Facebook acquires its first company in India

Business & Economy, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Facebook has acquired Little Eye Labs, a Bangalore-based start-up, according to the company’s announcement on 8 January.

The company builds mobile app analysis tools for app developers and testers.

“This is Facebook’s first acquisition of an Indian company, and we are happy to become part of such an incredible team,” the company said on its website.

The acquisition price has not been disclosed. However, TechCrunch reports Facebook paid between US$10 and $15 million to acquire the Indian startup.

According to the company, Little Eye Labs was founded about a year ago by a bunch of program analysis geeks who wanted to build better tools for Mobile developers. They were later backed by GSF and VenturEast Tenet Fund.

The company had released their official version of Little Eye for Android in early April last year.

“The entire Little Eye Labs team will move to Facebook’s headquarters in Menlo Park, California,” the company has stated. “From there, we’ll be able to leverage Facebook’s world-class infrastructure and help improve performance of their already awesome apps. For us, this is an opportunity to make an impact on the more than 1 billion people who use Facebook.”

Current customers of Little Eye will receive further information on plans to offer a free version of Little Eye until June 30, 2014, the company has assured.

source: http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk /  PC Advisor / Home> News / by Zafar Anjum, MIS Asia / January 10th, 2014

Students of St. Jospeh’s Central make city proud

Education, Records, All, Science & Technology
(From left) Vipin Lokesh, Laksh Shetty and N. Amruth
(From left) Vipin Lokesh, Laksh Shetty and N. Amruth

Mysore :

Young minds needs to be encouraged at an earlier stage for them to flourish in their field of interest. Three students of St. Joseph’s Central School, Vijayanagar, have made the city proud by emerging victorious in the South Zone Qualifier round of BrainCafe Budding Scientist contest held in Bangalore recently.

Vipin Lokesh, a II Std. student, created a device which can light up 26,000 bulbs of Mysore Palace using an improvised windmill. He has been selected as a finalist for the National level BrainCafe Science contest final to be held in Mumbai on Jan 18. There were 28 contestants in this category during the contest held in Bangalore.

Another student, Laksh Shetty, of VI Std., secured the second place in his category. His project demonstrated the application of scissor mechanism and hydraulics to make equipments we use in everyday life. The project exhibited innovative models of foldable water pipe and folding bridge designed using scissor mechanism. Similarly, foldable water pipe developed by Laksh is easy to manufacture, affordable, convenient to use and facilitates in conservation of water. There is also hydraulic scissor lift, hydraulic elevator and a simpler version of Doremi’s scissor mechanism gadget which can be used to reach objects that are beyond our reach.

N. Amruth, a student of IV Std., has created a device called ‘Makeway Add Life.’ The device is placed in the dashboard of an ambulance. The LED blubs glows in the dashboard and people will get to know that they should make way for the ambulance.

Amruth was awarded the third place in the contest.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / January 17th, 2014

Manipal to host sports science conference

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Sports

Mangalore :

Manipal University will host an international conference on ‘Physical Education and Sports Science’ in Manipal from January 8 to 11.

According to K. Ramnarayan, Vice-Chancellor of Manipal University, the theme of the conference is: ‘Vision 2020 – Global excellence in physical education and sports science.’

The conference will deal with aspects such as pedagogy, psychology, fitness, nutrition, doping, traditional Indian sports, coaching and training, physical education and health in schools, he said, adding that new information and knowledge on these topics will be imparted by the resource persons.

The conference is being organised under the aegis of National Association of Physical Education and Sports Science.

Though the conference begins on January 9, a one-day workshop on ‘Recent advances in fitness appraisal and exercise prescription’ will be conducted on January 8. Oleksandr Krasilshchikov, professor at the School of Health Sciences, University of Sains, Malaysia, will moderate the workshop.

Dayanand Pai, treasurer of Karnataka State Cricket Association, will inaugurate the conference on January 9. Ramdas M. Pai, Chancellor of Manipal University, will be the chief guest on the occasion, he said.

