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Fashion entrepreneur Sharada Narayanan became the first Indian contestant to win Mrs Classique Globe Choice of the People title, with Mrs India Globe Classique 2017 Veena Jain as her mentor.

When fashion entrepreneur Sharada Narayanan stood on stage with her counterparts from across the world, waiting with sheer anticipation and racing hearts for the announcement of Mrs Classique Globe Choice of the People, she took a moment to process that her name had been called out.

“I was in a complete shock. I don’t think I reacted the way everybody usually does – the awe, the crying or hands thrown up in the air,” she recalls. While winning the title with 50 other contestants competing for it might have been a surprise for Narayanan, her mentor, Veena Jain, the winner of Mrs India Globe Classique 2017, had complete confidence. “When we started from Bengaluru, I had a feeling that we were going to make it this year. It may have been a surprise for Sharada, but for me, I was very confident that she was going to come out with the title – her confidence and elegance made me believe so. I’m especially proud because this is the first time an Indian delegate has won such an honour,” says Jain.

Achieving the highly coveted Swarovski crystal-studded crown was no easy feat with Narayanan’s schedule being jam-packed with rehearsals and galas from the moment she arrived at Palm Springs on June 16 to the moment she was crowned on June 21.

“Once we went there, it was a complete grind – it’s like a boot camp. We get up early in the morning and go on late into the night on some days. You go through one regiment after the other, but there were a lot of fun times in between practice and exercise too, when we got to bond with women from different countries and cultures,” says Narayanan, explaining the preparations that went into the three final rounds – national costume, swimsuit, and evening gown – as well as the Bollywood-themed welcome party, charity galas, and preliminary rounds that preceded them.

She credits Jain with helping her through the whole process, saying, “She was the first person who told me ‘Yes, you should do this. I see a lot of potential in you.’ She has hand-held me in multiple places – with picking the best colours to wear, the right outfits, even with picking fabrics and shopping. Her belief in me was with me from the start till the time that we wrapped up the event and we came back.”

Apart from being a mom and fashion entrepreneur with her boutique ‘Metamorphosis’, Narayanan has years of experience working in top corporates and also runs an NGO, Virya Trust, which empowers women by teaching them tailoring skills, marketing housing products, and hosting bazaars. The main reason she decided to try her hand at pageantry was Mrs Globe’s association with the WIN Foundation, which helps women who have faced abuse.

Apart from supporting a cause, the highlight for Narayanan was the national costume round, where she sported a blue gown with intricate traditional hand-embroidery and eye-catching peacock feathers for a sleeve.

“You come out carrying your country’s flag, which brings with it a lot of pride, but you also have a responsibility to ensure that you don’t let your country down, and make sure you are doing your best,” she says.

Jain notes the importance of an Indian contestant winning the Mrs Classique Globe Choice of the People title for the first time, stating that beauty is more than Euro-centric standards. “Every time I saw girls from Europe, Belarus, and Russia winning, I used to think: why not us? European skin is not the beauty standard in every region – we are all different and beautiful in our way.” She adds that Indian candidates bring something special to every pageant, “Indian candidates are good at communication. They bring a special warmth and friendliness with them.”

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Nitin Gadkari inaugurated India’s second-longest cable-stayed bridge in Karnataka amid political tensions.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Monday inaugurated India’s second-longest cable-stayed bridge, the 6-km-long Sharavathi Bridge built across the Sharavathi backwaters in Karnataka’s Malnad region.

Constructed at a cost of ₹472 crore, the bridge is expected to significantly improve regional mobility and enhance connectivity in the Western Ghats region. Sharing the update on X, Gadkari said, “Inaugurated India’s second-longest cable-stayed bridge, the 6-km-long Sharavathi Bridge in Karnataka, built at a cost of ₹472 crore to enhance regional connectivity and boost mobility across the Malnad region.”

Gadkari was accompanied by senior BJP leaders including former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa, Shivamogga MP BY Raghavendra, and BJP state president BY Vijayendra.

