Biotechnology major Biocon today said it has been ranked No 6 on the annual global ‘Top Twenty Employers’ list for the Bio-Pharma sector by the Science magazine.
Science magazine has ranked Biocon at No. 6 on the annual global ‘Top Twenty Employers’ list for the Bio-Pharma sector, a significant jump from No. 19 in 2012, the company in a release said.
(Biotechnology major Biocon…)
According to the 2013 Top Biotech and Pharma employers’ survey, the three key attributes associated with Biocon are socially responsible, clear vision and quality research, it said.
source: http://www.articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com / The Economic Times / Home> News> News by Industry> Healthcare-Biotech / by PTI / October 25th, 2013
The policy is aimed at making Karnataka the largest IT cluster on the planet by 2020 overtaking the Silicon Valley in the U.S.
The industry has welcomed the “Karnataka i4 policy: IT, ITeS, Innovation Incentives Policy” released by the Karnataka government on Tuesday at BangaloreITE.biz 2013. This policy has been framed keeping in mind several objectives. The first objective is to reposition Bangalore and Karnataka as the preferred global investment destination for IT/ITeS/BPO sectors. The second objective is to focus on newer areas of knowledge and innovation-based industries such as start-ups, ESDM, animation and graphics, and other web-based and mobile-based creative areas. The third objective is to leverage Karnataka’s leadership position in IT to create many transformational e-governance projects and the fourth is to strengthen Karnataka’s leadership position as the global IT capital.
As part of the policy, IT/ITeS/BPO/Animation/KPO industries will be treated on par with public utilities to exempt them from disruptive effects of general strikes and bandhs. These sectors will also be entitled to stamp duty exemption of 75 percent in Mysore and Mangalore, in addition to other location as per the Industrial Policy. Start-up companies will be eligible for plug and play space with Internet at concessional rates of Rs 5-15 per square feet, depending on location. Another unique feature of the i4 policy is the Employment-Linked Incentivization of Land Allotment (E-LILA) outside urban Bangalore and rural district limits, which translates to land allotment for the concerned sectors at concessional price, linked to employment generation.
NASSCOM, the apex body of the Indian IT/BPO sector said they welcome the i4 IT policy and appreciate their efforts to position Bangalore and Karnataka as the preferred global investment destination for the sector. “Government’s renewed focus on providing a fillip to innovation-based industries focusing on areas like start-ups, ESDM, animation & graphics, and other web- and mobile-based creative areas will help Karnataka retain its leadership position in the technology landscape. Further, five year extension from the applicability of Karnataka Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Rules and declaring this sector as essential services and will enable ease of doing business in the state. The focus on start-ups and tier 2 cities is particularly welcome as it supports the wave of entrepreneurship and innovation in the country.”
Srikar Reddy, MD & CEO Sonata Software also echoed NASSCOM’s voice. “The policy announced shows the vision and commitment of the Government of Karnataka in building on the leadership status of the state in the IT & ITES industry,” he said. “Bangalore is the 4th largest technology cluster in the world after Silicon Valley, Boston and London, making it imperative to nurture the needs of the industry with a global perspective, while yet moving ahead to build a wider base for sustained growth and social impact. The policy balances these needs well. Sonata as a company has a significant part of its investments and operations in Karnataka and will look to further enhance them in taking this policy and its intended benefits farther.”
source: http://www.informationweek.in / Information Week / Home> News Analysis> Software / October 24th, 2013
Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) graduates have bagged NASSCOM Budding Engineering Innovation (NBEI) Award 2012 for designing a Flapping Wing Robot (FWR), an electro-mechanical bird that flies by flapping its wings.
FWR designed by aeronautical engineering graduates Nishant Jain and Isha Atreja is capable of flapping its wings like bats and birds. It also performs various flight exercises.
