Business & Economy – Page 19

NATIONAL & KARNATAKA : INVENTIONS / RESEARCH / INNOVATIONS: 04 More New CSIR-CFTRI’s Technologies released in Mysuru

An anti-obese Barley-Seaweed based supplement ‘SeaSlim’, which is supposed to regulate body weight and manages obesity, has also been launched.

In the last seven decades, the Mysuru-based CSIR-CFTRI has developed nearly 400 technologies and over 4,500 licencees’ commercialised several technologies that were transferred to them by the premier institute.

On an average, 15 to 20 technologies were developed at the CFTRI annually and nearly 120-125 technologies were transferred every year, according to scientists.

At ‘One Week One Lab’ initiative that got off to a start at CFTRI here on Monday, July 3, four new technologies were launched by the dignitaries at the inaugural of OWOL. The CFTRI has proposed to release a total of 22 technologies during the weeklong OWOL.

The four technologies include barley-seaweed based anti-obese supplement ‘SeaSlim’; freshness keeper paper under the CSIR’s Floriculture Mission; process for the production of soluble and insoluble arabinoxylan from wheat bran, and production of baker’s yeast.

Freshness keeper paper is made with natural bioactive compounds. It can extend the shelf life of cut roses by 1-2 times longer, the CFTRI said.

A simple paper-based freshness keeper paper – a patented technology which is a chemical-free design to keep cut flowers fresh during transport and storage without disturbing the protocol of cut rose flowers. Freshness keeper technology is a paper wrapped with direct contact with rose flower petals that help enhance fresh-cut flowers’ quality and shelf life by two folds, a note said here.

During the export and transportation time, cut rose flowers have a shelf life of 10-12 days at 4 degrees C. With freshness paper, the shelf life is increased by 6-7 days – taking the total shelf life to 18-20 days.

“The scope of this technology is useful to Indian florists as well as other countries, more significantly who are in import and export of cut flowers as India is ranked 15^th in the export of cut roses.”

This tech is chemical-free and inexpensive, reduces waste, and increases revenue. The tech helps farmers, importers, exporters and big and small vendors, the note added.

According to CFTRI, India is ranked third in the world in the prevalence of obesity. Owing to rising obesity cases, anti-obese foods are flooding the markets. The CFTRI has developed a barley-seaweed based anti-obese supplement called ‘SeaSlim’ having qualities of brown algae and barley for managing obesity. “SeaSlim can be used as a potent antioxidant food. It lowers fat absorption in the small intestine. It lowers the risk of obesity and diabetes. It helps in regulation of body weight by reducing the food intake and can be used as a low-glycemic index food. It can be recommended as a thermogenic food to manage obesity,” the release issued by CFTRI said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL & KARNATAKA: DEFENCE SERVICES / TECHNOLOGY :DRDO, Navy Fly TAPAS Drone, Land it on Warship

The TAPAS UAV took off from Chitradurga’s Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) and flew 285 km and landed successfully on INS Subhadra.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy successfully demonstrated the transfer of command and control capabilities of TAPAS unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

The TAPAS UAV took off from Chitradurga’s Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) and flew 285 km and landed successfully on INS Subhadra. According to the Navy, the vessel was 148km off the Karwar Naval base. A ground control station and two ship data terminals were installed on INS Subhadra to control the UAV.

The UAV took off at 7.35 am from the ATR and soared to a height of 20,000 feet and flew for three-and-a-half hours non-stop to land on INS Subhadra. “After this test, the UAV flew back to the ATR safely,” said the Navy.

“This test is called C2 — command and control capabilities — to check the ability of the operator to control the drone’s flight, sensors and payloads. C2 capabilities are essential for the safe and effective operations of a drone. This is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone, which has a flight endurance of 24 to 48 hours,” informed Girish Linganna, a Bengaluru-based defence expert.

TAPAS was designed and developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency and can be used for patrolling and intelligence gathering for all the three forces. These UAVs are considered the Indian version of Predator drones of the United States.

They are equipped with electro optics sensors to capture images and videos both during the day and night, long-range electro optics sensors to take images and videos from long distances that can be used for surveillance and reconnaissance missions and provide information about enemy movements and activities, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) that uses a technique called synthetic aperture to create high-resolution images that can be used in all-weather conditions to obtain ground surface details like terrain features and objects, electronic intelligence, communication intelligence and other features.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: CANINES/DOGS FOR INDIAN ARMY: Belgian Malinois Dogs to Guard Indian Borders, Reared in Bavikeri, Ankola Taluk, Uttara Kannada

A post on Facebook changed the history of 17 Belgian Malinois puppies which were born at a house in a village near Ankola.

A post on Facebook changed the history of 17 Belgian Malinois puppies which were born at a house in a village near Ankola. For dog lover Raghavendra Bhat, a resident of Bavikere in Ankola taluk in Uttara Kannada district, rearing dogs has been a hobby.

But an unexpected big event occurred when he, as usual, posted the pictures of his Belgian Malinois puppies. An officer from the Army in Assam contacted him immediately, requesting him to give the puppies to guard the borders.

