4 more MoUs in pipeline, mainly in aerospace: Karnataka deputy CM at tech summit

News Network

November 22, 2020

Bengaluru, Nov 22: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister C N Ashwath Narayan on Saturday announced that four more Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed between the state government and Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) partner countries, including the US, majorly in the aerospace sector.

The announcement comes a day after Karnataka government signed eight MoUs with various countries, including the US and the UK, at the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2020 that concluded on Saturday.

"This summit has witnessed eight MoUs with our partner countries and four more are in the pipeline, out of which two will be signed with the USA in the aerospace sector. We are expecting exchange of ideas in this sector between India and our GIA partner countries, which may translate into investments in future," he said at the valedictory function of the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2020 on Saturday.

Narayan added Bengaluru has always taken charge to lead the transformation of India with innovation, science and technology.

"The theme of this year's summit was 'Next is Now', building on the success of our event last year. Innovation, especially in leveraging disruptive technologies, is the need of the hour. Through the sessions, panels, presentations, knowledge cafe, etc., we have created a larger platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas.

"This year, it was a matter of great privilege to have Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurate the summit. The Prime Minister's presence and inspiring words gave us all the energy over the last three days. We were honoured by the virtual presence of Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, and Swiss Confederation Vice-President Guy Parmelin," he said.

He further said that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for rapid innovation, synergies between biotechnology and information technology and global cooperation.

"BTS 2020 is the ideal platform for achieving these aims. Our government is committed to ensuring that these technologies and innovations are made in Karnataka for the world, in collaboration with leading minds, to alleviate the life of the common man," said Narayan.

He added the BTS 2021 will also be held in November. "The next BTS will be conducted physically and virtually for extending its global reach," he said.

The 23rd edition of the summit was conducted under the guidance of the chairmen and members of the three vision groups on IT, biotech and start-ups. For the first time, an international advisory group was also formed to ensure a global perspective, while designing the conference.

The summit had leading innovators, scientists and tech evangelists participating from all across the globe. As part of the GIA track, there were 16 sessions by international partners - Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and Taiwan.

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Mangaluru–Kasaragod bus fare rolled back after Kerala protests force NHAI to shut Arikkady toll plaza

coastaldigest.com news network

February 5,2026

Mangaluru: The KSRTC Mangaluru division has rolled back the fare hike on buses operating on the Mangaluru–Kasaragod route following the suspension of toll collection at the Arikkady toll plaza near Kumbala in Kasaragod district.

The fare revision had been implemented after the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) began toll collection at the Arikkady plaza on NH-66. As a result, fares for ordinary and Rajahamsa services were increased by ₹7 and ₹10, respectively, raising the bus fare from Mangaluru to Kasaragod from ₹81 to ₹88.

Senior Divisional Controller of KSRTC’s Mangaluru division, Rajesh Shetty, said the fares were reduced after toll collection at the Arikkady plaza was stopped. “The tollgate began operations on January 13, and the toll amount was deducted from the FASTag accounts of KSRTC buses operating on the route. Following an order from the central government to suspend toll collection, KSRTC has also withdrawn the additional fare with immediate effect,” he said.

At present, vehicles travelling on the Mangaluru–Kasaragod route pay toll only at the Talapady toll plaza. The toll for light motor vehicles (LMVs) at Talapady is ₹80 for a same-day return, while heavy vehicles, including buses, are charged ₹250. At Arikkady, the toll rates were ₹130 for LMVs (same-day return) and ₹450 for buses.

Protests against Arikkady toll plaza

The Arikkady toll plaza witnessed widespread protests from January 12, the day toll collection commenced. On the second day, an action committee led by Manjeshwar MLA A K M Ashraf launched an indefinite protest at the site. Except for the BJP, leaders and workers of most major political parties participated in the agitation.

On the night of January 14, a large number of protesters gathered at the plaza and vandalised property, following which authorities temporarily suspended toll operations. The BJP later also expressed opposition to the toll plaza and criticised NHAI’s decision.

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