Karnataka First

He highlighted efforts to strengthen IP protection and expand global market access.

Bengaluru GAFX 2026 concluded on Sunday with a turnout of over 10,000 visitors, more than 50 exhibitors and solution providers, and wide participation from students, studios and investors, reflecting the expanding scale of India’s Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) ecosystem.

The three-day summit hosted over 200 speakers from India and 10 countries with nearly 100 sessions, 300 curated B2B meetings and 35 investor pitches connecting startups with global investors. 20 intellectual properties were launched, including ten from Karnataka.

At the valedictory session, IT & BT Minister Priyank Kharge said artificial intelligence is transforming animation, gaming and visual effects production by reducing timelines and reshaping creative workflows. He announced measures under the Nipuna programme to support large-scale reskilling with government assistance, plans for a Responsible Use of AI Committee. He highlighted efforts to strengthen IP protection and expand global market access.

Higher Education Minister M. C. Sudhakar outlined apprenticeship-embedded degree programmes that place students in workplaces by the fifth semester, with stipends in sectors such as retail, e-commerce and logistics, aimed at producing job-ready graduates.

The summit witnessed the signing of an MoU between the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies and ABAI to strengthen collaboration in curriculum development, incubation and research. KalaVerse, a cultural pavilion integrating Yakshagana and Janapada art into animation and gaming pipelines, and expanded investor engagement platforms were among other highlights. The next edition will be held from January 29 to 31, 2027.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bengaluru based space startup Bellatrix Aerospace have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the design, development and manufacturing of satellite systems and payloads.

“The collaboration brings together BEL’s decades of experience in developing advanced electronics and mission-critical payloads for defence and strategic applications with Bellatrix Aerospace’s innovative capabilities in satellite propulsion and satellite subsystems. By combining their complementary strengths, the partnership aims to advance indigenous capabilities in satellite platforms designed for Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) operations,” BEL said.

It added that this partnership is expected to be transformational in accelerating innovation and strengthening India’s capabilities in building next-generation satellite systems for VLEO.

BEL further said that as space continues to play an increasingly strategic role in today’s scenario, partnering with innovative deep-tech startups like Bellatrix allows BEL to combine its expertise in defence electronics with emerging space technologies.

“Such collaborations are essential to strengthen India’s indigenous capabilities in the evolving space sector. Together, the two companies aim to develop integrated satellite solutions that support India’s strategic and civilian space missions,” the defence PSU said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Chief secy urges priority evacuation or special repatriation of stranded individuals.

Karnataka has fully activated the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) and all District Emergency Operations Centres (DEOCs) to function round-the-clock in response to the evolving situation in West Asia, officials said on Sunday. 

At least 92 people are stranded, including 82 in the UAE and eight in Bahrain. 

Authorities said the SEOC and DEOCs are closely monitoring advisories issued by the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian embassies and consulates in the affected countries. The Karnataka Resident Commissioner has also activated the Karnataka Bhavan team in New Delhi to ensure coordination with central agencies. 

Helplines and travel advisories issued by Indian missions abroad have been shared with all districts and widely circulated on official social media platforms, including X and WhatsApp, to reach families of those affected. 

According to data compiled by the SEOC, at least 84 people from Karnataka are currently stranded in the UAE, mostly in Dubai.

District-wise figures indicate that Ballari accounts for the highest number at 32, followed by Bengaluru 19, Davangere 8, Chikkamagaluru 5, Kodagu 4, Raichur and Shivamogga 3 each, Kalaburagi, Udupi and Vijayapura 2 each, and Chikkaballapura and Tumakuru on each. Officials said the majority of those stranded in the UAE are tourists. 

In Bahrain, eight persons from Karnataka have reported being stranded. These include four from Hassan, three from Udupi and one from Kodagu. Officials said they are on employment and visit visas. 

The details of all 92 stranded individuals have been shared with the Rapid Response Cell of the MEA and the Resident Commissioner’s office for further action. 

