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ETAG Energietechnik to set up research and production facilities in Mangaluru

It signs an EOI with Mangalore Special Economic Zone to invest ₹300 crore to set up the facilities at MSEZ.

ETAG Energietechnik, the Indian subsidiary of the European Technology Alliance Group (ETAG) GmbH, will invest around ₹300 crore in its proposed facility for research and production in Mangalore Special Economic Zone (MSEZ), said ETAG Power Electronics LLC Director (Sales and Marketing) B.M. Prakash Pereira on Monday, January 27.

Speaking to reporters after exchanging an expression of interest (EoI) MSEZ CEO V. Suryanarayana in the presence of Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta here, Mr. Pereira said MSEZ has offered a parcel of its land to set up the facility, which is likely to be operational by early 2026. The company will recruit significant numbers of speech and hearing-impaired persons, like in ETAG GmbH, Germany, he added. ETAG specialises in energy innovations and advanced EV charging solutions.

Back to Ooru initiative

Capt. Chowta said the investment is part of his ‘Back to Ooru’ (back to the native place) initiative, which aims at motivating locals, who have moved away from their home-town, to set up enterprises in Mangaluru region. He said, “This investment underscores Mangalore’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation, industry, and global collaboration. It aligns seamlessly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a global leader in clean energy and sustainable technologies.”

Mr. Pereira said ETAG, headquartered in Germany and having regional office in Dubai, is actively engaged in mega-projects, including metro systems, airports, sports arenas, etc. The group will relocate its global headquarters and production facilities from the Middle East and Germany to Mangaluru thereby bringing the company closer to its growing customer base in Asia.

Once operational, the Mangalore SEZ production facility is expected to generate annual exports worth US$ 110 million, further enhancing India’s position in the global manufacturing and export landscape.

Stating that ETAG is committed to advancing next generation of power technologies and hybrid super-fast electric vehicle charging infrastructure, Mr. Pereira said the company continues to lead innovations in critical power solutions and sustainable energy with a focus on future of mobility.

Hailing from coastal Karnataka, Mr. Pereira thanked Capt. Chowta for the Back to Ooru initiative. Capt. Chowta said his office and Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) will work together to attract more people to invest in the region under the initiative.

ETAG CEO Jyothi Pereira and others were present.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

4-day international scrabble tournament concludes in Bengaluru

Hubert Wee of Singapore, the top seed at the tournament, secured the first prize of Rs 1.35 lakh in Division A.

Bengaluru hosted the Karnataka State Scrabble Association Indian Open, one of the biggest events of its kind in the country, from January 23 to 26. The competition was held at the offices of Mu Sigma, the event sponsor, in Whitefield.

While the previous edition of the tournament saw the participation of world champion Nigel Richards, many high-ranked international players also participated in the competition this year. These included Hubert Wee of Singapore, ranked third in the world, and the World Youth Scrabble Championship 2024 silver medallist, Bengaluru’s Suyash Manchali, aged 14. Over 140 participants from 12 nations participated in this year’s edition.

The tournament was divided into Divisions A, B, C, and D to account for differing skill levels. While Division A accommodated the highest grade of participant skill, the separate competition for the D Division on the last day of the tournament was intended to give exposure to new entrants to the competitive rules of Scrabble, which operates under a strict time limit.

Competitive scrabble is starting to prove a hit with Indian youngsters too. According to Ganesh Ramakrishnan of the Karnataka State Scrabble Association, “At the World Youth Scrabble Championship, two Indians came in the top five. Suyash won the silver medal, and 13-year-old Madhav Kamath, who came fourth, also came to the event (Karnataka State Scrabble Association Indian Open).”

Hubert Wee, the top seed at the tournament, secured the top prize of Rs 1.35 lakh in Division A. The Division B prize was taken by Delhi resident Sudhir Kamath, while the Intermediate C Division was won by Bengalurean Nirupama Sivaraman. Among the newcomers, Abel George Mathew came out on top in the D Division.

source/content: indianexpress.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)

K’taka Govt-run Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology achieves milestone of 1,000 robotic surgeries

The globally-renowned Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO), a premier cancer treatment centre in India, run by the Karnataka government, has achieved a historic milestone by successfully completing 1,000 robotic surgeries.

Kidwai was among the first few government hospitals to adopt robotic technology and has integrated the advanced Da Vinci robotic surgical system, achieving this remarkable milestone.

