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Science and Technology Minister Boseraju said Karnataka expects to have quantum chip fabrication capabilities operational by the end of this year.

The Karnataka government on Thursday launched the Karnataka Quantum Mission (KQM), pledging an investment of Rs 1,000 crore to accelerate research, infrastructure, talent development and startup growth in the quantum technology sector.

A major highlight of the initiative is the proposed Quantum City (Q-City) — an integrated quantum technology hub to be established near Bengaluru. Q-City will host research centres, manufacturing units and advanced data infrastructure. The announcement was made during the inaugural session of Quantum India Bengaluru 2025, a two-day international summit on quantum science and technology, organised by the Karnataka Department of Science and Technology in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science’s (IISc) Quantum Technology Initiative.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who inaugurated the event, said the event’s theme — Building a Quantum Ecosystem – Qubits to Society — reflects the government’s goal of translating complex quantum research into solutions that can benefit key sectors.

He said the government’s Quantum Vision 2035 aims to build a $20 billion quantum economy. For this, a Quantum Technology Task Force will be set up to frame policy, and supported by a series of initiatives, including dedicated quantum parks, manufacturing zones and the Q-City innovation hub. Q-City, the CM said, will play the same role in quantum tech that Bengaluru once did for IT.

Science and Technology Minister NS Boseraju announced that with plans to create over two lakh direct jobs, Karnataka is targeting 20% of the global market share in the quantum sector. A Karnataka Quantum Roadmap was also released during the event.

Boseraju said Karnataka expects to have quantum chip fabrication capabilities operational by the end of this year. “To prepare the next generation of quantum talent, a quantum curriculum will soon be introduced at the higher secondary level in both English and Kannada, under the Stream Labs initiative.”

Pancharatnam Prize

The state government announced the institution of the Pancharatnam Prize for Excellence in Quantum Science and Technology, named in honour of physicist S Pancharatnam, who conducted his pioneering work at the University of Mysore and the Raman Research Institute. The prize will be awarded to Indian nationals whose contributions bridge fundamental quantum science and its practical applications. The inaugural award was given to Prof Rajamani Vijayaraghavan from Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.

‘Maha’s IT firms welcome’

DCM DK Shivakumar said Karnataka is open to IT companies that want to move from Maharashtra and they will get all the support they need. Speaking to the media, he said, “We welcome all IT companies planning to shift from Maharashtra. Karnataka will provide them with the right infrastructure and help them grow.”

FIVE Pillars of quantum strategy

The CM outlined the government’s roadmap built on five foundational pillars

1. Talent Development: Launch of quantum skilling programs across 20+ colleges and provision of 150 PhD fellowships annually.
2. R&D Excellence: Focus on advanced quantum systems, including the development of 1,000-qubit processors and real-world deployments in cybersecurity and healthcare.
3. Infrastructure Creation: Establishment of India’s first Quantum Hardware Park, four Innovation Zones, and a dedicated FabLine to manufacture quantum components.
4. Industry Support: Promotion of over 100 startups, filing of 100+ patents, and the creation of a Quantum Venture Capital Fund.
5. Global Partnerships: Engagement with international institutions and platforms such as the India Quantum Conclave.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Several initiatives are underway to ensure the holistic growth of the quantum sector in Karnataka.

Karnataka Minister for Science and Technology NS Boseraju said India’s first quantum computer is already operational in Bengaluru, and Karnataka is leading the country in quantum innovation. The minister was responding to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s tweet stating that Andhra Pradesh is set to deploy India’s first indigenously built 8-qubit quantum computer this November in Amaravati.

“While celebrating our progress, we must also cultivate a culture of considering facts and figures,” the minister stated in a sharp response to Naidu’s claims.

Boseraju said that Karnataka, particularly Bengaluru, has already made significant progress as the hub of India’s quantum sector. A prime example is the 25-qubit quantum computer “Indus”, indigenously developed by QpiAI and operational in Bengaluru, he stated. He highlighted that India’s first Quantum Research Park has been established at the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc). The state cabinet has approved Rs 48 crore for the development of its second phase. Several initiatives are underway to ensure the holistic growth of the quantum sector in Karnataka.

