Records, India – Page 2 – Karnataka First

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)

Bengaluru teen Abishek Sekhar bags six medals at national shooting event

Abishek won three gold medals in the Team Events, alongside a silver in the Junior Men’s 10-metre Air Rifle Finals, with a stunning score of 251.4.

In a remarkable feat, 18-year-old Abishek Sekhar from Bengaluru created history by becoming the first shooter from Karnataka to win six medals at the 67th National Shooting Championship Competitions (NSCC) in Bhopal.

The competition, held at the Madhya Pradesh State Shooting Academy, brought together India’s elite shooters, including Olympians and World Cup champions, where Abishek’s exceptional performance placed him at the forefront of Indian shooting.

Abishek won three gold medals in the Team Events, alongside a silver in the Junior Men’s 10-metre Air Rifle Finals, with a stunning score of 251.4.

His silver came in a high-stakes final where Rudrankksh Patil, a contender for the Paris 2024 Olympics, broke the World Record to win the gold medal. Additionally, Abishek claimed a silver in the Junior Mixed Team Event with Tilottama Sen and a bronze in the Civilian Category.

Starting his journey in 2019, Abishek quickly made a name for himself by winning gold in all categories of the 10-metre Open Sight Shooting event and breaking the Karnataka record within just two months of training. After a two-year break during the pandemic and to focus on academics, he returned to shooting in 2022 and has since accumulated numerous accolades, including at the State Shooting Championships and Dussehra Cup.

Trained by renowned coach Ramachandran Purushothaman at the Art of Shooting Academy in Bengaluru, Abishek continues to receive strong support from the Karnataka State Rifle Association.

“This year, I went into the nationals with great confidence. My ultimate dream is to stand on the podium at the next Olympics and make my country proud,” Abishek said, reflecting on his future ambitions.

His coach, Ramachandran Purushothaman, highlighted, “Abishek’s attention to detail, discipline, and ability to analyse each shot will carry him far in the sport.”

The 67th NSCC attracted a record 13,522 shooters from across India, including Olympians and national-level competitors.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah inaugurates memorial auditorium of freedom fighter Gangadhar Deshpande in Belagavi

The memorial auditorium has been constructed over an area of approximately 15 guntas at a cost of Rs 1.58 crore.

As part of the ‘Gandhi Bharat’ programme, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated the memorial auditorium of freedom fighter Gangadhar Deshpande, also known as the ‘Lion of Karnataka,’ along with his photo gallery in Ramtirth Nagar, Belagavi, on Thursday.

The memorial auditorium has been constructed over an area of approximately 15 guntas at a cost of Rs 1.58 crore. It features a statue of Gangadhar Deshpande, a photo gallery showcasing rare photographs of the 1924 Congress session, moments of Gangadhar Deshpande with Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders, a wire fence, pavers, and a garden.

The event was attended by the President of the Centenary Celebration Committee and Law Minister H.K. Patil, honorary chairman of the Centenary Committee and former Chief Minister Veerappa Moily, Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi, Urban Development Minister Bhairati Suresh, Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadgi, Health Minister Dinesh Gundurao, Chief Whip of the Government Ashok Pattan, Belagavi North MLA Asif Sait, Chikkodi-Sadalga MLA Ganesh Hukkeri, MLC Prakash Hukkeri, Director of the Kannada and Culture Department Dr Dharani Devi Malagatti, DC Mohammed Roshan, Zilla Panchayat CEO Rahul Shinde, Police Commissioner Iada Martin, Superintendent of Police Dr Bhimashankar Guled, Corporation Commissioner Shubha B, Joint Director K.H. Channur, and Deputy Director Vidyavati Bhajantri.

Role of Gangadhar Rao Deshpande in the freedom struggle

Gangadhar Rao Deshpande, hailing from Hudali village in Belagavi taluk, was a brave freedom fighter widely known as the ‘Lion of Karnataka.’ He played a pivotal role in organising the 1924 Congress session in Belagavi and persuaded Mahatma Gandhi to preside over the event. His diplomacy and capable leadership have been well recorded in Belagavi’s history.

At the time, Gangadhar Rao enjoyed a stature within the Congress Party comparable to Jawaharlal Nehru. Although he possessed the influence to secure a significant position in the Indian government post-independence, he chose a path of selflessness, dedicating his life to spirituality. He firmly believed that his struggle and service were confined to securing the nation’s freedom.

Born on 31 March 1871 to Balakrishna and Radhabai, a wealthy family in Hudali village of Belagavi taluk, Gangadhar Rao completed his secondary education at Sardar’s High School, Belagavi, before earning his BA LLB from Deccan College, Pune. He is survived by his wife Lakshmibai and son Balakrishna. Gangadhar Rao passed away on 30 July 1960.