Bhat, an officer in the Department of Women and Child Development in Uttara Kannada, told this newspaper, “I had a big surprise when the Army officer contacted me. Another officer was sent to my house and he tested all the pups for 45 days, before ensuring that they are fit to serve the nation.”

Bhat learnt about Belgian Malinois after a friend who works in CRPF informed him about the breed. “I searched for the best dogs and did not want any with a history of inbreeding. I brought the male from Bengaluru and a pair of females from Haryana. I retained one female Lisa. I got a duron colour male from Hyderabad, which we named Devil. Malinois with this colour is rare and most sought after. The rest is history,” he said.

He has four Malinois now, KF, Devil, Lisa and Tiny.
Lisa littered 10 puppies and Tiny eight. Bhat’s family never thought that the pups would be picked up by the Army. Earlier, a few pups had been taken for service by the state police.

The family has been rearing dogs for the last 25 years and have several rare and popular breeds in their collection, including dobermann, German shepherd, pit bulls and American bully. Their Indian breeds include Bully kutta and Mudhol hounds. He is now planning to bring in the best of Rajapalayam hounds to his collection.

One-post fame
After a Facebook post, an Army officer from Assam contacted Raghavendra Bhat, requesting that the puppies be given to guard the borders. The pups were tested for 45 days to be declared fit to serve the nation

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL & KARNATAKA: MARINE & FISHERIES: Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) Scientists Facilitate Successful Cultivation of Indian Pompano through Cage Fish Culture in Padhthonse Village, Udupi district

A team of scientists from the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Mangaluru, has facilitated successful cultivation of Indian Pompano (Trachinotus mookalee) for the first time in Karnataka in the Swarna estuary at Padhthonse village, Udupi district, and its harvest was done from June 2 to June 26.

The pilot project began last November under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan Programme, wherein the beneficiaries got hands-on training in various aspects of cage culture.

Indian Pompano fingerlings, measuring 2-3 cm, were procured from the marine finfish hatchery of the Vishakhapatnam Regional Centre of ICAR-CMFRI.

About 4,000 fingerlings, each weighing 3-4 gm, were released into cages at a density of 40-50 fishes per cubic metre after acclimatising them to the local condition.

The fingerlings were fed pelleted floating feed twice a day, amounting to 5% of their body weight, said a release from CMFRI-Mangaluru.

After a five-month grow-out period, the Indian Pompano was harvested in batches between June 2 and 26. The average growth observed during this period was 400-450 gm, resulting in a total harvest of 1,300 kg with survival rate of 90%.

The beneficiaries sold the harvested fish locally, fetching prices ranging from ₹450 to ₹490 per kg generating ₹6.1 lakh revenue. With expenses at ₹3.75 lakh, the net profit earned was ₹2.35 lakh in six months.

Success of the pilot would not only provide alternative livelihood for SC families, but also help other local communities. The success has demonstrated the rapid growth rate of Indian Pompano to reach the preferred table-size in six months and the favourable market demand for the same.

Cage cultivation of fish in coastal Karnataka began in 2009-10 in coastal rivers with over 900 cages being installed in estuaries till now.

The Fisheries Department, the National Fisheries Development Corporation etc., extended financial support to over 500 families. Seabass, Red Snapper and Snubnose Pompano were among the species grown in cages.

The research programme was led by A.P. Dineshbabu and his team of scientists comprising Sujitha Thomas, Geetha Sasikumar, Rajesh K. M., and Divya Viswambharan.

source/content: thehindu.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)

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: HEALTH & MEDICAL SERVICES / INNOVATION: First-of-its-kind Innovative Endoscopy Procedure conducted at Kasturba Medical college, Udupi

A team of doctors from the department of gastroenterology and hepatology – Dr Shiran Shetty (prof and head) Dr Ganesh Bhat, Dr Atish Shetty, Dr Balaji and Dr Sandesh Shet (anaesthesia) performed a complex innovative endoscopy procedure called – endoultrasound guided gastrojejunostomy – GJ for a person with gastric outlet obstruction due to underlying cancer. This procedure is less invasive than surgery and can be done and patients who are not fit for any surgery can be discharged the next day and is very cost-effective.

A 55-year-old man with pancreatic cancer and gastric outlet obstruction with persistent vomiting was referred from another hospital. After evaluation and discussion with the team and relatives, we decided to perform a unique endoscopic procedure called EUS –gastrojejunostomy (the connection between the stomach and small intestine) for easy passage of food. The patient could tolerate oral feeds after the procedure.

This is the first-of-its-kind done in the coastal belt of Karnataka.

Dr Shiran Shetty, professor and head department of gastroenterology and Hepatology and Deputy Medical Superintendent said, “Due to newer technology more endoscopy procedures can be done for treatment of various complex diseases and is patient friendly and very cost effective.

Kasturba Hospital, Manipal is one of the first medical college hospital in India to utilize newer endoscopy technology for the management of patients from rural and poor backgrounds

Dr Anand Venugopal, chief operating officer, Teaching Hospital MAHE, Manipal praised the team of doctors and staff who were involved in this innovative procedure.

Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal said, “Currently, the department of gastroenterology and Hepatology at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal performs all major and complex endoscopic procedures equivalent to reputed national and international centers and it gives new hopes to the patients of coastal and middle Karnataka.”

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: AGRICULTURE: ‘Cotton Growers’ Convention’ at Agriculture College, Yadgir District

Channappa Anegundi, district president of Karnataka Pranta Raitha Sangha, has said that the cotton growers’ convention at Agriculture College in Bheemarayanagudi, Shahapur taluk of Yadgir district, will be held on Monday.

He was addressing a press conference in Yadgir on Saturday. He said that cotton growers are facing many difficulties majorly the menace of sub-standard sowing seeds. The Centre had failed to take action to prevent such illegal acts. Moreover, the cotton growers have been demand hike in support price. However, the government fixed ₹6,500 per quintal and as a result, many farmers had not sold cotton, waiting for a good price.

Mr. Anegundi said that at the convention, the farmers’ issues will be discussed and a resolution will be passed to take them to the government for immediate solution. Akhila Bharat Kisan Sabha leader Viju Krishnan will take part in the convention and interact with the participants. Around 500 farmers from Kalaburagi, Vijayapur, Raichur, and Yadgir districts are expected to participate.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: HEALTH SERVICES / CARDIOLOGY : Initiative offering ‘Cardiologists At Doorsteps’ of Patients launched in Dakshina Kannada

The Dakshina Kannada Zilla Pachayat, Health and Family Welfare Department, and Cardiology At Door Steps (CAD) Foundation jointly launched ‘Hrudaya Vaishalaya’, an initiative offering free consultation services of cardiologists at the doorsteps of people in the district.

As part of the initiative, cardiologists from the CAD Foundation will visit a primary health centre or a community health centre every Wednesday and conduct heart check-up of people from morning till noon. Apart from the check-up, people will be enlightened on lifestyle management.

District Health and Family Welfare officer M. Kishore Kumar said that ‘Hrudaya Vaishalya’ scheme is the extension of CAD Foundation’s initiative under which it has provided ECG machines and other ancillary machines to primary health centres for early diagnosis of cardiac problems. The latter was launched two years ago and CAD has so far provided ECG and other machines to 70% of 73 primary and community health centres in Dakshina Kannaada, Dr. Kumar said.

The first camp under the ‘Hrudaya Vaishalya’ scheme was held in the government health centre in Moodbidri on Wednesday. Inaugurating the camp, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Kumara said Dakshina Kannada is the first district in the State to launch this unique health service. The new programme is a part of the initiative of the government to take health services closer to people, he said.

Founder of the CAD Foundation and senior cardiologist M. Padmanabha Kamath said that he wants to spread ‘Hrudaya Vaishalya’ initiative across the State. Health officers and people should be actively involved to take this initiative to all needy persons.

The next ‘Hrudaya Vaishalya’ camp will be held in a primary health centre in Puttur taluk, Dr. Kishore Kumar said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) : Bengaluru start-up EMBIBE launches AI-powered lab experiments app

The app offers an interactive platform where students can engage with a virtual science lab.

Bengaluru-based start-up EMBIBE, an AI-powered education platform, has launched an app that will help students do science experiments virtually. Called the ‘EMBIBE Lab experiments,’ the app offers an interactive platform where students can engage with a virtual science lab and conduct more than 350 experiments in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

The platform is NEP-aligned and the list of experiments includes all 243 prescribed by CBSE. The app is available free of charge to students across India.

“EMBIBE Lab Experiments has the potential to overcome all limitations of physical laboratories such as cost, accessibility, and availability of equipment,” said Aditi Avasthi, founder and CEO, EMBIBE. “It can truly democratise science education by reaching students across different regions and socio-economic backgrounds. By seamlessly integrating technology with education, we envision a future where students can explore and conduct virtual experiments from the comfort of their homes or classrooms,” she added.

According to a 2014 survey carried out under Unified District Information System on Education (UDISE), more than 75% of Indian schools lacked well-equipped science labs. The start-up believes its latest app would help bridge this gap.

Real-life scenario

EMBIBE Lab Experiments app links every experiment to real-life scenarios through 3D animated videos. The app also offers a DIY experiment feature which allows students to select materials and perform experiments in a 3D virtual lab and a gamified, data-generating laboratory simulation.

On top of it, the app claims to break down 113 complex experiments into two parts facilitating easier understanding. The platform is tailored to CBSE, NCERT, and State board curriculums. It has found takers among schools like Krishna Public School International (Atal Nagar-Nava Raipur), Holy Angel CBSE School (Rettenai, Tamil Nadu), and Solace International High School (Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir), among others.

In regional languages too

The app will also be made available in Hindi and 10 regional languages. It can be downloaded from Play Store and App Store. Founded in 2012, the ed-tech start-up EMBIBE is backed by Reliance Industries, which has invested ₹1,175 crore in it, so far.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)