Authorities said the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) affecting flight operations in the region will be reviewed on Monday. If instability continues, the restrictions may be extended. 

Officials urged families of stranded persons to stay in touch with district authorities and rely only on verified advisories issued by government agencies. 

Chief secy writes to Centre

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh wrote to the union government to extend all necessary assistance for the safety and well-being of stranded Kannadigas. 

In a letter to Ministry of External Affairs Secretary Vikram Masri, she made the following requests: 

a) Extend all necessary assistance through Indian embassies/consulates to ensure the safety and well-being of Kannadigas presently in the conflict zones.

b) Consider arranging priority evacuation or special repatriation measures, if required, for stranded individuals from Karnataka and elsewhere. 

c) Establish a dedicated coordination mechanism with the state government to faciliate timely information-sharing and effective response. 

She said the state government would designate nodal offices to coordinate with the ministry for streamlined communication and facilitation of return arrangements. 

In a separate letter to Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, the state’s topmost official sought urgent intervention for the rescue of tourists who are unable to return due to flight disruptions. 

Urging coordination with airlines, she urged the ministry to provide necessary assistance, including complimentary boarding and lodging, to stranded tourists who had confirmed return bookings but are unable to travel. 

She also urged flexibility in ticket rescheduling and waiver of additional charges, and arranging and operating adequate flights once the situation normalises. 

Munish Moudgil, Relief Commissioner and Principal Secretary, Disaster Management Department, urged people from Karnataka to strictly adhere to the guidelines and advisories issued by the local governments, contact the Indian embassies/consulates through helplines and register on the Sarthi Sahayata portal and other official portals of the concerned embassies/consulates. For visa-related matters, they should contact the nearest FRRO. 

Separately, the Bengaluru Urban district administration has initiated measures to ensure the safety and rescue of residents from the district who may be stranded in the war-affected regions.

Jagadeesha G, Deputy Commissioner, has requested family members or concerned individuals to provide information regarding the well-being of such residents to the District Disaster Management Centre for necessary action. 

Affected individuals or their relatives can share information by phone  call (080-22967200) or WhatsApp 810599707/9538047199. 

Indian embassies

Helplines

Israel

+972-54-7520711

Iran

+98 912 810 9115, +98 912 810 9109,

+98 912 810 9102, +98 993 217 9359

Saudi Arabia

Riyadh

00-966-11-4884697 | 00-966-542126748 (WhatsApp)

800 247 1234 (Toll-Free)

Jeddah:

WhatsApp: +966 536209704

Landline: 00 966 126648660 / 00 966 12 2614093

Mobile: +966 556122301 | Toll-Free: 800 244 0003

UAE

Toll-Free: 800-46342 | WhatsApp: +971 5430 90571

Qatar

00974-55647502

Bahrain

00973-39418071

Jordan

00962-770 422 276

Oman

Toll-Free: 8007 1234 | WhatsApp: +968 9828 2270

Iraq

+964 771 651 1185 (English & Hindi)

+964 770 444 4899 (Arabic)

Kuwait

+965 65501946

Palestine

+970 592916418

source/content: deccanherald.com (headline edited)

 The government of Karnataka has fully activated its emergency response mechanisms following significant disruptions to international flight operations caused by the prevailing conflict in the Middle East. Several nations have declared a closure of airspace (NOTAM), leaving a large number of passengers, including those from Karnataka, stranded in affected countries, particularly in the UAE.

According to the latest advisory from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, airspace over Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, UAE, and Qatar remains closed until March 2.

State emergency response activated

On the directions of the chief minister and the revenue minister, the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) and all District Emergency Operations Centres (DEOCs) are now functioning 24×7. These centres are monitoring the fluid situation and extending necessary assistance to stranded residents and their families.

The Karnataka resident commissioner has also activated the Karnataka Bhavan team in New Delhi to maintain close coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and its Rapid Response Cell.

