Author: @admin

Yes to Access, developed by Bengaluru-based APD, will be presented at the United Nations Second World Summit for Social Development, being held in Doha, Qatar, from November 4-6.

Digital solutions for ‘infrastructure accessibility’ — Yes to Access (YTA), developed by Bengaluru-based ‘The Association of People with Disability’ (APD) — is going global.

It will be presented at the United Nations Second World Summit for Social Development, being held in Doha, Qatar, from November 4-6.

YTA is an AI-powered, community-led platform that maps and rates the accessibility of public spaces. The platform has mapped over 1.96 lakh spaces across 15 states with the help of over 10,000 citizen volunteers under the Sugamya Yatra initiative. Data collected through YTA supports accessibility audits and informs of inclusive urban planning.

“Accessibility is essential to place people at the centre of development. It enables persons with disabilities to participate fully in education, work and community life. Without accessibility, the goals of poverty eradication, full employment and social integration remain incomplete,” said Jacob Kurien, Honorary Secretary and Trustee, APD, and a panellist presenting YTA at the UN Second World Summit.

In 2021, APD’s accessibility study for Karnataka’s Directorate of Municipal Administration revealed that expert audits, while valuable, are resource-intensive and unscalable.

This insight inspired Yes to Access, an app to democratize accessibility checks through a simple, decentralised checklist that empowers citizens to identify and report barriers in their own communities, and for it to be represented on a map, Kurien said.

The app’s AI-assisted interface and intuitive design make it simple for anyone to use, helping citizens, including persons with disabilities, to map, rate, and report accessibility barriers around them. What began as a community effort has grown into a citizen-led accessibility movement, he said.

Asked about the expected outcome of presenting this at the UN, Kurien said, “It is to showcase Yes to Access as a model from India that demonstrates good practices in inclusive, community-driven accessibility checks. The initiative strengthens social cohesion by empowering persons with disabilities and citizens to build more inclusive spaces together. Participation will help share these learnings globally, form partnerships, and gather insights to enhance its impact and reach.”

This is APD’s second UN event in two weeks. Last week, a delegation had been invited to Geneva to talk about their inclusive education programme.

Additional Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Government of India, Manmeet Nanda, who is also among the panellists of the ‘Breaking Barriers, Building Inclusion Through Yes To Access’ session, said, “AI technologies … empower PwDs to lead independent lives, access opportunities and contribute meaningfully to society. However, true inclusion demands collaborative efforts — governments, NGOs, tech innovators and communities must align to ensure equitable deployment, addressing digital divides and ethical concerns like data privacy.”

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited0

Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada district administration has officially announced the recipients of the prestigious Rajyotsava Awards for the year 2025. These awards recognize and celebrate the exceptional contributions of individuals and organizations across a diverse spectrum of fields within the district. The honorees have been selected for their sustained commitment and remarkable achievements that have positively impacted the region’s social, cultural, economic, and developmental landscape.

The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 1st, as part of the Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations. The event will be held at Nehru Maidan in Mangaluru, a venue known for hosting significant district events. District In-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao will preside over the ceremony and present the awards to the deserving recipients. The Rajyotsava Awards are a symbol of the state government’s appreciation for the dedication and hard work of individuals and organizations that have played a vital role in the progress of Dakshina Kannada.

The selected awardees represent a broad range of sectors, including arts, literature, education, social service, agriculture, sports, and entrepreneurship. Their accomplishments reflect the rich tapestry of talent and dedication that exists within the district. Each recipient has demonstrated a profound commitment to their respective fields, contributing significantly to the betterment of society and the overall development of the region. The awards not only acknowledge past achievements but also serve as an inspiration for others to strive for excellence and contribute to the continued growth and prosperity of Dakshina Kannada.

