Karnataka First

The German luxury automotive brand marked its transcontinental tour, which will touch 140 places across 23 countries and five continents, with celebrations across its Bengaluru campuses.

Bengaluru became part of a transcontinental drive christened “140 Years, 140 Places”, conducted by Mercedes-Benz to celebrate 140 years since Carl Benz, the German mechanical engineer and inventor widely regarded as the father of the modern automobile, filed the patent for the world’s first automobile in 1886. Departing from Mercedes-Benz’s global headquarters in Stuttgart earlier this year, three S-Class sedans have travelled more than 40,000 kilometres across 23 countries and five continents, bringing the global anniversary celebration to Bengaluru.

These cars are named after the pioneers of the automobile: Carl Benz, Bertha Benz (Carl’s wife and business partner who undertook the world’s first long-distance road trip of 66 miles in 1888 to prove the car worked) and Gottlieb Daimler (a German engineer and industrial designer, who along with partner Wilhelm Maybach, independently developed a high-speed four-stroke engine and built the first four-wheeled motorised carriage in 1886).

As part of the India leg of the commemoration of the brand’s 140-year legacy, Carl and Bertha, two S-Class saloons from the anniversary convoy, were driven to two offices of Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) at Brigade Tech Gardens in Brookfield and Embassy Crest in Whitefield in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

MBRDI, the Mercedes-Benz Group’s largest research and development centre outside Germany, contributes engineering and technology expertise across a wide spectrum of the company’s global development programmes.

Manu Saale, Managing Director and CEO of MBRDI, said, “The Bengaluru stop carries particular significance for MBRDI, as the organisation marks its 30th anniversary this year.” MBRDI marked the occasion with celebrations across its Bengaluru campuses. The convoy will continue on its global route before returning to Stuttgart in October this year.

MBRDI is the largest research and development centre of Mercedes-Benz Group AG outside Germany. Established in 1996, it plays a prominent role in the development of technologies related to connected, autonomous and electric mobility. With offices in Bengaluru and Pune, MBRDI currently employs more than 8,500 professionals.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

MoU seeks to create skilled workforce in privacy and AI governance.

In a move aimed at strengthening India’s capabilities in data protection, privacy and artificial intelligence (AI) governance and digital trust, the Foundation of Data Protection Professionals in India (FDPPI) and MYRA School of Business, Mysuru, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday to collaborate in education, research, professional certification and capacity building.

The MoU was exchanged during a press meet in Mysuru. It was signed on behalf of MYRA School of Business by Managing Trustee M.L. Kantharaja Urs and Director Ramasastry Ambarish, while FDPPI was represented by its Chairman Na. Vijayashankar (”Naavi”).

The partnership combines FDPPI’s expertise in data protection, privacy and digital governance, including its Data Governance and Protection Standard of India (DGPSI), with MYRA’s academic and research capabilities. The two institutions will jointly develop co-branded certification programmes, executive education courses, faculty development initiatives, seminars, workshops, conferences and research projects covering data protection, privacy, cyber law, AI governance and digital trust.

Speaking on the occasion, Na. Vijayashankar said the Digital Personal Data Protection Act has created a growing demand for professionals with expertise in law, technology, governance and business. He said the collaboration aims to create globally competent Data Protection Officers, Independent Data Auditors, AI Governance professionals and Digital Trust leaders.

Mr. Kantharaja Urs said responsible governance of data has become a critical leadership competency and that the collaboration would bring industry-driven knowledge into the academic environment through relevant and impactful programmes.

Mr. Ramasastry Ambarish said the collaboration will also focus on industry-oriented curriculum development, faculty development programmes, student internships, collaborative research, conferences and capacity-building initiatives for industry, government, regulators and educational institutions.

In a move aimed at strengthening India’s capabilities in data protection, privacy and artificial intelligence (AI) governance and digital trust, the Foundation of Data Protection Professionals in India (FDPPI) and MYRA School of Business, Mysuru, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday to collaborate in education, research, professional certification and capacity building.

The MoU was exchanged during a press meet in Mysuru. It was signed on behalf of MYRA School of Business by Managing Trustee M.L. Kantharaja Urs and Director Ramasastry Ambarish, while FDPPI was represented by its Chairman Na. Vijayashankar (”Naavi”).

The partnership combines FDPPI’s expertise in data protection, privacy and digital governance, including its Data Governance and Protection Standard of India (DGPSI), with MYRA’s academic and research capabilities. The two institutions will jointly develop co-branded certification programmes, executive education courses, faculty development initiatives, seminars, workshops, conferences and research projects covering data protection, privacy, cyber law, AI governance and digital trust.

