Narayana Murthy, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw form BPAC to improve quality of life in Bangalore

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Uncategorized

Bangalore :

India’s only political action group formed by corporate heavyweights has begun its hunt for candidates to field in the assembly election due this year in Karnataka, an unprecedented effort by the business elite to influence politics.

Headed by the likes of Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Mohandas Pai and backed by NR Narayana Murthy, the Bangalore Political Action Committee, or BPAC, was formed to improve governance and the quality of life of citizens in the technology capital of India by growing, and then, flexing some political muscle.

Headed by the likes of  Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw  and Mohandas Pai and backed by NR Narayana Murthy, the  Bangalore Political Action Committee , or BPAC, was formed to improve governance and the quality of life of citizens in the technology capital of India by growing, and then, flexing some political muscle.

BPAC, which launched its charter and agenda on Sunday at the hands of Murthy, said it has invited nominations from political parties and independent groups to identify suitable candidates for the election, due latest in May. Murthy, the chairman emeritus of  Infosys  , said he was hopeful that for the first time in his life he sees confidence that India can indeed solve its problems .

“I don’t see the same kind of helplessness that I saw when I was in my twenties. Therefore, I believe this is the right time to wake up, build an aspirational dream and an action plan,” he said. Murthy who has been an influential voice on economic and political developments in the country, urged political parties to publish their lists of candidates at least 60 days ahead of elections so that there is enough time to verify their backgrounds.

A Lobby for Urban Dwellers

The beginnings of the group can be traced last year when Biocon  founder Shaw, Pai, and other eminent citizens of Bangalore came together to form a pressure group as mounds of garbage started piling up on Bangalore’s streets when the municipal body could not collect trash from the city.

“Sixty six years after independence , the educated class in India seems to have distanced itself from politics due to corruption and bad governance . We needed to create a lobby for educated, urban dwellers and our fight for a better Bangalore starts from here,” said Pai, vice-president of BPAC and a former director of Infosys.

Pai, who headed finance and human resources at Infosys, said BPAC would spend between Rs 1 crore and 2 crore on the upcoming elections and its yearly running expenses are estimated to be in the range of Rs 25 lakh to Rs 50 lakh. He said the expenses will be borne by the members and contributions from the public. The group, which also has other prominent Bangaloreans like retired IAS officer  K Jairaj, athlete Ashwini Nachappa , civil society activist Ashwin Mahesh and entrepreneur RK Mishra among others, said its first phase of work will begin by encouraging voter registration efforts to maximise people’s participation in the elections.

“A lot of the problems happen because we as citizens are apathetic. Starting from Bangalore , we want to hold a candle for the rest  of the country,” said Shaw, chairman and managing director of biotechnology firm Biocon and an active commentator on civic issues. She said BPAC has already received queries from groups in Patna and  Kolkat  to set up similar networks.

Bangalore contributes over 60% of the state’s gross domestic product  but of the 224 seats in the Karnataka assembly, only 28 are allotted to the city. BPAC members said they do not have candidates in mind as of now. “We will first find a candidate for the assembly elections , and later for the Parliament as well as municipal body elections,” said Jairaj.

Shaw said BPAC aims to be an apolitical group, meaning its individual members have no interest in joining politics, but the group wants to be political in the governance it offers. The primary aim of the group is to curb corruption by financially supporting qualified candidates, irrespective of their party allegiance.

By targeting corrupt politicians and bad governance, Jairaj said the group is aware that its agenda may rub the political class in the wrong way. “We have a clear agenda that could change the face of urban governance. Let the political class react,” he said.

source: http://www.economictimes.indiatimes.com /Home> News> News by Company> Corporate Trends /by Indu NandaKumar, ET Bureau / February 04th, 2013

 

Bangalore all set to host largest air show in Asia

Business & Economy, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Aero India, the largest air show in Asia and one of the world’s most important military aviation exhibitions, is all set to kick-start at Yelahanka Air Force Station here, from February 6 to 11.

This biennial air show and aviation exhibition organised by the Defence Ministry along with Indian Air Force, DRDO, Department of Space and Union Civil Aviation Ministry, aims at showcasing the range of products and services offered by the Indian Defence Industry in the international market, a press release said.