Nishant and Isha, who passed out from MIT in July, 2012, had spent nearly Rs 60,000 from their own purse to develop FWR. They told told TOI that the NBEI award ceremony held in Pune in September was a significant milestone in their life. “The FWR belongs to the class of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles).
A unique feature of FWR is that, its wings produce both lift and thrust so as to keep it airborne and propel forward. This eliminates the need of using any separate thrust production mechanism thereby making it very lightweight in comparison to fixed-wing UAVs,” Nishant explained adding that they have named it as Flyingspur.
“The flapping mechanism that we designed is a simplified variant of the complex biological wing. We have developed a 129gm and 927mm wingspan monoplane configuration. It is quite portable and can be controlled by using a remote controller. The portal FWR can be separated into three parts and can be taken anywhere. It consists of four subsystems including flapping wing, tail, battery and flight control system. The skeleton of Flyingspur is made up of carbon fibre rods and plates which make it quite sturdy and reliable,” he said adding that the prototype is capable of flying at a low altitude.
They recalled that they had dedicated about two to three hours a day for the project. “We are in the process of improving the prototype. We will apply for a patent for the model once it is modified,” he said. MIT aeronautical and automobile engineering department associate professor B Satish Shenoy was their guide.
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Mangalore / by Vinobha KT, TNN / November 10th, 2012
The Bangalore-based firm will use the money to expand operations
Global private equity biggie Silver Lake, which shot into prominence after acquiring PC maker Dell Inc along with Michael Dell, has made its first India play by investing in Bangalore-based Eka Software Solutions, a firm that creates software for commodity trading.
Silver Lake, which is leading the nearly $41 million investment round through its growth capital fund Silver Lake Kraftwerk, will pick up a minority stake in Eka Software.
“This is a strategic investment in the global commodity marker where technology is playing an increasingly critical role,” said Bryce Lee, a Managing Director at Silver Lake Kraftwek.
“We look forward to working with the Eka team, and helping them explore new opportunities and develop innovative products and solutions for customers,” he added. Eka, which has been growing at a 35 per cent CAGR over the last five years, will use the investment to expand the company’s international presence, bring new product offerings at a faster pace and acquire more companies.
The investment in Eka marks Silver Lake Kraftwerk’s first investment in India, according to a company statement.
“We are very excited to partner with Silver Lake.The partnership will further accelerate our growth and help us achieve our long term strategic vision. We now look forward to working with Silver Lake to further expand and build our platform,” said Eka founder and CEO Manav Garg, in a statement.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Business> Industry / by Staff Reporter / Chennai – October 16th, 2013
The Manipal Conclave, 2013, took place on Thursday, the 17th of October, 2013. For the first time, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal , introduced a formal colloquium as part of its four-day annual, national-level technical festival, TechTatva.
The Manipal Conclave included, in its first stage, speeches from two distinguished alumni of Manipal Institute of Technology, Mr. Glenville Da Silva and Mr. Chendil Kumar. While Mr. Da Silva spoke about change and gave sound career advice to the attendees, Mr. Kumar complemented him perfectly with suggestions on how the infusion of a little humor can make a huge difference, both in the workplace, and in life.
After a break for refreshments and interaction with the two speakers, the second leg of the program commenced. This part of the event comprised a debate on whether technology has improved the quality of life, with T.V. Mohandas Pai speaking for the motion, and Prof. Sundar Sarukkai speaking against it. After the statement of views and counter-views, the audience was given a chance to pose questions to the speakers. The interaction session proceeded with enthusiasm, and the speakers responded with gusto.
The last part of the event, however, is possibly what sets The Manipal Conclave apart from its counterparts. The last leg consisted of a series of lightning talks by students of the institute on various topics, such as: the correlation between the arts and the sciences, education and the changes it deserves, and the “two Indias” theory. These students were selected after a serious of intensive selection rounds prior to the event, and gave students with ideas to offer a forum to present them in.
On conclusion of the lightning talks, Mr. Da Silva and Mr. Kumar presented certificates to the five students, and praised their passion and interest in important, philosophical questions, before leaving attendees with an invaluable parting note.
