Bengaluru Global Water Innovation Network (BGWIN)
Context
BWSSB explores creation of global water innovation hub for Bengaluru.
- The Bengaluru Global Water Innovation Network (BGWIN) is a proposed international collaboration platform designed to modernise urban water management and position Bengaluru as a global hub for water innovation.
- It is in alignment with “Brand Bengaluru” initiative, BGWIN aims to tackle systemic challenges like climate change, rapid urbanisation, and resource scarcity.
Objectives
- Global Hub Placement: Elevating Bengaluru into an internationally recognised centre for water management and sustainable infrastructure.
- Unified Ecosystem: Linking water utilities, government agencies, universities, research bodies, startups, investors, and civil society.
- Technology Co-creation: Fostering the deployment of deep-tech solutions for urban water security.
Operational Infrastructure
According to BWSSB Chairman V. Ram Prasath Manohar, the core of the network will feature a Centre of Excellence hosting a dedicated Technology Innovation Hub. Research operations within this hub will focus on:
- AI-driven predictive analytics for water grid management
- Smart metering systems to control distribution losses.
- Decentralised water treatment and advanced recycling technologies.
- Next-generation utility management and wastewater reuse solutions.
First science-based tree management framework
Context
Bengaluru may get first science-based tree management framework.
- The first-ever science-based tree management framework in Bengaluru, proposed by the Indian Wood Science and Technology (IWST).
- It is science-based Visual Tree Assessments (VTA) and non-invasive diagnostics to limit further damage and ensure public safety
- The proposal has been processed and would soon be presented to the five corporations.
- If implemented, this will be the first-ever effort by Bengaluru’s civic bodies to manage trees through a scientific approach.
- The exercise will also facilitate the phased removal of vulnerable tree species in a time-bound manner and promote the planting of native species that can better withstand heavy rains and storms.
- Ageing ornamental and softwood trees were responsible for the large-scale uprooting witnessed across the city.
- The study is expected to result in ward-wise geo-tagged tree risk registers, species-specific failure risk analyses, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for scientific tree management.
Akka Cafe
Context
Mandya’s first Akka Café to open in Pandavapura taluk panchayat.
- Initiative aims to provide clean, tasty and affordable food in rural areas while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for women self-help groups engaged in the ready-to-eat food service sector.
About Akka Cafe
- It is a major Government of Karnataka project aimed at promoting rural women’s entrepreneurship and financial independence.
- Managed entirely by women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs), it serves as a platform to showcase culinary skills and local flavors in well-designed.
Features
- Nodal Agencies: The initiative is led by the National Livelihood Mission (NLM) under the Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihoods, in collaboration with the Coffee Board of India.
- Funding & Scale: The state government has sanctioned ₹25 crore to establish up to 2,500 Akka Café coffee kiosks across Karnataka.
- Skill Development: Under the program, the Coffee Board trains one lakh SHG women in coffee brewing, café management, and entrepreneurship to help them become confident business owners.
- Current Status: Cafés are currently operational in major locations such as Gandhinagar (Bengaluru), Devanahalli, Dharwad, Mysuru, and Malpe Beach (Udupi).