Karnataka secures seat on Hub Governing Board of National Quantum Mission
Kalaburagi: Karnataka has secured representation in the Hub Governing Board (HGB) of the National Quantum Mission (NQM), following sustained efforts by Raichur MP G. Kumar Naik.
The Hindu reported that Naik had raised the matter in the Lok Sabha on August 11 under Rule 377, stressing the need for active participation of States in the mission’s development and governance. Responding to his intervention, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh assured that State Governments would be involved in the highest-level decision-making process.
In a letter dated August 26, he confirmed that a communication had been sent to Karnataka’s Chief Secretary to nominate a senior officer.
Acting on the directive, the State Government on August 31 nominated Ekrup Caur, Secretary of the Department of Information Technology and Biotechnology (ITBT), as the nodal officer for the HGB, which will be based at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.) in Bengaluru. The order was issued by Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh.
Naik termed it “a significant step towards cooperative federalism and shared progress.” He said Karnataka, with its strong research ecosystem, thriving startups, and skilled talent base, was “fully prepared to co-create India’s quantum future.”
Naik also commended Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for their leadership, noting the State’s ₹1,000 crore Quantum Fund and vision for quantum technology development. He further appreciated Science and Technology Minister N.S. Boseraju for conceptualising and executing the Quantum India Summit 2025, which brought global experts together in Bengaluru.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Couple, son 'hacked' to death over witchcraft suspicion in Jharkhand's Palamu
Medininagar (PTI): A couple and their 18-year-old son were allegedly hacked to death over suspicion of practising witchcraft in Jharkhand's Palamu, police said on Sunday.
Their minor daughter was also injured in the attack late on Saturday, a police officer said.
The bodies were recovered from their house on Sunday in Panki police station area, he said.
“Initial investigation suggests that the case is related to witchcraft suspicion,” Manoj Kumar Jha, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Lesliganj told PTI.
A manhunt is on to nab the culprits, Jha said.
The girl suffered severe injuries and has been admitted to a government hospital, he said.
The deceased have been identified as Vijay Bhuiyan (45), his wife Kalia Devi (40), and their son Chotu Bhuiyan.
The bodies have been sent to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) for post-mortem examination.
