Category: Amazing Feats

NATIONAL / KARNATAKA: BOEING’s LARGEST : PM Modi inaugurates Boeing’s largest campus outside US in Bengaluru

Boeing’s new campus will also serve as the hub for Indian startups and universities.

While inaugurating the Boeing India Engineering and Technology Centre (BIETC), Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Bengaluru is a city that connects aspirations with innovation and achievement.

“Bengaluru connects India’s technological capability with global demand,” said PM Modi in Bengaluru.

This is Boeing’s largest centre outside the US, built with an investment of Rs 1,600 crore which is also Boeing’s largest such investment. Modi also launched Boeing’s Sukanya Program that aims to support the entry of more girl children from across India into the country’s aviation sector. The program will provide opportunities for girls and women from across India to learn critical skills in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields and train for jobs in the aviation sector.

Boeing’s centre in Bengaluru will house engineering, test, research and technology teams, performing advanced high-quality aerospace engineering works. It includes support in structural and systems design, manufacturing, aircraft testing system development, and digital solutions that drive sustainability in aviation. The centre will also work in areas like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Internet-of-Things, Cloud Solutions, Model-Based Engineering, and Additive Manufacturing to enhance quality, safety, and productivity.

Boeing’s new campus in Bengaluru will also serve as the hub for Boeing’s work with Indian startups and universities. Currently Boeing has collaborated with seven incubators, including Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship – IIT Mumbai, Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer – IIT Delhi, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center – IIT Gandhinagar, IIT Madras Incubation Cell, Society for Innovation and Development – IISC Bengaluru, T-Hub Hyderabad, and Technology Business Incubator – KIIT Bhubaneshwar. Together, they host the Boeing University Innovation Leadership and Development program (BUILD) annually in India.

The Boeing’s Sukanya Program was launched in the backdrop that India leads the world with women comprising 15 percent of all pilots, exceeding the global average of 5 percent. The Indian aviation sector is also witnessing a surging demand for pilots. More than a doubling of the current roster of 9,000 pilots will be required. Under this program Boeing is establishing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Labs in girls’ schools, especially in tier 2 and 3 towns, to expand awareness, knowledge, and exposure to careers in aviation.

With around 150 locations planned, local program managers will engage with as many as 75,000 students through these STEM labs, with the intent of reaching 60 percent of the young girl students. The initiative will support learning through various digital products, including Virtual Procedure Trainer, Virtual Airplane, and Private Pilot License ground school courses. Boeing will also provide scholarships for training, covering aspects such as foundation, jet bridge, type rating, and more.

Besides this Boeing will have full-flight simulator capacity to support the women’s pilot program and collaborate with customers to ensure candidates are airline-ready. These investments – both hard assets, and Competency-based Training and Assessment (CBTA) courseware aim to produce a large pipeline of female pilots entering the airlines annually.

During the inauguration PM Modi was joined by the Governor of Karnataka Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Leader of the Opposition – Karnataka Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka and Stephanie Pope Boeing’s Chief Operating Officer, along with other senior Boeing executives. 

source/content: theweek.in (headline edited)

NATIONAL / KARNATAKA: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY: IISc designs device to make infrared light visible, with diverse applications in defence and optical communications

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have fabricated a device to increase or up-convert the frequency of short infrared light to the visible range. This up-conversion of light has diverse applications, especially in defence and optical communications, said IISc.

“The human eye can only see light at certain frequencies (called the visible spectrum), the lowest of which constitutes red light. Infrared light, which we can’t see, has an even lower frequency than red light. IISc researchers have now fabricated a device to increase or up-convert the frequency of short infrared light to the visible range,” IISc said.

2D material used

The institute added that in a first, the IISc team used a 2D material to design what they call a non-linear optical mirror stack to achieve this up-conversion, combined with widefield imaging capability. The stack consists of multilayered gallium selenide fixed to the top of a gold reflective surface, with a silicon dioxide layer sandwiched in between.

It said that traditional infrared imaging uses exotic low-energy bandgap semiconductors or micro-bolometer arrays, which usually pick up heat or absorption signatures from the object being studied.

