Category: Records, India

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)

NATIONAL & KARNATAKA: ENERGY / OIL & GAS: Mangalore Refinery & Petrochemicals (MRPL) Becomes Largest Single Location PSU-Refinery of India

Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL), a mini Ratna CPSE PSU refinery based in coastal Karnataka and a subsidiary of ONGC, has become the single largest PSU-refinery (single location) in the nation for the year 2022-23. The MRPL achieved this feat by processing 17.14 million metric tons of crude oil during the past financial year. This is also the highest-ever throughput processed by any single-location PSU refinery in India’s Petroleum refining history. The MRPL processes 10% of the total crude oil refined by the PSU petroleum refineries of the nation.

Set up as a joint venture refinery in 1988 with a 3.69 MMTPA capacity, the MRPL later underwent a second and third-phase expansion to raise its capacity to 15.00 MMTPA. The refinery configuration has a Nelson Complexity Index of 11.3, one of the highly complex PSU refineries. The MRPL Petchem intensity is currently at 9.5%, aiming to reach 15% in the medium term.

The MRPL can process more than 250 different types of crude from around the world. Crudes from the Middle East, South Asia, Europe, Russia, Africa, South America and the US are the major ones processed in the MRPL. The MRPL is capable of producing almost a full range of petroleum products like Naphtha, LPG, Motor Spirit, High-Speed Diesel, Kerosene, Aviation Turbine Fuel, Sulphur, Xylene, Bitumen, along with Pet Coke and Polypropylene.

In recent times, the MRPL has taken significant steps to build its petrochemical profile. Its 440 KTA Novolen gas-phase polypropylene plant can produce a complete range of homopolymer grades. Its Aromatic Complex can produce 0.905 MMTPA of Para Xylene and 0.273 MMTPA of Benzene. This Aromatic Complex is in the Mangalore Special Economic Zone (MSEZ) and fully integrated with the MRPL. The MRPL has ambitious plans for the Retail business shortly. It has initiated to expand its coveted RO brand HiQ in 1000 locations in South India in the near future.

Speaking on this momentous occasion, managing director Sanjay Varma said, “The MRPL has made a strong bounce back after effectively countering the challenges posed by the pandemic. With the strong support of MOPNG and our parent organisation ONGC and through the dedicated efforts of all stakeholders, the MRPL is now poised to reach greater heights in the days to come. Our focus will be on meeting Atmanirbharata through producing precious petrochemicals while effectively focusing on environmental protection by concentrating on renewable energy solutions.”

source/content: daijiworld.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)

SOUTH INDIA: KARNATAKA: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI): Meet Soundarya, South India’s First AI News Presenter by Kannada News Channel ‘Power TV’

The channel will also experiment with various news shows, featuring the new AI presenter, Soundarya.

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) news presenters started entering into the Indian TV news industry, Kannada channel Power TV launched south India’s first AI news presenter. The management named the AI presenter Soundarya and on Tuesday, the first news show was rolled out, featuring her.

In the first show, Soundarya introduced self by saying, “Hello everyone. AI is leaving its footprint in every industry, and it has entered the TV news industry as well. A few of me colleagues (AI news presenters) started presenting news in some of the channels in north India. I am Soundarya, south India’s first robotic anchor by Power TV.” The channel will also experiment with various news shows, featuring the new AI presenter, Soundarya.

A few other channels in the country too have come up with their own AI powered news presenters.

Recently, an Odia channel called OTV launched state’s first AI news presenter Lisa. Lisa took the internet by storm after the flawless news presentation in both English and Odia impressed many people.

In March, India Today group launched country’s first AI news presenter Sana for their Hindi channel Aaj Tak.

Though there is a long way to go for the seamless AI news presenters to take over the human news presenters, the AI enthusiasts are calling it an interesting development in Indian TV journalism.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headlines edited)

INDIA & KARNATAKA: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY / RESEARCH: IISc. Scientists Develop Composite Semiconductor for Next-Gen Foldable Phones and Wearable Devices

Traditional semiconductor devices – such as transistors – are either made of amorphous silicon or amorphous oxides, both of which are not flexible and strain tolerant.

Scientists in the Department of Materials Engineering at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.) have developed a super flexible, composite semiconductor material that can have possible applications in next-generation flexible or curved display and foldable phones, and in wearable electronics.

