Tag: Records of Bengaluru First

Karnataka records highest-ever organ donations in 2025, ranks third nationally

Officials say increase was driven by the empanelment of more hospitals as non-retrieval organ transplant centres, including in tier-two cities, along with sustained awareness efforts.

Karnataka’s State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO), the nodal agency that facilitates cadaver organ donations, has recorded 198 donations in 2025, the highest recorded in the State so far. This surpasses the previous peak of 178 donations in 2023. With this, Karnataka ranked third in the country in organ donations for the year, after Tamil Nadu with 267 donations, and Telangana with 205.

The steady rise in donations over the past five years reflects expanded hospital participation, growing awareness and improved systems, officials said. In 2024, the State recorded 168 donations, while the figure stood at 70 in 2021.

Principal Secretary (Health) Harsh Gupta told The Hindu that the increase was driven by the empanelment of more hospitals as non-retrieval organ transplant centres (NTHORCs), including in tier-two cities, along with sustained awareness efforts. “We are also felicitating donor families on January 26 and August 15 through the Chief Minister and Ministers, which has helped in building awareness and trust around organ donation,” he said.

Expansion plans

Mr. Gupta said the government now plans to expand the programme to taluk-level hospitals. “Doctors also need to be sensitised about declaring brain death. A lot more needs to be done. We are identifying where there is potential for donations and what the challenges are,” he said.

He pointed out that institutions such as NIMHANS see a significant number of cases where brain death could potentially be declared, but these opportunities are not being fully utilised. “This is a challenge. We had planned to place dedicated counsellors and earmark beds for potential brain-death cases, but these are not being used effectively. We will soon depute two dedicated grief counsellors there,” he said.

Tamil Nadu software

To improve transparency and efficiency, Karnataka SOTTO has adopted a software system already in use in Tamil Nadu. The platform tracks the entire process- from registration of patients, declaration of brain death to identification of eligible recipients from the waiting list and facilitation of transplants.

“Basic data entry has begun. Once a patient is registered, the queue system starts. All documents will be uploaded by hospitals and every step will be tracked online,” Mr. Gupta said.

Under the new system, once a donation is activated, alerts will be sent to the top 50 registered patients and empanelled hospitals. “Everything will be managed online and there will be transparency at every stage,” he said.

Cross-matching services

Karnataka has also decentralised cross-matching services, which earlier required patients to travel to Bengaluru.

The State has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bangalore Medical Services Trust (BMST) laboratory to provide cross-matching and HLA testing for eligible recipients in Mangaluru (Wenlock Hospital), Hubballi (KIMS), and Mysuru (K.R. Hospital). For each donation, the first five to 10 eligible patients will be called for matching, a process that takes five to six hours.

“Karnataka has considerable untapped potential for organ donation and the recent gains represent only a modest beginning. This trend now needs to be pushed much further,” Mr. Gupta added.

State missed 15 potential donations in 2025

Karnataka has missed 15 potential organ donations in 2025. This is mainly due to reluctance by families of potential donors and misconceptions surrounding organ donations.

Elaborating on the reasons, the officials said potential donations are missed sometimes because the identified donor is not fit to donate due to clinical reasons. Or, someone from the donor family/distant family/friends circle says no to organ donation and the next of kin do not have much say in taking a decision against the wish of those opposing it. Also, there are misconceptions surrounding organ donation.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Bengaluru Class 4 student Parinita B, enters India Book of Records as young author

Parinita sat with the editor as well as the illustrator to explain the kind of pictures required.

Parinita B, a 10-year-old from Bengaluru, has already earned a place in the India Book of Records as a young author. She is currently studying in Class 4 at NET Public School, Basavanagudi, and has authored a book titled ‘Tales by Pari’ published by Subbu Publications.

Her father, K Balaji, is a deputy general manager in BESCOM, and her mother, Dr Anusha R Gupta, is a dentist. Speaking to the TNIE, Balaji said, “We used to recite songs and children’s stories to Parinita, and that’s when she decided to write a story of her own. When she was eight years old, she started learning the meaning of different words and told us that she would write a book. I had told her to write at least 30 pages if it had to be published as a book of stories.”

He added, “She put all her efforts after school and started writing a book when she was 9 years old. However, when she completed writing it, we faced challenges in finding a publisher. Finally, Subbu Publications in Hubballi decided to publish the book. Parinita sat with the editor as well as the illustrator to explain the kind of pictures required.

We did not select pictures from the internet. They are all original and created by Parinita. A lot of children have bought the book and appreciated her work.”

