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.
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Gehlot changes profile pic to 'Save Aravalli', asks Centre to reconsider definition
Jaipur (PTI): Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Thursday urged the Centre to reconsider its definition of the Aravallis, warning that any damage to the mountain range posed a serious threat to the ecological future of north India.
Gehlot, a former Rajasthan chief minister, changed his social media profile picture in support of the nationwide 'SaveAravalli' campaign amid growing debate over mining and environmental safeguards in the Aravalli Range.
It was his symbolic protest against the new interpretation under which hills lower than 100 metres are no longer being recognised as part of the Aravalli system, he said.
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"The Aravalli cannot be judged by tape measures or height alone. It must be assessed by its ecological importance," Gehlot said, adding that the revised definition raised "a big question" over the future of north India.
Appealing to the Centre and the Supreme Court, Gehlot said the issue must be reconsidered in the interest of future generations and environmental security. He also urged citizens to participate in the campaign by changing their display pictures online to draw attention to the issue.
He said the Aravalli range functioned as a natural green wall against the expansion of the Thar desert and extreme heatwaves, protecting Delhi, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh. Opening up smaller hills and so-called gap areas for mining would allow desertification to advance rapidly, he warned.
Gehlot also flagged concerns over air pollution, saying the hills and forests of the Aravallis acted as the "lungs" of the National Capital Region by checking dust storms and absorbing pollutants.
"When pollution levels are so alarming even with the Aravalli standing, one can imagine how disastrous the situation will be without it," he said.
Highlighting the water crisis, the former chief minister said the rocky terrain of the Aravallis played a crucial role in groundwater recharge by channelising rainwater underground.
"If the hills are destroyed, drinking water shortages will intensify, wildlife will disappear and the entire ecology will be pushed into danger," he said.
Gehlot argued that, from a scientific perspective, the Aravallis was a continuous chain and that even smaller hillocks were as vital as higher peaks.
