Karnataka Records – Page 16

GLOBAL RECORD: INDIA & KARNATAKA: Karnataka’s Lion-Tailed Macaque Population Highest in World

The latest study was conducted in December 2022, covering Sirsi-Honnavara and Shivamogga forest divisions.

Karnataka has the world’s largest population of lion-tailed macaques (LTMs) with 41 groups of 730 individuals, according to a study by the Karnataka Forest Department and Coimbatore-based Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON).

The study gave a big boost to conservation efforts as it found that the population of LTMs in the Sharavathi Valley Lion-Tailed Macaque Sanctuary (SVLTMS), spread across Shivamogga and Uttara Kannada districts, has been stable with more groups being added, as compared to the previous study. The earlier study in 2015 had put the population of LTMs at 30 groups with a little over 600 individuals.

The latest study was conducted in December 2022, covering Sirsi-Honnavara and Shivamogga forest divisions. Volunteers and forest department staff walked through 72 grid cells in the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats, which span north of the Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary and south of the Aghanashini River Valley.

“The study areas were Kyadagi and Siddapur forest ranges in the Sirsi Forest Division, Honnavar, Gersoppa, Bhatkala and Kumta Forest ranges in the Honnavar Forest Division, and Kogar and Kargal forest ranges of the Shivamogga Wildlife Division,” said Vasanth Reddy, Conservator of Forests, Canara Circle, who initiated the study.

“It revealed that Uttara Kannada has been a significant and potential site for the conservation of LTMs, considering the sizable canopy and undisturbed habitat as compared to the north of Sharavathi,” HN Kumara, Senior Principal Scientist, SACON, said. He said the department’s initiatives, like restoration of canopy and forests and insulating high-tension transmission lines that pass through forest areas of Gerusoppa and other places, have helped in the conservation of LTMs.

This is the first integrated LTM assessment exercise for the Sharavathi Valley Sanctuary, covering both Canara and Shivamogga circles. Earlier, the study focussed only on Canara circle. LTMs are the indicators of evergreen forests as they prefer canopy and are rarely seen on ground.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

India launches multi-lingual legal app for assistance from homes

Former CJI UU Lalit said access to justice has always been a cause dear to his heart.

Former Chief Justice of India M N Venkatachaliah recently launched the multi-lingual India Legal App, a legal helpline accessible to citizens to obtain legal assistance from their homes.

Justice Venkatachaliah, also a patron-in-chief of India Legal Research Foundation, said that the app will benefit a wide range of consumers, including a large legal community of 1.2 million lawyers and half a million students, a release stated.

After the launch of the app on Saturday, the first call on the app came from Meerut. An employee alleged that his employer did not give him money. Justice Venkatachaliah directed him to file a case against the employer and to approach the High Court.

Former CJI UU Lalit said access to justice has always been a cause dear to his heart. “From Supreme Court to lower courts the doors have always been open for impartial justice. However, systemic difficulties have made access to justice challenging,” he said.

The app can be used in 6 languages — English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali and Punjabi.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani Donates Rs 315 crore to IIT Bombay

Nilekani joined IIT Bombay in 1973 for a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. The donation marks the golden jubilee of Nilekani’s association with the Institute.

Infosys co-founder and chairman and founding chairman of UIDAI Nandan Nilekani has donated Rs 315 crore to his alma mater – Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. With this, Nilekani has so far donated Rs 400 crore to IIT Bombay.

The donation will be instrumental in fostering world-class infrastructure, stimulating research in emerging areas of engineering and technology, and nurturing a deep tech startup ecosystem at IIT Bombay, the institute said.

Nilekani joined IIT Bombay in 1973 for a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. The donation marks the golden jubilee of Nilekani’s association with the Institute. It also stands as one of the largest donations made by an alumnus in India.

