Category: Records, Karnataka

KARNATAKA: WILDLIFE CENSUS / TIGERS: Tiger Count in Karnataka rose to 435 between 2018-22: Survey

According to the figures, out of the five tiger reserves in Karnataka, the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve has reported the highest number of tigers at 149, followed by the Bandipur Tiger Reserve with 143 tigers.

The number of tigers in the state, assessed through the trap camera method, has increased to 435 in 2022, compared to 404 in 2018, according to the Karnataka Forest Department.

Prior to the International Tiger Day on Saturday, the Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre on Thursday released the figures of the All-India Tiger Estimation (AITE) exercise 2022. The forest department in the state in had conducted tiger estimation exercise in all the 37 forest divisions across 31 districts in 2022.

However, the actual numbers will be known on Saturday when the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change and the Wildlife Institute of India release the all-India tiger census report. In 2018, Karnataka ranked second in tiger numbers with 524, while Madhya Pradesh bagged the top spot with 526.

According to the figures, out of the five tiger reserves in the state, the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve has reported the highest number of tigers at 149, followed by the Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR) with 143 tigers.

Meanwhile, the Biligira Ranga Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve has reported 39 tigers, Bhadra Tiger Reserve has 26 tigers and Kali Tiger Reserve 19 tigers.

According to the report, there were 4,786 camera trap locations across the 37 forest divisions. The total number of camera trap images captured during the exercise was 66,86,450.

Releasing the number, Khandre thanked the two late Prime Ministers Rajiv Gandhi and Indira Gandhi for their contributions to forests in the country. “They implemented the Forest Protection Act, Wildlife Protection Act and Forest Right Act, and helped conserve forests for the current generation,” he said.

Meanwhile, noted tiger biologist and conservationist Ullas Karanth, appreciated the survey done by the forest department. “Unlike in the previous surveys from 2006 onwards, when the reports were published by NTCA, which were non-transparent on many details, the present Karnataka report provides significantly more details on the implementation of the camera trap surveys conducted by the department during the year in 2021-2022. We hope this sets a new trend of transparency as opposed to earlier practices of the NTCA,” Karanth said.

Further suggestion some measures for improvement, Karanth said, “The report contains the numbers of individual, unique adult tigers photo-captured at various sites which look reasonable to us, provided all these animals were camera trapped during July-August 2022. Furthermore, they have reported closed model tiger density estimates for several of the camera trapped sites. These densities look reasonable, provided closure was maintained.”

“The total estimated numbers of tigers in sampled areas could also have been generated in date on ‘state space’ area and delineation of tiger habitats had been clearly presented in the report. An issue of concern, which can be addressed if more detailed information can be provided, pertains to compliance with the important assumptions of geographic and temporal closure of populations during the sampling,” he said.

Karanth pointed out that the other gap in the report is the lack of data on population turn over because of the once-in-four-year survey frequency imposed by the NTCA prescriptions. “If on the other hand, the more rigorous protocols for open model population dynamics approached that we developed as far back as 2006 had been implemented, in addition to other numbers, critical population dynamic parameters vital to comprehensive monitoring, such as annual population growth rates, survival rates, recruitment rates and movement parameters could all have been estimated.”

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)

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)

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)

KARNATAKA: ARTS & CULTURE: Series of Programmes to mark Karnatak Vidyavardhaka Sangha Foundation Day from tomorrow

A series of programmes will be held for five days to mark the 134th Foundaton Day of Karnatak Vidyavardhaka Sangha (KVS) in Dharwad from Thursday.

Addressing a press conference in Dharwad on Tuesday, president of Karnatak Vidyavardhaka Sangha and former MLA Chandrakanth Bellad and secretary Shankar Halgatthi said that there will be a series of programmes, including an exhibition of paintings, book release, felicitation, award presentation and music events.

Responding to a query, Mr. Halagatti termed the development of parents writing letters to private school management not to teach Kannada to their students in Bengaluru is a matter of concern.

“The parents want employment and all other facilities and benefits from the land of Kannada but they shy away from learning Kannada. The government should consider it seriously and take the private schools to task,” he said.