Aero India also provides an exposure to the Indian Armed Forces, R&D personnel and young engineers to latest technologies and advancements in the aviation and aerospace industries, release said.

The ninth edition of Aero India would be inaugurated by Defence Minister A K Antony on February 6.

The participation in Aero India has grown exponentially by both Indian and international industry since the first edition in Dec 1996.

“This growth has immensely contributed towards modernisation of the aviation and aerospace sector of the three wings of the Armed Forces of India”, the release added.

While Aero India 2011 saw the participation from 29 countries with more than 600 companies and gross exhibition area of 75,000 Sqm, the ninth edition is expected to see participation of over 700 companies and 78 overseas delegations, covering an approximate gross exhibition area of 1,25,000 Sqm.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> National> Bangalore / by PTI  / February 04th, 2013

Bangalore’s Vir Menon wins Malaysian regatta

Sports

New Delhi, Jan 27 (IANS)

Vir Menon, a class IX student from Bangalore, won the gold Sunday in the Laser 4.7 class at the 10th KFC International Regatta in Langkawi, Malaysia. The Malaysian sailing competition is among the prestigious and challenging regattas in the world.

Vir Menon graduated to the Laser 4.7 in October 2011. In January 2012, when not yet 14 years, he won the gold in the NSSR in Mumbai and later represented India at the Laser 4.7 Worlds in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he qualified in the Gold Fleet, the first Indian to do so.

In May last year, he won the silver at the KFC Open Selangor, Malaysia, just a few points behind the current Asian champion.

Most recently, Vir won gold at the 20121 Laser Nationals in all three categories – Overall Boys, Under 18 and Under 16.

source: http://www.FirstPost.com / Home> FirstPost> FWire / January 27th, 2013

Mysore to host its first organic fair next week

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

Mysore :

This weekend,  organic farmers  and consumers of the Mysore region will converge at Curzon Park , adjoining Mysore Palace , in large numbers.

After its success in Bangalore, the department of horticulture is organizing a two-day Organic fair  in Mysore from February 9-10.

Such an Organic fair is being organized for the first time in Mysore, with a view to encourage organic farmers.

The fair aims to provide a platform to producers to exhibit their unique produces and sell them directly to the consumers, to facilitate farmer groups to establish linkages with other organic market functionaries including retail outlets processors and wholesale dealers and also help consumers.

Different types of organically grown vegetables and fruits like Nanjangud Rasabale, grapes, sapota, guava, papaya and yellaki banana, will be exhibited at the two-day event.

Apart from this, variety of rice like Gandhasale, jeerige sanna, rajmudi, redrice and jaya rice and millets like Ragi navane, sajje, arka, same and jowar will be available in the fair besides processed organic food items like jams, jellies, chutneys, juices, cold pressed oil and cosmetics.

Horticulture additional director K Ramakrishnappa on Sunday told reporters we are on a mission to promote organic farming in Karnataka as food safety is considered as an important issue in developing national. People are increasingly concerned over food quality these because of intensive agricultural practices and pollution.

As organic farming aims at production of quality and safe agricultural products by following eco-friendly farming system and restores soil health, we are aiming to encourage farmers in the region. We will promote our activities under banner Jaivik Krishik society, which is a consortium of 121 organic farmers and 30 organic farming groups.

As per our study, a farmer willing to shift from convention farming system to organic farming have to wait for atleast two years for better yield. Though the yield is less compared to other methods, the produce will be rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber besides retaining nutrient levels for longer days unlike conventional produce grown by using chemicals, the additional director claimed.

The two-day fair will be inaugurated on February 9 at 10.30am and will be open to the public between 10.30am and 6pm. Nearly 20,000 people are expected at the fair along with a sale of over 50 tonnes of organic products.

Horticulture deputy director H M Nagaraj said that an organic food court will be opened at the venue to popularize organic produces and products.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Mysore / by Lawrence Milton, TNN / February 03rd, 2013

Manipal University fetes staff, achievers

Education

Manipal :

As many as 150 employees, who completed 25 years of service in various institutions of Manipal University, were feted at the annual felicitation and awards function held here recently.

