May 2022 – Page 6 – Karnataka First

** 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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** Vet services at the doorstep of livestock owners

Now Karnataka farmers can call toll-free number 1962 for availing emergency veterinary ambulance services

The State Government on Saturday flagged off 70 veterinary mobile ambulances to provide emergency services to domestic animals at the doorsteps of farmers.

Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala and Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai launched the facility.

Minister for Animal Husbandry Prabhu Chavan said 275 animal ambulances would be rolled out. In the first phase, 70 ambulances have been delivered. The State has 290 lakh domestic animals and on average one ambulance would provide services to one lakh animals.

** 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.

** Govt. doctor offers lunch at ₹10 to those visiting his CHC

Venugopal, medical officer at Holalur CHC in Shivamogga taluk, started the service during the pandemic

A overnment medical officer’s offer of lunch to patients and their attendants at his Community Health Centre (CHC) for as low as ₹10 per plate has received much praise from the public.

Dr. K.L. Venugopal, administrative medical officer at Holalur CHC in Shivamogga taluk, with the support of his staff, has been offering lunch to visitors since November 2020. This gesture is unique because the doctor and his staff are managing this programme on their own sources without depending on the government. The CHC has total staff strength of 32, including five medical officers.

** 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.

** Karnataka’s first floating bridge in Udupi to be inaugurated today

While on the bridge, a visitor can feel the sea wave movement and can enjoy his walk. It will be like riding on the waves

The State’s first floating bridge will be inaugurated on Malpe Beach in Udupi on Friday.

According to Sudesh Shetty, lease holder, Malpe Beach, the bridge will be inaugurated in the presence of Udupi MLA K. Raghupati Bhat and Deputy Commissioner M. Kurma Rao.

The bridge will be an added attraction to increase tourist footfall in Udupi. The bridge, set up at a cost of ₹80 lakh invested by three local entrepreneurs, is 100 m long.

** 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.

** Honouring a hero: Martyred IFS officer’s jeep now a memorial

His jeep was lying abandoned at the Karnataka range forest office in Palar, bordering Tamil Nadu.

In a unique and rare tribute, Karnataka forest department officials have restored the jeep that was driven by martyred Indian Forest Service officer P Srinivas back into running condition and have turned it into a souvenir.

This Srinivas’ official vehicle has been kept at the Kollegal forest department office, where a museum has also been created with photographs, letters, documents and write-ups of Srinivas.

“This is the first such tribute to a martyred forest officer anywhere in India. We thought this was the best way to honour Srinivas, who was a Keerthi Chakra recipient in 1992. His jeep was lying abandoned at the Karnataka range forest office in Palar, bordering Tamil Nadu. We spent Rs 1.1 lakh to repair it and to restore it into running condition. We then put it up as the souvenir,” said MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary Director V Yedukondalu.

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