Monthly Archives: November 2015

A gadget for a safe road journey

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Science & Technology
Elsys Intelligent Devices co-founders Jayanth Jagadeesh (left) and Prasad Pillai showcasing Raksha SafeDrive
Elsys Intelligent Devices co-founders Jayanth Jagadeesh (left) and Prasad Pillai showcasing Raksha SafeDrive

Raksha SafeDrive automatically alerts rescue services in the event of an accident

The high number of casualties in road accidents has prompted two entrepreneurs, Prasad Pillai and Jayanth Jagadeesh, to manufacture a gadget that automatically alerts rescue services in case of an accident. Raksha SafeDrive, an innovation from Elsys Intelligent Devices, a Thiruvananthapuram-based startup with an office in Bengaluru, debuted on KickStarter, the world’s leading crowdfunding platform, last month.

In the event of a crash, Raksha Safedrive, placed on the rearview mirror in front of the driver, will also send the location details of the vehicle and an initial assessment of the severity of the accident. It has a Smart Panic Button that provides a one-touch two-way voice connectivity with the support network, and can be used in case of an emergency. Officials from the centre will call the vehicle in distress, assesses the situation, and provide the needed assistance.

“Most drivers live through a near-miss accident scenario every week. We thank our stars, curse the other guy and move on. There is no reason why accident preparedness and management has to be so disorganised,” says CEO Prasad, who calls himself a safety freak, who likes to dream big and use technology to solve our everyday problems.

The gadget has been designed in such a way that there is minimal impact of the crash on the gadget itself. It’s an accessory that can be charged like a mobile phone. With a single charge, it works for six to eight hours. Mr. Prasad says they eventually plan to tie up with car manufacturers so that it comes inbuilt in all cars.

Mr. Prasad says that the company takes privacy issues very seriously, and data security features are as strict as in banks. The data collection features are turned off by default. All personal data are anonymised. Only in the event of an accident, the location of the vehicle is made known to the command centre.

“Most of the apps now can be used only to send an SOS alert. But ours provides a full infrastructure to provide all forms of assistance to occupants of a car involved in the crash,” says CMO Jayanth Jagadeesh, an avid biker, who has done a solo motorcycle road trip from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.

The founders are also looking at beyond the gadget being merely an accident-alert system. It can gather data on driving patterns such as overspeeding, sudden applying of brakes or how often and where a vehicle has gone over potholes. The data analytics can warn motorists of stretches that have dangerous road conditions.

Mr. Prasad and Mr. Jagadeesh feel the current system of enforcing road discipline by only penalising errant drivers must be changed to one that will also incentivise good driving. “We can now measure driving pattern, and the data can be used to give a scorecard to the drivers, and even give discounts in insurance premium as a discount for good driving skills.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by B. Prasad Nair / Bengaluru – November 11th, 2015

She gets global recognition twice in two years.

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Records, All, World Opinion

Bengaluru :

All of 23, Swati Bondia, a fresh MBA graduate from a city business school, received an international recognition from Junior Chamber International as one among 10 outstanding young persons of the world at a function in Kanazawa, Japan on Saturday. She ecomes is the first Indian woman to receive the award during 100 years since JCI established.

This is the second global honour for her. In July last year, she was the only Indian businesswoman to have made it to the BoP, which is being organized by the University of Colombia in association with United Nation’s Principles for Responsible Management Education Secretariat.

The founder and chief decorating officer of Bangalore-based social venture Om Shanti Traders has been selected for the Base of the Pyramid market-entry challenge at Colombia.

Om Shanti Traders is a social, sustainable venture supporting at least 1,000 individuals from the poor and underprivileged sections to improve their lifestyle and, thus, reduce the economic gap between the various layers of the society. Swati identifies individuals on the streets, trains them in arts and crafts, employs them and helps them to create a livelihood for themselves by selling their creations to corporate and individual households. The profit is shared with the employee families and a portion will go to the employee welfare corpus. Swati and her team ensure the children of the employee family compulsorily go to school.

Hailing from Jharsuguda in Odisha and a daughter of an industrialist, Swati is today a big name in social enterprise.

“It is like reverse mentoring. I was her professor and mentor in her venture in empowering poor and rural women, but she leads me now in my ideas. I am the founder director of www.enrichexpo. But is her drive behind this venture as its CEO and one of the directors,” her professor at the business school where she pursued her MBA, GS Sreekiran told TOI.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Bengaluru / by M K Madhusoodan, TNN / November 11th, 2015

City students top international exam

Education, Records, All, World Opinion

Four students from Bengaluru have excelled in the Cambridge International Examinations emerging as world toppers in individual subjects.