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Justice S.R. Nayak passes away

 Former Chhattisgarh High Court Chief Justice S.R. Nayak (80)passed away here yesterday.

He leaves behind his wife Shalini S. Nayak, son Dr. N.S. Rahul, daughter Nisha Gaonkar and host of relatives and friends.

His body was kept for public viewing till 1 pm today at his residence located at Dollars Colony in RMV II Stage here following which last rites were held at Hebbal crematorium in the evening.

Born on Jan. 1, 1945 to a family of farmers and freedom fighters at Nadamyasakeri village in Kumta taluk, Justice S.R. Nayak completed his B.Sc from University of Mysore and LLB and LLM from Bangalore University.

He served as the Acting Chief Justice of High Court of Karnataka before being transferred to Andhra Pradesh High Court and later to Chhattisgarh where he served as Chief Justice of Chhattisgarh High Court.

He was the first Chairman of Karnataka State Human Rights Commission.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

YuvaSpark founder Akarsh Shroff of Bengaluru conferred National Youth Award

Recognition for his ‘commitment to improving quality of early childhood education at anganwadi centres in India’.

Akarsh Shroff of Bengaluru was conferred the prestigious National Youth Award on April 3 for his ‘commitment to improving quality of early childhood education at anganwadi centres in India’.

The award was conferred during a ceremony at Parliament House in Delhi by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya. The event was organised to honour award recipients of both this and the previous year. A total of 22 awardees were honoured across both the years.

The National Youth Awardis conferred by the Ministry of Youth Affairs to recognise the excellent efforts of youth working towards national development and social service. The prize recognises work in health, research, culture, human rights, tourism, education, sports, innovation, community service, by people under the age of 30.

Akarsh founded YuvaSpark as a 17-year-old high school student in 2018. The organisation has built technology platforms that have digitised learning at over 600 anganwadi centres across rural India. To enhance quality of education at anganwadis (early childhood education centres in rural India), YuvaSpark’s digital platform is periodically providing teachers with custom-curated interactive vernacular language academic content.

Apart from this, the organisation runs programmes to improve infrastructure at orphanages, enhance library infrastructure in government schools, and provide smart learning devices to special schools.

The organisation has impacted the lives of 3,46,000 children across 10 States by engaging over 700 volunteers from 35 institutions, and has raised ₹2.5 crore in funding from Amazon, BCG, Indian Oil, MNGL, SECI, and other companies.

After graduating from one of India’s most prominent institutions, BITS Pilani, in 2022, Akarsh opted out of placements and chose to devote his time to improving the quality of education for children in India.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: KARNATAKA: ACQUISTION: IBM acquires Bengaluru SaaS firm Prescinto for renewables business

“The acquisition of Prescinto will enhance the capabilities of IBM Maximo Application Suite (MAS), IBM’s solution for asset lifecycle management…It will further IBM’s leadership in the energy and utility space, an industry undergoing significant transformation and seeking solutions to manage and optimise wind, solar, and other renewable energy storage assets,” IBM said in a statement.

Global software maker IBM has announced the acquisition of Bengaluru-based Prescinto Technologies (Prescinto), a solar monitoring and analytics platform that provides asset performance management (APM) software-as-a-service (SaaS) for renewables.

The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

“The acquisition of Prescinto will enhance the capabilities of IBM Maximo Application Suite (MAS), IBM’s solution for asset lifecycle management…It will further IBM’s leadership in the energy and utility space, an industry undergoing significant transformation and seeking solutions to manage and optimise wind, solar, and other renewable energy storage assets,” IBM said in a statement.

Founded in 2016 by first generation entrepreneur Puneet Jaggi, Bengaluru-based Prescinto leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to enable advanced monitoring, analytics and automation to streamline renewable energy operations and manage clean energy and storage assets. Its services help merge clean energy plant data with latest technology to deliver increased power generation.

The company has been backed by venture capital funds including startup incubator and accelerator Venture Catalysts, Inflection Point Ventures, Mumbai Angels and LetsVenture.

Prescinto works with and services global customers across 14 countries with 16 GigaWatts under management. Prescinto’s application performance monitoring (APM) capabilities aims to help organisations simplify operations and maintenance to maximise return on investment (ROI).

IBM has been acquiring businesses to build capabilities in software, cloud, consulting, automation, AI and data.

Quoting data from Allied Market Research, the IBM statement said, “The value of the global utilities asset management market is expected to grow from $4.3 billion in 2022 to $12.4 billion in 2031, with a CAGR of 11.3%.”

