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In a landmark moment blending tradition with innovation, Muller’s Cosmeceuticals was officially launched during the 36th Graduation Day ceremony, marking a significant expansion of Father Muller Charitable Institutions’ legacy in healthcare and wellness.

The launch was inaugurated by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore, alongside Dr Gangadhara Somayaji, vice chancellor of Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), in the distinguished presence of Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, director of FMCI.

With a rich heritage spanning over 146 years, rooted in the timeless principles of homoeopathic care—gentle healing, natural balance, and eco-conscious practices—the institution continues to evolve while remaining anchored to its founding mission inspired by Fr Augustus Muller SJ. This latest venture represents a seamless fusion of tradition and modern scientific advancement.

Announcing the new division, Fr Nelson Dheeraj Pais emphasised the institution’s longstanding expertise in homoeopathic formulations and ethical pharmaceutical manufacturing. He described Muller’s Cosmeceuticals as a forward-looking initiative aimed at bridging the gap between dermatological science and gentle, therapeutic skincare.

The range is designed to offer solutions that are both clinically relevant and skin-friendly, catering to the evolving needs of modern consumers.

The newly launched range reflects a harmonious blend of “nature meets science,” offering sustainable and transformative solutions for skin and hair care. Collaborating with ORIGO Cosmeceuticals and drawing from centuries-old homoeopathic formulations and refined with contemporary expertise from the Faculty of Homoeopathy, these products have been carefully curated for today’s lifestyle and environmental challenges.

The inaugural product lineup includes:

· Muller’s Skin Revive Serum

· Muller’s Sunguard Cream

· Muller’s Alpha Brightening Serum

· Muller’s Detan Lotion

· Muller’s Follicle Density Serum

· Muller’s Freckle Free Cream

· Muller’s Clear Skin Face Wash

· Muller’s Advanced Luxe Moisturizer

· Muller’s Malwa Stem Hair Serum

· Muller’s Clarifying Enzyme Gel

· Muller’s Nil Gray

· Muller’s Gentle Cleanse Shampoo

Each product embodies the institution’s commitment to quality, safety, and innovation, promising effective care rooted in holistic healing principles.

The launch of Muller’s Cosmeceuticals stands as yet another feather in the cap of FMCI, extending its trusted homoeopathic legacy into the realm of cosmetics and personal care. With plans for an expanded product portfolio in the near future, this new production division is poised to benefit not only homoeopathy practitioners and users but also the wider public seeking safer and more meaningful skincare solutions.

As the institution steps into this promising new chapter, the message resonates clearly: a collective move towards safer, holistic, and clinically grounded approaches to skin and hair care.

Also were present during the inaugural Fr Nelson Dheeraj Pais, administrator of the Father Muller Homoeopathic Pharmaceutical Division, Fr Nilesh Crasta, administrator of the Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Fr Ashwin Crasta, assistant administrator of the Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Dr E S J Prabhu Kiran, principal of the Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College, Dr Vilma D’Souza, vice principal of the Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College, Dr Girish Navada, medical superintendent of the Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Dr Reshel Noronha, convenor of the 36th Graduation Day, Mansur Khan, CEO of the ORIGO Cosmeceuticals, Rathan Kumar, production manager of the Father Muller Homoeopathic Pharmaceutical Division.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Mumbai-based poet and writer Anitha P Takode was honoured with the prestigious ‘Sankamma Sankannavar Endowment Award’ during the annual awards ceremony organised by the Karnataka Lekhakiyara Sangha (Karnataka Women Writers’ Association).

The event took place last Thursday, April 9, at the Nayana Auditorium of the department of Kannada and Culture, Kannada Bhavan, Bengaluru.

Anitha P Takode received the honour for her debut poetry collection titled ‘Menakkantida Batti’, published by Takode Enterprises, Mumbai.

The awards were presented by former chairman of the Kannada Development Authority, Prof S G Siddaramaiah, and renowned journalist and editor of https://www.google.com/search?q=Avadhi.com, G N Mohan, who served as the chief guests for the evening.

President of the Karnataka Lekhakiyara Sangha, Dr R Sunandamma, noted litterateur Dr N Gayatri, and Sama Satish were present on the dais. The dignitaries congratulated the awardees for their significant contributions to Kannada literature.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

The National Institute of Technology Karnataka has introduced an innovative AI research platform named NOMAD (Node for Open-source Mobile AI Deployment) at its beachfront campus in Surathkal.

The platform is designed to operate effectively in remote, resource-constrained, and disaster-affected regions where traditional cloud-based infrastructure often fails.

With the growing dependence of artificial intelligence systems on centralised data centres, real-world environments such as coastal regions and disaster zones face major challenges related to connectivity, power supply, and infrastructure. NOMAD aims to bridge this gap by enabling on-site AI computing at the edge, ensuring real-time data processing and decision-making even in critical conditions.