The Rocket Court in Srirangapatna, which is in a dilapidated state.
Mysore:
The proposal to establish India’s first rocket museum in Tipu Sultan’s rocket court in Srirangapatna, which fired the world’s first war rocket during the Anglo-Mysore war, could make headway now with the new Director General (Life Sciences) of the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO), Dr. Manas K Mandal seeming more inclined to make it a reality soon.
Dr. Mandal is expected to visit Mysore later this month with a battery of DRDO officials to inspect the historic monument in Srirangapatna.
Former DRDO Chief Controller (LS), Dr. W. Selvamurthy, had suggested the establishment of the rocket museum during his visit to Srirangapatna almost a year ago.
But after his retirement the project hit a road block as it had no takers both in the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Karnataka.
The DRDO plans to have a life-size prototype of BrahMos, a supersonic cruise missile, and models of a wide range of missiles like Prithvi, Agni and ballistic missiles, besides an original piece of Tipu’s rocket at the proposed rocket museum.
Additional Director, DRDO (LS) , Ravindra Kumar, says Dr. Mandal wants to treat the project with priority. “We will now pursue the matter aggressively and see that the project is realized,” he said.
Currently, the monument has many encroachments and a portion of its front wall has collapsed.
Former DRDO Chief Controller, Dr. Sivathanu Pillai, had in 2006 submitted a report on the pathetic condition of the rocket court and recommended that it be converted into a rocket museum.
Former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, popularly known as ‘rocket man’ for his exploits in missile technology, has devoted a chapter to the rockets of Mysore in his book ‘Wings of Fire,’ underlining their historical signficance.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> News> Current Affairs / DC / by S. V. Krishna Chaitanya / October 19th, 2013
Infosys is one of the fastest growing engineering service providers in the market today
Bangalore, India :
Zinnov, a leading independent management consulting firm, has positioned Infosys Engineering Services as a ‘Leader’ in its Global Service Provider Ratings (GSPR) 2013.
The study recognizes Infosys Engineering Services as a Leader across Aerospace, Automotive, Telecommunications, Consumer Electronics, Energy, Enterprise Software and Consumer Software segments. The ability to scale up competence across verticals through a strong training engine for engineering R&D, in the form of the Infosys Engineering Academy, gives the company a definite edge, notes the study. It also mentions that Infosys is strengthening and growing its presence in specialty areas like Semiconductor and Electronics, in addition to other areas. Highlights of the GSPR 2013 can be accessed here .
The GSPR is an annual exercise undertaken to assist business leaders in making the right decisions in partner selection across geographies. Over 75 companies were evaluated on their vertical presence, client base, R&D focus, and organization size for the 2013 study. The companies were assessed on their ability to deliver from concept to go-to-market, investments in infrastructure, niche capabilities, innovation culture and IP generation. The evaluation also looked at the companies’ leadership role in forging alliances, leveraging startups, co-creation with customers and academic research.
Infosys is one of the fastest growing engineering service providers in the market today, with strong capabilities across the board serving multiple verticals. With 8500+ engineers and client partnerships with Global 500 companies in more than 30 countries, Infosys Engineering Services provides a wide range of services for the complete engineering product lifecycle, ranging from product ideation to realization and sustenance.
Sudip Singh, vice president and head – Engineering Services, Infosys said: “Our ranking in the 2013 Global Service Provider Ratings assessment is a clear reflection of our leadership in the engineering services business. At Infosys Engineering Services, we have invested systematically to develop capabilities. Specifically, our investments in the Infosys Engineering Academy, for enhancing the skills of employees across various verticals, has been well received and is allowing us to align strongly with clients’ requirements. With established strengths across domains, our value proposition is comprehensive and we are committed to providing clients the end-to-end support they need to build global product lines and solutions.”
source: http://www.ciol.com / CIOL / Home> Enterprise / by CIOL Bureau / Tuesday – October 08th, 2013
HealthCare Global (HCG), backed by Azim Premji and Temasek, has emerged as the frontrunner to acquire Ahmedabad-based Sterling Hospitals after entering into an exclusive due diligence process with the hospital chain, said people directly familiar with the matter.
