Machines to separate nuts from cashew fruits developed in Puttur

For the first time in the country, three types of machines that can separate seeds from Garcinia fruits have been successfully developed.

Under the leadership of the Cashew Research Directorate in Puttur, seed separation machines have been designed and inaugurated. These machines are expected to reach farmers in the coming days. They include a fully automatic machine, a semi-automatic machine, and a pedal-operated version.

Manually extracting seeds from cashew fruits is a tedious process that requires considerable human effort and time. The machines were jointly developed by the Cashew Research Directorate, Puttur, and the Regional Research Centre of the Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE), Bhopal, located in Coimbatore. Dr Manjunath, a scientist at the Puttur centre, led the project. Dr Ravindra Nayak from the Coimbatore centre, along with Dr Balasubramanian and director Dr Dinkar Adiga from the Agricultural Engineering Division of the directorate, also contributed as co-researchers.

“These machines are highly effective in reducing labour, time, and cost. There is also a growing demand for compact machines suited to small-scale farmers, and we are actively considering this,” said Dr Manjunath.

“There is great potential for cashew cultivation in India. In line with that, crop variety development has been undertaken. With these machines, we aim to bring a modern technological touch to cashew farming,” said Dr Dinkar Adiga.

Made entirely of stainless steel, this machine separates seeds, pulp, and juice distinctly. It has the capacity to process 300 kg of fruit per hour. It requires 0.75 litres of petrol per hour and can also operate on electricity. Priced at Rs 1.95 lac, the machine has been commercialized by the directorate, and the production rights have been granted to Fission Agritech Pvt Ltd, based in Ramanagara, which will distribute the machines to customers.

This machine features four top openings with rotating blades inside. It operates on electricity or battery power. When the fruit is fed into the machine, the seeds are separated by the rotation. The intact seeds fall inside and are collected at a separate outlet. It is suitable for separating seeds of all sizes. Two people can work on the machine simultaneously by sitting on opposite sides. It can process 35 kg of seeds per hour and is priced at Rs 35,000.

This version features a sharp blade-like design. The portion of the fruit containing the seed is placed on the blade, and pressing the pedal cuts and separates the seed. The blade then returns to its original position. The fruit remains in hand, and one person can process the fruits using both hands. This machine can separate 15 kg of seeds per hour and is priced at Rs 15,000.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

YuvaSpark founder Akarsh Shroff of Bengaluru conferred National Youth Award

Recognition for his ‘commitment to improving quality of early childhood education at anganwadi centres in India’.

Akarsh Shroff of Bengaluru was conferred the prestigious National Youth Award on April 3 for his ‘commitment to improving quality of early childhood education at anganwadi centres in India’.

The award was conferred during a ceremony at Parliament House in Delhi by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya. The event was organised to honour award recipients of both this and the previous year. A total of 22 awardees were honoured across both the years.

The National Youth Awardis conferred by the Ministry of Youth Affairs to recognise the excellent efforts of youth working towards national development and social service. The prize recognises work in health, research, culture, human rights, tourism, education, sports, innovation, community service, by people under the age of 30.

Akarsh founded YuvaSpark as a 17-year-old high school student in 2018. The organisation has built technology platforms that have digitised learning at over 600 anganwadi centres across rural India. To enhance quality of education at anganwadis (early childhood education centres in rural India), YuvaSpark’s digital platform is periodically providing teachers with custom-curated interactive vernacular language academic content.

Apart from this, the organisation runs programmes to improve infrastructure at orphanages, enhance library infrastructure in government schools, and provide smart learning devices to special schools.

The organisation has impacted the lives of 3,46,000 children across 10 States by engaging over 700 volunteers from 35 institutions, and has raised ₹2.5 crore in funding from Amazon, BCG, Indian Oil, MNGL, SECI, and other companies.

After graduating from one of India’s most prominent institutions, BITS Pilani, in 2022, Akarsh opted out of placements and chose to devote his time to improving the quality of education for children in India.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Karnataka Bhavan built at Rs 138 crore to be inaugurated in New Delhi on Apr 2  

In a significant milestone for Karnataka, the long-awaited Karnataka Bhavan (Kaveri) in the national capital is set to be inaugurated tomorrow, April 2, at 6:30 pm. The newly constructed building, representing the state’s rich cultural heritage, will be unveiled by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

The grand event will be attended by prominent dignitaries, including AICC president Mallikarjuna Kharge, who will grace the occasion. Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi will preside over the ceremony, while Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar will join as a special guest.

Other distinguished guests include opposition leader R. Ashoka and minister Cheluvanarayana Swamy. Additionally, Union ministers H D Kumaraswamy, Pralhad Joshi, V. Somanna, Shobha Karandlaje, and Nirmala Sitharaman have been invited. Delhi’s special representatives, T B Jayachandra and Prakash Hukkeri, will also be part of the inauguration.

The Karnataka Bhavan, located in the upscale Chanakyapuri area of New Delhi, spans 3,532 square metres and boasts a total built-up area of 12,212 square metres (131,450 square feet). Designed as a multi-purpose space for state functions, meetings, and cultural activities, the building is a symbol of Karnataka’s enduring heritage.

