Karnataka First

The Infosys Science Foundation (ISF) celebrated outstanding achievements in research and innovation by awarding the Infosys Prize 2024 to six scholars during a felicitation ceremony here on Saturday.

In its 16th year, the eligibility criteria were revised to honour researchers under the age of 40, emphasising early recognition for exceptional talent. The winners were felicitated for their work across six disciplines: economics, engineering and computer science, humanities and social sciences, life sciences, mathematical sciences, and physical sciences.

The 2024 prize for economics was awarded to Arun Chandrasekhar of Stanford University for his work on social and economic networks. His research, which includes data mapping from Karnataka villages, offers insights into network roles in economic development and policymaking.

The prize for engineering and computer sciencewent to Shyam Gollakota of the University of Washington for innovations such as smartphone-based healthcare tools and battery-free computing, addressing critical societal needs.

Mahmood Kooria of the University of Edinburgh received the prize for humanities and social sciences for his work on maritime Islam, particularly its economic and cultural impact along the Indian Ocean littoral.

The prize for life sciences was awarded to Siddhesh Kamat of IISER, Pune, for his research on bioactive lipids, revealing their significance in cellular functions and diseases.

Neena Gupta from the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, was recognised for resolving the Zariski cancellation problem, a longstanding challenge in algebraic geometry.

Finally, Vedika Khemani of Stanford University was awarded for her work on time-crystals, with potential implications for quantum computing.

The chief guest for the ceremony was Peter Sarnak, known for his work on number theory, from Princeton University and the Institute for Advanced Study, who conferred the awards. Each winner received a gold medal, a citation, and a purse of $100,000. 

Commending the laureates in his address, Professor Sarnak said: “Recognising the achievements of these young scholars, whose brilliant research has advanced and shaped their fields, is an inspiration to students both in India and globally. The annual recognition of such world-leading scholars by the Infosys Science Foundation is a testament to the immense talent and impact of Indian and global researchers.”

The event was attended by other scientists, academicians, business leaders, young researchers, and students. Trustees of the Infosys Science Foundation, including Kris Gopalakrishnan (president, board of trustees), Narayana Murthy, and Nandan Nilekani, were present to celebrate the laureates’ achievements.

Highlighting the foundation’s new direction, Mr. Gopalakrishnan said: “This year’s focus on early-career researchers reflects our commitment to driving innovation and inspiring the next generation of scientists to tackle the world’s critical challenges. These laureates exemplify the transformative potential of science to create a better and more sustainable future.” 

A day before the winners were felicitated, the foundation hosted the fourth edition of the Infosys Prize Winners’ Symposium, where laureates presented their research to peers and senior academicians.

The winners were selected by jury panels chaired by leading academics, including Jayathi Y. Murthy (engineering and computer science) and Kaushik Basu (economics).

The evening ended with a note of thanks by Salil Parekh, CEO of Infosys and a trustee of Infosys Science Foundation.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

The minister of petroleum and natural gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, launched MRPL’s product, Toluene, during his visit to the refinery today. Puri also engaged in discussions with MRPL’s senior officials.

With an annual production capacity of 40 TMT, MRPL’s Toluene facility exemplifies India’s progress toward self-reliance and global competitiveness in the petrochemical sector.

Toluene, a versatile aromatic hydrocarbon, plays a vital role in industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, paints, and defense. India’s annual demand for Toluene stands at about 650 TMT, but domestic production currently is about 160 TMT. MRPL’s addition of 40 TMT per year will help bridge this gap, contributing to significant foreign exchange savings of approximately $3 million annually.

This initiative represents a major stride in reducing India’s dependency on imports while bolstering industrial and economic growth, in line with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Every sportsperson dreams of donning the blue jersey to represent India at the international level in the sports of their interest. While some realise their dreams, others continue to strive hard. One such sportsperson, who realised her dream, is Mysuru’s B. Chaitra, who has been selected to represent the Indian Women’s Kho Kho team at the upcoming World Cup to be held in New Delhi from Jan. 13 to 19.

Chaitra has created history by becoming the first girl from Mysuru district to represent the Indian Women’s team at the first ever Kho Kho World Cup. She is also the only player from South India to be selected for national women’s team. Her selection has come as a biggest birthday gift as Chaitra celebrated her birthday on Wednesday (Jan. 8).

Having come from a humble background, Chaitra started to play kho kho at her native village Kuruburu in T. Narasipur Taluk. Her dedication towards the sport made her to represent the State and National teams. She was also one of the members of University of Mysore Women’s Kho Kho team which won the gold medal at All India Inter-University Kho Kho Championship-2022 held in Mysuru. 