However, existing infrared sensors are bulky and not very efficient. They are also export-restricted because of their utility in defence. There is, therefore, a critical need to develop indigenous and efficient devices.

The method used by the IISc team involves feeding an input infrared signal along with a pump beam onto the mirror stack. The nonlinear optical properties of the material constituting the stack result in a mixing of the frequencies, leading to an output beam of increased (up-converted) frequency, but with the rest of the properties intact. Using this method, they were able to up-convert infrared light of a wavelength of around 1,550 nm to 622 nm visible light. The output light wave can be detected using traditional silicon-based cameras.

Going forward, the researchers plan to extend their work to up-convert light of longer wavelengths. They are also trying to improve the efficiency of the device by exploring other stack geometries.

Worldwide interest

“There is a lot of interest worldwide in doing infrared imaging without using infrared sensors. Our work could be a game-changer for those applications,” said Varun Raghunathan, associate professor, Department of Electrical Communication Engineering.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: WIND ENERGY: Karnataka ranks 02nd in All-India Wind Power Generation

The event highlighted significant advancements and achievements in the wind energy sector across the nation.

Karnataka secured second place in the all-India wind energy generation capacity commissioned for the year 2023 -24. The state stood second after Gujarat, while Tamil Nadu ranked third, a release said on Wednesday.

Karnataka was honoured by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) as part of Global Wind Day celebrations in Delhi on June 15, with the central theme of ‘Pawan-Urja: Powering the Future of India’. The event highlighted significant advancements and achievements in the wind energy sector across the nation.

As per data from the energy department, the commissioned capacity for wind power generation for financial year 2023- 24 is 724.66MW. Gujarat’s commissioned capacity is 1743.8MW, while Tamil Nadu’s is 586.37MW. KP Rudrappaiah, managing director, Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) received the award from Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik and MNRE secretary Bhupinder S Bhalla.

Reacting to this, Energy Minister KJ George said Karnataka’s significant strides in the wind energy sector reflect its dedication to renewable energy and its vision for a sustainable and prosperous future.

Gaurav Gupta, additional chief secretary, energy department, said the achievement reflects the commitment towards sustainable energy and efforts to harness wind power.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL & KARNATAKA: SPACE: IN-SPACe launches Pre-Incubation Entrepreneurship for youngsters

Applicants should not have received any grants, funding, or monetary support from private or government schemes and all submissions must be original work to qualify.

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has launched the Pre-Incubation Entrepreneurship (PIE) Development Programme to support and nurture early-stage space startups. The programme aims to cultivate and empower the next generation of space tech innovators, providing them with the tools and guidance necessary to transform their space ambitions.

The 21-month programme will guide aspiring entrepreneurs through a comprehensive journey divided into different phases such as ideation, innovation, and prototype development. The programme will ensure that budding entrepreneurs receive structured support at each critical stage of development.

PIE aims to target students in technical courses or those with a strong interest in space technology, expected to graduate in 2024, or pursuing Master’s or Doctorate programmes and early-stage start-ups focusing on space technologies and aiming to develop entrepreneurial ventures.

Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe, said, “India’s space sector is poised for exponential growth, and young entrepreneurs are crucial to driving this expansion. PIE will provide them with a launch pad, equipping them not only with technical expertise but with the business acumen needed to navigate the complexities of space industry.”

Applicants should not have received any grants, funding, or monetary support from private or government schemes and all submissions must be original work to qualify.

Star-ups registered with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade on or after July 1, 2022, are classified as early-stage start-ups.

For more details, visit www.inspace.gov.in

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL / KARNATAKA: SPORTS/ CRICKET: Shubha Satheesh, The First Woman Cricketer From Mysuru Playing For India

‘Want to do well for Team India in T20, ODI and Test’.

When we talk about cricket, the conversation often centres around the men in the game. However, the women who have taken up the sport have repeatedly proven their worth. Be it Jhulan Goswami, Mithali Raj, Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, or Rajeshwari  Gayakwad, all have grown to become inspirations not just for young girls but for boys as well.

