Category: Business & Economy

‘Longevity India Conference 2025’ explores translational research and clinical perspective

The second day of the ongoing Longevity India Conference 2025 focused on translational research and clinical perspectives in longevity science. Hosted at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, the day featured engaging discussions on cutting-edge innovations, diagnostics, health optimisation frameworks, and emerging technologies in longevity science.

Matt Kaeberlein, CEO of Optispan, emphasised the role of predictive analytics and AI in transforming aging research, highlighting their potential to measure, understand, and eventually control the biological processes that define longevity.

Deepak Saini, a professor at IISc, said, “Aging trajectories are highly personal. The “one-size-fits-all” approach will not address the demands of aging. Multidisciplinary data analytics will lead to the emergence of new ways to examine one’s health, which then can alter health span.”

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Mysuru’s Sumithra Raju – Traiblazer, 2-Wheeler Female Mechanic Breaking barriers with Grease & Grit…

Mysuru’s woman mechanic powers ahead.

On International Women’s Day, stories of resilience and determination shine a light on women who step beyond societal norms. One such trailblazer is Sumithra Raju, Mysuru’s two-wheeler mechanic, proving that no field is off-limits for women.

For the past four years, Sumithra has been repairing scooters at Suchithra Auto Service Centre on Basaveshwara Road, defying the conventional belief that mechanics is a male-dominated domain.

Her journey into this world of grease and gears was fuelled by two things: A passion for learning something unconventional and the need to support her family financially.

A journey from fields to workshops

A native of Byathahalli in Mysuru taluk, Sumithra, now 49, was born into a family of agriculturists.

Hard work was ingrained in her life early on. With only a Class 5 education, she toiled as a farm labourer alongside her father and siblings, harvesting cotton and groundnut to make ends meet.

Marriage to Raju, a construction worker, brought new responsibilities, and when her two daughters were of marriageable age, Sumithra sought ways to supplement the family’s income.

Her turning point came when she repeatedly visited the garage where she now works, getting her scooter serviced. Intrigued by the mechanics, she asked the garage owner, Surendran, if she could learn the trade. Surprised but supportive, he agreed.

Spanners, scooters & success

Today, Sumithra can handle all scooter repairs, from minor fixes to complex engine overhauls. “If you are determined to take up the challenge, success is guaranteed,” she says, tightening a bolt with a practiced grip. 

Surendran, her mentor and garage owner, takes immense pride in her journey. “In my 28 years of running this garage, she is the first woman mechanic I’ve trained. Sumithra is living proof that if a woman is willing, she can master any skill,” he says.

Sumithra’s garage exclusively services scooters, and with more women riding two-wheelers, she finds herself in a unique position to encourage others to enter the field. She even services her five personal two-wheelers on her own and is open to teaching other women who are interested in learning vehicle repair.

In a world where women are making strides in every sector, Sumithra Raju’s story is a testament to perseverance and breaking gender stereotypes — one scooter at a time.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

India Post pays tribute to Puneeth Rajkumar with special edition picture postcards on his 50th b’day

 In a heartfelt tribute to late Kannada superstar Puneeth Rajkumar, India Post has launched a special series of picture postcards to mark his 50th birth anniversary.

The commemorative postcards, featuring iconic moments from Puneeth’s illustrious career, were unveiled in the presence of his family members and senior postal department officials. The initiative aims to celebrate the actor’s enduring legacy and immense contribution to Kannada cinema.

Fans and well-wishers have welcomed the move, calling it a fitting tribute to the beloved ‘Power Star.’ Puneeth, known for his philanthropy and charismatic screen presence, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of millions.

The decision to name the road after Puneeth was approved by the government in recognition of his immense contributions to cinema and society. Former revenue minister R Ashoka had praised Puneeth’s philanthropic spirit, highlighting his selfless act of endorsing Nandini Milk, a Karnataka Milk Federation product, without charging a fee, solely to support farmers.

The inauguration event saw the presence of Puneeth’s family, including his brothers, Kannada stars Shivarajkumar and Raghavendra Rajkumar, along with his wife, Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar.

In another acknowledgment of his influence, prime minister Narendra Modi, during a gathering in Bengaluru in February 2023, invited Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar as a special guest. The event also featured prominent film personalities such as ‘KGF: Chapter 2’ star Yash, ‘Kantara’ actor-director Rishab Shetty, and Hombale Films producer Vijay Kiragandur.