Sharavathi bridge inauguration sparks political row

The inauguration, however, stirred political tensions in the state, with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah publicly expressing displeasure over the timing of the event.

In a post on X, the CM stated that he had requested a postponement of the function as he had a pre-scheduled engagement in Vijayapura. Despite the Union Minister reportedly agreeing to the request, Siddaramaiah alleged that local BJP leaders went ahead with the event “under pressure”, without informing him.

“Although the Union Minister had agreed to postpone the program, local BJP leaders succumbed to pressure and organised the program today without bringing it to my attention,” he wrote.

The CM also criticised the BJP for violating protocol and excluding the state government from a centrally sponsored infrastructure event.

“In protest of this move by the BJP, no government ministers or local MLAs are participating in the program… There has been no adherence to protocol here. State governments also have a role in centrally sponsored projects,” he added.

In addition to the bridge inauguration, Gadkari laid the foundation stone for nine National Highway projects spanning 99 kilometres and collectively worth over ₹2,000 crore, according to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

Widening of the Bidar-Humnabad section (NH-367): A 47-km stretch expected to reduce travel time between Bidar and Kalaburagi.

Restoration works on the Shiradi Ghat section (NH-75): A vital link on the Mangaluru–Bengaluru corridor, especially critical during monsoon season.

The Union Minister also visited the Sri Sigandur Chowdeshwari Ji Temple in Shivamogga, accompanied by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and BS Yediyurappa.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

Political leaders from Karnataka, including CM Siddaramaiah and DCM D.K. Shivakumar, remember Kannada cinema’s first female superstar.

Karnataka leaders, including CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, condoled the death of veteran actor B. Saroja Devi, who passed away owing to age-related ailments on July 14, 2025.

“I am deeply pained by the news of the passing of veteran Kannada actress B. Saroja Devi. Having performed in approximately 200 films across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi languages, she became popular as ‘Abhinaya Saraswathi’,” he said in a post on X.

Recalling her captivating performances in films like Kittur Chennamma, Babruvahana, and Anna Thangi, he said her departure “is a significant loss to Indian cinema.”

Bidding a fond farewell to the ‘Goddess of Performance’, Mr. D.K. Shivakumar also expressed sorrow at her passing. Speaking to the media near her home in Sadashivanagar in Bengaluru, he said her demise felt like a personal loss as she hailed from his home district. “She has the distinction of having acted as the female lead in 161 films. Even the Tamil film industry used to call her the “Kannada Sundargini”. This is a small example of her artistic ability,” he said.

Karnataka BJP State unit president B.Y. Vijayendra mourned the Kannada film industry’s irreparable loss with the death of the Padmashri and Padmabhushan recipient.

“Having acted alongside legendary actors like Rajkumar, Kalyan Kumar, and others, she not only contributed to the Kannada film industry but also left an indelible mark as a multilingual actress in the world of art. Her performances in films across multiple languages, including Amarashilpi Jakanachari, Mallammana Pavada, Bhagyavantharu, and Babruvahana, will remain eternal in the hearts of art lovers,” he said.

Induestries Minister M.B. Patil and Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Wadiyar also expressed their condolences. Calling Saroja Devi “a timeless icon Indian cinema”, he said, “A proud daughter of Karnataka, she captivated audiences across languages with grace and brilliance. From Mahakavi Kalidasa to Nadodi Mannan, her journey defined an era in Indian cinema. With over 200 films to her name, she remains an eternal inspiration. Her contributions to art and culture will always be remembered. Om Shanti.”

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Dr Vijayalakshmi Deshmane, the first woman professor at Kidwai Memorial Cancer Hospital in Bengaluru, has been honoured with Padma Shri in 2025.

In 1994, Dr Vijayalakshmi Deshmane stood in the hallowed halls of Kidwai Memorial Cancer Hospital, Bengaluru, facing a room of sceptical male colleagues. As the first woman professor at the institute, she was met with raised eyebrows and murmurs questioning her place in the male-dominated world of surgical oncology.

