Category: Uncategorized

It would be the first time that aircraft would be manufactured in India based on technology fully designed and developed indigenously,

In a first, the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) — a Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) body — has signed a technology transfer agreement with a private company to manufacture trainer airplanes in India. This would be the first time that aircraft would be manufactured in India based on technology fully designed and developed indigenously.

The Hansa-3 NG aircraft is a two-seater aircraft and is the latest iteration of the HANSA planes that have been made by NAL since 1998. Fourteen Hansa planes have been made over the years by NAL and used by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Indian Institutes of Technology. “While we have had a successful track record, we have now managed to seal a partnership with a private company which will manufacture these planes,” said N. Kalaiselvi, Director-General, CSIR.

The company, Pioneer Clean AMPS Pvt Limited, is expected to set up manufacturing facilities as well as handle marketing, servicing and after-sales, though NAL would be closely involved in the initial years to help them with various aspects of the manufacturing and operations, said Abhay Pashlikar, Director, CSIR-NAL.

At present, all of the aircraft being used in India’s flying training organsations are imported. Kishor Patel, Founder and Managing Director, Pioneer Clean AMPS told The Hindu that his company — newly setup for aircraft manufacturing — hoped to offer a “competitive value” to these organisations. “The aviation sector is rapidly growing and with that, demand for trained pilots. We expect that locally manufactured aircraft trainers will be cheaper and will also offer better value — in terms of quick turnaround time for maintenance — than foreign planes,” he said on the sidelines of a press event on Friday (April 4, 2025), to announce the technology transfer.

While costs are not clear, Mr. Pashlikar told The Hindu that over the “lifecycle of an aircraft” the Hansa planes would likely cost ₹3 crore or “about half” what comparable imported planes would costs.

‘Needs doubled’

“Today we stand as the third largest domestic aviation market in the country,” said K. Rammohan Naidu, Minister, Civil Aviation, at the press conference. “Our needs have doubled in the last decade. At this rate of demand, we will need at least 750 trainer aircraft. This is a good practical aircraft with a glass cockpit and improved instrumentation. We want to bring down the costs of training for a pilot and the time it takes.”

The HANSA-NG is powered by a Rotax Digital Control Engine with features such as a composite light weight airframe, a glass cockpit, a bubble canopy with a wide panoramic view, and electrically operated flaps, among other features, a promotional brochure says.

Currently the entire airframe of the plane can be manufactured in India and over time, CSIR-NAL and the private company hope to be able to manufacture the engine as well as avionics instrumentation, said Mr. Pashlikar.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

This achievement has opened new corridors, setting a new benchmark in making extended surgical care accessible across long distances.

SS Innovations, the maker of home-grown surgical robotic system SSI Mantra, has successfully performed what it claimed to be India’s first north-to-south robotic cardiac telesurgery. The surgery was made possible by the advanced SSI Mantra 3 Surgical Robotic System. This procedure bridged a 2,000-kilometer distance between SS Innovations’ headquarters in Gurugram and Aster CMI Hospital in Bengaluru, according to a release.

This achievement has opened new corridors, setting a new benchmark in making extended surgical care accessible across long distances, the release said. “The success of this critical cardiac telesurgery brings in a big revolution in Indian healthcare, paving the way for a future where advanced surgical technology plays a vital role in making healthcare more accessible and efficient worldwide,” it added.

The long-distance tele-robotic assisted intracardiac surgery was performed on a 35-year-old patient, lasted for 2 hours and 40 minutes and involved closing a complex Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), which is a congenital condition where there is a small hole between the two upper chambers of the heart.

The first robotic telesurgery on the Mantra System from Gurugram to Bengaluru was demonstrated by the successful completion of two highly complex procedures – Transthoracic Oesophagectomy and Pelvic Exenteration for T4 Ca Rectum- remotely performed from SMRSC 2025, Delhi/NCR, while the patient was in Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru.

Dr. Arul Furtado, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, said, “The team was highly encouraged by the success of this telesurgery, reinforcing the vital role robotic-assisted surgery will play in the future of cardiac care. This unique insight gives it a distinct advantage, making it highly adaptable and tailored to the needs of cardiac surgeons. As we move forward, I believe robotic telesurgery will redefine access to specialized surgical care, and today’s procedure marks just the beginning of this transformation.“

SS Innovations Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, said, “With CDSCO approval, we are not just pushing technological boundaries but fulfilling our mission to democratise robotic surgery. Telesurgery is revolutionising healthcare, eliminating the need for patients to travel and making advanced surgical care truly accessible and affordable.”

