Category: Amazing Feats

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)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: SPORTS – GOLF: IGU West Bengal Ladies Golf Championship: Mysuru’s Vidhatri Urs Emerges Victorious

Continuing her winning streak, city’s Vidhatri K. Urs has won the Indian Golf Union (IGU) West Bengal Ladies Golf Championship-2024 held at the prestigious Royal Calcutta Golf Club in Kolkata on Friday.

Vidhatri demonstrated exceptional skill and consistency, shooting a remarkable 3-under-par 213 across three rounds (70, 74 and 69). Her performance secured her the top spot, setting her apart as a formidable player.

Jahnavi Prakhya of Gujarat finished runner-up in Ladies division. Despite a challenging start with a round of 82, Prakhya made a strong comeback with subsequent rounds of 72 and 71, finishing with a total score of 225.

 Vidhatri had won the Western India Ladies and Junior Girls Golf Championship held at Ahmedabad recently. Currently she is ranked No.1 in the country in IGU Amateur Ladies Merit list.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: ARTS & CULTURE / KONKANI : Ground-breaking Konkani guide ‘Gino’s Guide for Conversational GSB Konkani’ by Italian-British author Gino Di Clemente launched

 In a remarkable fusion of cultures, Gino Di Clemente, an Italian-born British citizen, has launched a ground-breaking Guide for Conversational GSB (Gowda Saraswat Brahmin) Konkani. Unveiled at the prestigious Digvijay Mahotsavm of Shri Samyameendra Thirtha Swamiji of Kashi Math in Ernakulam, Kerala, this guide marks a significant milestone in the preservation and promotion of this rich Indian language.

This guide, ‘Gino’s Guide for Conversational GSB Konkani’, represents an extraordinary commitment to cross-cultural understanding and language preservation, facilitated by the Youth of GSB Worldwide, a dedicated organization nurturing the GSB community’s heritage.

Shreemad Samyameendra Teertha Swami, in his address, highlighted the unique nature of this publication, emphasizing the significant impact it will have on both the local and international communities. “Gino Di Clemente’s work is a testament to the power of dedication and cultural appreciation. It is rare to see such profound engagement from someone outside our community, making this guide a monumental achievement in our linguistic preservation efforts,” said Shreemad Samyameendra Teertha Swami.

The guide offers a detailed overview of pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary, along with practical phrases and examples for everyday conversations. It caters to both beginners and advanced learners, making it an indispensable resource for anyone eager to master GSB Konkani.

About the Author

Gino Di Clemente, originally from Italy and now a British citizen, has a deep personal connection to GSB culture through marriage. Their spouse hails from Karkala, and this familial bond inspired Gino’s immersive study of GSB Konkani. Over the years, their passion for the language and culture has culminated in this comprehensive guide, making a significant contribution to the documentation and promotion of Indian languages.

Copies of ‘Gino’s Guide for Conversational GSB Konkani’ are now available for purchase online on Amazon.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: KARNATAKA: BRANDING OVERSEAS: Going global: Nandini logo in Kannada on Scotland, Ireland T20 jerseys

Players from Ireland and Scotland will be seen wearing jerseys with the logo of KMF’s Nandini in Kannada and English on their lead arm.

For the first time, an Indian language will be displayed on the jerseys of international cricketers during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup tournament, starting June 1 in the U.S.

Players from Ireland and Scotland will be seen wearing jerseys with the logo of KMF’s Nandini in Kannada and English on their lead arm. The players of both teams displayed the logo virtually during a meeting with heads of KMF on Wednesday.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Bheema Naik, chairman of KMF, told TNIE that through this, the aim is to enter the international market and tell people that KMF is not a local brand. It is the second largest milk union in India after Amul. “Nandini products are internationally available and through this, we want to penetrate the larger international market. Besides, we want to promote the sport. We sponsored Bengaluru Bulls during the Kabaddi league. We are also looking at the Olympics and IPL,” he said.

MK Jagadish, managing director of KMF, said, “Ahead of the world cup, we are launching our products, Splash and Bounce, for the domestic and international markets. The former is a whey-based protein enriched drink and the latter a whey-based carbonated drink. Both will be available in 200 ml tetra packs, priced at Rs 10 and Rs 15, respectively. Splash will be available in lemon, litchi, mango and strawberry flavours. Bounce will be available in orange, jeera-mint and ginger-lemon flavours.”

Jagadish said Nandini will open parlours in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah next month. Supply of sweets to Oman, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will start.

Naik said the demand for Nandini ghee, milk and sweets is on the rise from Indians living in the U.S. A 15-tonne container with frozen Nandini sweets, especially Mysore Pak and peda, is being sent once in three months. Soon, a cafe will be opened in the U.S.

Explaining the reasons for KMF sponsoring Ireland and Scotland teams, officials said, “It is done through tendering and bidding processes. Given the economics, these two teams fit the criteria. We wanted to sponsor teams such as South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and even India, but they were already taken and the costs were too high.”

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)