The new India office location will play a pivotal role in scaling and advancing the Arctic Wolf platform, along with its entire suite of security operations solutions.

With Bengaluru, also known as the Silicon Valley of India, emerging as a global hub for technology and cybersecurity expertise, the centre will be pivotal to driving innovation, product development, and enhancing the company’s security operations platform. This expansion positions the company to benefit from around-the-clock development capabilities and closer proximity to clients in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, setting the foundation for future growth in these markets.

“Our mission is to end cyber risk for organizations of all sizes, and the research and development work that will happen out of India will be a major enabler in furthering this goal,” said Dan Schiappa, chief product and services officer, Arctic Wolf. “By tapping into the highly skilled workforce in Bengaluru, we aim to further accelerate the development of advanced machine learning models and AI-driven cybersecurity detections within our platform, providing our customers with unparalleled protection against evolving cyber threats.”

The GCC plans to create numerous job opportunities, contributing to employment in India and attracting top-tier talent in India’s IT and cybersecurity sectors. Arctic Wolf plans to hire 150 employees by mid-2025, with recruitment focused on roles in core research and development areas including threat intelligence, and AI, while service delivery roles will continue to be staffed out of North America and Europe.

Speaking on the expansion, Jeff Green, senior vice president, research and development, Arctic Wolf: “The launch of Arctic Wolf’s first Global Capability Centre in Bengaluru is an exciting milestone for us. This centre will allow us to build a dedicated team focused on advancing cybersecurity innovations, while also fostering collaboration across our global operations. We’re committed to leveraging India’s strong technical expertise and pedigree of innovation to support core areas of our future product development. I am eager to see the unique perspectives and skillsets that our team here will bring to further elevate Arctic Wolf’s solutions and enhance our ability to protect organizations worldwide.”

With this expansion, Arctic Wolf’s global footprint continues to grow, now protecting over 6,000 customers across key industries, and employing more than 2,500 employees worldwide. Recognized as the fastest-growing security services vendor in the 2023 Gartner Worldwide Security Services Market Share Report, the company has also been named one of the fastest-growing technology companies by the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 for five consecutive years and is the only cybersecurity firm included in CNBC’s Disruptor 50 three times in a row. These achievements underscore Arctic Wolf’s commitment to innovation and its position as a leader in transforming security operations globally.

source/content: business-standard.com (headline edited) / press releases ANI

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)