Dr. Manu Prakash Speaks on ‘Frugal Science’ at Murty Trust Annual Lecture in Bengaluru

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Bengaluru, September 2025: The Murty Trust annual public lecture, held on September 6 at Sir Puttanna Chetty Town Hall and hosted by the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), featured a keynote address by Dr. Manu Prakash, Associate Professor of Bioengineering at Stanford University.

Widely known for his concept of frugal science, Dr. Prakash has developed low-cost scientific tools such as the Foldscope, a paper-based microscope, and the Paperfuge, a hand-powered centrifuge. These innovations are now being used in schools, community health centres and research projects across the globe, making scientific exploration more accessible.

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Sudha Murty, Chairperson of the Murty Trust, said the initiative was aimed at taking science beyond laboratories. “Science is truth, and truth should be accessible to everyone. Dr. Prakash demonstrates how simple materials can be transformed into tools that change the way people view science,” she said.

Delivering his lecture titled “From Paper Microscopes to Global Change: Story of Frugal Science”, Dr. Prakash underlined how curiosity-driven inquiry could lead to affordable solutions for real-world problems. Drawing from expeditions in the Arctic and fieldwork in African communities, he showed how innovation thrives even outside advanced laboratories.

“It was an honor to be invited to Bangalore. Despite the rain, people travelled for hours to attend — a reflection of the city’s strong scientific spirit,” he said.

The event drew over 350 participants, including students, teachers and researchers. A question-and-answer session followed the talk.

Prof. L. S. Shashidhara, Director of NCBS, said such innovations inspire students to ask new questions. “The simplicity and affordability of tools like Foldscope can ignite scientific curiosity in an entire generation,” he noted.

The Murty Trust’s lecture series aims to connect world-renowned scientists with the public, encouraging greater understanding and appreciation of science.

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ಮೇಕ್‌ಮೈಟ್ರಿಪ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ ತೀರ್ಥಯಾತ್ರಾ ಬುಕ್ಕಿಂಗ್‌ಗಳ ಏರಿಕೆ

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ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು: ದೇಶಾದ್ಯಂತ ತೀರ್ಥಯಾತ್ರಿಕರ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚುತ್ತಿರುವುದರಿಂದ 2024–25ರಲ್ಲಿ ಮೇಕ್‌ಮೈಟ್ರಿಪ್‌ ಪ್ಲಾಟ್‌ಫಾರ್ಮ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ ವಸತಿ ಬುಕ್ಕಿಂಗ್‌ಗಳು ಶೇ.19ರಷ್ಟು ಹೆಚ್ಚಾಗಿವೆ.

ಮೇಕ್‌ಮೈಟ್ರಿಪ್‌ನ ಸಹ ಸ್ಥಾಪಕ ಹಾಗೂ ಗ್ರೂಪ್ ಸಿಇಒ ರಾಜೇಶ್ ಮಗೊವ್ ಅವರು, “ಆಧ್ಯಾತ್ಮಿಕ ಪ್ರವಾಸಗಳಿಗೆ ಜನರ ಆಸಕ್ತಿ ಗಣನೀಯವಾಗಿ ಏರಿಕೆಯಾಗಿದೆ. ನಮ್ಮ ಆಪ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ 34 ಪ್ರಮುಖ ತಾಣಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಎರಡಂಕಿ ಬೆಳವಣಿಗೆ ಕಂಡುಬಂದಿದ್ದು, 15 ತಾಣಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಶೇ.25ಕ್ಕಿಂತ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ವೃದ್ಧಿ ದಾಖಲಾಗಿದೆ” ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಿದರು.

ಪ್ರಯಾಗ್‌ರಾಜ್, ವಾರಾಣಾಸಿ, ಅಯೋಧ್ಯೆ, ಪುರಿ, ಅಮೃತಸರ, ತಿರುಪತಿ ಮೊದಲಾದ ಪ್ರಮುಖ ಧಾರ್ಮಿಕ ಕೇಂದ್ರಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಬುಕ್ಕಿಂಗ್‌ಗಳು ದಾಖಲಾಗಿವೆ. ಖಾತುಷ್ಯಾಮ್‌ಜಿ, ಓಂಕಾರೇಶ್ವರ, ತಿರುಚೆಂದೂರ್‌ ಮುಂತಾದ ಸ್ಥಳಗಳಲ್ಲೂ ಬೇಡಿಕೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚಾಗಿದೆ.

ಆಧ್ಯಾತ್ಮಿಕ ಪ್ರವಾಸಕ್ಕೆ ಬೇಡಿಕೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚುತ್ತಿರುವುದಕ್ಕೆ ಗಮ್ಯಸ್ಥಳಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ವಸತಿ ಸೌಲಭ್ಯಗಳ ವಿಸ್ತರಣೆಯೂ ಕಾರಣವಾಗಿದೆ. ಯಾತ್ರಿಕರಲ್ಲಿ ಬಹುಮಂದಿ ಚಿಕ್ಕ ಅವಧಿಯ ವಸತಿಗಳನ್ನು ಆರಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದು, ಅರ್ಧಕ್ಕಿಂತ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಮಂದಿ ಕೇವಲ ಒಂದು ರಾತ್ರಿ ಮಾತ್ರ ತಂಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಇಬ್ಬರು ರಾತ್ರಿ ತಂಗುವವರ ಪ್ರಮಾಣ ಶೇ.31ರಷ್ಟಿದೆ.

