Category: Uncategorized

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)

She’s just 16, yet she has already brought laurels to Mysuru and Karnataka. Representing the Indian U-16 Women’s Team, that clinched the championship title at the recently concluded FIBA (Fédération Internationale de Basketball Amateur) U-16 Women’s Asia Cup 2025 (Division B) in Malaysia, Shravani Shivanna has swiftly made her mark in India’s basketball circuit.

Class XI student at Excel Public School, Mysuru, Shravani aspires to captain the senior Indian Women’s Team. Recognising her achievement, the school management honoured her with the Prof. M.H. Dhananjaya Scholarship, offering a 75 percent concession on tuition fees.

he is the daughter of Vanishree, a teacher at Excel Public School, and Shivanna, a basketball coach. The family resides in Kuvempunagar, and her elder brother, Sagar Shivanna, is a musician.

Star of Mysore caught up with Shravani for a conversation about her journey, experiences and aspirations in basketball. Excerpts…

Star of Mysore (SOM): What made you choose basketball as the sport of your interest?

Shravani: I draw inspiration from my father, who was a national-level player. He used to take me to the basketball court when I was very young, and I always wanted to make him proud.

It began as a hobby, but after my first Nationals in 2022, when I represented the Karnataka team, I realised I wanted to take it seriously. My dad also began giving me extra coaching sessions, and that motivated me to take the road less travelled.

SOM: Now that you’ve been part of the India U-16 team, how do you feel about the journey so far?

Shravani: The journey has been quite tough. Basketball isn’t a sport that receives widespread support, but my parents have always encouraged me to pursue what I love. In the beginning, I didn’t find basketball very enjoyable — it was hard balancing academics and training.

But once I truly fell in love with the game, everything became easier to handle. Honestly, I never imagined I’d make it to the Karnataka team, let alone the Indian camp. But I grabbed every opportunity that came my way, and that’s what led me here.

SOM: What’s your daily routine like, and how do you balance basketball with academics?

Shravani: That’s actually a tough question! To be honest, I barely study. My basketball routine is very intense — I train for about five and a half hours every evening, from 5 pm to 10.30 pm.

Before joining the India camp, I also practiced athletics in the mornings to build my speed and stamina. It was pretty hectic, especially when I was preparing for my Class X Board exams. Now that I’m in Class XI and most events are done, I plan to take a month or two to catch up on the studies I’ve missed.

SOM: The growth of basketball compared to other sports in Karnataka?

hravani: Basketball has definitely been improving in Karnataka over the last five to ten years. Of course, cricket remains the favourite for most people, but I believe parents should let their children follow their passion if they want to succeed.

To make basketball more popular, we need to organise more tournaments and provide better facilities. In countries like USA, players get to compete every week or month, but here, we hardly get to play four or five tournaments a year at the district or national level.

SOM: How have your parents and school supported you in your endeavours?

Shravani: My school has supported me from day one. Both Principal K.G. Mathew and Vice-Principal Gubain Mathew have been incredibly encouraging, always allowing me to attend every camp I was selected for. They’ve been kind enough to provide me with the necessary attendance and academic support, which has helped me focus on the court with a clear and positive mind to give my best for the State and the Country.

As for my parents, they have been my strongest pillars of support. My mother has been my emotional anchor, while my father has been the driving force behind improving my basketball skills. I truly wouldn’t have reached this level without their constant support and guidance.

SOM: Can you share your experience at the FIBA U-16 Women’s Asia Cup?

Shravani: It has been one of the best experiences of my life so far. For the first time, I truly felt the intensity of international-level competition — playing alongside incredible players and learning from some of the best coaches. I’m really proud to have been part of an Indian team that maintained its unity and fighting spirit till the very end. Personally, I’m happy with my performance. Of course, there’s always room for improvement, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to play in such a prestigious tournament.

SOM: Now that you’ve represented the country at the junior level, what are your future goals?

Shravani: I’ve always dreamed of becoming the captain of the senior Indian Women’s Team. My long-term goal is to help India qualify for the Olympics by progressing through Division B and A. In the short term, I aim to represent India in the U-18 Women’s Team at the 2028 Asian Cup. I want to give my absolute best and keep improving to reach the next level.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

In a pioneering step toward digital governance, Nanjangud has become the first City Municipal Council (CMC) in India to digitise its civic data through ‘Civinc’, a first-of-its-kind mobile application and online portal developed at Ashoka University.