Speaking on the occasion, Na. Vijayashankar said the Digital Personal Data Protection Act has created a growing demand for professionals with expertise in law, technology, governance and business. He said the collaboration aims to create globally competent Data Protection Officers, Independent Data Auditors, AI Governance professionals and Digital Trust leaders.

Mr. Kantharaja Urs said responsible governance of data has become a critical leadership competency and that the collaboration would bring industry-driven knowledge into the academic environment through relevant and impactful programmes.

Mr. Ramasastry Ambarish said the collaboration will also focus on industry-oriented curriculum development, faculty development programmes, student internships, collaborative research, conferences and capacity-building initiatives for industry, government, regulators and educational institutions.

The partnership is expected to play a significant role in building’s India’s professional ecosystem for privacy, responsible AI, cybersecurity, and digital governance, while supporting the implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and emerging national and international governance frameworks, a press release said.

The first series of jointly developed certification programmes is expected to be announced in the coming months.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Admission to all literary sessions, cultural performances, discussions, exhibitions, and festival activities across the 10 days is free of charge.

The third edition of the Book Brahma Literature Festival (BBLF) will be held at the St. John’s Auditorium in Koramangala from August 14 to 23, bringing together literature and the performing arts.

Performances lineup

The opening seven days (August 14–20) will feature a lineup of performances, BBLF Book World, and a flea and handicrafts market. 

The evenings of August 14, 15, and 16 will feature live musical performances by Shilpa Mudbi, Ramachandra Hadapad and Ensemble, and Sunidhi Ganesh with the Gig Man Live Band, respectively.

A conversation with filmmaker Natesh Hegde, followed by a special screening of his acclaimed film Vaghachipani, will be held on the evening of August 21. On the following day, August 22, a Sitar recital by Rafi Khan and Shafi Khan, and a Carnatic vocal concert by T.S. Satyavathi and ensemble will take place.

Hindustani classical concert by Aniruddh Aithal and ensemble will be held on the morning of August 23, and in the evening, Shri Jnanashakti Subrahmanyaswamy Kripaposhita Yakshagana Troupewill present a Yakshagana Performance.

Literary sessions over three days

The festival’s signature literary programme will run from August 21 to 23, bringing together readers, writers, and thinkers from across India for three days of conversations, debates, and literary discovery. 

Spread across nine parallel venues, the festival will host more than 200 curated sessions over three days. More than 400 writers, intellectuals, artists, publishers, booksellers, and subject experts representing Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and English literature will participate in discussions spanning literature, society, culture, translation, publishing, and the arts. The complete list of speakers and programme details is available on the event website.

Admission to all literary sessions, cultural performances, discussions, exhibitions, and festival activities across the 10 days is free of charge.

Shortlist of book prize

Meanwhile, Book Brahma Foundation, in association with Bookworm, has announced the shortlist for the Book Brahma–Bookworm English Fiction of the Year 2026.

The shortlisted titles are: Sakina’s Kiss by Vivek Shanbhag, translated from Kannada by Srinath Perur; The Second Book of Prophets by Benyamin, translated from Malayalam by Ministhy S.; Fire Bird by Perumal Murugan, translated from Tamil by Janani Kannan; The Dark Hours of the Night by Salma, translated from Tamil by G.J.V. Prasad; A Woman Burnt by Imayam, translated from Tamil by G.J.V. Prasad. The winner will be announced at the festival.

Those wishing to attend BBLF are encouraged to register at www.bookbrahmalitfest.com. 

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Noted scholar Hampa Nagarajaiah on Tuesday (July 28) said old Kannada is the root of the richness of modern Kannada, asserting that classical Kannada literature is far less difficult than perceived and becomes easier to understand through regular reading.

He was inaugurating a workshop on reading and interpreting old Kannada texts for research scholars and Kannada lecturers from degree colleges. It was organised by the Department of Kannada and Culture in association with the Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies, University of Mysore, on the university campus.

Dr. Nagarajaiah urged teachers to explain classical poetry by familiarising students with “Chandussu, Champakamala, Shardulavikridita, Mattebhavikridita and Utpalamala”, along with the linguistic nuances.

Expressing concern over the declining study, teaching and research of old Kannada, he said such workshops are essential to revive interest in the language and preserve its literary heritage.

