Records, Karnataka – Page 32

NATIONAL: SPORTS / SURFING: ‘4th Indian Open of Surfing Championship’ begins at Sasihithlu Beach,Mangaluru

The 4th edition of the Indian Open of Surfing, the official national championship of the Surfing Federation of India, began at the Sasihithlu beach, off Mangaluru, on Thursday.

On the first day, Chennai’s Groms surfer Kishore Kumar scored 12.67, the highest points of the day with his stunning performance to enter the semi-finals. Other surfers who got high scores are Tayin Arun (10.83), Dinesh Selvamani (9.53), Sekar Pachai (9.0), Harish P. (8.63), and Selvam M. (8.53).

Winds and rain played spoilsport at the end with the judges calling it a day before the women’s open semi-finals could begin. It will be played on Friday.

The first day saw Karnataka and Tamil Nādu surfers dominating the proceedings in both Men’s open and Groms (U16) categories. Twenty-eight surfers, including 12 who qualified on Thursday and 16 who have already qualified on their last edition’s ranking, will compete in the semi-finals on Friday for entry into quarter-finals in men’s open category.

Dinesh Selvamani, who scored the highest 9.53 points on Thursday in the category, said: “The conditions and competitions were equally challenging. The field for tomorrow’s round is very strong and anyone can make way into the quarter-finals. I am looking forward to surf in my natural style and seal a quarter-final spot.”

The Groms (U16) category also saw a stiff competition from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka surfers with four each from the States qualified for semi-finals on Friday. Mr. Kishore Kumar said: “This wasn’t my best performance as the waves were different to what I am used to back in Chennai. The conditions were also challenging today. I hope the conditions will be favourable tomorrow.”

The official opening of the Indian Open of Surfing competition in the morning was attended among others by Surfing Swamy Foundation director Dhananjaya Shetty, Tourism Deputy Director Manikya and Federation Vice-President and Mantra Surf Club partner Ram Mohan Pranjape.

The Indian Open of Surfing, hosted by Mantra Surf Club, is supported by Karnataka Tourism for the fourth time. Cycle Pure Agarbathies and Jai Hind Group are the principal partners. Other corporate houses, Rohan Corporation, Jain Tubes, Northern Sky by Novigo Solutions, Code Craft, Semnox, and TT Group have extended their support.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL / KARNATAKA: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY: IISc Researchers Develop Novel Thermal Desalination System

These systems work by heating saltwater, then condensing the resulting vapour to obtain freshwater and can be a possible solution to increase the availability of clean, potable water.

As a possible solution to increase the availability of clean, potable water, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) researchers have developed a novel thermal desalination system which can work using solar energy.

The most common methods for desalination are membrane-based reverse osmosis and thermal desalination. However, both consume a lot of energy.

According to IISc, thermal desalination systems work by heating saltwater and then condensing the resulting vapour to obtain freshwater.

Environment-friendly

“But the energy required for evaporation is usually obtained from either electricity or combustion of fossil fuels. An environmental-friendly alternative is using solar stills in which solar energy is employed to evaporate saltwater in large reservoirs and the vapour that condenses on a transparent roof is collected. However, during condensation, a thin layer of water forms on the roof, reducing the amount of solar energy that can penetrate the reservoir and therefore, the system’s efficiency,” said IISc.

“As an alternative to such solar stills, the IISc team has developed a novel design for a solar-powered desalination unit that is more energy-efficient, cost-effective and portable, making it convenient to set up in areas with limited access to continuous electricity,” said Susmita Dash, Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and corresponding author of the study which has been published in Desalination.

The setup, designed by Dash and her PhD student Nabajit Deka, comprises a reservoir of saline water, an evaporator, and a condenser enclosed within an insulating chamber to avoid heat losses to the ambient air. Their system works by using solar thermal energy to evaporate a small volume of water imbibed or “wicked” into the evaporator, which has a textured surface. The wicking of liquid into the evaporator takes advantage of the capillary effect of microscale textures.

“This effect allows liquids to be drawn into narrow spaces of a porous material, much like water being absorbed by a sponge. Utilising this approach, instead of heating the entire liquid volume in the reservoir, results in a significant improvement in the system’s energy efficiency,” says Dash.

Works for groundwater too

Apart from seawater, the system can also work with groundwater containing dissolved salts as well as brackish water. It can be adjusted to align with the shifting positions of the sun during the day.

IISc said that the researchers are currently working on scaling up the system and improving its durability, and increasing the volume of drinking water produced, so that it can be deployed for domestic and commercial use.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: COMMUNITY SERVICE & SOCIAL WORK: Social Work Achiever Ganesh Kulal Conferred with International Aryabhata award

Ganesh Manila, who did yeoman service in social work was conferred with Aryabhata award at Ravindra Kalakshetra of the city in the presence of Justice P S Dinesh Kumar of high court, Nadoja Dr Mahesh Joshi, president of Kannada Sahitya Parishad and renowned film director T S Nagabharana and other eminent personalities.