Among government institutions, Kidwai stands out as one of the few offering robotic surgery facilities.

Sharan Prakash Patil, Minister for Medical Education, Skill Development and Livelihood, stated on Friday that Kidwai’s accomplishment of completing 1,000 robotic surgeries is commendable.

“The hospital offers world-class cancer treatment at no cost or at affordable rates to patients. Adopting innovative medical technologies has enabled Kidwai to deliver high-quality care promptly,” he stated.

Over the past nine years, the use of robotic technology has made 1,000 surgeries possible, marking a historic achievement.

“Kidwai remains at the forefront of patient care, establishing itself as a leading cancer treatment centre in India and globally. The institute’s efforts and achievements are noteworthy,” minister Patil underlined.

Under the Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka scheme, the institution has emerged as the hospital providing the highest number of treatments.

Kidwai is also recognised as the only super-specialty hospital offering extensive inpatient care.

Additionally, it houses Karnataka’s sole bone marrow transplant (BMT) unit, where both allogenic and autologous bone marrow transplants have been successfully performed.

A separate committee has been established to reduce treatment costs for families lacking BPL benefits or facing financial constraints. Kidwai has also decided to offer cashless treatment for KSRTC employees.

Developed by the U.S.-based Institute for Surgical Research, the Da Vinci Surgical System is an advanced robotic technology and Da Vinci Xi, the latest version, has been implemented at Kidwai.

The system consists of three components: The surgeon console, the patient cart and the vision cart.

Using the patient cart, robotic arms are deployed to perform surgeries with precision. The surgeon operates the system via the console, guiding the robotic arms to make small incisions and perform intricate procedures with the help of steel rods.

All surgical data is recorded and displayed on the vision cart’s LED screen, ensuring accuracy and monitoring.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

January 26th – Republic Day – Impressive march past and cultural programmes mark the 76th Republic Day celebrations

The main programme of the 76th Republic Day celebrations conducted by the district administration here on Sunday was marked by an impressive parade presented by the armed police.

The district in charge Minister H.C. Mahadevappa reviewed the parade and addressed the gathering after which there was also a cultural programme by children from various schools.

The parade comprised platoons from the police, KSRP, home guards, excise, scouts, guides, etc. The first prize in the marchpast among the armed forces was won by the city armed reserve (CAR) police, while the second and third prizes went to Vijayanagar police and home guards respectively.

Among the unarmed participants, NCC (Arm) cadets won the first prize, followed by excise, and Fire Services.

In the school division, the first prize was won by Bharat Seva Dal (girls) led by Yashaswini, while Police Public School (boys) led by Rishiraj came second, and third place was bagged by Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (girls) team led by M. Lekhana.

The parade commander D. Sharanappa, Reserve Police Inspector of Sasanuru, KARP, Mysuru, won a special prize. Members of the police band which played patriotic numbers received a round of applause and won special prizes. Visually challenged students, who took part in the parade, got a special prize.

There was a cultural presentation by way of group dance by students of Baden Powel Public School who highlighted unity in diversity in which 200 students regaled the public. This was followed by a presentation of patriotic songs by 250 students of Maharshi Public School and another 10-minute presentation of patriotic songs by 200 students of Pramathi Public School.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

GalaxEye deploys GLX-SQ payload aboard ISRO’s PSLV Orbital Experimental Module

This first-of-its-kind integration of SAR and optical imagery addresses critical needs across sectors, including defence, agriculture, and disaster response.

Space start-up GalaxEye on Thursday announced the successful deployment of its GLX-SQ payload aboard ISRO’s PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) platform which was launched on December 30, 2024.

Ground-breaking leap

The start-up said that this milestone marks a groundbreaking leap in space technology, as it features the world’s first-ever fusion of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and optical imagery in orbit— a transformative achievement set to redefine remote sensing capabilities.

This first-of-its-kind integration of SAR and optical imagery addresses critical needs across sectors, including Defence, agriculture, and disaster response.

“By fusing these two technologies, the payload offers enhanced insights that go beyond the capabilities of traditional remote sensing methods. The ability to process and compress large volumes of data, converting analog signals into digital format in under 10 minutes, positions GalaxEye as a leader in delivering efficient, real-time solutions for real-world challenges,” it said.