Referring to poet Pampa’s Adipurana, he said the work highlights the importance of experiencing worldly life before attaining renunciation and liberation. Rather than merely translating the Sanskrit Adipurana, Pampa recreated it to reflect Kannada culture and indigenous life, making it a literary masterpiece on par with Vikramarjuna Vijaya, he said.

University of Mysore Vice-Chancellor N.K. Lokanath said the education system had become increasingly examination-oriented, with teachers teaching for examinations and students studying only to score marks, leading to a decline in genuine interest in language and literature.

Recalling his own Kannada teachers, he said Karnataka’s literary growth was owed to dedicated teachers and lecturers who inspired generations of students through engaging classroom teaching.

While digitisation and preservation of palm-leaf manuscripts are progressing, Prof. Lokanath pointed out that there is a shortage of scholars capable of reading and interpreting them. Unless the younger generation is introduced to old Kannada, it would amount to an injustice to the State’s rich literary heritage, he said.

M. Nanjayya Honganuru, director of the Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies, N.K. Lolakshi, S.D. Shashikala, Nirmala Mathpati, Joint Director of the Department of Kannada and Culture, Assistant Director M.D. Sudarshan, Kannada lecturers and research scholars were present.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Bengaluru’s prestigious Tulu organization, Tuluverenkulu (R.) Bengaluru, organised a friendly get-together of various Tulu organizations in Bengaluru, which was held on Friday evening, July 17, at the Swathi Hotel Auditorium in Rajajinagar, Bengaluru.

The program commenced with the Boodageethe (invocation song) sung by Prakash Pavanje. The president of Tuluverenkulu Association, Charles Gomes, warmly welcomed everyone and explained the noble objective behind this friendly meet. Around 56 office bearers from various organizations attended the event.

Discussions were held regarding:

* The Tulu language, culture, traditions, and practices.
* Official language status within the state.
* Inclusion in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
* Construction of a Tulu Community Hall (Tulu Samudaya Bhavana) in Bengaluru.

Notably, leaders from the Christian Konkani Federation and the Beary Association participated in the event. Expressing deep affection and concern for the culture, language, and communal harmony of the Tulu region where they were born and raised, they assured their continuous support for Tulu-centric activities.

Addressing the gathering, Charles Gomes proposed the necessity of establishing a Tulu Okkoota (Tulu Federation) in Bengaluru so everyone could work unitedly for the various constitutional rights and demands of Tuluvas. The leaders of the various organizations present unanimously voiced their agreement and support for the proposal by Charles Gomes to form a Tulu Federation.

The office bearers and executive committee members of the ‘Tuluverenkulu’ association worked with deep commitment to make this get-together a success.

To bring together Tulu brethren residing in Bengaluru in larger numbers, the ‘Tuluverenkulu’ has arranged two shows of Prasanna Shetty Bailoor’s popular drama ‘Raghu Mastru’, on August 16, at the Town Hall in Bengaluru.

The general secretary of Tuluverenkulu, Umesh B Karkera, offered a heartfelt vote of thanks to everyone present.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

The National Institute of Technology-Karnataka (NIT-K), Surathkal, has emerged as the overall champion among all National Institutes of Technology in India for the academic year 2025-26, topping the All India Inter NIT (AIINIT) Sports Meet with 144 points, the highest tally among the participating NITs.

The result places NIT-K at the top of the national standings across athletics, team sports, racquet sports and strength disciplines, with gold-medal finishes in men’s athletics, men’s kabaddi, women’s badminton, women’s volleyball, women’s kho-kho and women’s swimming, a NIT-K release said on Friday.

Akhil Banoth (Mechanical Engineering), was the standout individual performer, winning three gold medals in the 200m, 400m and 4x100m relay at the sports meet held at NIT Jalandhar. Rohit V. (Ph.D., Physics) won gold in the hammer throw with a 41.60-metre effort and was named the “Most Powerful Man” of the meet.

NIT-K’s men’s kabaddi team won the championship outright at NIT Delhi, with Veerendra M. named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

The women’s volleyball and kho-kho teams both won gold at NIT Rourkela, while the women’s swimming team won the overall championship at the event, led by Suvali P. Shetty, who was named the tournament’s Best Swimmer.

NIT-K’s women’s badminton team also won the AIINIT title, with Manashree named the tournament’s Best Player.

The men’s table tennis team also won gold at the tournament held at NIT Jamshedpur, with Dilip G. named the event’s Best Player.

