Category: Records, Bengaluru (Bangalore)

NATIONAL/ KARNATAKA: AUGUST 15th, 2023 : Benglauru’s Manekshaw Parade Ground Decks up to Welcome the Nation’s 76th Independence Day 

At 8.58 am on August 15, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will arrive at the Manekshaw Parade Ground, and hoist the Tricolour by 9 am.

 The stage is set for the 76th Independence Day celebration at Manekshaw Parade Ground, which is expected to see around 8,000 people in attendance. Nearly 1,800 police personnel will be deployed to guard the venue. BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath, along with Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B Dayananda and Deputy Commissioner (Bengaluru Urban) Dayananda KA, inspected the venue and oversaw the final rehearsal of the event on Sunday morning.

Addressing the media on Sunday, Girinath said, “The stage is set for the Independence Day celebration. Around 1,500 children from different schools across the city will be taking part in cultural programmes on Tuesday. For the general public, VIPs and VVIPs and special invitees, 8,000 seats have been arranged to witness the parade.” 

At 8.58 am on August 15, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will arrive at the Manekshaw Parade Ground, and hoist the Tricolour by 9 am. He will get on an open vehicle and receive the guard of honour from various wings of the state police. 

Including the armed platoons of the Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Goa State Police, Karnataka State Reserve Police, and unarmed platoons of Excise, Fire Service, and school groups, a total of 38 platoons, with 1,350 people, will take part in a parade. 

“There will be tight security on Independence Day with 1,786 police personnel on duty. The general public will be allowed to carry only their mobile phones, wallets and handbags (women). Hundred CCTV cameras have been installed to monitor the ground, along with 20 door frame metal detectors. There will be three baggage scanners and 40 hand-held metal detectors,” the police commissioner said.

Articles prohibited
Meanwhile, matchboxes, cigarettes, pamphlets, knives, black cloth, food items, sharp objects, water bottles and cans, firecrackers and explosives, liquor, colour powder, and cameras are prohibited. 

Parking restrictions
Traffic will be diverted from 8 am to 11 am from BRV Junction to Kamaraj Road Junction on Cubbon Road. Further, people are advised not to park around Central Street from Anil Kumble Circle to Shivajinagar Bus Stand, Cubbon Road, from CTO to KR Road and Cubbon Road Junction, and MG Road from Anil Kumble Circle to Queens Circle.

Bannerghatta Park to be open on August 15
The Bannerghatta Biological Park will remain open on August 15. Usually, the zoo, safari and butterfly park are closed every Tuesday, however, the BBP said the park will be closed on August 16, instead of Tuesday.

Teachers, fishermen, artisans from K’taka to witness I-day fete in delhi
Teachers, fishermen, artisans, and beneficiaries of various programmes are among the 31 special invitees from Karnataka who will witness the Independence Day celebrations in New Delhi. The special guests include six teachers, four fishermen, three artisans, three beneficiaries of the Jal Jeevan mission, two each beneficiaries of Amrit Sarovar and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana and representatives of 13 farmer produce organisations in Karnataka. The initiative to invite people from all walks of life from across the country to be a part of the celebrations was taken by the Centre in line with its vision of ‘Jan Bhagidari’, said a statement. Around 1,800 special invitees from across the country will witness the Independence Day celebrations in the national capital, the statement added. 

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL & KARNATAKA: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY: Eminent Scientist Padma Shri Prof. MRS Rao passes away in Bengaluru at 75. He was the First Scientist to initiate Chromatin Biology Research in India. 

Prof Rao was working as an Honorary Professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research and was actively running the Chromatin Biology laboratory in the institute.

Manchanahalli Rangaswamy Satyanarayana Rao, popularly known as MRS Rao, an eminent Indian scientist and Padma Shri awardee, died of cardiac arrest at 7 pm at his residence in Tata Nagar in Bengaluru on Sunday.

He was well known for his discipline, scientific knowledge, patience, soft-spoken nature and mentorship of PhD students.

The former Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research president is survived by his wife Padma S Rao and two sons Sharat and Rohan.

MR Satyanarayana Rao’s colleagues told TNIE that his last rites will be conducted on Tuesday after one of his sons returns from Brisbane. 

