Leaders, Karnataka State – Page 4

INTERNATIONAL / NATIONAL & KARNATAKA : BUSINESS EVENT: COFFEE WORLD IN INDIA : Bengaluru to Host ‘World Coffee Conference’ for first time, September 25

The global coffee event will significantly boost India’s image in the international coffee markets, domestic markets and bring in growth in exports volumes and values, says Coffee Board CEO.

Bengaluru is all set to host the 5th World Coffee Conference (WCC), a property of the London-based International Coffee Organisation (ICO), set up under the auspices of the United Nations to highlight the economic importance of coffee grown around the globe.

It is for the first time that India and Asia are hosting this prestigious global coffee event and Coffee Board is currently in the last leg of preparation to host the four-day coffee exposition that is commencing in the City on September 25.

Vibrant eco-system

K.G. Jagadeesha, Coffee Board CEO and Secretary, told The Hindu that India receiving the ICO nod to host this mega coffee event itself was the biggest recognition the country received as a major producer of finest coffees with a supportive and vibrant ecosystem. “To make it unique, vibrant and memorable, the board has the active support of 16 coffee committees with each outfit coming with 25 different stakeholders,’‘ he said.

However, he observed, even though the country produced the best quality coffees, Indian coffees are yet to be perceived well and this edition of WCC was going to correct this mismatch.

Perception battle

“Our robusta, with its undisputed quality, is the best and finest in the world. Our arabica, although considered as second best in the world, fetches a premium on par with Columbian arabia which is rated the finest in the world. What eventually matters is the perception. Columbia has done huge consumer campaigns,” he further said. Our coffee exports are currently over $1 billion. As an immediate incremental effect of the WCC, the Coffee Board is expecting an increase in exports volume and value growth of 10 to 15% for our coffees in the international markets, he anticipated. This will eventually help India build a stand-alone coffee brand in global markets, Dr. Jagadeesha added.

The WCC exposition is expected to boost India’s domestic coffee market as well in terms of receiving more focus on technology, investments, entrepreneurship, employment generation and creation of coffee varieties to offer customers a wide range of choice.

Expected to be big draw

Some 2,400 people, including coffee growers, roasters, curers, exporters, traders, cafe chain owners, retailers, have already registered to attend WCC. This will comprise over 300 foreign delegates from 60 countries. Some 40 global CEOs and 50 Indian CEOs are participating in the coffee conference. In addition to this, Coffee Board has already distributed 36,000 business delegates while another 15,000 similar passes will also be distributed/sold.

The government has permitted Coffee Board to use ₹12.5 crore plus GST from its internal budget to host WCC, while half of the money will be spent by the industry players.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: September 15th: Millions participate in Karnataka Govt’s Event of ‘Reading Constitution’s Preamble’as a part of ‘International Day of Democracy’ Celebrations

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said anti-Constitutional forces are trying to destroy the Constitution and implement Manusmriti again. He called on the state to be alert and aware about this.

The Karnataka government on Friday organised a mega event of reading the Constitution’s preamble as part of the ‘International Day of Democracy’ celebrations, with tens of lakhs of people participating in the programme from the country and abroad at the same time.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah led the celebrations, along with Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and several other guests, by reading the preamble in Kannada from the grand steps of ‘Vidhan Soudha’ here with a large number of school students and others joining in unison in front of them.

In June, the Karnataka government made it mandatory for all students of schools and colleges, whether government, aided or private, to read the preamble daily.

It also made it compulsory to have a portrait of the preamble of the Constitution put up at all government and semi-government offices in the state.

Addressing the gathering, Siddaramaiah said the government has fulfilled four of the five ‘guarantees’ (pre-poll promises of the Congress) and “walked the talk”.

“Protection of the Constitution is the duty of every citizen – Our Constitution opens with We the people of India. If the wishes of the Constitution are not effectively understood and followed, it is not possible to build an equal society,” the chief minister said.