Mysuru, a hub of cricket for decades, has also contributed to Indian cricket. Until now, the legendary Javagal Srinath was the only player from Mysuru to play for the Indian team.

Joining him now is Shubha Satheesh, the 24-year-old all-rounder who made her debut for the Indian Women’s Team against England in the only Test match played at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Mumbai last year.

Shubha was also part of the triumphant Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team that won the Women’s Premier League recently. She will be joining the Indian team camp to prepare for the upcoming home series against South Africa.

Shubha is the daughter of M. Satheesh and K. Thara, residing in Rajarajeshwari Nagar in the city. Star of Mysore caught up with the talented cricketer during her recent visit to Mysuru. Excerpts…

Star of Mysore (SOM): When did you start playing cricket and what inspired you to take up the sport?

Shubha Satheesh: I started playing cricket in 2011. I used to play with boys in my locality, and one day, I was invited to play at BEML, where my father works. That’s when one of my father’s friends mentioned women’s cricket. Later, my father took me to Bengaluru, where I joined a cricket club and started playing professionally.

SOM: How did you feel when you entered the Indian dressing room?

Shubha Satheesh: It was an amazing feeling, very difficult to express. Everyone was so relaxed and supportive. I got to learn from my seniors and everyone who was part of the team.

SOM: There are players like Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Shreyanka Patil from Karnataka playing for the country. How did you feel joining them?

Shubha Satheesh: We have been playing together for years now. It felt like a continuation of the game for us as we already knew each other.

SOM: You were also a part of the RCB team. What do you have to say about that experience?

Shubha Satheesh: It was a great feeling to play alongside some of the best players, including those from different countries. Besides being a part of the team, the moments with RCB fans gave me a unique and wonderful experience at the stadium.

SOM: Now that you have made your debut for India, what is your next goal?

Shubha Satheesh: My goal is to continue doing well for Team India in all three formats (T20, ODI and Test). With the home series coming up against South Africa, we will be camping in Bengaluru to prepare for our matches. Later, our target is to win the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup to be held in Bangladesh later this year.

SOM: What was the reaction of your parents when you were selected for the Indian team?

Shubha Satheesh: They were very happy when they heard about my selection. My parents have always told me, and continue to tell me, to play good cricket and do well for the country. —VNS

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA : HISTORY: Historian and Epigraphist Gunda Jois remembered for making world know about Keladi dynasty

Gunda Jois’ son Dr Venkatesh Jois, Dr G V Kallapur and others are carrying forward his work.

A renowned historian and epigraphist Keladi Gunda Jois passed away on June 2. He was 94. The fraternity of ancient history and epigraphy in the state said, “We have lost a legacy of a scholarly research cum resource person who informed the world about the tiny dynasty of Keladi of Shivamogga district.”

Gunda Jois of Sagar taluk, popularly known as “Keladi Gunda Jois”, earned the prefix Keladi for his dedicated research and study of the dynasty.

His passion for the dynasty’s history made him set up an exclusive museum at Keladi village of Sagar taluk in 1960. For those visiting the Sri Keladi Rameshwara temple, a peep into the museum is a must.

Gunda Jois collected historical manuscripts, sculptures, paintings, coins, arms and ammunition, copper plaques, and documents of the dynasty and displayed them at the museum. Most of these were found by him in the Malnad region.

Interestingly, he joined an MA course in Ancient History and Epigraphy when he was over 50 years old. He translated the work ‘Nrupa Vijaya’ in Halagannada (old Kannada) to Hosagannada (New Kannada) and helped historians understand the history of Keladi dynasty.

“Jois was an authority on ‘Modi lipi’ and Tigalari dialect of Havyaka Brahmins of Malnad region. He taught many of his students to study it and helped carry forward the knowledge,” said Dr SG Samak, a research student of Jois.

Also an Indologist, Jois learnt how to read palm leaf inscriptions that was in Modi dialect.

Gunda Jois’ son Dr Venkatesh Jois, Dr G V Kallapur and others are carrying forward his work.

Gunda Jois had been presented with Rajyotsava and other awards. He has written 30 historical books.