Born on January 21, 1948, in Mysuru, the 75-year-old scientist, was the first scientist to initiate Chromatin Biology research in India. 

Prior to his demise, he was working as an Honorary Professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research and was actively running the Chromatin Biology laboratory in the institute.

He was honoured with the Padma Sri award in 2010 for his contributions to the field of science and engineering.

He was also honoured by the Karnataka state government with the Sir MV Visvesvaraya Award for his contribution to the field of science and research.

He was the President of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, from 2003-13.

He was also the chairman of many central government science committees. He was also on all committees of the Indian Council of medical research. 

Prof Rao completed his BSc in 1966 and Msc in 1968 from Bengaluru University. He did his PhD in biochemistry from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru in 1973.

He then did his postdoctoral research at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston from 1974–76, where he also worked as an assistant professor.

When he returned to India, he joined the Department of Biochemistry at IISc.

In over 30 years of his research career, Prof Rao has mentored and guided over 35 PhD students and hundreds of trainees. 

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: AI in HEALTH & MEDICAL SERVICES / OPTHALMOLOGY: AI can Predict Severity of Conjunctivitis, says Dr. Rohit Shetty, Narayana Nethralaya, Bengaluru

Addressing reporters on Thursday, the doctor said that using imaging and molecular diagnostics has enabled them to use AI and bio-markers in conjunctivitis to predict severity.

 In an effort to identify and treat severe conjunctivitis cases early, Narayana Nethralaya has managed to predict the severity of such cases using Artificial Intelligence (AI). “We are using AI to predict the severity of conjunctivitis. This can help clinicians provide the right treatment that helps in better recovery. This bio-marker work in tears is probably one of the first in the country, and could also be one of the first conjunctivitis-related tear bio-marker research in the world,” said Dr Rohit Shetty, chairman, Narayana Nethralaya explained. 

Addressing reporters on Thursday, the doctor said that using imaging and molecular diagnostics has enabled them to use AI and bio-markers in conjunctivitis to predict severity. This AI-driven research has highlighted that people who are more prone to allergies or asthma and have low Vitamin D levels are getting severely affected. The AI model has demonstrated 97 per cent accuracy, affirming its successful interpretation.

Cases of conjunctivitis, commonly known as ‘pink eye’, are on the rise in Bengaluru in the past few weeks. Doctors at Narayana see over 100 patients daily, with 30% of them being children. Most cases are caused due to adenovirus, and is not just a summer infection, but occurs in all seasons.

“This research is of paramount importance to patients and doctors, as the disease has been addressed with a blanket approach that may not be suitable for all. Depending on the severity, we can decide what medications would be suitable, and starting topical steroids early can be beneficial,” said Dr Gairik, consultant of cornea and refractive surgery, Narayana Nethralaya.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: NATIONAL PARTICIPATION: 02 Bengaluru College students Krishnan A & Peddi Sai Kaushik, Pedal 3,200 kms to pay Homage to Martyrs at Kargil War Memorial

Two college students from Bengaluru cycled 3,200 km in 60 days to pay homage to the martyrs at the war memorial in Ladakh on Kargil Vijay Diwas.

Navigating through flood-affected areas during monsoon and battling typhoid, two college students from Bengaluru pedalled for more than 60 days covering 3,200 km to pay homage to the martyrs at the war memorial here on the 24th Kargil Vijay Diwas.

Inspired by the heroics of Army Captain Vijayant Thapar, who died in the Kargil war, the duo undertook the journey and reached out to National Cadet Corps (NCC) units along the way to spread awareness about the sacrifices made by army personnel.

Krishnan A, a BBA student of Ramaiah College, and Peddi Sai Kaushik, studying BCom at St Joseph’s University, are NCC cadets and aim to clear the Combined Defence Services examination to join the armed forces.

“We started the expedition in May and reached the Kargil War Memorial on July 24, two days before Vijay Diwas. It took us over two months. The journey was really difficult but the moment we were here, it felt magical,” Krishnan told PTI.

They took the Kanyakumari-Srinagar highway (NH-44) hoping to finish the journey before monsoon.