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

In a significant milestone for Karnataka, the long-awaited Karnataka Bhavan (Kaveri) in the national capital is set to be inaugurated tomorrow, April 2, at 6:30 pm. The newly constructed building, representing the state’s rich cultural heritage, will be unveiled by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

The grand event will be attended by prominent dignitaries, including AICC president Mallikarjuna Kharge, who will grace the occasion. Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi will preside over the ceremony, while Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar will join as a special guest.

Other distinguished guests include opposition leader R. Ashoka and minister Cheluvanarayana Swamy. Additionally, Union ministers H D Kumaraswamy, Pralhad Joshi, V. Somanna, Shobha Karandlaje, and Nirmala Sitharaman have been invited. Delhi’s special representatives, T B Jayachandra and Prakash Hukkeri, will also be part of the inauguration.

The Karnataka Bhavan, located in the upscale Chanakyapuri area of New Delhi, spans 3,532 square metres and boasts a total built-up area of 12,212 square metres (131,450 square feet). Designed as a multi-purpose space for state functions, meetings, and cultural activities, the building is a symbol of Karnataka’s enduring heritage.

This multi-storey complex, which comprises 9 floors, including two basements, is equipped with 52 rooms. Among these are 2 luxurious VIP suites, 32 suite rooms, and 18 single rooms. In addition, the building features 86 toilets and parking for 10 cars in the basement. Originally estimated at Rs 81 crore, the final cost of the project soared to Rs 138 crore, marking the completion of a major architectural endeavour for the state.

“The Karnataka Bhavan will not only provide a warm and hospitable environment for our government officials, dignitaries, and citizens but also serve as a vibrant hub to promote our culture and heritage in the capital,” said Siddaramaiah.

The Bhavan’s facilities include state-of-the-art amenities designed for both comfort and functionality. It features spacious meeting rooms, VIP lounges, conference rooms, a gym, and even a terrace with solar power units. The building’s purpose is to elevate Karnataka’s presence in New Delhi while also providing an official venue for government activities and cultural programmes.

Key features of Karnataka Bhavan:

• Basement 1 (2335 sq.m.): Lift lobby, stairs, driver’s laundry, security room, BMS room, 50 car parking spaces.
• Basement 2 (2335 sq.m.): Stairs, staff rooms, 24 car parking spaces, staff rest room.
• Ground Floor (1050 sq.m.): Reception, waiting room, board room, pantry, media briefing room, VIP lounge, toilets, fire control room, tourism info desk, security room.
• First Floor (1005 sq.m.): RC chamber, DRC, PA room, staff room, administrative record room, server room, pantry, liaison officer room, conference room.
• Second Floor (1050 sq.m.): 3 suite rooms, 4 single rooms, special representative office, PA room, legal record room.
• Third Floor (1050 sq.m.): 8 suite rooms, 3 single rooms, gym, pantry.
• Fourth Floor (1050 sq.m.): 9 suite rooms, pantry, housekeeping facilities.
• Fifth Floor (1050 sq.m.): 6 suite rooms, 4 single rooms, pantry, housekeeping.
• Sixth Floor (1050 sq.m.): 6 suite rooms, 3 single rooms, pantry, housekeeping.
• Seventh Floor (237 sq.m.): Terrace, stairs room, solar power units.

With its architectural brilliance and a blend of modern facilities, Karnataka Bhavan is poised to become a symbol of the state’s pride and a central venue for official functions, cultural exchanges, and public engagements in New Delhi.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Each of the 204 SDMCs selected from the State have been given a reward of ₹1 lakh, as part of “Pusti” scheme of the government’s Samagra Shikhsana Karnataka Programme.

School Development and Monitoring Committees (SDMCs) of seven government schools in Dakshina Kannada and five schools from Udupi district are among the 204 SDMCs adjudged as the best in the State for 2023-24. Each of the 204 SDMCs have been given a reward of ₹ 1 lakh.

The reward was given as part of “Pusti” scheme of the government’s Samagra Shikhsana Karnataka Programme recognising the role of SDMCs in all-round development of the schools. Starting from this academic year, the reward will be given every year, according to M. Kurma Rao, Director, Samagra Shikshana Karnataka Programme.

The seven SDMCs of Dakshina Kannada are Government Lower Primary School, Emaje in Bantwal taluk, Government Higher Primary School, Kattadabail in Belthangady taluk, Government Higher Primary School in Madhya near Mangaluru, Government Pre University College, Nalyapadavu near Mangaluru, Government Higher Primary School in Neerkere near Moodbidri, Government Higher Primary School at Veeramangala in Puttur taluk, and Government Higher Primary School at Kolchar in Sullia taluk.

