Two young shuttlers to undergo coaching in Padukone’s academy

Sports

Mumbai : 

Young shuttlers Simran Singhi (11) and Rahul Vyas (12) from Mumbai would undergo a 14-day coaching stint at badminton great Prakash Padukone’s academy, after they won a talent hunt event.

Padukone in association with  Tata Capital  had launched a talent hunt for children between 8 and 12 years of age at five gymkhanas of the city, with a two-day tournament that culminated on Sunday.

Singhi (11) and Vyas (12) from Khar Gymkhana and Bombay Gymkhana, respectively, won the Tata Capital Super Shuttlers Finals Tournament.

The event was conducted from May 27 to June 7 to identify potentially good players for the two-day tournament at the Cricket Club of India held on Saturday and Sunday.

Apart from CCI, the other clubs/gymkhanas who were part of the initiative — Bombay Gymkhana, Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana, Khar Gymkhana and National Sports Club of India.

“My academy is grateful that, this tournament has aided in promotion of badminton among young kids, cultivated friendship and collaboration among top clubs of Mumbai, and provided budding talent a valuable opportunity to show their sporting prowess and vitality,” Padukone said in a statement.

The tournament in Mumbai is one of the first phases of this initiative, which will be replicated across other cities in the near future, the release added.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Sports> More Sports / by PTI / June 16th, 2013

Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar award for Dr. Geetha Avadhani

Leaders, Records, All, Science & Technology

Mysore :

Dr. Geetha Avadhani, Dean and Director, Mysore Medical College & Research Institute (MMC&RI), was conferred Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar award at a function jointly organised by the District Administration, Kannada & Culture Department, MCC, MUDA and Ursu Mandali at Kalamandira on June 22, to mark the 129th Jayanti celebrations of Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar.

Dr. Geetha Avadhani was conferred the award in recognition of her contribution to the medical field. MMC&RI staff have congratulated her for the award.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / June 28th, 2013

Dial 104 for basic medical info, doctor’s advice

Science & Technology

Hubli :

If you have health problems and need immediate remedy, just dial 104 and you will get health tips over phone on how to overcome your problem. If need be, you will be counselled and an ambulance will be sent to your doorstep.

The state government introduced Arogyavani — the ‘104’ Health Information Help Line (HIHL) Services — and the service was launched by minister for health and family welfare UT Khader on Wednesday.

The service has a system wherein any person can receive basic medical information, advice, counseling without visiting a doctor, pharmacist or a health centre. The centre will deliver service in four phases. To maintain the standard, every call will be recorded and service quality will be monitored regularly.

In addition, it provides information on healthcare service delivery, healthcare facility, health guidance, advice, grievance redress on matters related to healthcare, counseling support and linkages with emergency support.

A few days back, the call centre kicked off on a trial basis at the IT park here. Now the centre is ready with well-equipped facilities and manpower. At the initial stage, 100 calls will be taken up at once and later the lines will be increased to 300, said sources.

People from any part of the district or village can make a call to this service. It is the first of its kind service in the state. Hyderabad-based NGO Health Management and Research Institute (HMRI) set up the infrastructure.

The main objective is to assist people living in rural areas, who face difficulty in accessing the service of qualified doctors and to provide information on any health problem round-the-clock all 365 days in a year. The helpline will ensure that people get basic information of a medical facility and health condition through a process which is easy and accessible.

HOW IT WORKS

Step 1: When a call comes in, registration staff note down information of the caller, will register call and transfer it to the health advice officer (HAO) after giving registration number.

Step 2: HAOs will interact with callers to know their health problems in detail and then, they will give tips. In case caller wants counselling for diabetes, stress , mental illness, then call will be transferred to the counsellors.

Step 3: Counsellors will interact with caller for any amount of time and if need be, the call will be transferred to the medical officer and medical officer will discuss the problem with the caller and give advice for immediate remedy.

