Tag: Records of Karnataka

YuvaSpark founder Akarsh Shroff of Bengaluru conferred National Youth Award

Recognition for his ‘commitment to improving quality of early childhood education at anganwadi centres in India’.

Akarsh Shroff of Bengaluru was conferred the prestigious National Youth Award on April 3 for his ‘commitment to improving quality of early childhood education at anganwadi centres in India’.

The award was conferred during a ceremony at Parliament House in Delhi by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya. The event was organised to honour award recipients of both this and the previous year. A total of 22 awardees were honoured across both the years.

The National Youth Awardis conferred by the Ministry of Youth Affairs to recognise the excellent efforts of youth working towards national development and social service. The prize recognises work in health, research, culture, human rights, tourism, education, sports, innovation, community service, by people under the age of 30.

Akarsh founded YuvaSpark as a 17-year-old high school student in 2018. The organisation has built technology platforms that have digitised learning at over 600 anganwadi centres across rural India. To enhance quality of education at anganwadis (early childhood education centres in rural India), YuvaSpark’s digital platform is periodically providing teachers with custom-curated interactive vernacular language academic content.

Apart from this, the organisation runs programmes to improve infrastructure at orphanages, enhance library infrastructure in government schools, and provide smart learning devices to special schools.

The organisation has impacted the lives of 3,46,000 children across 10 States by engaging over 700 volunteers from 35 institutions, and has raised ₹2.5 crore in funding from Amazon, BCG, Indian Oil, MNGL, SECI, and other companies.

After graduating from one of India’s most prominent institutions, BITS Pilani, in 2022, Akarsh opted out of placements and chose to devote his time to improving the quality of education for children in India.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Karnataka tops in Devolution Index ranking of Panchayat Raj system

In the overall category, Kerala and Tamil Nadu bag second and third spots, respectively, says the report.

Karnataka tops the overall Devolution Index (DI) ranking of the Panchayat Raj system among States in India, while Kerala and Tamil Nadu are in the second and third spot, respectively.

The report titled ‘Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States – An Indicative Evidence-Based Ranking’ (2024) released by the Centre on February 13 states that Karnataka tops the chart in the DI and in the key sub-indices of ‘finances’ and ‘accountability’. Overall, the State has commendable performance across nearly all identified metrics.

States/UTs were ranked according to the overall panchayat DI and six key dimensions of framework, functions, finances, functionaries, capacity enhancement, and accountability. The Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi, prepared the report.

Overall index score

The report notes that Karnataka ranks first with an overall index score of 72.23 followed by Kerala (70.59), Tamil Nadu (68.38), and Maharashtra (61.44). While BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh ranks fifth (60.07), Gujarat is ranked sixth (58.26). Bihar along with the north-eastern and hilly States of Assam, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand emerged as moderate scorers but with values above the national average of 43.89.

Six key dimensions

In the framework criterion, Kerala ranks first followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Haryana

In the functional criterion, Tamil Nadu tops the list followed by Karnataka, Odisha, and Rajasthan

In the finances criterion, Karnataka has secured the top place followed by Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan

In the accountability criterion, Karnataka tops followed by Kerala, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh

In the functionaries criterion, Gujarat ranks first followed by Tamil Nadu and Kerala

In the capacity building criterion, Telangana has secured the first spot followed by Tamil Nadu and Gujarat

Framework dimension

In the ‘Framework’ dimension, Kerala ranks first with a score of 83.56 followed by Maharashtra (74.74), Karnataka (74.43), and Haryana (73.3).

This dimension includes legal requirements such as holding regular panchayat elections, reserving seats for women, SCs, and STs, and establishing State Election Commission and State Finance Commission.

Functions

In the ‘functions’ dimension, Tamil Nadu tops with an index value of 60.24. Karnataka (57.62), Odisha (57.46), and Rajasthan (56.13) are marginally separated from each other. This criterion stipulates States to assign local functions to panchayats, enabling them to act as institutions of self-government. Karnataka delegates a significant number of functions to panchayats and GPs enjoy maximum power to levy taxes and non-taxes, it said.

Finances

Under the criterion of ‘Finances’, Karnataka has secured the top place with a score of 70.65 followed by Kerala (62.89), Tamil Nadu (55.78), and Rajasthan (54.56). In this indicator, States have been evaluated based on the release of funds in time under the 15th Finance Commission. It is found that most States are not serious about the constitution of the SFCs and implement their recommendations. 