In September, IBM made two announcements including purchase of US-headquartered Kubecost led by co-founder & CEO, Webb Brown and co-founder & CTO, Ajay Tripathy, to broaden hybrid cloud cost management capabilities. It also proposed to acquire Accelalpha, a US-based global Oracle services provider.

source/content: economictimes.indiatimes.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA : VALIMIKI AWARDS: Five achievers to be conferred Valmiki award

As per a government order, the achievers are Kilari Jogayya, Dr Ratnamma S, Rajashekhara Talwara, K S Mrutyunjaya and Ratnamma B Sogi.

A native of Chitradurga, Jogayya has worked towards social progress as a cattle conservator.

On the occasion of Valmiki Jayanti, five achievers from different fields who have worked for the welfare of Scheduled Tribe communities will be awarded the Maharshi Valmiki Award 2024 on Thursday.

As per a government order, the achievers are Kilari Jogayya, Dr Ratnamma S, Rajashekhara Talwara, K S Mrutyunjaya and Ratnamma B Sogi.

A native of Chitradurga, Jogayya has worked towards social progress as a cattle conservator.

Hailing from Chamarajnagar, Dr Ratnamma is an educationist who has strived for the education of tribal children.

Belagavi’a Rajashekhara has been creating awareness in the community about health and hygiene.

A Bengaluru resident, Mrutyunjaya has been striving to ensure that the community gets government facilities and has been endeavouring to organise the community.

Vijayanagar’s Rathnamma is a renowned theatre artist who has popularised the art in rural areas. She has played a pivotal role in the survival of theatre in rural areas.

source/content: deccanherald.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: INDIA’s FIRST /AIR MOBILITY TO AIRPORT: ‘City to airport in 5 minutes’: Bengaluru airport, Sarla Aviation partner for India’s first advanced air mobility solution through eVTOL

According to Sarla Aviation, a journey of 1.5 hours to Bengaluru airport from the city can be reduced to just ‘five minutes’ through an electric powered seven-seater aircraft – eVTOL.

Travelling to Bengaluru airport amid the chaotic traffic of the city is going to be a thing of the past. In a first-of-its-kind partnership, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) and Sarla Aviation, an aerospace component manufacturing company, recently signed a statement of collaboration to explore a sustainable and advanced air mobility option to travel from city to the airport.

With this partnership, according to Sarla Aviation, a journey of 1.5 hours to Bengaluru airport from the city can be reduced to just ‘five minutes’ through an electric powered seven-seater aircraft – eVTOL.

Sarla Aviation on Monday announced its partnership with BIAL to make Bengaluru India’s first eVTOL-friendly airport. eVTOL or electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing uses electric power to hover, take off and land vertically, similar to a helicopter.

eVTOLs are being developed as part of the broader push toward advanced air mobility (AAM), aiming to offer urban air transportation solutions such as air taxis, cargo deliveries or medical emergency services. eVTOLS are often seen as part of the future of urban mobility, with the potential to reduce traffic congestion and create more efficient transportation networks, particularly in cities.

According to the company’s website, the aircraft is capable of covering distances up to 160km, but it’s optimally designed for the typical 20-40 kilometre inner-city commutes. “In our launch cities – Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi – passengers can expect to save up to 87% of their usual commute time, transforming the way you travel in the bustling urban landscape.”

It also states the with eVTOL the time taken from Electronic City to BLR Airport is set to reduce to under 20 minutes, compared to 152 minutes taken by road. “Equipped with four, double-isolated battery packs, our eVTOL powers seven electric motors. Sarla achieves speeds up to 250 km/h, transforming hour-long commutes into mere minutes. It is built to accommodate a pilot, and comfortable seating for 6 passengers, along with their luggage. It is also capable of performing back-to-back 40-kilometer trips with just 15 minutes of charging time in between,” the company has stated in its website.

The company in a statement said, “We are very excited to share that Sarla Aviation partners with Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BLR) to make Bengaluru India’s first eVTOL-friendly airport! We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Bangalore Airport Ltd as we join forces to bring the future of air mobility to India’s tech capital. Bengaluru International Airport is not only our home base and one of the largest airports in India and the world but also a forward-thinking hub where #sustainability is at the heart of everything. Together, we aim to make Bengaluru India’s first eVTOL-friendly airport, setting a new standard for sustainable aviation.”

Adrian Schmidt, CEO and one of the co-founders of Sarla Aviation, said, “I am proud to partner with Kempegowda International Airport, marking a significant step in addressing Bengaluru’s congestion challenges. Currently, a journey from Indiranagar to the airport can take 1.5 hours—very soon, we will reduce that to just 5 minutes with Sarla’s fully electric flying taxis. I am truly inspired by the leadership at Bengaluru Airport, whose vision challenges young companies like ours to push boundaries and redefine what’s possible.”

