Karnataka, New Zealand explore tech, research ties under PMSA programme
Bengaluru (PTI): A delegation from New Zealand’s innovation ecosystem met Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday to explore collaboration under the PMSA programme.
The interaction focused on strengthening people-to-people ties and building long-term institutional linkages between Karnataka and New Zealand, the state IT-BT minister said in a statement.
Kharge said the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia is a New Zealand government-funded programme aimed at deepening partnerships and building global capabilities in innovation, education and leadership.
The delegation included representatives from New Zealand’s research, technology, education, and innovation sectors.
During the meeting, Kharge highlighted Karnataka’s position as India’s fourth-largest technology cluster and a leading hub for research and development, innovation and Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
He also referred to the state’s strong talent base, with more than 250 engineering colleges and a large network of higher education and research institutions, making it a natural destination for academic and industry collaboration.
The minister stressed the need to create skill and market-access corridors to enable startups, researchers and companies from both regions to scale solutions across markets.
He outlined Karnataka’s ‘DeepTech Decade’ roadmap and suggested collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence, aerospace, climate and sensor technologies, agritech and marine biotechnology.
Kharge suggested that the delegation work closely with the department through its Global Innovation Alliance platform to enable sustained engagement with startups, academia, industry and government bodies.
The delegation expressed interest in identifying priority areas of collaboration and forming a working group to take them forward. Both sides are exploring a formal collaboration framework, including a memorandum of understanding, the statement said.
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Mamata alleges BJP disrupted her Bhabanipur rally, Suvendu claims 'she's nervous'
Kolkata (PTI): Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee cut short her speech at a rally in her Bhabanipur constituency, alleging that the BJP was deliberately playing loud music from a nearby public meeting.
A peeved Banerjee said despite having the required permission of the Election Commission, her rally in Chakraberia was disrupted by the BJP, "who want to capture Bengal by intimidation and threat".
"It is not possible for me to go ahead with this meeting. If they can do such a thing in my constituency, imagine how undemocratic the BJP is. If they behave like this, I have to take legal action," she said.
"This is an insult, humiliation. BJP is stepping on our toes to instigate trouble. Not possible to address the gathering in this situation. I am leaving the stage. Please vote for me in your protest," she added.
Banerjee was then seen calling someone over and venting her grievances.
Before leaving the stage, she said, "I will hold a rally tomorrow at the same spot."
TMC supporters then rushed towards the BJP rally, which was later addressed by Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, but security personnel intervened and prevented the situation from escalating.
TMC workers later staged a demonstration outside the local police station and filed a complaint, alleging that the BJP violated the model code of conduct.
A senior TMC leader said another complaint will also be lodged with the Election Commission.
Asked about Banerjee's allegations, Adhikari told reporters after the rally he held nearby, "Her reaction shows she is nervous about the imminent loss."
"There was no violence, no obstruction in her meeting and her behaviour shows her nervousness. On May 4, people of Bhabanipur will celebrate the victory of the BJP," he claimed, alleging that the TMC also tried to disrupt his meeting by playing loud music.
South Kolkata's Bhabanipur, one of the battleground seats in the West Bengal elections, will vote in the second phase on April 29.