Nilekani said, “IIT Bombay has been a cornerstone in my life, shaping my formative years and laying the foundation for my journey. As I celebrate 50 years of my association with this institution, I am grateful to contribute to its future. This donation is more than just a financial contribution; it is a tribute to the place that has given me so much and a commitment to the students who will shape our world tomorrow.”

MoU signed in B’luru
A Memorandum of Understanding was formally signed on Tuesday in Bengaluru by Nandan Nilekani and IIT Bombay Director Prof Subhasis Chaudhuri

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: SPORTS / ATHLETICS: Kodagu Athlete Theetharamada Sinchal Kaveramma Breaks National Record at 62nd Inter-State Athletics Championships, Odisha; Qualifies For Asiad

Theetharamada Sinchal Kaveramma shattered the national record in the 400-metre hurdle and met the qualifying mark for the Asiad (Asian Games), during the 62nd Inter-State Athletics Championships in Odisha.

Notably, she broke the national record, crossing the finish line in a thrilling photo-finish with a time of 56.76 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 57.02 seconds. This remarkable achievement also stands as Sinchal’s personal best time. She clinched the silver medal in the 400-metre hurdles event and a bronze medal in mixed relay.

The recently concluded National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships, held at the Kalinga Stadium at Bhubaneswar, Odisha, served as a selection trial for both the delayed Asian Games in Hangzhou, scheduled for September, and the upcoming World Championships in Hungary.

Numerous top-tier athletes travelled to Bhubaneswar with the aim of securing their spots in the Asian Games later this year. Sinchal is among the 65 athletes representing 27 disciplines who persevered through scorching heatwaves to meet the Asiad qualification standard.

Sinchal receives training from Bollanda Vikram Aiyappa and Pramila Aiyappa in Bengaluru. Speaking to Star of Mysore, she attributed her record-breaking performance to her coaches and family, expressing her full dedication to them. Sinchal has already commenced her preparations for the main Asian Games, scheduled to take place from Sept. 15 in Bangkok.

Sinchal is the daughter of Theetharamada M. Ravi and Rashmi (Kuppanda), residents of Nalloor village near Ponnampet. Her grandparents are Theetharamada Mudappa and Chondamma of Nalloor, as well as Kuppanda C. Thimmaiah and Muthakki of Nalvathoklu.

Sinchal completed her primary education at Lions Primary School in Gonikoppa and attended high school at Alvas English Medium High School in Moodbidri. She pursued her pre-university course at Alvas PU College and is currently in her final year of B.Com studies at Bishop Cotton Women’s Christian College in Bengaluru.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: SPORTS / SKATING: Mysuru’s City Skaters Shine at the ‘4th National Ranking Roller Skating Championship, Ranchi,Jharkhand

Six skaters of Elite Roller Skating Academy, Mysuru, participated in the 4th National-level Ranking Roller Skating Championship was held in Ranchi, Jharkhand, recently.

Among them, G. Vijay, belonging to 14 to 17 years age group Quad Category, has won 2 Gold Medals in the Road 1 Lap event and 100 meters event.

Aarav Kiran, belonging to 7 to 9 years age group Inline Category, has won 3 Silver Medals in the Road 2 laps, Road 1 Lap and 100 meters event.

G. Vijay is son of Mala and Govindaraj, residents of Gurudarshini Layout, Mysuru and Aarav Kiran is son of Kiran and Deepika, residents of Manasinagar, Mysuru. The skaters were trained by Adithya S. Rao and M.G. Uma at Elite Roller Skating Academy in city.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: SPORTS: On the fast lane: Bengaluru’s 13-year-old Mountain Biker Nithila Das Winner of the 2022 FIM MiniGP Oh Vale Championship

This 13-year-old city-based mountain biker, who won the 2022 FIM MiniGP OhVale Championship, speaks to CE about wanting to represent India at the 2028 Olympics

Nithila Das has her eyes set on a dream: to represent India at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. In a prodigious manner, the 13-year-old competitive cyclist and motorsport rider ventured into this world when she was only six years old.