In chess, NIT-K’s men’s team finished second at NIT Jalandhar, with Aaron Sanju Thomas (Artificial Intelligence) winning gold on the first board and Ekansh Goel (Information Technology) winning silver on the second board. The women’s team, captained by Vinitha M. Rao (Mechanical Engineering), finished third, with Rao winning silver on the third board.

In power sports, NITK’s weightlifting team placed third overall at the sports meet at NIT Delhi with two gold and one bronze medal, and the bodybuilding team won three gold, one silver and two bronze medals at the same meet, with Hitesh Dagar crowned Champion of Champions of the tournament.

The men’s handball team won bronze at VNIT Nagpur, with Tanshiq Chopade and Vidyashankar H.R. named Man of the Match.

NITK staff and faculty also competed at the national level this season, with the staff chess team finishing fourth among 25 NITs at the All India Inter NIT Staff Tournament held at NIT Jalandhar. Vignesh M. (Civil Engineering) and Shri Rakesh Kumar (Purchase Section) won individual board medals, the release said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

With a wide range of products and services, Karnataka can benefit significantly from the trade agreement, says Chandru K. Iyer.

The British Deputy High Commissioner to Karnataka, Chandru K. Iyer, said on Friday that the State, including its coastal belt, can benefit from the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the United Kingdom and India, which came into effect on July 15.

Speaking to reporters here, Mr. Iyer said the State has a variety of products, from marine goods to services and space technology, that could be exported to the U.K.

Under CETA, or the free trade agreement (FTA), 99% of Indian products will attract zero or minimum import duty in the U.K., while 90% of U.K. products will receive the same treatment in India.

The agreement, Mr. Iyer said, has opened vast opportunities for farmers, manufacturers and service providers in Karnataka to export their products. They have to register on the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) portal to avail the benefits of the FTA, he said.

He said India-U.K. bilateral trade is already worth £48 billion a year, having grown by over £4 billion in 2025 compared with 2024, even before CETA came into force. In the long run, the agreement is expected to boost bilateral trade by a further £25.5 billion a year, adding £5.1 billion to India’s GDP and £4.8 billion to the U.K.’s GDP.

Mr. Iyer said duty-free access to the U.K. market could benefit Karnataka’s oilseeds, spices such as pepper and cardamom, and the Byadagi and Devanoor chilli varieties. Millets, vegetables and fruit and flower exports such as coconut, mango, lime, sunflower, jasmine, and marigold could also benefit. Coffee growers would gain duty-free market access to the U.K., while tariff elimination would strengthen the competitiveness of fisheries exports from Dakshina Kannada. Agri- and food-processing hubs in Bidar, Hassan and Bengaluru Urban stand to grow further.

The IT industry would benefit from the U.K.’s Mode 1 services commitments, which enable cross-border trade in services, while districts across the State, including Bengaluru and Mysuru, could see increased U.K. interest in setting up Global Capability Centres. Reduced tariffs on aircraft parts and engines would benefit the State’s aerospace and auto industries in Belagavi, and Bengaluru and Mysuru silk could benefit from greater international exposure and export access.

With many U.K.-based universities keen to establish their presence in Karnataka, he said he would urge them to consider Dakshina Kannada and Udupi as well, as they are known as the education hub of the State.

After the signing of CETA, large U.K. businesses including Arm, NatWest, Graphcore, Rolls-Royce, Applied Computing and DSP have already expanded their footprint in Karnataka. HSBC, the U.K.’s leading multinational bank, is also looking at fast expansion into India.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

In a first for the High Court of Karnataka, all the judicial Benches in the Dharwad Bench will function exclusively with 10 women judges of the High Court on August 1.

The one-day special Saturday sitting will see seven Benches at the Dharwad Bench presided over entirely by women judges.

The roster of sitting officially notified by court’s administration wing comprises three Division Benches and four Single-Judge Benches, making it one of the few instances in the country where an entire High Court Bench will conduct judicial proceedings only by women judges.

As per the High Court’s sitting notification, the three Division Benches will comprise Justices Anu Sivaraman and K.G. Shanthi, Justices Jyoti M and P. Sree Sudha, and Justices Lalitha Kanneganti and K.S. Hemalekha. The four single-judge Benches will be presided over by Justices Chillakur Sumalatha, Tara Vitasta Ganju, Geetha K.B., and Rajeshwari N. Hegde.

It is learnt that the Dharwad Bar Association had earlier requested the Chief Justice to organise all-women judicial Benches at Dharwad Bench to mark International Women’s Day but it could not be fructified then. Also, a conference of women judges of the High Court and the district judiciary of Southern states is likely to be held in the city during August.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)