KARNATAKA GOVERNMENT'S MOVE TO SET ASIDE 5% OF PARKS & GARDENS IN THE STATE FOR "OTHER PURPOSES' IS NOT A GOOD MOVE.

Environmental groups,urban planners & citizen activists have begun mobilising support against the govt's move to set aside upto  5% of parks & gardens to be used for other purposes.The state cabinet has approved a bill to amend the Karnataka Govt.parks(preservation) Act,1975 to this effect. A coalition of organisations & citizens have also written to the Chief Minister Shri.D.K.Shivakumar seeking withdrawal of the proposed amendment,mentioning that the parks cannot be treated as vacant land. Infact,parks & Gardens add beauty to the city & are lung spaces for our city called as "Garden City". Bengaluru has only 3000 acres of park space for 1.4 crore people,where as it should have 30,000 acres,as per national benchmarks.  In this context, the observations of Mr.A.N.Yellappa Reddy,Former Secretary,Department of Forests is very relevant & timely.He says," Once a general principle is introduced permitting portions of protected parks to be made available for infrastructure,what begins as an exception today can slowly become an administrative practice tomorrow".  While commercialisation of public parks & gardens  should NOT be allowed,may be government can think of building toilets &  children play area.

AMERICAN PARADOX-HOW AMERICA RULES THE WORLD WITH GROSS NATIONAL DEBT OF $40 TRILLION ?

Latest US Gross National Debt has reached a figure of $ 40 Trillion. Yet, the US Dollar remains the king among all currencies, and still the world keeps buying US Bonds.Because,there is a feeling that America cannot default, as it borrows in a currency it prints.Net interest consumes 15% of all Federal spending.  India has  a debt of Rs.200.53 lakh crores ($2174.6 billion approx.).India's Total Forex reserves amounts to $700.7 billion as on August,7, 2026(RBI Data) & ranks 4th in the world in Forex reserves just behind China,Japan & Switzerland..India can comfortably repay its foreign debt as India is set to grow at a minimum rate of 6% GDP  growth.The good News is ,India projected to have 10.8 crore affluent consumers by 2036,marginally surpassing China's 10.3 crores,according to the latest  findings by NielsenIQ and World Data Lab.The report also separately estimates that India has 64.9 crore "Core Consumers"in 2026, defined as people spending between $13 & $90 a day.Yet, India is not in top major foreign currencies when compared to  USdollar,Euro,Pound & Sterling,Japanese Yen,Chinese Renminbi,Canadian dollar & Switzerland Francs. 

US Dollar is the world's  primary reserve currency making about 57% of all allocated  global foreign exchange reserves tracked by IMF. The other currencies are Euro: 20% of global reserves,Japanese Yen: 5.8% of global reserves,British Pound (GBP) :4.4% of global reserves & Chinese Renminbi (RMB) : 2% of Global reserves. India is no where in the picture.

US has a population of 349.2 million & India has a population  of around 1.4 billion. Hence,India has a huge consuming market with a strong middle class.Infact, we need not depend on exports as internal consumption itself can take care of  products manufactured within the country. However, we promote exports to earn the Dollar & the government gives more incentives to promote exports. Hence, there is a feeling amongst the experts that the government should think of more out of box ideas to strengthen the rupee, reduce the imports except for Crude Oil,Gas & fertilizer and others which are most critical. The strength of the country is determined by how strong their currency is.Most of the  Indians go abroad to earn in Dollars /Euros & Dhirams so that they get more value in rupees, because the rupee is weak. Even currencies like Singapore dollar (Rs.74.59)&Malaysian Ringgit (Rs.23.19) are stronger than Indian Rupee.

Case for Rupee being for Global Reserve status: India has a large domestic market diversified production base and expanding trade links strengthen the case for greater INR usage.From Financial angle,macro economic stability & sustainable growth and the depth & liquidity of domestic financial markets  are critical  for any currency aspiring to be a Reserve status currency. Further, full capital account convertibility is associated with reserve currencies.India follows a calibrated & partial approach to capital account liberalisation.