This multi-storey complex, which comprises 9 floors, including two basements, is equipped with 52 rooms. Among these are 2 luxurious VIP suites, 32 suite rooms, and 18 single rooms. In addition, the building features 86 toilets and parking for 10 cars in the basement. Originally estimated at Rs 81 crore, the final cost of the project soared to Rs 138 crore, marking the completion of a major architectural endeavour for the state.

“The Karnataka Bhavan will not only provide a warm and hospitable environment for our government officials, dignitaries, and citizens but also serve as a vibrant hub to promote our culture and heritage in the capital,” said Siddaramaiah.

The Bhavan’s facilities include state-of-the-art amenities designed for both comfort and functionality. It features spacious meeting rooms, VIP lounges, conference rooms, a gym, and even a terrace with solar power units. The building’s purpose is to elevate Karnataka’s presence in New Delhi while also providing an official venue for government activities and cultural programmes.

Key features of Karnataka Bhavan:

  • Basement 1 (2335 sq.m.): Lift lobby, stairs, driver’s laundry, security room, BMS room, 50 car parking spaces.
  • Basement 2 (2335 sq.m.): Stairs, staff rooms, 24 car parking spaces, staff rest room.
  • Ground Floor (1050 sq.m.): Reception, waiting room, board room, pantry, media briefing room, VIP lounge, toilets, fire control room, tourism info desk, security room.
  • First Floor (1005 sq.m.): RC chamber, DRC, PA room, staff room, administrative record room, server room, pantry, liaison officer room, conference room.
  • Second Floor (1050 sq.m.): 3 suite rooms, 4 single rooms, special representative office, PA room, legal record room.
  • Third Floor (1050 sq.m.): 8 suite rooms, 3 single rooms, gym, pantry.
  • Fourth Floor (1050 sq.m.): 9 suite rooms, pantry, housekeeping facilities.
  • Fifth Floor (1050 sq.m.): 6 suite rooms, 4 single rooms, pantry, housekeeping.
  • Sixth Floor (1050 sq.m.): 6 suite rooms, 3 single rooms, pantry, housekeeping.
  • Seventh Floor (237 sq.m.): Terrace, stairs room, solar power units.

With its architectural brilliance and a blend of modern facilities, Karnataka Bhavan is poised to become a symbol of the state’s pride and a central venue for official functions, cultural exchanges, and public engagements in New Delhi.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

12 SDMCs in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi districts adjudged best in Karnataka for 2023-24

Each of the 204 SDMCs selected from the State have been given a reward of ₹1 lakh, as part of “Pusti” scheme of the government’s Samagra Shikhsana Karnataka Programme.

School Development and Monitoring Committees (SDMCs) of seven government schools in Dakshina Kannada and five schools from Udupi district are among the 204 SDMCs adjudged as the best in the State for 2023-24. Each of the 204 SDMCs have been given a reward of ₹ 1 lakh.

The reward was given as part of “Pusti” scheme of the government’s Samagra Shikhsana Karnataka Programme recognising the role of SDMCs in all-round development of the schools. Starting from this academic year, the reward will be given every year, according to M. Kurma Rao, Director, Samagra Shikshana Karnataka Programme.

The seven SDMCs of Dakshina Kannada are Government Lower Primary School, Emaje in Bantwal taluk, Government Higher Primary School, Kattadabail in Belthangady taluk, Government Higher Primary School in Madhya near Mangaluru, Government Pre University College, Nalyapadavu near Mangaluru, Government Higher Primary School in Neerkere near Moodbidri, Government Higher Primary School at Veeramangala in Puttur taluk, and Government Higher Primary School at Kolchar in Sullia taluk.

The five SDMCs of Udupi district are Government PU College Manoor in Brahmavar taluk, Government Higher Primary School (Hindustani) in Naguru in Byndoor taluk; Government Higher Primary School, Miyaru in Karkala taluk, Government High School Beejadi in Kundapura taluk and Government Higher Primary School in Nandikur of Udupi taluk.

Reward amount for betterment of schools

In a letter to all district Deputy Directors of Public Instruction, Mr. Rao said ‘Pusti’ is a programme to recognise contribution of SDMCs in development of schools. The programme is also for empowering SDMC members. It is also for developing competitive spirit among SDMCs. The reward amount should be used for betterment of schools and utilisation certificate should be submitted by school head master to respective block resource coordinator.

The official further said a total of 44,762 government schools had registered for the survey done for “Pusti” reward. As many as 1,836 schools qualified for the taluk level, and 612 schools at the district-level survey. Ultimately, 204 SDMCs (one for each taluk ) were selected for the reward, the official said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Udupi: Rajaram Tallur’s book ‘Karidabbi’ receives Sahitya Akademi Award for thoughtful writing

Writer and columnist Rajaram Tallur’s book ‘Karidabbi’ has been honored with the Karnataka Sahitya Akademi’s 2022 Book Award for best thoughtful writing. The award was presented on March 25 at a ceremony held at Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bengaluru by the state’s minister for Kannada and Culture, Shivaraj Tangadagi.

The event was attended by senior writer Dr Hampanagarajayya, Karnataka Sahitya Akademi president L N Mukundaraj, secretary of the Kannada and Culture department Dr N Manjula, director of the Kannada and culture department K M Gayatri, and several other dignitaries.

During the ceremony, the Sahitya Akademi’s Honorary Award and Sahitya Shri Awards for the year 2023 were also presented.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)