Undeterred, she recalled her father’s words from childhood, “Vijay, put up a surgeon’s board at our house.” With a scalpel in hand and resolve in her heart, she silenced doubters by performing flawless surgeries, earning the nickname ‘Kittur Rani Chennamma’ for her fierce determination. This marked a transformative journey that culminated in her being honoured with Padma Shri in 2025 for reshaping cancer care and philanthropy.

Born to a freedom fighter father, Baburao Deshmane, and mother Ratnamma in a marginalised community, Dr Vijayalakshmi Deshmane faced hardships early on. Growing up in a slum near Gajipur in Kalaburgi, she helped her mother sell fruits and vegetables under a neem tree after school. Despite a devastating drought in Kalaburgi that left even millionaires destitute, her parents prioritised her education. Her father, a social worker and leader at M S K Mill, instilled in her a passion for learning and service.

Dr Deshmane’s educational journey began at the Chakkarghatta school and continued at Gangambika High School in Kannada medium. Despite initial struggles with English in medical school, she kept going, inspired by supportive teachers and friends.

“When I failed physiology, I packed my bags and went home, thinking it was over,” she recalls. “But my youngest sister, Jayashree, said, ‘I failed in first grade, but I didn’t cry like you.’ That hit me.”

She returned to Hubballi Medical College, where she excelled, eventually securing an MS in General Surgery from Bellary Medical College in 1984, becoming the first woman to do so at the institution.

Her career took a pivotal turn when she joined Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology in Bengaluru as a resident doctor. In 1994, she made history as the first woman professor at Kidwai, later serving as dean, head of department, and director. Her dedication to oncology transformed the field, reducing fear around cancer.

“Now, cancer is like diabetes or hypertension. Even stage-four patients go home smiling, thanks to the advancement of research and technology in curing cancer,” she says.

Navigating a male-dominated field was no small feat. During her MS at Bellary, peers questioned, “What surgeries will she do?” Yet, under Professor C R Raghu’s mentorship, she thrived, running from the blood bank to the operation theatre with zeal. “The boys called me Kittur Rani Chennamma,” she says. At Kidwai, as the first woman resident and surgeon, she faced resistance.

“During my interview, they offered gynaecology, assuming it suited girls. I insisted, ‘Give me surgery’,” she says. ” My persistence did pay off. At 38, I became a professor, which gave me the capacity to spearhead global breast cancer research,” she adds.

Dr Deshmane’s life was not without lows. The loss of a patient from Bidar, who died on the operating table due to uncontrollable bleeding, haunted her for days. “It was a dreadful experience. I couldn’t sleep for eight days,” she says.

Personal tragedies also struck—her mother and sister Nagaratna succumbed to cancer. Yet, these losses fueled her commitment to early detection and research, particularly in familial breast and thyroid cancers, using artificial intelligence at institutions like the Indian Institute of Information Technology Design and Manufacturing, Kurnool.

Further, as president of Avala Ashram in Bengaluru, she empowered orphaned girls with life skills. In 2016, she also led the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research in Mohali, Punjab.

Dr Deshmane’s spiritual connection to Lord Krishna guides her life. “I work closely with Krishna. He gives me exactly what I need, not more,” she says. Her unmarried status reflects her dedication to her calling. “In cancer, you give everything to patients. I saw this at Adyar Cancer Institute in Chennai and Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai —doctors who forgot the world, to serve,” she adds.

Reflecting on her journey, she says, “When patients go home smiling, that smile is something you will not find anywhere else in the world. Early detection saves lives—why let cancer progress?”

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

The Father Muller Research Center (FMRC), a pioneering hub for academic innovation under the Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), has proudly attained two significant patents, highlighting the institution’s steadfast commitment to impactful, low-cost healthcare innovation.