A Quantum Summit is being organised in Bengaluru on July 31 and August 1. A roadmap to transform Karnataka into a global quantum powerhouse is being prepared, which will be unveiled on July 31 by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, read a statement from the minister’s office.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

More than 175 Bishop Cotton Boys’ School alumni had volunteered for service in World War I. The Bengaluru school and its distinguished alumni were the topic of a talk held in the city this Sunday.

On the night of September 2, 1916, Britain faced a menace that it had seen over its skies for two years of World War I—the high-flying German Zeppelin. While the bombings by these airships did not impact the war effort, they did cause considerable property damage and instil fear across the country. Until then, Zeppelins had been destroyed in Europe, but not over Britain. That night, this would change.

William Leefe Robinson, emptying three drums of ammunition before the airship exploded, became the first to achieve this feat. Robinson soon became an overnight celebrity. The Victoria Cross followed, and he was a household name across the United Kingdom. Back in India, another group had reason to cheer him on—the students and teachers of his alma mater in Bengaluru, Bishop Cotton Boys’ School.

More than a century later, Robinson and other alumni of Bishop Cotton were the topic of a talk by senior lawyer and author Aditya Sondhi at The Bangalore Room in Indira Nagar on Sunday.

In his 2014 book, The Order of The Crest, Sondhi had documented the prominent alumni of Bishop Cotton, and had noted that over 175 Cottonians had volunteered for service in World War I. At the time, the students were mostly of European descent. The terrible, grinding trench warfare took its toll on these volunteers, and 23 of them were killed in action.

Noel Saunders, who wrote the music for the famous school song, died in battle, as did a teacher, Cyril Walter Wallace, who had only weeks before written about the gallant death of one of his students leading an attack.

Brothers Captain Robert and Lt Col Kenelm McCloughlin died fighting in France. So did Harold, Robinson’s brother, who died just months before his brother achieved his great feat. Weakened by a stint in German captivity, Robinson himself would not live to see the inter-war years, dying in 1918 of the Spanish Flu.

“He had written to the warden a few months earlier (before his death in Mesopotamia) offering to join the staff of the school, pending his commission. He was remembered by many Bangaloreans for his role as Portia in the school’s production of The Merchant of Venice in 1909,” Sondhi noted in his book.

From Sondhi’s accounts, it seems that Cottonians did not let the privations of warfare daunt them. Even as late as 1917, Sondhi quotes a Reverend Bazley, who notes that several students hoped that the war would continue until they graduated, so they too could volunteer. The sort of officer that the school sent to the war is perhaps exemplified by Lt Col Terence Claud Crichton, who went so far as to climb onto his men’s shoulders to shoot at enemy soldiers defending a wall opposite him.

A glance at the school’s history in World War II throws up Indian names in the records. One of the earliest of these, and arguably the most well-known, was General K S Thimayya. Sondhi’s research shows that Thimayya had a fighter’s spirit from the early days—a fellow British student who tried to rag him for being an Indian found himself on the wrong end of a punch from Thimayya.

Thimayya was one of the only Indians assigned a major battlefield command in World War II, and Sondhi records that he took a point known as Hill 109 in a morning attack after a climb up the hillside. This enabled the British forces to link up near Imphal, a crucial moment in breaking the siege of the town. An anecdote shared by Sondhi revealed that in the later years, Thimayya would, without ceremony, visit one of his old teachers at the school, who still knew him as “Timmy”. “I found a reference to one of his masters at school, Sergeant Burgess, who said to him – Like the princes of the states, you can earn your commission and be an officer, see the world and be a hero -. What a prophetic call….” Sondhi said at the talk.

The number of brigadiers, generals, and senior air force officers from Bishop Cotton Boys’ School in this period forms an exhaustive list. When the Partition split the country, it did not spare the school alumni either. Brigadier Mirza ‘Hesky’ Beg was one such former student who later went on to be known as one of the finest polo players in Pakistan.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

 Remona Evette Pereira, a final-year BA student of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, has entered the Golden Book of World Records by completing an extraordinary 170-hour Bharatanatyam performance, making her the first in the world to achieve this milestone.

The record-setting feat, which began on July 21 and concluded on July 28, was marked by applause and emotional celebrations as Remona reached the 170-hour mark. The previous record stood at 127 hours, set in 2023 by 16-year-old Sudhir Jagpath.

