IISc. researchers have nano solution for wastewater treatment

They developed a metal organic framework (MoF) nanocomposite by intercalating the properties of graphene oxide and UiO-66-NDC.

Researchers in the Indian Institute of Science’s (IISc.) have developed a novel nanocomposite material for improved wastewater treatment.

A team of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Water Research (ICWaR) in the IISc., led by Praveen C. Ramamurthy, has developed a metal organic framework (MoF) nanocomposite by intercalating the properties of graphene oxide and UiO-66-NDC.

Heavy metals

According to IISc., industrial effluents containing heavy metals have polluted our water sources for decades. Lead, a heavy metal commonly found in discharge from paint and battery manufacturing plants, is a major water pollutant whose presence severely affects human and animal health.

In recent years, scientists have turned to nanotechnology to develop absorbent materials that can remove heavy metals for improved wastewater treatment.

However, existing adsorption materials and technologies are expensive, and their applications are limited by where they can be implemented and how efficiently they can adsorb lead. This demands the development of novel, low-cost and structurally stable composite materials for wastewater treatment. To this end, ICWaR researchers have developed a novel nanocomposite material.

The researchers have demonstrated that the new nanocomposite can adsorb lead (Pb) from simulated wastewater systems.

Four-fold capacity to absorb lead ions from wastewater

The team demonstrated that the newly developed MOF nanocomposite adsorbent has approximately four-fold enhanced capability in removing lead ions from wastewater compared to previously reported studies of graphene oxide. The material exhibits a stable crystalline structure. Modelling and simulation results also support enhanced efficiency in lead adsorption due to the adsorbent molecular architecture.

The new nanocomposite has improved adsorption and high regeneration and reusability capacities, making it an effective tool in the wastewater treatment of lead ions.

thehindu.com

Mangaluru: Clive, Avil chosen for Kittall Youth and Arso Journalism awards

Clive D’Souza, Boliye, and Avil Rasquinha were chosen for Leo Rodrigues Family Kittall Youth Award and Austin D’Souza Prabhu Family Arso Journalism Award for the year 2022. Both the awards will carry a cash component of Rs 25,000 and citation. The award will be conferred on Avil Rasquinha and Clive D’Souza on January 1, 2023 at 6 pm at a function to be held at Maria Jayanthi Mini Hall, St Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu. Ln Dr Austin D’Souza Prabhu, Chicago and CA Valerian D Almeida, Abu Dhabi-based entrepreneur will be presenting the awards.

Every year premier Konkani web portal kittall.com honors a youth writer with the Kittall Youth Award and Abu Dhabi-based NRI Leo Rodrigues sponsors the award for the last 10 years. Arso was launched as a fortnightly in the year 2013 by H M Pernal, now successfully running in its ninth year as a monthly magazine under the editorship of noted poet and lyricist Wilson Kateel. From this year onwards, ARSO will be honoring a senior Konkani journalist, who has contributed to the growth of Konkani journalism substantially. The award is sponsored by Ln Dr Austin D’Souza Prabhu, the editor and publisher of the one and only illustrated digital Konkani Weekly published in Chicago for the past five and half years, non-stop.

About Avil Rasquinha

Konkani Monthly has announced its first Konkani Journalism Award to Avil Rasquinha, who served as an editor and publisher of Kannik fortnightly for 20 long years from 1977 to 1997.

Rasquinha started writing in Konkani at the age of 14 and became the youngest editor-publisher at the age of 20. Kannik was started in the year 1965 by CA Raymond Miranda of Konkani Sahitya Prakashana, which has the credit of publishing 100 Konkani books those days, and Andrew Mendonca working at the Army Navy Press, Mumbai. In the year 1970, Avil’s brother Harry acquired Kannik and Avil assisted him as sub-editor for two years. For a brief period of time Sirivionth and Austin D’Souza Prabhu edited and published Kannik and from 1977 to 1997. With all his hardships, Avil Rasquinha edited and published Kannik for 20 long years. Victor Alvares (Vijay), Richard Alvares (Guruji), Vincent Pinto, Kulshekar, Panchu, Bantwal, Valley Quadras, Ajekar assisted Avil as sub-editors till 1992. From 1992 to 1997 Avil managed to publish Kannik single-handedly.

Apart from publishing Kannik from his Santacruz Press, Avil has published 12 Konkani books including two of V J Pm Saldanha and eighth volume of selected songs of Wilfy Rebimbus. He has acted in Konkani, Kannada, and Tulu Dramas and is an active member of the Lions Club.
Presently he lives in Bellore with his wife Mariet D’Silva, who is a banker, and two sons, one working for an insurance company and the other practicing as a chartered accountant in Mangaluru.

About Clive D’Souza

Larry Clive D’Souza of Kutalnagar writes with the pen name Clive Souz, Boliye for the last several years. So far he has penned more than 140 poems, two short stories, and about 6 essays. He has written two plays ‘Navalancho Sonsaar’ and ‘Sorga Raaj’ and acted, directed, and staged them at Kuntalnagar. Presently he is promoting Konkani on digital platforms like YouTube by writing, lyrics and composing and producing them. So far he has posted seven singles on youtube and 4 are ready for launch. Along with singles he has also written and composed two hymns dedicated one for St Lawrence and the other for St Antony. In the year 2010, he sponsored a music CD ‘Yo Moga.’ Since 2011 he has been an active member of the Kuwait Canara Welfare Association( K C WA).

