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

Vijayapura cyclists bring home laurels

Sports
The cyclists, who won 25 medals at the national-level championship, being honoured by Deputy Commissioner D. Randeep in Vijayapura on Tuesday.— PHOTO : RAJENDRA SING HAJERI
The cyclists, who won 25 medals at the national-level championship, being honoured by Deputy Commissioner D. Randeep in Vijayapura on Tuesday.— PHOTO : RAJENDRA SING HAJERI

Cyclists of the district have brought glory to the district by winning 25 medals and emerging as all-round winners in the recently concluded national-level mountain cycling championship in Pune, Maharashtra. Some 28 cyclists from the district participated in the three-day championship that concluded on Monday at Pune.

Speaking to presspersons, R.B. Upase, District Sports Officer, said that of the 25 medals, they clinched nine gold, ten silver and six bronze medals.

He said that all the cyclists had secured the position in national-level championship after winning the State-level competition held last month in Vijayapura.

“This is certainly a matter of great pride for all of us that the cyclists of the district have been continuing their winning streak at the State and national level championships,” Mr. Upase said.

Sandesh Uppar and Sahana Kodignur, who won medals in the tournament, said they were elated to win medals for the district.

“Our next aim is to participate in international championships and bring glory for the district and the nation by winning medals,” Ms. Kudignur said.

She thanked their coach for preparing them in the best manner for winning the medals.

Velodrome project

Deputy Commissioner D. Randeep has expressed unhappiness over the slow pace of work of the Velodrome project for cyclists here.

Addressing presspersons after honouring district cyclists who won medals in national championship, he said that despite calling the agency twice for a review meeting of the project, no representative turned up.

“Soon, we will call the third meeting. If still nobody represents the agency, then we will take a decision to cancel the contract,” he said.

Deputy Commissioner D. Randeep has expressed unhappiness over the slow pace of work of the Velodrome project for cyclists here.

Addressing presspersons after honouring the district cyclists who have won medals in national championship, he said that despite calling the agency twice for a review meeting of the project, no representative turned up.

“Soon, we will call the third meeting. If still nobody represents the agency, then we will take a decision to cancel the contract,” he said and added that it was an ambitious and long-pending project, which should be completed within the stipulated time of 18 months.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Firoz Rozindar / Vijayapura – November 04th, 2015

Services at the doorstep

Business & Economy

Owning a home always comes with the huge responsibility of managing it. This involves fixing different problems that occur and at times, these issues seem never-ending. But with technological evolution, all these secondary services can be availed with just a click of a button.

There are a number of start-ups mushrooming in the City that provide Bengalureans the necessary secondary services online.

Electrical repairs, plumbing, carpentry, laundry…the anguish of not getting a serviceman at the required time can be put to rest now, as they are all just a click away.

‘Handy Fix’, an online venture that started in 2014, has become a trusted name in home repairs and offers electrical, plumbing and carpentry solutions.

The founder of the firm, Arvind Kumar, says, “I am from a hotel management background and have seen how hotels are maintained. Any complaints from the guest, a technician is called for and the problem is fixed within minutes. This gave me the idea to provide fast services at one’s doorstep.”

‘Handy Fix’ now has a team of professional and committed servicemen who are available at one’s convenience. “They are all trained professionals and the customers are happy with their services,” he explains. However, the service is provided within 10 km radius of Indiranagar as he points out, “We need more investors and once we get the funds, we will cover all parts of the City.”

The ever-piling laundry is yet another painful task. Providing a solution to this is ‘MyWash’. Launched in 2014, the firm picks up the laundry from one’s doorstep, dry cleans and irons it and drops it back to the customer’s house.

Says Raghu Bharat, the CEO and founder of the firm, “‘MyWash’ is a result of my personal experience. I could not get my dry cleaned clothes on time for a wedding. The laundry sector was inefficiently run and unorganised. I analysed the market and conceptualised the plan to help all those who face laundry troubles.”

One can download the Android app on their phone and with a large industrial set-up in the outskirts of the City, one can get their clean laundry within four days of time at an affordable price.

And it is not just these household services that are taking the online route. The parlours too are going mobile and offering the best of home services.

‘Bangalore Mobile Spa’, started in 2008, has many satisfied customers who are enjoying the services at home.

RubinaBF04nov2015

The proprietor of the firm Rubina Guleria moved from London and found it hard to enjoy the after-effects of a spa due to the chaotic commute back home.

“The commute to and from the spa salons took away the pleasure of a spa. I wanted to change this and the result is a mobile spa,” she says.

It offers speciality treatment massages at the comfort of the client’s house without dirtying their furniture.

She explains, “Initially, the clients had a problem with our service as we had to use their beds for a massage. They would worry that their beds would get dirty and we had to fight this out. So now, we carry our own cots and beds. We are on par with all the good spas here and we cover all the areas in Bengaluru.”  With chaotic traffic in the City, these start-ups are a boon and provide efficient services at the comfort your cosy home.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> MetroLife / by Prajna GR / DHNS – November 04th, 2015