Karnataka First

In a proud moment for the Dakshina Kannada and Puttur, Prof Prashanth W Menezes, an eminent materials chemist and head of the department of materials chemistry for catalysis at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), has been awarded the prestigious Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Fellowship 2025.

The fellowship is a flagship programme of the ministry of science and technology, Government of India, launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to strengthen engagement between the Indian STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) diaspora and leading research institutions in India.

Prashanth is the only scientist chosen in the field of materials and processing technologies for the 2025 cycle — a testament to his pioneering contributions in catalysis and materials science.

A visionary initiative by Prime Minister Modi

The VAIBHAV Fellowship was conceived as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to build stronger scientific and technological linkages between India and its global diaspora. The initiative builds on the success of the VAIBHAV Summit, inaugurated by the Prime Minister, which brought together over 25,000 participants from more than 70 countries, including leading Indian-origin researchers from across the world.

Through the fellowship, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) seeks to facilitate collaborative, high-impact research projects that can accelerate India’s progress in strategic scientific areas and promote global knowledge exchange.

A global leader in catalysis and energy materials

Prashanth, who hails from Puttur, Karnataka, has established himself as one of the foremost scientists in materials chemistry and catalysis. His work focuses on developing catalysts for green hydrogen production and sustainable chemical synthesis, aiming to drive the next generation of clean energy technologies.

Ranked among the top 1% scientists worldwide, Prashanth has published over 200 high impact research papers, including books and patents, and has received numerous international and national awards for his contributions to sustainable energy and materials research.

Previously featured by Daijiworld and recognized in a Stanford University global study of top scientists, Prashanth has been acclaimed for his pioneering research in material discovery, electrocatalysis and redox transformative reactions.

Collaborating with JNCASR on green hydrogen technology

Under the VAIBHAV Fellowship, Prashanth will collaborate with the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) in Bengaluru. His project will focus on developing intermetallic electrocatalysts for green hydrogen production coupled with electrochemical synthesis of value-added organic compounds. This research represents a significant step toward sustainable, cost-effective, and scalable clean energy solutions, combining hydrogen generation with green chemical processes. The collaboration is expected to bolster India’s growing leadership in renewable energy technologies.

Commitment to sustainable and inclusive science

Speaking about his selection, Prashanth said:

“The VAIBHAV Fellowship is an inspiring platform that reflects Prime Minister Modi’s vision to unite India’s global scientific community. By combining international expertise with India’s research strengths, we can accelerate progress toward clean energy and sustainability — not only for India but for the world.”

About Prashanth W Menezes

Prashanth completed his early education in Karnataka before embarking on an international research career across leading European institutions. He is an alumnus of Mai de Deus Primary School, St Philomena’s High School and College, Puttur and Mangalore University. At Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, he heads the Department of Materials Chemistry for Catalysis, where his team investigates advanced catalytic systems for energy conversion and storage. His career is marked by innovation, mentorship, and collaboration — contributing significantly to the global movement toward green chemistry and renewable energy.

Prashanth is the son of the late Fredrick and Cecelia Menezes from Puttur. He is married to Dr Ramona Pais, and is the brother of Prof Pradeep Menezes (University of Nevada, Reno, USA) and Dr Pramod Menezes. He is also the son-in-law of and Robin and Meena Pais.

A proud moment for India and Puttur

Prashanth’s recognition under the VAIBHAV Fellowship 2025 brings pride to his hometown of Puttur and highlights India’s growing engagement with its global scientific diaspora. His work exemplifies the spirit of “Viksit Bharat”, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of transforming India into a global innovation hub driven by sustainable technologies and international collaboration.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

An innovative traffic signal countdown feature has been launched in Bengaluru’s Mappls app, aiming for a broader rollout later.

In a first-of-its-kind innovation in India, Bengaluru has introduced live traffic signal countdowns on the Mappls app, offering commuters real-time updates on signal timings directly within the navigation interface. The feature, now live in the city, is expected to significantly improve urban mobility and driver decision-making.

The initiative is a result of collaboration between the Bengaluru City Traffic Police, Arcadis India, and the tech teams at Mappls (powered by MapmyIndia). As users approach a traffic signal, the app now mirrors the live countdown of the traffic light, showing exactly how many seconds remain until the signal changes.

“Can you see the live traffic signal timings showing up on Mappls app? As the real traffic signal counts down, you see the same on the map inside Mappls app. Magical, and helpful :)” Rohan Verma, the director of MapmyIndia posted on X.