ಪ್ರೀಮಿಯಂ ರೂಮ್‌ಗಳಿಗೆ ಕೂಡ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಬೇಡಿಕೆಯಿದ್ದು, ರೂ.7,000 ಕ್ಕಿಂತ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ದರದ ಕೊಠಡಿಗಳ ಬುಕ್ಕಿಂಗ್‌ಗಳು ಶೇ.20ರಷ್ಟು ಏರಿಕೆಯಾಗಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಮಗೊವ್ ವಿವರಿಸಿದರು.

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Dr. Aarthi Krishna Sworn in as MLC; Ceremony Attended by CM Siddaramaiah and Dignitaries from Oman

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Bengaluru: In a moment of pride for the Congress party and the Indian diaspora, Dr. Aarthi Krishna, Chairperson of the KPCC NRI Cell, was formally sworn in as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC). The oath-taking ceremony was held in the august presence of Sri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, who extended his best wishes to Dr. Krishna on her new responsibility.

The event drew notable participation from international guests, particularly from Oman, underlining Dr. Aarthi Krishna’s longstanding engagement with the global Indian community. Among those present were Ms. Prema, Ms. Thankam, Dr. Latha, and Dr. Maria Mathew, who travelled to witness the milestone. Their presence highlighted the deep ties between the KPCC NRI Cell and the overseas Indian diaspora.

Dr. Aarthi Krishna’s elevation to the Council is seen as recognition of her sustained efforts in addressing the concerns of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and building strong networks that connect them to Karnataka’s political, social, and cultural landscape. Party leaders and well-wishers hailed the occasion as a significant step towards greater representation of the diaspora in state policymaking.

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Subroto Cup 2025: CISCE Clinches U-15 Title with Thumping Win

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CISCE Clinches 64th Subroto Cup U-15 Title with Resounding 6-0 Win

Bengaluru, September 11, 2025: Minerva Public School, Mohali, representing CISCE, lifted the Sub Junior Boys (U-15) crown at the 64th Subroto Cup International Football Tournament with a commanding 6-0 victory over Vidyachal International School, Muzaffarpur (Bihar), in the final played at Air Force Station, Yelahanka.

CISCE stamped their authority early on, with Mahesh (4’, 50+1’), Letgouhao Kipgen (19’, 35’), Bickson (37’), and Rimoson (42’) finding the target to secure an emphatic win. Bihar failed to make a breakthrough against a disciplined CISCE side.

The final was attended by Air Marshal Tejinder Singh AVSM VM, AOC-in-C, Training Command, as Chief Guest, alongside former India hockey captain and decorated Olympian PR Sreejesh, who was Guest of Honour. The ceremony also featured performances by the Air Warrior Drill Team and students of Air Force School, Yelahanka.

The winners received a prize of ₹4 lakh, while the runners-up took home ₹2 lakh. Individual awards included: Best Player – Letgouhao Kipgen (CISCE), Best Goalkeeper – Gurtejveer (CISCE), Best Coach – Karan Kumar (Bihar), Fair Play Award – Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), and Best School – Vidyachal International School (Bihar).

With the U-15 tournament concluded, the Subroto Cup now moves to New Delhi, where the Junior Boys (U-17) matches will be held from September 16 to 25 at venues including Dr Ambedkar Stadium, Tejas Football Ground Race Course, Pinto Park Ground, and Subroto Park Ground.

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ideaForge’s Q6 V2 UAV Assigned NATO Stock Number, Boosting India’s Global Defence Exports

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Bengaluru, September 10, 2025: ideaForge Technology Limited, India’s leading drone manufacturer, has announced that its tactical surveillance UAV, Q6 V2, has been assigned a NATO Stock Number (NSN) under the NATO Codification System. This recognition enables NATO and allied forces to procure the drone through standardized global defence supply channels.

The milestone marks another success for India’s growing defence manufacturing sector and highlights ideaForge’s ability to deliver export-ready unmanned systems that meet international standards of quality, interoperability, and mission readiness. ideaForge’s SWITCH UAV had already received an NSN earlier.

The Q6 V2 is a high-endurance, lightweight, VTOL-capable UAV designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Built entirely in India, it offers advanced EO/IR payloads, autonomous navigation, secure communications, and rapid deployment in under 10 minutes. The platform features:

60 minutes of endurance

5 km operational range (day and night)

5.9 kg payload capacity

Proven deployment in diverse terrains, including high-altitude and disaster-hit zones


Already in service with Indian defence and homeland security forces, the Q6 V2 has demonstrated operational reliability in both military and disaster management missions.

NATO Stock Numbers are 13-digit identifiers recognized by 68 nations for sourcing and lifecycle support of military equipment. The codification confirms that the Q6 V2 meets strict global classification norms and can be seamlessly integrated into international defence logistics and procurement systems.

Vipul Joshi, CFO of ideaForge, said: “The NATO Stock Number codification for the Q6 V2 is not just a technical validation but a strategic step toward global interoperability. It underlines India’s position as a trusted source of mission-ready UAVs and strengthens our role in international defence innovation.”

With the NSN in place, ideaForge is exploring partnerships with global system integrators and OEMs to expand the Q6 V2’s footprint in NATO-aligned operations. Together with the SWITCH UAV, the Q6 V2’s recognition strengthens India’s push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat, putting indigenous UAVs on par with international defence-grade systems.

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