Category: Records, India

NATIONAL: India’s AI: Ola’s AI Platform Krutrim, to outdo global players in energy-efficient data centres: Founder Bhavish Aggarwal

He alleged that big technology companies like Amazon, Google and Apple are having closed ecosystems and locking developer’s work on their platform.

Ola’s AI platform Krutrim will compete with global technology majors in building energy-efficient data centres and offer cloud services at the lowest price for the development of artificial intelligence, its founder Bhvish Aggarwal said.

While speaking at an event, Aggarwal announced an AI cloud platform – Krutrim Cloud – to enterprises, researchers, and developers at low cost with a focus on addressing the needs of Indian developers.

“We are building our own technology to do energy management to make the most efficient data centres in the world. I am willing to compete with Microsoft, Google or whoever to say, we will do better than them. The cloud cost we pay is the same as the amount paid by American developers. How is it justified? We will resolve that,” Aggarwal said.

He alleged that big technology companies like Amazon, Google and Apple are having closed ecosystems and locking developer’s work on their platform.

“Krutrim’s overall ambition is to build a full stack AI platform, which allows developers to create applications easier, faster and cheaper,” Aggarwal said.

He also said that no startup makes a profit due to high cloud service costs.

Ola claims that the Krutrim assistant app has been built on its own large language model and trained on over 2 trillion tokens with the largest representation of Indic data.

The company claims that Krutrim currently understands and generates intelligent responses in over 10 Indian languages, which will be expanded to 22 official languages in the near future.

Aggarwal said Krutrim is an Indian platform for developing global applications.

“We are going to make many more models which are useful in the Indian context. We are working on voice models, vision-based models etc,” he added.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

source/content: business-standard.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY: DEFENCE / UAV : First indigenous bomber UAV unveiled in Bengaluru

The FWD-200B has a payload capacity of 100 kg and is classified as a MALE Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle.

India’s first indigenous bomber UAV aircraft- FWD-200B developed by Flying Wedge Defence, one of the pioneers in India’s defence and aerospace technology sector, was unveiled on Friday.

Driven by a commitment to reducing India’s reliance on costly bomber unmanned aircraft imports and boosting the Make in India initiative, the company aims to position India as a global drone manufacturing and technology hub while equipping the nation with the right air defence resources and enhancing national security, according to a press release issued from Flying Wedge.

“For over 15 years, India’s pursuit of combat unmanned aircraft remained a distant dream. With the launch of the FWD-200B, India not only fulfils this dream but also joins the league of nations with advanced combat aircraft capabilities,” said Suhas Tejaskanda, Founder of Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace.

“While the US Predator costs a staggering Rs 250 crores, our indigenous FWD-200B, built with state-of-the-art technology and manufactured in India, slashes the cost to a mere Rs 25 crores. This not only demonstrates our commitment to self-reliance but also positions India as a leader in cost-effective defence solutions”, he added.

The Flying Wedge Defence’s state-of-the-art manufacturing unit where the FWD-200B was meticulously crafted, is over 12000 sq.ft built on 1.5 acre land and is located at Electronic City.

The FWD-200B has a payload capacity of 100 kgs and is classified as a MALE Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (medium-altitude, long-endurance). The Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) consists of optical surveillance payloads and is integrated with missile-like weapons for precision air strikes.

While having a max speed of 200 kts/370 kmph, it has an endurance capacity of 12-20 hours.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL / KARNATAKA: ARTS & CULTURE : BOLLYWOOD: From Mysuru To Mumbai… City’s Ritika Gupta Forays Into Tinsel World Of Glitz And Glamour

Mysuru has a rich legacy of producing talented actors and technicians who have carved a niche for themselves in the film industry. In fact, some of them have even gone on to become G.O.A.T (Greatest Of All Times). Among the aspiring actors who wish to make it big in the industry is Ritika Gupta of Mysuru.

Born and brought up in Mysuru, Ritika studied acting from Second City, Chicago and Kreating Characters from Mumbai. This young actor from Mysuru has been featured alongside actress Pooja Bhatt in the series ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’ directed by Nitya Mehra and Sudhanshu Saria on a popular OTT platform.

Ritika has also featured in a Hindi movie ‘Tamso’ that was screened at the Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas, USA, during February 2023 which is expected to release in an OTT platform later this year. A true Kannadiga by nature, she has acted in the movie ‘Srinivasa Kalyana’ directed by M.G. Srinivas.

“I always aspired to become an actress but there is so much taboo around it that I was scared to speak about it. But, as soon as I joined a course in Arts (Journalism), I was assigned to write about movies, music and theatre and that is when I realised that I should pursue a career in acting. Following this, I enrolled myself into acting classes,” said Ritika.

