KARNATAKA: IT & TECHNOLOGY: Ayman Patil and Dheeraj Angadi Win ’15th TCS TechBytes Quiz’ in Kalaburagi, Dharwad

Ayman Patil of BLDEA’s V.P. Dr. P.G. Halakatti College of Engineering and Technology, Vijayapura, and Dheeraj Angadi of KLS MS Sheshagiri College of Engineering and Technology, Belagavi, have respectively won the Kalaburagi and Dharwad regional finals of the 15th edition of TCS TechBytes quiz competition held in Kalaburagi and Dharwad respectively.

While Nagaraj Dhoni from Appa Institute of Engineering and Technology, Kalaburagi, emerged as the runner up in the Kalaburagi regional finals, Makan Sujith of IIT-Dharwad bagged the runner up prize in the Dharwad regional finals.

The Kalaburagi regional finals were held on Thursday and that of Dharwad on Friday. TCS and the Board for IT Education Standards (BITES), an autonomous body promoted by Government of Karnataka, conducted the regional finals of the annual event.

Principal of the Lingaraj Appa Engineering College, Bidar, Vinita Patil, and Dean of Academics of SDM College of Engineering and Technology, Dharwad, Vijaya C. gave away trophies and gift vouchers to the winners.

The winners of both Kalaburagi and Dharwad regional finals will represent the respective regions at the State Finals to be held in Bengaluru on April 5.

After the preliminary written tests, top six students were chosen for the regional finals of the quix which comprised of five segments – Tech Dashboard, Tech Recognition, Data World, Tech Connections and Generative Insights – testing the students’ technology acumen.

TCS TechBytes is a campus outreach programme that strives to provide a better understanding of IT to students of all streams of engineering, to enable them to compete in a technology intensive industry. Regional Finals of TCS TechBytes is conducted across six cities in Karnataka – Mangaluru, Mysuru, Kalaburagi, Dharwad, Tumakuru and Bengaluru.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) achieves major milestone, First Aircraft of Tejas LA5033 of the Mk1A series takes to skies in Bengaluru

The first Aircraft LA5033 of the Tejas Mk1A series took to the skies from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facility in Bengaluru on Thursday. It was a successful sortie with a flying time of 18 minutes, the HAL said in a statement.

“HAL achieved this significant production milestone with concurrent design and development amid major supply chain challenges in the global geo-political environment subsequent to the contract signature in February 2021. The flight was piloted by CTP, Group Captain K. K. Venugopal (Retd),” HAL stated.

A. Bharat Bhushan Babu, Principal Spokesperson, Ministry of Defence, said, “HAL achieves a significant production milestone with the successful test sortie of Tejas Mk1A aircraft today.

The Tejas Mk1A will have an advanced radar, electronic warfare and communication systems, additional combat capability and improved maintenance features,” he said.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: ARTS & CULTURE: 02nd edition of 2-day ‘Mahindra Percussion Festival 2024’ kicks off with thunderous performances

The second edition of the two-day Mahindra Percussion Festival stormed into Bengaluru this weekend, igniting the Prestige Srihari Khoday Centre for Performing Arts with a thunderous opening day of performances.

The first day’s events began with a slightly subdued crowd, the emcee’s energetic greeting met with hesitant applause. However, the atmosphere quickly transformed as the Charu Hariharan Quartet took the stage, featuring the traditional percussion ensemble Kozhikode Nanthalakootam and artists from the Jenu Kuruba tribe of Nagarahole. 

Charu and her quartet opened with three original compositions, showcasing a compelling blend of classical Indian percussion with contemporary influences.

The energy shifted as the Kozhikode Nanthalakootam joined the quartet, their powerful chenda drumming adding a distinctly Keralan flavour to the performance. The Jenukurubas’ arrival further electrified the stage, their unique instruments crafted from bamboo, antenna dishes, and plastic containers infusing a raw, folk energy into the proceedings. 

