India launches multi-lingual legal app for assistance from homes

Former CJI UU Lalit said access to justice has always been a cause dear to his heart.

Former Chief Justice of India M N Venkatachaliah recently launched the multi-lingual India Legal App, a legal helpline accessible to citizens to obtain legal assistance from their homes.

Justice Venkatachaliah, also a patron-in-chief of India Legal Research Foundation, said that the app will benefit a wide range of consumers, including a large legal community of 1.2 million lawyers and half a million students, a release stated.

After the launch of the app on Saturday, the first call on the app came from Meerut. An employee alleged that his employer did not give him money. Justice Venkatachaliah directed him to file a case against the employer and to approach the High Court. 

Former CJI UU Lalit said access to justice has always been a cause dear to his heart. “From Supreme Court to lower courts the doors have always been open for impartial justice. However, systemic difficulties have made access to justice challenging,” he said. 

The app can be used in 6 languages — English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali and Punjabi. 

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani Donates Rs 315 crore to IIT Bombay

Nilekani joined IIT Bombay in 1973 for a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. The donation marks the golden jubilee of Nilekani’s association with the Institute.

Infosys co-founder and chairman and founding chairman of UIDAI Nandan Nilekani has donated Rs 315 crore to his alma mater – Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. With this, Nilekani has so far donated Rs 400 crore to IIT Bombay.

The donation will be instrumental in fostering world-class infrastructure, stimulating research in emerging areas of engineering and technology, and nurturing a deep tech startup ecosystem at IIT Bombay, the institute said.

Nilekani joined IIT Bombay in 1973 for a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. The donation marks the golden jubilee of Nilekani’s association with the Institute. It also stands as one of the largest donations made by an alumnus in India.

Nilekani said, “IIT Bombay has been a cornerstone in my life, shaping my formative years and laying the foundation for my journey. As I celebrate 50 years of my association with this institution, I am grateful to contribute to its future. This donation is more than just a financial contribution; it is a tribute to the place that has given me so much and a commitment to the students who will shape our world tomorrow.”

MoU signed in B’luru
A Memorand­um of Unde­rstanding was formally signed on Tuesday in Bengaluru by Nandan Nilekani and IIT Bombay Director Prof Subhasis Chaudhuri

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: SPORTS / ATHLETICS: Kodagu Athlete Theetharamada Sinchal Kaveramma Breaks National Record at 62nd Inter-State Athletics Championships, Odisha; Qualifies For Asiad

Theetharamada Sinchal Kaveramma shattered the national record in the 400-metre hurdle and met the qualifying mark for the Asiad (Asian Games), during the 62nd Inter-State Athletics Championships in Odisha.

Notably, she broke the national record, crossing the finish line in a thrilling photo-finish with a time of 56.76 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 57.02 seconds. This remarkable achievement also stands as Sinchal’s personal best time. She clinched the silver medal in the 400-metre hurdles event and a bronze medal in mixed relay.

The recently concluded National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships, held at the Kalinga Stadium at Bhubaneswar, Odisha, served as a selection trial for both the delayed Asian Games in Hangzhou, scheduled for September, and the upcoming World Championships in Hungary.

Numerous top-tier athletes travelled to Bhubaneswar with the aim of securing their spots in the Asian Games later this year. Sinchal is among the 65 athletes representing 27 disciplines who persevered through scorching heatwaves to meet the Asiad qualification standard.

Sinchal receives training from Bollanda Vikram Aiyappa and Pramila Aiyappa in Bengaluru. Speaking to Star of Mysore, she attributed her record-breaking performance to her coaches and family, expressing her full dedication to them. Sinchal has already commenced her preparations for the main Asian Games, scheduled to take place from Sept. 15 in Bangkok.

Sinchal is the daughter of Theetharamada M. Ravi and Rashmi (Kuppanda), residents of Nalloor village near Ponnampet. Her grandparents are Theetharamada Mudappa and Chondamma of Nalloor, as well as Kuppanda C. Thimmaiah and Muthakki of Nalvathoklu.

Sinchal completed her primary education at Lions Primary School in Gonikoppa and attended high school at Alvas English Medium High School in Moodbidri. She pursued her pre-university course at Alvas PU College and is currently in her final year of B.Com studies at Bishop Cotton Women’s Christian College in Bengaluru.