HCG, the Bangalore-based cancer care specialist, is said to have bid about Rs 500 crore for Sterling, which is 80% owned by private equity firm Actis. The final offer would be decided after completing due diligence after a three-month period. The founder family of Paras Pharma owns the rest of the stake in the hospital chain with around 1,000 beds in Gujarat.
UAE’s largest hospital networks DM Healthcare and NMC Health, both owned by India-born entrepreneurs, are the other contenders in the fray, sources close to the matter told TOI. Kotak Mahindra investment banking is advising Actis on the potential divestment. HCG founder and chairman B S Ajaikumar was unavailable for comments while emailed queries to Actis remained unanswered at the time of going to press.
As the top bidder, HCG is looking to diversify outside its core cancer care, has a 60-day exclusivity to clinch the deal, said a source cited earlier in the report. Financial investors have backed the expansion plans of India’s emerging healthcare chains and poured over $1.16 billion last fiscal, said Venture Intelligence data.
Actis, a spin-off from UK’s development finance institution CDC, invested in Sterling seven years ago and wants to exit the company. The mid-sized private equity has scaled up the Sterling footprint across most urban centres — Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Vadodara, Bhavnagar and in Mundra SEZ — in the prosperous western Indian state.
source: http://www.articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com / The Economic Times / Home> News by Industry> Healthcare-Biotech / by Samidha Sharma & Boby Kurian, TNN / October 09th, 2013
(From left) Akashavani Mysore Asst. Station Director Dr. Anand V. Patil, Asst. Director Programmes G. Raja Lakshmi, Head of Office V. Srinivasan, Nada Brahma Sangeetha Sabha President K.V. Murthy and Programme Executive M.Raghavendra.
by S.R. Krishna Murthy
The Akashvani Sangeeth Sammelana is an annual musical event, organised by Akashvani, since 1954. In earlier days, it was a two-day festival on the second Saturday and Sunday of October, in major stations and a one-day event on the second saturday of October in other stations. Since some years, it has become a one day event conducted throughout the country on the same day, sometime during the end of September or during the middle of October. A happy note of this music festival is that the artistes from different parts of the country will be performing in other parts of the country, which is an effort in creating National integration. The artistes selected to perform not only feature regular and famous artistes, but even the upcoming artistes who are given equal prominence. This gesture definitely lends a supporting hand, in encouraging these youngsters.
Major stations will conduct the event every year and other stations will be holding the event turn by turn. This year, the programmes will be broadcasted from the National hook-up of Akashvani, for nearly forty-four days, from Oct. 19 to Dec. 11, at 9.30 pm on some days and 10 pm on other days, depending on that day’s schedule.
The Mysore edition of the Akashvani Sangeeth Sammelana 2013 was organised at Vasudevacharya Bhavana of Nada Brahma Sangeetha Sabha, on Sept. 29. It had two concerts, a Hindustani flute recital by Nityananda Haldipur, Mumbai, accompanied by Ravindra Yavagal on Tabla and the other, a Karnatak vocal recital by A.S. Murali of Chennai, accompanied by T.K. Padmanabha (violin), Tanjore Subramanyam (mridanga) and A.S. Shankar (ghata).
Akashvani Sangeeth Sammelana always evokes sufficient interest among the music fraternity and the auditorium was full with music enthusiasts.