Guidelines for stranded Kannadigas

The state government has urged people from Karnataka residing in the affected regions to strictly adhere to the guidelines and advisories issued by local governments. Stranded citizens are advised to:

• Contact respective Indian Embassies or Consulates through designated helpline numbers.

• Register on the Sarthi Sahayata portal and other official embassy portals.

• Contact the nearest FRRO for any visa-related matters.

Emergency Helpline Numbers

The government has released comprehensive helpline details for those seeking assistance. Requests received at the state and district levels are being compiled and forwarded to the MEA for immediate action.

District-specific helplines (Select Districts):

• Dakshina Kannada: 0824-2442590

• Udupi: 0820-1077, 0820-2574802

• Bengaluru Urban: 080-22967200

• Uttara Kannada: 08382-229857

The situation is being continuously monitored by the relief commissioner and principal secretary, Munish Moudgil, with further updates to be issued as necessary.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

The book is a festschrift to economist M.V. Nadkarni (MVN), whose academic work spans economics, sociology, political economy, environment, ethics, religion, and Gandhian thought.

As nations across the globe grapple with wars, ecological destruction, and a market-centric approach to garner more profits and achieve dominance, Quest for Planetary Well-Being: Essays in Honour of M. V. Nadkarni, a volume published by Palgrave Macmillan, emphasises that human well-being is inseparable from the vitality of the planet itself, and provides ethical dimensions to curb human greed.

The book, edited by two social scientists — Professors Ananta Giri and R.S. Deshpande — is a festschrift to economist M.V. Nadkarni (MVN), whose academic work spans economics, sociology, political economy, environment, ethics, religion, and Gandhian thought. His signature clothing is a khadi kurta.

Prof. MVN, a former vice-chancellor of Gulbarga University, who turned 87 on February 23, has to his credit 40 books and over 150 papers in academic journals and edited volumes in India and abroad.

Quest for Planetary Well-Being: Essays in Honour of M. V. Nadkarni contains 29 essays extending over 600 pages in three major parts, reflecting the overall health and resilience of the earth’s inter-connected systems. These well-researched essays cover intrinsic ecological, social, and economic issues that have a strong bearing on humanity’s ability to flourish within those boundaries.

The book asks: What does it mean to live well together on a fragile planet? It highlights that wealth and well-being arise in society more from co-operation and complementarity than from competition. This is true not only at the individual level, but also among communities and countries.

Sudha Reddy, Director of the Eco Foundation for Sustainable Alternatives, Bengaluru, said of the book, “It invites us to rethink economics, development, and progress through the lenses of ethics, care, and interconnected life — human and more than human.”

At the core of this volume lies Prof. MVN’s lifelong belief that economics cannot be separated from ethics.

The economist always advocated that ‘basic material needs of all should be met as a priority. But needs go beyond roti, kapda aur makaan (food, clothing, and shelter), and include good health, education, and a healthy environment as well. They also legitimately cover security of life and property, self-respect, and freedom. It is not unethical to seek comforts, which make life worth living. But this should be possible for all, and not just a few. All should have opportunities to realise the full potential of their personalities”.

Each essay is well argued in its own way and reminds readers of the well-known Kannada poet Da. Ra. Bendre. In a poem on flowers, he observes: Ondarolu ondilla, ondarolu kundilla, Ondondu andavoo tanatanage chanda (Each is unique; none has a blemish! Each one’s beauty has its own flourish!)

The book was released at the Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC), Bengaluru, in the presence of the editors, noted economists, and ISEC Chairperson Dr. Ashok Dalwai, a retired IAS officer.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

To ensure proper utilisation and management of water, the Board has issued several strict directives, such as water conservation and strict penalties.

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has partnered with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to analyse the city’s groundwater data using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the first time.

Comprehensive precautionary measures have been initiated across 65 critical wards, said BWSSB Chairman Ram Prasath Manohar. An IISc-led team utilised AI to analyse real-time data gathered through IoT (Internet of Things) technology. This advanced analysis pinpointed a potential water scarcity in 65 specific wards across Bengaluru. Armed with this predictive data, BWSSB is fully prepared to tackle the situation.