Achievers:

Ashok Poovayya, Rajani Damodar Shetty, Vijay Suvarna, Muhammad Ali Uchchil, Haji B.H. Khader, Praveen Shetty Pilar, Sister Luciana Pinto, Ismail Shafi Babbukatte, Anil Das, Gangadhar S. Poojary, Muhammad Mukkacheri, Ganesh S., Mohan Rai, Sudarshan Padiyar, B. Sudarshan Naak, Sundar Rai Mandara, Shailaja Rajesh, J.D. Appuswamy, Dr. Prem Marian J. Moras, Asangappa S. Palti, Ziauddin Ahmed, Ramanna Gowda, Dr. S. Padmanabha Bhatt, Srinivas Shetty, Uday Kumar, Remona Evette Pereira, Dr. Ashwini S. Shetty, Joseph Mathias, K.P. Santosh Shetty, J. Krishna Kotian, Gopal A. Kotian, Rukkaiya Poojary, Peter Jerry Rodrigues, K. Babu Safalya Vagga, Somanath Pandit, Harish Kumar, Shashidharacharya, journalists A.K. Kukkila and Rajesh Kumar Daddangadi, Dr. Mamatha Shetty, Satish Ira and Archana S., Vasanti P. Ameen, Satish Devadiga Aaldangadi, Sudha Elenje, Balakrishna Rai Poradal, Jitendra Suvarna, Vishwanath Shetty K., Surendra, Vishwas Gurupura, Avinash Rao, Mulki Karunakar Shetty, Dinesh Kumar, Dr. Vivian Mendonca, Zainin Mural Lobo, Kukkadi Tantri Preetham, Bailumoodukare Satish Alva, Sachidananda Shetty, Vijay Kumar Sorake, Jasmitha Kodenkeri, Haseynar Thalittanunji, Muhammad Nawaz, Arjun Bhandarkar, Srinivas M. Mijar, Edakkana Mahabaleshwara Bhatt, Raviraj Shetty, Ramadas, and Dacial Amanda Conasso.

Associations & Organizations:

Ajay Sports Club Kulai, Shivaji Friends Thokkottu, Vijay Games Bolara, Billava Brigade Kankanady, Vighneshwara Rural Development Service Committee Bondantila, Nammura Dhwani Ullal, Brahmashree Narayana Guru Seva Sangha Gramachavadi, Shri Durga Friends (R) Chhota Mangalore, SYS Mudipu, Shamsul Ulama Darussalam Academy Kinya, Siddhivinayaka Youth Association (R) Kambalabettu, Ubar Sporting Club (R) Uppinangady, Dakshina Kannada District Moolyara Yane Kulala Matru Sangha, Shridevi Mahila Mandal Haleangadi, Mullakadu Friends Circle, Ranga Swaroopa (R) Kunjattabail, Azad Youth Cultural Association Jokatte, Brahmashree Narayana Guru Samaj Seva Sangha Bajpe Karambaru, Sri Omshree Geleyara Balaga Nayil, GHM Foundation Arala, Sri Narayana Guru Swami Seva Sangha Belthangady, Sri Vishnu Yuvashakti Balaga (R) Ariadka Puttur, Ami Ani Anchim Mangalore, Canara Chambers of Commerce and Industries Mangalore, D Group (R) Vittla, Dakshina Kannada District Bakuda Social Service Committee Attavar Mangalore.

source/content: mangalorean.com (headline edited)

Built from locally available materials, the model uses a natural filler mix of paddy straw, agricultural husk, and other organic agri-wastes, which aids cooling through moisture retention and can later be converted into compost.

The students of Christ University’s Department of Life Sciences emerged winners at Hack4Agri 2025, a national-level innovation challenge themed ‘Zero-Waste Sustainable Post-Harvest Management and Waste Utilisation’.

The event was organised by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in collaboration with the Australian Consulate-General, Bengaluru.

Led by Manjesh M., assistant professor at the Department of Life Sciences, undergraduate students Rakshitha, S. Sushmitha, and Pragathi Valli, presented the project model on ‘On-Farm Produce Cooler’, a low-cost, electricity-free system designed to extend the freshness of harvested produce.

Built from locally available materials, the model uses a natural filler mix of paddy straw, agricultural husk, and other organic agri-waste, which not only aids cooling through moisture retention but can later be converted into nutrient-rich compost.

The evaluation panel featured sustainability expert Vishwa Surya and innovation strategist Isaac Stewart. Andrew Collister, Consul (Political and Economic) at the Australian Consulate-General, was the chief guest at the event.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Dr. N. Rajeeva Shetty, an eminent teacher, former principal and HOD of Government Dental College, Bengaluru, went on to become the first Indian dentist to be made Director of Medical Education (DME) by a State Government in India.

