Records, Karnataka – Page 36

KARNATAKA: HORTICULTURE / AGRICULTURE: Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR) to hold Exclusive ‘Appe Midi’ Fair (tender mango) where 100 varieties to be on display, April 12-13

Appe midi is a traditional pickling variety of mango from Karnataka, which is grown in the Malnad region of the State-especially in Sirsi, Sagara, Siddapur, Thirthahally, Kumata, Sakleshpur, Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru.

Thanks to the growing popularity of ‘appe midi ’ (tender mango in Kannada), the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR) in Hesaraghatta for the first time will conduct an exclusive ‘appe midi’ mango fair, where 100 varieties of such mangoes will be displayed.

The fair will be held on April 12 and 13 on the IIHR campus in Hessarghatta.

Creating awareness

Speaking to The Hindu, M. Sankaran, Principal scientist, division of fruit crops, ICAR-IIHR, said, “Appe midi mangoes have a unique position with respect to the diversity of pickling mango varieties. Appe midi is the king of all tender mangoes as far as its use in the pickle industry is concerned. Since there is a demand and awareness has to be created on this variety of mangoes, we thought of conducting an exclusive fair.”

The IIHR will display 100 varieties of tender mangoes at the fair, which are preserved by IIHR and also grown by farmers in various parts of the State. “The custodian farmers from across the State will participate at the fair where 100 appe midi mango genotypes will be displayed. The pickle manufacturers will also sell their products made of tender mango. Apart from this, we will also distribute limited appe midi mango saplings to farmers,” Mr. Sankaran added.

According to IIHR, the pickles prepared from appe midi mangoes make for an exquisite culinary experience. The demand for pickles varies from 4,000 to 5,000 tonnes per year, translating to ₹100 crore per year.

Unorganised market

“A good quality tender mango costs ₹2 to 3; the price for a quintal could go up to almost ₹6,000, depending on demand and availability. Since the supply of appe midi meets only one-tenth of demand in the market, they are often mixed in with ordinary tender mangoes. This is not an organised market compared to others. Appe midi products have a high potential for marketing and need attention for conservation. The mango’s unique size and taste make its pickle one of the best in the country, with its fragrance so strong that adding just a few midis to an ordinary pickle can change its taste and smell,” Mr. Sankaran explained.

A wild appe midi tree can yield several tonnes of tender mango, with features varying from tree to tree. In Karnataka, 100 farm households are engaged in making appe midi pickles producing at least 100 tones of pickle a year. ICAR-IIHR has so far surveyed, collected and conserved more than 250 accessions of appe midi mangoes. These mangoes have a huge market in Goa, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, according to IIHR.

source/contents: thehindu.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA-INTERNATIONAL: CULTURE & ARTS: Comparative Study on Poetry of Basavanna and Hopkins released

“The Poetry of G.M. Hopkins and Basavanna: A Comparative Study”, authored by Basavaraj P. Donur, Registrar, Central University of Karnataka, was released at Basava Samithi office in Bengaluru on Saturday.

“If Hopkins knew about Basavnna and his ideas he would have adopted Lingayat philosophy,” said Manu Baligar, member, Central Sahitya Academy, after the release of the work.

“Basavanna protested against the exploitative religious system and gave Lingayat philosophy and Hopkins also protested against the rigidity and orthodox practices of the Church of England. Though he lived in the 19th century, Hopkins’ ideas have a lot of similarities with that of Basavanna’s. It shows ideas of great thinkers always correlate and are timeless,” he said.

Dr. Baligar said that the work is meant for serious readers and suggested its translation into Kannada for taking it to a larger section of readers.

Central University Vice-Chancellor Battu Satyanarayana, faculty members Vikram Visaji, Ganapati Sinnoor, Siddanna Langoti, Prof. Donur and others were present.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: GREEN ENERGY /SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY: IISc Supercapacitor to replace Batteries in EVs

The supercapacitor is fully functional and can be deployed in energy-storage devices like electric car batteries or any miniaturised system by on-chip integration.

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a new type of supercapacitor that can replace batteries in streetlights, electric cars and medical devices.