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)

INTERNATIONAL: CORONATION INVITATION: Bengaluru’s Dr. Issac Mathai Invited by Buckingham Palace to attend King Charles III Coronation

Dr. Issac Mathai, a city doctor and the Chairman of SOUKYA, International Holistic Centre, has been invited by Buckingham Palace, London, to the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla on May 6.

Dr. Mathai, already in London, said he would attend the pre-coronation party at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.

Dr. Mathai’s association with the British royal family goes back many years. While Camilla had visited SOUKYA around eight times for holistic treatment, Charles visited once in 2019.

Speaking to The Hindu, Dr. Mathai said, “For 18 years, both the King and Queen Consort have been consulting me as a holistic consultant. The Queen Consort has visited SOUKYA eight times, and the King came once. They really enjoyed being in India at our centre for treatment.”

“Being a part of the coronation is the proudest moment of my life. I regularly meet the King and the Queen Consort in London. Other than medical consultation, the King has some interest in holistic medicine. The King and I also have a common interest in organic farming and climate change,” he said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: INNOVATION & RESEARCH: May 11th – ‘National Technology Day’ Celebrated at The Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL),The Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI)

DFRL expo extended till Friday.

The Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL) in Mysuru celebrated National Technology Day on Thursday and conducted an exhibition showcasing its products and technological innovations.

The day is celebrated to commemorate the anniversary of Shakti, the Pokhran nuclear test held on May 11, 1998, and also seeks to popularise science and its importance so as to motivate students to pursue science as a career option.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Anil Dutt Semwal, Director, DFRL, and R. Kumar, Associate Director, DFRL. V.A. Sajeev Kumar, Scientist ‘F’, and others were present.

Consequent upon the United Nation’s General Assembly (UNGA) declaring 2023 as International Year of Millets DFRL showcased different millet-based products developed for use by the tri-services as well as general public.

 The scientists highlighted the importance of millets in daily life and the expo showcased a variety of Ready to Eat (RTE) millet bars, instant millet mixes, millet flour mixes etc. Newly developed anti-freeze container was a crowd puller and it is used for transportation of fruits and vegetables at high altitude terrains with hostile environmental conditions, according to the DFRL authorities.

They said the container does not use any electricity and fruits and vegetables can be transported without chilling to forward areas in the border.  The team of scientists and technologists had recently demonstrated their invention in forward areas of Siachen Glacier, according to the DFRL.

The exhibition drew students from different institutions and the general public and interacted with scientists of DFRL. In view of the overwhelming public response, the exhibition has been extended by a day and will be open to the public on Friday as well from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

CFTRI

The Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) also celebrated National Technology Day. D. Sudhanva, co-founder and CEO, Excel Soft Technologies, was the chief guest and delivered the National Technology Day lecture.

Certificates were distributed to recent licensees of CFTRI technologies and the quarterly newsletter FoodPro was released on the occasion. N.K. Rastogi, Director in-charge, presided.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL & KARNATAKA:SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY / RESEARCH: Bengaluru and Dresden Researchers Discover Novel Molecular System

Researchers have discovered a novel molecular system that uses alternative chemical energy and employs a novel mechanism to perform mechanical work.

Researchers from Bengaluru and Dresden have discovered a unique two-component molecular motor that uses a kind of renewable chemical energy to pull vesicles toward membrane-bound organelles.

Researchers have discovered a novel molecular system that uses alternative chemical energy and employs a novel mechanism to perform mechanical work.

The researchers, whose work has been published in the journal Nature Physics, are from the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, the Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life and the Biotechnology Center of the Technische Universität Dresden in Dresden, Germany.

Motor proteins are remarkable molecular machines within a cell that converts chemical energy stored in a molecule called ATP, into mechanical work. The most prominent example is myosin which helps our muscles to move.

In contrast, GTPases, which are small proteins, have not been viewed as molecular force generators. One example is a molecular motor composed of two proteins, EEA1 and Rab5, said NCBS.

“Our results show that the proteins EEA1 and Rab5 work together as a two-component molecular motor system that can transfer chemical energy into mechanical work. As a result, they can play active mechanical roles in membrane trafficking. It is possible that the force-generating molecular motor mechanism maybe conserved across other molecules and used by several other cellular compartments,” said Marino Zerial of the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics.

Overall, the researchers hope that this new interdisciplinary study could open new research avenues in both molecular cell biology and biophysics.