Around 450 delegates have already registered for the conference, he said.

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line / Home> Industry> Education / by The Hindu Bureau      vinayak.aj@thehindu.co.in / Mangalore – January 05th, 2014

Mangalore: Shahida Aslam elected president of National Women’s Front

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders

Mangalore:

Mangalore-based woman activist Shahida Aslam has been unanimously elected the new president of National Women’s Front. She was the Karnataka state unit president of the organisation.

The announcement was made at the third national general council of the organization that was held on Sunday at Malabar House, Puttanathani in Kerala.

ShahidaAslamMPos21jan2014

Aslam, who holds a master degree in mass communication and journalism, is a freelance journalist from Mangalore. She was part of the editorial board of Prastutha, a Mangalore-based Kannada fortnightly. She also had worked for a women’s monthly magazine.She was also an office-bearer of Karnataka women’s writers forum. She presented a paper titled ‘Muslim women in public space’ at an international conference organised at Calicut by institute of objective studies, Delhi. She had also worked as a member of several fact finding teams for human rights organisation and women’s rights organisation.

Alima Fathima from Tamil Nadu and Fareeda Hasan from Kerala have been chosen as the vice president and general secretary of the NWF respectively.

The council started with the introduction by the national president Shahida Tasnim. She said, “The last two years of the organization were the years of growth. We were successful in reaching new places and setting state committees in Goa and Andhra Pradesh. The organization also received good response from women activists from Delhi which has encouraged us to take our movement to the northern part of India in the coming term.”

The leadership oath to the president was given by the returning officer. The newly elected president administered the oath to the newly elected office bearers and national committee member. The programme concluded with the valedictory speech of the newly elected president Aslam, who motivated the members to put in more efforts for the protection of rights and social justice.

The general elected a 13-member national committee and also the new office bearers. The new leadership is as below:

1. Shahida Aslam Karnataka – President
2. Alima Fathima Tamil Nadu – Vice-president
3. Fareeda Hasan Kerala – General secretary
4. Shifa Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu – Secretary
5. Shahida Tasnim, Karnataka – Treasurer
6. Zainaba Ali, Kerala – National committee member
7. Asiya Maryam, Tamil Nadu – National committee member
8. Nousheera Karnataka – National committee member
9. Atiya Firdos, Delhi – National committee member
10. Shareena Najib, Kerala – National committee member
11. Habeeba Usman, Kerala – National committee member
12. Rehana, Goa – National committee member
13. Safiya Erode, Tamil Nadu – National committee member
The following resolutions were passed by the national general council:

1. Provide security, justice and rehabilitation to Muzaffarnagar riot victims: The NGC of NWF demanded the immediate rehabilitation and adequate protection of the riot victims of Muzaffarnagar. The government failed to attend the basic needs of the people displaced from their homes and native villages. The NGC strongly believes that rehabilitating the families thrown out of their native villages along with providing security to their lives and properties is the primary task the government has to fulfil. The NGC demands the UP government to take immediate steps to solve the humanitarian crisis and fulfill is promises.

2. Pass the Communal Violence Bill in the upcoming parliament session : The country has been infected by the deadly virus of communalism since independence. This in turn resulted in various communal riots which has caused an extreme loss to the country and especially to the Muslim community. After every riots the culprits go scot free and no legal action is taken on them. Such negligence by the law authorities has only increases the confidence of the communal fascist forces. The demand for the communal violence bill is a long pending demand which has only seen promises but no actions. The NGC of NWF demands that the government immediately brings into effect a powerful communal violence bill in the upcoming Lok Sabha session and take quick steps for its implementation.

