Month: December 2022

Mysuru Bike Racer Wins National Title

Twenty-four-year-old bike racer Varun Nanjundegowda from Mysuru grabbed the National Championship title in Coimbatore by winning six out of eight races in JK Tyre National Racing Championship RE GT Cup recently.

Varun entered the world of motorsports two years ago. With consistent passion and the right training, Varun has till now secured seven podium finish to be a National Champion. Now, he is all set to participate with the seniors in Pro Category.

He is the son of J. Nanjunde Gowda (Assistant Executive Engineer at Cauvery Neeravari Nigam) and Jyothi Gowda (home-maker), residents of Gururaja Layout, Mysuru. A BBA graduate from Vidhyaashram First Grade College, Varun trains under Jagadeesh N. Gowda and Ajai Xavier at Bengaluru, Chennai and Coimbatore.

“My interest in biking came from my cousin brother Raghu. But my parents never wanted me to develop love for racing. I had no idea of motorsports until I was in college where I began to read about races and watch moto GP on TV. My interest took shape when I was part of a Biking Club named ‘The Lycans’ where I met some amazing people who pushed me towards my goal,” says Varun expressing his gratitude to his parents, coaches, family and friends.

starofmysore.com

Dr. S A Mohan Krishna Receives Academic Excellence Award

Dr. S.A. Mohan Krishna, working as an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering, is seen receiving the Academic Excellence Award given by the Centre of Education Growth and Research at Chancery Pavilion, Bengaluru, during the Fifth International Summit on Education recently.

He is seen with Ravish Roshan, Director, Centre for Education Growth and Research, Manish Kothari, President, Centre for Education Growth and Research, Karnataka Chapter and others.

starofmysore.com

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

RV Deshpande conferred Best Legislator Award for the year 2022

Senior Congress leader and former minister R V Deshpande was felicitated and conferred the Best Legislator for the Year 2022 award during the Belagavi legislature session on Wednesday.

Assembly Speaker Vishveshwara Hegde Kageri, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister J C Madhuswamy, Congress opposition leader in the assembly Siddaramaiah and other leaders cutting across party lines felicitated Deshpande.

The Chief Minister later inaugurated the Belagavi City Police Commissioner’s Building and said the State Government has taken steps to establish over 100 police stations in the State in a single year.

Bommai lauded the work of the State Police Housing Corporation throughout the State and mentioned that 2,500 police quarters were being build work on construction of 16 buildings for police stations were under completion.

He said the State Government has taken steps to enable the police to buy 300 jeeps and Scorpio vehicles at a cost of Rs 80 crore.

The police department must concentrate on solving the problems of the people rather than merely displaying its might. The department must maintain close rapport and contacts with the people, he said.

Home Minister Araga Jnanedra, Water Resources Minister Govind Karjol, MP Mangala Benake, MLA Anil Benake, Director General of Police Praveen Sood and Home Department’s Additional Chief Secretary Rajneesh Goel were present.

The Chief Minister also inaugurated the new building of the Belagavi Zilla Panchayat.

daijiworld.com

Indu Gersappe wins Kavita Trust’s Mathias Family Poetry Award

Kavita Trust has announced its Mathias Family Poetry Award – 2022 to Indu Ashok Gersappe residing at Bengaluru. This prestigious award consisting of Rs 25000 cash, memento and citation will be conferred on her on 8th January 2023 at Bela, Kasargod on the occasion of 17th edition of the Kavita Fest.

Indu was born in a Chithrapur Saraswath family in the month of June in 1941. Her grandfather is from Karkala. He traded in oil, rice and ice creams about 100 years ago at Goa. Her father was born in Goa and mother from Mangaluru. Though Indu was born in Mangaluru, her mother passed away when she was just 2 years old and Indu was shifted to Madgaon in Goa. Later she completed her education at Panchagani and in Mumbai. She did her BA (Honors) in English as well as in Economics from Elphinstone College Mumbai. Stayed in Bengal for few years after marriage, she served as a teacher for 20 years at Mumbai and currently a resident of Bengaluru along with her husband.

Indu has written poems in Konkani as well as in English. Her stories and other articles have appeared in well-known magazines like Femina, Eve’s Weekly, and Illustrated Weekly. She has written ballets in Hindi for dance performances. After long struggle, she with the support of Adi Marzban succeeded in getting Konkani Programs telecasted in Mumbai Doordarshan Channel. Her troupe has presented Manddo and Dhalo in TV channel.

Bimb Puplications of Goa has published her anthology of poems ‘Sankalp’ which bagged the Goa Konkani Academy Award. Her poems are published in Bimb, Jaag, Rithu and other magazines. She has written for Children too.

Her 3 books of poems are on way of publishing. She says she is doing the cleansing of the soul through her poetry.

Mathias Family Poetry Award is instituted by Joseph Mathias, managing director of Merit Freight Systems Dubai in the name of his family at Kuppepadavu. This award has been bestowed upon to 14 prominent Konkani poets from Karnataka, Goa, Kerala and Maharashtra in the past 14 years and Indu Gersappe will be the 15th recipient.

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

Rashtriya Military School, Belgaum, celebrates platinum jubilee

A commemorative special cover was released by India Post.

Rashtriya Military School, Belgaum, celebrated its platinum jubilee here on December 23 and 24.

It was presided over by Deputy Chief of the Army Staff Lt. Gen. Ravin Khosla. Several senior Army officers and eminent Old Boys of the school, including Lt. Gen. K.H. Gawas, Commandant, MCTE, Brig. Joydip Mukherjee, Commandant, MLIRC, and Chairman of the School’s Local Board of Administration, and others were present.

A commemorative special cover by India Post was released by the Chief Guest and other dignitaries. They also released a coffee table book that tells the inspiring saga of the school right from its inception to the present time and presents a roadmap for future.

The platinum jubilee trophy instituted by the Old Boys Association, was received by Lt. Col. Satveer Singh, Principal, and Arun Kumar Dharwal, MIE. Shahid Capt Sajjan Singh Malik Memorial Trophy was given away to cadet Abhay Singh for being the academic topper of Class IX, cadet Roshan for exhibiting best leadership qualities, and the Champion House Trophy to Pratap House.

Lt. Gen. Khosla expressed satisfaction that the school had remained steadfast to sound military ethos and secular and progressive values on which it was founded and committed to pursue the goal of all-round excellence with professionalism. He admired the contribution the Old Boys of the School had made to nation building and national security.

Lt. Gen. Khosla unveiled the newly erected bust of late Captain Sajjan Singh Malik, school’s former student who was martyred while neutralising terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. Mrs Ravin Khosla inaugurated the Science and Philately exhibition.

Lt. Gen. Kulbhushan Gawas, Commandant, MCTE, Mhow, and an alumnus of the school inaugurated the festivities on the second day. A march past was led by the School Captain and members of the Old Boys Association. Activities like aerobics, karate display, pyramid formation and hula hoops gymnastics were performed. Old boys and their families participated in sports activities, according to a release.

thehindu.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