The facility is set up within a repurposed shipping container at the NITK SEARCH research station along the Arabian Sea coast. It functions as a self-sufficient unit with four independent power sources, including grid supply, rooftop solar panels, a towable solar-battery unit, and a diesel generator supported by UPS backup. To ensure uninterrupted connectivity, the system integrates institutional fibre, broadband, and a wireless bridge.

NOMAD features a robust computing system that combines open-source clusters, edge devices, and high-capacity storage. Plans are also under way to integrate institutional high-performance computing (HPC) resources into the platform. The space is designed to support advanced research, teaching, and immersive learning experiences.

The project is spearheaded by Dr Pruthviraj U, associate professor in the department of water resources and ocean engineering. The platform focuses on areas such as edge AI architecture, AI-driven water systems, and coastal disaster intelligence, particularly aiding in situations like landslides and floods where connectivity is often disrupted.

The initiative is also supported and mentored by Padmanand Warrier, a distinguished alumnus of NITK with extensive experience in large-scale technological systems. The institute plans to further expand NOMAD through interdisciplinary collaborations and integration into academic programmes.

Speaking about the initiative, Warrier highlighted the importance of edge-based innovation in artificial intelligence. He stated that during coastal disasters, infrastructure is often the first to collapse, and platforms like NOMAD ensure that advanced AI systems continue to function, enabling timely and critical decision-making on the ground.

This initiative marks a significant step by NITK Surathkal towards advancing practical and resilient AI solutions, bringing technology closer to real-world challenges.

source/content:daijiworld.com (headline edited)

 A proud and memorable moment was celebrated as Henry Mendonca (H M Pernal) was honoured on receiving the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award for 2025 for his acclaimed work ‘Konkani Kaavyem: Rupam Ani Roopakam’.

The felicitation ceremony, organised by the Kanara Cultural Association (KCA), Delhi, turned even more special with the presence of distinguished personalities including Gokuldas Prabhu and Ananth Agni, whose participation added inspiration to the occasion.

Former president Vincent Menezes also graced the event, lending further dignity to the gathering.

Expressing his gratitude, Mendonca thanked the KCA family for the honour and recognition, describing it as a moment of immense pride.

Members of the executive committee and area representatives were present, making the event a memorable celebration of literary excellence.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

In a move to boost non-fare revenue, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited has entered into an agreement worth Rs 40 crore with Bagmane Developers Private Limited to rename a key metro station along the Outer Ring Road corridor.

Under the deal, the DRDO Sports Complex Metro Station will be rebranded with the Bagmane name for a period of 20 years. The company has already paid Rs 20 crore as advance, with the remaining amount to be paid as per the agreement terms.

The station is part of the crucial Silk Board–K R Puram metro corridor, which forms a segment of the 19.75-km stretch connecting to the airport line. The corridor is progressing rapidly and is expected to be opened for commercial operations by December this year.

The agreement was signed between BMRCL managing director Dr J Ravishankar and Bagmane Developers representative Aditya Bagmane.

This is not the first such initiative, as several metro stations in Bengaluru have already been named after private entities. These include Biocon Hebbagodi, Delta Electronics City, and Prestige Group Bellandur stations, with the latter reportedly involving a deal of around Rs 90 crore.

Officials said discussions are under way to finalise similar naming rights for two more stations on the same corridor. The initiative is expected to generate additional revenue for BMRCL and support the operational and maintenance costs of the metro network.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

In a landmark decision set to benefit patients awaiting kidney transplants, the Karnataka Government has issued guidelines permitting multi-pair kidney paired swap transplantation, moving beyond the traditional two-way system.

The Karnataka Multi-Pair Kidney Exchange Transplantation Guidelines 2026 were issued via a government order on April 4, laying out a framework for swap donations involving three or more donor-recipient pairs.

“A significant number of donor-recipient pairs in Karnataka are unable to undergo transplantation on account of biological incompatibility. Applications have been received from registered transplant hospitals in Karnataka seeking approval for multi-pair Kidney Paired Exchange Transplantation involving three or more donor-recipient pairs,” the order said.

Until now, under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA) 1994, kidney swaps were limited to two incompatible donor-recipient pairs. Each donor had to be a near relative of their intended recipient, and the swap was confined to a simple two-way exchange. This restriction left many patients unable to undergo transplantation due to incompatibilities such as ABO blood group mismatch and others.

Swap donation works by allowing two families, each with a donor and recipient, to exchange kidneys when the donor is incompatible with their own relative. The donor from one family gives a kidney to the recipient in the second family, and vice versa. Under section 9(3A) of THOTA, such exchanges were previously permitted only between two pairs.