3. Take immediate steps for protection of women: Since the past few years the issue of rapes has come to the national attention. It is a tragedy that even after so much discussion happening about this issue the government and police has failed miserably to protect the women from such heinous crimes. Every day we see a new incident happening in almost all the cities of country. The cases happening to women from rural and tribal areas not even reported. The NGC of NWF strongly demands the central and state governments to take the issue very seriously and give top priority to the protection of women.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld / Home> Top Stories / Press Release / Mangalore – January 20th, 2014

Mangalore: Focus on Tulu as grand procession adorns city roads

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Uncategorized

Mangalore :

“Tulu language is the soul while Tulu culture is the heart of Tulunadu. If we protect our language then we can save our culture. Tulu is a beautiful language which has beauty, power, and luminosity,” said Sri Vishweshatirtha Swami of Pejawar Math.

He blessed the occasion after inaugurating the ‘Tulunada Jatre-Bale Theru Oipuga’ by symbolically pouring water on a coconut plant on behalf of ‘Vijaya Rajata Sambrama-2014’ of Odiyoor Gurudevadatta Sansthanam on Sunday January 5. Three chariots, each from Barkur, Kasargod and Sullia temples, were taken in a procession from Dr Ambedkar circle to Nehru Maidan.

Pejawar Swami further said, “For Tuluvas, the Tulu language is the mother that has given them birth, hence it is special. Tulunadu has rich spirit in its soil and Tuluvas are too good in their heart. Tulunadu has recognition internationally and hence our international airport should be named as ‘Tulunad International Airport’. We should also serve to protect the culture and language of Tulunadu and the state as well this nation.”

On this occasion Sri Sadguru Ramananda Swami of Kolya Math felicitated Vishweshatirtha Swami, Dr D Veerendra Heggade, Sri Gurudevananda Swami of Odiyooru, and Dr Prabhakar Bhat Kalladka for their immense contribution to society.

Sri Gurudevananda Swami, in his blessings, said, “Tulu language should get national recognition and be included in the 8th schedule. The international airport should be named as ‘Tulunad International Airport’ and ‘Matsyagandha’ train as Tulunad Express. From our side, there is also demand for a separate Tulu state.

“There are three types of people – first, one who fears to begin work; secondly, one who starts work and stops in between; and thirdly, people who start and don’t stop till the work is complete, and these are the people of Tulunadu. Agriculture is declining and though we have shortage of water, various projects like Yethinahole are heading towards our district. We should be aware of these kinds of projects which are a threat to our district. Protection of this land is in our hands. In future, there are plans to bring all Tulu litterateurs under one forum.”

Dr Chinnappa Gowda, professor of Mangalore University, said, “Tulunadu culture and language date back to centuries.  Several writers including from the West have lauded Tulu language. Many writers like K S Paniyadi have sacrificed their life to save this land, culture, and language. Gopal Nayak, by singing ‘Siri Paddana’ has contributed to this land. We can find more than 35,000 folk stories in the various villages of Tulunadu.”

Ramanath Rai, state minister for forest, ecology, and environment, said, “Tulu language is a very sweet and soft language. People of different religions also interact in Tulu. Some day Tulu will surely be included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution and I too support this.”

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said, “Already the issue regarding inclusion of Tulu in the 8th Schedule has been raised twice in the Parliament. In future, it will surely be done.”

Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr Veerendra Heggade who presided on this occasion, said, “This is the land of Satya (truth), Dharma (righteousness), and Nyaya (justice). Hence, there are several sacred places in this region. People belonging to various languages and religions also interact in Tulu in this region. The government should support agriculture. ‘Bootharadane’ and ‘Nagaradhane’ are the beliefs of this land. It is time all joined hands to provide national recognition to Tulu language.”

On this occasion, Sadhvi Mathanandamai, Sri Ramananda Swami, Sri Mohandas Swami, Sri Yogananda Swami, Sri Mahabala Swami,Sri  Shashikanthamani Swami, minister Abhaychandra Jain, M N Rajendra Kumar of SCDCC Bank, MLAs J R Lobo and Shakuntala Shetty were present.