To ensure proper utilisation and management of water, the Board has issued several strict directives, such as water conservation and strict penalties. Using drinking water for non-essential purposes such as washing vehicles, gardening, and cleaning courtyards will now attract strict fines.

“The use of treated water has been made mandatory for all building construction activities. Keeping the summer demand in mind, properties in the 65 identified wards that currently lack a water supply will be identified and provided with connections,” said Manohar in a release.

He also added that apartment complexes within these jurisdictions will also receive fast-tracked water connections. The BWSSB is also rejuvenating lakes with treated water: The board has also identified slums and highly populated zones facing water stress and decided to install ‘Sintex tanks’ and set up temporary water distribution centres.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Karnataka saw 218 new biotech start-ups being added in 2025 alone, marking the highest annual biotech start-up additions in three years.

Karnataka’s bioeconomy, a $39 billion enterprise, contributes over one-fifth to the national bioeconomy and over 10% to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) as of 2025, observes a newly launched report.  

The Karnataka BioEconomy Report 2025, prepared by the Association of Biotechnology-Led Enterprises (ABLE) for the Karnataka government, was released on Monday.

Production-oriented

Between 2023 and 2025, the State’s bioeconomy expanded from $31 billion to $39.2 billion, representing a cumulative rise of 26.5%. The growth has been attributed to a robust biopharmaceutical base, rapid bioindustrial diversification, and strong bioservices integration.  

“Karnataka’s innovation ecosystem — anchored in research institutions, start-ups, and global R&D centres — has transitioned from being research-heavy to production-oriented and globally competitive,” reads the report, which pins the State’s contribution to India’s bioeconomy at 20.63%.  

While biopharma has remained the anchor with over 40% share (about $16.44 billion), driven by biologics, biosimilars, vaccines and diagnostics, bioindustrial has emerged as the fastest-growing segment (about $11.46 billion, around 29% share), led by fermentation-based industries, biofuels, enzymes and sustainable materials. 

Bioservices has also displayed steady growth, contributing about 25.8% share. 

Economic pillar

According to the report, Karnataka’s bioeconomy accounted for 10.51% of the GSDP in 2025. This is more than twice the share of the biotech sector to India’s GDP (4.57%).

“This positions biotechnology not merely a scientific discipline but as an economic pillar central to the State’s development model,” notes the report. 

Jump in startup numbers

Karnataka’s biotech start-up ecosystem continued to grow, with 218 new biotech start-ups being added in 2025 alone, marking the highest annual start-up additions in three years. With this, the cumulative number of biotech start-ups in the State stands at 1,451, up from 1,233 in 2024. 

The State currently holds a 12–13% share of the national biotechnology start-up pool and more than 75% of them startups are focused on life sciences and health-tech. Bengaluru accounts for about 54% of the biotech start-ups.  

Mysuru contributes around 8.7% to the bioeconomy of the State, while Belagavi and Dakshina Kannada together account for over 9%. 

On the investment front, between January 2024 and October 2025, Karnataka attracted $1.14 billion across around 40 deals, spanning biopharma, medtech, precision fermentation, digital health, and agribio. 

Collaboration critical

“The rapid expansion of biomanufacturing shows a sector moving decisively from research to global-scale production. Continued collaboration between government, industry and academia will be critical to sustaining Karnataka’s leadership in India’s next phase of bio-led growth,” said G.S. Krishnan, honorary president, ABLE. 

Priyank Kharge, Minister for Information Technology, Biotechnology and Rural Development, noted that biotechnology is no longer confined to laboratories, but is now a central driver of economic growth, industrial innovation and societal impact.  

“Our focus is on building a full-spectrum biomanufacturing economy by supporting deep-tech start-ups, strengthening innovation infrastructure, and ensuring that growth reaches beyond Bengaluru to every region of the State,” he said. 

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)