As per the aspiration of the Constitution which calls for equal society and highlights secular principles, Siddaramaiah said his government has implemented schemes for the prosperity of all and their purpose was to return money back to the public to improve their lives.

“Our government has implemented programmes for the prosperity of all, as per the aspirations of equal society and secular principle of the Constitution,” he said.

The chief minister said anti-Constitutional forces are trying to destroy the Constitution and implement Manusmriti again.

He called on the state to be alert and aware about this.

“Destroying the Constitution and enforcing Manusmriti means 90% Indians will be forced back into slavery,” he said and warned that a lot of conspiracies are going on for this.

Siddaramaiah said that after the adoption of the Constitution, the democratic system was officially implemented in India.

“The democratic system has been formed in our land since the time of Buddha and Basavanna (12th-century social reformer). The debates held in the Parliament during the promulgation of the Constitution seem to reflect the importance of our Constitution and the mindset of the opponents of the Constitution,” the chief minister added.

Social Welfare Minister H C Mahadevappa, and several other Ministers and Chief Secretary Vandita Sharma also attended the event.

Mahadevappa had said on Wednesday that nearly 2.28 crore people from all walks of life within the country and abroad, have registered to read the Constitution’s preamble.

“From within the country and abroad, 2, 27, 81,894 people have made online registration. We had expected 5 or 10 lakh people to register, but this has become a movement,” Mahadevappa had said.

He had said that those from corporate, private, government and banking sectors, people from industries and NRIs from several countries have come forward to participate, and have registered.

“The intention is to make people, especially the youth, understand the idea of the democracy and the Constitution, and thereby they know the main purpose of the preamble, to lead a life with dignity, freedom and equality,” Mahadevappa added.

The Social Welfare department had said that anyone who wants to read the Constitution on the same day (September 15) and at the same time of the main event, and get a participation certificate issued by the Government of Karnataka, needs to register.

On September 15, they can upload a video or picture of them reading the preamble, upon which they will be approved to download participation certificates from the same website, it said.

The minister spoke about the importance of making it mandatory to read the preamble at all formal functions of the state government, besides all schools, colleges and educational institutions.

Meanwhile, in view of the mega event, Bengaluru Traffic Police also issued an advisory suggesting diversion of vehicles to ensure smooth flow of traffic.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL : NATIONAL & KARNATAKA: EDUCATION : IIT gets its First Woman Director. Mysuru-Born Dr. Preeti Aghalayam Is IIT Zanzibar-Tanzania Director

IIT gets its first woman Director

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), the country’s top-ranked educational institution, has achieved the distinction of being the first IIT in India to establish an international campus, set to be located in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

The institute has also set another first by appointing the IIT’s first woman Director.

Heading this initiative is Mysuru-born Dr. Preeti Aghalayam, who is an alumna of IIT Madras. She is also a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering.

The Zanzibar Offshore Campus of IIT Madras will be situated on Zanzibar Island, off the East African mainland and is slated to commence its inaugural academic session in October 2023.

The establishment of this offshore campus aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020, which encourages high-performing Indian Universities to establish campuses abroad.

Dr. Preeti grew up on 13th Main Road in Saraswathipuram and attended Demonstration School (DMS School) in Mysuru. After completing her Pre-University, she made it to IIT Madras and chose Chemical Engineering as her field of study.

According to Meena Mysuru, a retired officer from the Indian Information Service (IIS) and resident of city, a close friend of the family, Dr. Preeti hails from a family of educators.

Her father, late Dr. Janardhan, was a Chemistry Professor at the Regional Institute of Education (RIE), Mysuru, while her mother, Dr. Rama, taught linguistics. Both her parents held Ph.Ds and her grandfather was a renowned historian.

Professional journey: Dr. Preeti Aghalayam completed her B.Tech in Chemical Engineering at IIT Madras in 1995 and later earned her Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2000. Her professional journey includes a stint as a post-doctoral researcher at MIT in Cambridge and a faculty position at IIT Bombay.