LET US CELEBRATE OUR INDEPENDENCE DAY - LET US RECALL THE SACRIFCES MADE BY OUR FOREFATHERS/ MOTHERS TO ACHIEVE THE FREEDOM WHICH WE CHERISH.

  We are entering 80th year since we got Independence . We will know how Important freedom is, only when  our freedom is taken away. Perhaps, We are the only country  in the world ruled by Moghuls & British for more than few centuries. Further, parts of our country were ruled by French,Portuguese & Dutch formed the Dutch East India Company for trading in India. We were invaded by Greeks/Macedonians,Kushans & Hunas/White Huns. 

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE  DAY  - LET US CHERISH OUR FREEDOM,LET US REMEMBER OUR FREEDOM FIGHTERS. 

LONGINES FRIEND OF THE BRAND SARA ALI KHAN INAUGURATES BRAND'S THIRD BOUTIQUE IN BENGALURU.

Swiss Watch Brand LONGINES established in Saint -Imier Switzerland in 1832 , opened its third boutique in Bengaluru at Phoenix Mall of Asia which was inaugurated by Ms.Sara Ali Khan friend of the brand.This season,LONGINES presents a curated selection of its latest succesful releases. From the refined elegance of Prima Luna to the versatility of Conquest,the seaside confidence of HydroConquest,and the exploratory spirit of the Longines Legend Diver,each timepiece is created to accompany you across bustling cities and calming beaches,in all its forms.

Speaking at the event Ms.Sara said," given the fact that this Longines third store in Bengaluru speaks volumes about the loyalty of its customers in this city.I hope this success story is replicated everywhere in India.She further added that"Longines quietly marks every moment with effortless joy & elegance-that's what makes it unique'.

Mirroring the brand's universe,the boutiques showcase the latest product range from the refined shapes of Prima Luna and Dolce Vita,to the sporty new Hydro Conquest and the watch making tradition of the Longines Master Collection and heritage timepieces.

L&T TECHNOLOGY SERVICES - FIRST EVER GLOBAL ENGINEERING INTELLIGENCE HACKATHON SPARKS THE NEXT WAVE OF AI-NATIVE ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS.

Engineering Intelligence  brings together engineers across nine locations globally for a 24 hour Innovation Challenge focussed on AI-powered engineering solutions. L&T Technology Services (LTTS) is a global leader Engineering Intelligence Solutions & ER&D Consulting Services . A listed subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro (L&T),it specializes in delivering end-to-end enginerring solutions -from design and development to testing & sustenance-across products and processes. Operating in over 25 countries,LTTS partners with some of the world's leading enterprises to drive innovation and transformation  at scale. Its services are structured across three strategic segments i.e Mobility, Sustainability and Tech,enabling clients to build smarter products,more efficient operations, and future ready eco systems.

The Hackathon brought together nearly 4000 engineers (770 +teams) from  Bengaluru,Mysuru,

Chennai,Hyderabad,Pune,Vadodara,Mumbai,Dallas & Munich to tackle complex engineering challenges through AI-led innovation. An esteemed jury comprising senior LTTS leaders & Technology experts evaluated the solutions through multiple rounds,assessing entries on innovation,technical excellence,scalability,real world relevance and effective use of AI.Winning teams were awarded cash prizes worth over INR 30 lakhs,while standout innovations received oppurtunities for further development through project Equinox,an LTTS platform that supports promising,scalable solutions.Patent worthy innovations were also shortlisted for special recognition,enabling participants to transform breakthrough ideas into valuable intellectual property.

Congratulating the participants & winning teams,Mr.Munjay Singh,Chief operating Officer,L&T Technology Services,said," The EI Open Hack 2026 reflects LTTS vision of engineering intelligence,where engineering expertise & AI come together to solve real world industry challenges.What stood out was not only the scale of participation,but the ability of our engineers to apply contextual understanding,domain knowledge and AI prowess to develop solutions with tangible business relevance".

 

KERALA TRAVEL MART 2026. ALL TIME RECORD IN BUYER REGISTRATION.