A graduate of Hospitality Science from the University of Mangaluru, he is married to Anitha D’Souza and the couple has a son Cleven D’Souza. Presently he is working as a chef in the Indian Ocean, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.

daijiworld.com

PM Modi mentions Karnataka palm leather startup in ‘Mann Ki Baat’

The PM said the couple is sending many unique products made from betelnut fiber to the international market.

A Shivamogga-based couple’s out-of-the-box idea on the use of betelnut fibre has earned the praise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Suresh and his wife Maithili, who are residents of Vinoba Nagar, are exporting their palm leather products internationally.

Modi praised the couple in his Mann Ki Baat episode on Sunday and said the countrymen should use such indigenous products and gift them to others as well. Suresh and Maithili, through their startup Bhoomi Agri Ventures, are making and exporting areca palm products. Their palm leather project was instigated as a cheap plant-based replacement for animal leather, plastic and rubber.

The PM said the couple is sending many unique products made from betelnut fibre to the international market. “These people are making decorative things ranging from trays, plates and handbags from betelnut fibre. Chappals made of this fibre are also being liked a lot today. Today, their products are being sold in London and other markets in Europe.

This is the very quality of our natural resources and traditional skills, which is being liked by everyone. With the traditional knowledge of India, the world is looking at ways of a sustainable future. We ourselves also need to be more and more aware of this. We should use such indigenous and local products and gift them to others as well. This will also strengthen our identity, the local economy, and, in large numbers, brighten the future of the people,” he said.

Expressing happiness over Modi mentioning them in this radio programme, Suresh told TNIE that their project was possible thanks to the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana- Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied sector Rejuvenation (RKVY-RAFTAAR).

newindianexpress.com

Police Inspector wins ‘India Cyber Cop of the year 2022’ award

K.T. Gururaj, Police Inspector, has won the India Cyber Cop of the year 2022 award instituted by the Data Security Council of India (DSCI), for his investigation into a cyber crime using forensic tools and techniques.

Mr. Gururaj, who was Inspector at Cyber, Economic and Narcotics Crime Police Station in Shivamogga, had investigated a case and did succeed to arrest the accused facing charges of distributing child sexual abuse material through social media platforms. He filed the charge sheet and finally, the accused was convicted by a court for offences punishable under the IT Act and POCSO Act.

Considering his commendable investigation into the case, the DSCI selected him as the India Cyber Cop of the year 2022. DSCI is a not-for-profit body on data protection in India set up by the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM).

Gururaj received the award in a ceremony held in Gurgaon in Haryana on Thursday (December 22). At present, Gururaj works at the Police Training School at Kadur in Chikkamagaluru district. Shivamogga SP G.K. Mithun Kumar congratulated the officer on winning the award.

thehindu.com

IIIT-Bangalore installs rooftop solar power system

The solar power system offers 498.43 KWP capacity which is nearly 40 per cent of the power requirement of the institute.

The International Institute of Information Technology-Bangalore installed a 500 kVA rooftop solar power system in its campus recently. It was inaugurated by S Gopalakrishnan, Chairman, IIIT-B governing body.

The solar power system offers 498.43 KWP capacity which is nearly 40 per cent of the power requirement of the institute.

IIIT-B has installed 393 solar panels on rooftops and has upgraded its infrastructure to tap green energy.

Jagadish P Patil, Chief Administration Officer, said, “Our power requirement has shot up to 22% as there is an increase in student strength and upgradation of infrastructure. With this solar power system, we can reduce 40 per cent on the overall power bill.”

newindianexpress.com

Mangaluru: Parameshwar Hegde, DySP Mangaluru Central sub division, receives President’s Medal

Parameshwar Hegde, DySP Mangaluru Central sub division, received the prestigious President’s Medal Parameshwar Hegde for his meritorious service, in a ceremony held at the Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru recently.

Governor Tawarchand Gehlot conferred on him the President’s Medal in the presence of state home minister Araga Jnanendra.

Parameshwar Hegde had joined the police force as PSI in 1994 and took effective actions to maintain law and order. He served in Mangaluru north police station from 2004 to 2006, took charge of the rowdy squad and cracked several cases. He arrested Balakrishna Shetty alias Vikki belonging to Chota Rajan gang and confiscated a car worth Rs 3.05 lacs, pistol and bullets.

He had arrested notorious rowdy sheeter Asgar Ali, Bodda Lathif and Nazeer and seized foreign made revolver, bullets, Maruti car and two mobile phones from them. When he was deployed in CCB in 2015, he joined the team to nab Jane Snatcher, collecting information about the Bavariya gang by visiting Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. He also joined the team to nab Irani thieves and recovered gold chains weighing 2.4 kg. He was promoted as DySP in 2015 and was assigned at CID, Bengaluru, where he investigated 14 cases registered against misuse of chief minister’s funds and submitted the charge sheet in 8 cases.