In 1922, he established the Charak Sangha, followed by the Gandhi Seva Sangha in Hudali in 1937. The Khadi Village Industry, which he supported, continues to provide employment to hundreds of people. He also served as the Municipal President of Belagavi in 1920.

Initially, Gangadhar Rao was a follower of Gopalakrishna Gokhale and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Later, he came into close contact with Mahatma Gandhi and was regarded as one of Gandhi’s five closest associates. A true Gandhian, Gangadhar Rao wore khadi clothes and lived a simple life despite his wealth.

Gangadhar Rao invited Mahatma Gandhi to his hometown Hudali, where Bapu stayed for seven days. A meeting of the Gandhi Seva Sangh was held, attended by prominent leaders including Dr Babu Rajendra Prasad, Abdul Ghaffar Khan, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Shaukat Ali, and Sarojini Naidu, as well as senior writers Betageri Krishna Sharma and G. Narayan.

Gangadhar Rao Deshpande had also advocated for Belagavi’s inclusion in Karnataka during the formation of linguistic provinces.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Barkur’s rising star Risha Tanya Pinto clinches Miss South India 2024 first runner-up title

In a dazzling showcase of grace and talent, 19-year-old Risha Tanya Pinto from Barkur, has added another prestigious accolade to her growing collection by securing the Miss South India 2024 First Runner-Up title. The grand finale of the “Mr., Miss, Mrs., and Kids South India Fashion Show 2024” was held on December 29th at the Poornima Regency Hotel in Bangalore, where Risha’s commanding stage presence and exceptional performance caught the judges’ attention.

The event, organized by the renowned Celebrity Modelling Agency and Academy (CLM), brought together talented contestants from across South India, making Risha’s achievement even more noteworthy. This latest triumph caps off an extraordinary year for the young pageant sensation, who has been making waves in the fashion and modeling circuit throughout 2024.

Risha, daughter of Maxie Pinto and Reshma Rodrigues from the Hanehalli of Barkur parish, has demonstrated remarkable consistency in pageantry this year. In November, she claimed the coveted Miss Coastalwood 2024 title, along with special recognition for Best Ramp Walk and Most Talented at the Miss/Teen/Mr. and Mrs. Coastalwood 2024 competition. Earlier in September, she was crowned Miss Karavali 2024 at a prestigious event organized by UPS Model Management in Mangaluru.

Her deep-rooted commitment to community service is exceptional. As an active member of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) Barkur unit, she has maintained a strong connection with her community while pursuing her dreams in the modeling world. Her journey began with winning the “Miss Teen Grand Mangaluru 2024” title, organized by the South Canara district administration, which proved to be a stepping stone for her subsequent achievements.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Tulsi Gowda, the ‘Encyclopaedia of Forest’, passes away at 86

In his condolence message, PM Modi said Tulsi Gowda would remain a guiding light for environmental conservation.

Padma Shri awardee Tulsi Gowda, an environmentalist from Karnataka who is revered as the “tree goddess” by the Halakki tribal community, died from age-related ailments at her residence in Honnali village of Ankola taluk in Uttara Kannada district Monday evening. She was 86.

Condoling her death, PM Narendra Modi said Tulsi Gowda will remain a guiding light for environmental conservation.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Tulsi Gowda Ji, a revered environmentalist from Karnataka and Padma Awardee. She dedicated her life to nurturing nature, planting thousands of saplings, and conserving our environment.”

“She will remain a guiding light for environmental conservation. Her work will continue to inspire generations to protect our planet. Condolences to her family and admirers. Om Shanti,” he said.

Known as the ‘encyclopedia of forest’, Gowda was born in Honnali village in Ankola taluk in Uttara Kannada district in 1944. But tragedy struck early. Gowda was only two years old when she lost her father. Raised in penury, she began working as a day labourer alongside her mother at a local forest nursery, forgoing any opportunity for formal education.

At the nursery, Gowda was entrusted with caring for seeds meant for the Agasur seedbed, a project of the Karnataka Forest Department. Overcoming the hurdle of lacking any formal education, Gowda became an autodidact, demonstrating extraordinary knowledge of forests, and particularly her ability to identify mother trees.

For 35 years, she worked as a daily wage worker at the nursery until her dedication and knowledge earned her a permanent position at the forest department, where for the next 15 years, she directly supported afforestation efforts, preventing poaching, and mitigating forest fires that threatened local wildlife.

Gowda has been credited with planting and nurturing over 1 lakh trees across Karnataka. Her contributions have strengthened one community reserve, five tiger reserves, 15 conservation reserves, and 30 wildlife sanctuaries, ensuring the preservation of diverse ecosystems.

In 2021, she was conferred the Padma Shri for her exceptional contributions to environmental conservation.

With PTI inputs

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

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)