Ganesh Kulal Manila has provided employment to many youth who came in search of employment to Bahrain and other gulf countries. In addition, he has lend helping hand to many Indians who were in trouble in gulf nations. He has created awareness among public during corona pandemic by holding programmes like Corona Gellona. He has coordinated many Kannada and Tulu programmes in gulf nations.

As president of Kulala Sangha of Bahrain, Ganesh has served the society. He is the international editor of Tulunadu newspaper.

Recognizing the contribution of Ganesh Kulal Manila, the International Arya Bhat organizations conferred Aryabhata award of 2023 on him. This is the prestigious award of Karnataka. The organizations has conferred this award from the past 48 years on various achievers.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: KARNATAKA: PERSONALITIES / LEADERS: Indian Origin Dr Austin Prabhu in race for Lions International Director

Lion Dr Ausltin Prabhu from Illinois, Chicagoland, won the candidacy being endorsed during the Lions of Illinois, Multiple District 1 State Convention which was held at the Abraham Lincoln Double Tree Hotel Hilton in Springfield on Sunday May 21. Festivities were started on May 18, with the international guest for the weekend, the past international president of Lions International, from Calgary, Canada.

There were Lions and guests from the 10 districts of Multiple District 1. (Mother District of Lionism). A total of 189 delegates from 10 districts of MD1 took part in the election. Dr Austin from District 1A received 109 votes and his opponent Darren Vanduyn from District 1D received 72 votes. Eight votes were destroyed.

The next step will be an endorsement from Lions International at the International Convention in Melbourne, Australia in July 2024.

In his acceptance speech, Lion Dr Austin Prabhu thanked all the delegates and also his club The Forest Kala Sampath Lions Club members for their unconditional support in preparing his hospitality room and arranging food and beverages. If elected, Dr Austin will be the first India-born International Director from the State of Illinois and from the Mother District of Lionism.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: The 02nd Trade &Investment Group (TIWG) G20 Members to Deliberate on Trade, Technology in Bengaluru, May 23-25

After the successful completion of the first Trade and Investment Working Group (TIWG) Meeting in Mumbai, the second TIWG under India’s G20 Presidency is scheduled in Bengaluru between May 23 and 25, said a statement from the Union Commerce Ministry.

During the three-day meeting, nearly 75 delegates from G20 countries, invitee countries, and regional and international organisations would participate in deliberations on finding agreed solutions on issues related to international trade and investment.

On Tuesday, a seminar is being organised which would discuss the disruptive role of technology in driving inclusive growth and resilient trade. Som Parkash, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry would deliver a keynote address.

Some 200 delegates from G20 member countries, international organisations, representatives from the technology sector and business community are expected to participate in deliberations on various issues around trade and technology.

Panel discussion

The seminar will also feature two panel discussions: one on how technology is reshaping trade and the other on transformative tools for revolutionising manufacturing and trade. Some of the panelists include Saurabh Chandra, Managing Director, Boston Consulting Group, Alok Nanda, CTO, GE South Asia and CEO GE India Technology Centre, Eske Bo Knudsen Rosenberg, Consul General and Head of Trade and Innovation Centre, Denmark.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: LANGUAGES: National Training Programme On ‘Basic Indian Sign Language (ISL) at the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), Mysuru May 24-26

Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication & Sign Language, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), Mysuru, in collaboration with Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), New Delhi, is organising a 3-day Short-Term Training Prog. on Basic Indian Sign Language (ISL) from May 24 to 26.

The resource persons are from ISLRTC, New Delhi, an institute focused on ISL teaching and research, under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

Speech Language Pathologists, Audiologists, Special Educators and students from various parts of the country will participate in the programme.

The programme has been given the status of Continuing Rehabilitation Education (CRE) programme by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI).

The inaugural function will be held at 9.30 am in the Seminar Hall of Academic Block, AIISH, Mysuru. K.M. Gayathri, CEO, Zilla Panchayat, Mysuru, will be the chief guest.

B. Elangovan, Principal, JSS Polytechnic for Differently Abled, Mysuru, will be the guest of honour. Prof. M. Pushavathi, Director, AIISH, will preside.

For details, contact A.R. Keerthi, PRO, AIISH, on Mob: 98441-81080.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: AIR TRANSPORT / FLYING TAXIS: Mysuru, Bengaluru Tech firms join Hands with Flying Taxi start-up ePlane to make Flying Electric Vehicles

ePlane is an IIT-Madras incubated start-up that aspires to build a compact flying taxi. The MoU aims at developing UAVs and flying electric vehicles.

