Monthly Archives: December 2017

Nokia goes native in Bengaluru

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion

NokiaBasavannaKF03dec2017

Perhaps for the first time, a multi-national corporation has decided to give itself a desi touch and named its facilities in Bengaluru after two Kannada philosophers. The Finnish telecom network equipment giant Nokia has named its recently inaugurated R&D facilities here after 12th century icons Basavanna and Allama Prabhu.

Nokia, which has presence in more than 170 countries, named its facilities after the philosopher poets “to create awareness of Basavanna and Allama to foreign employees and foreign visitors.” The centre, Nokia’s largest global R&D site, currently employs more than 6,000 engineers.

Speaking to The Hindu on Saturday, Vinayak Andangoudar, Head of Location Development, and Rajesh K, Financial Controller, of Nokia, Bengaluru, said there was “a lot of enthusiasm among employees” about these Kannada philosophers.

“After consultations and discussions with employees, we decided to name facilities after Basavanna and Allama,” said Mr. Andangoudar.

“We have over 6000 employees in our R&D and there are a good number of Kannadigas. Visiting foreign employees inquire about the two philosophers after naming the two halls after Basava and Allama,” said Mr. Rajesh.

Minister for Information and Technology Priyank Kharge inaugurated a new R&D centre at the Manyata Technology Park here.

Appreciating company’s decision, Mr Kharge tweeted: “Kannada philosophers seem to have positively impacted the IT industry with their thoughts. The new Nokia facility have collaborative spaces named after our Philosopher poets Basavanna & Allama.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> news> States> Karnataka / by Nagesh Prabhu / Bengaluru – December 03rd, 2017

Salil S. Parekh appointed CEO and MD of Infosys

Business & Economy
Salil S. Parekh, who has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Infosys | Photo Credit: File Photo
Salil S. Parekh, who has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Infosys | Photo Credit: File Photo

Mr. Parekh joins Infosys from Capgemini, where he was a member of the Group Executive Board.

Infosys has appointed Salil S. Parekh as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the company effective January 2, 2018. The announcement was made on Saturday.

“He has nearly three decades of global experience in the IT services industry. He has a strong track record of executing business turnarounds and managing very successful acquisitions,” said Nandan Nilekani, chairman of the board in a statement.

The Board believes that he is the right person to lead Infosys at this transformation time in our industry, Mr. Nilekani added.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, chairperson of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee said: “After a comprehensive global search effort, we are pleased to appoint Salil as the CEO and MD. He was the top choice from a pool of highly qualified candidates.”

Mr. Parekh joins Infosys from Capgemini, where he was a member of the Group Executive Board.

He has Master of Engineering degree in Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University, and a Bachelor of Technology degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay.

U.B. Pravin Rao will step down as the interim CEO and MD on January 2, 2018 and continue as Chief Operating Officer and a whole-time director of the company, according to the statement.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Jayashankar R / Bengaluru – December 02nd, 2017

Around the world in 80 days

Amazing Feats, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion
Flying high: Captain Audrey Deepika Maben and her daughter Amy Mehta with their aircraft at the Jakkur Aerodrome in Bengaluru on Wednesday.
Flying high: Captain Audrey Deepika Maben and her daughter Amy Mehta with their aircraft at the Jakkur Aerodrome in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

Woman, daughter to fly 50,000 km to garner support for women’s empowerment

In Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days, Phileas Fogg and his valet take steamers and trains and even an elephant while in India to win a bet with £20,000 at stake. Flying instructor Captain Audrey Deepika Maben and her 19-year-old daughter Amy Mehta are driven by a different goal as they get ready to fly around the world in 80 days in a motor glider: to spread awareness on women empowerment.

They will cover 21 countries and 50,000 km to garner support for the We! Udaan scholarship for underprivileged girls who want to fly.

K. Moses Chalai, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development, congratulated the mother-daughter duo and also read a message on behalf of Menaka Gandhi. He said the expedition would be a great example of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign.

The expedition

Talking about the expedition, Captain Audrey said the it was very dear to her as it would help young girls around the country realise their dreams of flying. “This expedition is only one part of our mission. The larger goal is to encourage women across the country to take up flying,” she said.

She explained that this expedition would be a challenge as they would have to land for washroom breaks and prepare their bodies to accustom to tough conditions during their monthly cycles.

The expedition, in its planning stages now, will be finalised in the next two months. They plan to travel across 21 countries with 70 to 90 landings in between, which may vary depending on prevalent weather conditions and re-fuelling. They will fly eastward towards Japan, Russia, Alaska, North America, Greenland, Europe, Pakistan and back to India. As the motor glider requires fair weather and as Captain Audrey only has a daylight flying licence, they will be flying around 5-6 hours per day.

Training routine

As part of her training routine, Captain Audrey, a mother of three, works out everyday and has regular physical training. She is also following a strict nutrition plan along with yoga and meditation. The initiative is undertaken by an entertainment channel in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development and Social Access Communications.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Ashwini Raj / Bengaluru – November 30th, 2017