According to an official release from Cambridge International Examinations, these are the results of the exams conducted in November 2014 and June 2015 for Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Level and Cambridge International A Level exams.

This apart, as many as 23 students from the City have emerged as national toppers. The world toppers are: Srirama Prakhya from Primus Public School (IGCSE, Chemistry, Physics), Umika Sinha Paul, The International School Bangalore (IGCSE, Additional Mathematics), Papineni Nikhil, Vidyashilp Academy, (AS Level Mathematics) and Aarushi Mohan, Vidyashilp Academy, (AS Level, Psychology).

There are 22 world toppers from India and majority of the students have topped in Mathematics and Physics. Indian students have also excelled in subjects such as travel and tourism and psychology, according to the release.

There has been a substantial increase in the number of Cambridge qualifications in India. There are now over 350 Cambridge schools in India.

Entries
There were over 70,000 exam entries for Cambridge qualifications in June in for both 10th and 12th standard students. This year, there has been a 12 per cent increase in entries compared to 2014. In India there has been a 10 per cent increase in entries for Cambridge IGCSE (10 board exam), with more than 40,000 entries, the release stated.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> City / DHNS, Bengaluru – November 10th, 2015

Kiran Shaw gets honorary fellowship

Business & Economy, Education, Leaders, Records, All, Science & Technology

Bengaluru :

The Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), a central government-funded interdisciplinary research institute founded by noted scientist CNR Rao, on Monday announced that it has conferred an honorary fellowship to Biocon CMD Kiran Mazumdar Shaw.

Stating that the centre has a tradition of honouring distinguished people with fellowships, an official note said it had earlier awarded the same to scientists C Subramaniam, Raja Ramanna and others like former prime minister Manmohan Singh and Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy.

Kiran said she will fund a bioscience laboratory focused on proteins at JNCASR.

“I have promised to fund a biosciences lab that will house an ultra microscope and also sponsor two post-doctoral fellowships at the institute. A lot of research is happening at the institute from which the industry can benefit,” Kiran told TOI.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Bengaluru / TNN / November 10th, 2015

Lalbagh to host India’s first national landscape fest

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, Travel, World Opinion

Bengaluru :

The country’s first national landscape fest is all set to begin from November 11 to 15 in Lalbagh under the joint endeavour of the horticulture and agriculture departments that would demonstrate and exhibit several aspects of landscaping, urban horticulture and spiritual gardens.

A unique initiative, the fest would showcase the biggest vertical garden in the history of Lalbagh – at 7 feet tall and 1000 feet wide, covering an area of 7,000 square feet all around the glass house at Lalbagh.

Dr Jagadeesh M, joint director of horticulture department, said, “Bengaluru being known as the garden city and losing the grandeur of its name in recent days, we have tried to organise this fest to drive the city more into landscaping and beautifying a spot. The show will be arranged inside the glass house. In addition to that, the concept of organic urban roof gardening will also be explored outside the glass house, by which the bio-waste from each household will be used to produce organic manures. This method of growing vegetables and fruits ensures the consumption of organic plant products.”

“The Bonsai Garden will host exhibition on spiritual gardening which will have Nakshatravana, Raashivana, Navagrahavana, Shivapanchayatvana and several other spiritual plants. It would have landscape technology stalls as part of the show,” he added.

The fest would receive more than 3,000 landscape experts and architects and over 3 lakh visitors are expected to visit Lalbagh during the fest.

Dr Krishna Chavan from Belagavi, an international landscape architect, who has organised the fest, said, “The fest will enable Bengalureans to explore and balance nature and colour their lives with plants and flowers. I have used the concept of five elements of nature – water, air, soil, stone and plant for beautifying the landscape.”

Speaking to TOI about police security to be provided in Lalbagh during the fest, DCP Lokesh Kumar, said, “More than 400 cops will be deployed for security and traffic in and around Lalbagh. Tickets will be available till 6.00 pm and visitors can stay till 7.00 pm in the garden. Only two-wheelers can be parked in Alameen College and both two-wheelers and cars have to be parked at Shantinagar Bus depot, JC Road and near Lalbagh HOPCOMS stall.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Bengaluru / TNN / by Sreemoyee Chatterjee / November 09th, 2015

NHAI announces reward to RTI activist exposed overcharging toll

Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Records, All

Belagavi  :

In a rare instance, National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has announced reward to RTI activists of the district for exposing a toll plaza agency overcharging the vehicles.