“Live in Bangalore now thanks to @blrcitytraffic n Arcadis India, and the work done by team @mappls @MapmyIndia. This is an India first btw! These and so many more innovations make Mappls, India’s own swadeshi maps & navigation app, much better for all Indians,” he added.

Can you see the live traffic signal timings showing up on Mappls app? As the real traffic signal counts down, you see the same on the map inside Mappls app. Magical, and helpful 🙂

Live in Bangalore now thanks to @blrcitytraffic n Arcadis India, and the work done by team @mappls… pic.twitter.com/mA96gaZykd

— Rohan Verma (@_rohanverma) October 11, 2025

His post gained more than 265K views on X, and several replies. Bengaluru, often plagued by traffic snarls, is the pilot city for this feature. If successful, it could be rolled out across other metro cities in the coming months.

“What would be the use. Genuine question,” a user asked, to which Verma replied, “When you are 500 metres away for eg you will know how much time is left for the traffic light to turn red/green. Such knowledge can be magical, helpful and invaluable in so many urgent scenarios you may be in, besides in daily driving. And the power of Mappls MapmyIndia platform to be IoT connected with transport and government infrastructure – you can imagine what all other alerts from further up ahead can be given to you, all these making traffic flow smoother.”

“Wow ! I believe this feature is not even available in google,” another stated.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

 A landmark study by Mangaluru-based doctor couple Dr Anurag and Dr Madhavi Bhargava has led the World Health Organisation (WHO) to revise its global tuberculosis (TB) treatment guidelines, placing greater emphasis on food and nutritional support for patients and their families.

The couple, affiliated with Kasturba Medical College and Yenepoya Medical College respectively, conducted a groundbreaking trial funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Published two years ago, their findings showed that providing nutritional support to household contacts of TB patients reduced new TB infections by nearly half, while improving food and nutrition among patients themselves significantly increased survival rates.

Earlier this week, WHO incorporated these insights into its consolidated guidelines on tuberculosis and undernutrition. Among the key additions is the “provision of food assistance to prevent TB in household contacts of people with TB in food insecure settings.”

WHO noted that the recommendation was informed by results from the Reducing Activation of Tuberculosis by Improvement of Nutritional Status (RATIONS) trial, led by the Bhargavas in collaboration with other researchers.

The trial demonstrated that a monthly food basket—containing 5 kg of rice, 1.5 kg of lentils per adult, and multivitamin tablets—could reduce new pulmonary TB cases among family members by 48 percent. Conducted across four districts in Jharkhand, the study covered around 2,800 patients and more than 10,000 of their household contacts.

“The risk of TB in family members is higher due to the shared environment of poverty and food insecurity. A family-based approach can improve treatment outcomes and reduce the overall TB burden,” said Dr Madhavi Bhargava as quoted by Deccan Herald.

Following the trial’s success, several states, including Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, and Himachal Pradesh, have begun distributing food baskets to TB-affected families. The Union government has also increased its nutritional support for patients to ensure better access to wholesome food.

India continues to bear the world’s highest TB burden, with over 28 lakh new cases and more than 3.2 lakh deaths in 2023—equating to 37 deaths every hour, according to official data. Karnataka alone records nearly 5,000 TB deaths annually.

“Malnutrition remains the leading risk factor for TB in India. Strengthening nutrition across the population could be a game changer in ending TB,” said Dr Anurag Bhargava.

Their research also revealed that better food availability could reduce TB-related mortality by 35 percent and that patients who gained weight in the first two months of nutritional intervention had a 60 percent lower risk of death.

Subsequent modelling suggested that providing food baskets to even half the TB-affected households in India between 2023 and 2035 could prevent about 4 lakh deaths and 9 lakh new TB cases.

“This was a field-based study, not limited to hospital settings. It is heartening that within just two years, its evidence has influenced WHO guidelines and found a place in medical textbooks,” said Dr Anurag.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

The Asian Inclusive Sailing Series (AISS) 2025 has officially set sail on the serene backwaters of Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Dam in Mandya District, marking a historic moment for Indian sailing.

Hosted by the Royal Mysore Sailing Club (RMSC) and the Karnataka State Sailing Association (KSSA) under the aegis of the Yachting Association of India (YAI), this landmark regatta is India’s first-ever inclusive sailing event endorsed by World Sailing, the international governing body of the sport.