Earth observation

Suyash Singh, CEO & co-founder of GalaxEye, said: “By fusing SAR and optical imagery in orbit, we’ve set a new benchmark for earth observation. This mission showcases our commitment to innovation and our ability to deliver fast, actionable insights for critical sectors like Defence, agriculture, and disaster response. It’s not just a technological milestone but the beginning of a journey to redefine the possibilities of remote sensing and space-based solutions.”

It added that GalaxEye is gearing up for Mission Drishti, a flagship multi-sensor satellite delivering all-weather, high-resolution imaging, reinforcing its reputation as a pioneer in shaping satellite technology for space exploration and practical earth applications.

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)

Karnataka State Film Awards 2019: Sudeep wins best actor award, P Sheshadri’s ‘Mohandas’ best film

Actors Sudeep (for ‘Pailwan’) and Anupama Gowda (for ‘Trayambakam’) won the best actor awards.

P Sheshadri’s ‘Mohandas’, a biographical film following the events of Mahatma Gandhi’s childhood, topped the Karnataka State Film Awards, for 2019, winning the Best Film Award.

The Karnataka government on Wednesday, announced the list of winners.

Actors Sudeep (for ‘Pailwan’) and Anupama Gowda (for ‘Trayambakam’) won the best actor awards. Darling Krishna’s romantic drama ‘Love Mocktail’ and Y Srinivas’s ‘Arghyam’ are named as the second and third best films respectively. 

Girish Kasaravalli’s ‘Illiralaare Allige Hogalaare’ has been presented with the Best Story Award for Jayant Kaikini. The film is an adaptation of Kaikini’s short story, ‘Haalina Meese’.

‘Love Mocktail’ also won the Best Screenplay Award; Baraguru Ramachandrappa for Best Dialogues (‘Amruthamathi’). The Beary-language film ‘Triple Talaq’ won the Best Film in Regional Language of Karnataka Award. 

‘Elli Aadodu Naavu Elli Aadodu’ directed by G Arun Kumar and ‘Gopala Gandhi’ by Nagesh N have been picked as the Best Children’s Film and Best Film by a Debut Director, respectively.

While V Harikrishna won the Best Music Director award for ‘Yajamaana’, Raghu Dixit won the Best Playback Singer (male) award for ‘Love Mocktail); Jayadevi Jingama Shetty for Best Playback Singer (Female) for ‘Raga Bhairavi’

The Karnataka State Film Awards have been due since 2019. A committee was formed last year for the same.

The other awards include — Best Popular Film: ‘India vs England’ (Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar), Best Film on Social Causes: ‘Kanneri’ (Manjunath S), Best Editing: Basavaraj Urs (‘Jhansi IPS’), Best Art Direction: Hosmane Murthy (‘Mohandas’), Best Cinematography: G S Bhaskar (‘Mohandas’), Best Actor in Supporting Role (Male): Tabala Nani (‘Chemistry for Kariappa’), Best Actor in Supporting (Female): Anusha Krishna (‘Brahmi’), Best Child Actor (Male): Preetam (‘Minchulu’) and Best Child Actor (Female): Vaishnavi Adiga (‘Sugandhi’).

source/content: deccanherald.com (headline edited)

HDK felicitates World Cup-winning Kho Kho team players from Karnataka’s Maddur and T. Narsipur

Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy on Tuesday felicitated the victorious Indian men’s and women’s Kho Kho teams who brought glory to the nation by winning the inaugural Kho Kho World Championship.

Gowtham from Maddur in Mandya district, a key player in the men’s team, and Chaithra from Kurubur village in T. Narsipur taluk in Mysuru district, who gave a stellar performance in the women’s team, received the felicitation. The Minister also acknowledged Sumit Bhatia, the chief coach of the women’s team, and Rajkumari, the team manager, for their pivotal roles in the success, a press release noted.

Mr. Kumaraswamy said, “Gowtham and Chaithra have made Karnataka proud. Their contributions are a testament to the talent we nurture in our State and across the country.”

We are determined to create an ecosystem where talents like Gowtham and Chaithra can thrive. Indigenous games like Kho Kho are thriving under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP government is focused on empowering athletes and preserving the legacy of our traditional games, Mr. Kumaraswamy said.

The Minister said the champions are not just players, they are ambassadors of our heritage. “Their achievements inspire countless young athletes to take pride in our traditional sports. The victories are not just about winning championships, they are about the revival of India’s cultural heritage. These champions have proven that traditional sports have a rightful place on the global stage,” he added.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)