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According to the Swedish firm, the initiative is part of Ericsson’s broader R&D expansion in India, including the growth of ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) development.

Ericsson, a multinational telecommunications company that offers networking and telecommunications equipment and services globally, has opened a new R&D unit to drive 5G software development in Bengaluru, on November 13.

The new R&D unit would initially focus on developing 5G and 5G Advanced features for the Ericsson 5G baseband. The work would be carried out in close collaboration with the company’s global RAN (Radio Access Network) software teams.

According to the Swedish firm, the initiative is part of Ericsson’s broader R&D expansion in India, including the growth of ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) development. Ericsson is focused on advancing 5G, 6G and AI development across R&D centres in Bengaluru, Chennai and Gurugram.

Nitin Bansal, Managing Director, Ericsson India and Head of Network solutions, Market Area South East Asia, Oceania and India, said, “Setting up the R&D centre in India for RAN software development represents a significant step forward towards strengthening our R&D operations in India. Even as we leverage Indian software talent, we are also contributing to building the knowledge base and the telecom eco-system in the country.”

David Bjore, Head of RAN Software & Compute Platforms, Ericsson, said, “We’re building on the strong partnerships we’ve formed in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Gurugram, and for the first time, we’re developing this RAN software ourselves in India. This is a significant step, as it not only supports India’s rising tech scene but also enables us to create solutions in the country that can have a global impact.”

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

All working women aged 18–52 in permanent, contractual and outsourced jobs in Karnataka will now be entitled to one day of menstrual leave per month, as per a Government Order issued on November 12.

“Employers have been directed to provide 12 paid leaves per year to all women employees aged 18–52 in establishments coming under the Factories Act, 1948; Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961; Plantation Workers Act, 1951; Beedi Cigar Workers (Condition of Employment) Act, 1966; and Motor Vehicle Workers Act, 1961,” the order stated.

The Shops and Commercial Establishments Act also covers IT and ITES companies, ensuring women in these sectors benefit from the policy. The Government Order comes a month after the state Cabinet cleared the Menstrual Leave Policy 2025, which provides 12 menstrual leaves per year—one leave per month.

The policy was formulated by an 18-member committee headed by Dr Sapna S of Christ (Deemed-to-be University). It initially recommended six menstrual leaves per year, but the labour department later upgraded the provision to 12 before submitting it to the government.

According to the government order, women employees must use the menstrual leave in the same month it is allotted and cannot carry over the leave to the next month.

The order also specifies that women do not need to submit any medical certificate while availing themselves of the menstrual leave.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Karnataka Cashew Manufacturers’ Association (KCMA) will organise a cashew expo during the three-day ‘Kaju Centennial Summit – 2025’, which begins at TMA Pai International Convention Centre in Mangaluru from November 14, according to Kalbavi Prakash Rao, convener of the Summit and a former president of KCMA.

Addressing the press here on Friday, he said that there will be 120 stalls which will showcase cutting-edge cashew processing technology, machinery from India and Vietnam, and innovative product lines.

Mr. Kalbavi said that about 300 cashew processing units in Karnataka have provided employment to 70,000 labourers, mainly women. “The units did not retrench employees when going for mechanisation, which involved switching from manual processing to automation,” he said.

“Seven labourers were required to process one bag (80 kg) of cashew manually. With automation, one labourer was enough to process one bag of cashew. Yet we (cashew manufacturers) did not remove workers from their jobs. Even after automation, the same number of workers are continuing in the units. However, new labourers are not joining the units since many youngsters are now choosing IT and other jobs,” Mr. Kalbavi added.

He further said that cashew units, along with beedi and tiles factories, were the traditional industries that provided employment to many persons in the coastal region. Cashew units in Karnataka now process about five lakh tonnes of cashew.

Demand for split kernels

He said that there is growing demand from consumers for split cashew kernels instead of whole kernels. But India does not have surplus cashew production to increase exports, which now stand at about 50,000 tonnes per annum.

Conference themes

Mr. Kalbavi said that experts at the summit will deliberate on emerging global market trends, shifting demand from traditional trade to e-commerce and quick commerce, marketing strategies to boost domestic consumption growth from 7-8% to 12-13% annually, and achieving 2.5 million tonnes of production by 2030.