Accountability

Karnataka has topped in the ‘Accountability’ dimension with the highest score (81.33) in the indicators of ‘social audit’ and ‘gram sabha’. Karnataka is followed by Kerala, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh with the score of 81.18, 80.36, and 76.07, respectively.

Criteria adopted in this category are accounting and audit of panchayats, social audit of panchayats, functioning of gram sabha, transparency and anti-corruption, panchayat assessment, and incentivisation. Overall, the GP system in Karnataka has served as a vital institution for promoting local self-governance, participatory democracy, and sustainable development in rural areas, the report noted.

Functionaries

In the ‘Functionaries’ dimension, Karnataka has one of the maximum number of panchayat officials working as per the sanctioned positions prescribed by the State. Gujarat tops the list with a value of 90.94, followed by Tamil Nadu (84.25), and Kerala (82.99). Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Maharashtra have secured scores above 70 along with Himachal Pradesh (70.06). Key indicators included in this dimension are the physical infrastructure of panchayats, e-connectivity of panchayats, panchayat officials, and sanctioned and actual staff positions.

Capacity building

In the ‘Capacity building’ dimension, Karnataka is among the top 10 States. Key indicators included in this category are training institutions, and training activities of elected representatives and officials.

Telangana has secured the first rank (86.19) followed by Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat, with the score of 84.29 and 83.96, respectively.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Mysuru’s Tejaswani, Class 9 student’s tech-driven ‘monkey repellent’ grabs eyeballs at hackathon

Tejaswini, a Class 9 student from Morarji Desai Residential School in Mysuru, is making waves at a hackathon with her innovative solution to tackle a common yet persistent problem — monkeys invading hostels and homes to steal food and clothes. Together with her five-member team, Tejaswini has developed a prototype that uses technology to drive away monkeys humanely.

Their project is one of 11 creative solutions being showcased at Hack to the Future 2025, organised by Quest Alliance from January 27 to 31 in the city.

The solution features a 360-degree camera to detect monkey activity, triggering an ultrasonic sound at 35 to 40 kHz frequencies. Inaudible to humans but irritating to monkeys, this sound deters them without causing harm. Powered by electricity and components like Raspberry Pi, the system was developed with the guidance of mentors during the event.

“This project is not just about protecting our belongings but also ensuring the monkeys are unharmed. We’re still fine-tuning the system and haven’t tested it yet, but we’re hopeful about its impact,” she said.

The hackathon has provided Tejaswini’s team with the tools and knowledge to refine their prototype, with mentors offering hands-on training and materials.

For mentor Roshan Ara Begum, the event has been transformative for the students. “Hackathons like these are golden opportunities for students to gain exposure to technology and build confidence,” she said.

Tejaswini and her team are among 57 students from five states participating in the event. The hackathon will culminate in a Shark Tank-style presentation before a jury, where students will pitch their solutions.

Beyond the event, participants are encouraged to apply their learnings to real-life challenges and explore government schemes to scale their projects.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Ramadasa Bhat, Geetha Shenoy chosen for Konkani theatre and translation awards

The Vishwa Konkani Kendra has chosen Gulvady Ramadasa Dattatreya Bhat and Geetha Shenoy for the P. Dayananda Pai Vishwa Konkani Ranga Shreshta Puraskara and P. Dayananda Pai Bhashanuvada Puraskara respectively.

Kendra president Nandagopal Shenoy in a statement here said the awards comprising ₹1 lakh purse and citation, would be presented during the Vishwa Konkani Natakotsava to be held on February 8 at T.V. Raman Pai Convention Hall, Mangaluru.

Attracted to theatre at a very young age, Mr. Bhat during his eight decades amateur theatre life has been an expert in makeup, sound and light, acting and direction in conventional plays, particularly historic ones, including Prachandra Prashu, Atmalinga, Santha Jnaneshwara, Tulasi Jalandhara, etc. Presently settled in Goa, he is an expert he has made a name in Konkani theatre from Mangaluru to Mumbai, Mr. Shenoy said.