A memorandum with various demands was submitted to the chief minister through the district in-charge minister.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Top Stories / by DaijiWorld Media Network – Mangalore (DV) – January 05th, 2014

A pitstop for Bangalore’s bikers

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Sports, Travel

Lounge in Marathahalli gives an “adda” for bikers to congregate, plan rides, discuss technicalities, and hone their riding skills.

The maiden biker's lounge in the country, 6000 Miles to Isle of Man, was inaugurated in the city by the MD of Kawasaki Motors India, Yuji Horiuchi, and Dy MD Shigeto Nishikawa on Saturday. - DNA
The maiden biker’s lounge in the country, 6000 Miles to Isle of Man, was inaugurated in the city by the MD of Kawasaki Motors India, Yuji Horiuchi, and Dy MD Shigeto Nishikawa on Saturday. – DNA

With biking catching up in a big way in Bangalore, bikers in the city are often left in the lurch when it comes to places to hang out and discuss about their motorcycles and plan their rides. However, now it appears like they have finally got an “adda” to call their own. And it is not some quaint corner in a mechanic’s shop.

A swanky lounge ready to host biking groups, the “adda” comes alive with a screen showcasing motorsports, coupled with a unit selling everything from riding and safety gear to technicians ready to explain intricate details of different bikes.

Called 6000 Miles to Isle of Man, the lounge is expected to be the ultimate place for all bikers to congregate, debate and discuss, plan biking tours, get details on technicalities, and hone their riding skills.

“The idea is mainly to get bikers to bond with each other, and get to know their bikes better,” says Pushpchand Chordia, CEO, Khivraj Motors.

He says bikers in India surf the net, catch up with like minded people and plan rides together.

“Instead of hanging out in some cafe or restaurant, bikers can come to this biking lounge, which is designed just for them,” says Chordia.

Veteran biker Jaidas Menon, who runs Motorsport Inc, says, in the past, bikers would sit in workshops or mechanic shops, and discuss and plan things.

“A lounge is a nice concept as bikers can not only just relax with their friends, but also buy riding gear, understand their bikes, and upgrade their skills,” says Menon.

The lounge, located in Marathahalli, will also hold courses for riders, apart from having technicians who will encourage bikers to better understand their bikes, and learn to handle everything from tyres to suspension.

Moreover, the lounge also intends to screen movies focused on biking like Riding Solo on Top of the World, and Once Crazy Ride.

“We will also get the director of these films to come and interact with bikers, and brief them on what it takes to ride in places like Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh,” says Anil Kumar S from Apex Riding Academy.

Kumar adds that the lounge will also organise bike rides to nearby places like Coorg, Mysore, Mangalore on a monthly and bi-monthly basis.

Khivraj Motors, along with India Kawasaki Motors, is planning to open four more such lounges in Rajajinagar, Central, South and North Bangalore.

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> Bangalore> Report / by DNA Correspondent / Place: Bangalore, Agency:DNA / Sunday – January 05th, 2014

Welcome to Dewan Poorniah wax museum

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence

State archaeology department all set to open 200-year-old heritage building in Yelandur, Chamarajanagar which will also have tips for modern administration, besides wax statues

The state archaeology department’s first wax museum will be thrown open to the public in Yelandur, Chamarajanagar, with wax statues of historical personalities including Dewan Poornaiah, Krishnaraja Wadiyar III and William Bentinck. Some unseen paintings of the former Dewan of Mysore will also be on display at the 10,000 sq ft heritage building spread originally owned by Poornaiah’s family.

The 200-year-old building is being renovated into a museum by the department which has taken it on lease for 30 years. Poornaiah was Dewan or prime minister to Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan and Krishana Raja Wadiyar III.

“The place is being designed to give a glimpse of Dewan Poornaiah’s life and the first wax museum with full-size statues and rare photographs,” an archaeology official told Bangalore Mirror. “The whole structure is divided into two floors, with wax statues on the first.” Paintings of Poornaiah with Krishnaraja Wadiyar III, other portraits and paintings will be displayed on the ground floor.