Distribution of seedlings

A.K. Rao, president, KCMA, said that the KCMA in association with Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP), Vijayalaxmi Foundation, and Udupi Pejawar Mutt, distributed 13 lakh grafted cashew seedlings to farmers free of cost over the last nine years under the ‘Vriksha Raksha Vishwa Raksha’ project. “They are worth about ₹6 crore,” he said, adding that the survival rate of those seedlings was at 80% to 85%. Another two lakh seedlings will be distributed this year.

“It has been proposed to plant about 2.5 million to three lakh million cashew saplings in Karnataka by 2030 under the project, adding 20,000 tonnes of raw cashew production to the State,” Mr. Rao added.

The summit will be held to celebrate 100 years of cashew processing in Mangaluru.

The conference featured 65 student delegates from 5 RMSs and 3 Army Public Schools, debating issues such as state-sponsored terrorism and lethal autonomous weapons.

In a showcase of diplomacy, public speaking, and critical thinking, Rashtriya Military School (RMS), Bengaluru clinched the Best Delegation Trophy at the Rashtriya Military School Model United Nations Conference 2025 held on October 31 and November 1 in Bengaluru. 

RMS Chail was the runner-up.

Brigadier Ranjeet Alva S. M., who inaugurated the event, emphasized the importance of dialogue, empathy, and leadership in today’s global landscape.

The conference featured 65 student delegates from 5 RMSs and 3 Army Public Schools, debating issues such as state-sponsored terrorism and lethal autonomous weapons.

Former ambassador N. Parthasarathi, who attended the closing ceremony, lauded the defence authorities and The Dais for empowering youth through such platforms.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

India’s railway network has achieved a remarkable milestone with the Shree Siddharoodha Swamiji Hubballi Junction in Karnataka being officially recognized as the longest railway platform in the world. The platform, stretching an impressive 1,507 metres, has earned a place in the Guinness World Records.

The extraordinary length of the platform allows two long trains to halt simultaneously without disrupting each other’s operations. This unique feature not only enhances passenger convenience but also boosts the efficiency of train scheduling.

The construction of this record-breaking platform was part of the South Western Railway’s yard remodelling project, aimed at streamlining operations at one of India’s busiest railway junctions. Hubballi serves as a crucial link connecting major routes to Bengaluru, Mumbai, Goa, and Hyderabad.

Built at a cost of several crores of rupees, the platform stands as an engineering marvel — longer than most Olympic running tracks. The upgraded design incorporates improved passenger amenities and advanced train-handling systems, ensuring smoother arrivals and departures.

This development signifies India’s ongoing transition towards a modern, high-capacity railway infrastructure. The expansion of Hubballi Junction reflects the Indian Railways’ broader transformation efforts to enhance efficiency and capacity, easing congestion and facilitating the simultaneous berthing of longer trains across southern and western routes.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Neeti Sharma, CEO of TeamLease Digital, praised the Government of Karnataka for its proactive initiatives at the college level to equip youngsters with industry-ready skills.

Neeti Sharma, CEO of TeamLease Digital, highlighted Bengaluru’s leading position in talent and knowledge development. “Bengaluru tops the list in India when it comes to talent and knowledge, with a vast pool emerging from colleges and private organisations,” she said. She praised the Government of Karnataka for its proactive initiatives, including programmes such as Nipuna and apprenticeship opportunities at the college level to equip youngsters with industry-ready skills.

Neeti Sharma said this while addressing co-panellists during a session at the Skill Summit 2025 session titled Karnataka as a Skills Gateway to the World. She also urged young professionals to embrace continuous learning. “Companies today not only seek domain or hard skills but also value the ability to learn and adapt. Unemployability is a bigger challenge than unemployment — there are ample opportunities, but a shortage of skilled candidates,” she noted.

Ferdinand Sehlechta, Head of the India Competence Centre in Düsseldorf, Germany, said the growing demand for skilled workers. “Our centre represents over one lakh member companies, and many highlight a shortage of around 50,000 skilled professionals. This number could double in the next decade. Hence, we are working closely with the Government of Karnataka to bridge this gap,” he stated.