In-fact, Prashant Ashok Burge of Galataga in Chikkodi taluk is the first person deserved to be such honour of NHAI. Burge had exposed toll agency, M/s Konark Infrastructure Ltd., in 2013, for overcharging vehicles against the guidelines of NHAI.

Activist exposed collecting of excess user fee from light motor vehicles at Hattaragi User Fee Plaza. Agency was collecting Rs 20 instead of 15 for one way trip and Rs 40 instead of 35 for return trip. It was collecting excess fee violating NHAI guidelines and even displayed it on large hoardings.

Based on an RTI application filed by Burge on 12th March 2013 with NHAI and union ministry of road transport and highways, excess collection of toll was stopped from 26th March. Besides, as a part of corrective measures, rates displayed on large size hoardings were altered. During investigation, NHAI found excess fee collection and recovered Rs 1.80 crores amount from toll agency by penalizing it. Appreciating the efforts of complainant in the public interest, NHAI has announced Rs 10,000 cash prize to Burge.

However, in the initial stage, NHAI office in Dharwad had dodged to provide information to the activist. Later, he appealed to regional office of NHAI in Bengaluru, from where he got information of excess toll collection of Rs 15, 95,825 by the agency.

But unsatisfied with calculation of NHAI, activist has been sought audit report and cash sums of toll agency under RTI but still striving to get the same. He has also complained to Central Economic Intelligence Bureau to investigate toll collected by the agency before March 2013.

Speaking to the TOI, Prashant Burge said “I have faced lot of problems by the NHAI officials and even threats on cell phone, when I refused to heed the offers they made to me. I recorded threat calls and sent to regional office of NHAI in Bengaluru in CD form. Only after that the investigation speed up.”, he said and thanked NHAI for rewarding him.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Hubballi / by Ravindra Uppar, TNN / October 26th, 2015

Lalbagh to host India’s first national landscape fest

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All

Bengaluru  :

The country’s first national landscape fest is all set to begin from November 11 to 15 in Lalbagh under the joint endeavour of the horticulture and agriculture departments that would demonstrate and exhibit several aspects of landscaping, urban horticulture and spiritual gardens.

A unique initiative, the fest would showcase the biggest vertical garden in the history of Lalbagh – at 7 feet tall and 1000 feet wide, covering an area of 7,000 square feet all around the glass house at Lalbagh.

Dr Jagadeesh M, joint director of horticulture department, said, “Bengaluru being known as the garden city and losing the grandeur of its name in recent days, we have tried to organise this fest to drive the city more into landscaping and beautifying a spot. The show will be arranged inside the glass house. In addition to that, the concept of organic urban roof gardening will also be explored outside the glass house, by which the bio-waste from each household will be used to produce organic manures. This method of growing vegetables and fruits ensures the consumption of organic plant products.”

“The Bonsai Garden will host exhibition on spiritual gardening which will have Nakshatravana, Raashivana, Navagrahavana, Shivapanchayatvana and several other spiritual plants. It would have landscape technology stalls as part of the show,” he added.

The fest would receive more than 3,000 landscape experts and architects and over 3 lakh visitors are expected to visit Lalbagh during the fest.

Dr Krishna Chavan from Belagavi, an international landscape architect, who has organised the fest, said, “The fest will enable Bengalureans to explore and balance nature and colour their lives with plants and flowers. I have used the concept of five elements of nature – water, air, soil, stone and plant for beautifying the landscape.”

Speaking to TOI about police security to be provided in Lalbagh during the fest, DCP Lokesh Kumar, said, “More than 400 cops will be deployed for security and traffic in and around Lalbagh. Tickets will be available till 6.00 pm and visitors can stay till 7.00 pm in the garden. Only two-wheelers can be parked in Alameen College and both two-wheelers and cars have to be parked at Shantinagar Bus depot, JC Road and near Lalbagh HOPCOMS stall.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Bengaluru / Sreemoyee Chatterjee, TNN / November 09th, 2015

Indian Science Congress returns to State after 13 years

Science & Technology, World Opinion

The country’s largest science event — The Indian Science Congress (ISC) — which is in its 103rd edition, returns to the State after a gap of nearly 13 years.

The five-day event, comprising seminars, exhibitions and award ceremonies, will be held at the University of Mysuru from January 3, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate it. The prestigious event comes to Mysuru after nearly 34 years.