Dr. Preeti joined IIT Madras as a faculty member in 2010 and is actively involved in the Office of Global Engagement at the institute, where she oversees international academic programmes.

Her contributions led to her recognition as one of the 75 Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) by the Principal Scientific Advisor’s office.

Running enthusiast

Beyond her academic pursuits, Dr. Preeti has a strong sports background and was an avid basketball player during her school days. She is also an accomplished marathon runner.

In an interview, she said, “Running is everything for me as it helps me shred off the stress. If I am under a lot of stress, my family asks me to run and come back. Running makes me feel human again.”

In the initial plans, faculty members for the Zanzibar campus will be either deputed from IIT Madras or recruited from India. Presently, the institute will operate from a temporary campus in the Bweleo district of Zanzibar, with the permanent 200-acre campus on Zanzibar Island set to be completed by 2026.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL / NATIONAL & KARNATAKA: GLOBAL HEALTH & PHARMAEUTICALS: Biocon Chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw Appointed Member of Court of Regents at Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh

Biocon Ltd and Biocon Biologics Ltd Executive Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has been appointed as Regent of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSed), a Biocon release said on Thursday.

On her appointment as the latest member to the College’s Court of Regents, Mazumdar-Shaw said: “I am humbled and deeply honoured to be appointed Regent of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh. As the oldest surgical college in the world with just under 30,000 members in 100 countries, the RCSed has been championing the highest standards of surgical and dental practice by providing high quality medical education. I look forward to contributing to the College’s mission and advancing the frontiers of surgical excellence.”

The Court of Regents comprises a group of distinguished and accomplished individuals in their field who provide the college with advice and expertise.

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is a prestigious Scottish medical association which was founded in 1505 by Royal Charter granted from King James IV. It is the oldest surgical colleges in the world with nearly 30,000 members in 100 countries, and about half of them are from overseas, touching every stage of the career path from medical students to consultants.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL & KARNATAKA: SPACE TECHNOLOGY: Udupi Ramachandra Rao (U.R. Rao) – The Man who Built a Satellite in a Shed

Let us shift our attention away from the lander to Chandrayaan-3, the satellite that carried it there, and to the story of India’s satellite dream, which began in 1972 in six rough industrial sheds outside Bengaluru.

Last week, as the Vikram lander descended into a graceful, precise, soft landing on the dark side of the moon, Indian hearts exploded in pride. This week, let us shift our attention away from the lander to Chandrayaan-3, the satellite that carried it there, and to the story of India’s satellite dream, which began in 1972 in six rough industrial sheds outside Bengaluru.

The problem with space technology is that countries guard their knowhow fiercely – there’s very little, and very sketchy, information available in the public domain. In 1966, therefore, Vikram Sarabhai, then director of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) invited one of his former PhD students at Physical Research Laboratories (PRL) Ahmedabad, who had been researching solar cosmic-ray phenomena while working with Pioneer space probes and Explorer satellites at MIT, to return and head the satellite engineering team he was putting together. The brilliant young man who bought into the dream and would later be hailed as India’s Satellite Man was 34-year-old Udupi Ramachandra Rao.

When UR Rao took over the satellite program, he was the only one on the team to have ever seen a satellite. At that time, the satellite engineering team was divided between the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) near Trivandrum, and PRL in Ahmedabad. The untimely death of Sarabhai in 1971 brought Satish Dhawan to the helm of ISRO (INCOSPAR became ISRO in 1969). Unwilling to give up his job as Director of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Dhawan negotiated for ISRO to move to Bengaluru, providing the perfect opportunity for Rao, who had spent his boyhood in Ballari and the little village of Adamaru in Udupi, to decide to move the satellite centre here as well.