Sheenam Ohrie, Managing Director of Broadridge India, said her company recruits about 20 percent of its employees directly from educational institutions. “We collaborate with the IT/BT Department and have founded a Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) consortium to prepare over 1,000 students for the industry. Technology is an enabler, but it’s domain expertise and soft skills that will shape the world of tomorrow,” she said.

Thorsten Kiefer, Executive Director of DeFa Agentur GmbH, said the importance of language proficiency for job seekers. “Learning foreign languages is crucial, as communication gaps often challenge both candidates and recruiters,” he observed.

He also advised aspirants to seek scholarships or financial aid instead of depleting their savings when pursuing opportunities abroad. “Various institutions in India and overseas offer assistance that can ease financial pressure on families,” he added.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

In a bid to boost enrolment and spark greater interest in government schools, the Karnataka Department of School Education and Literacy is gearing up to conduct mega parent-teacher meetings on Children’s Day (November 14) across its 47,000 schools.

A circular issued by the department on November 4 stated that deputy commissioners, chief executive officers, and other officials will be actively involved to ensure the success of the event on November 14. “The role of parents is very important in the all-round development of children, and the main objective of this programme is to involve them in this process,” the circular said.

As per the plans, schools with total enrolment below 50 will invite all parents to the general meeting. For schools with more than 50 students, parents of students in the highest class will be given priority based on available space, while ensuring a minimum of 50 parents attend.

During the event, parents will be briefed on attendance and academic performance, introduced to school facilities, and informed about initiatives taken by the department to improve academics and incentive schemes to support student learning. Parents will also be made aware of bilingual medium classes, pre-primary sections (ECCE), and the concepts of Karnataka public schools and PM Shri schools.

The programme will also focus on raising awareness about health and nutrition, children’s rights, the Right to Education Act, and the POCSO Act. Schools are expected to identify parents’ talents and professions and discuss how they can contribute to the school’s development.

Special recognition will be given to toppers and students with notable achievements in co-curricular activities.

All officers and staff at district, taluk, and field levels have been instructed to visit government schools under their jurisdiction to review the programme and take part in discussions with parents. Schools will be decorated, sweets distributed, and midday meals provided as usual.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

A 10th-century inscription from the Ganga dynasty reign has been found inside the Mahalingeshwara Temple at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Nagar on the outskirts of Mysuru.

The inscription, dating back to the time of Butuga II, a ruler from the dynasty, was discovered on the wall to the right and faces east inside the temple. The six-line inscription was carved on white granite which is two feet wide and two-and-a-half feet tall.

“This inscription, dated 948 A.D., is inscribed in the Kannada script. It is believed that during the reign of Butuga II, his bodyguard, Maremma, may have donated the garden to the temple tax-free and entrusted its management to the village chief Vijaketa Gavunda. The full text of the inscription cannot be stated as it is corrupted. However, since the inscription references ‘Vijaketa Gavunda Dise’, it can be inferred that the management of the garden was entrusted to Vijaketa Gavunda, the chief of the village,” said a statement here.

Further, the embossed painting of the temple is symbolically engraved on the inscription, confirming that it was a donation related to the temple, the statement added. “Since the Shiva Linga in the Mahalingeshwara Temple, where the inscription was found, is in the Ganga architectural style and the inscription is from the Ganga period, it can be understood that this donation is related to the Mahalingeshwara temple,” the statement further said.

An embossed sculpture of a cow feeding its calf is also carved at the end of the inscription, which is 1,076 years old.

After retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Shivanna informed archaeologist Prof N.S. Rangaraju, the fieldwork to discover the ancient inscription was started by a team led by archaeological researcher Dr. Shashidhara C.A., and comprising junior researcher Dr. Mariswamy R. and photographer Ramesh Patel. The fieldwork was done with the co-operation of locals after securing necessary approval from Professor Shailendra Mohan, the Director of Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), and N.M. Talawar, the Project Director of Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Kannada. Epigraphist Professor Devarakonda Reddy assisted in the reading of the inscription.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

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)