The innovative platform consolidates information and contact details of local elected representatives and municipal employees onto a single, easy-to-use interface, enabling citizens to directly connect with officials responsible for addressing civic issues.

An initiative spearheaded by Nanjangud MLA Darshan Dhruvanarayan, the project allows residents to scan QR codes installed in each locality to instantly access details of officers handling tasks such as garbage clearance, road repair, water supply or voter ID changes and even contact them via phone with a single click.

This digitisation drive marks a significant milestone for non-metro cities, setting an example for technology-driven, transparent and accountable governance across India.

Official launch in Nanjangud

The ‘Civinc’ portal was officially launched in Nanjangud on Friday by MLA Darshan Dhruvanarayan in the presence of Aishwarya Sunaad, Head of Concept Development and Research at Civinc; Srikanta, President of Nanjangud CMC; Vijaya, Municipal Commissioner and B.N. Mythravathi, Assistant Executive Engineer (Environment).

Employees of Nanjangud City Municipal Council, dignitaries and members of local citizen groups and NGOs also attended the event.

Conceptualised by Ashoka University alumna Aishwarya Sunaad under the mentorship of Dr. Debayan Gupta, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Ashoka University, Civinc — a portmanteau of ‘civic’ and ‘link’ — was designed to bridge the gap between citizens and their governing bodies.

Transparent governance

The platform provides direct access to the contacts of Corporators, Councillors, ward-level department heads and municipal employees responsible for essential civic services such as sanitation, garbage collection, road maintenance, property tax, and building licenses.

Unlike traditional grievance portals, Civinc fosters real-time, transparent communication between citizens and officials. It uses ward-specific QR code boards placed across the city; when scanned, they display contact details of officials handling specific civic issues. Citizens need not download the app separately to raise grievances.

Additionally, Civinc empowers users to update or correct outdated information and features a unique performance review system for municipal employees, promoting civic engagement and administrative accountability.

Speaking after the launch, Darshan Dhruvanarayan said: “Nanjangud is proud to lead the way as the first non-metro city in the country to digitise its civic data. Giving citizens direct access to officials responsible for essential services makes governance more transparent, responsive and efficient.”

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

Karnataka’s flagship luxury train, The Golden Chariot, is set to expand its royal journeys beyond the southern circuits to include new destinations in western India. Operated by the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) in collaboration with the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), the opulent train is now gearing up to extend its services to Mumbai and Aurangabad, adding the famed Ajanta and Ellora caves to its itinerary. The new Bengaluru–Mumbai circuit is expected to commence operations in the next financial year.

“In the new Mumbai package, the plan is to include Mysuru and Hampi. Discussions to add Goa to this five-night, six-day itinerary are still ongoing,” a source told The New Indian Express. “Tour and travel operators have suggested several other circuits, including short ones covering unique, lesser-known destinations preferred by tourists. We need to consider logistics, including train routes and bus arrangements. Cooperation from private tour operators and government agencies is essential. Partnerships with hotels and travel agencies are also being planned,” the source added.

At present, The Golden Chariot connects major tourist destinations across Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, depending on the selected itinerary. The train currently offers three packages — Pride of Karnataka, Jewels of South, and Glimpses of Karnataka — with journeys ranging from four to seven days.

Reflecting the grandeur of Dravidian heritage, the 18-coach luxury train combines tradition with modern comfort. It features deluxe wooden cabins with private washrooms, two fine-dining restaurants, an Ayurvedic spa, a fully equipped gymnasium, and a conference hall. With 44 guest rooms, the train can accommodate around 84 passengers.

Bookings for The Golden Chariot can be made through the official website (www.goldenchariot.org) or via authorised travel agents. Fares vary according to itinerary and cabin category. For Indian nationals, prices range from Rs 2.65 lac for the Glimpses of Karnataka journey to Rs 3.98 lac for the longer Pride of Karnataka and Jewels of South tours.

The all-inclusive fare covers accommodation, meals, guided sightseeing, and entrance fees to monuments and parks. However, personal expenses, alcoholic beverages, and spa treatments are generally not included in the package.

With the upcoming expansion to Mumbai and Aurangabad, The Golden Chariot aims to redefine luxury travel across southern and western India, offering passengers a regal experience steeped in history, heritage, and comfort.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

The system comprises three subsystems — stationary, on-board, and a backbone communication network — ensuring real-time coordination between trains and signals.

