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: 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: INNOVATION – MEDICAL SERVICES / RESEARCH: Detect Diabetes with a Simple Antigen Test, says IISc study

Currently, researchers rely on Radioimmunoassay (RIA) to detect somatostatin levels which use radioactive materials and need to be carried out in labs only.

Detecting diabetes can become as simple as taking a rapid antigen test for Covid-19.  Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have discovered that fluctuations in levels of other hormones such as somatostatin,  secreted by the pancreas, can have a major impact on developing diabetes. 

Scientists argue that usually one gets diagnosed with diabetes when they have high blood glucose levels either because their pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin, or their body cells do not respond to signals from insulin that tell them to use up glucose. This can be avoided by keeping levels of somatostatin in check and potentially detecting diabetes sooner. “Changes in somatostatin secretion can be one of the first signs of diabetes,” said Nikhil Gandasi, Assistant Professor, IISc. 

Somatostatin is secreted by specific cells of the pancreas, called delta cells. “It regulates insulin and glucagon which is another hormone that works hand-in-hand with insulin to maintain blood sugar levels,” said the study.  

Researchers found that when a person is diabetic, their body will secrete less delta cells which means less Somatostatin hormone. The experiment was conducted in pancreatic cells extracted from both mice and humans. The study was published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences called ‘Somatostatin Containing delta-Cell Number Is Reduced in Type-2 Diabetes.’

The team used artificially synthesised somatostatin to test its binding against several commercially available antibodies, in order to identify the one that bound to it most efficiently, which was used to develop the assay.  Similar to the Covid-19 rapid antigen test, the kit works like the standard Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay that uses antibody-coated plates to identify the presence of antigens in a sample.

Currently, researchers rely on Radioimmunoassay (RIA) to detect somatostatin levels which use radioactive materials and need to be carried out in labs only. “The procedure also takes three days to complete,” said Caroline Miranda, another first author and post-doctoral fellow at the University of Gothenburg.” The new kit will use less blood plasma compared to the RIA method. Researchers are developing the kit into a simple hand-held device that can be mass-produced.   

source/content: newindianexpress.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)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: Nilam Kaushik, First Woman Strategy Professor of Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) Named among ’40 Best under-40 MBA Professors Worldwide’

She is also the first woman strategy professor at IIMB.

Nilam Kaushik, a strategy professor at Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), has become the first faculty member from an Indian business/management school to be named among this year’s ‘Poets and Quants Best 40 under 40 MBA Professors’ worldwide. She is also the first woman strategy professor at IIMB.  

The award, which has been presented for 11 years now, aims to identify and highlight the achievements of the most promising young professors who teach MBA programmes worldwide. Faculty members from 36 different business schools were featured in this year’s list while 16 exceptional women faculty members were honoured.  

“Altogether 1,500 nominations were received this year from students, colleagues, administrators, and faculty themselves. Teaching (both quality and quantity as well as teaching-related awards considered) was assigned a 70% weight and research (volume and impact of the faculty’s scholarly work taken into account, including citations and major media attention as well as research awards and grants) 30% weight,” said a press release from IIMB. 

Sharing that it was an honour to get the recognition, Ms. Kaushik said: “It is a pleasure teaching in a business school where the best of students from across India gain admission through a very rigorous and competitive process.”   

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: SPACE TECHNOLOGY: Government’s Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum (VTU) in Bengaluru Exhibits full-scale replica of Mars Rover Opportunity

The Mars Rover Opportunity model, which was kept as an exhibit at the Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, was inaugurated on Thursday.

If you are curious to know how the Mars Rover Opportunity of US space agency NASA, which traversed through the barren land of the red planet and revealed many secrets about it, then head straight to the Space Technology gallery of the Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum (VITM) here.

The Mars Rover Opportunity model, which was built by the students of Cornell University and kept as exhibit at the VITM, was inaugurated by M Sankaran, Director, UR Rao Satellite Centre of Indian Space Research Organisation on Thursday.

The model was initially on display at the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum in Dulles, Virginia, in US, and later exhibited in the US Pavelion during the 2020 World Expo in Dubai.

The replica was then received by the American Centre in the US Consulate in Chennai where it was on display from November 2022 to March 2023 before landing at the VITM.

US Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Marisa Lago said, “As the United States and India forge even closer cooperation across critical sectors, space provides yet another example of our partnership, with today’s dedication ceremony serving as a symbol of our mutual commitment.”

US Consul General in Chennai Judith Ravin said the arrival of the full-scale replica of Mars Rover Opportunity in India symbolised the longstanding space technology cooperation between India and the United States.

India is an important partner to the United States in space exploration. Initiated in 2005, the United States and India Civil Space Joint Working Group is the venue for a productive exchange of views and discussion on new and expanded areas for civil space cooperation, she pointed out.

According to Ravin, the civil space dialogue between United States and India is framed around four working groups: Earth sciences, space science and exploration, heliophysics, and human space flight.

“The cooperation between our two countries shows that the technologies developed in support of space exploration have real-world applications that affect all of us, from advancements in telecommunications and satellite navigation to agricultural monitoring and weather forecasting,” she said.

The Mars Rover Opportunity was operated on the red planet from 2004 to 2018. It sent thousands of pictures to its control station.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)