He said that the collaboration represents a transformative journey towards reshaping how passengers travel, providing faster, cleaner, and more efficient air mobility options.

Last week, Sarla Aviation also met Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in Delhi to discuss India’s leadership in the Era of Urban Air Mobility, steps toward creating a Bharat-centric eVTOL policy and outlining the company’s steps to bring Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to India and ensuring smooth regulatory pathways.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: Bengaluru-based Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospave (FWDA) announces successful maiden flight of indigenous unmanned bomber aircraft

 Bengaluru-headquartered Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA) on Tuesday announced the successful maiden flight of indigenous unmanned bomber aircraft, the FWD 200B.

Classified as a Medium Altitude (15,000 feet) Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), the FWD 200B is equipped with optical payloads for surveillance and missile-like weapons for air strikes and bombing, the FWDA Founder and CEO Suhas Tejaskanda told reporters here.

“The aircraft’s aerodynamics design, airframe, propulsion systems, controls systems, electronics are all made in India at FWDA’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility of 12,000 sq.ft built on 1.5 acre land, located at Electronic City, Bengaluru,” he said.

FWD 200B features a wingspan of five metres and a length of 3.5 metres. It has a maximum take-off weight of 102 kg and a payload capacity of 30 kg, the company said.

It can fly at a cruise speed of 152 kms per hour, with a maximum speed of 250 km per hour. Its runway requirement is just 300 metres allowing it to operate from shorter airstrips, Tejaskanda said.

“With an endurance of seven hours and a range of 800 km, the FWD 200B ensures extended mission capabilities, providing substantial coverage without the need for frequent refueling or landing,” he said.

PTI GMS RS RS

source/content: thebengalurulive.con (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: HEALTH & MEDICAL: Epione Bengaluru branch celebrates one year in Bengaluru, treating over 1,200 patients

This milestone underscores the centre’s commitment to innovative and compassionate pain management solutions.

Epione, a pain relief centre, successfully completed one year in Bengaluru, providing care and relief to over 1,200 patients. This milestone underscores the centre’s commitment to innovative and compassionate pain management solutions.

With over 20 years of experience, Epione has treated more than 50,000 patients across its centres in South India and is recognised for introducing plasma therapy (PRP) for pain relief in the country.

The Bengaluru branch has been pivotal in offering specialised therapies that help patients manage chronic pain and enhance their quality of life through advanced, non-invasive treatments.

Founder and Managing Director and Chief of Pain Medicine Dr Sudheer Dara said, “Our mission has always been to enhance the lives of people suffering from chronic pain. Our first year in Bengaluru has exceeded our expectations in terms of patient response and clinical success.

We are committed to expanding our services to reach more people in need.” Moreover, to meet the growing demand for services, Epione plans to open two additional branches in Bengaluru next year. Clinical Head Dr Vidya Bandaru, highlighted the centre’s progress over the past year and the commitment to expanding patient-centric care.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: SPORTS / LIFTING: Pradeep Kumar, Shalan Pinto win Gold & Shalan Pinto Awarded ‘Best Lifter Title’ at 2024 Commonwealth Bench Press Championship,South Africa

 Pradeep Kumar and Shalan Pinto made India proud by winning gold medals at the 2024 Commonwealth Bench Press Championship, held in Sun City, South Africa, on October 4.

Pradeep Kumar clinched gold in the 83 kg category, lifting an impressive 237.5 kg. His victory came after a tough contest with Tom Morgan from New South Wales, with Pradeep successfully clearing all his lifts to secure the top spot.

In the 47 kg category, Shalan Pinto also took home the gold, lifting 65 kg. In addition to her gold medal, she was awarded the ‘Best Lifter’ title. Shalan has been training under Pradeep Kumar at Kasharp Fitness.

Expressing his gratitude, Pradeep Kumar thanked the Karnataka Powerlifting Association for the opportunity, Kasharp Fitness for its world-class facilities, Balanjneya Gymnasium for their guidance from the start, and Team India for their unwavering support.

Shalan Pinto, daughter of the late Alexander Pinto and Lydia Irene Lobo from Yeyyadi, Mangaluru, has had a stellar year. Her selection for the 2024 Commonwealth Bench Press Championship followed a series of strong performances in key competitions. She secured first place in the 47 kg junior category at the National Bench Press Championship in Maharashtra in January 2023 and earned second place in the same category at the National Bench Press Championship in Bengaluru in November 2023. Shalan also finished second in the 47 kg junior individual bench press at the National Powerlifting Championship in Punjab in June 2024.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)