Traditional semiconductor devices – such as transistors, the building blocks of most electronic circuits – used in display units are either made of amorphous silicon or amorphous oxides, both of which are not flexible and strain tolerant.

According to IISc, adding polymers to the oxide semiconductors may increase their flexibility, but there is a limit to how much can be added without compromising the semiconductor’s performance.

In the current study, published in Advanced Materials Technologies, researchers have found a way to fabricate a composite containing a significant amount of polymer – up to 40% of the material weight – using a solution-process technique, specifically inkjet printing.

In contrast, previous studies have reported only up to 1-2% polymer addition. Interestingly, the approach enabled the semiconducting properties of the oxide semiconductor to remain unaltered with the polymer addition. The large quantity of polymer made the composite semiconductor highly flexible and foldable without deteriorating its performance.

The composite semiconductor is made up of two materials – a water-insoluble polymer, such as ethyl cellulose that provides flexibility, and indium oxide, a semiconductor which brings in excellent electronic transport properties.

How researchers came up with the new material

To design the material, researchers mixed the polymer with the oxide precursor in such a way that interconnected oxide nanoparticle channels are formed (around phase-separated polymer islands) through which electrons can move from one end of a transistor (source) to the other (drain), ensuring a steady flow of current. The key to form these connected pathways, the researchers found, was the choice of the right kind of water-insoluble polymer that does not mix with the oxide lattice when the oxide semiconductor is being fabricated.

“This phase separation and the formation of polymer-rich islands helps in crack arrest, making it super flexible,” said Subho Dasgupta, Associate Professor in the Department of Materials Engineering, and corresponding author of the study.

Semiconductor materials are usually fabricated using deposition techniques, such as sputtering. Instead, Prof. Dasgupta’s team uses inkjet printing to deposit their material onto various flexible substrates ranging from plastic to paper. In the present study, a polymer called Kapton was used.

Potential use scenarios

Prof. Dasgupta adds that, in the future, such printed semiconductors can be used to fabricate fully printed and flexible television screens, wearables, and large electronic billboards alongside printed organic light emitting diode (OLED) display front-ends. These printed semiconductors will be low cost and easy to manufacture, which could potentially revolutionise the display industry.

The team has obtained a patent for their material, and plans to test its shelf life and quality control from device to device before it can be scaled up for mass production.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL – ASIA PACIFIC: NATIONAL & KARNATAKA: REAL ESTATE OFFICE SPACE: Bengaluru no. 1 City across APAC in Flexible Office Space Stock; Delhi-NCR 3rd: CBRE

Bengaluru retained the top spot in the Asia Pacific for flexible office space, while Delhi-NCR has become the third largest city, beating Beijing and Seoul.

Delhi-NCR has emerged as the third biggest city in the Asia Pacific in having flexible office space stock beating Beijing and Seoul, while Bengaluru has retained the top spot, according to real estate consultant CBRE.

In its report, ‘H1 2023 Asia Pacific Flexible Office Market’, CBRE mentioned that Delhi-NCR emerged as 3rd largest city among the 20 Asia-Pacific region (APAC) cities with a flexible office stock of 8.4 million square feet.

Bengaluru continues to top the list of APAC cities, having the highest flexible stock of 12.9 million square feet as of March 2023, followed by Shanghai at 10 million square feet.

Delhi-NCR overtook Beijing and Seoul in (Grade A) flexible office stock in the APAC region to become the third largest city in flexible office space stock.

The other Indian cities that made it to the top 10 were Hyderabad and Mumbai, with 6 million square feet and 4.7 million square feet of flexible office stock, respectively. Hyderabad is at 7th place while Mumbai is at 9th.

“In an environment of ongoing economic uncertainty, businesses are recognising the value of portfolio flexibility and cost management. This has resulted in a heightened demand for flexible office solutions as occupiers seek agility and cost-effective options,” Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO – India, South-East Asia, Middle East & Africa at CBRE, said.

The continued growth of the flex space market underscores its importance as a strategic choice for businesses navigating the evolving landscape of workspace requirements, Magazine added.

Beijing is at 4th position with 7.5 million square feet stock, followed by Seoul (6.5 million square feet), Tokyo (6.5 million square feet), Hyderabad (6 million square feet), Shenzhen (5.6 million square feet), Mumbai (4.7 million square feet), Singapore (4 million square feet), Hong Kong (2.8 million square feet), Sydney (1.8 million square feet) and Manila (1.1 million square feet).