The Keladi dynasty came into existence at the end of 1499. Keladi Nayakas, who were once part of Vijayanagara empire, ruled Ikkeri and Keladi, and picked, Keladi, a small town, as their capital. Their rise started with the decline of Vijayanagara empire, whose preeminence began to erode after their loss at the Battle of Talikota in 1565.

Keladi rulers fought against the Mughal army, which had set out to capture Raja Ram — son of the Chhatrapati Shivaji, who had taken shelter at Keladi. The dynasty was in power from 1499 to 1763. 

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA / SPORTS : Cheppudira Arun Machaiah Appointed As Joint Chief Of Karate India Organisation (KIO). First Kannadiga to achieve Highest Post of KIO.

Former MLC and International Karate expert from Kodagu, Cheppudira Arun Machaiah has been appointed as the new Joint Chairman of the Technical Commission of Karate India Organisation (KIO).

Director of World Shitorio Karate Council and President of All India Shitorio Karate Organisation, Arun is the first Kannadiga to achieve the highest post of KIO.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION: Meet IIT graduate Ravi Poovaiah who designed EVMs, became beacon of innovation

As India is bracing up to hold the seventh and last phase of polling in the ongoing 2024 general elections, the spotlight continues to shine on the electronic voting machines (EVMs), a pivotal tool in the democratic process. While the device itself is familiar to most, the minds behind its creation have remained largely anonymous—until now.

Leading the charge in designing the EVMs were Ravi Poovaiah and A G Rao, both products of the esteemed Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT). Among them, Ravi Poovaiah stands out as a luminary in the field. A distinguished faculty member at the Industrial Design Centre (IDC), IIT Bombay, Poovaiah’s journey is a testament to his interdisciplinary prowess.

Armed with degrees in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Madras and Product Design and Graphic Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in the USA, Poovaiah brought a unique blend of technical expertise and creative insight to the table. His academic journey culminated in an MTech. degree from IIT Bombay, where he now holds the esteemed D L Shah Chair for Innovation.

But Poovaiah’s impact extends far beyond the academic realm. His advocacy for open-sourcing design and integrating design education into mainstream curriculum underscores his commitment to democratizing knowledge and innovation.

In the professional arena, Poovaiah’s collaborations with industry giants like Microsoft, Yahoo, and Google India speak volumes about his practical acumen and problem-solving abilities. His contributions to projects with Motorola India, Indian Oil Corporation, and Siemens India further cement his reputation as a leader in his field.

Through his leadership in the EVM project, Poovaiah has not only revolutionised electoral technology but also underscored the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in addressing complex societal challenges. As India stands on the finishing line to the 2024 general elections, Poovaiah’s legacy as the visionary behind the EVM serves as a beacon of innovation in the world’s largest democracy.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: Bengaluru gets new ‘Centre for Smart Protein and Sustainable Material Innovation’ in collaboration with IKP Knowledge Park and Good Food Institute (GFI)

According to industry experts, the highest profit in this sector can be derived from exporting alternative meat (Rs 8,652 crores) followed by dairy (Rs 1,889 crores) and eggs at Rs 632 crores.

With the right roadmap and investment from individuals and companies, the smart protein or alternative protein industry in the country is poised to grow 10x by 2040 and a total evaluation of four billion US dollars by 2030.

According to industry experts, the highest profit in this sector can be derived from exporting alternative meat (Rs 8,652 crores) followed by dairy (Rs 1,889 crores) and eggs at Rs 632 crores. However, currently with regulatory restrictions, a volatile market, a lack of research and development facilities and limited investment from venture capitalists, the 100+ smart protein startup ecosystem in the country needs a bigger push to scale its full potential.

The IKP Knowledge Park, science park and incubator, along with Good Food Institute (GFI) has launched the Centre for Smart Protein and Sustainable Material Innovation in the city. The centre will be dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create sustainable alternatives for food and materials by offering them early research and development support, mentorship, legal and regulatory assistance, and more.