The event, which runs from Oct. 8 to 13, has drawn 75 participants from 11 countries, including China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, East Timor, the Philippines, Oman, India and France, making it a truly international celebration of inclusivity, skill and resilience. The AISS highlights India’s growing commitment to inclusive sports, uniting sailors with disabilities from across Asia and beyond.

Participants are competing in multiple categories — Hansa 2.3 One-Person (male/female), Hansa 303 One-Person (male/female), and Hansa 303 Two-Person — with races scheduled till Oct. 13.

Mysuru’s pleasant October weather, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 30°C and wind speeds of 9-14 km/hour, is providing ideal conditions for fair and exciting competition.

Prize distribution will be held on Oct. 13 marking the culmination of a week dedicated to teamwork and accessibility.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

When ORR hits the headlines, more often than not, it is for the wrong reasons. Companies along the 17-km tech corridor, which contributes the largest share to the State’s IT revenue, have been complaining for long about the pothole-ridden roads and peak-hour traffic congestion.

When Nara Lokesh, Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications in Andhra Pradesh, invited companies in Bengaluru to move to his State, the invite was met with sharp response from his counterpart in Karnataka, Priyank Kharge, and resulted in a volley of exchanges. The Hindu caught up with Mr. Kharge, Minister of Electronics, Information Technology & Biotechnology and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, on the issue.

Excerpts from the interview:

 Tech companies on ORR have been complaining about infrastructure issues for a long time. Many now seem to be looking for alternative locations. How do you view this?

 I think it’s a problem of any city growing rapidly, and not limited to Bengaluru.  

The pace at which Bengaluru is growing is immense. Last year, the Union government projected our growth between 8.3% and 8.7%, but we grew at 10.3%. Savills Growth Hubs Index reports that we will be outpacing our global peers in urbanisation, economic growth, and innovation by 2033. We are tipped to grow at a whopping 8.5% till 2035.  

We are the ones creating the jobs. More than 40% of the population of Bengaluru are migrants. We have the highest registrations of two-wheelers in India – nearly 2.3 crore. 

Infrastructure policies play catch-up to such rapid growth. We are doing all we can to ensure that Bengaluru has a great infrastructure and the right ecosystem for people to thrive in the shortest possible time. That is why we have given ₹7,000 crore to uplift Bengaluru’s infrastructure, especially with respect to mobility. Our focus is heavily on building faster public transportation through metro. We have added e-buses and are improving the last-mile connectivity. It is a challenge, but it is also a constant work in progress. And I think it’s a good problem to have because that shows the potential of Bengaluru. 

 But is there a risk of flight of capital and attempts by younger, hungrier States to woo the industry here?

 It’s not easy. A post on Facebook or X doesn’t mean investment is going out or the talent pool is shifting base. We already have the infrastructure and we are improving on it. Younger States, or the hungrier ones, as you call them, need to build up the infrastructure. 

Take the case of any neighbouring State. While some have the infrastructure and are improving it, trying to build the ecosystem that we have nurtured is impossible. It has taken us 30 years.  

From being the IT-enabled services ecosystem, we are now one of the leading innovation ecosystems in the world. We are the fourth largest technology cluster and number eight in the world regarding start-up ecosystem. Out of 110 unicorns, more than 47 are from Karnataka. We contribute 21% of the national bio economy and 65% of aerospace defence. We are top in global capability centres with over 900 centres and units. More than 400 of the Fortune 500 companies have their headquarters here.

Around 40% of the engineering and R&D talent pool of the entire nation is from Karnataka. We have a count of people-friendly and investor-friendly policies. We have the first-mover advantage. So, while younger States are free to do all they want, we are hungrier than them. 

We enjoy the leadership position, but our appetite is huge. There’s no resting. I don’t want to be a national player when we have the potential to be a global player.

 Are you saying infrastructural issues cannot result in flight of capital?

 I’m duty-bound to give good infrastructure to my people as a government. I think 75.5% of the youth in Bengaluru are of working age. So, you can imagine the expectations of the people. We are duty-bound to meet those expectations, and we will do it. 

 What are the specific initiatives that the department is looking at?

 People are free to express their opinions online. While that’s a good opportunity for the government to pull up its socks, it does not mean that people are moving out of the city. Weatherwise or otherwise, we are any day better than any city. 