Remona’s performance was a display of sheer grit, resilience, and discipline. The audience, which included her parents, teachers, and well-wishers, erupted with joy as she crossed the finish line. Throughout the week, several dignitaries including the deputy commissioner, Zilla Panchayat CEO, MLA, district in-charge minister, bishop of Mangalore, corporators, and others visited the venue and lauded her dedication.

A trained Bharatanatyam dancer for the past 13 years under Guru Sri Vidya in Yeyyadi, Remona prepared for the attempt with months of disciplined practice — 5 to 6 hours a day, both before and after college. Her dedication to the arts has previously earned her the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in 2022 for excellence in art and culture.

In addition to Bharatanatyam, she is also trained in semi-classical, western, and contemporary dance forms. She was earlier featured in the India Book of Records, Golden Book of Records – London, and the Bharat Book of Records in 2017.

The documentation for Remona’s performance is now being submitted for official recognition by the Golden Book of World Records. Her achievement has been hailed as a proud moment for the cultural and academic community of Mangaluru and an inspiration for young artistes across the country.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Two commemorative volumes titled Krishnaloka and Kaavyatatvollekha will be released during the birth centenary celebrations of Dr. K. Krishnamoorthy at Nityotsava Convention Hall near Ballal Circle, Krishnamurthypuram, on July 26 at 10.30 am under the auspices of Dr. K. Krishnamoorthy Centenary Celebration Committee.

Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar will inaugurate the programme in the presence of Suttur Mutt Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji. Scholar Nadoja Dr. T.V. Venkatachala Shastry will preside.

The books’ Chief Editor Dr. C.P. Krishnakumar (CPK), Karnataka Sanskrit University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ahalya Sharma, MLA T.S. Srivatsa, MLC Dr. D. Thimmaiah, Committee Working President Dr. Mallepuram G. Venkatesh, Secretary Dr. K. Leela Prakash and Convenor C.N. Keshava Prakash will be present on the occasion. Here we publish a tribute to the Scholar Par Excellence by Dr. C. Naganna, Chairman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB), Mysuru Kendra and former Director of Prasaranga, University of Mysore. —Ed

Teaching is really a glorious profession which involves not only teaching but writing books, presenting scholarly papers in seminars, symposia and conferences besides guiding Ph.D students and evaluating their theses so on and so forth.

Dr. K. Krishnamoorthy did all this and much more during his seventy-four summers which enabled him to leave a rich legacy behind.

This is an opportune moment to take stock of his contribution to the literary world which encompassed Kannada, Sanskrit and English.

Dr. Krishnamoorthy was born in Keralapura in Hassan district on July 30, 1923 in a family of scholars. He did his BA and MA degrees from Maharaja’s College, Mysuru, obtaining first rank, winning innumerable prizes and gold medals.

The thesis “Dhvanyaloka and Its Critics” he submitted to Bombay University in 1947 drew the attention and appreciation of such greats as P.V. Kane and H.D. Velankar.  Subsequently, he served as Professor and Head, Sanskrit Department at Karnataka University, Dharwad, from 1959 to 1984.

Dr. Krishnamoorthy considered the Sanskrit studies as a labour of love and his single most focus was to explore the boundaries of aesthetics by delving deep into the texts which were rarely touched by fellow scholars.

As a result of his dedication he was able to publish “Some Thoughts on Aesthetics” (1968); “Indian Literary Theories: A Reappraisal” (1972); “Essays in Sanskrit Criticism” (1974); “Vakrokti Jeevitha” (1977); “Dhvanyaloka” (1982) and so on.

Some 70 books in Kannada, 15 books in English and more than 300 research papers have flowed from his pen, which is an astounding production considering the intellectual labour and thinking that has gone  into their making.

As a translator, Dr. Krishnamoorthy has given us such works as “Dhvanyaloka and Lochanasara”, “Kannada Kavyaprakasha”, “Kannada Kavyalankara”, “Kannada Kavyameemamse” which had been created in Sanskrit nearly one thousand years ago. He translated the plays of Bhasa, Kalidasa, Shudraka, Bhavabhuthi, Shaktibhadra and many others, into Kannada enriching the dramatic literature in our language.