Puneeth Rajkumar, the youngest son of Kannada cinema legend Dr Rajkumar, passed away on October 29, 2021. A versatile artiste who shined on both the big and small screens, he was equally admired for his charitable initiatives and humanitarian efforts.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

India Paddle Festival 2025: Top global athletes to compete at Sasihithlu Beach

The much-anticipated India Paddle Festival, the country’s premier international stand-up paddling event, returns for its second edition from March 7 to 9 at the picturesque Sasihithlu Beach. This year’s event will feature a stellar lineup, headlined by World No. 2 Christian Andersen and former world champion Daniel Hasulyo, promising a thrilling three-day showcase of elite paddling talent.

Alongside Andersen and Hasulyo, the festival will also feature the defending women’s champion Esperanza Barreras, a four-time world champion, and South Africa’s rising star Chiara Vorster. The men’s category will bring fierce competition, with athletes like Spain’s Antonio Morillo and Denmark’s “Polar Bear” Christian Andersen battling for the top spot.

India’s own Sekar Patchai, the reigning national champion and a 25-time title-holder, will lead the home charge, representing the nation’s growing stand-up paddling prowess. He will be joined by Manikandan, one of the country’s most promising paddlers, as they take on international rivals in what promises to be an action-packed contest.

The festival is organized by the Surfing Swami Foundation and Mantra Surf Club, with support from Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism, Government of India) and Karnataka Tourism. Sanctioned by the Association of PaddleSurf Professionals (APP) World Tour, the official World Championship Tour for stand-up paddling, the event will feature intense SUP racing across multiple formats, including sprint, technical, and distance races. In addition to the thrilling competitions, the festival will offer live music and vibrant cultural celebrations, creating an exciting atmosphere for spectators and participants alike.

With over 40 paddlers from across the globe set to compete in four categories—men’s open, women’s open, junior U-16 boys, and girls—the India Paddle Festival 2025 will further strengthen India’s reputation as an emerging hub for non-motorized water sports. This milestone event comes on the heels of India’s recent achievement in securing its first-ever surfing quota for the Asian Games, marking a new chapter in the country’s growing interest and success in water sports.

source/content: daijiworld.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)

Karnataka sets record with highest passport issuance in 2024

With an increasing number of Kannadigas, especially those from tier-2 and tier-3 cities, aspiring to go abroad, the regional passport office has been witnessing a surge in applications. In 2024, a record-breaking 8,83,755 passports were issued, the highest till date.

In 2023, 34,000 passports were issued, which was the highest at that time. This information was shared by Krishna K, the regional passport officer of Bengaluru.

Krishna further stated, “There are 23 Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) in Karnataka. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of applications has increased significantly. We are receiving 700 to 800 applications daily from these POPSKs.”

He added, “International travel has regained momentum post-Covid, leading to a steady rise in passport demand. There has been a significant increase in the number of Indians traveling abroad for work, education, or tourism. In 2024, 4,88,509 passports were issued to men, 3,95,236 to women, and 10 to transgender individuals.”

Among those who obtained passports in 2024, one person was 100 years old, eight were between 96 and 99 years old, and 8,668 were in the 76-95 age group. The highest number of passports (3,88,453) was issued to individuals aged 16 to 35. Notably, February 2024 recorded the highest monthly issuance, with 78,416 passports.

Apart from passport issuance, the department also provides Police Clearance Certificates (PCCs), which are mandatory for employment in some countries. In 2024, 7,284 PCCs were issued for Kuwait, 2,712 for Australia, and several for Israel, which also requires PCCs.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

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)

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)

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)

Hoysala Award 2024 Ceremony, Mysuru on Jan. 5

The following 18 achievers from various fields have been selected for the State-level prestigious Hoysala Award for 2024 given by Hoysala Kannada Sangha and Savigannada Pathrika Balaga:

K.T. Veerappa (Literature); Dr. Aralumallige Parthasarathy (Spiritual and Dasa Literature); Dr. Gajanana Sharma (Literature); Dr. B.S. Pranatharthiharan (Literature and Akashvani Service); Dr. H.T. Shailaja (Literature and Education); Dr. T.R. Anantharamu (Science Literature); Dr. K.S. Sadananda (Medical); Dr. S.N. Hegde (Science Literature); Dr. K. Kumar (Dance); M.V. Roopa (Space Science); N.V. Dinesh (Education); Vidwan M.S. Naveen (Classical Music); Shringar Sanjivashetty (Industry and Social Service); Yashasvi Somashekhar (Industry and Rotary Service); Vidushi K.S. Ramamani (Classical Music); Dr. Janardana Bhat (Literature); R.A. Chetan Ram (Education and Personality Development) and S.K. Suresh (Social Service).

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)