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has taken this up on himself. He is giving priority to the mobility infrastructure and is looking at solutions even from the private sector to build a sustainable city. Areas that are paying high taxes and generating employment will be considered as brownfields and such areas will have all the civic amenities.  

He’s also mulling over forming a small task force that will be engaging with people, associations and tech parks.

 Is congestion tax something that the government is looking at?

 I don’t think so. I don’t think that will be the solution. While cities like London may have it, we need to acknowledge that every city is different.  

 There were reports suggesting that the ban on bike taxis added to the congestion. Will the ban be reviewed? 

 The government is extremely serious about the gig economy and we have passed the The Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers Bill. With respect to the bike taxis also, it’s just a matter of time before we get it sorted out since it’s in court currently. The Transport Department is looking at it, and it’s a matter of time before we form a policy for that.

 Companies in ORR now seem to be moving or expanding to other parts of the city such as Devanahalli.

 Beyond Bengaluru is a policy of the government. It is not just Devanahalli, but people are moving to Mangaluru, Mysuru… 

Mangaluru exports close to ₹ 3,500 crore. Hubballi and Belagavi are exporting close to ₹3,000 crore. Mysuru is exporting ₹3,500 crore in 90 services. I’ve had requests from software companies telling me to build grade-A buildings in Mysuru, Mangaluru, Belagavi, Hubballi, and Dharwad. We are coming up with common instrumentation facilities in Kalaburagi and Belagavi. We are doing everything we can to ensure that we build clusters across the State. 

 Would that also mean Bengaluru is saturated?

 Absolutely not. We have extended Bengaluru South till Ramanagara. Bengaluru goes all the way till Vasanthanarasapura in Tumakuru where the Japanese are building products and building solutions for the global clients. So, no, Bengaluru is not saturated, and we have the appetite.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

A GBA source involved in the project says the civic authority aims not only to mitigate flooding caused by poor stormwater drain infrastructure but also to improve overall water security in the city.

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has roped in the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) to drive the progress of its ambitious World Bank-funded Bengaluru Water Resilience Project.

The project will receive over ₹3,500 crore in funding from the World Bank, with key stakeholders including the GBA, BWSSB, Minor Irrigation, and the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC). The project is expected to be modelled on IISc’s Urban Flood model for Bengaluru, with crucial modifications to align with GBA’s objectives. This development follows discussions between GBA officials and World Bank representatives.

World Bank’s technical assistance

M. Maheshwar Rao, Chief Commissioner of GBA, stated that the initial meeting with World Bank officials was fruitful and that the water resilience project will soon move into the implementation phase. “Not just this, but the World Bank has offered technical assistance for GBA projects, which are currently under discussion and will be explored,” Mr. Rao told The Hindu.

In addition to IISc and IIT-M, the project will involve the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), Bengaluru-based WELL Labs, and think tank CSTEP. Munish Moudgil, Special Commissioner (Revenue), GBA, confirmed that the two private agencies will contribute their services under a non-financial memorandum.

Improving water security

A GBA source involved in the project explained that the civic authority aims not only to mitigate flooding caused by poor stormwater drain infrastructure but also to improve overall water security in the city. This includes rainwater storage and harvesting, watershed development, and addressing long-term challenges such as floods, droughts, and other climate-related risks.

For example, the project will strengthen stormwater drains (SWDs), prevent the concretisation of drains and lakes to raise underground water levels, identify natural solutions for flood-prone areas, and establish maintenance plans for SWDs during summer months.

“IISc will update its model and make necessary adjustments to meet project objectives. The model requires advanced technology for processing and visualisation, and IIT-M will provide support in this area,” the source said.

WELL Labs and CSTEP

WELL Labs and CSTEP will contribute value addition by proposing strategies and ideas to enhance the project’s design and implementation, tailored to Bengaluru’s specific needs. The KSNDMC will provide proactive and innovative science and technology inputs, as well as capacity-building support. IIT-M will offer necessary staff training to ensure successful project execution.

The implementation of the project will be managed by Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Ltd. (BSMILE), a special-purpose vehicle established for mega projects.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

The material is aimed at medical implants that stimulate bone regeneration and naturally dissolve in the body, avoiding the need for surgical removal.

 Likhila A BK, a Class 11 student from St Francis School, Bengaluru, has developed a biodegradable piezoelectric material using Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) and nanofillers that generates electricity when pressed or stretched. The material is aimed at medical implants that stimulate bone regeneration and naturally dissolve in the body, avoiding the need for surgical removal.

