Karnataka First

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)

Founded by Prateek Madhav, Bengaluru-based ATF has partnered with Karnataka govt to set up one-of-its-kind Center of Excellence for Assistive Technology, dedicated to assistive technologies for people with disabilities.

In 2012, Prateek Madhav stood amidst a sea of spectators at the Blind Cricket World Cup, an event he had helped organise against all odds. The moment was more than just a sporting victory; it was a turning point in his life. From a successful corporate career at Accenture to co-founding the Assistive Technology Foundation (ATF), the 49-year-old’s journey has been one of transformation—both personal and societal. Today, Bengaluru-based ATF is at the forefront of making India more inclusive, particularly in Karnataka, through technological innovations and policy advocacy. So much so that, in partnership with the IT-BT Department of Karnataka, ATF is also setting up one-of-its-kind Center of Excellence for Assistive Technology, dedicated to assistive technologies for people with disabilities.

The birth of ATF

Madhav’s shift from the corporate world to the social impact sector was driven by a realization: disability is not the problem; inaccessibility is. While volunteering with NGOs working in disability inclusion, he noticed a glaring gap — despite rapid technological advancements, most assistive solutions were either unavailable or unaffordable in India.

“The real challenge is the lack of an ecosystem that fosters innovation and ensures assistive technology reaches the people who need it,” Madhav says. “We started ATF to bridge this gap by enabling startups to build, test, and scale their solutions,” he adds.

Founded in 2019, ATF operates as an enabler, connecting innovators with funding, mentorship, and distribution networks. Unlike traditional disability welfare programmes, ATF takes a market-driven approach, supporting technology that can be sustainable and scalable.

The inclusivity landscape in Karnataka

Karnataka, home to one of India’s most dynamic technology hubs, presents a mixed picture when it comes to inclusivity. The state has been proactive in implementing policies like the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and has made progress in making public spaces more accessible. However, Madhav believes there is still much to be done.

“In Bengaluru , we have ramps in Metro stations, but what about the last mile? Can a person with a disability commute independently from the station to their workplace?” he asks.

Madhav says that though there is a growing awareness about the situation, “execution is where we fall short.”

Beyond infrastructure, the employment rate for people with disabilities remains low. Madhav argues that while MNCs have diversity in hiring programmes, small and medium enterprises—where most of the job opportunities lie — are yet to fully integrate accessibility into their hiring practices.

Government funding and investment strategies

ATF has been actively engaging with the government to push for better funding mechanisms for assistive technology startups. While Karnataka has shown interest in disability welfare, Madhav points out that assistive tech still does not receive the same kind of investment as other sectors like fintech or AI. The concern also stems with Karnataka’s Congress government reducing the funding for disability welfare schemes by nearly 80 per cent. This led to a budget cut from Rs 54 crore in 2023-24 to Rs 10 crore in 2024-25 fiscal year.

“Startups in this space need patient capital. A fintech product might reach profitability in two years, but an assistive device might take five. We need public-private partnerships and dedicated grants to support this,” he explains.

Madhav acknowledges that schemes like the ‘Startup India’ initiative have helped, but he looks forward to more focused funding through institutions such as SIDBI and state innovation funds. ATF itself has been working to create an Assistive Technology Venture Fund, aimed at providing early-stage capital to promising startups in the sector.

ATF’s collaboration with startups

One of ATF’s most successful initiatives has been its incubation program, which helps startups refine their products and connect with end-users. Companies like Trestle Labs, which has developed a device that converts printed text to speech for the visually impaired, have benefited from ATF’s support.

“Our role is to ensure that these startups don’t just develop technology for the sake of it, but actually solve real-world problems,” Madhav explains. “We bring them in touch with the disability community early on, so their solutions are tested and validated by the people who will use them,” he mentions.

Beyond funding, ATF helps these startups navigate regulatory hurdles, scale production, and find distribution partners. This comprehensive approach ensures that promising innovations don’t just remain prototypes but reach the people who need them most,” he says.

NeoMotion, one of ATF’s incubated startups, has designed customizable, motorized wheelchairs that enhance mobility for users in urban and rural settings. Another startup, CogniAble, has leveraged AI to provide early diagnosis and intervention for children with autism at an affordable cost. Another ATF supported startup, Sparshmind Innovations, makes neuro-rehabilitation accessible to millions affected by brain injuries using XR technology, offering VR therapy, a grip trainer for strength, and a camera system for precise movement assessment.

Centre of Excellence for Assistive Technology

ATF is also closely working with the government to establish CoE dedicated to assistive technologies for people with disabilities. Madhav envisions a space where India’s leading startups working in assistive tech come under one roof to drive innovation and impact. The CoE would serve as a hub for startups, policymakers, corporates, nonprofits, and individuals with disabilities. It also seeks to provide an experience center, allowing users to test assistive technologies and understand their practical applications.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

The breakthrough, based on a technique called photoacoustic sensing, can change the way glucose level is monitored.