The new guidelines now allow multi-pair kidney swap transplantation, subject to eligibility conditions. In this process, three or more donor-recipient pairs are linked in a group.

Each donor who is incompatible with their own relative donates a kidney to another patient in the group, while their relative receives a compatible kidney from a different donor in the same group.

The guidelines further detail the approval mechanism, mandatory documentation processes, ethical safeguards, and operational protocols to ensure transparency, accountability, and patient safety.

Health experts have welcomed the move, emphasising its potential to save lives.

“By enabling multi-pair exchanges, patients previously unable to find a compatible donor now have a real chance at a life-saving transplant,” said a senior transplant surgeon in Bengaluru.

Officials stated the initiative will also encourage more families to come forward for organ donation, reduce waiting lists, and provide hope for patients with end-stage renal disease facing urgent medical needs.

The Karnataka government’s move is expected to significantly strengthen organ transplantation infrastructure in the state and serve as a model for other regions looking to expand kidney donation programmes.

The achievement is particularly significant given that the Bengaluru Central RTO has often been in the spotlight in the past over allegations of irregularities and scams.

The Bengaluru Central Regional Transport Office (KA-01, HSR Layout) has emerged as the highest revenue-generating RTO in Karnataka and secured the third position nationally, setting a new benchmark in revenue collection for the financial year 2025–26.

The RTO recorded a total revenue of ₹1,273.8 crore during the year, placing it among the top three RTOs in the country out of more than 1,100 such offices. Officials said that only the Pune and Pimpri RTOs in Maharashtra ranked higher at the national level.

The achievement is particularly significant given that the Bengaluru Central RTO has often been in the spotlight in the past over allegations of irregularities and scams. Transport department officials said that the latest figures reflect a turnaround driven by stricter enforcement, improved administration, and better public interface.

“Within Karnataka, the Bengaluru Central RTO has consistently maintained the lead and has now held the top position for three consecutive years. In comparison, the Kasturinagar RTO generated ₹1,098 crore, while the Jayanagar RTO recorded ₹969 crore in revenue during the same period,” an official said.

A major contributor to the record collection has been intensified enforcement activity, said officials. “The Bengaluru Central RTO alone collected ₹6.2 crore through enforcement drives, making it the highest in the State under this category as well,” an official said.

Officials attributed this to the sharp rise in the number of vehicles in Bengaluru, which has necessitated stricter implementation of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and related rules. “Special drives were carried out targeting vehicles with pending taxes, those operating without valid driving licences, vehicles lacking fitness certificates, violations of permit conditions, and vehicles registered in other States but operating in the city. These enforcement operations have resulted in substantial revenue collection through fines and taxes, helping the office secure the top position in Karnataka,” the official added.

Meanwhile, the Transport Department fell short of its revenue target by 14%. It collected ₹12,829.64 crore in 2025–26 against a target of ₹15,000 crore, leaving a gap of about ₹2,100 crore. However, this still marks an 8.4% increase compared to 2024–25, when the department generated ₹11,744.67 crore.

This is the third consecutive year that the department has missed its target. In 2024–25, it collected ₹11,744.67 crore against a target of ₹12,500 crore, while in 2023–24, it mobilised ₹11,106.67 crore, falling short of the ₹11,500 crore target. In contrast, 2022–23 remains the only recent year in which the department surpassed its goal, collecting ₹9,487.23 crore against a target of ₹9,007 crore.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

 Vandse gram panchayat (GP), which has emerged as a model village with the distinction of being a clean village through effective solid waste management, has now been recognised as a ‘healthy panchayat’ and has received a national award. The panchayat has been conferred the Deen Dayal Upadhyay award by the central government along with a cash prize of Rs 75 lac.

Vandse gram panchayat has set a milestone in waste management over the past several years. Through its SLRM unit, wet and dry waste are systematically segregated, and by finding markets for the processed products, the panchayat has been generating revenue. The efforts of former president and current member Udaykumar Shetty have helped the panchayat emerge as a rare model in the Panchayat Raj system.

The panchayat has achieved 100 percent waste collection from households continuously for the past nine years. Scientific disposal of waste with a zero-waste approach, continuous maintenance of the solid waste management unit for eight years, and the provision of free mortuary box services are among the various initiatives undertaken.

The panchayat has also made significant strides in health-related aspects. At the Vandse Primary Health Centre, priority is given to maternal care, with a higher number of normal deliveries being conducted. Vaccination is ensured for all pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children, along with treatment to prevent anaemia among them. There have been no deaths of mothers or infants during pregnancy or childbirth, no cases of underweight children, and complete prevention of infectious diseases. The panchayat has facilitated distribution of Ayushman Bharat health cards and organised health camps. It has also implemented programmes such as the 100-day TB-free gram panchayat campaign and Poshan Abhiyan.