Two Summ, featuring Viveick Rajagopalan and Anantha R. Krishnan, introduced a fascinating digital-analog hybrid  — the MIDI mridangam (or the MIDIdangam).  Their performance built from a gentle drizzle into a rhythmic downpour, Anantha’s humour lightening the mood as intricate melodies flowed. Their finale, blending African-sounding rhythms with Hindi lyrics, invited audience participation, ending in a standing ovation.

However, the night reached its zenith with Swarathma, Thavil Raja, and the Beat Gurus.  Their performance made the audience rise from their cushioned seats and applaud and dance, thanks to a thrilling mix of global percussion. ‘Duur Kinara’  fused African drums and horns, while Sanjeev Nayak’s violin pierced through the powerful rhythms.  Vasu Dixit’s invitation for the audience to howl during ‘Koorane’ added to the electric energy, further enhanced by ‘Thavil’ Raja’s masterful solo.  The spotlight shone on each percussionist, showcasing their brilliance. ‘Pyaar Ke Rang’, saw Vasu descend from the stage, joining the audience in a joyous frenzy of song and dance.

After this crowd-pleasing performance, the legendary Vikku Vinayakram graced the stage for a phenomenal final act, accompanying his Ghatam symphony, which included V Selvaganesh, who won a Grammy this year. It was a fitting climax to a dazzling night of world-class percussion.

The festival, which resumes on Sunday at the same venue, will feature three performances: Rhythms of India, Ashtanayika – Kal Aur Aaj, and Taufiq Qureshi’s Surya. 

The Mahindra Percussion Festival, in association with The Hindu, is co-sponsored by Mahindra Finance, Paul John Visitor Centre, and Carlsberg Smooth Soda and promoted and produced by Hyperlink Brand Solutions.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: ARTS & CULTURE: Glass House Poetry Festival 2024 in Bengaluru: Dialogues on Gaza, freedom of speech, and more

The first in-person edition of the festival in Bengaluru on March 23 and 24 will be held at the Bangalore International Centre.

Remember the solace of poetry amidst the global lockdown? The feeling that shared words could transcend the loneliness and fear? The ArtMantram Trust attempted to evoke this feeling with the Glass House Festival, wherein poets from many parts of the world shared and celebrated poetry. It is ready to rekindle that spirit with the first in-person edition of the festival in Bengaluru on March 23 and 24 at the Bangalore International Centre.

This year, the Glass House, put together by a strong curatorial team, expands its scope with a focus on ‘Planet, Prosperity, People, and Peace’, the festival’s theme. Amidst a world fractured by conflict and turmoil, the festival creates a space where the power of words cannot only illuminate shared experiences but also spark vital conversations, inviting the public to be part of a larger dialogue and fostering a sense of global community.

“We found in that (lockdown) environment, we were turning to things like poetry to help us get through the moment, either writing or reading poetry,” says Yumna Hari Singh, founding trustee of ArtMantram, about the inaugural festival. This year’s iteration builds on that legacy.

Over 100 poets of diverse backgrounds will take the stage alongside workshops and performances.

Expect recitative and slam poetry, translations, regional language showcases, close readings, and more. Distinguished names like Annie Zaidi (who will be participating online), Ashwani Kumar, and Gayatri Majumdar bring star power. The festival’s heart, however, lies in its open invitation for poets and lovers of poetry from all walks of life to engage and become part of the artistic process, fostering a sense of belonging and global community.

“As a poet, I see poetry as a potent, condensed form. It can convey immense meaning in a short space like a telegram or the universe’s Morse code. Layers of thought, rhythm, and stanzas allow poets to communicate quickly and deeply,” says co-curator Rochelle Potkar, highlighting poetry’s power to cut straight to core themes affecting us all.

This commitment to meaningful dialogue shines through in the festival’s programming. Panels will address Gaza, incarceration, freedom of speech, and environmental activism. Art also plays a pivotal role, with artists and poets sharing stages and even dance performances alongside poetry readings.