The supercapacitor, developed by researchers from IISc’s Department of Instrumentation and Applied Physics (IAP), is different from others, as it is smaller or ‘ultra-micro’, but capable of storing larger amounts of energy. Hence, the supercapacitor can be easier to use in smaller electronic devices, eliminating the need for batteries, while ensuring that the device stays charged for a longer time.

“Most of these devices are currently powered by batteries. However, over time, these batteries lose their ability to store charge and therefore have a limited shelf-life. Capacitors, on the other hand, can store an electrical charge for much longer, by their design. Supercapacitors, on the other hand, combine the best of both batteries and capacitors — they can store and release large amounts of energy, and are therefore highly sought-after for next-generation electronic devices,” the researchers said.

Abha Misra, an IAP professor and a corresponding study author, said the supercapacitor used Field Effect Transistors (FETs) instead of metallic electrodes, which are more commonly used, as charge collectors. “Using FET as an electrode for supercapacitors is something new for tuning charge in a capacitor,” she said.

During their tests, they found that the ultra-micro supercapacitor, due to the materials used, was able to increase capacitance (ability to store energy as electricity within the device) to 3,000 per cent. This was compared to a regular supercapacitor, which showed only an 18 per cent increase. The key was the use of molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) and graphene in increasing the mobility of electrons within the supercapacitor.

“In future, we are planning to explore if replacing MoS2 with other materials can increase the capacitance of the supercapacitor even more. The supercapacitor is fully functional and can be deployed in energy-storage devices like electric car batteries or any miniaturised system by on-chip integration. We are also planning to apply for a patent on the supercapacitor,” they said.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: DEFENCE & TECHNOLOGY: Defence Ministry signs contracts worth ₹5,498 crore with Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL)

The Ministry of Defence has signed 10 contracts worth ₹5,498 crore with Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL) for the three armed forces.

BEL said the projects for the Indian Air Force include 90 EW Suite Equipment for Medium Lift Helicopter, annual maintenance contract for maintenance of two squadrons of the Akash Missile System. The Army projects include automated Air Defence Control and Reporting System (Project Akashteer) and Instant Fire Detection and Suppressing System (IFDSS) for T72 tanks. The Navy projects include 1265 Software Defined Radios, 1178 HDVLF HF Receivers, 12 Sarang’s for Kamov 31 helicopters, INS-SA, CMS for P17 & P28, and Varuna EW system

“These are flagship projects showcasing the indigenous design and manufacturing capabilities of the Indian Defence industry led by BEL, involving other public sectors, private sectors, and MSMEs. The projects will add another milestone to the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government of India,” said BEL.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY / COMMUNICATIONS: For the 1st time in India, Raman Research Institute Researchers Successfully Demonstrate Secure Communication between Stationary Source and Moving Receiver using Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)

The technology could help India design secure communication channels, especially for defence and strategic purposes, enhance cyber security and make online transactions safer.

For the first time in India, researchers at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) have successfully demonstrated secure communication established between a stationary source and a moving receiver using Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).

Prof. Urbasi Sinha, who led the team of researchers, said that this breakthrough demonstration could pave the way for ground-to-satellite-based secure quantum communication.

The successful experimental demonstration, which was performed at the institute in March, could also help India design and provide secure communication channels, especially for defence and strategic purposes, enhance cyber security and make online transactions safer.

In order to achieve this feat, Prof. Sinha and her team at the Quantum Information and ComputingI (QuIC) lab deployed an indigenously deployed Pointing, Acquisition and Tracking (PAT) system.

This PAT system assisted the ground-based source in tracking the moving receiver, in this case, a terrestrial vehicle, a few metres apart.

Prof Sinha added that the present demonstration is in continuation to the QuIC lab’s February 2021 demonstration of QKD between two buildings using an atmospheric free space channel.

“Just like our team achieved the first secure quantum communication between two buildings for the first time in India, we are equally delighted to be the first Indian team to achieve secure quantum communication between a stationary source and a moving platform, a critical milestone in our quest towards satellite-based quantum communications,” Prof Sinha added.

Relevance of quantum technology

While present-day classical cryptography follows the encryption and decryption of messages, its security gets challenged by quantum computers and other revolutionary algorithmic breakthroughs.