Step 4: If caller wants a prescription, it will be sent through SMS to his mobile. In case of emergency, they will also inform 108 ambulance services to help the caller immediately.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hubli / TNN / June 20th, 2013

Wipro hires former Lloyds executive for banking business

Business & Economy, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Jun 13, 2013 (Menafn – Mint – McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX)

Wipro Ltd has hired former Lloyds Banking Group executive Ganesh Balasubramanian to create a new unit focused on banking products and platforms, as part of a move to shore up its banking and financial services business that has lagged rivals such as Tata Consultancy Services Ltd and Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp.

India’s third largest software exporter, which recently hived off its non-information technology business units and started trading as a stand-alone IT stock, has named Balasubramanian as senior vice-president of its newly created banking products and platforms business, according to people familiar with the development who requested anonymity.

Balasubramanian, who previously was the chief technology officer at Lloyds Banking Group, will take up the role in July and report directly to Wipro chief executive T.K. Kurien.

Soumitro Ghosh, who has headed Wipro’s global financial services business since 2008, will continue in his current role and report to Kurien.

Wipro, which gets more than a quarter of its revenue from the financial services business, confirmed the appointment.

“Wipro confirms that Ganesh Balasubramanian will join the company effective July 2013 as senior vice-president — banking products, BFSI in emerging markets and key strategic account relationship. Ganesh was previously with Lloyds Banking Group, where he played a key role as part of the Global CIO leadership team,” the company said in an email response.

India’s 108-billion IT sector gets nearly 40% of its overall business from the banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sector, where large clients like Citigroup Inc. and JPMorgan Chase outsource projects worth millions of dollars every year to Indian software vendors such as TCS, Infosys Ltd and Cognizant.

For more than two years, Wipro has lagged rivals like TCS and Cognizant and is struggling to turn around its performance in the BFSI segment. TCS gets 43% of its overall business and generates more than thrice as much in revenue as Wipro from the sector. Cognizant gets a similar proportion from BFSI and grew revenue from the sector by 20% in 2012.

“Wipro has been a slow bear in BFSI compared with other Indian counterparts such as TCS and Cognizant,” said Yugal Joshi, practice director at outsourcing advisory firm Everest Group. “When the financial downturn happened in 2008-09, Wipro was one of the companies that was least impacted because it has the least exposure towards BFSI. But once the market started to recover a bit, the technology spending went up in BFSI and Wipro was found wanting there because of their lack of exposure.”

In April, Wipro gave a tepid revenue growth forecast for the first quarter, raising concerns about whether the turnaround plan overseen by CEO Kurien was working.

After the fourth quarter results were announced in April, Kurien admitted that Wipro had started slowly in BFSI and needed to step up its performance in the sector.

“If you look at banking, we’ve traditionally had a very poor footprint, being late to start off in the game, and I think some of the fact that our footprint and some of the customers that are doing well or not has been reflected in our topline growth. And we were overweight again on investment banking, which has been under pressure,” Kurien had said.

Kurien said Wipro would focus on “deepening our footprint in BFSI (banking, financial services and insurance), not using traditional, but non-traditional methods.”

For the 2012-13 financial year, revenue from Wipro’s financial services business grew sluggishly at 3.7% to 1.65 billion, lagging the company’s overall revenue growth of 5%. Wipro expects the appointment of Balasubramanian will help it compete better with rivals such as TCS and Cognizant.

Experts tracking the sector feel Wipro will find it difficult to make significant headway in BFSI, given the competitive landscape and their relatively less established footprint in the sector.

“Now the challenge is that there is very limited business in the market — most of the business is coming from renewals and the service providers are going all out to maintain their existing clients,” said Joshi of Everest Group. “Now if Wipro wants to win business from any fresh, new BFSI client, it will be very tough for them…the marketplace is becoming hyper-competitive and no other service provider will gave away even an inch. There is a lot of pressure on pricing. So the challenges for Wipro are going to increase going forward.”