The first Glasshouse Festival was born from a moment of isolation. This 2024 edition carries a similar weight. “The zeitgeist we see that affects us is the violence… There’s so much,” explains Yumna. But in its expanded form, the festival offers something more – a testament to poetry’s ability to connect us across borders, whether physical or emotional.

As a hybrid event, including online sessions, poets worldwide contribute their voices – echoing the festival’s first pandemic-era incarnation. “Poetry is a small form… What you can tell in poetry is like a telegram. You can tell so many things,” Rochelle reflects. These telegrams of verse promise to explore the complex challenges of our time.

Beyond the festival weekend, ArtMantram Trust envisions a lasting legacy. They see the gathered material, the recordings, and the sparked conversations as seeds. “We want to make sure the thoughts and ideas sparked by the Glass House Festival keep echoing in people’s minds long after the two days are over,” says Rochelle.

The two-day festival at Bangalore International Centre is free to attend. For more information, visit artmantram.org or bangaloreinternationalcentre.org.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: Mangaluru’s Dr Oshin Hegde Wins ‘Mrs Karnataka Global World India 2024’ Beauty Pageant

Dr Oshin Hegde won the ‘Mrs Karnataka Global World India 2024’ in the month of February which was conducted by Global India Entertainment Production (GIEP) held at Westend inn hotel, Delhi.

It was a pan-India beauty pageant, for which contestants from all over the country were auditioned and then selected. She represented herself from the city of Mangaluru for the grand finale. There were different rounds throughout the event after which she received her title.

She is an oral radiologist and forensic dentist by profession practicing in Ivory Shine dental clinic, Kavoor, Mangaluru along with her husband Dr Deviprasad Rai a practicing paedodontist as well. She is a mother to 2 boys.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA’s Judiciary is leading social transformation with Highest Number of Women Civil Judges: CJI Chandrachud 

In Karnataka, of the 447 civil judges, 200 are women, which constitutes about 44% of the working strength in the civil judges’ cadre.

The Karnataka district judiciary is leading social transformation in the country by employing the highest number of women civil judges and its rate of disposal of cases is truly a performance to replicate across the country, said Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud in Bengaluru on Saturday.

Speaking at the 21st biennial State-level conference of judicial officers of Karnataka in Bengaluru, he said the number of women in judiciary is heartening as its 37% of its working strength in district judiciary.

In Karnataka, of the 447 civil judges, 200 are women, which constitutes about 44% of the working strength in the civil judges’ cadre, the CJI said while pointing out that the increase in the number of women judicial officers is crucial not only to correct historic lack of representation in our courts but also to bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the table, resulting in the more effective adjudication process.

“Your contribution to judiciary is of immense importance and you serve as a source of inspiration for the future generation of women aspiring to purpose career in law and Indian judiciary,” the CJI told the women judicial officers.

Disposal of cases

On disposal of cases by the district judiciary in Karnataka, he said that 20.62 lakh cases were disposed of the 22.25 lakh cases instituted between January 1, 2023, and March 23, 2024, while stating this performance is a model to replicate across the country. 

Stating that work-life balance is integral to fulfil duties effectively, the CJI said that a judge, who is overwhelmed with work and unable to prioritise personal time with family and self care may struggle to perform optimally. “Therefore, the ability to manage stress and to achieve work-life balance is not separate from but rather intertwined with delivering justice,” he added. 

The CJI said that the judiciary must have objective yardsticks to access what is its output and what is the quality of work that it is rendering, and how different the judiciary is making the life of citizens by the expenditure and investment of public revenue.

Stating that the district judiciary and grassroots-level judges are the backbone of the Indian judiciary, Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court N.V. Anjaria has said that the common man’s faith in judicial institution originates from here as the district courts and its judges bear a direct connection to the litigants for their plight and aspiration of justice more than the role played by the High Courts or the Supreme Court.