Along with employees, 58 students, who are availing university’s scholarship, were also felicitated.

For the first time, innovation awards carrying cash prizes and certificates were conferred on 14 students at the event. The university has also introduced cash awards for staff excelling at state, national and international events from this year onwards. There were 15 recipients in this category this year.

Kadami scholarship, and Kunadapur Mohan and Lata Bhandarkar merit-cum-means scholarships were also given away. The best posters, in health sciences and technical sections, were also awarded.

“We recognize the contribution you have made for the steady development of various sections of the university and its constituent units, both academic and non-academic. Expression of gratitude and appreciation is a great human virtue and it is this human aspect that has enabled the management to honour our employees and awardees,” said Dr Ramdas M Pai, chancellor of Manipal University.

Innovation awards: Team – Aero MIT (first); Mobility Sanjeevini, MCIS (second) and reaction timer to assess lower limb’s reaction time, MCOAHS (third). Low cost anterior ocular imaging tool (MCOAHS), human machine interface with brain waves (MIT), horizontal angulation indicating dial for dental x-ray units (MCODS, Mangalore) and solarmobil Manipal, MIT bagged consolation prizes.

MIT, MCOAHS and MCOPS bagged the first, second and third place in the innovation award category for institutions. Certificatess of appreciation was awarded to MCIS, KMC, Mangalore, MCON, Manipal and MCOPS, Manipal.

Kundapur Mohan and Lata Bhandarkars merit-cum-means scholarship were given to Rishik Debnath, (Mechanical, MIT, Manipal); Vida Rebello, BPT, Manipal College of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal; Renita Melvin D’Souza, BPT, Manipal College of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal; Vidya CV, Karamjeet Kaur, and Namgyal Dolma; all BSc Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal.

Harish Rotti, Manipal Life Sciences Centre, Manipal; Sudhanshu Sekhar Sahu, KMC, Mangalore; and Raghavendra U, MIT received the Kundapur Mohan and Lata Bhandarkars’ merit-cum-means scholarship for PhD scholars.

The best poster award in the health sciences category went to Samatha Bhat, Manipal Life Science Centre, Manipal, Mohammad Mahboob Kanafi, Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore. The best poster award in technical was conferred on Manjunath MS, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal.

Harish Rotti of MLSC, Manipal bagged the certificate of appreciation.

The 12th Kadambi scholarship for excellence in sports and academics for the year 2012-13 was presented to Renu Ramesh Tambat, KMC Mangalore, and Sonakshi Watel, MIT, Manipal.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Mangalore / TNN / January 31st, 2013

Mathsya Darshini to tickle taste buds of fish lovers

Business & Economy

KSFCF President S. Madegowda and artiste Prakash Chikkapalya (extreme left) pose infront of Mathsya Darshini outlet getting ready at Kukkarahalli Lake in city this morning.

Mysore, Jan. 28 :

For the first time in the country the State Government, under the aegis of Karnataka State Fisheries Co-operative Federation (KSFCF), has begun establishing 100 Mathsya Darshinis (outlets for selling fish and its food products) throughout the State.

The new scheme is said to be funded to a tune of 90% by Nati-onal Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) headed by Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar and the rest by State Government. The scheme is floated under the Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojan. The first such stall is getting readied at the main entrance of Kukkha-rahalli Lake in city and is likely to be inaugurated on Feb. 1.

Interestingly, the stalll is shaped like a giant fish measuring 18×9 with the entrance through the stomach portion, stores at the mouth and kitchen at the tail. The fish is mounted on a huge platform. All varieties of fish and its delicacies will be available at the stall.

Speaking about the mission KSFCF President S. Madegowda told SOM today that each stall would cost Rs. 3 lakh and the scheme would provide employment to graduates to run the stalls with the Federation taking responsibility of supplying fish, raw materials for preparing delicacies and maintaining the infrastructure. He added that 50 such stalls would be established in Bangalore and Mysore with 25 in city not to exclude rural areas.