For millions of people with diabetes, checking blood glucose levels is a painful yet daily necessity as it requires pricking the skin several times a day, which is inconvenient and poses risk of infection. However, scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a painless alternative, using light and sound instead of needles.

This breakthrough, based on a technique called photoacoustic sensing, can change the way glucose level is monitored.

‘Photoacoustic sensing’ is a method wherein a laser is beamed on to biological tissues. When the tissue absorbs the light, it heats up slightly – by less than 1 degree Celsius – causing it to expand and contract.

This tiny movement generates ultrasonic sound waves, which can be detected by specialised instruments. Since different molecules absorb light in unique ways, they create distinct “fingerprints” in the emitted sound waves, allowing scientists to identify and measure specific substances in the body – without ever needing to break the skin.

To make this technique work for glucose detection, the IISc team used polarised light – light waves vibrating in only one direction. This is similar to how sunglasses reduce glare by filtering out certain light waves. Glucose, like many biological molecules, is chiral – meaning it rotates polarised light when it interacts with it.

The researchers found that this rotation affected the intensity of the sound waves produced, revealing a way to measure glucose levels accurately.

“We do not know why the acoustic signal changes when we change the polarisation state. But we can establish a relationship between glucose concentration and the intensity of the acoustic signal at a particular wavelength,” Jaya Prakash, Assistant Professor at IISc’s Department of Instrumentation and Applied Physics, and the study’s corresponding author, explained.

As glucose concentration increases, it rotates the polarised light more, and this change is reflected in the strength of the sound waves. By analysing these signals, the researchers precisely estimated glucose levels – without needing a blood sample.

To prove the method, the team tested in different environments, starting from measuring the glucose levels in water and serum solutions, then on to slices of animal tissues, achieving near-clinical accuracy. The team could measure glucose at different depths within the tissue – a key requirement for practical medical use.

“If we know the speed of sound in the tissue, we can use the time series data to map our acoustic signals to the depth at which they are coming from,” Swathi Padmanabhan, a PhD student and first author of the study, said, adding that unlike light, which scatters inside the body, sound wave travels in a more predictable manner, allowing for clearer and more precise measurements from deeper layers of tissue.

Human trials

The researchers, following successful trials in different environments, conducted a pilot study on a healthy human participant, monitoring blood glucose level before and after meals over three days. The results showed that the technique could track glucose changes in real time.

However, researchers mentioned that scaling up the technology for widespread use comes with challenges. The current set-up requires a laser that produces extremely short nano-second pulses, which makes it bulky and expensive.

“Finding the right set-up to do this was very challenging. We need to make it more compact to put it to clinical use, and have already started work on this,” Swathi said.

The researchers believe their technique is not limited to glucose monitoring as many commonly used drugs are also chiral molecules, meaning the same method can be used to measure medication levels in the body. To test this idea, they measured the concentration of naproxen, a popular painkiller and anti-inflammatory drug, in ethanol solution, and succeeded.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Nithin B.R., a student of Canara Engineering College, Mangaluru has won the Mangaluru regional finals of the 16th edition of TCS TechBytes, an engineering IT quiz.

Nikhil Shetty a student of NMAMIT, Nitte emerged runner up in the event held on March 18 in Mangaluru.

The winner of this round will represent Mangaluru at the State finals which will be held in Bengaluru on April 8, 2025, said Sunil Deshpande, Regional Head, TCS Bengaluru in a release.

Participating students from the Mangaluru region underwent a preliminary written test, and the top six students from this round qualified for an interactive quiz consisting of five segments that tested students’ acumen in various technologies, the release said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

After a brief stint in teaching, Mysurean Akshata Ganesh passionately follows her dream of acting and cinema.

She is a shining example of a woman achieving her dream of becoming an actress while balancing her roles as a teacher, wife and mother. Having established herself as a successful English teacher at Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai, Akshata Ganesh has now stepped into acting — a passion she has nurtured since her college days in Mysuru.

Today, she is widely recognised for her portrayal of ‘Savithri’ in the popular television serial ‘Antharapata.’ On International Women’s Day, Star of Mysore celebrates the achievements of this versatile actor, dedicated teacher and devoted mother.

A post-graduate in English from the University of Mysore, Akshata pursued a teaching career at the prestigious Dhirubhai Ambani International School, where she and her husband, Nishanth Nagavar, were part of the English faculty.

Among their students were children of renowned personalities, including Mukesh Ambani, Sachin Tendulkar, Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali Khan.