Dr. Krishnamoorthy’s deep knowledge of world literature enabled him to demonstrate that Sanskrit poetics was not confined to that language but it encompasses a wider linguistic spectrum. His mastery over three languages — Kannada, English and Sanskrit — was legendary.

He was a poet of the first order as he composed poems with equal felicity as prose and his translated poems are a testimony to his prowess.

He was decorated with so many awards and honours that the important ones may be, mentioned here: Rajyotsava award, Rashtrapati Puraskar, Karnataka Sahitya Academy award, Uttar Pradesh Sanskrit Academy award, P.V. Kane Gold Medal, Chairmanship  of Akhila Bharata Prachyavidya Sammelana, etc.

His scholarship was so respected among the learned people that they said with reverence,                                                                “Whatever Dr. Krishnamoorthy says on Indian Poetics is not his opinion, but it is his judgement.” Very rarely scholars contradicted him, for his enquiry was so thorough and comprehensive.

Dr. K. Krishnamoorthy, a scholar par excellence, breathed his last on July 18, 1997 even as the scholarly world expected that he would contribute a few more gems to the world of literature.

Dr. K. Krishnamoorthy Prathishtana and Dr. K. Krishnamoorthy Centenary Celebration Committee are jointly bringing out the commemorative volumes “Krishnaloka” and “Kaavyatatvollekha” consisting of Dr. Krishnamoorthy’s  research papers at a function tomorow in the presence of writers, scholars and admirers of late Dr. K. Krishnamoorthy.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

The Kundapra Kannada Study Chair was officially inaugurated on Saturday, July 26, during the two-day ‘Kundapra Kannada Habba – 2025’ held at Nandi Link Grounds near NICE Road Junction, Hosakerehalli.

Former MP and committee member K Jayaprakash Hegde, speaking on the occasion, called on the community to strengthen the initiative by collecting and preserving linguistic resources of the Kundapra Kannada dialect. He recalled that the demand for establishing the Chair was first raised during a Kundapra Kannada Habba held four years ago. The proposal later received the approval of the Mangalore University Syndicate and the state government. Chief minister Siddaramaiah subsequently sanctioned Rs 1.5 crore for the initiative.

Hegde urged people to document unique vocabulary used by village elders and women, highlighting earlier contributions like the Kundagannada dictionary by Panju Gangolli and a mobile app developed by music director Ravi Basrur. He also hinted at a formal inauguration of the Chair in Kundapura in the near future.

Kundapura MLA Kiran Kumar Kodgi lauded the establishment of the Chair, stating it would play a key role in preserving and promoting the regional dialect. Byndoor MLA Gururaj Gantihole expressed hope that a dedicated Kundapra Kannada Bhavana would soon be constructed in Kundapura.

A highlight of the inaugural event was the launch of the Kundagannada Digital Dictionary app by Ravi Basrur, featuring over 9,000 words from the dialect.

Dr H Sudarshan Ballal, chairman of Manipal Hospitals, was conferred the Oora Gaurava award in recognition of his contributions to healthcare and his deep ties to Kundapur. “Kundapura holds a special place in my heart,” he said, emphasizing that promoting one’s language means embracing linguistic diversity—not disrespecting others.

The Kundapra Kannada Pratishtana submitted a set of demands to the government, including the construction of a modern Kundapra Kannada Bhavana in Kundapura, establishment of a medical college in the town, development of an airport in Byndoor, and support for Kundapura-origin hoteliers and small entrepreneurs based in Bengaluru.

The second day of the celebrations, Sunday, July 27, will feature a valedictory ceremony with dignitaries including deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar, MRG Group CMD Prakash Shetty, actor-director Rishab Shetty, journalist Jogi (Girish Rao), Universal Group’s Upendra Shetty, and actors Pramod Shetty, Praveer Shetty, and Shine Shetty.

Cultural events will begin at 9:30 am and include a devotional concert by Dr Vidyabhushana (Pillangoviya Cheluva Krishnana), Yakshagana by children (Baalagopala), a Kundapra Kannada quiz hosted by Manu Handaadi, a youth fashion show (Chandamudi), and a poetic tribute (Kaalinga-Kaalinga) featuring the works of Kaalinga Navada and P Kaalingarayaru. The evening will conclude with a live concert by Raghu Dixit and felicitation of “Clean Kundapura” and “Save Our Ocean” campaigns.