“So, I started with mountain biking first when my father introduced me and my brother to it. Initially, my brother was the only one doing it but eventually, I got into it as well. I have been competing unofficially at the MTB Nationals for the past three years. I was too young as per the rules, so I was competing on a special license.

However, last year, I competed officially for the first time and secured the bronze medal,” says Das, who recently came first in the first round of the TVS Women National Road Racing Championship. She is also the national champion [Girls] of the FIM MiniGP OhVale Championship 2022.

Das believes her father, Nikhil Das, has been an instrumental figure in her career so far. “When I first started getting into cycling, I was kind of lazy. My brother was winning so many medals and I was just feeling a little bad as I wasn’t contributing to it. Then I went to my father and he was so supportive. He motivates me a lot and gives me tips as well,” shares Das, whose family originally hails from Thiruvananthapuram but they have been residing in Bengaluru since 2005.

The early steps to Olympic glory have already begun for Das. “It’s not about a gold medal at the Olympics or anything but I want to reach that level. The first step would be to work towards acing the Nationals, for which I have already begun training hard. I am working towards gaining more and more power and focusing on my nutrition as well, so I am fit enough to compete at the highest of levels,” she concludes.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: BUSINESS & ECONOMY: Claudius Pereira takes over as President of Kanara Entrepreneurs (KE) Bangalore, new Directors installed

Founding lead member of Kanara Entrepreneurs (KE) Bangalore, accomplished entrepreneur and renowned toastmaster, Claudius Pereira took oath as the new president of KE Bangalore in an exhilarating programme at The Grand Magrath on June 16 in the presence of over 150 members.

The theme of the evening was carefully planned with great stories of inspiration, fortitude and triumph within KE.

The event was flagged off with the outgoing president, Clarence Pereira’s farewell address. In his speech, Clarence highlighted various quotes to inspire the gathering. While reminiscing the legacy that he was entrusted with to take the mission of KE forward during this three-year tenure on the board, he was forthcoming in his support of the incoming president as he bade an emotional farewell to the members.

Fourteen new members from varied disciplines were inducted by the director of membership, James Coelho. Ivan Fernandes, chairman, KE Global, thanked the board members who had completed their terms – Clarence Pereira, Anil Monteiro (director marketing) and Ashly D’Souza (director finance) prior to discharging them of their responsibilities.

Ivan then presided over the formal installation of three new directors, incoming president Claudius Pereira, director of marketing Naveen D’Souza and director of finance Peter Anil Rego.

In keeping with the theme, Claudius delivered an enthralling acceptance speech sprinkled with two powerful stories highlighting the supportive spirit of the KE community members as well as the power of entrepreneurial endeavour and resilience in the face of adversity. His well-articulated words, humour and anecdotes of depth, left a clear message to the members that he is aspires to inspire and take everyone along with him during the journey towards success.

Ivan Fernandes closed the formal conversations of the evening with a series of inspiring and humorous highlights of his professional journey that truly helped to reassure budding entrepreneurs. His words resounded encouragement to the members and a call to support the next generation of entrepreneurs with the platform and tools necessary to be successful in their enterprise and evolve from the challenges of the previous generation of business owners from the community.

The members were engaged with networking activity by Clout Chasers, a dynamic group of young content creators and social engagement professionals who captured video footage and media content throughout the evening taking snippets and quotes from members.

Alan Aranha delivered an inclusive and crisp vote of thanks. The brilliant emcee, Carol Pereira, moderated the event with her vibrant and bustling personality and wit with aplomb.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY: 80th Birthday Of Science Writer S. Ramprasad On May 21

The 80th birthday celebration of Science writer S. Ramprasad, who is also the Founder-President of Karnataka Muktaka Sahitya Academy and the release of four books have been organised by District Kannada Sahitya Parishat, Mysuru, Kannada Sahitya Kalakoota, Mysuru and Hoysala Kannada Sangha, on May 21 at 11 am at Rotary West Auditorium, Saraswathipuram in city.

Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji will grace the occasion. Managing Director of Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (KSIIDC) Dr. M.R. Ravi will release the books and deliver felicitation address.

Litterateur Dr. Kabbinale Vasanth Bharadwaj will speak on the books ‘Ramaprabhe’ and ‘Maneyondu Bagilaidu’ while Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) Kannada Professor Dr. Jyothi Shankar will speak on ‘Kelu Jaana Thammana Muktakagalu’ and ‘Alvars and Sri Ramanujacharya’.

District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Maddikere Gopal will preside. Kalakoota President M. Chandrashekar will deliver introductory address.

S. Ramprasad will also speak. General Secretary of Hoysala Kannada Sangha Ranganath (of Sushmita Prakashana), Muktaka writer M. Muthuswamy (of Muddukrishna Prakashana) and Editor of ‘Sudharma’ Sanskrit daily Padma Shri K.S. Jayalakshmi will be present, according to a press release.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: RURAL INNOVATION / AGRICULTURE : Siddapur Farmer Vidyadhar Bhat Designs Wonder Modified Vehicle that carries 300 kilos of load

Though the vehicle looks like a scooter, it does work of an autorickshaw. It is also quite useful for the farmers.

A farmer who was tired of carrying things on his shoulders has designed this vehicle, which is developed from his old TVS moped.

The farmer who has designed this unique vehicle is none other than Vidhyadhar Bhat, a resident of Unchalli of Siddapur taluk of the district.

An old TVS moped that was lying in Vidhyadhar Bhat’s house was getting rusted. So Bhat thought of using it as a cart vehicle and a sketch was made in cooperation with local engineer Prashanth. Later, they developed a three-wheeler vehicle having tyres of a scooty and an auto.

The vehicle has the engine of CT 100 and has brakes of an Omni vehicle. A container that is fitted on the backside can carry up to 300 kilos of load. The vehicle has a fan and an intercooler as well.

The vehicle gives a mileage of 20 km to a litre if the load is full. Otherwise it can give up to 30 to 35 kilometers to a litre. On the whole, this wonder vehicle is farmer-friendly. This vehicle allows the farmer to finish off his work without depending much on labourers for farm-related work.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: SHIPPING & TRANSPORT: The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) Bags 03rd Prize from Shipping Ministry for Overall Performance among Major Ports

The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) secured the third prize in the overall performance for 2022-23 among the major ports in the country.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and Minister of State Shripad Y. Naik presented the prize to NMPA chairman A.V. Ramana at the launch of Harit Sagar, the Green Port Guidelines launching programme in New Delhi on Wednesday, said a release.

The port handled 41.42 million tonnes of traffic, a 5.4% growth compared to 39.3 million tonnes in 2021-22. The container traffic grew by 8.55%, from 1.5 lakh TEUs to 1.65 lakh TEUs during the period, while the ship turnaround time was reduced to 43.29 hours from 45.95 hours.

The average output per berth per day rose from 16,465 tonnes to 18,489 tonnes per berth, with an incremental operating ratio of 38.44 that is on par with private ports in the country.

Awards were conferred for the overall performance on operational and financial parameters during 2022-23 to generate healthy competition among major ports.

Harit Sagar Guidelines – 2023 envisages ecosystem dynamics in port development, operation and maintenance while aligning with ’Working with Nature’ concept and minimising impact on biotic components of harbor ecosystem.

It lays emphasis on use of clean/green energy in port operation, developing port capabilities for storage, handling and bunkering greener fuels, including green hydrogen, green ammonia, green methanol/ethanol etc.

The NMP has already undertaken various green port initiatives in accordance with the guidelines, including transforming from manual cargo handling to mechanised cargo handling system, 100% solarisation, rainwater harvesting, maintaining 33% of total land area as green, commissioning electric vehicles to reduce carbon emission, moving from conventional to LED lighting system, sewage treatment plant, and vermi-composting for waste management etc.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)