“Nishanth and I were invited for an interview in 2005, and both of us were selected to join the English Department at Dhirubhai Ambani International School. My time there was an incredible learning experience, shaping me both personally and professionally. I was fortunate to attend some of the best workshops across the world, which significantly enriched my journey as a teacher. For this, I am forever grateful to the school administration,” says Akshata Ganesh.

Pull towards acting

After a decade of working as an educator in Mumbai, Akshata Ganesh felt an undeniable pull toward acting. This passion led her to enroll in ‘Actor Prepares,’ the renowned acting institute run by Anupam Kher. Balancing her professional and personal commitments, Akshata travelled daily from Bandra (East) to Santa Cruz (West) for her acting classes, which ran from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Despite her demanding schedule, her dedication to teaching never wavered. While pursuing her acting course, she volunteered at ‘School of Life,’ an NGO providing free education to underprivileged children. “It was Anupam Kher who introduced me to ‘School of Life.’ Knowing that I was a teacher, he told me about the NGO and the teacher in me just couldn’t say no. I used to visit the school during my free time and teach the kids,” shares Akshata.

First cameo role

Akshata credits her maternal grandmother, Sheela Bopaiah, for encouraging her to follow her dreams. Though she had trained at a prestigious acting school under a legendary actor, breaking into the film industry was far from easy. After enduring multiple auditions, she landed a cameo role in a stage play directed by Akash Khurana, a noted actor and director.

“The journey as an actor was challenging. Having spent over a decade in one of the country’s most prestigious educational institutions, transitioning into films and television was anything but smooth. But looking back, I have no regrets. The experience has been incredibly fulfilling. Watching legendary actors like Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah prepare and perform on stage was truly enriching,” says Akshata.

Akshata’s breakthrough after struggle

Her breakthrough came after days of struggle, when she landed a role in an advertisement for a detergent brand alongside the late Irrfan Khan. The ad earned her industry recognition, catching the eye of a casting director who offered her another commercial.

This paved the way for bigger opportunities, eventually leading her to roles in ‘Raaz 3,’ ‘Hate Story 2,’ and ‘Hate Story 3’ — all while continuing her teaching career at Dhirubhai Ambani International School.

Days after gaining recognition in the film industry, Akshata Ganesh made the bold decision to quit her teaching career and step into acting full-time. She landed a significant role in the popular television series ‘Crime Patrol – Dastak,’ which resonated with audiences across the country.

While deeply engaged in the series, fate intervened, calling her back home. A casting director approached Akshata for Season 2 of the hit Kannada comedy soap ‘Silli Lalli,’ directed by ‘Sihi Kahi’ Chandru.

She took on the role of ‘Lalithamba,’ which brought her widespread popularity among Kannada television viewers. Now, she is set to appear as ‘Nandini’ in the upcoming Zee Kannada serial ‘Shravani Subramanya.’

Towards empowerment

Beyond acting, Akshata strongly believes in women’s empowerment and has personally taken steps to support it. She has been instrumental in helping her housemaid, Manjula, become literate. Manjula, who was once illiterate, is now learning to read and write — thanks to Akshata’s efforts to ensure she attends Kannada tuition for two hours every day.

“I want women to be independent and live life on their terms. Every woman deserves access to basic education, opportunities in sports or training in life skills so that they can achieve financial independence,” says Akshata.

Hailing from Mysuru, Akshata is the daughter of Pandanda Subbaiah Ganesh and Anita Ganesh, residents of Bamboo Bazaar, Tilaknagar. She is married to Nishanth Nagavar, Vice-Principal at Greenwood High International, Bengaluru. The couple has a son, Aanyav Nagavar. Her in-laws are Prof. Kalegowda Nagavara and Kempamma.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

Jyothiraj, popularly known as ‘Karunada Spider-Man,’ is set to take on the challenge of scaling the historic Karinjeshwara Temple hill.

He announced that he would begin his ascent of the Karinjeshwara hill, which stands at an elevation of 1,000 feet above sea level, on March 23 at 10 am.

Jyothiraj stated that he has already submitted a request to the relevant authorities and has received all necessary permissions for the climb.

He appealed to the people of Bantwal and Beltangady taluks to support his endeavor.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

A Kannada film featuring a faculty member of Pondicherry University in a lead role has bagged the Karanataka Government award for “Best Family Entertainment Social Film.”

“Fourwalls”, written and directed by S. S. Sajjan has Pavithra, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Performing Arts at Pondicherry University, in a lead role opposite Kannada actor Achyuth Kumar.

A press note said, the film is a compelling family drama that narrates the poignant journey of a middle-class man who, after losing his wife at a young age, struggles to raise his four children while navigating the challenges of family life. With a strong emotional core, the film has resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, a press note fron Pondicherry University said.