Design: The design of the fish stall has done by city artiste Prakash Chikkapalya. He told som that it took 8 months to construct the stall in the unique shape.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / Home> General News / January 28th, 2013

The biennial Bangalore air show

Business & Economy, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Aero India has become a B2B hub for interested third world countries.

Once in every two years, in the month of February, the blue, hot skies of Bangalore reverberate with earth shattering decibels of fighter, transport, cargo, trainer and civil planes and helicopters. Come February 6, namma Bengaluru will once again be hosting the ninth edition of this international aero show, Aero India 2013 for a period of five days at the Yelahanka air force station.

The biennial air show and exhibition has been attracting the aviation who’s who from many countries including America, France, Germany, Russia, UK, Sweden, etc especially in the last nine years. Although it made a small beginning in 1996, it was only after 2005 that it grew in size and stature when manufacturers, defence dealers and users gave it the prominence that it slowly emerged as one of the most important and largest military aviation show in this part of the world.

Gaining international recognition and attracting exhibitors like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Thales, SAAB, Eurocopter, Embraer, Dassault, etc, was not easy for the Bangalore air show as it took nearly a decade where participants finally took a call to extend the same importance as the Farnborough air show, RAF Waddington International Air Show, the Bournemouth Air Festival, the Berlin Air Show or the Miramar Air Show at California.

Over the years, the show has attracted the best of global companies from the aviation sector who have flown their products ranging from Sukhois, Super Hornets, Super Vipers, Rafale, Typhoons, Gripens, MIGs to Hawks, Advanced Light Helicopters, Flying Bulls and C-17 Globemaster  and demonstrated its prowess before a discerning experts and interested clients from many countries. In fact, the event has become a B2B hub for interested third world countries who are on the lookout for the latest advancements in the field of both passenger, transport, defence aircraft and avionics.

But this time, many aviation experts feel the show in the aftermath of the sealing of the `82,000 crore MMRCA (Medium Multi-role Combat Aircraft) deal, may not attract the same attention with India selecting the Rafale from France to upgrade and strengthen the Indian Air Force fleet. Aerobatic display and demonstration of fighter planes especially from Russia, European union and Sweden may take a beating.

However, the ninth edition, exhibitors from 29 countries with 675 companies (380 overseas + 295 domestic) and 47 overseas delegations are participating who will be displaying on a gross exhibition area of 75,000 sqm (including outdoor). According to Defence Ministry sources, Aero India 2013 will be witnessing 57 per cent  more exhibitors compared to 2009. “It will provide a significant platform in bolstering business opportunities in the international aviation sector. Apart from this, it is favourably poised for an exponential growth over the previous edition.  A rapidly growing economy, defence preparedness challenges and opening up of defence production to private sector, has given a major fillip to the defence industry in India. It has also become a hub centre for defence business in the Asia region.”

While on the other hand, some exhibitors who had participated in previous shows say that they are not taking part because of the exorbitant hike in stall prices by FICCI. One exhibitor said, “Last time I had taken a stall space for Rs 2 lakh. But this year, FICCI is charging Rs 4 lakh for the same space. Therefore, many of the previous participants have backed out.”

With all the halls from A to H including the national pavilions, raw stands, chalet area and outdoor display stands already handed over to the respective exhibiting countries, hectic activity is going on at the air force station since January 25. A high security zone, it will be undergoing anti-sabotage and counter terrorist checks after February 3.

For watching the air display and viewing area as well as the exhibition, tickets will be available at Yelahanka air force station, FICCI Bangalore office and selected Axis Bank branches in the city.

The public is allowed only on two days on 9 and 10th and the tickets are priced at Rs 400 (Rs 500 on weekends) for the air display viewing area and Rs 1,000 for exhibition area only.

The general public can also visit the exhibition area between 6-8th February but only using a business visitor’s ticket.