Patent 1: Revolutionizing Auscultation Training with Low-Cost Simulation

A transformative device for simulation-based auscultation training has been successfully patented by Dr Reena Wilma Frank, Pradeep D’Souza, Sandra Saldanha, and Dr Lulu Sherif—faculty members of FMCI. Auscultation, a vital clinical skill in medical and nursing education, often requires access to costly high-fidelity simulators.

In response to this challenge, the innovators have ingeniously repurposed a condemned stethoscope by embedding a Bluetooth earpiece into the diaphragm. The device syncs seamlessly with smartphones or tablets to deliver real-time auscultation sounds during training. Its adaptability allows integration with low-fidelity manikins or Simulated Patients (SPs), offering a cost-effective and reusable learning tool.

This homegrown innovation stands out for its accessibility and affordability—especially in resource-limited educational settings—making it an exemplary model of frugal innovation in healthcare education.

Patent 2: Biodegradable Toe Separator for Interdigital Infections

In a major advancement in dermatological care, a biodegradable toe separator designed to aid in the treatment of interdigital infections has been applied for patent and published. This innovation is the result of a collaboration between Dr Ramesh Bhat and his team from Father Muller Medical College and Srinivas University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Mukka.

Crafted using Autodesk Fusion 360 and 3D-printed with eco-friendly Polylactic Acid (PLA), the device ensures an open, ventilated interdigital space—crucial for healing and infection prevention. Anatomically tailored for the Indian population, it is particularly beneficial for diabetic patients and those in humid climates, providing comfort, durability, and orthopaedic support.

A Thriving Hub of Research Excellence

Under the dynamic leadership of Dr Ramesh Bhat, head of research & professor and unit head (department of dermatology, venereology and leprosy), FMRC continues to be a beacon of academic advancement. The centre currently oversees:

• 20 RGUHS undergraduate research projects
• 16 ICMR STS student research grants
• 4 faculty ICMR grants
• 3 IADVL grants
• 4 DERMLINK projects
• 3 DST grants
• 2 DBT grants

Annual events such as Muller Research Week, Medithon and the FMRC Research Day further bolster research culture among students and faculty, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and patient-centered innovation.

Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, director, FMCI, lauded the accomplishments, urging the FMRC team to continue their mission in the quest for ‘better understanding and better healing of humankind’.

Dr Antony Sylvan D’Souza, dean, Father Muller Medical College, congratulated the inventors and emphasized that such innovations bring merit and global recognition to the institution, setting new standards in education and healthcare delivery.

With these landmark achievements, the Father Muller Research Center cements its position as a forerunner in healthcare innovation, dedicated to making research work not just for academia—but for the betterment of patients across the world.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Says Padma Shri Dr. Prahlada Rama Rao, Architect of Akash Missile Systems.

Akash, the surface-to-air missile used in Operation Sindoor, is a true epitome of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Dr. Prahlada Rama Rao, the Architect of Akash Missile Systems, was in Mysuru recently as the guest of honour at Mysuru Literature Festival-2025. 

Padma Shri Dr. Rao recounted a journey that began with uncertainty but ended with one of India’s proudest defence achievements in an exclusive conversation with Sujata Rajpal, on behalf of Star of Mysore.

Dr. Rao, who is currently writing a book on his experience of working on this landmark project, said: “Dr. Kalam chose the name Akash from ten team proposals, aptly symbolising the sky and capturing the project’s vision and mission.” 

Star of Mysore (SOM): Please take our readers through the journey of Akash.

Dr. Prahlada Rama Rao: The journey of Akash Missile Systems began in 1984 when I was hand-picked by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, then the Chairman of Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Policy Affairs, to lead the project as its Director. The objective was to indigenously develop a surface-to-air missile system for India. Until then, India had been importing such equipment from Europe and Russia. At the time, I was only 34 and was apprehensive.

It was a massive responsibility involving huge money, high stakes, immense technical challenges and innumerable gaps. However, once the project was set in motion, I threw myself into the work, drawing on my solid foundation in rockets and missiles.