“But by the time we reached Punjab, it was flooded and we thought we wouldn’t make it. My cycling partner got typhoid during the journey and that slowed us down for two weeks. I met an accident and for some time we had to take rest. But it was worth the effort,” he said.

The duo’s excitement know no bounds when upon arriving in Dras, they were honoured and given VIP passes to attend the wreath-laying ceremony on Vijay Diwas.

“On New Year, I was reading a book about Captain Vijayant Thapar who was martyred during the war and was greatly inspired by him. He was awarded the Vir Chakra. I asked my family to name five others who had won a gallantry award. They couldn’t name any. When I asked my friends, they went blank too.

“That’s when we realised that there is a need for awareness, apart from just a day or two of attention for warriors who sacrificed their lives for our nation,” Sai Kaushik said.

The Indian Army had launched a fierce counter-assault, Operation Vijay, to push back Pakistani forces that had stealthily occupied important heights in Ladakh in 1999.

The war saw Indian armed forces fight in the most challenging terrains amid harsh weather conditions in Drass, Kargil and Batalik sectors.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed to mark India’s victory over Pakistan .

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: CITY NEWS: Bengaluru hailed Best ‘RRR’ City in State

My Life, My Clean City was a national campaign launched by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

Bengaluru has been chosen as the best RRR (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) city in the State in a campaign run by the Directorate Municipal Administration of Urban Development Department. My Life, My Clean City was a national campaign launched by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

Under the programme that was held from May 25 to June 5, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) set up 49 RRR plants for the public to give used plastic and other materials. According to the officials, the campaign received massive response with people giving used materials in large numbers.

On Thursday, Municipal Administration Minister Rahim Khan issued a certificate to BBMP for excelling in the work carried out under the programme.

BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath lauded the efforts of Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

GLOBAL: NATIONAL & KARNATAKA: Bengaluru becomes First Indian City to join World Cities Culture Forum

The network currently has 40 cities spanning six continents.

The network currently has 40 cities spanning six continents, and Bengaluru is set to join the league of cities like New York, London, Paris, Tokyo and Dubai among others.

Bengaluru has become the first Indian city to become part of the World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF,) a global network of cities that share research and intelligence, and explore the role of culture in future prosperity.

The network currently has 40 cities spanning six continents. Bengaluru being the latest addition is set to join the league of cities like New York, London, Paris, Tokyo and Dubai among others.

The global consortium was founded in 2012 by Justine Simons OBE, London’s Deputy Mayor for Culture & the Creative Industries.

“We have been keen to have an Indian city and a lot of other cities that are part of the network have also been keen about it. Bengaluru is a fast-growing city. It’s very diverse and has got a big commitment to culture,” said Ms. Simons in an exclusive interaction with The Hindu.

“It feels like there is real ambition and drive in Bengaluru around the culture story. It is known as a tech city in the rest of the world. This is a fantastic opportunity for Bengaluru to bring the cultural story alongside the tech story, and to really grow its economy and its status as a global city,” she added.

Bengaluru’s entry into WCCF comes after several discussions that have been happening for over a year. Unboxing Bangalore, a participative project to create a new narrative around Bengaluru through multimedia properties, have been representing the city and leading the discussions.

“Bengaluru, in many ways, represents an aspirational India. There is a lot of culture to the city that is not being talked about,” said Prashanth Prakash, chairman of UnboxingBLR Foundation and founding partner at Accel India.

(Detailed interview in e-paper)

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: BENGALURU CITY: Karnataka Govt. Signs Agreement for suggestions from World Design Organization (WDO), Canada on building ‘Brand Bengaluru’ City  

As part of the ‘Brand Bengaluru’ initiative, spearheaded by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also holds charge of the city, on Monday the State government signed an agreement with Canada-based World Design Organization (WDO) for suggestions for the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to build the city.

Mr. Shivakumar said that 200 engineers from the WDO will be in the city to study and give suggestions on the city infrastructure including roads, flyovers, footpaths, junctions, and other infrastructure.

Earlier, Mr. Shivakumar had launched a ‘Brand Bengaluru’ campaign and also an online portal to invite suggestions on the city’s development by the public.

