World Opinion – Page 11 – Karnataka First

** Google’s addition of Konkani in translation applauded

The lovers of Konkani language have hailed the efforts of Google to add this language to Google Translate. Konkani is widely spoken in Goa, many parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has congratulated the Google team behind this initiative.

“It is heartening to know that #Konkani language has been added in Google Translate. It’s a remarkable feat for our language. This will help in enhancing global outreach for Konkani speaking people as well as global access to Konkani language.” Sawant tweeted.

** Making a splash

As a sportsperson, irrespective of age, no emotion comes close to the joy of winning a gold for the country. 14-year-old swimmer Ridhima Veerendra Kumar, is no different. Kumar, bagged three golds at the South Africa National Swimming Championships 2022, with athletes from the world taking part in the event.

The teen from Bengaluru grabbed medals in the 100m backstroke, 200m backstroke and the 800m freestyle events. “It’s a whole different experience competing in another country. We got to train with South African coaches and their swimmers too,” says Kumar.

Of late, swimming as a sport has been getting a lot of attention as Vedaant Madhavan, son of actor R Madhavan, recently won gold in the men’s 800m freestyle at the Danish Open in Copenhagen. Kumar is quite happy with the positive attention the sport is getting. “Not just me, even seniors are doing pretty well too,” says the student of Delhi Public School, South, who trains at the Basavanagudi Aquatic Centre.

The medals and glory don’t come without a disciplined lifestyle and Kumar cannot emphasise its importance. Her day starts at 4.30 am and she is in the pool by 5 am. “I train in the mornings between 5.30 am and 8.30 am and evenings at the same time. In between, I have school and the gym to balance,” says Kumar, who takes care of her nutritional needs with home-cooked meals.

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** CFTRI brings out seven new technologies

Licences for some of the technologies have been taken by entrepreneurs

CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) on Wednesday announced the new technologies it has developed in the last one year, on the occasion of the National Technology Day that was observed here.

Also, the CFTRI gave licences to entrepreneurs for commercialising some of its technologies, thanks to the initiatives of the Technology Transfer and Business Development Department. Certificates and mementoes were presented to the licensee at the National Technology Day event for having used the technologies, by former Vice-Chancellor K. Chidananda Gowda who was the chief guest.

In total, seven new technologies, including gluten-free biscuits, gluten-free cookie cake, buckwheat noodles and pasta, multigrain nutri cookies, chikki with moringa, coffee brew mix, and high performance advanced oxidation process for STPs, greywater, industrial wastewaters (food and non-food), were developed by the R and D teams.

** JNCASR may have a cure for dementia

Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) signs IP transfer agreement on molecule that can be potential drug candidate for dementia

Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) signed two agreements with business establishments for transfer of two technologies from its research initiatives, on the eve of ‘Technology Day 2022’, on May 10. JNCASR is an autonomous institute in Bengaluru under the Department of Science and Technology of the Central Government.

One IP transfer agreement pertains to a molecule that could be a potential drug candidate for dementia. The other is for a robust, mobile group oxygen concentrator that can be used in remote settings and deployed in emergencies.

T Govindaraju, a scientist at the JNCASR, and his team have developed the molecule that could be a potential drug candidate to halt or cure the leading cause of dementia in 70 to 80% cases worldwide. This research work was patented and published in the journal Advanced Therapeutics and patented by the JNCASR. The research aimed to design and synthesise molecules that can reduce the toxicity of amyloid peptide — that accumulates in the central nervous system, it said.

** Centre recognises Karnataka’s progress in malaria eradication

The state health department has progressed from Category 2 to Category 1 status between 2015 and 2021.

The Union Health Department has awarded the State Department of Health and Family Welfare with a certificate of appreciation, in recognition of its performance towards malaria eradication. The state health department has progressed from Category 2 to Category 1 status between 2015 and 2021.

According to Dr Ramesh K Kaulgud, Joint Director-NVBDCP, Directorate of Health and Family Welfare Services, there were 7,381 cases of malaria in 2017, 5,289 in 2018, 3,499 in 2019, 1,701 in 2020 and 913 in 2021. Speaking about the achievement, Dr Ramesh said malaria prevention and control activities are implemented across the state as per the directives of National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control, Government of India. The surveillance parameters as defined by the programme guidelines have been achieved, facilitating the state to progress towards the set goal of complete eradication.