It is mandatory for general public to bring one of the identification proofs like passport, driving license, voter ID, photo ID, or any other government issued identity card. On all days excepting the 6th (when it is 2-5 pm), the visiting hours for public on 9 and 10th is between 10 am to 5 pm. Children below 16 years are not allowed on business days from 6-8 February.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / Home> Cities> Bangalore / by Meera Bharadwaj, ENS-Bangalore / February 02nd, 2013

Flower and fruit show in Shimoga evokes good response

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nature, Science & Technology

Exotic flowers cultivated by farmers of Malnad are on display

Hybrid vegetables and fruits of unusual size were the major attractions at the flower and fruit show in Shimoga on Sunday.— Photo: VAIDYA / The Hindu

The three-day flower and fruit show being held under the aegis of Department of Horticulture at Mahatma Gandhi Park has evoked good response. The exhibition will conclude on Monday.

The cultivation of decorative flowers such as gerbera, gladiolus, gypsophila, oriental lily has become popular in Malnad in recent times. The climate in Malnad region is conducive for floriculture. The exotic varieties of flower cultivated by farmers of Malnad region were displayed at the event. The replica of stag, peacock, human heart, elephant made from the flowers, crocodile designed from bitter gourd, the images of Swami Vivekananda, and Ganesh carved out of water melon fruit were appreciated by visitors. The bonsais cultivated by Chandrakala S.V. and Shobha Ravikumar were on display at the event.

With the objective to create awareness among people on breeding ornamental fish, the Department of Fisheries had setup a stall. The charts on benefits of adopting system of rice intensification (SRI) method of cultivation of paddy that is best-suited for regions where the availability of water is less were on display at the stall of the Department of Agriculture. The diverse varieties of banana, areca cultivated in Malnad region, the minor forest produce such as chinnikai , amatekai , jaikai , andsoapnut were put on display.

Krishna, an artiste from Nandi Hills, has showcased the artefacts he had designed from the roots of trees and plants. Sanjith V., a student of Mahaveer Vidyalaya, said the flower replica of peacock was impressive. Khalander Baig, an employee of a business process outsourcing firm, told The Hindu that the exhibition was both an entertaining and an enlightening experience. The model on rainwater harvesting made from flowers, the implements related to drip irrigation, and the charts on SRI method of paddy cultivation displayed at the stall of Department of Agriculture will help the visitors understand the significance of conserving water, he said.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> National> Karnataka / by Staff Correspondent / Shimoga, January 28th, 2013

EXCLUSIVE: Blenders Pride Bangalore Fashion Week Day 3

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Plenty of colours and an Indian touch to everything, that’s what the Day 3 of BFW was all about.

Designers including Chaitali Biplab, Lalita & Amit Gupta, Susanta & Soumik, Neha Modi and Vatsala, Avinash, Rupa G showcased their creations. While Susanta & Soumik used silk, cot-silk, Chanderi, satin and jacquard, Lalita & Amit Gupta used light and sheer materials.

Each collection was unique and interesting! Also, designers Abhishek Dutta and Khushboo Nirmal Chhadwa showcased bridal collctions that no bride-to-be can afford to ignore. Have a look…

source: http://www.daily.bhaskar.com / Home> Fashion /January 27th, 2013

‘Tunnels constructed during Dodda Krishnaraja Wadiyar’s reign’

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

ASI officials are supposed to visit the site in the next two days.

Two days after two tunnels with a “single entrance” were discovered at the historical Gajendra Moksha Kalyani near the Sriranganatha temple at Srirangapatna, officials on Thursday said the tunnels were constructed during the reign of Dodda Krishnaraja Wadiyar (1714-32).

The officials clarified that only two tunnels have been found. The Mandya district administration had instructed the Srirangapatna taluk administration to take up restoration work on the kalyani. People engaged for the work found the entrance to the tunnels on Tuesday morning. Later they were directed to clear the mud blocking the entrance, following which the tunnels were discovered.

“Authorities of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have to excavate and explore the inlets and outlets of the archaeological remains at the kalyani,” Suneel Kumar, Assistant Executive Engineer, Public Works Department, told The Hindu .

“The ASI officials said they would visit the site in the next two days,” Mr. Kumar said.

An inscription at the kalyani says that the temple tank was constructed during the reign of Dodda Krishnaraja Wadiyar, Mr. Kumar added.

Meanwhile, a large number of people have been visiting the site to see the tunnels.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com /Home> Miscellaneous / by Staff Correspondent / Mandya, February 01st, 2013