Since its theatrical release on February 11, 2022, Fourwalls has now been made available on OTT platforms. The film also has upcoming releases in Tamil, Malayalam, and Marathi. Ms. Pavithra’s performance in the film has been widely appreciated, highlighting her versatility as both an academic and an artist. Her contribution to the performing arts continues to inspire students and the creative community, the University said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

This comes at a time when Bengaluru is also staring at a water crisis and measures are being done to ensure the 2024 water crises does not repeat this year.

A delegation from Cape Town in South Africa was in Bengaluru for the last two days to share their best practices on water and energy conservation and gain insights on IT development from the Indian city. Representatives from the two cities discussed potential tourism opportunities as well.

Cape Town in South Africa had recently made global headlines because of its severe water crisis.

Now the city is in news again. But this time as a case study on water management, said Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth and Tourism, Cape Town.

Speaking to TNIE during his two day visit to the city on Tuesday, he said, “We are an example for all global cities to learn on how to manage water. We are the only city to have reduced water consumption by half to mitigate the crisis.”

He added, “A dashboard was created for live streaming the water situation and a benchmark was set. If the water levels dropped below 19%, then supply will be stopped. A simple method of the government maintaining transparency and involving citizens helped mitigate the crisis.”

This comes at a time when Bengaluru is also staring at a water crisis and measures are being done to ensure the 2024 water crises does not repeat this year. This financial year, a large budget allocation was done for water management.

The government is also working extensively to replace old pipes and ensure zero leakage, new water extraction technologies through aquifers is being worked upon, waste water treatment plants are being set up and rain water harvesting is mandated.

Potential collaborations in IT, Tourism

Karnataka IT-BT and RDPR Minister Priyank Kharge on Tuesday said India and South Africa have a strong history and many commonalities. The relationship between the two countries can be further strengthened with a partnership on sharing best practices and knowledge.

After holding an interaction with a team of delegates led by Alderman James Vos in Bengaluru, Kharge said he proposes to start a partnership between Bengaluru and Cape Town under the larger Global Innovation Programmes and look into the multiple ways in which the two cities could benefit.

He said he was looking forward for exploring how these two cities can share best practices and innovation technologies.

The team from Cape Town along with officials and business partners, CapeBPO and Cape Town Tourism, discussed collaboration in technology, BPO and tourism.

Vos said the objective is to forge strong partnerships to create job opportunities.

As Cape Town is a growing city, the best innovative solutions can be adopted to channelise the city’s economic growth. India’s dynamic BPO and tech industries complement Cape Town’s strengths and this will improve investment opportunities and enhance trade and tourism, he added.

The meeting with GCCs and IT-BT sector was organised by MoveInSync, a Bengaluru-based employee commute platform, also working in Cape Town; and Moar Advisor, a strategic enabler.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Udupi Kalparasa Coconut and All Spices Producer Company Ltd., a Farmer Producer Company (FPC) which makes and sells value added products of ‘neera’ has added four more franchises in undivided Dakshina Kannada.

With this, its franchises rose to 12 in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.

The new franchises, which came up within a span of a month, are at Byndoor and Karavali Junction in Udupi district and at Surathkal (two) in Dakshina Kannada, according to K. Sathyanarayana Udupa, president-cum-managing director of the FPC.

‘Neera’ is a sweet nutrient-rich sap derived from coconut spathe. The FPC is into ‘neera’ tapping in Udupi district by purchasing the Coco-sap Chiller technology from the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Kasaragod, Kerala since the past over two-and-half years.

In addition to ‘kalparasa’ (which is neera) the FPC sells sugar, jaggery, liquid jaggery or jaggery syrup made from ‘kaplarasa’ in the franchises, Mr. Udupa told The Hindu.

“Our two more franchises one at Car Street in Mangaluru and another at Ullal will come up within a month,” he said adding that then people can purchase ‘kalparasa’ and its value added products from 14 franchises.

Its other franchises are at Kundapur, Japti, Hebri, Karkala, Moodbidri, B.C. Road, Kadri Temple Road in Mangaluru and in Udupi, he said.

Mr. Udupa said presently the FPC has government’s permission to tap ‘kalparasa’ from 512 trees. It taps it from about 200 trees in Japti, Avarse and Shiriyara villages in Udupi district.

According to K. Balachandra Hebbar, Director, ICAR-CPCRI, who developed the Coco-sap Chiller, the device only prevents fermentation of ‘neera’, but also maintains its hygiene during the long process of tapping. Otherwise, ‘neera’ has a short shelf-life as it is highly susceptible to fermentation, transforming into toddy within an hour of extraction.

Coconut sap collected by Coco-sap Chiller has neutral to slightly alkaline pH (pH 7 to 8) which is rare to get under natural condition, he said. “It is considered as one of the most pH balanced juices. It is rich in vitamins, phenols, flavonoids and antioxidants. It has a high content of potassium, besides high amount of anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties. It is relatively low in glycemic index (GI) also,” Mr. Hebbar added.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)