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** Toyota signs MoU with State to invest ₹ 4,800 crore in new technologies

The investments are aimed at promoting greener technologies

Toyota Group of Companies will invest ₹4,800 crore in Karnataka for the local production of powertrain parts, components of electric vehicles, and also to boost innovation around electrification and greener technologies.

The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Karnataka to invest ₹4,100 crore on Saturday. Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) along with Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts (TKAP) will put in ₹4,100 crore, while a related company, Toyota Industries Engine India (TIEI), will pitch in with another ₹700 crore later.

** Indian environmental scientist elected to U.S. National Academy of Sciences

Conservation biologist Kamal Bawa has been elected to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. Kamal Bawa is president of the Bengaluru-based Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (ATREE) as well as an elected fellow of the Royal Society (London) and the American Philosophical Society.

“The election is a reaffirmation of our important work on the ecology, conservation, and management of tropical forests that are declining all over the world but are critical to humanity’s well-being,” said Dr. Bawa.

A few years ago, Dr. Bawa brought together scientists from India’s leading institutions to develop the National Mission on Biodiversity and Human Wellbeing under the banner of the Biodiversity Collaborative. The effort was supported by the office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, and is currently funded by the Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies.

** Bengalureans training for ‘highest marathon in the world’

Ladakh marathon is back after two years, the event will be held from September 7 to 11

There are marathons, and then there is the Ladakh Marathon. Touted by the organisers to be the highest and amongst the toughest marathons comprising two ultra races – the 72-km Khardung La Challenge (5370 m) — the world’s highest ultra marathon — and the 122-km Silk Route Ultra — the ‘epitome of high-altitude running testing the limits of human endurance’.

Back after two years, the marathon will be held from September 7 to 11. Marathon runners in Bengaluru are training hard for the event.

Asif Ahmed, 37, an IT professional, said acclimatising to the climate and altitude is a necessity. He is focusing on training in the hills and is travelling to Ooty and Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu, and increasing the mileage gradually. “If someone is a seasoned runner or ultra distance runner, six months training is enough,” he said, but added that ‘Ladakh is more difficult because of the altitude, temperature, and harsh weather’.

** Canada: ‘The Walking Violinist’ Dr Aneesh Vidyashanker arrives in Toronto to perform at ‘MAC Social’

‘Veni Vidi Vici’ is defined in Latin as “I came, I saw, I conquered”. It is the famous victory statement made by Julius Caesar to the Roman Senate.

I can relate this statement to the world-famous musician Dr.Aneesh Vidyashanker popularly known as the ‘Walking Violinist’ who just arrived in Canada to perform at an extraordinary ‘MAC Social’ a Dinner/Dance event organized by the Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC) to commemorate its 20th anniversary. Without any hesitation I can say that he came, he saw, and he conquered Canadians’ hearts.

An amazing musician like Dr Aneesh Vidyashanker doesn’t need any introduction. He is a bright shining star in the galaxy of music. Music is his passion and violin is his way of life. He is a violinist, composer, music director, and producer – all these roles gracefully blended into one person. He displays a style of playing violin which is original, exceptional, and sensational.

Dr Aneesh was born on January 16, 1991 and is a born violinist, composer, and architect. He is best known as the ‘Walking Violinist’ for his ability to walk and play fusion music on the violin, amidst the crowd. He was introduced to Carnatic Music at the tiny age of three and was formerly trained by his father S R Vidyashankar, who hails from the Lalgudi Jayaraman School of violin playing. Aneesh was a child prodigy and gave his first solo violin performance on stage when he was just six years old. He has scored background violin pieces for Kannada movies Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu, Pushpaka Vimana, Kavaludaari, and Popcorn Monkey Tiger with composer Charan Raj. In the year 2017, Aneesh received an honorary doctorate in Music.

** Zero-waste hero

Meet the only urban farmer from Bengaluru who made it to the list of environmental changemakers by National Geographic India.

In 2007, Vani Murthy started composting at her Malleswaram home on a whim and posted details of her zero-waste lifestyle on Facebook. Today, the ‘worm rani’ as she is known, has a following of 23,80,000 on Instagram and has made it to the list of the ‘One for Change’ campaign by National Geographic India.

Bengaluru to make it to this list, Murthy says that there’s never been a day when she feels like she’s actually working. “I love all things trash — from composting to making things sustainable. That’s the only thing I never complain about, so I absolutely love what I do and I’m thrilled to be recognised for my passion.”

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