On language 

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that language should not be a barrier to justice. “The use of the local language in court proceedings, or the integration of artificial intelligence to provide real-time updates and translations, can significantly enhance the understanding and participation of litigants in the judicial process,” Mr. Siddaramaiah said.

‘I was trolled through doctored video’

CJI Chandrachud recalled a recent incident where he was subjected to trolling and vicious abuse through a doctored video clip, from the Supreme Court’s live streaming, posted on social media, for merely adjusting his seating position during the hearing of a case.

“I was labelled as arrogant by some social media users claiming I got up in the midst of an important argument in court,” he said while pointing out that he had some pain in his back, and all that he did was that he placed his elbows on the armchair in the court and just shifted position.

“I didn’t leave the court. I only shifted my position but I was subject to vicious abuse, trolling, the knives were out…” he said while talking about work-life balance and stress management for judges.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: HORTICULTURE & AGRICULTURE: Innovation on display at National Horticulture Fair (NHF) 2024 in IIHR

From seeds of different varieties of fruit, flower and vegetable plants to advanced technological advancements, are available at the 250 stalls put up at the fair.

For any horticulture enthusiasts in Bengaluru, from home gardeners to orchard owners, National Horticulture Fair (NHF) organised at Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) between March 5 and March 7 is the place to be.

From seeds of different varieties of fruit, flower and vegetable plants to advanced technological advancements, are available at the 250 stalls put up at the fair.

Innovative products like purple coloured ladies finger, dragon fruit juice, ready-to-eat jackfruit curry, millet health bars and jackfruit it seed and mushroom powder cookies are also available at the fair.

More than 30 agricultural institutes from 18 States are taking part in the fair. “Our Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) brought us to this fair. I had never been to an agricultural fair on such a large scale. I have spent more than half day just going through the stall here,” said Pradeep, a farmer from Sira taluk in Tumakuru who was at NHF on the inaugural day.

Arka Mealy Melt, which works against mealy bugs, which are soft oval insects which affect crops in even kitchen gardens, home gardens, landscapes and indoor gardens, is also among the new products developed by IIHR using technology. The product will help dissolve the mealy bug wax due to which hinders the penetration of insecticides to work against the bugs.

On the first day of NHF, around 20,000 people were in attendance while on the second day, around 25,000 people thronged the IIHR premises.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: ARTS & CULTURE: Hampi Art Labs: A new residency and cultural hub amidst Karnataka’s iron-rich terrain

Residency director Meera Curam says, “We are hoping to make this a space where critical conversations about contemporary art can happen.

It’s the colour of burnt orange all around. It is a hue that is unmissable when you are in Toranagallu in Bellary, Karnataka, thanks to the iron-rich land. The newly inaugurated Hampi Art Labs (HAL) near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi boasts the same colour palette. The expansive nine-acre space by the JSW Foundation is spearheaded by founder Sangita Jindal and her daughter Tarini Jindal Handa, the creative director. The concept is to primarily work as a residency. There are five large studios that will host as many artists every quarter, selected from an open call.

Residency director Meera Curam says, “We are hoping to make this a space where critical conversations about contemporary art can happen. This is where artists can come and work without any expectation. Sometimes you may not have anything at the end of three months but just a very strong concept and multiple prototypes or ideas which you may not have the time to develop here but can take back with you. We want the artists to go off the beaten paths.”

Inspired by the surrounding landscape, much of the building structure mimics the organic shapes and fluid forms carved by the Tungabhadra River that flows through the region. “As the founder of Echo, one of India’s first collected design galleries, I wanted to bring in what we try to achieve there with design, craft and art making. We adopt and create new lenses and unique languages to revisit Indian craft heritage through contemporary design. In the same way, I have tried to make the overall philosophy of HAL to be experimental, inclusive, and fluid in design and in vision,” says Sangita Jindal.