Indian Endodontic Society presented its highest award IES Medal of Honor for the year 2025 to Dr. N. Rajeeva Shetty, a pioneer of Indian endodontics. He has the honour of being the first ever endodontist from Karnataka.

Dr. N. Rajeeva Shetty

First endodontist from Karnataka

Former principal of Government Dental College, Bengaluru

Responsible for establishing, nurturing and developing the first Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics in Karnataka at GDC, Bengaluru

First Indian dentist to be made Director of Medical Education (DME) by a State Government in India

Honoured with Rajyotsava Award in 2005 by government of Karnataka

The IES Medal of Honor was presented to Dr. N. Rajeeva Shetty by Goa’s Health Minister Vishwajit Rane and Dr. M.R Srinivasan, President, IES, during the inaugural ceremony of IES National Congress in Goa on November 1. The medal was handed over to Dr. Ashish Shetty, son of Dr. N. Rajeeva Shetty.

Dr. N. Rajeeva Shetty, an eminent teacher, is a former principal and HOD of Government Dental College, Bengaluru. He was the first Indian dentist to be made Director of Medical Education (DME) by a State Government in India.

Born on April 25, 1933, Dr N. Rajeev Shetty hails from Mangaluru in coastal Karnataka. He graduated from Madras University in 1957 and joined as a lecturer in the newly-established Government Dental College (GDC), Bengaluru. He secured his Master’s degree in Operative Dentistry from Bombay University. He did his special certificate program in endodontics and paediatric dentistry from University of Pennsylvania, USA. He specialises in root canal treatment.

He was responsible for establishing, nurturing and developing the first Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics in Karnataka at GDC, Bengaluru.

He super-annuated in 1991 from government service. In recognition of his services, in 2015, the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka conferred upon him an honorary doctorate – Honoris Causa – Doctor of Science.

He was honoured with the Rajyotsava Award in the year 2005 by the government of Karnataka — one of the State’s highest civilian recognitions — in recognition of his decades of dedicated service, excellence, and contribution to his field.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Karnataka Rajyotsava 2025 celebrates 70 years of statehood, honouring icons like HS Doreswamy, Dr CNR Rao, Kuvempu, and Dr Chandrashekhara Kambara for shaping the state’s cultural and scientific legacy. A tribute to Karnataka’s enduring spirit of unity and pride.

As Karnataka celebrates its 70th Rajyotsava, the day stands not only as a reminder of the state’s formation in 1956 but also as a tribute to the visionaries and everyday heroes who have built its identity across generations. From freedom fighters and scientists to artists and humanitarians, their tireless work continues to define the spirit of Karnataka — one that is resilient, inclusive, and progressive.

Remembering the torchbearers of change

This year’s Rajyotsava celebrations pay homage to those who quietly yet powerfully contributed to the state’s evolution. Among them is Sulebhavi Narayanamma, a pioneering social reformer and educator, who worked relentlessly for women’s empowerment and rural education in North Karnataka, laying foundations for gender equity long before it became a mainstream cause.

Equally revered is H.S. Doreswamy, the late freedom fighter and Gandhian, whose activism extended beyond independence to post-independence civic and environmental causes. His legacy symbolizes the moral conscience of Karnataka’s democracy.

The builders of knowledge and science

From the world of science, Dr C.N.R. Rao, India’s most celebrated chemist and Bharat Ratna awardee, has brought global recognition to Karnataka through decades of pioneering research in solid-state and materials chemistry. His contributions placed Bengaluru firmly on the map as a hub for scientific excellence.

Dr K. Kasturirangan, the former ISRO chairman, has been instrumental in India’s space and education missions. His vision in shaping the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) continues to influence learning frameworks nationwide, echoing Karnataka’s commitment to knowledge-led growth.

Preserving art, health and culinary heritage

Karnataka’s cultural soul finds its voice in Dr Chandrashekhara Kambara, a Jnanpith Award-winning poet, playwright, and folklorist, whose works celebrate the rhythms of rural life and Kannada identity. His leadership at the Kannada University in Hampi nurtured generations of artists and scholars.