Mr. Shivakumar also met the Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA) officials on Monday to discuss various issues pertaining to the city.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: KARNATAKA: Bengaluru-based Drone Startup ‘Squadrone Infra & Mining’ Deployed in Indonesia’s Islands to Explore Critical Minerals

Its advanced system enables the mapping of shallow and deep-seated virgin mineral deposits, reaching depths of up to 1,500 metres below the ground.

City-based drone startup Squadrone Infra and Mining Pvt. Ltd. has deployed drone-based geophysical surveys for prospecting and exploration of nickel, gold, bauxite, coal and other critical minerals at Indonesia’s Kalimantan and Sulawesi Islands.

The startup has deployed MagArrow and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technologies, a UAV-enabled drone-based solution equipped with a non-radioactive laser-pumped cesium vapor total field scalar magnetometer.

This advanced system enables the mapping of shallow and deep-seated virgin mineral deposits, reaching depths of up to 1,000 to 1,500 m below ground level.

Geologists, geophysicists, and researchers can now conduct comprehensive studies of the earth’s strata for new and greenfield mineral discoveries in previously inaccessible areas, significantly enhancing efficiency and accuracy. The GPR adds great value to nickel, gold, bauxite and coal prospecting, with high precision.

Kalimantan Island, known for its unique and diverse ecosystems, poses significant challenges to traditional mining surveys due to its remote and difficult-to-access terrain.

With the introduction of MagArrow and GPR, Squadrone offers a revolutionary solution that allows for geophysical surveying without adversely affecting the ecology of the region and minimising the need for human intervention. This technology marks a significant milestone in the field of mineral exploration in such environmentally sensitive areas.

Squadrone Infra and Mining with its expansion into Indonesia and plans to enter other regions of Southeast Asia and Africa, is set to contribute significantly to Net Zero operations and the sustainable development of the global mining industry.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL & KARNATAKA: HEALTH & MEDICAL SERVICES /INNOVATION: Patent Won for Medicinal Patch by Scientists of BLDE University

A team of scientists from BLDE Deemed University has won a patent for an innovative method of administering drugs to patients.

The Patent Office, Union government, has granted patent for 20 years, under the Patents Act.

The patent has been granted for the development of “pharmaceutical formulations of electro-responsive smart hydrogel for transdermal drug delivery”.

The patent applicant is Raghavendra V. Kulkarni, Registrar of the university and pharmaceutical scientist.

His team from the Sri Sanganabasava Mahaswami College of Pharmacy includes Sudha B. Patil, Krishnacharya Akkamanchi and Kushal K. Das.

The patented method involves reaching medicine to targeted organs through the skin, at regulated timings, through a patch applied on the skin. The method is expected to ensure painless drug delivery at affordable prices. It is scalable, said a release.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: INDIA & KARNATAKA: MATHS OLYMPIAD: Bengaluru boy Atul Shatvart Nadig Bags Gold Medal at 64th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), Chiba, Japan

Atul Shatavart Nadig, student of Shri Ram Global School, Whitefield, bagged the gold medal at the 64th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), held in Chiba, Japan, from July 2 to 13.

Six-member Indian team has done the country proud by securing two gold, two silver and two bronze medals and finished 9th out of 112 countries. Along with Atul, Arjun Gupta of Delhi secured gold at the event.

“In terms of Olympiad Math, I am mostly self-taught. Ever since grade 10, I have been doing Olympiad Math, through the Art of Problem Solving website, classes on the Online Math Club and handouts by Evan Chen, a past Olympiad medallist. I won a gold medal and placed 12th overall in this year’s event,” said Atul.

He got a perfect score of 1600 on the SAT last year and he will be continuing my future studies, doing Mathematics and Computer Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA. “I am also the director of the Sophie Fellowship, an initiative to prepare Indian students for Math Olympiads by showing them its beauty. With this, I also hope to reach out to more students in India, most of who are unaware of the prospects mathematics holds as a career,” he added.

This is the fourth time India secured a position in the Top 10. The team was accompanied by Prithwijit De, Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, Mumbai, Sahil Mhaskar, Chennai Mathematical Institute, Chennai, Anant Mudgal, University of California, USA and Pranjal Srivastava, MIT, USA.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)