The Mysuru girl also has a liking towards performing arts which inspired her to learn Kathak and Belly dancing and Bachata, a Latin form of dance. In fact, Ritika represented India in the opening of World Latin Dance Cup that was held in Columbia in February 2024.

On completion of her dance course, Ritika shifted to Mumbai where she has been trying to foray into Bollywood. “Life in Mumbai has been very challenging from finding a place to stay to building a network, making friends and having a sense of community. But I am slowly getting there. Also there is so much of learning and growth that happens in Mumbai,” she said. 

Ritika added that she visits Mysuru, her home town, often to recharge and rejuvenate amidst nature, friends and family.

Her entry into ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’ was not easy. She was tested for multiple roles during which she had to give 12 auditions over a period of five months before she finally bagged the role of ‘Mithya Nagraj.’ Ritika is popular in social media through her Instagram handle ritika_gupt.

She also aspires to  enter Kannada film industry. “Being a Mysurean, I am familiar with the Kannada language which I can speak fluently. This apart, I am aware of the rich culture and tradition of Karnataka,”  she added.

Ritika is the daughter of C. Anil Kumar, owner of Bombay Tiffanys Annexe and late Anita Gupta.  She has two siblings Anish Gupta and Anjul Patel. Here is wishing good luck to the Mysuru girl.  — VNS

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: ARTS & CRAFTS / LITERARY : Kannada poet Mamta G. Sagar wins international award

The Bengaluru-based writer was conferred the World Literary Prize from the World Organization of Writers (WOW) on April 6 at a ceremony in Abuja, Nigeria

Mamta G. Sagar, a Bengaluru-based Kannada poet, writer, academic and activist, has recently won the World Literary Prize from the World Organization of Writers (WOW) for her contributions to the world of literature. Dr Sagar, a facilitator at Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design, and Technology, known for her involvement in diverse forms of transdisciplinary creative writing and cultural industries, received the award on April 6 at a ceremony in Abuja, Nigeria.

“I am deeply honoured to receive the award and diploma. This recognition is a testament to the power of literature to inspire and provoke thought irrespective of the language,” said Dr. Sagar on receiving the news of her win. “I am humbled to be acknowledged among such esteemed writers.”

In addition to this award, Dr. Sagar, who has always actively engaged in community-based projects centred around poetry, has also been honoured with the LIFFT award, the gold medal, and a diploma for her outstanding achievements in the field of literature. Some of the themes she has addressed in her work, over the years, include identity politics, feminism, and cultural diversity.

Sagar produced Interversions 1,2, & 3, three films based on her poetry collections, with Srishti Films as part of the Wales-India collaborative projects (2018). She has also written and produced For Gauri, a video presentation of her poem written for the late journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh. She has several works to her credit including Kaada Navilina Hejje, Chukki Chukki Chandakki, Nadiya Neerina Teva, and Illi Salluva Maatu.

Congratulating Dr. Sagar on the occasion, Dr. Arindam Das, Director, SMI said, “Dr. Sagar’s achievement not only reflects her exceptional talent but also underscores our commitment to cultivating a community of erudite and exemplary practitioners who bring their real-world experience into the classroom, enriching the academic journey of our students.” 

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: HISTORY / ARTS & CULTURE / BUDDHIST: Nuggets of history from Sannati village in Kalaburagi district

Left neglected for many years after it came to light through the ASI excavations in the 1990s, the ancient Buddhist site of Sannati on the bank of the Bhima River got a restoration project in 2022.

Major Buddhist centre during the Ashokan Empire

Historians believe that the Sannati Ranamandal [war zone] was a fortified area spreading over 210 acres, of which only a couple of acres have so far been excavated. The excavations suggested that the area was one of the major Buddhist centres that flourished with the active support of Emperor Ashoka. The areas came under the control of Shatavahanas after the Mouryas.

The Maha Stupa destroyed by natural calamities

The Maha Stupa, which measures nearly 22 meters in diameter and rose to a height of about 17 meters, is believed to have been developed in three constructional phases – Maurya, Early Satavahana and Later Satavahana periods stretching from 3rd Century BC to 3rd Century AD. The archaeologists believe that the Stupa was destroyed by natural calamities.

Devanampiye and Piyadasi, titles of Emperor Ashoka

The minor rock edict found at Maski town in Raichur district in 1915 convincingly established that Devanampiye and Piyadasi (‘beloved of the gods’ and ‘one with a benevolent gaze’) were the titles of Ashoka. Till then, the identity of Devanampiye and Piyadasi which were widely referred to in ancient inscriptions remained unknown.