Equally inspiring is Dr H Sudarshan, a tribal rights activist and public health crusader, whose initiatives in remote regions transformed healthcare delivery and uplifted marginalised communities.

Adding flavour to the state’s vibrant identity is Chef Raghavendra Ullal, who popularised coastal Karnataka cuisine globally, turning traditional recipes into ambassadors of Kannada culture.

Also remembered are Kuvempu, the state’s literary colossus and advocate of “Vishwa Manava” (Universal Man); Puneeth Rajkumar, whose philanthropy and cinema continue to inspire millions; Gangubai Hangal, whose music immortalised the Hindustani traditions of Karnataka; and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, whose global spiritual outreach reinforces the state’s message of peace and harmony.

Celebrating the spirit of Karnataka

As the red and yellow flag waves proudly, Karnataka Rajyotsava 2025 is more than a celebration — it’s a reminder that the state’s true strength lies in its people. From science and literature to service and innovation, these heroes embody the enduring soul of Karnataka — progress rooted in compassion and pride in identity.

source/content: indiatvnews.com (headline edited)

Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) was conferred the Innovation Award 2024-25 for Best Innovation in Research & Development in Refining Technology at the 28th Energy Technology Meet (ETM 2025) in Hyderabad on Tuesday (October 28).

Nandakumar V. Pillai (Director-Refinery) and Chief Managers R. Karthick and S. Nirmal Ganesh from the Innovation Centre Team of MRPL received the award from Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

MRPL won this award for the fourth consecutive term.

The award was conferred for MRPL’s Gradual Olefins and Aromatic Technology (GOAT) — a breakthrough crude-to-chemicals process developed indigenously by MRPL’s Research and Development team. The GOAT technology underscores India’s growing capability to convert crude oil directly into high-value petrochemicals, thereby enhancing energy efficiency, reducing carbon intensity, and advancing the nation’s journey towards sustainable refining, a MRPL release said on Wednesday (October 29).

The 28th Energy Technology Meet, themed ‘Green Energy Horizons: Advancing Sustainable Refining & Energy Innovation’, is India’s flagship congregation of downstream and energy-technology stakeholders, the release said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

The agreement was signed on Wednesday, with Reed India Consulting LLP contributing Rs 25 crore to support the initiative.

 The National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) and the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS), both under the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), have joined hands to establish the Centre for Artificial Learning and Intelligence for Biological Research and Education (CALIBRE).

The agreement was signed on Wednesday, with Reed India Consulting LLP contributing Rs 25 crore to support the initiative. The Centre aims to integrate artificial intelligence into biological research, education, and innovation.

As AI reshapes global science and technology, its application in biology promises breakthroughs in medicine, public health, agriculture, bioengineering, neuroscience, and ecology. CALIBRE will develop context-specific AI tools and infrastructure tailored to India’s biodiversity, climate, and health needs.

“The Centre will serve as a national hub where biological insight meets AI innovation,” said Vishal Gupta, founder of Reed India Consulting LLP.

CALIBRE will focus on building advanced AI infrastructure for basic, applied, and translational biology; developing neuromorphic, brain-inspired AI systems; and training young Indian researchers. It will also create Chair Professorships and Research Travel Fellowships to strengthen India’s AI-biology ecosystem.

“As NCBS researchers work across scales, from molecules to ecosystems, this collaboration will test and expand AI’s potential to provide science-based solutions to health, agriculture, and ecology,” said Prof LS Shashidhara, Director, NCBS.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

In a major leap for indigenous technology, Wipro and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have jointly developed a driverless car designed specifically for Indian road conditions. The vehicle was recently unveiled at a private engineering college campus in Bengaluru.

The project, funded under the Wipro–IISc Research and Innovation Network (WIRIN) initiative, marks a significant milestone in India’s autonomous vehicle research. The car has been engineered to navigate the diverse and complex driving environments of the country.

Developed over six years through extensive research and testing, the innovation involved the collaborative efforts of researchers, faculty members, and students from the private engineering institution, supported by Wipro’s advanced technology expertise.

The unveiling represents a step forward in integrating artificial intelligence and automation into India’s transportation ecosystem, paving the way for safer and more efficient mobility solutions in the future.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)