Ms. Geetha Shenoy has translated Vachana Sahitya, Kanakadasa Sahitya, Kuvempu Sahitya etc., to Konkani. She has also translated 21 Konkani story-novels to Kannada, four Kannada works to Konkani and 16 English works to Kannada.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

JSS Institute of Speech and Hearing felicitates meritorious students

The JSS Institute of Speech & Hearing (JSSISH) felicitated meritorious students during the Graduation Day ceremony held at Sri Rajendra Centenary Auditorium in JSS Hospital premises here on Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Suman Kumar, Director, Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (Divyangjan), Mumbai, advised students to work towards building confidence among patients during their clinical practice.

Among the students who were felicitated included: C.M. Swetha for Bachelor of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (BASLP) and G. Yashaswini for M.Sc (Speech Language Pathology) and D.M. Shrinidhi for M.Sc (Audiology). Best Student Clinician awards were given to V.S. Harshitha for BASLP, Nila Panchali for M.Sc (Speech-Language Pathology) and D.M. Shrinidhi for M.Sc (Audiology).

The Hegde Foundation Gold Medal, which promotes research in treatment efficacy, was awarded to L. Aishwarya and R. Mahanya for their Master’s thesis under the guidance of Dr. R. Suma and Dr. S.V. Narasimhan. 

A total of 72 students, including 39 under graduates and 33 post graduates (21 SLPs and 12 Audiology) from 2023-24 batch were felicitated on the occasion.

JSS Mahavidyapeetha Executive Secretary Dr. C.G. Betsurmath presided. JSS Medical Education Division Director R. Mahesh was the guest of honour. JSSISH Principal Dr. R. Suma was present.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

Mangaluru pips Bengaluru to get Karnataka’s first Doppler weather radar

After Mangaluru, Bengaluru and a few other places are expected to get radars later this year.

Bengaluru’s long-pending wish to have a C-band Doppler weather radar (DWR) will have to wait for sometime, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has decided to install Karnataka’s first DWR in Mangaluru.

Installation of a DWR will significantly enhance the accuracy of weather forecasts, thereby providing early warning of severe weather conditions such as thunderstorms, heavy rains, and cyclones.

There has been a pending demand for one DWR to be installed in Bengaluru. However the IMD has not been able to zero in on a location for the installation of the radar. Owing to this, Shaktinagar in Mangaluru will get the radar which is expected to be commissioned soon.

“We had first planned to install the DWR in Bengaluru, but now it has been shifted to Mangaluru,” said N. Puviarasan, head, Meteorological Centre, Bengaluru, on the sidelines of a IMD stakeholders’ meeting in Bengaluru on Saturday.

Dr. Puviarasan added that IMD had initially identified Nandi Hills as the location for installing the DWR. However it did not go through. Subsequently it had scouted 17 to 18 locations but it did not work out as they were all “low lying places”, said Dr. Puviarasan.

“We also inspected the Air Force station, Yelahanka, and the HAL Airport but it did not work out. Now we have identified a plot inside the government school in Vishwaneedam and sought permission from the State government. At present, the file is pending before the Secretary of the Education Department,” Dr. Puviarasan. He added that Bengaluru’s DWR would be installed this year.

Karandlaje’s push

“We thought that we could complete the project in Bengaluru by November 2024, but could not do so owing to non-availability of land. Meanwhile, there was a request from Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje for installing the DWR in Mangaluru and we are going ahead with it,” he added.

Incidentally, it was Ms. Karandlaje who had demanded that a DWR be installed in Bengaluru. Ms. Karandlaje, who is also MP for Bengaluru North, in June, 2024, wrote to Union Minister of Science and Technology Jitendra Singh seeking installation of the radar in Bengaluru.

Dr. Puviarasan added that one X-band radar will come up in Dharwad and that a proposal has been sent to the Centre for a S-band radar at Honnavar and a C-band radar at Ballari.

With regard to Kempegowda International Airport, he said an additional six runway visual range, four automated weather observing system, two ceilometers and wind profiler radars are in the installation stage.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Dalai Lama arrives at Bylakuppe Camp, Jan 2025

Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama, arrived this morning at the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement Camp in Mysuru district, for an extended stay. His last brief visit to Bylakuppe was in 2017.

The Dalai Lama departed from his Thekchen Choeling residence in McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, on Jan. 3. After a day’s stay in New Delhi, his special flight arrived in Bengaluru on Jan. 4 at 2 pm.