  • Researchers from Bengaluru and Dresden have discovered a unique two-component molecular motor that uses a kind of renewable chemical energy to pull vesicles toward membrane-bound organelles.
  • Motor proteins are remarkable molecular machines within a cell that converts chemical energy stored in a molecule called ATP, into mechanical work. The most prominent example is myosin which helps our muscles to move.
  • In contrast, GTPases, which are small proteins, have not been viewed as molecular force generators. One example is a molecular motor composed of two proteins, EEA1 and Rab5, said NCBS.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: AEROSPACE & AVIATION: Boeing announces Winners of ‘8th Annual Boeing National Aeromodelling Competition’

This year’s competition attracted close to 2,200 students across India.

Boeing announced the winners of the 8th annual Boeing National Aeromodelling Competition in India, on May 3.

This year’s competition attracted close to 2,200 students across India, and saw a two-fold increase in participation across zonal and national rounds. 39 finalists from 12 teams were selected for the finale, held at R.V. College of Engineering in Bengaluru.

Arshad Khan from Rabindranath Tagore University, Bhopal was declared winner of the competition.

Sharanya Acharya Nishmithe, Aman Kumar Srivastav and Gagan G. Nayak from Nitte Mahalinga Adyanthaya Memorial Institute of Technology (NMAMIT), Nitte, Karnataka bagged the second spot

Divyamshu, Rathan Raj K. Nancy and Anantha Krishna, also from NMAMIT-Nitte, took the third spot.

The zonal rounds of the competition were held at IIT Kanpur, IIT Bombay, IIT Kharagpur, and IIT Madras. The top three teams from each zone then travelled to Bengaluru for the finale.

The competition started as an annual event in 2013 to provide a nationwide platform for students who have a keen interest in aerospace engineering and related fields. The competition allows them to demonstrate their skills and creativity in designing, building, and flying fixed-wing aircraft models of different types and sizes.

Salil Gupte, president, Boeing India, said, “This national aeromodelling competition provides an excellent platform for young aviation and technology enthusiasts to present their creativity, and engineering and design skills. It is a testament to our commitment to encourage engineering talent to pursue careers in aerospace and defence in India.”

Ahmed Elsherbini, managing director, Boeing India Engineering & Technology Center, and chief engineer, Boeing India, said, “Aeromodelling competition plays a crucial role in the aerospace sector. It brings fresh perspectives, new ideas, and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking. With the aerospace industry constantly evolving, student innovation can be a driving force in the development of new technologies and sustainable solutions.”

Over the years, Boeing has strategically invested in developing talent for the aerospace sector in India.

Its programs, including Boeing University Innovation Leadership Development (BUILD) Program, the Boeing HorizonX India Innovation Challenge, and the Accelerated Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AME) Apprenticeship program, have all helped empower entrepreneurs and contributed to building a skilled frontline workforce for India.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

OVERSEAS: ARTS & CULTURE: Kannada Pata Shale Dubai’s 9th year Valedictory Event held with Grandeur

Kannada Pata Shale Dubai, a free Kannada language teaching school started in Dubai in 2014 is run by Kannada Mitraru UAE, a nonprofit association with over 100 volunteers serving the school. It is free for all children aged between 6 to 16 years who are willing to learn Kannada language.

The 9th year valedictory event of Kannada Pata Shale Dubai was held on April 29 at JSS International School, JVC Dubai. Kannada Pata Shale Dubai popularly known as KPSD has over 650 students this year, who attended the closing ceremony event, received their certificates and medal of appreciation from guests and dignitaries. Dr Mohan Ava, the president of Alva’s Education Foundation of Moodbidri graced the occasion as chief guest and was honoured by Kannada Mitraru UAE for their contribution in the field of education.

The well-disciplined event started on the dot as announced was noticeable, as the vice president Siddalingesh Revappa explained that KPSD is well known for time consciousness as he said that the teaching has to be backed by being an example.

In his presidential speech, Shashidhar Nagarajappa sought the blessings of Shri Shivaratri Deshikendra Swamiji for their invaluable support and blessings to establish Kannada Pata Shale Dubai. He further explained the selfless services of 17 teachers who dedicated 6 months for the school without any remuneration. KPSD teachers who had served more than 4 years were recognized with ‘Shikshana Koustub’ award. This year’s awardees were Meena Harish Kodi, Divyashree Nagaraj Rao and Usharani Kotresh. Shashidhar urged for the support of Karnataka government to recognize KPSD so that the NRI students who complete 12th standard and move from UAE to Karnataka for their professional courses, who need to take CET exams, are required to attend separate Kannada exam, which is unnecessary for KPSD students and hence needs to give exhumation for those who are having certificates from KPSD.