___ (c)2013 the Mint (New Delhi) Visit the Mint (New Delhi) at www.livemint.com
Distributed by MCT Information Services

source: http://www.menafn.com / June 13th, 2013

Wicketkeeping is still a specialist’s job: Shiraguppi

Sports

 

Somashekar Shiraguppi. / Photo: K. Pichumani / The Hindu
Somashekar Shiraguppi. / Photo: K. Pichumani / The Hindu

Somashekar Shiraguppi’s eyes focus on the practice area gauging strengths and weaknesses. He does have the gaze of a wicketkeeper. The 38-year-old former Karnataka cricketer is in the city as the wicketkeeping coach of the BCCI Specialist Academy where The Hindu caught up with him on Thursday.

A competent wicketkeeper who could also bat, Shiraguppi made 1,206 runs in 41 first class matches at 22.33. He was largely known for his slick work behind the stumps: 92 catches, 19 stumpings. Shiraguppi showcased his art in different times. “Those were the days when a wicketkeeper’s skill with the big gloves was the sole concern. Now, teams want wicketkeepers to be all-rounders,” he says.

He believes Adam Gilchrist changed the concept of a wicketkeeper-batsman. “Before him we had the odd ’keeper who could bat capably. But, after Gilchirst, the entire thought process changed. Teams wanted their ’keepers to also double up as specialist batsmen,” he says.

Has the shift in the role definition of a ’keeper impacted the quality of glovemen coming out? “We still have some very good ’keepers like Wriddhiman Saha, who many believe is the best in the country. Dhoni is an explosive batsman and a decent ’keeper too.”

Two young ’keepers have caught his attention so far. “K.S. Bharath of Andhra and Wasiq-ur-Rehman of Assam seem to have what it takes,” he says.

About the present day youngsters, he says: “The boys are aware that they have to be good batsmen to make it. They spend plenty of time, both at honing their ’keeping skills and batting at the nets. The load is greater, and they have to be supremely fit. I try to compartmentalise their ’keeping and batting.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Cricket / by Special Correspondent / Chennai – June 13th, 2013

Mangalore: Ashwin, Meghna win top honours at ‘Mr & Miss Devadiga’ contest

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders

Mangalore :

Devadiga United in association with Karnataka Rajya Devadiga Sangha hosted the maiden ‘Mr and Miss Devadiga 2013’ contest at Devadiga Samaja Bhavana, Mannagudda here on Saturday June 29.

In ‘Mr Devadiga’ category Ashwin Kumar from Bangalore was declared the winner while Amrith Raj from Mangalore was the first runner-up and Anush Pratheek was the second runner-up.

In ‘Miss Devadiga’ category Meghna Nagesh from Mangalore was declared ‘the winner while Kishori Devadiga from Mumbai was the first runner-up and Neha Devadiga from Mangalore was the second runner-up.

The contest was held online and the winners were selected through a combination of public voting and decision by jury. The grande finale was held on June 29.

The event began with a saxophone concert by National Award winner Meghana Saligrama and Abhin Devadiga.

Thrilling dance performances by ‘Boyzone’ dance crew and ‘Sizzling Guys’ as also by Pratheeksha and Jasmita entertained the crowd. Young and talented rappers of Mangalore Yashas Devadiga and Melric also performed.

The programme was hosted by TV anchor VJ Vineeth along with Deepa L D.

The top ten contestants in both categories were judged by Dayanand Kukkaje, ace photographer of Daijiworld, Disha Dinakar, ‘Miss Mangalore 2012’, Ameeta Devadiga, creative director of Cinevistas, Darshan Kapadia, CEO of Premier Entertainment, and Prasanna Devadiga, CEO of DeWallet.

Vaman Maroly, vice-president, KRDS, Sri Ramachandra Devadiga, general secretary, KRDS, Hemanth Devadiga, Chirag Mangalore Builders and Developers, Dayanand Kukkaje, and Disha Dinakar were present during presentation ceremony.