According to RRI, the obvious solution then is to use quantum cryptography.

“Security based on laws of quantum mechanics is a paradigm change from the current means of security based on mathematical hardness of problems. Quantum Key Distribution is currently the most secure means of facing any threats from algorithmic breakthroughs in classical computing as well as the advent of quantum computers,” Prof Sinha said, sharing the relevance of quantum technology in the increasing online mode of transactions.

This research by Prof Sinha’s team is part of Quantum Experiments using Satellite Technology (QuEST), for which RRI has been collaborating with the U.R. Rao Satellite Centre of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) since 2017.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: INDUSTRY / INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) invites Industries to Develop 100 Technologies and Products

Interested parties were advised to submit their proposals by April 17.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) called upon Indian industries to develop 100 technologies and products, which will be required for its launch vehicles, satellites, application sectors, human space flight, and space exploration.

Inviting an Expression of Interest (EoI) from prospective industries towards self-reliance in development of technologies, products, systems for Indian space programmes, the space agency has listed 100 technologies and products.

The list includes design, realisation and flight testing of sub-scale Hybrid Drone Prototype for DroneNet, development of a Head Mount Display (HMD) for Gaganyaan crew for providing situational awareness, space debris surveillance and tracking radar, urban flooding surveillance system using multi-radar and sensor network.

ISRO is pursuing multidisciplinary R&D programmes related to its major verticals — space transportation, space infrastructure, space applications, ground systems and human space exploration.

The EoI states: “Currently, ISRO is in the need of developing certain potential technologies/ products/ systems for its programmes in a time-bound manner. In this context, an invitation for Expression of Interest (EoI) is hereby floated to identify suitable Indian industries for the development of identified technologies/ products/ systems in a time-bound manner.”

The main objective of this EoI is to engage eligible Indian industries to develop the technologies, products, systems for space programmes of ISRO.

Prospective industries were advised to submit their proposals by April 17.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: AGRICULTURE / BIO-SCIENCE: 3-day International Seminar on Bioscience Technologies inaugurated at Karekere, Hassan

The seminar is being organised by College of Agriculture at Karekere near Hassan.

A three-day international conference on “Current Technologies and Opportunities in Biological Sciences” was inaugurated at the College of Agriculture near Hassan on Monday.

Former chairman of ISRO A.S. Kiran Kumar inaugurated the event. In his address, he said the current bioscience technologies had been creating a new dimension for the good of mankind. The advances in science and technology had played an important role in facilitating daily activities of human beings.

S.V. Suresh, vice-chancellor of UAS Bengaluru, said the advances in agriculture sector helped the country to ensure food for all. Earlier the country was facing food scarcity. The improvement was because of the advances in technology, he said.

Ganeshaiah, Retired Dean of UAS Bengaluru and other scholars, researchers attended the programme. Many scientists from reputed institutes presented their research papers in the event.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT: VST Tillers Tractors Ltd (VST) Crosses the Production Milestone of 500,000 Power Tillers from its plant at Malur near Bengaluru

VST has been designing and manufacturing multi-functional tillers and tractors for the domestic and international markets for the last five decades.

VST Tillers Tractors Ltd (VST), a farm equipment manufacturer, has crossed the production milestone of 500,000 power tillers from its plant at Malur, on the outskirts of the city.

Antony Cherukara, CEO, VST, said on Thursday, “This is a testimony to the customer confidence in VST power tillers and it will be a stepping stone to many more accolades for us in times to come.’‘

Currently, the power tiller industry in India is around 60,000 units and it is expected to grow to 100,000 units by the year 2025. VST is the leader in the segment and holds a market share of over 65% in the country, as per VST. “We are focusing on small farm mechanisation and have introduced a wide range of smart farm machines for small and marginal farmers,’‘ said the firm.

The company has introduced the electric start power tiller in the 16 HP and 9 HP category, a range of power weeders, which start from 3.5 hp to 8 hp, a range of brush cutters, multi-crop reaper, for the segment.