An extravagant display of talents was seen, as children showcased their talent in Kannada language through various art forms like dance, singing and acting. The skit ‘Ekalavya’ was the heart winner with the spontaneous dialogues which is unseen in the young diaspora. A play ‘Kannada Granny and Naughty children’ mesmerized the audiences with its message to emphasis the importance of learning Kannada language. An overcrowded auditorium cheered the young performers with joy of appreciation.

In the formal event ceremony, the KPSD patron and president of KNRI forum Praveen Shetty thanked the parents for bringing in a record number of children and making KPSD a big success and appreciated the Alva’s Kannada and cultural activities such as ‘Nudisiri’ and ‘Virasat’ and called in for all the support. KPSD patron and KNRI vice president Mohan Narasimha Murthy appreciated the service of the teachers and called for highest number of admissions in the coming years.

Post felicitation, Dr Mohan Alva gave an impressive and elaborative speech. In his words of humbleness, Dr Alva sought the blessings of Shri Shivaratri Deshikendra Swamiji. He further on appreciated the efforts put in to keep the culture and language alive and pass it to the next generation. He further called all parents to continue to teach Kannada as their primary language. He further assured his support to KPSD for getting necessary recognition from the state government and assured of an award of appreciation from the government.

One of the most prestigious awards for contribution to Kannada ‘Kannada Mitra-2023’ was awarded to Dr Rajani Krishna Rao for her invention of phonetics techniques to teach and learn Kannada language. Another Kannada Mitra-2023 awardee Huchhamma Basappa Choudri was felicitated virtually due to her inability to travel to Dubai.

Further in the dignitary’s speech, Harish Bangera thanked the parents for sending a record number of students to learn Kannada and he appreciated the efforts of the teachers. The next speaker, the CEO of JSS Schools Dubai, Govind Rao Naik welcomed Dr Mohan Alva to the JSS institution and remembered the days of KPSD foundation at JSS school in Al Safa and wished all the organizers a grand success for the future years. Sarvottam Shetty, president of Karnataka Sangha Abu Dhabi made an impressive speech and explained the origins of Kannada and wished all the parents and organizers.

Another guest of the event, award winning director, actor and writer of Sandalwood, Shivadhwaj Shetty gave a joyous speech of appreciation and thanked the parents and teachers for their love of the language.

General secretary Sunil Gavaskar, joint secretary Shivasharanappa Meti, treasurer Nagaraj Rao and organizing secretaries Mahadev, Harish Kodi, Jeetendra, Prakash, Vijay, Santosh, Guru Prashanth, Sudhir, and Suresh managed the certification and medal of students in the first batch of students.

Over 500 students were encouraged with certification and medal of appreciation. The felicitation was done by all the dignitaries namely M E Mulooru, advisor of Karnataka Sangha Sharjah, prominent businessman Harish Sherigar, honorary advisor of Karnataka Sangha Dubai Jayanth Shetty, James Mendonca of Mangalore Konkans, vice president of Karnataka Sangha Dubai Daya Kirodian, Balakrishna Salina of Mugaveers UAE, general secretary of Karnataka Sangha Dubai Manohar Hegde, Vokkaliga Samaja UAE president Dr Rashmi Nanda Kishore, former president of Karnataka Sangha Sharjah Novel Almeda, president of WOW Power Yoga Anand Bailooru, and Basava Samithi president Dr Mamatha Radder. Other heads of associations who participated and wished the event were Sagar Shettar couple and Vineeth.

The entire event was well coordinated by the organizing secretaries in various roles such as dinner distribution by Santosh, Harish Kodi and Rohit, and the stage co-ordination was handled by Girish Patwari, Yuvaraja, P Wadekar, Rohit and Shivu. Guest welcome was handled by Girish Kalkund and Guru Prashanth, and the creative and AV display was superbly managed by Shashidhar Mundaragi, Grish Vorate and Vinay.

The stage and student coordination was handled by a team of 16 teachers managed by Roopa Shashidhar.

Nagaraj Rao thanked all the guests and attendees.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)