I had completed my Master’s from IISc. Bangalore in aeronautical engineering with a specialisation in rockets and missiles, and was comfortable working across interdisciplinary domains. Before Akash, I had around ten years of experience, particularly in rockets and radar systems, and had already worked closely  with Dr. Kalam for a year. The project spanned nearly 15 years — 10 years in development and another 5 in testing.

SOM: How strong was the Akash team?

Dr. Rama Rao: We were a team of 50, a thousand scientists from across the country and 200 industries working on this arduous journey. Despite the vast collaboration, the buck stopped with me. Dr. Kalam was my greatest support, mentoring, guiding and advising me throughout.

Many thought it was impossible to build a missile system capable of intercepting multiple incoming threats. That level of coordination and precision had never been attempted in India. But I was confident, it had to work. The stakes were incredibly high. Once the missile is on the launcher and the command is given, it is out of our hands —  it either launches successfully or crashes; even the minutest of errors would set us back to the drawing board. Every glitch forced us to investigate deeply, to understand exactly what went wrong.

SOM: How did you feel when you learnt that Akash was used during Operation Sindoor?

Dr. Rama Rao: The Government had deployed the launchers across various strategic locations, but the timing of their use was unknown to us. I first learnt about it through the news on television when India had launched Operation Sindoor. I was completely frozen.

Even now, talking about it, I am getting goosebumps. I thought of Dr. Kalam. We had worked together on Akash for 15 long years; if he were alive to see this moment, he would have been proud. It wasn’t just a missile launch; it was the culmination of a vision we had nurtured through years of relentless effort. It was the happiest moment of my life. To see something you’ve built from scratch, through decades of uncertainty, finally serving the nation.

SOM: What lessons did you learn from working with Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam?

Dr. Rama Rao: Dr. Kalam had an extraordinary ability to recognise people’s strengths and assign responsibilities accordingly. He believed in recognising talent publicly, which motivated people to give their best. Despite all his achievements, he remained incredibly humble.

He wouldn’t hesitate to approach anyone, whether junior or senior, to ask for help or seek an opinion. He was a true team player. He knew how to unite people behind a shared vision. And perhaps the most powerful lesson he taught was to never lose sight of your vision. We need more Kalams in our country.

SOM: What is your advice to young scientists and aspiring innovators?

Dr. Rama Rao: Young scientists must build a strong foundation in Science. Believe in yourself even when others don’t. Always keep the bigger picture in mind. You are not just doing a job; you are solving a real-world problem, often one that impacts the nation so challenges are inevitable. Don’t let minor setbacks discourage you. Learn to work with all kinds of people — professional jealousies, ego clashes and power struggles are part of any project. Don’t let them distract you. Shed your ego, stay grounded and stay focused on the mission.

SOM: How about your family support?

Dr. Rama Rao: Nothing big has been achieved without family support. My wife and daughter have suffered the most (he laughs). In this entire journey, I have taken only one day’s leave for my daughter’s wedding, and thankfully, I’ve only one daughter (he laughs again). I have never attended any of the family functions or parent-teacher meetings, but these were the small prices to pay for the bigger mission, and my family understood it.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

The initiative attempts to leverage behavioural science and technology to help public agencies lower emissions, reduce traffic congestion, and encourage commuters to shift from personal vehicles to shared and sustainable modes of transport.

The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), and the Electronics City Industries Association (ELCIA), in collaboration with Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) and WRI India, have announced the winners of the Station Access and Mobility Program’s (STAMP) innovation challenge.

The winners, selected from a pool of 32 applications, are CommuteVerse, Nippon Koei, Orbit Wallet, and Tummoc. They will receive a combined grant of $100,000 to demonstrate their solutions. Pilot demonstrations are set to be rolled out in August 2025 in and around Electronics City.

The initiative attempts to leverage behavioural science and technology to help public agencies lower emissions, reduce traffic congestion, and encourage commuters to shift from personal vehicles to shared and sustainable modes of transport.

Developing mobility interventions

The broader STAMP initiative was launched in 2016 by Toyota Mobility Foundation and WRI India to promote better multimodal integration with the metro.