Speaking to Star of Mysore this morning, Chaitra said that it was the biggest achievement of her life till date and added that winning a gold medal in the upcoming Kho Kho World Cup would be a great achievement.

“It is because of my coach K. Manjunath, I have been able to reach this level. I also owe a lot to my parents for encouraging me and instilling confidence,” she added.

“We had been camping in New Delhi since a month and the team was announced yesterday. As soon as I got to know that I have been named in the team, I was overjoyed,” added Chaitra.

It was not easy for Chaitra’s family to encourage her in sports as they could not afford to even pay her school fees. However, one of their family friends, noticing her smartness, insisted the parents to admit her to a private school following which Chaitra was admitted  to Vidyadarshini School in Kuruburu.

Having inspired by her elder brother B. Chethan, also a kho kho player, Chaitra developed interest towards the game and expressed her willingness to join the coaching classes. It was then she got introduced to Manjunath, a mathematics teacher at Vidyadarshini School, who also conducted kho kho classes. Noticing her potential, Manjunath encouraged her to work hard and as a result Chaitra has now been selected to represent the Indian Women’s Kho Kho Team.

Chaitra is currently pursuing her II year B.PEd (Bachelor’s in Physical Education) at Sri Shambhulingeshwara College in Pandavapura, Mandya district.

She is the proud daughter of a farming couple Basavanna and Nagarathna. Earlier, she completed her PU education at Vidyodaya PU College, T. Narasipur and Bachelor of Arts (BA) from PRM College in T. Narasipur.

Speaking to SOM, Nagarathna thanked Chaitra’s coach Manjunath for encouraging and training her daughter to play at the international level. “At the time when Chaitra was a kid, we were not economically strong. In fact, we wanted to admit her to a government school. But it was because of a few people in the village, who insisted Chaitra to join a private school, we admitted her to Vidyadarshini School. We are very happy that our daughter has been able to achieve this remarkable feat,” she added.

Chaitra’s list of achievements is long. Being a recipient of Ila Award – 2017 (Best Sub-Junior Player) instituted by Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), Chaitra has represented the State in the Senior National Tournament, Khelo India Championship and University of Mysore (twice). She is also a part of Mandya University Women’s Kho Kho team that has qualified for All India Inter-University Women’s Kho Kho Tournament.

Mathematics teacher turns Kho Kho Dronacharya

K. Manjunath, a full-time Mathematics teacher, who turned part-time Kho Kho coach out of passion, at Vidyadarshini School in Kuruburu village, T. Narasipur taluk, is the talk of the town now, having nurtured some of the best Kho Kho players in the country.

He is getting accolades as the coach responsible for helping B. Chaitra make it to Indian Women’s Kho Kho team.

An emotional Manjunath, who spoke to SOM this morning, said it was  the outcome of 15 years of dedication. He further said, “As coaches, we only expect our students to excel to represent the country at the international-level. Chaitra being selected to represent the country and that too in the first ever Kho Kho World Cup is something which will be cherished by me for a long time.”

Chaitra is not the only protege of Manjunath. Two other students, Monica and Nisarga, coached by him also took part in the recently held National selection camp in New Delhi but could not make it to the Indian team.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

While preferences have shifted due to the smartphone era, the timeless values of life remain unchanged.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of Akashvani Dharwad, a cultural icon of North Karnataka’s oral tradition.

A unique voice of the 20th century, the broadcasting service was launched with the rendition of India’s national song ‘Vande Mataram’, by a team led by Pandit Bhimsen Joshi.

Akashvani Dharwad was the beloved medium of acclaimed artistes like Da Ra Bendre, Mallikarjun Mansur, Rajguru, Chennaveera Kanavi, Girish Karnad, Balappa, Gangubai Hangal and many others. Radio legends like Kaka, Nani Kaka and Akkamma became special stars, especially among rural audiences.

Bendre Ajja, while walking through the streets of Sadhanakeri after dinner on Wednesdays, would listen to plays aired on radio before reaching home. Even today, many start their daily activities with the ‘Vandana Chintana’ broadcast.

“In the 21st century, amid the dominance of modern media, the radio seems to struggle to retain its charm and connect, especially with rural audiences. While preferences have shifted due to the smartphone era, the timeless values of life remain unchanged. Amid this media noise, values seem to fade away, yet Dharwad stands steadfast, evidenced by the overwhelming number of letters received every week and countless phone calls,” said Sharanabasava Cholin, programme head, AIR Dharwad.