“I first heard about piezoelectric material when I was scrolling through the Internet, I was taken aback, the topic was so simple yet elegant, it was beautiful!” said Likhila.

“The first thing I learnt about polymers was Poly-L-Lactic Acid and its degradation mechanism, and I was amazed at the complexity. Since all of us were new to research, Prayoga provided a set of unexplored topics, and I was drawn to this project instantly.”

Initially, she faced uncertainty about the healthcare application. “To be very honest, I was not sure that this project could connect to healthcare. But when I learned about how piezoelectricity stimulates osteoblasts in bones, I realised we could use this for biomedical implants to accelerate healing,” she explained.

Likhila distinguished her work from existing materials like PVDF. “PVDF is resistant to biodegradation and requires a second surgery to remove implants. PLLA is biodegradable, bioabsorbable, and biocompatible. Its piezoelectric output is lower, but with nanofillers, it can meet the needs of bone and tissue regeneration,” she said.

The experimental phase was challenging.

“For a long time, our films would break and curl. I studied fluid dynamics, tested chemicals, and incorporated nanofillers. The final day of testing at Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Bengaluru, gave better results than we had hoped -I was dancing and singing like a child,” she recalled.

Her project, conducted under Prayoga’s Anveshana programme, recently earned her The Best Poster and Best Idea Pitch Awards at the First Academia–Industry Conclave 2025, organised by the Centre for Nano and Material Sciences (CNMS), Jain University competing successfully against doctoral and post-doctoral researchers.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Aditya Ram R, son of Vittal police station assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Ramakrishna and Deepika, has achieved a remarkable feat by entering the India Book of Records.

Originally from Ramanagara district in Karnataka, young Aditya has been recognized for his exceptional memory skills. He earned a place in the India Book of Records for recalling and identifying a wide range of facts and figures, including the capitals of all 28 Indian states, 31 districts of Karnataka, and 12 national symbols.

In addition, Aditya demonstrated his ability to name 23 national leaders, 8 Kannada Jnanpith award winners, 16 fruits, 32 animals, 12 geometric shapes, 8 domestic items, Hindi alphabets, and the flags of 24 countries.

He was officially presented with a certificate recognizing his achievement on September 22.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Ailing for the past few years due to multiple organ complications, Prof Ganesh had been hospitalised several times before being recently brought home for palliative care.

Renowned Kannada writer, critic, and folklore scholar Prof Mogalli Ganesh passed away in the early hours of Sunday at his residence in Hosapete, Vijayanagara district. He was 63.

Ailing for the past few years due to multiple organ complications, Prof Ganesh had been hospitalised several times before being recently brought home for palliative care. He is survived by his wife and three daughters.

A native of Santemogenahalli in Channapattana taluk of Ramanagara district, Prof Ganesh rose in a Dalit family to become one of Karnataka’s most respected and original literary voices.

Over a distinguished academic career spanning nearly three decades, he served as a Professor in the Department of Folklore Studies at Kannada University, Hampi, and later as a Syndicate Member of Karnataka Folklore University, in Haveri district.

His contributions spanned short stories, novels, plays, and literary criticism.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited0

The award recognises the Authority’s work on 1st Cross Empire Road and 7th Cross Road of Koramangala, where a 125 mm-thick white topping was laid in 2023 on 1.1 km from Empire Road to Ganapathi Temple and 1.17 km from the BDA Complex to Wipro Park Signal.

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has been conferred the Indian Concrete Institute (ICI) UltraTech Awardfor its pioneering Thin White Topping (TWT) road design implemented in the Koramangala area.

The award recognises the Authority’s work on 1st Cross Empire Road and 7th Cross Road of Koramangala, where a 125 mm-thick white topping was laid in 2023 on 1.1 km from Empire Road to Ganapathi Temple and 1.17 km from the BDA Complex to Wipro Park Signal.

Unlike the conventional 180mm design, the reduced thickness of 125mm was developed by the GBA’s engineering team as a cost-effective and technically sound alternative. Officials said the innovation helps address long-standing civic issues such as road elevation, access to shops and residences, and stormwater drainage, while also lowering project costs.

The project was executed under the leadership of Chief Engineer M. Lokesh, Superintendent Engineer Hemalatha K., Executive Engineer Satyanarayana Raju E., and Assistant Executive Engineer Veena C.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)