** Young innovator develops a host of apps

At age 14, Prajwal N.H. is a certified Python programmer, Azure AI engineer, and a scrum master. He is also the co-founder of a startup called CloudAttack, a cloud computing company.

The young softech enthusiast has developed six applications that have received recognition at various levels. He recently received confirmation from the ‘India Book of Records’ recognising him as the ‘Youngest certified Azure AI engineer associate’.

** Award for TIFR scientist for work on celestial bodies

The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, has awarded the Professor Peraiah Foundation Award for 2021 to Dr Shravan Hanasoge of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai for his work on deciphering the internal structure of the sun, stars and the earth.

** NCBS scientists develop Dengue DNA vaccine candidate

Prof. Sudhir Krishna, the senior author and anchor of the Dengue vaccine development program at National Centre for Biological Sciences in Bengaluru, and Distinguished visiting professor IIT Goa explained to TNIE that this is our third Indo African manuscript in 2021. 

NCBS scientists in collaboration with several institutes have developed a Dengue DNA vaccine candidate. The preprint paper published in MedRxiv titled ‘Immune profile and responses of a novel Dengue DNA vaccine encoding EDIII-NS1 consensus design based on Indo-African sequences’ aims to address some of the key problems existing with developing a vaccine for dengue.

Prof. Sudhir Krishna, the senior author and anchor of the Dengue vaccine development program at National Centre for Biological Sciences in Bengaluru, and Distinguished visiting professor IIT Goa explained to TNIE that this is our third Indo African manuscript in 2021. 

** Wild, wild shot

India’s first female wildlife photographer shatters the glass ceiling by dishing out exquisite photographs that narrate captivating stories, writes Sudhir Kumar.

By becoming India’s first woman wildlife photographer, Rathika Ramasamy has not only aced her craft with dexterity but also made an entry into what is widely perceived as a male bastion. In the process, she has dished out exquisite photographs of wildlife combining technical finesse with captivating stories.

** Kohli first Indian to hit 10,000 runs in T20

Top batsman Virat Kohli has added another feather in his illustrious cap, becoming the first Indian and the fifth player in the sport to complete 10,000 T20 runs.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore captain reached the landmark in the Indian Premier League game against Mumbai Indians at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

** Small steps, big changes

This 15-year-old student from the city is basking in the glory of his new title, India 20 Under 20, an initiative recognised by Niti Aayog.

Yathaarth Murthy, a Class 10 student, grew concerned about the environment. This was the trigger to draw a vision to save Bengaluru from polluting water bodies.

The 15-year-old has now been adjudged  one among the 20 winners of the first-ever initiative in India – India 20 Under 20 – organised by White Canvas, a mentoring organisation that works closely with youngsters in India and is recognised by Niti Aayog. 

Murthy, who is also an ‘anthemologist’ and holds a record in the Limca Book of Records for being able to sing the national anthems of 260 countries. “My music teacher taught me four national anthems on the keyboard when I was 10 years old. I learnt the rest from YouTube,” adds Murthy. 

** Zooming in

Bengaluru-based ad director’s debut sci-fi feature film will have its world premiere at two international film festivals in the US .

He’s a film director whose used to working with a structure, timetable and making videos that are a maximum of two minutes long. So this time Rajaram Rajendran, founder of production company Eleven Elements, wanted to explore different aspects of filmmaking and decided to make an indie sci-fi film in English and Hindi.

** Anand Poojary of Byndoor origin plays host to PM Modi in US

NRI hotelier Anand Poojary hosted PM Modi and took care of his diet during the latter’s visit to Washington, DC.

Anand Poojary and his wife Sumitha have lived in Washington DC for the past 35 years. They have been running Woodlands hotel for 25 years.