** PAI 2021: State bags overall rank of 7

It is down 3 spots from last year

Karnataka dropped to the seventh rank in the Public Affairs Index 2021 with a score of 0.121. It was in the fourth position last year.

The sixth edition of PAI was released on Friday. Apart from looking at governance performance in the context of sustainable development defined by equity, growth and sustainability pillars, PAI 2021 also features analysis of five Centre-sponsored schemes that aid in key development parameters of health, education and livelihoods (Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, National Health Mission, Integrated Child Development Services, Samagra Siksha Abhiyan, and Midday Meal Scheme)

** Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar buried next to his parents

The final rites were completed by 8 a.m.

Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar, who died on October 29, was buried with State honours next to his parents Dr. Rajkumar and Parvathamma Rajkumar at Kantheerava Studio on October 31 in the presence of family, friends, colleagues from the film industry and dignitaries. The sombre ceremony concluded by 8 a.m.

** Mass singing of Kannada songs a hit in coastal belt

One group went by boat into Arabian Sea to render the songs

The mass singing of three Kannada songs as desired by the State Government in the runup to Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations was a big hit in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts with thousands participating in the events.

Barisu Kannada DimdimavaJogada Siri Belakinalli and Huttidare Kannada Nadalli Huttabeku, which highlight Kannada language and the culture of the State, were rendered by the groups.

** Students of Bengaluru polytechnic can now study in US

Three-year fee for the course will be Rs 20 lakh per student and include tuition fees, boarding and lodging, local travel and medical insurance.

The department has chosen two courses, Tourism & Hospitality and Cyber Security, which will be offered in partnership with Montgomery County Community College, Pennsylvania. 

** JNCASR-Bengaluru scientists devise way to convert carbon dioxide to methane without toxicity

Bengaluru scientists have devised a toxic-free method that converts the most common greenhouse gas (GHG) carbon dioxide (CO2) to methane (CH4) – known to be the cleanest fossil fuel – a process that can effectively help in reducing levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide levels which is a major climate change concern.

The scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru, achieved this using non-metal catalysts, unlike procedures that are in use, which are found to release toxic gases in the process.

In doing so, the scientists, led by Professor Tapas Kumar Maji from the Chemistry and Physics of Materials Unit of JNCASR, have designed a cost-effective metal-free catalyst to achieve the conversion by absorption of visible light.

** IISc test can now detect adulteration in milk

Virkeshwar Kumar, a postdoctoral researcher, and Susmita Dash, an assistant professor at IISc, developed the method, and believe it can be revolutionary in its cost effectiveness, and the lack of equipment needed to conduct the test.

The method is able to detect when milk has been contaminated with water and urea, two of the most common contaminants in the dairy product. The team had found differences in the structure of evaporated, undiluted, diluted, and urea contaminated milk that led to the breakthrough.

** Against All Odds, The Founder Of City’s Bharath Cancer Hospital Becomes An Achiever

The  book “Excellence Has No Borders”  is by our own Mysurean, Dr. B.S. Ajaikumar, Founder of Bharath Cancer Hospital. This was released during the famous Jaipur Literary Festival on January 23, 2020.