This year’s event is being run on the theme, ‘Science & Technology for Indigenous Development in India’. Over 500 scientists, including five Nobel Laureates, are expected to talk at the congress. The event is being touted as the biggest ever, with 15,000 delegates scheduled to attend.

However, the focus will be on the ‘Science Exhibition – Pride of India Expo’, where a hall is being dedicated to former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and noted engineer and administrator M. Visvesvaraya.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Staff Reporter / Bengaluru – November 06th, 2015

4-day conference brings global experts in Bengaluru to share health innovations

Business & Economy, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Bengaluru  :

Hematocon 2015, the 56th four day conference organized by the Karnataka Chapter of Indian Society of Haematology and Blood Transfusion began on November 5 in Bengaluru.

It brought together global professionals from fields of Haematology, Haemato-oncology, laboratory medicine and blood banking to share their innovations, research and latest findings on to an inter-disciplinary platform.

The conference will witness the latest developments in the fields of Haematology, Haemato-oncology, blood disorders, blood cancer and bone marrow transfusion. The teaching faculties, experts and distinguished speakers from leading institution will share their insights and experiences during the conference.

“We are pleased to welcome eminent medical professionals at this forum to share inter-disciplinary knowledge and the latest developments in the fields of Haematology and Haemato-oncology. The conference will help further educate and enable healthcare professionals to adopt best practices that will in turn enhance the quality of healthcare,” said Dr Sharat Damodar, Head of Heomatology & Bone Marrow Transplant, Mazumdar Shaw Cancer Center, Narayana Health City and Organizing Secretary of Karnataka Chapter of Indian Society of Hematology & Transfusion Medicine.

Dr Cecil Ross, Professor and Head of Hematology at St. John’s Medical College & Chairman of Karnataka Chapter of Indian Society of Hematology & Transfusion Medicine said, “Multiple scientific workshops will focus on sharing innovations in field target therapies (immune therapy that is more effective with less side effects managing blood related infections), bone marrow transplants, blood cancer and other blood related disorders. More than 1000 delegates and 25-30 faculties nationally and internationally will offer a series of diverse continuing education as part of the event”.

Researchers, faculty and academicians are expected to create an avenue towards robust exchange of information on technological advances and new scientific achievements for issues like platelet disorders, acute Leukemia (paediatric and adult), lymphomas cancer (cancer of the lymph system), RBC & WBC issues, blood transplants and other relevant topics.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Bengaluru / by Sreemoyee Chatterjee, TNN / November 05th, 2015

MITE engineering students design all-terrain vehicle for auto show

Education, Science & Technology

Mangaluru :

Mangalore Institute of Technology & Engineering (MITE) students have designed and developed an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) for BAJA SAE, a prestigious national-level sporting vehicle building event organized by Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).

SAE is an engineering and scientific society dedicated to the advancement of the automobile sector. The ATV will be participating in BAJA SAE India-2016, a national-level competition to be held in Indore in February 2016. Also, the developed ATV will be participating in BAJA Student India-2016 in January 2016 at Buddh International Circuit, Utter Pradesh.
Chairman of Rajalaxmi Education Trust Rajesh Chouta unveiled the ATV on November 2. Successful field testing was done by the Team Mite Racing (TMR) comprising of 30 students of MITE.

“The TMR comprising students of the mechanical engineering department have designed and fabricated a lightweight ATV as per the rules and specifications of BAJA SAE India-2016 in the MITE campus. TMR is one among the three colleges in the zone along with NITK Surathkal and MIT, Manipal to qualify for the event in which every team asked to design and build an all-terrain sports vehicle. The institution has encouraged the students to work independently in the campus after their regular academic work,” said Ashwin Balaram, one of the team leaders.

“The team has innovatively applied the new concepts for its suspension and load-bearing capacity in the vehicle. The team investigated and applied new methodology of continuously variable transmission (CVT) for improved acceleration and to reduce driver fatigue,” said another team leader Ashrith S. Ashwin and Ashrith are seventh semester mechanical engineering students of MITE.

The ATV is developed by the TMR under the sponsorship of the management of the institution led by the chairman of Rajalaxmi Education Trust Rajesh Chouta. G L Easwara Prasad, principal and C R Rajashekar, head of the department of the mechanical engineering department supported the team for the project, students said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> Cities> Mangaluru / by Shobha K T, TNN / November 05th, 2015