VST has been designing and manufacturing multi-functional tillers and tractors for the domestic and international markets for the last five decades. Some of its smart farm machines are used for puddling, inter-cultivation, bund formation, earthing up & de-weeding mainly for crops like Sugarcane, Paddy, Cotton, Vegetables, Horticulture, Turmeric, and Ginger.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: BUSINESS & ECONOMY: AVIATION: Queensland’s Ferra Aerospace signs MoU with Dynamatic Technologies

This collaboration will fast-track the production and development of aerospace components using the state-of-the-art facilities and resources available at Ferra Aerospace and Dynamatic in Bengaluru.

Ferra Aerospace India through Queensland-based Ferra Engineering Australia has inked an MoU with Dynamatic Technologies Ltd to enhance its scale and capabilities in strategic aerospace manufacturing.

The MoU was signed by Ferra Aerospace MD and GM Sridhar Chintha and Dynamatic Technologies CEO and MD Udayant Malhoutra in the presence of Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Queensland Cameron Dick, CEO of Trade and Investment Queensland Justin McGowan and officials from the Queensland government during the Treasurer’s India Trade Mission.

Commenting on the partnership, Cameron said, “Support and advancement of companies like Ferra diversifies our economy and builds on our existing skills base in Queensland.”

While David Rogers, Group CFO – Ferra Engineering, said succeeding in these opportunities allows the strengthening of its industrial base within the Indian subsidiary, Udayant noted that the pact will enable the development of new products that are specific to customer requirements.

“This collaboration will fast-track the production and development of aerospace components using the state-of-the-art facilities and resources available at Ferra Aerospace and Dynamatic in Bengaluru, India.”

newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: 14th Bangalore International Film Festival (BIFFes): Lens on cinema – March 23-30, 2023

In its 14th edition, the festival will be showcasing more than 250 films, which will be screened on 11 screens at Orion Mall in Rajajinagar, from March 23-30.

Movie buffs can gear up as the city prepares for its annual film festival, the Bangalore International Film Festival (BIFFes). In its 14th edition, the festival will be showcasing more than 250 films, which will be screened on 11 screens at Orion Mall in Rajajinagar, from March 23-30.

One of the highlights of this edition is a masterclass by V Vijayendra, screenplay writer of Baahubali and Kantara fame. Movies from various countries like France, Senegal, Iran, South Korea and Russia will be screened. Oscar-winning movies like The Whale and Everything Everywhere All At Once are also going to screen. The festival will see various competitions being held in various categories like Cinema of the World, Asian Cinema, Indian Cinema and Kannada Cinema.

This will be the first festival that Ashok Kashyap, who was recently appointed as the chairman of Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy, is managing. It will also see a centenary celebration of Dada Saheb Award-winning cinematographer V K Murthy, who has worked on classics like Pyaasa, Kaagez ke Phool, Chaudhubin ka Chand.

“We are celebrating 100 years of cinematographer VK Murthy. He was one of the few cinematographers who received the Dada Saheb Phalke award. So we have some of his classics lined up,” says Kashyap, who has been a cinematographer in the Kannada film industry for over two decades.

According to Kashyap, this year they have tried to focus on throwing the spotlight on regional cinema, especially Kannada classics. “We are also showing some popular cinema of 2022 like Gaalipata 2,” says Kashyap.

To make things easily accessible, different passes are available digitally. “This year we have gone digital. Tickets can be booked on the phone,” says Kashyap, adding that the Chamber of Commerce, Suchitra Film Academy and Chalanchitra Academy have taken the charge of the distribution.

Now showing

The Whale: Darren Aronofsky (English)

L’Immensita Dir- Emanuele Crialese (Italian)

Everything Everywhere All at Once: Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert (English, Mandarin, Cantonese)

Black Girl: Ousmane Sembene (French)

VK Murthy Movies

1957 Pyaasa: Guru Dutt

1959 Kaagez ke Phool: Guru Dut

1960 Chaudhubin ka Chand: M Sadiq

1962 Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam: Abrar Alvi

Kannada Classics

Kasturi Nivasa: Dorai-Bhagavan

Sr Krishna-devaraya: B R Panthulu

Janumada Jodi: T S Nagabharana

America! America!!: Nagatihalli Chandra-shekar

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)