 Chief Minister Mr.V.D.Satheesan to inaugurate the Kerala travel Mart in September. KTM has a key role in scaling up global appeal of Kerala Tourism says Mr.P.C.Vishnunadh Kerala Tourism Minister. With more than two months left  for KTM 2026,the KTM has already secured all time record of 2360 buyer registrations.This includes 610 international buyers & 1750 domestic buyers. Media interest for the event has also scaled up with 117 media registrations with 60 International & 57 domestic media registrations.

KERALA TRAVEL MART- 2026.

 The 13th Kerala Travel Mart 2026 is scheduled to take place in Kochi from September 24th to 27th 2026.the event organised by Kerala Travel Mart Society will be inaugurated by Chief Minister of Kerala Mr.V.D.Satheesan at the Grand Hyatt Bolgatty.

Focus areas : The KTM will focus more on Leisure Tourism,MICE ( Meetings,Incentives,Conferences & Exhibitions) and Destination Weddings,with a specific push to reposition Kerala's Ayurvedic & Wellness offerings globally.

NARAYANA HEALTH CITY PERFORMS INDIA'S FIRST "TAVI" FOR PURE NATIVE AORTIC VALVE REGURGITATION USING DEDICATED TAVR DEVICE.

Bangalore,27th May,2026 : Narayana Health City,Bengaluru achieved a landmark in Cardiac Care,successfully performing India's first Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) for pure native aortic regurgitation using the dedicated TAVR device.The procedures were carried out by Dr.Suraj Narasimhan,Senior Consultant Cardiologist & Structural intervention Specialist,and mark a pivotal shift in how high-risk patients with complex valvular condition can be treated.Aortic valve disease broadly falls into Two categories ,1) Stenosis,where the valve opening narrows progressively,2) Regurgitation ,where the valve fails to close fully,allowing blood to flow backward into the heart.Aortic Regurgitation is the third most common valvular disease globally,and its burden is growing alongside an ageing population.

"For years, elderly patients with severe aortic regurgitation who were deemed unfit for surgery had very limited options and that has real consequences. This procedure delivers what previously required Open Heart surgery,through a small puncture in the thigh,in under an hour,with patients back on their feet within 12 hours.It is a genuine turning point for this subset of patients,and we are proud that this chapter was written at Narayana Health City" said,Dr.Suraj Narasimhan. Two patients an 80 year old and a 69 year old male presented with severe aortic regurgitation were assessed by the multi disciplinary heart team as high risk surgical candidates,owing to  advanced age & associated medical conditions,both were determined suitable for transfemoral approach.The procedures were performed in the cardiac catheterization laboratory,each procedure was completed in approximately 45 to 60 minutes,without a surgical incision the valve delivered through an access point in the femoral artery at the thigh.Both patients were stabilised and discharged in good clinical condition within a short period of observation which is 48 hours. 

OPEN LETTER TO HONOURABLE GOVERNOR OF TAMILNADU REGARDING THE STALE MATE IN FORMING THE GOVERNMENT IN TAMILNADU.

 Your Excellency, Sir,                                                                                    Date : 08.05.2026.

I am writing this letter to you as a Citizen of India, born in Tamilnadu, a Senior Citizen  and a Senior Journalist. This letter is regarding the stalemate in forming the government in Tamilnadu. Sir, you have asked Mr.Vijay, whose Party TVK has secured 108 members for the new assembly & has also obtained the support of INC with 5 members in the new assembly totalling to 113 members. Sir,you have asked Mr.Vijay to produce the list of 118 members which is the half way mark.In this context my humble feeling is that you can swear in Mr.Vijay as Chief Minister with very few key  ministers & give him time for 4 to 5 days to prove his majority in the floor of the newly formed assembly as he has a mandate from the people. There are other parties viz.DMK Alliance , who were the ruling alliance  before the elections has lost the mandate of the people as the Chief Minister himself has lost the election. Then there is  AIADMK alliance, who donot have the mandate of the people.