It wasn’t easy. The unionized labour force at TERLS went on the warpath, refusing to allow any equipment to be moved out. In Bengaluru itself, premises had to be found. At first, the IISc gymkhana was co-opted; later, the Karnataka government offered Rao a few sheds at the brand-new (read: entirely lacking facilities) Peenya Industrial Area outside town. In a dazzling feat of jugaad, involving thermocol, vinyl, and, presumably, duct tape, one of those dusty, asbestos-roofed sheds was converted into the ‘clean room’ required for satellite activity.

In those sheds, between 1972 and 1975, a young and inexperienced but passionate team of scientists and engineers – average age: 26 – put together, under Rao’s dynamic, inspiring. impatient leadership, India’s very first satellite, Aryabhata. It was a magnificent feat – no other country had built a satellite in under three years. The famous picture of Aryabhata being transported on a bullock cart was scoffed at in the American press, which questioned a poor country’s need for a space program. Rao explained it years later as another brilliant example of jugaad. The spacecraft had to be tested for electromagnetic capability and interference in an open area, but metal trucks threw off reflections that interfered with the satellite’s antenna. Someone came up with the brilliant idea of using a wooden bullock cart to transport it instead – et voila!

In 2017, at the age of 85, after overseeing the design of 18 more satellites, accelerating the development of satellite launch vehicles like the ASLVs and PSLVs during his decade-long tenure as Chairman of ISRO, and becoming the first Indian to be inducted into the International Astronautical Federation’s ‘Hall of Fame’, the much-decorated UR Rao died with his boots on. Since then, the ISRO Satellite Centre in Bengaluru, which he so capably raised on the wings of a dream and a prayer, and where all the Chandrayaan satellites were built, has carried his name, and now goes by UR Rao Satellite Centre.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL & NATIONAL & KARNATAKA: CM Siddaramaiah visits ISRO, to felicitate scientists in Vidhana Soudha

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Thursday that the scientists of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) would be felicitated officially by the government for the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission.

Speaking to reporters after paying a visit to ISRO in Bengaluru to meet and felicitate scientists, Siddaramaiah stated that the felicitation function will be held at the Banquet Hall of Vidhana Soudha after September 2. He had given directions for his staff to coordinate with ISRO in this regard, he added.

“The achievement of ISRO by landing Vikram on the Moon safely is hailed by the entire country. The achievement has made the whole world look towards India. Our country is fourth after Russia, America, and China to achieve a safe landing on the Moon. We are the first country to land safely on the South Pole. Hence, all of us should acknowledge the achievement of ISRO and appreciate it,” CM Siddaramaiah explains.

ISRO Chairman S. Somnath and his team of 500 scientists have actively taken part in the programme from Karnataka. 3,84,000 kilometres were travelled by the Vikram and for so many years efforts have been made for the achievement. “All our cooperation and support is with ISRO for its future programmes as it is a pride of our nation,” CM Siddaramaiah maintained.

When asked about how he felt after watching the event live on Wednesday, CM Siddaramaiah stated, “I became very happy as our country has achieved this.

“It’s a historical achievement and a big achievement. They worked for many years round the clock. They have nearly 500 scientists from Bengaluru involved in this and in total more than 1,000 scientists have worked across the country.” DyCM D.K. Shivakumar visited ISRO on Wednesday evening and felicitated the team.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: NATIONAL & KARNATAKA : Udupi’s Dr Naveen Salins is New Commissioner of Lancet Commission; to Lead Study on Cancer Crisis

The Lancet Commission has proudly announced the appointment of Dr Naveen Salins as their new Commissioner. Dr Salins, known for his exceptional contributions to the field of Palliative Medicine and Cancer Care, will spearhead a comprehensive study addressing the humanitarian crisis of cancer in low-resource regions across the globe. The commission has a distinguished body of experts hailing from Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and Oceania as its members.