In India, WeWork India, Smartworks, Simpliwork Offices, Awfis, Skootr, The Executive Centre, Urban Vault, IndiQube, 91Springboard, Incuspaze, 315Work Avenue, The Office Pass, Avanta India, BHIVE Workspace, Akasa Coworking and Enzyme Office Spaces are major players that provide co-working/managed office space.

Mukul Sharma – Head Corporate Leasing, Advance India Projects Ltd (AIPL), said cities like Gurugram, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and others are witnessing a strong demand for Grade A office spaces that exceed the current supply.

“Flexibility to scale up and scale down business, saving of capital expenditure and avoiding hassles to manage real estate are major considerations for corporates while choosing co-working space, Amal Mishra, Co-founder of Urban Vault, a Bengaluru based managed co-working space provider, said.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: SPORTS / IRONMAN: Sadanand Amarapur from Karnataka’s Hubballi wins Ironman title in Khazakstan

Cycling and running that began as a hobby for this government officer have now taken him to international success.

Cycling and running that began as a hobby for this young government officer have now taken him to international success with a title win at the International Ironman event in Khazakstan recently.

Meet Sadanand Amarapur who is serving as Assistant Director of the Hubballi Taluk Panchayat; he has successfully completed the triathlon, which demands physical and mental endurance, at Astana in Khazakstan.

In the event organised on July 2, Sadanand Amarapur swam 3.9 km, cycled 180 km and ran 42 km completing the triathlon in 13 hours and 27 minutes bagging the International Ironman title.

Sadanand Amarapur was among the 1,200 athletes from 62 nations who took part in the international event. By successfully completing the physically and mentally demanding event, Sadanand Amarapur has become the first government officer from Karnataka to achieve the feat.

Son of a former police officer Hanumanthappa Amarapur, Sadanand Amarapur initially took to wrestling like his father and participated in national-level wrestling competitions. A native of Ichchangi in Haveri district, Sadanand Amarapur joined government service as Panchayat Development Officer in 2010 and got promoted as Assistant Director (Rural Employment) in 2018.

Sadanand Amarapur, who has received various service awards for his work, took to cycling and running as a hobby and later, they became his passion.

His association with Hubballi-Dharwad cyclists took him to various events and he completed the Tough Man event held in Goa in 2017. By successfully completing a series of Brevets of 200 km, 300 km, 400 km and 600 km in a year, he won the title Super Randonnuer in 2019. And, he completed the Tigerman Duathlon at Nagpur in 2020 and the Herculean Triathlon in Odisha in 2021.

As part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, he covered 3,800 km from Kashmir to Kanyakumari on a bicycle carrying the message of Addiction Free India and disseminating information on programmes of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj.

Felicitation

On Tuesday, Deputy Commissioner Gurudatta Hegde felicitated and congratulated Sadanand Amarapur for his achievement.

Responding to the felicitation, Sadanand Amarapur attributed his success to the support and cooperation extended by his family, friends and the encouragement he received from senior government officials of the State government.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA:  Veterinarian Dr. Vaseem Mirza to be Honoured with ‘Gaj Gaurav’ Award of the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change on World Elephant Day

The ministry announced its decision to award Dr Vaseem Mirza, working in Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR), on July 10, 2023 .

A veterinarian from Karnataka, working with the state forest department will be honoured with the Gaj Gaurav award by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change on World Day observed on August 12. 

The ministry announced its decision to award Dr Vaseem Mirza, working in Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR), on July 10, 2023 and the state forest department was intimated about the same on July 11, 2023. “This is the first time an official from Karnataka is getting such an award. It is very encouraging,” Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), wildlife, Subhash Malkhade told The New Indian Express. 

Dr Mirza is being recognised for his efforts towards saving the life of an electrocuted cow elephant in February 2023, near BTR. Today, the elephant is fit and healthy in the wild. It was appreciated by the ministry as well as the Prime Minister. 

Additional PCCF, wildlife, Kumar Pushkar suggested Dr Mirza’s name for the award. The awards were launched by the ministry in 2022 to recognise and appreciate the frontline staffers and officials for their works in the field of wildlife. Last year, staffers from Tamil Nadu were honoured with the award in Kerala’s Periyar tiger reserve. This year the elephant day event will be held in Odisha. 

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)