Hence, in these circumstances, I humbly feel Sir, the best way out is to swear Mr.Vijay (TVK Party) as the Chief Minister & give him a reasonable time as you feel, to prove his majority in the floor of the newly constituted assembly.  There are rumours & press reports that DMK & AIADMK are exploring the possibility of forming the government together. If that succeeds, it will be against the "People's Mandate "which is the hallmark of any democracy.

Yours Sincerely,

P.B.Srinivasan.

GLOBAL TRAVEL MART (GTM 2026) TO BE HELD IN THIRUVANANTHAPURAM FROM JUNE 3 TO 5.

More than 1000  Tour operators from the country and abroad will converge at the second edition of South India's prestigeous travel & trade expo,Global Travel Mart (GTM 2026) to be held   from June 3 to 5 th in the state Capital. The B 2 B travel & trade exhibition is organised by South Kerala Hoteliers Forum,Thiruvananthapiram Chamber of Commerce & Industries ,Thavass ventures, and Metro Mart in association with Kerala Tourism and India Tourism at the Golden Palace International convention centre  near Karakkom at Neyyattinkara in the district.

GTM 2026 will showcase different tourism circuits by combining the major tourism centres of South Kerala.It will also feature a project to introduce Ayurveda to global tour operators " said Mr.Biju ,Secretary, Kerala Tourism.

THE STANDARD OPENS NEW GLOBAL CAPABILITY CENTRE (GCC) IN BENGALURU.

 The Standard,a leading provider of Insurance,retirement and Investment products in the United states,opened its new Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Embassy Tech village in Bengaluru.This marks the next phase of the Company's growth journey in India following the launch of The Standard India Operations in November 2025. This facility was inaugurated by Mr.Priyank Kharge, Minister for Electronics,IT & Bio Technology,Govt. Of Karnataka. While inaugurating the facility,,the Minister Mr.Priyank Kharge said," In karnataka we do things differently & we choose future growth.We in Karnataka value partnership.He also said,Karnataka is growing at 8% and is set to grow continuously for another 15 years.

  

This facility  supports continued expansion of capabilities across AI Engineering,Cloud Platform development,data Analytics,digtal transformation and Insurance operations aligned with Company's global strategy.Mr.Greg Chandler,Executive Vice President ,Information Technology,Standard India said,"Our operations in India Play an increasingly important role in our technology transformation.The launch of The Standard India strengthens our ability to fuel ongoing growth,innovate,scale technology capabilities,accelerate digital  transformation and offer new solutions to our customer faster.This centre represents a long term investment in world class talent & reflects our confidence in India as a strategic partner in shaping the future of our business.Since establishing its presence in India in November 2025,The Standard continues to strengthen its  local leadership team across finance,human resources,talent acquisition, information technology,administration and communications'.

" The Standard India is an integrated capability hub that supports engineering,data,AI and insurance operations.As we continue expanding leadership roles and high impact technology functions in India,the Centre will have an important role in advancing The Standard's long term  growth,innovation & transformation priorities",says,Ms.Mohua Sengupta,Senior Vice President,and Country Head at The Standard India.

Bengaluru's mature innovation ecosystem,strong academic institutions & global technology work force make it a natural location for The Standard's inaugural centre.

BEL ACHIEVES RECORD TURNOVER OF Rs.26,750 CRORES.

Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics ltd. (BEL) has achieved a turnover of around Rs.26,750 crores  (Provisional & Unaudited ),during the financial year 2025-26,against the previous year's turnover of Rs.23,024 crores registering a growth of 16.2%. This includes Export sales of around US$ 141.9 million during FY 2025-26mas against the previous year's export turnover of US$106.17 Million,registering a growth of 33.65%. During the fiscal year 2025-26,BEL secured orders worth Rs.30,000 crores including export orders worth USD 346 million.

Jain, Chairman & Managing Director,BEL said," The geographical incidents during the year and ongoing conflict in West Asia has highlighted the need for self reliance in strategic sectors and the importance of a resilient domestic industrial defence eco system. BEL remains well positioned to effectively navigate these challenges through its expertise across multiple technologies & Platforms,strong order book,diversified portfolio,modernised manufacturing facilities and proven execution capabilities.".