Following his stay at a hotel where he was welcomed by over 600 Tibetan students from various colleges and Tibetan businessmen, the Dalai Lama’s helicopter took off from Bengaluru at 9.30 am and landed at Tibetan Dickey Larsoe (TDL) in the Tibetan First Camp, Bylakuppe, at 11 am. A basketball court at TDL was converted into a helipad.

His Holiness was received according to protocol by Mysuru Assistant Commissioner Vijay Kumar, Mysuru SP N. Vishnuvardhana, Kushalnagar Tahsildar J. Nisargapriya and other officials.

Thousands greet their Guru

The Dalai Lama was escorted in a procession from the helipad to the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery — a four-kilometre route — where thousands of monastics, Tibetan monks, nuns, schoolchildren and Bylakuppe residents lined both sides of the road to pay their respects.

They were holding ceremonial scarves and incense sticks to greet His Holiness and seek his blessings. People in their finest traditional attire had lined up hours in advance to welcome their Guru.

Upon reaching the fully adorned and artistically painted Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the Dalai Lama was guided by Abbot Zeekyab Rinpoche to an elevated seat resembling a throne, where a prayer in his honour was scheduled for 15 minutes as per Tibetan rituals and culture. Lunch was arranged at the monastery, followed by rest.

Accompanying the Dalai Lama at the Tibetan Camp are 400 Police personnel and teams of officers from Dharamshala who have been accommodated inside the Tibetan Camp as they will stay till the spiritual leader leaves Mysuru. Hundreds of monks have arrived from Ladakh and Dharamshala in preparation for his stay.

Prayer sessions, interactions

The prayer sessions, visiting schedules and blessings sessions have not yet been finalised. After a two-day rest, the Dalai Lama is scheduled to hold prayer sessions, interactions and enlightenment sessions with a 15,000-strong crowd of monks.

This is the Dalai Lama’s first trip outside Dharamshala since his return on Aug. 28 following knee surgery in New York City. Officials at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery stated that His Holiness would spend the majority of his time in the settlements at this monastery. It was also mentioned that he may remain in Bylakuppe until Tibetan Losar (New Year) which falls in February.

Subject to his health, he may conduct teachings and grant some audiences at the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. Bylakuppe hosts the second-largest population of Tibetans living in exile after Dharamshala.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

Udupi: Manu Shetty selected as ‘Specially Invited Youth Icon’ for national dialogue in Delhi

 Manu Shetty, a resident of Inna village in Karkala taluk, has been selected as a ‘Specially Invited Youth Icon’ from Karnataka to participate in the two-days ‘Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue’ organized by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The event will be held at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi on January 11 and 12.

Manu is the daughter of entrepreneur Uday Shetty and former zilla panchayat member Reshma Uday Shetty. She is currently a first-year BA student at MGM College, Udupi, and an active member of the student organization ABVP and the international organization JCI Padubidri.

The two-day national convention aims to ensure the participation of youth in building a developed India. The event will bring together 3,000 young talents from across the country.

The agenda includes discussions, presentations, and dialogues on various sectors contributing to India’s development. Invited participants will have the opportunity to present their ideas. Additionally, there will be exhibitions by various government departments. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with union ministers, officials, and nationally and internationally recognized experts, will engage in discussions during the event.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Udupi: Sharina Alisha Mathias crowned Miss South India 2024

Sharina Alisha Mathias, a 20-year-old from Perampalli, Udupi, has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the prestigious Miss South India 2024 title.

The event, hosted by CLM Modeling Agency, took place at Poornima Regency in Bengaluru on December 29, 2024. Sharina emerged victorious among 13 contestants, impressing the judges with her poise, confidence, and charismatic personality.

Sharina, the daughter of Sunil and Anitha Mathias, is a final-year student at Poornaprajna College, Udupi. Her journey to the crown includes notable achievements, such as being crowned Miss Tulunad 2023 2nd runner-up and Miss Coastalwood 2023 1st runner-up.

The event celebrated beauty, grace, and talent, with contestants from across South India competing for the coveted title. Sharina’s impressive performance secured the top spot, bringing immense pride to her hometown.

Speaking about her victory, Sharina expressed gratitude to her family, friends, and mentors for their unwavering support throughout her journey.

Sharina’s achievement has brought pride to her college and community, solidifying her position as a rising star in the world of beauty and talent.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

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)