Mysuru-based Vinyas Innovative Technologies and Bengaluru-based Printalytix have signed an MoU with an IIT-Madras incubated ePlane company, which specialises in building compact flying electric taxis and drone systems, for developing UAVs and flying electric vehicles.

Vinyas and Printalytix signed the MoU with ePlane in Mysuru on May 18.

Vinyas will be manufacturing various kinds of drones and UAVs as well as collaborating on marketing and servicing the same.

Printalytix will be providing mechanical design and manufacturing support for the production of UAVs and electric flying taxis.

The three companies aim to indigenise, manufacture, assemble, and integrate advanced drone systems at Vinyas’ production facility in Mysuru by leveraging ePlane’s technology and manufacturing know-how. Vinyas, reinforced by e-Plane, will provide after-market services, and product life-cycle support to its customers worldwide.

The MoU involves manufacturing of small and large UAVs as well as electric flying taxis that use eVTOL technology designed to fulfil requirements starting from land security and surveillance, delivery, rail inspections and monitoring, mapping, to emergency response in urban environments.

The MoU covers the work scope of electronics design and development, PCB assembly, system integration and testing of these UAVs and drone components. The UAVs of ePlane have successfully demonstrated their product capabilities in terms of range, battery life and unique design.

Prof. Satya Chakravarthy, founder and CEO of ePlane, said, “We aim to unlock the full potential of indigenisation, design, engineering and manufacturing that would contribute to the evolving advanced air mobility market and the Make-in-India scheme as well.”

Narendra Narayanan, founder and Managing Director of Vinyas Innovative Technologies, said, “The MoU aims to bring the best of drone technology solutions to many strategic entities. The partnership is a no-brain drainer, as our joint vision has matched up perfectly.”

According to Kiran and Abhishek, who represent Printalytix: “We witness the growing demand and need for drones in various sectors while the supply chain and manufacturing ecosystem in India are catching up to be able to support this growth.”

source/content: thehindu.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: KARNATAKA: TELECOM/CABLE NETWORKS: 1st Time in India – Bengaluru Hosts ‘International Telecommunication Union ITU-T Study Group 9 (SG-9)’ Meeting to Advance International Standards for Television Technology

The meeting on Broadband Cable and Television/Audiovisual content transmission and integrated broadband cable networks, is currently being held at the IISc.

The meeting of International Telecommunication Union ITU-T Study Group 9 (SG-9) is being hosted in India for the first time.

The meeting of SG-9 on “Broadband Cable and Television/Audiovisual content transmission and integrated broadband cable networks” is currently being held at the Indian Institute of Science.

First physical meeting

This is the first physical meeting of the SG-9 after the pandemic and the event was attended by delegates and representatives from Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Congo, Egypt, France, Gambia, Germany, India, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Myanmar, Nepal, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Syria, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Ukraine, and other countries. In addition, representatives of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a UN organisation, and many other experts attended the meeting.

ITU is the oldest UN agency, found in 1865, to facilitate international connectivity in communications networks. ITU allocates global radio spectrum and satellite orbits, develops the technical standards that ensure networks and technologies seamlessly interconnect, and strives to improve access to Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) to underserved communities worldwide.

The SG-9 at ITU is responsible for telecommunication systems for primary and secondary distribution of audiovisual content, including accessibility services and emerging interactive media.

The Study Group meeting also comprised the ITU Workshop on The Future of Television for South Asia, Arab and Africa Regions, covering regulatory and policy frameworks, emerging and convergent ICT infrastructures and services, as well as user interfaces and human factors.

Transitioning from analog

“At the workshop, while the future technologies of digital broadcasting were discussed, it was also highlighted that many countries are still facing challenges in transitioning from analog to digital broadcasting. I hope that the ITU workshop will serve as a platform for sharing best practices and help bridge the gap,” Seizo Oneo, director, Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB) said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM: KARNATAKA: ARTS & CULTURE: ‘Gauri’ bags ‘Best Long Documentary Award’ at South Asian Film Festival of Montreal

‘Gauri’ is a documentary based on journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh, directed by Kavitha Lankesh.

“Gauri,” a documentary based on journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh, directed by Kavitha Lankesh, has won the “Best Long Documentary Award” at the South Asian Film Festival of Montreal 2023.

According to a release, the citation of the award reads: “A brave and uncompromising pulse-taking of the current crisis in Indian politics, focusing on the 2017 political assassination of trailblazing Bengaluru journalist Gauri Lankesh. A “J’accuse” docu-thriller directed and narrated with verve by Gauri’s sister, Kavitha Lankesh”.

The documentary “All That Breathes”, which was an Oscar nominee, was also in competition and won the runner-up prize.

The documentary film “Gauri” has been commissioned by Free Press Unlimited, Amsterdam. Free Press Unlimited mission stems from Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes the freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)