Bengaluru-based NOVA Control Tecnologix, a deep-tech subsidiary of e2E Transportation Infrastructure Limited, on Thursday announced its official launch as India’s full-stack Rail Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). NOVA is in a strategic partnership with Tata Elxsi to co-develop Kavach 4.0, the next generation of India’s indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system.

Speaking at the launch, IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge said, “We have nearly a lakh kilometres of railway network and over eight billion journeys a year. In the past decade, we’ve had close to 800 accidents, over 2,500 injuries, and about a thousand lives lost — lives that could have been saved. What has been built here today can revolutionise not just Indian Railways but rail systems globally.”

“The technology and product unveiled today offer immense value to Indian Railways. With Kavach 4.0 already rolled out on 1,600km and set to cover 100,000km in the next few years, I urge NOVA, e2E Rail and Indian Railways to consider setting up a Centre of Excellence for Railway Mobility here in Karnataka,” he stated.

Speaking during the launch, CEO Sourajit Mukherjee said, “With NOVA, we are setting a new benchmark — for the first time in India, a signalling system integrator has also become an original equipment manufacturer… Kavach is not just another product; it is a national mission to make train travel in India safer than ever before,” he added.

Kavach 4.0, India’s indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection system, is designed to enhance safety as train speeds increase.

The system comprises three subsystems — stationary, on-board, and a backbone communication network — ensuring real-time coordination between trains and signals. “If a loco overspeeds or crosses its limit, Kavach automatically applies brakes,” explained a design engineer, while a design lead added that its “two-out-of-two CPU design” and diversified hardware-software architecture ensures the highest safety integrity. Kavach integrates safety, communication and intelligence into one compact system, stated the designers.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said BTS 2025 will once again showcase the very best of what the state and country have to offer. He said Karnataka continues to lead India’s digital transformation.

With the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) set to be held in the city from November 18 to 20, IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge held a review meeting with the organising team and his department officials on Thursday. “This year’s summit is shaping up to be our most ambitious and disruptive edition yet,” Kharge said.

He said from a curated list of global speakers, industry leaders and leading venture capitalists to sectoral dialogues on technology, policy and innovation, every element has been designed to raise the bar. “We’re also hosting our biggest ever gathering of entrepreneurs and futurepreneurs under the Future Makers Conclave, alongside key announcements on policy and mega projects,” he said.

For the first time, BTS 2025 will also witness the launch of something groundbreaking, a piece of technology that they have quietly been building, Kharge said, adding, “It will redefine how we think about computing.”

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called upon industry leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs and investors to join the BTS 2025 and said the summit, on the theme ‘Futurise’, will bring together more than 1 lakh delegates, over 600 speakers and innovators from over 60 countries. He saod Bengaluru has become the centre of India’s innovation journey, leading the way with its ideas, talent, and technology,

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said BTS 2025 will once again showcase the very best of what the state and country have to offer. He said Karnataka continues to lead India’s digital transformation.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Bengaluru Division of South Western Railway (SWR) achieved a historic milestone on October 20 by operating 316 trains in one day, including 38 on-demand services—its highest ever daily tally. This feat was accomplished during the heavy travel period of Diwali and Chhath festivals, successfully transporting over 1.2 lakh passengers through major hubs like Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT), KSR Bengaluru (SBC), and Yesvantpur (YPR).

To handle the surge, the railway set up holding areas at key stations with a combined capacity of over 4,000 passengers. These areas were well-equipped with seating, restrooms, drinking water, and CCTV surveillance. A divisional war room monitored live footage to promptly address any issues. Additional personnel, including staff and Railway Protection Force, were deployed to manage ticketing, queues, and crowd control.

Divisional Railway manager Ashutosh K Singh recalled a remarkable incident on October 18 when nearly 1,000 passengers crowded the holding area for the Bhagalpur Express at SMVT. To manage the overflow, six BMTC buses were arranged within half an hour to ferry passengers to Yelahanka, where they boarded a special train arranged for them.

SWR also utilized the ‘Trains of Demand Forecast’ feature within the Passenger Reservation Information Management Enhanced System (PRIME) to predict passenger volumes and optimize resource allocation, ensuring smooth operations during the peak festive season.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)