“This celebration carries forward its legacy with the aspiration that Akashvani Dharwad continues to shine like a golden light for generations to come,” he added.

The once-robust programme division now faces challenges with fewer than 10 permanent staff. However, its remarkable programmes, like the 175+ episodes of Vachanamrutha and 120 episodes of Krishi Shodhane Sadhane remain treasures.

Shows like Angaiyalli Ayurveda, Jeevamrutha, Vanitha Vihara and Valmeeki Nela Jala Jagriti continue to educate and entertain. The technical and administrative divisions work tirelessly despite limited staff, while temporary announcers and assistants contribute significantly. The archives, digitized through relentless efforts, are recognized as unique treasures of Akashvani Dharwad.

Radio Dharwad, now available through FM and the NewsOnAir app, has reached global audiences, gaining appreciation from Kannada associations abroad. Interestingly, the demand for radios is reportedly rising in Dharwad, and Akashvani Dharwad is active on social media platforms too.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Karnataka has the highest number of public charging stations, followed by Maharashtra with 3,728 and Uttar Pradesh with 1,989.

Karnataka has taken the lead in India’s electric vehicle eco-system network — it has the highest number of 5,765 public charging stations, which account for 23 per cent of the national total.

The state also ranks among the top three in the sale of electric vehicles (EVs), contributing to 9 per cent of India’s total sales in 2024. Karnataka recorded sales of over 1.7 lakh EV units, the maximum being two- and three-wheelers.

“This unprecedented growth in EV sales and charging infrastructure in 2024 sets a strong foundation for Prime Minister’s Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM’s E-Drive) scheme to accelerate the shift toward a sustainable and net-zero future,” said the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) report released on Friday.

Data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ Vahan Dashboard and Ministry of Power’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency showed Uttar Pradesh leading in EV sales, contributing to 19% of the national total, followed by Maharashtra at 12%. Karnataka has the highest number of public charging stations, followed by Maharashtra with 3,728 and Uttar Pradesh with 1,989.

The launch of the Rs 10,900-crore PM E-Drive scheme in October 2024 includes Rs 2,000 crore for public charging stations, to accelerate reach and usablity. While Rs 500 crore is allocated for electric trucks, the first ever to address heavy-duty transport emissions, Rs 4,391 crore is set aside for electric buses. It also allocates Rs 2,000 crore for strengthening charging infrastructure.

ICCT says the PM’s scheme will bolster Karnataka’s ecosystem. Funding for e-buses aligns with Bengaluru’s push for green public transport, and capital grants for charging stations will reinforce Karnataka’s leadership in infrastructure. It will also help Karnataka in the race to meet the net zero emission benchmark.

“EV incentive policies, including Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) and PM’s E-Drive, have been major drivers of the initial rise in EV uptake and charging infrastructure in India. The year 2025 will be crucial as India forges ahead in its transition towards clean mobility, with the potential introduction of supply-side regulations such as fuel economy standards, which is imperative for the country to achieve its climate objectives,” said Sumati Kohli, researcher, ICCT.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Krishna Valley cow breed also being conserved here.

Buffalo breeding centre at Tegur in the taluk has Karnataka’s only he-buffalo production unit where semen is collected and processed semen straws are supplied to veterinary institutions and artificial insemination centres across the state.

Informing this, buffalo breeding centre Deputy Director Basavaraj Naregal stated that the breeding of Murra and Surti varieties of buffalo take place at the centre.

When Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu GRJ visited the centre on Friday, he stated that he-buffalo semen straws from here are being used by all veterinary institutions and artificial insemination centres in the state. Many farmers prefer buffaloes from here as they give more milk, Dr Naregal said.

‘Krishna Valley’ cow

Veterinary Department Deputy Director Ravi Saligoudar said conservation of ‘Krishna Valley’ cow breed is taking place at this livestock breed development centre here since 2019-20, and this breed on the verge of extinction is shifted here from Munirabad in Bidar district.

The centre also has North Karnataka region’s first pig breeding unit, which is supplying hybrid piglets to pig farms, said Dr Anil of the unit.

Divya Prabhu instructed the officials to conduct guidance programme on dairy farming and pig rearing at the centre for farmers.

Farmers can also take up dairy farming and pig rearing to increase their income, and the centre would offer information to them. Officials are instructed to educate farmers about fodder management also, she added.

source/content: deccanherald.com (headline edited)