Team Devadiga United’s Pavanesh Devadiga and Amith Devadiga and team initiated and organized this successful event.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> News / by Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (BG) / Sunday – June 30th, 2013

Mangalore: First keyhole liver surgery conducted at Unity hospital

Records, All, Science & Technology

Mangalore : 

The first keyhole liver surgery was conducted at Unity Health Complex recently, said Dr Jalaluddin Akbar, oncosurgeon at a press meet here on Friday June 14.

The case involved a 72-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with liver cancer. On complete checkup it was found to be localized on one side of the liver. As she was overweight and a patient of chronic liver disease with early sign of failure, she was at a very high risk for open surgery. The team of surgeons decided that keyhole surgery would be ideal.

The minimal invasive surgery was headed by Dr Ashfaque Mohammed who is an expert in laproscopic surgeries.

“The keyhole liver surgery was well executed and the patient is now cured of her disease,” Dr Jalaluddin Akbar said.

“Such important medical procedures are provided with affordable and convenient packages for the needy patients. A high standard is being maintained so that patient care and outcome are on the forefront,” he informed.

The team perform advanced endo-surgical procedures on a regular basis. Keyhole cancer surgeries and endo-urology are conducted by Dr Jalaluddin Akbar and Dr Mujeeb Rehman, urologist.

During the press meet it was also informed that robotic surgeries would be introduced in the near future.

Dr Rohan Monis, chief medical officer and Ajmal M Habeeb, managing director, Unity Health Complex were also present at the press meet.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> News / by Daijiworld Media Network-(VN) / Friday, June 14th, 2013

Carving life with inanimate objects

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education
Artist Shridhara S poses with his elephants carved out of single pieces of chalk | Suresh Nampoothiri
Artist Shridhara S poses with his elephants carved out of single pieces of chalk | Suresh Nampoothiri

How creative can you get with a piece of chalk besides scribbling on a board? Moreover, it is reduced to dust after use. But here is an artist, Shridhara S for whom a chalk piece is not just another material but a source of inspiration and a beacon of hope. This artist has carved 1,050 elephants that are just one centimetre long in different colours on chalks. His feat got him an entry into the Limca Book of Records earlier this year. Shridhara who is currently working as an art teacher in Bishop Cotton Boys’ School is also looking for support from individuals and organisations to add more feathers to his cap.

When asked him what inspired him to take up the project of carving elephants on pieces of chalk, he said, “As I work in a school, I have to constantly monitor children especially during exams. In order to keep myself occupied, I would take a piece of chalk and carve it to pass time.” Mesmerised by the beauty of giant elephants in Mysore Zoo, he decided to carve elephants on chalks.

It was not an easy task for him to carve animals initially as he had to give it a perfect look not losing out on any of its features including ears, trunk, tail, tusk and other parts of its body. According to him, patience, creativity, concentration and perseverance helped him to achieve wonders in his life. His patience was tested when he carved 1,050 elephants as nearly 2,000 chalks were damaged while carving. “Over a period of time, carving had a negative impact on my eyes as it involves a lot of intricate and detailed work. I took over six minutes to carve each elephant and spent over three hours everyday on this project,” he added. He has carved elephants with pink, white, purple, green, blue, orange and yellow chalks by using just a ball pin and blade.

When asked about the nature of the theme, he said, “The intention behind choosing elephants was to spread awareness on how important it is to protect them as they are a part of our environment. Human beings have encroached their habitat. Hence, it is our duty to protect them as they are a gift of nature.” Through these carvings, he often tries to convey the message ‘Save Elephants and Save Jungle.’

Apart from his art works, his hand made replica of currency notes also earned him a place in Limca Book of Records in the year 2008. He drew over 40 different currencies and stamps from countries like India, Malaysia, Nepal, England, America, Saudi Arabia and others without using any mechanical instruments or lenses. “On April 1, I played a prank with my friends by painting two different currencies on one note. Spotting my talent, one of my friends encouraged me to paint notes with just water colours, brush and a pencil.”