The Lancet Commission will convene its inaugural meeting in London from November 15-17, 2023, followed by a subsequent gathering in Toronto in 2024. Over the next two years (2023-2025), Dr Salins and his esteemed team will diligently analyse the underlying factors contributing to the disparity between the biomedical and humanitarian aspects of cancer care. Their mission encompasses devising strategic approaches to rectify this imbalance while examining the intricate interplay of political economy, value systems, and commercial drivers that impact resource allocation for cancer research, education, and clinical care.

As a professor and head of the Palliative Medicine Department at Kasturba Medical College Manipal, coordinator of Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre, and associate dean of Research, Dr Naveen Salins brings a wealth of expertise and experience to this critical endeavour. His recent receipt of the prestigious international palliative care award from the European Association of Palliative at Rotterdam, Netherlands, underscores his immense clinical impact of research in the field.

This initiative marks a pivotal moment in addressing the global health burden imposed by cancer and presents a unique opportunity for India to lead and guide international efforts in mitigating the suffering caused by this debilitating disease. His leadership and the collective efforts of the Lancet Commission are poised to significantly influence international health policies concerning cancer care, resource allocation, and the alleviation of financial strains associated with cancer treatment.

Dr H S Ballal, pro-chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and Dr M D Venkatesh, vice-chancellor of MAHE, have congratulated Dr Naveen Salins on this remarkable achievement. Dr Sharath Rao, pro vice Chancellor – Health Sciences, MAHE, Manipal and Dr Padmaraj Hegde, dean of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal have commended Dr Salins’s for his dedication and expertise in advancing cancer care and research. They have expressed confidence that Dr Salins’s role as the commissioner of the Lancet Commission will yield transformative outcomes in the field of cancer care and beyond.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL & KARNATAKA: MANUFACTURING / DEFENCE & NAVAL AIR FORCE / : Maiden flight of LCA Naval Trainer NP5 from HAL Airport Successful in Karnataka

The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Naval Trainer Prototype NP5 successfully completed its maiden flight.

The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Naval Trainer Prototype NP5 successfully completed its maiden flight on Friday. The aircraft, which took off from HAL airport, was airborne 57 minutes with all parameters normal, according to Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)..

The aircraft, which incorporates the production standard airframe and rainwater compliance, maintainability improvements as well as futuristic system advancement, was captained by Capt Amit Kawade (Indian Navy) with Wg Cdr Siddarth Singh (Retd) in the rear cockpit.

Capt Kawade said the handling qualities were extremely satisfactory and all test points envisaged have been successfully completed. LCA Navy is designed and developed jointly by Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bangalore.

The first trainer prototype NP1 was flown on April 27, 2012, and the fighter prototype NP2 on February 7, 2015. Both Naval Prototypes (NP1 and NP2) have achieved major milestones such as ski-jump take-off and arrested landing demonstrations on Shore Based Test Facility at Dabolim Airport, Goa, and operations from indigenous aircraft carriers.

LCA Navy can operate day and night

“The aircraft demonstrated 18 arrested landings and ski-jump takeoffs from INS Vikramaditya in January 2020, including hot refuelling capability. Recently, LCA Navy participated in the carrier trials from INS Vikrant and performed 10 ski-jump take-offs and arrested landings on February 6.

LCA Navy has completed the landmark achievement of being the first indigenous fighter aircraft landing on the indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant,” DRDO said in a statement. Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies such as a fly-by-wire flight control system, glass cockpit and advanced mechanical systems, LCA Navy can be operated seamlessly day and night.

It features advanced hands-free ski-jump take-off and landing flight control modes. LCA Navy Prototypes are carrier compatible and can operate with Air-to-Air weapons for combat missions. “The new prototype NP5 will soon undertake field and carrier operations from INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. LCA Navy NP5 incorporates all improvements identified during the testing of NP1 and NP2 is a production-ready aircraft,” the statement added.