The space has been designed by Mumbai-based Sameep Padora from studio sP+a. Tarini Jindal Handa was also involved in the design conversation. The project itself has been in conception for over four years.

“We wanted to do something to give back to the world of art and culture,” says Handa. The site location incidentally was completely barren and did not have any vegetation, or features.

“We were looking at a reference point to develop the project from and being in the proximity of the incredible ruins of Hampi, its boulders and its riverine landscape was the starting point. The river in some sense became a metaphor for movement through our site and each of the buildings became the riverine landscape seen here,” says Padora.

HAL serves as a space for large-scale work and will be a production facility that the JSW Foundation will support. The inaugural exhibition—Right Foot First—on till May 31, showcases works from Sangita Jindal’s personal art collection and includes works of artists like Ai Weiwei, BV Doshi, Dayanita Singh, Tushar Joag and Zarina Hashmi, among others. HAL is a space that comes with a charm like no other as it makes art accessible, inclusive, and open for more people to enjoy and interpret in their own unique way.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited0

NATIONAL: BEAUTY : Ishika Shetty Wins Miss Teen Global World India Oceana 2024 Crown

Mangaluru girl Ishika Shetty was crowned as Miss Teen Global World India Oceana – 2024 at Mr and Miss and Miss Teen Global World beauty pageant in New Delhi on February 27, organized by Global India Entertainment Production and Ali Sharma.

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty and model Jathin Kirbath were the jury members for the final round and 65 contestants from all over the country took part in the beauty pageant.

Ishika Shetty hails from Kavoor. She is the daughter of Sharath Kumar Shetty and Shwetha Sharath Kumar Shetty. Presently, she is pursuing her degree at St Aloysius College.

In the year 2022, Ishika bagged Miss Teen Mangaluru and Miss Teen Karnataka in 2023 in Bengaluru. Since childhood, she has been inclined towards acting, dancing and modeling.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: EDUCATION TOPPERS : Chikkamagaluru girl Snehashree S, emerges Topper with 10 gold medals for UAS-B convocation

During the 58th convocation of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru which is scheduled on March 4, on the GKVK Campus, the gold medals and degrees will be conferred to the achievers.

Snehashree S., a graduate of Agricultural Science (B.Sc-Agri) from the College of Agriculture of GKVK, has emerged as the topper of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru (UAS-B) with 10 gold medals and three gold medal certificates.

A daughter of a teacher from Chikkamagaluru, Ms. Snehashree dreams of becoming a civil servant by cracking the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam in the future.

Speaking to The Hindu, Ms. Snehashree said, “I didn’t have any idea that I would top the university with 10 gold medals. I didn’t put too much effort into becoming a topper. Instead, I used to study normally and used to prepare for the UPSC exam. But I tried to improve my marks semester to semester and finally, it was fruitful,” she said.

“I want to become a civil servant and have applied for the UPSC Exam-2024, for which the preliminary exam will be held in May. I have joined coaching classes. Since class 10, I used to improve my marks and results gradually year by year. I will also use the same formula in the UPSC exam,” she added.

Aparna. T.M., a student of the College of Agriculture, Mandya, is the second topper with eight gold medals, and Shreya S. Hanji, GKVK, UAS-B the third with seven gold medals in M.Sc (Agri Economics).

During the 58th convocation of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru which is scheduled on March 4, on the GKVK Campus, the gold medals and degrees will be conferred to the achievers. This year, a total of 1,244 students will be conferred with various degrees, of which 870 students will receive Bachelor’s degrees, 291 students will receive Master’s degrees, and 83 students will be conferred Doctoral degrees, said S.V. Suresh, Vice-Chancellor of UAS at the press conference on Friday, March 1. During the convocation, 156 gold medals and certificates will be awarded.

Honorary doctorate

M.C. Rangaswamy, a farmer from Doddamagge village, Arkalgud taluk, Hassan district will be felicitated with an honorary doctorate.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)