Deepanwoita Chattopadhyay, Chairman and CEO, IKP said, “India has several challenges ahead of itself while it aims to become an economic power. As aspirations grow the need for protein intake is also important. Food and nutrition are paramount for a healthy country. Unfortunately, 80% of children in the country are nutrition deficient. It’s time for a protein revolution.”

The CEO added that the standard cultivation and production of protein is limited and climate-inefficient. “The ratio of what goes into production and the final protein product is barely touching 1:10 or 1:8. With incubation centres such as these more startups can collaborate and make India a bigger player.”

Leveraging the country’s large crop biodiversity and building sustainable value addition in pulses, millets and other crops can make India a big contributor to smart protein products. “We are home to one of the most talented competitive pools and skills such as entrepreneurship, engineering and scientific skills need to be recognised,” said Aiyanna Belliappa, Senior Innovation Specialist, GFI India.

The group echoed the sentiment that India is already home to the best biotechnology innovation, capitalizing on it is the way ahead.

With three modalities in the alternative protein – plant-based, fermentation and cultivated (grown from animal cells in labs) Sneha Singh, Acting Managing Director, GFI said, “Though India has some regulatory pathway for plant-based protein, the fermentation and cultivation need more support from the government, its progress is slow.”

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited0

Kasturba Hospital, Manipal wins recognition as one of India’s most trusted IVF and fertility centres

 Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, has been honoured by Insights Care as one of India’s most trusted IVF and fertility centres. This recognition celebrates the hospital’s remarkable advancements in healthcare services, medical research, and its compassionate approach to healthcare delivery.

The Manipal Assisted Reproduction Centre (MARC), with 35 years of dedicated service to infertile couples, received this prestigious award during a ceremony held at the Fortune Inn Valley View, Manipal, on May 27, 2024. MARC has been instrumental in facilitating the birth of over 10,000 babies through various procedures, with the oldest IVF child now 25 years old.

The Insights Care Award is a prestigious recognition given to healthcare organizations that have demonstrated exceptional performance in advancing healthcare services, medical research, and fostering a culture of compassion in healthcare delivery. This award highlights institutions that have made significant strides in their respective fields, showcasing excellence, innovation, and a patient-centered approach.

Dr H S Ballal, pro chancellor of MAHE Manipal, presented the award and said, “We are immensely proud of the achievements of MARC. The dedication and expertise of the team have brought joy to thousands of families. This recognition by insights care is a testament to their hard work and the compassionate care they provide. We look forward to continuing our journey of excellence in reproductive healthcare.”

C G Muthana, COO, MAHE Manipal, Dr Anand Venugopal, COO Teaching Hospitals, MAHE, Manipal, and Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal and whole MARC team were present.

Dr Pratap Kumar, professor and Head of MARC, provided an overview of MARC’s journey since its inception in 1990, highlighting its significant achievements in the field of infertility.

He explained that MARC began with basic procedures and introduced the test tube baby (IVF) procedure in 1998. The IVF process involves fertilising an egg from the wife with sperm from the husband outside the body, then placing the embryo into the woman’s womb.

The first IVF baby was born on February 18, 1999. Dr. Pratap Kumar emphasised that MARC offers a comprehensive range of treatment programmes for sub-fertile couples seeking assisted conception. The centre is supported by expert doctors and scientists who have received specialised training abroad and possess extensive experience in handling sub-fertility issues. The centre’s pioneering technological advancements have positioned MARC as one of the most advanced infertility treatment centers in India.

Dr Satish Adiga, professor and chief embryologist at MARC, along with his team of skilled embryologists, was acknowledged for their crucial role in the success of the test tube baby procedures. Other key team members, including Dr Prashanth K Adiga, professor, Dr Anjali Suneel Mundkur, associate professor, and Dr Vidyashree G Poojari, associate professor, were also congratulated by university and hospital officials.

MARC boasts of a fully equipped andrology laboratory for male subfertility evaluation and semen banking for both short-term and long-term storage. Its embryology laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that meet international standards. The centre also offers laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery for fertility enhancement and provides oncofertility techniques.

This recognition by Insights Care underscores MARC’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of reproductive medicine, making it a beacon of hope for countless couples seeking to build families.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)