When he was assigned the duty ACP of Vijayanagar sub division he cracked 389 theft cases, robbery and looting cases, recovered 9,700 grams gold ornaments, 192 two wheelers, four four wheelers and 157 mobile phones and handed them over to the owners.

The president of India has presented him with a medal during the Independence Day celebrations in 2020 as well considering his professional dedication and service.

daijiworld.com

KIA T-2 one of the first in the world that can be experienced on the metaverse

The Kempegowda International Airport’s Terminal-2 has become one of the first terminals in the world that can be experienced on the metaverse, after Bangalore International Airport Limited, operator of the KIA, on Tuesday announced the first phase launch of the BLR Metaport.

The Kempegowda International Airport’s (KIA) Terminal-2 has become one of the first terminals in the world that can be experienced on the metaverse, after Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), operator of the KIA, on Tuesday announced the first phase launch of the BLR Metaport.

Built in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Polygon, the BLR Metaport offers an immersive, three-dimensional (3D) virtual experience of the newly launched terminal.

Interested travellers and members of the public can log on to www.blrmetaport.com and virtually tour and navigate the new terminal using their smart devices.

The BLR Metaport is an outcome of the Joint Innovation Centre (JIC), announced in April 2022 by BIAL, AWS, and Intel. The JIC focuses on driving the development and adoption of digital solutions in aviation.

“For BIAL, the mission of the JIC is to leverage emerging technologies to build new business models and passenger experiences and be at the forefront of technology innovation in India’s commercial aviation,” BIAL added.

Developed in line with this mission, the BLR Metaport is one of the first airport metaverse experiences, designed to deliver an enhanced digital experience.

A 3D interface will offer customers new ways to interact with the airport, such as checking into flights, navigating terminals, shopping, and social aspects like connecting with other travellers.

BLR Metaport brings the virtual and physical worlds together to provide consistent engagement, and aims to excite travellers with new, unique, and immersive experiences.

BIAL’s Chief Strategy and Development Officer, Satyaki Raghunath said, “We are very excited that BIAL is entering into the new world of metaverse through the BLR Metaport. This is our first foray into the world of Web3 and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and we aim to delight travellers with a unique, immersive, and virtual experience. We believe that it is important to connect with a new generation of our global audience through the metaverse. We also have several initiatives planned around the BLR Metaport, which promise to increase ways in which we can engage with our global audience and enhance business impact over the next few years.”

thehindu.com

What to see at Bengaluru Cake Show 2022

Cakes of various shapes and sizes are on display at the 48th annual Bengaluru Cake Show, at St. Joseph Indian High School ground, ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations, in Bengaluru.

Cakes of various shapes and sizes are on display at the 48th annual cake show, at St. Joseph Indian High School ground, ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations, in Bengaluru.

thehindu.com

Made in India MALE UAV completes flight test of 18 hours

TAPAS 201 has been designed and developed by the Bengaluru-based Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE).

The TAPAS 201 Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV has achieved a significant milestone after undertaking a flight test lasting 18 hours at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga, Karnataka.

TAPAS 201 has been designed and developed by the Bengaluru-based Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE). HAL and BEL will be the production partners for the MALE UAV.

Announcing the milestone, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) tweeted: India’s TAPAS UAV, #designed & #developed by Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru for tri-services has successfully achieved #milestone flight test of 18 hours at Aeronautical Test Range, Chitradurga.

TAPAS 201 is a multi-mission UAV being developed to carry out Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance roles for the three wings of the armed forces with endurance in the range of 24 to 30 hours.

Described as the Indian version of the US’s Predator drones, TAPAS 201 is capable of carrying different combinations of payloads, like Medium Range Electro Optic, Long Range Electro Optic, Synthetic Aperture Radar, Electronic Intelligence, Communication Intelligence and Situational Awareness Payloads, to perform missions during day and night.

The MALE UAV, which was earlier referred to as RUSTOM II, undertook its first flight in November 2016. Since then, it has undertaken many test flights.

In 2019, the TAPAS 201 programme suffered a setback when the UAV crashed during an experimental flight near the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga.

Apart from the Indian army, air force and navy, internal security agencies like State Police Forces, BSF, CRPF, and the Coast Guard are also prospective users of the MALE UAV.

thehindu.com

Mishal Queenie D’Costa, IRS bags bravery award for chasing, nabbing Nigerian drug peddlers

DRI Mishal Queenie D’Costa, IRS, deputy director of indirect taxes at Mumbai Customs was honoured with a bravery award by finance minister Nirmala Sitaraman for displaying extraordinary bravery without even fearing for her life while chasing Nigerian drug peddlers in Mumbai.

During the last financial year, Nigerian drug peddlers were caught in a daring operation with 1.9kg of drug tablets, when they jumped from a building roof. Mishal who hails from Neerude, Dakshina Kannada, chased the culprits and physically stopped the culprits from escaping until the full force arrived at the scene. The young officer received the bravery award on DRI Foundation Day for her extraordinary achievement.

Mishal, who secured the 387th rank in the UPSC civil service examination in 2015, is second among the three children of Lazarus and Nancy D’Costa of Neerude.

daijiworld.com