The museum will also house 27 manuscripts of letters from Poornaiah to Sringeri and Keladi mutts. “The translation in Kannada and summary will be displayed alongside the magnified images of these original scripts that we have obtained from mutts. This helps the visitors get an insight into what a well-organised manager Poornaiah was,” the official added.

“A documentary on the life and achievements of Poornaiah, relevant to modern day administration, will be shown to the visitors,” another officer said. “We are carrying out work and it will soon be open to public,” Dr R Gopal, director, state archaeology department, told Bangalore Mirror.

source: http://www.bangaloremirror.com / Bangalore Mirror / Home> Bangalore> Others / by Chetan R, Bangalore Mirror Bureau / January 06th, 2014

Mysore Skaters fare well in national Ice-Skating championships

Records, All, Sports
Rea Elizabeth Achiah, Akash Aradhya and Kaviraj Prithvi, of Mysore, who emerged winners at the 10th National Ice-Skating Championships held at Simla recently.
Rea Elizabeth Achiah, Akash Aradhya and Kaviraj Prithvi, of Mysore, who emerged winners at the 10th National Ice-Skating Championships held at Simla recently.

Mysore :

Mysore’s skaters, representing Karnataka in the 10th National Ice-Skating Championships held at Simla recently, performed creditably.

Rea Elizabeth Achiah won 3 golds, while Kaviraj Prithvi won 2 gold and 1 silver medal. Akash Aradhya won one gold, one silver and one bronze medal in the Championships. All the three skaters are coached by K. Srikanta Rao, Ekalavya awardee and Indian team coach.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / January 14th, 2014

2013 Bode Well For City Scientists

Leaders, Records, All, Science & Technology

Three Bhatnagar Awards and one Bharat Ratna were awarded to city scientists in 2013. Prof D D Sarma, chairman of the Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit of IISc, said, “2013 has been a good year for science in India and for the city.”

A research group, led by Prof C N R Rao of Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Science, established the most important ingredient for high catalytic activity for artificial photosynthesis that will ‘break’ water to produce high energy, hydrogen and oxygen. This ingredient is a single electron in a particular orbital in the oxides of manganese and cobalt.

The group of Prof D D Sarma of the Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit of IISc, Bangalore, discovered that manganese ions, dropped in small quantities into semiconductor nanocrystals, such as zinc sulphide or cadmium sulphide, can emit intense colours of all hues from green to red, when excited with UV radiation.

This has huge significance in the field of display and lighting and can change the way nanocrystals are used in practical devices.

Researchers like Yamuna Krishnan, who won the Bhatnagar award this year at NCBS, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), devised a new cell biology technology that can simultaneously measure the pH in two different places in one cell.

In another study, a group led by Prof Arindam Ghosh of the Department of Physics, IISc, who too got a Bhatnagar award this year, established some remarkable properties of a hybrid layer of graphene on molybdenum disulfide, in a recent publication.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bangalore / January 02nd, 2014

Prof. R. Indira elected as Secretary of Indian Sociological Society

Education, Leaders, Records, All, Science & Technology

DrIndiraBF19jan2014

Mysore :

Dr. R. Indira, Chairperson, Department of Studies in Sociology and Director, International Center, University of Mysore, has been elected as Secretary of the Indian Sociological Society for a period of two years from January 2014.

Prof. Indira is the fourth woman to be elected as the Secretary of the Indian Sociological Society in its 62-year-old history and the first Woman Secretary from South India. With nearly 4,000 members, the Indian Sociological Society is considered the second largest professional body of sociologists in the world, after the American Sociological Association.

Prof. Indira has earlier served as the member of Managing Committee of the Indian Sociological Society and the President of the Karnataka State Sociological Association.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / January 13th, 2014