About Nityananda Haldipur He is an ‘A’ Grade artiste of AIR and Doordarshan. He took to music at an early age and had the fortune of being taught by stalwarts like his father Niranjan Haldipur and Devendra Murudeshwar, both disciples of Pt. Pannalal Ghosh, Annapurna Devi (daughter of Ustad Aladdin Khan). Nityanand has participated in all the major events in India. In 2010, Nityanand Haldipur was given the highest award for his contribution to Indian classical music by Sangeeth Natak Academy, New Delhi.
He began serenely the Alap of Raag Puriya. The Gat in Vilambit was in Rupaka Taal. His methodical presentation, smoothly breathed life into each note of the raga. The intermittent usage of phrases like RSNSR, SNDNS, added sweetness to the melody. Druth Gat was set to Teen Taal. Totally the delineation of Raag Puriya testified the flautist’s penchant for exploring a raga to its fullest. The next thirty minutes was Raag Jhanjooti, in Madhya Laya and Druth, both in Teen Taal. He concluded the concert with a Dhun in Mishra Pahadi.
The second programme was the Karnatak vocal recital by A.S. Murali of Chennai. The first rendering Ganapathi Enna Paliso (Nata-Adi-Prasanna Venkata Dasa) was for balancing the sound system. The broadcasting part began with Smaraneyonde Saalade (Malaya Marutha-Adi-Purandara Dasa). Two ragas were taken for delineation. First was Dharmavathi with an enthusiastic alapane, followed by the Kruti Bhajana Seyarada of Mysore Vasudevacharya. He did a Neraval at Niravadhi Sukhadaayakuni, with a short Swara. The second was Shankarabharana, with another good Alapane, leading to the Kruti Enduku Peddula of Thyagaraja with a Neraval at Veda Shastra Tatvarthamulu, followed by another set of good Swara. In between he sang Kamalaambaa Samrakshatumaam (Ananda Bhairavi-Mishra Chapu-Muthuswamy Dikshitar), the first of the Navaavarana Kruti. He concluded the concert with Paalaya Shree Mantraalaya Nilaya (Yaman Kalyani-Adi-Ananda Dasa). It may be a fact that the singer is accustomed to singing in Akashavani. Therefore, there was no rapport with the audience. It looked as though he was singing to the mike.
At this juncture, I would like to point out one odd phenomenon. The auditorium was full when the programme began. But, as soon as the Hindustani recital was over, nearly forty percent of the audience, mostly Hindustani connoisseurs, just walked out en-mass, just like our opposition members in the Assembly, walking out of the hall, if the ruling party does not agree to their point of view. Nobody can force someone to listen to something, which th ey do not relish. The audience could have sat for some more time, at least as a mark of respect to the next artiste.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by S. R. Krishna Murthy / October 15th, 2013
Well-known Indian IT czar and philanthropist Azim Premji has received the Asian Business Leaders Award in the UK.
“For both his business acumen and his notable contributions to Indian social causes, Mr Premji is a very well-deserved recipient of the Asian Business Leaders Award,” UK business secretary Vince Cable said in his welcome address at a ceremony yesterday.
(Well-known Indian IT czar…)
“With 40 per cent of the world’s High Growth Markets located in Asia, it is more important than ever to recognise the role of Asian businesspeople in contributing so much to the strength and breadth of the UK economy ,” he added.
The chairman of Wipro Limited joins the likes of former Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata and Lord Green, UK minister of state for trade and investment, as a recipient of the honour presented by Asia House, a non-profit pan-Asian organisation based in the UK.
The annual award recognises individuals who embody the principle of ‘Servant Leader’ – economic success and professional excellence accompanied by moral leadership and service to society.
“We are delighted to honour a business leader admired greatly by the Asia House community. Azim Premji has achieved outstanding success as a global business leader. He has demonstrated a lifetime commitment to social and education issues through both organisations and people making him a most deserving recipient of the Asian Business Leaders Award,” said Sir John Boyd , chairman of Asia House.
The award itself was presented to Premji by Britain’s Foreign Office minister, Hugo Swire.
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Economic Times / Home> News> News by Company / by PTI / October 15th, 2013