The five SDMCs of Udupi district are Government PU College Manoor in Brahmavar taluk, Government Higher Primary School (Hindustani) in Naguru in Byndoor taluk; Government Higher Primary School, Miyaru in Karkala taluk, Government High School Beejadi in Kundapura taluk and Government Higher Primary School in Nandikur of Udupi taluk.

Reward amount for betterment of schools

In a letter to all district Deputy Directors of Public Instruction, Mr. Rao said ‘Pusti’ is a programme to recognise contribution of SDMCs in development of schools. The programme is also for empowering SDMC members. It is also for developing competitive spirit among SDMCs. The reward amount should be used for betterment of schools and utilisation certificate should be submitted by school head master to respective block resource coordinator.

The official further said a total of 44,762 government schools had registered for the survey done for “Pusti” reward. As many as 1,836 schools qualified for the taluk level, and 612 schools at the district-level survey. Ultimately, 204 SDMCs (one for each taluk ) were selected for the reward, the official said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Odisha have emerged as the top-performing states in terms of financial strength.

According to a report by CareEdge Ratings these states have a strong revenue base, with state-own revenues (SOR) making up 60-80 per cent of their total revenue receipts. Have a low revenue deficit, which means they can spend more on development. Have low debt levels, with debt-to-GSDP ratios between 16-27 per cent.

It said, “These states carry low leverage with Debt (including guarantees) to GSDP in the 16-27 per cent range, the interest / RR is low, averaging approx. 9 per cent”

The report also suggested that while tax revenues are growing, states need to accelerate their spending on infrastructure projects in the final quarter of FY25 to meet their capital expenditure goals

So far, states have used only 48 per cent of their total capital spending budget of Rs 7.5 lakh crore. This means they will need to spend a large amount in the last quarter, especially in March 2025, to meet their targets.

The capital expenditure (spending on infrastructure and development projects) of the top 15 states was Rs 3.57 lakh crore in the first nine months of FY25. This is 4 per cent lower than last year, mainly due to the impact of elections in the first half of the financial year.

The report also noted that during April 2024 to January 2025, the central government transferred Rs 10.74 lakh crore to states as their share of taxes. This is 31 per cent higher than last year and is aimed at helping states spend more on development projects.

The report expects total tax devolution to increase by 12 per cent in FY25 compared to FY24. However, this growth is lower than the expected 19 per cent increase estimated in the Union Budget due to slower growth in state revenue sources.

However, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection by major states in India increased by 9 per cent in the first nine months (April to December) of the current financial year (FY25) compared to the same period last year.

The report highlighted that state GST collections had grown by 15 per cent in FY24 and continued to rise in FY25 due to better tax compliance.

It said, “State GST collections grew by 15 per cent in FY24 (Prov.) and 9 per cent in 9MFY25 (Prov.) over 9MFY24 (Prov.), driven by enhanced compliance”.

These states are Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. (ANI)

This report is auto-generated from ANI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.

source/content: theprint.in (headline edited)

Historically, the BCG vaccine has been administered to infants to guard against severe TB infections. 

In a move to bolster tuberculosis (TB) prevention efforts, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Tuesday launched an adult Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination initiative in the State.

Historically, the BCG vaccine has been administered to infants to guard against severe TB infections. However, recent studies indicate that re-vaccination in adults, particularly among vulnerable populations, could offer added protection against the disease, Mr Rao said.

The initiative was officially launched at Sir CV Raman Public Hospital in Indiranagar, Bengaluru, coinciding with World TB Day, observed globally on March 24.

Mr. Rao highlighted that the campaign’s primary focus will be on high-risk groups, including elderly individuals, those with a body mass index (BMI) below 18.5, diabetics, smokers, individuals previously treated for TB, household contacts of TB patients, and people with weakened immune systems.

The vaccination drive will be rolled out in phases across 16 districts, ensuring widespread accessibility. Mr. Rao also urged eligible individuals to voluntarily receive the BCG vaccine.

“This vaccine has played a critical role in safeguarding children from TB. Emerging research suggests that it can also enhance immunity in adults, thereby lowering the risk of TB infection. The BCG vaccine is both safe and provided free of charge. I encourage everyone to raise awareness among their families and communities,” he added.

The Minister also announced that free diagnostic and treatment services are available for TB patients across the State.

“To enhance diagnostic capabilities, 159 new Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) machines will be installed across the State this year. These machines will be distributed among district hospitals, taluk hospitals, and high-burden community health centres (CHCs) and primary health centres (PHCs), thereby strengthening decentralised TB detection services,” Mr Rao said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)