He said that the whole development is indicative of the apathy of private schools towards Kannada. “The schools take benefits from government but don’t want to teach Kannada. It is a matter of shame and this attitude should go,” he said and added that KVS will write to the Chief Minister asking him to direct the Education Department to conduct an inspection and act against those not teaching Kannada.

Funds crunch

Mr. Halagatti said that the more-than-a-century old sangha is facing severe shortage of funds. Despite it being the parent institute of Kannada Sahitya Parishat, successive governments have failed to provide adequate funds to KVS. The sangha has already submitted a proposal to the government seeking a budgetary allocation of ₹3 crore for KVS to enable it to organise more meaningful and creative programmes throughout the year.

Programmes

The former Director-General and Inspector-General of Police Shankar Bidari will inaugurate the programmes on Thursday at 5.30 pm. Nijagunaprabhu Swamy of Mundargi and scholar Krishna Kolhar Kulkarni will attend.

On Friday, the former director of Akashvani Dharwad unit C.U. Bellakki will inaugurate the Sirigannada Pustaka Mane. On Saturday, Member of Legislative Council Jagadish Shettar will present the Sirigannadam Gelge Raa Ha Deshpande Award to Basavalinga Pattadevaru of Bhalki.

Member of Legislative Council S.V. Sankanur will felicitate Hindustani vocalist Pandit M. Venkateshkumar on Sunday.

On Monday, Chairman of Legislative Council Basavaraj Horatti will present the Kannada Prapancha Pa Pu Award to writer G. Ramakrishna.

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)

KARNATAKA: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY: LOW-COST TELESCOPE BUILDER: 29-year-old Astronomy Enthusiast Bharat BR Builds low-cost Telescope in Chamarajanagar

A 29-year-old astronomy enthusiast in Chamarajanagar has built a low-cost telescope using books, the internet, and advice from others.

The telescope, which would cost ?70,000-80,000 in the market, was constructed for an estimated cost of ?20,000 using locally available materials. The inventor, Bharath BR, has used the telescope to observe planets, lunar eclipses, and has shown it to others.

He also obtained a ham radio licence for non-commercial purposes.

Bharath BR, a diploma graduate from Chamarajanagar city, said he made the telescope since he didn’t have the finances to buy an expensive telescope.

Since he was interested in observing astronomy, Bharath said he read the book ‘How to Build a Telescope’ by scientist PN Shankar and took advice from many people through phone calls, and succeeded in making the telescope on the first attempt.

The telescope he manufactured has an 8-inch diameter mirror with an 8.1 focal ratio of 1,660 mm. The same kind of telescope would cost at least ₹70,000-80,000 in the market.

However, with the help of a telescope kit, Bharath used locally available materials to construct it at an estimated cost of ₹20,000.

Bharat said he observes all the planets, sub-planets and lunar eclipses of the solar system through his telescope. In addition, he has shown the planets to the children in the neighbourhood, family members and friends.

‘’I read the book ‘How to Build a Telescope’ and got the advice of some experts on the Facebook page called ‘Amateur Telescope Makers’ and got guidance over the phone and built this telescope,” Bharath told HT.

He said he was happy that the telescope worked properly on the first attempt.

His mother, Nirmala, is happy about Bharat’s work and said in marriage halls, it is a custom to show Arundhathi star to newlywed couples.

“But my son showed me that Nakshatra. If all the children played other games, my son Bharat played games through science activities, and he was blessed that he would achieve more,” she said.

According to the mother, Bharath’s house is a laboratory for astronomical observation of Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system, Saturn’s ring, stars, and moon, among others.

“When Bharath was studying in class 8, he made a small telescope and made a demonstration during the visit of the former President of India Dr A P J Abdul Kalam to Suttur,” Nirmala said.

“Bharat has made good use of his time during the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic and made this telescope through patience and perseverance. The primary mirror glass, an important part of the television, has to be polished and prepared, and Bharat himself has diligently done the work like an expert,” she added.

In addition, Bharat gained attention by obtaining a ham radio licence for non-commercial purposes, wireless experiments, and to transmit messages in case of emergency.

source/content: hindustantimes.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)