A major education hub between 10th and 12th Centuries

The site of ancient Nagavi Ghatikasthana, which was often termed the Takshashila of the South by historians, is around 40 km away from Sannati. The Ghatikasthana, which had the status of a present-day university, was a major education hub during rulers of the Rashtrakuta and Kalyana Chalukya dynasties between the 10th and 12th Centuries.  

The Sannati Development Authority to conserve the antiquities

The Karnataka government established the Sannati Development Authority to conserve the antiquities retrieved during the excavation in Kanaganahalli and developed the ancient Buddhist site as a major tourist and pilgrimage destination. Karnataka Housing Board has built a museum building, dormitories, and staff quarters, but the museum building is not handed over to to ASI.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) achieves major milestone, First Aircraft of Tejas LA5033 of the Mk1A series takes to skies in Bengaluru

The first Aircraft LA5033 of the Tejas Mk1A series took to the skies from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facility in Bengaluru on Thursday. It was a successful sortie with a flying time of 18 minutes, the HAL said in a statement.

“HAL achieved this significant production milestone with concurrent design and development amid major supply chain challenges in the global geo-political environment subsequent to the contract signature in February 2021. The flight was piloted by CTP, Group Captain K. K. Venugopal (Retd),” HAL stated.

A. Bharat Bhushan Babu, Principal Spokesperson, Ministry of Defence, said, “HAL achieves a significant production milestone with the successful test sortie of Tejas Mk1A aircraft today.

The Tejas Mk1A will have an advanced radar, electronic warfare and communication systems, additional combat capability and improved maintenance features,” he said.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA’s Judiciary is leading social transformation with Highest Number of Women Civil Judges: CJI Chandrachud 

In Karnataka, of the 447 civil judges, 200 are women, which constitutes about 44% of the working strength in the civil judges’ cadre.

The Karnataka district judiciary is leading social transformation in the country by employing the highest number of women civil judges and its rate of disposal of cases is truly a performance to replicate across the country, said Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud in Bengaluru on Saturday.

Speaking at the 21st biennial State-level conference of judicial officers of Karnataka in Bengaluru, he said the number of women in judiciary is heartening as its 37% of its working strength in district judiciary.

In Karnataka, of the 447 civil judges, 200 are women, which constitutes about 44% of the working strength in the civil judges’ cadre, the CJI said while pointing out that the increase in the number of women judicial officers is crucial not only to correct historic lack of representation in our courts but also to bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the table, resulting in the more effective adjudication process.

“Your contribution to judiciary is of immense importance and you serve as a source of inspiration for the future generation of women aspiring to purpose career in law and Indian judiciary,” the CJI told the women judicial officers.

Disposal of cases

On disposal of cases by the district judiciary in Karnataka, he said that 20.62 lakh cases were disposed of the 22.25 lakh cases instituted between January 1, 2023, and March 23, 2024, while stating this performance is a model to replicate across the country. 

Stating that work-life balance is integral to fulfil duties effectively, the CJI said that a judge, who is overwhelmed with work and unable to prioritise personal time with family and self care may struggle to perform optimally. “Therefore, the ability to manage stress and to achieve work-life balance is not separate from but rather intertwined with delivering justice,” he added. 

The CJI said that the judiciary must have objective yardsticks to access what is its output and what is the quality of work that it is rendering, and how different the judiciary is making the life of citizens by the expenditure and investment of public revenue.

Stating that the district judiciary and grassroots-level judges are the backbone of the Indian judiciary, Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court N.V. Anjaria has said that the common man’s faith in judicial institution originates from here as the district courts and its judges bear a direct connection to the litigants for their plight and aspiration of justice more than the role played by the High Courts or the Supreme Court.

On language 

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that language should not be a barrier to justice. “The use of the local language in court proceedings, or the integration of artificial intelligence to provide real-time updates and translations, can significantly enhance the understanding and participation of litigants in the judicial process,” Mr. Siddaramaiah said.

‘I was trolled through doctored video’

CJI Chandrachud recalled a recent incident where he was subjected to trolling and vicious abuse through a doctored video clip, from the Supreme Court’s live streaming, posted on social media, for merely adjusting his seating position during the hearing of a case.

“I was labelled as arrogant by some social media users claiming I got up in the midst of an important argument in court,” he said while pointing out that he had some pain in his back, and all that he did was that he placed his elbows on the armchair in the court and just shifted position.