Further, a helpline and free ambulance service are provided through the Niramaya Society, and a digital health registry has been established for senior citizens and patients. In collaboration with Manipal KMC, a community palliative care centre has been set up. Monthly health and sanitation committee meetings are conducted at the gram panchayat, supported by the efficient work of ASHA workers and ANMs. Yoga training is provided in schools, and three well-equipped community toilets have been established within the village.

Vandse gram panchayat has been working across multiple dimensions with a strong focus on public welfare. With the cooperation of villagers, the PDO, gram panchayat members, and officials, the panchayat has been able to function successfully. Being recognised at the national level as a healthy gram panchayat has brought great satisfaction, said Udaykumar Shetty Adekodlu, former president of Vandse gram panchayat.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

As of midnight on March 31, cargo handling had reached 23.4 million tonnes, highlighting the refinery’s strong dependence on port infrastructure.

The Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) is currently operating its refinery at nearly 120% capacity in the backdrop of major global maritime disruptions, said its director Nandakumar V Pillai.

He was speaking at a seminar on ‘Maritime Adversities and the Role of Stakeholders and the Indian Port Act 2025’, organised by New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) on Wednesday.

Highlighting efforts to sustain domestic fuel supply, Pillai said LPG has become a key focus area. “We have ramped up production by nearly 30%, reaching about 45 lakh kg per day, which is equivalent to around 10 lakh cylinders daily,” he said, noting that supply chain challenges continue.

He emphasised the responsibility of ensuring uninterrupted fuel availability and protecting critical infrastructure. Addressing maritime challenges, he stressed that resilience and collaboration are essential, calling for flexible and robust supply chains, greater adoption of digital technologies and smarter port operations.

Pillai also underscored the importance of disaster preparedness. “Despite best efforts, natural calamities and disruptions can occur. What matters is our level of preparedness and response,” he said, adding that safety culture must extend beyond rules and standard operating procedures.

Providing operational data, he said through MRPL, around 346 vessels called at the port last year. As of midnight on March 31, cargo handling had reached 23.4 million tonnes, highlighting the refinery’s strong dependence on port infrastructure.

Referring to ongoing global geopolitical tensions, Pillai noted that the economic impact of conflicts is being felt far beyond war zones. He pointed to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for crude shipments from West Asia, where vessel movement has been severely affected, with nearly 3,000 ships reportedly awaiting clearance.

He added that crude oil prices have almost doubled, from about $69 per barrel in February to an average of $128 in March, while diesel has become one of the costliest commodities in the global market.

“Oil is available at ports but cannot be transported,” he said, adding that alternate routes such as the Red Sea are also facing security threats, even as some seafarers continue to navigate these risks.

Pillai highlighted a steep rise in cargo insurance costs. “Earlier, insurance ranged between 0.25% and 0.3% of cargo value. Now it has surged to 5% to 15%, along with additional war risk premiums of about Rs100 crore per cargo,” he said. He added that uncertainties in loading schedules and conflict-related disruptions have made operations increasinly unpredictable.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

In response to rising concerns over smuggling, illegal fishing, and “dark shipping” amid the West Asia crisis, a Bengaluru-based startup has developed an innovative tool capable of tracking ships and aircraft even when GPS systems are disabled, reports The New Indian Express.

Xovian Aerospace uses radio frequency (RF) signals combined with satellite technology to detect and monitor vessels and aircraft that vanish from conventional radar.

Co-founder Ankit Bhateja explained, “Our artificial intelligence-powered RF capture tool can be deployed across ships, defence installations, aircraft, and the industrial sector. Pilot projects are underway with commercial shipping companies, and discussions with the Indian defence sector are in progress.”

The 14-member team, which includes former ISRO scientists, spent two years developing the technology before its official launch.

Bhateja noted that traditional tracking depends on satellite imagery and GPS. “When GPS is turned off, our system analyses RF signals emitted by onboard instruments and the electromagnetic trails they leave behind,” he said.

For instance, ships usually transmit signals at 160 MHz on the Automatic Identification System (AIS) band. Even when AIS is disabled, other onboard devices continue emitting RF signals that can be detected. If all communications are switched off, the system estimates movement using the vessel’s last known location and signals from surrounding ships.

Currently, tracking relies on multiple data sources, causing a delay of around 20 minutes. With the launch of Xovian Aerospace’s own spectrum-scanning RF payload satellite, Bhateja expects tracking time to reduce to a few minutes.

“We are in talks with ISRO and international launch providers to deploy our indigenously developed satellite this financial year,” he added.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)