Among the many dignitaries present were Karnataka Assembly Speaker U T Khader, Kapu MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty, Karnataka Hotel Owners’ Association president G K Shetty, VL Group MD Anjali Vijay, AS Groups MD Satish Shetty, Mangalore University registrar Raju Mogaveera, Lifeline Tender Chicken MD Kishore Hegde, and office-bearers of Kundapra Kannada Pratishtana: honorary president Uday Hegde, president Dr Deepak Shetty Barkur, vice president Narasimha Beejadi, secretary Raghavendra Kanchan, joint secretary Ajith Shetty Ulthoor, and treasurer Vijay Shetty Haladi.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

 It was an emotional day at Bannerghatta Biological Park as four beloved elephants – Suresh, Tulsi, Gauri, and Shruti – embarked on a historic journey to Japan under the International Animal Exchange Project, marking the first such instance in the country.

In heart-wrenching scenes witnessed on Thursday morning, Suresh the elephant showed visible reluctance to leave his lifelong companion Basava. As the transfer operation began at around 11 am, Suresh clung to Basava before finally taking hesitant steps towards the transport cage. The others – Gauri, Shruti, and Tulsi – soon followed, comforted by the presence of familiar keepers.

The exchange, in the works since 2023, was made possible through the collaboration of the Central Zoo Authority, Embassies of Japan and India, and other departments. The elephants were airlifted from Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, to Kansai International Airport, Osaka, aboard a Qatar Airways B777-200F cargo aircraft. The flight is expected to last about eight hours.

In preparation, the elephants had undergone three months of specialized training. A dedicated team — including two veterinary officers, four mahouts, a supervisor, and a biologist — will accompany them and remain in Japan for 15 days to help them adapt to their new home.

While Bannerghatta said goodbye with heavy hearts, the future holds excitement. The park is expected to welcome rare species such as cheetahs, jaguars, pumas, chimpanzees, and capuchin monkeys, offering wildlife enthusiasts the chance to witness exotic animals in enriched habitats.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Researchers from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) have developed an innovative multi-layer nanomaterial that can help detect harmful chemicals, including explosives like TNT and RDX, at trace levels. This innovation is expected to boost airport security and environmental pollution monitoring.

According to the Department of Science and Technology, noble metals like gold and silver have traditionally been vital for signal enhancement.

However, the high cost of gold and the poor long-term stability of silver remain significant obstacles to their commercial viability.

The department said that in recent years, numerous methods have emerged to detect harmful chemicals that impact our daily lives. Among them, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has stood out for its exceptional sensitivity and reliability.

“SERS works by amplifying the molecular fingerprint signals of chemicals, allowing for precise identification even at extremely low concentrations,” it said.

Now the CeNS researchers have developed an innovative multi-layer nanomaterial combining reduced graphene oxide (rGO), silver nanoparticles (Ag), and cerium oxide (CeO₂) on a glass substrate.

The department said that each layer contributes a specific function, and the CeNS team fabricated the composite material using physical vapour deposition techniques, resulting in a uniform and scalable sensing platform.

“While silver nanoparticles are excellent at amplifying Raman signals, they are highly prone to oxidation, especially in humid or warm conditions—reducing their effectiveness over time. The coating of a thin layer of cerium oxide brings two key advantages. It enhances charge transfer between the material and the analyte, further boosting the fingerprint Raman signal of the analyte molecule and also acts as a protective barrier, shielding silver from humidity and temperature-induced degradation and ensuring long-term stability,” the department said.

Environmental chamber tests revealed that the substrate maintained its high performance even under extreme conditions—90% humidity and 70 °Celsius—proving its exceptional stability and reliability.

“Meanwhile, the rGO layer plays a crucial role, effectively quenching the overwhelming fluorescence emitted by silver nanoparticles, which would otherwise drown out the distinct Raman fingerprints of the analyte. This clever suppression ensures that the true detection signals shine through with clarity and precision,” it added.

The researchers demonstrated the material’s high performance using 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (MBA) as a model analyte, achieving a detection limit as low as 10 nM.

“More impressively, the substrate demonstrated the ability to detect a wide range of explosives, including TNT and RDX, at nanomolar concentrations, highlighting its broad potential for trace-level contaminant detection,” the department said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)