“I didn’t leave the court. I only shifted my position but I was subject to vicious abuse, trolling, the knives were out…” he said while talking about work-life balance and stress management for judges.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: HORTICULTURE & AGRICULTURE: Innovation on display at National Horticulture Fair (NHF) 2024 in IIHR

From seeds of different varieties of fruit, flower and vegetable plants to advanced technological advancements, are available at the 250 stalls put up at the fair.

For any horticulture enthusiasts in Bengaluru, from home gardeners to orchard owners, National Horticulture Fair (NHF) organised at Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) between March 5 and March 7 is the place to be.

From seeds of different varieties of fruit, flower and vegetable plants to advanced technological advancements, are available at the 250 stalls put up at the fair.

Innovative products like purple coloured ladies finger, dragon fruit juice, ready-to-eat jackfruit curry, millet health bars and jackfruit it seed and mushroom powder cookies are also available at the fair.

More than 30 agricultural institutes from 18 States are taking part in the fair. “Our Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) brought us to this fair. I had never been to an agricultural fair on such a large scale. I have spent more than half day just going through the stall here,” said Pradeep, a farmer from Sira taluk in Tumakuru who was at NHF on the inaugural day.

Arka Mealy Melt, which works against mealy bugs, which are soft oval insects which affect crops in even kitchen gardens, home gardens, landscapes and indoor gardens, is also among the new products developed by IIHR using technology. The product will help dissolve the mealy bug wax due to which hinders the penetration of insecticides to work against the bugs.

On the first day of NHF, around 20,000 people were in attendance while on the second day, around 25,000 people thronged the IIHR premises.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: BEAUTY : Ishika Shetty Wins Miss Teen Global World India Oceana 2024 Crown

Mangaluru girl Ishika Shetty was crowned as Miss Teen Global World India Oceana – 2024 at Mr and Miss and Miss Teen Global World beauty pageant in New Delhi on February 27, organized by Global India Entertainment Production and Ali Sharma.

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty and model Jathin Kirbath were the jury members for the final round and 65 contestants from all over the country took part in the beauty pageant.

Ishika Shetty hails from Kavoor. She is the daughter of Sharath Kumar Shetty and Shwetha Sharath Kumar Shetty. Presently, she is pursuing her degree at St Aloysius College.

In the year 2022, Ishika bagged Miss Teen Mangaluru and Miss Teen Karnataka in 2023 in Bengaluru. Since childhood, she has been inclined towards acting, dancing and modeling.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: NATIONAL / KARNATAKA: Global Business Forum to make its debut in Karnataka, to be held in Bengaluru, March 03-06

The event, set to be held from March 3 to 6, is being hosted by the World Trade Centres Association and World Trade Centre Bengaluru.

The 54th Global Business Forum (GBF), the annual event conducted by World Trade Centres Association (WTCA), will be held in Bengaluru from March 3 to 6. The event which is making its debut in Karnataka is being hosted by WTCA and World Trade Centre Bengaluru.

This will also be the first time that the event, formerly called the ‘General Assembly’ is happening in India after its rebranding.

GBF will bring together WTCA members and their global networks. The organisation connects more than 300 world trade centre locations in nearly 100 countries. The confirmed participants include more than 80 business from 30 countries/territories.

“This year’s GBF will not only showcase India, specifically Karnataka, as a rising investment destination of the world, but also serve to strengthen relationships between industry leaders,” said Vineet Verma, managing director of World Trade Center Bengaluru, Chennai and Kochi; and newly-appointed WTCA board member.

“This will be an invaluable opportunity to interact with leading innovators and invest in India’s growing economy — backed by our dynamic and skilled workforce.” 

The Forum aims to facilitate business relationships and will focus on investment opportunities in Karnataka across 12 diverse industry sectors.

These include agriculture & food processing, automotive, aviation & aerospace, biotech, education, heavy engineering, IT, ITeS & Electronics, manufacturing, real estate & construction, tech start ups, textile & garments, and travel & tourism.

In partnership with the Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC), the event will offer onsite B2B matchmaking services, connecting international delegates with business opportunities in Karnataka.

“India is experiencing rapid economic growth, coupled with a surging demand for commercial infrastructure and global business connectivity. As a result, our network has grown phenomenally in the country during the past decade. Today, we have our second largest membership cluster here with 40 Members representing most of India’s major cities and contributing to India’s sustainable development,” said John E. Drew, chair, WTCA board of directors.

“Bengaluru’s entrepreneurial spirit makes it an ideal setting for fostering synergies and exploring lucrative business opportunities in one of the world’s most promising economic regions.”  

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)