The innovation challenge, as part of the broader initiative, was launched on April 11, 2025, inviting startups, technology firms, and solution providers to co-develop scalable mobility interventions that can increase metro ridership, especially in last-mile segments. 

It focused on solutions incorporating gamification (offering rewards and incentives for choosing low-carbon commuting options), real-time nudges (deploying contextual, time-sensitive messaging to promote shared and efficient mobility) and inclusive access (improving first- and last-mile connectivity, affordability, and safety using commuter-centric behavioural cues.)

“In this iteration of STAMP, we aim to demonstrate how behavioural science can be seamlessly integrated into transport planning to create practical commuter-first solutions that are sustainable,” said Pras Ganesh, Executive Program Director, Toyota Mobility Foundation Asia.

“Through this challenge, we have seen innovative ideas that can encourage community focused decision-making, and are excited to see these solutions piloted in a real-world setting which sets the stage for replication across Bengaluru and thereafter in other cities,” he added.

Winners

CommuteVerse BLR is a mobile-based platform designed to create a gamified commuting experience by aligning individual behaviour, employer participation, and transit system feedback, while Tummoc offers features that allow users to discover, plan, and pay for daily commutes involving buses, metro systems, suburban trains, and last-mile services through a single platform.

Orbit Wallet integrates transit, payments, and access services into a single card and mobile application. Nippon Koei Business Partners Co., Ltd. (Singapore Branch), part of ID&E Holdings, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, collaborates with regional mobility platforms on road safety initiatives and has developed a ‘Healthy City Framework.’

Srinivas Alavilli, Fellow, Integrated Transport and Road Safety, WRI India, noted that the challenge offered a data-driven, locally relevant, and scalable model for effective public-private collaboration .

The finalists will receive tailored tools for pilot design, business model development and stakeholder engagement, access to mentors, experts, and government stakeholders, and financial support for prototype development and implementation.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

HAL emerged as the winning bidder among three shortlisted bidders; The PSU will initially make at least two SSLV rockets in two years with complete help and handholding from the ISRO, says IN-SPACe chairman Pawan Goenka.

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has bagged a Transfer of Technology (ToT) deal, valued at ₹511 crore, from the Indian Space Research Organisation, to build and operate Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs).

The SSLV is a three-stage vehicle to launch satellites that weigh less than 500 kg into the Lower Earth Orbit (LEO). The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) on Friday announced the HAL as the winning bidder among three shortlisted bidders. The deal will enable commercialisation of SSLV launches.

Other contenders

Apart from the HAL, which had applied independently, two other technically qualified bidders were shortlisted: Alpha Design Technologies Ltd., Bengaluru, leading a consortium with Agnikul Cosmos and Walchand Industries Ltd.; and Bharat Dynamics Ltd., Hyderabad, leading a consortium with Skyroot Aerospace, Keltron and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). Among the three, HAL emerged as the highest bidder.

Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe, announced the winner. “The HAL will be giving ₹511 crore. It is a phased payment that will be done with some amount at the time of signing the contract and the remaining coming over a period of two years. The ToT phase will take two years and during these two years, the HAL will make at least two SSLV rockets with complete help and handholding from the ISRO and after two years, they will be on their own. So during the two years, they will draw all the technology and take it from there,” Dr. Goenka said.

Rigorous evaluation

IN-SPACe said the bidding process involved a rigorous eligibility and evaluation framework.

“A thorough evaluation process was followed, with various technology and financial readiness levels under review. The process, which continued for several months, culminated in the financial bid evaluation, where the HAL emerged as the highest bidder to acquire and operationalise SSLV technology,” the IN-SPACe said.

The ToT Agreement will be signed among HAL, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO, and IN-SPACe. The agreement encompasses extensive training and handholding of HAL personnel by ISRO teams, both at ISRO and HAL facilities, for the realisation and launch of two SSLVs in the next two years.