Encouragement from school authorities and family helped him to achieve what he is today. This artist who spends two or three hours on his art works every day said that he would carve Ganesha on soap. He also expressed his discontent over the fact that though the current generation is enthusiastic about art and craft, many parents refuse to encourage students to take up art as a subject.

“Parents appreciate art work but they are hesitant to let their children explore their potential in the field of art and craft,” said Sridhara.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bangalore / by Nivedita K G / Express News Service – Bangalore / June 19th, 2013

First Ever ‘Five Star Cafe’ In India

Business & Economy, World Opinion

CP India Foods Pvt Ltd launched their first ever café called the ‘Five Star Cafe’ in Bangalore, which is spread across 1000sq ft on St Marks Road. Five Star Café is a vibrant, youthful and enthusiastic place where you can have a streaming cup of brew and some delicious chew.

Five Star Café dishes out delicious fresh food and beverages of high quality. The café has a great menu with the right balance of flavour and spice to create the perfect mouth-watering taste. The product range includes various fried and grilled chicken recipes, snacks, burgers, fries, rolls, sandwiches, biryani and rice, different value combos, coffee, tea, soft drinks, ice cream and desserts. It suits lunch and dinner as well as throughout the daylight eating options.

FivestarBF28jun2013

Five Star Cafe insists on a combined mix of Indian and Thai flavours. Unlike other fast food joints where you will get taste only international flavours, at Five Star Cafe you have the oriental tastes waiting for you.

Speaking on the launch Mr Sanjeev Pant, Sr Vice President CP Foods said, “Five Star Cafe’ is more than just a café – it is a a fun place where people can come have a good time and spread happiness as it is a happy place. That’s why we say “Happy Thing Happen in Happy Places”. The café has great food and beverages that has been developed by a renowned chef using his secret recipes. It also offers free wi-fi. Mouth watering must haves includes fried chicken, burgers, fries, rolls, sandwiches, biryani, coffee, frappuccino, and desserts.

When we aksed Mr Sanjeev Pant why he chose Bangalore to launch the first Five Star Cafe in india he replied, “Bangalore is an exciting city. People from different parts of India are coming here to work. And we also have our headquaters in Bangalore. A majority of our investers are also here.”

In a nutshell it is fun place to meet, eat, share and hangout; add some laughter and fun; where you socialize eat, drink, be happy, happier and spread happiness.

source: http://www.boldsky.com / Bold Sky / Home> Insync> Pulse / Thursday – June 20th, 2013

ASU students conducting microfluidics research in Bangalore, India

Business & Economy, Education, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Two Alabama State University students are traveling abroad fro two months of research at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms and the National Centre for Biological Sciences in Bangalore, India.

Brandi Barlow, a junior biology major at Alabama State University
Brandi Barlow, a junior biology major at Alabama State University

Brandi Barlow, a junior biology major, and Christian Rogers, a senior mathematics major, are the first two ASU students to intern at the institution that is one of the world’s premier research facilities.

Christian Rogers, a senior mathematics major at ASU.
Christian Rogers, a senior mathematics major at ASU.

The two are working in the field of microfluidics, using miniature devices to study microorganisms like round worms under a microscope without killing them.

The technology allows scientists to study organisms as they grow, enabling them develop diagnostic tools and the progression of human diseases, said Shree Singh, director of ASU’s Center for NanoBiotechnology Research and Life Science Research.

The two left for Bangalore, India late last month and will return in July.

The National Science Foundation is covering their travel expenses through its Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program.

The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms is covering their research and living expenses during their stay.

ASU has existing agreements for student exchange in several countries, including Argentina, China, the United Kingdom, Ethiopia, India, Armenia and South Korea.

source: http://www.blog.al.com / AL.com – All Alabama / by Evan Belanger – ebelanger@al.com / June 12th, 2013