The addition of NP5 aircraft to the LCA Navy prototype fleet will help accelerate flight testing activities which will provide designers vital inputs towards the design and development of the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), the country’s prestigious futuristic carrier aircraft programme. LCA Navy can also serve as an effective training platform for Indian Navy pilots for operations from the aircraft carriers, the release said.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL & KARNATAKA: AMAZING CONSTRUCTION FEAT: India’s First 3D-Printed Post Office Built in just 43 days, Opens in Bengaluru

The structure cost Rs 26 lakh to erect, which is 40% less than the conventional construction process.

India’s first post office building using 3D printing technology was declared open by Communications and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday at Cambridge Layout in the city.

Built in just 43 days, the structure cost Rs 26 lakh to erect, which is 40% less than the conventional construction process.

The built-up area of the post office is 1021 square feet with Larsen & Tourbo Limited constructing it under the technological guidance of IIT Madras.

Speaking after launching it virtually from the General Post Office, Vaishnaw lauded the giant strides India has taken in new technology like the 4G, 5G and the Vande Bharat Express making full use of indigenous talent. “The noise level inside the Vande Bharat is 100 times less than that inside an aeroplane. While the Shinkansen (Japanese bullet train) takes 54 seconds to achieve an acceleration of 100 kmph, the Vande Bharat does it in 52 seconds,” he said.

Chief Postmaster General S Rajendra Kumar billed the new technology as cost-effective and environment-friendly. Explaining the 3D construction process, he said there are two types involved. “One construction process involves printing of building elements at a manufacturing facility and assembling at site. The other process is to do the building construction on-site, as per the input design. The new PO building falls under the latter category,” he said.

Operations Head of L & T, South and East, George Abraham said the total digital workflow eliminates human error. “The construction cost involved is just 40% of the conventional construction method. Since it is a fully automated process, it assures excellent product quality and is sustainable,” he said.

Elaborating on the construction technology, a release said, “A robotic printer deposits the concrete layer by layer as per the approved design. Special grade concrete which hardens quickly is used to ensure bonding between the layers for printing the structure.”

Later, fielding queries from newspersons, Vaishnaw assured that the Centre was committed to the implementation of the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project as soon as possible. On the Vande Bharat Express not touching the promised speed limit in Karnataka, the minister said that it would happen when the railway tracks are upgraded.

Asked if next year’s election process was delaying the framing of rules for the personal data protection law introduced recently, the Information Technology Minister replied in the negative.

Bengaluru Central MP P C Mohan, Postmaster General, Bengaluru Region, L K Dash, and Dean of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research, IIT Madras, Manu Santhanam were present.

Minister’s visit to post office marred by protest

The Communications Minister’s visit to the new post office post-launch was marred by protests from supporters of Shanti Nagar MLA N A Haris who alleged that the local MLA was shown disrespect by not being invited to the function and not having his name printed on the invitation. They were dressed in black, blocked a portion of the road and raised slogans in support of Haris.

A top postal official, however, said, “Postal officials had gone in person to invite him on Thursday. His grouse was that he had been invited late for the function. He told us yesterday itself that a protest would be organised by his supporters. Moreover, only the minister’s name was printed on the invite. The name of the MP or top officials was not printed.”

The protest forced Vaishnaw to leave the venue immediately. “Many BJP workers were waiting with bouquets to meet the minister and have a brief chat with him. We are really disappointed with the behaviour of the Congress workers,” said a local BJP leader.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: Lifetime Achievement Award For Dr. H. Basavanagowdappa, Physician & Principal/Dean of JSS Medical College, Mysuru

The Association of Physicians of India, Karnataka Chapter, presented the “Lifetime Achievement Award” to Dr. H. Basavanagowdappa, a Senior Physician, Principal of JSS Medical College and Dean, Faculty of Medicine at JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, at the awards ceremony held on Aug. 11 at Vijayanagara Institute of Medical Sciences, Ballari, during the Annual State Conference of the Association of Physicians of India, Karnataka State Chapter.

The award was given in recognition of his 36 years of dedicated teaching experience in Medical education and his commitment to health services to several thousands of needy patients.

He was honoured with a plaque and a citation.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)