“The launch vehicle system, being multidisciplinary in nature, would require the winning entity, HAL, to undergo rigorous handholding and training under ISRO at both ISRO’s and the entity’s facilities. This is aimed at realising the projected launch of two SSLVs from an Indian launch port,” Rajeev Jyoti, Director, Technical Directorate, IN-SPACe, said.

Barenya Senapati, Director (Finance), HAL said that the PSU intends to build six to 12 SSLVs per year during the production phase and that it may ramp up based on demand and requirement.

Space launch liability

To a question on who will take the liability of a privately manufactured SSLV, Dr. Goenka said the state (Government of India) has the responsibility. “It is an international rule and not something India or the HAL or IN-SPACe can decide. Now, it is up to the Indian government to decide how much of that liability they keep on themselves and how much they pass on to the owner and launcher of the vehicle. As per the contract we will have, the HAL will follow whatever is the law of the land.”

“We will come out with a decision on how the launch liability will be shared between the owner of the rocket and the Government of India,” he added.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

In a move to enhance science education in rural India, 12 government schools in Raichur district, Karnataka, will be equipped with science lab stations to conduct experiments and access curated science courseware aligned with the state and NCERT syllabi.

This is part of Prayoga Institute of Education Research’s Kriya initiative, which aims to transform science learning for over 11,000 students across 77 schools in Karnataka. Prayoga’s effort in Raichur is supported by State Bank of India Foundation (SBIF), the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of India’s public sector bank, and the SBI Funds Management Pvt. Ltd, said Vallish Herur, Managing Trustee of Prayoga.

Kriya initiative, which is now in its 10th year, is designed for students in Classes 6 to 10, as a multi-year programme, particularly in government and rural schools, to understand the impact of experiential learning of science, added Herur. The initiative, said a press release issued by Prayoga on Thursday, also features a structured Teacher Empowerment Programme (TEP) with continuous academic mentoring for teachers.

Speaking about the collaboration, Sanjay Prakash, Managing Director of SBI Foundation, said, “This partnership is a significant step towards bridging the educational gap in rural India. By providing quality science education and the necessary resources, we are enabling students to experience science in a more practical and engaging manner.” The collaboration is a part of SBIF’s Integrated Learning Mission (ILM) project titled ‘Reimagining Science Education’, he added.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Ila Arun mesmerises with song, dance and stories of folk roots

The two-day Mysuru Literature Festival concluded on a high note last evening, bringing together over 100 writers, subject experts, artists and cultural enthusiasts under one roof.

Organised by the Mysuru Literary Forum Charitable Trust and the Mysuru Book Clubs Charitable Trust, the ninth edition of the Festival offered a dynamic blend of discussions, performances and literary insight.

While English-language sessions were hosted at Jyothi Hall, Hotel Southern Star, Kannada-language talks were held in the open courtyard near the poolside at Gardenia, creating two parallel tracks of rich intellectual exchange. Topics ranged from art, literature, music and folk traditions to technology and contemporary issues.

Adding to the Festival’s cultural depth were 27 artists from varied disciplines and an internationally acclaimed photographer, whose participation brought an added vibrancy to the event.

Ila’s session brightens Fest

The penultimate session on Sunday evening featured acclaimed actress, TV personality and Rajasthani folk-pop singer Ila Arun, whose presence lit up Jyothi Hall. Speaking during the session titled ‘A Voice Like Earth, A Spirit Like Flame,’ Ila Arun reflected on her dual identity as a singer and actor. “I sing while I act and I act while I sing,” she said, drawing applause from the audience. Authors Anjula Bedi and Reena Pereira were also present at the session.

Sharing insights into her roots, Ila Arun remarked, “I’m from Jaipur, Rajasthan, where folk culture is a way of life.

Children must be introduced to folk stories and songs — it refines their cultural awareness.”

The session ended on a lively note as Ila Arun treated the audience to a live folk song and performed a short dance on stage.

Captivated by the performance, many in the audience spontaneously joined her, dancing and celebrating the close of the Festival in a spirit of joy and togetherness.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)