Showing posts with label Bangalore Press Meet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bangalore Press Meet. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Innovent Engineering Solutions Private Limited


About INNOVENT Engineering Solutions Pvt. Ltd...

INNOVENT Engineering Solutions Pvt. Ltd., headquartered in Bangalore is into training, consultancy and sales in the field of CAE. Their mission is to bridge the gap between academia and Industry through training and Institute Industry interaction and to earn recognition globally for engineering skill development through innovative ideas and methods. INNOVENT’s vision is to create a progressive and rigorous engineering culture for India by building Organic-Wealth (Knowledge) in the areas of Science and Technology through continuous learning, research and interaction with academia and Industry.
INNOVENT is the authorized distributor and support partner for ANSYS academic products in India & other SAARC Countries. The company is also the authorized distributor and support partner for CollabCAD – a CAD software developed by National Informatics Centre, New Delhi. It is also the authorized distributor and support partner for CivilFEM, a product from Ingeciber Inc., Spain. INNOVENT is also one of the first companies in India to become a member of NAFEMS, an international association for the engineering analysis community.
Innovent Engineering Solutions is a member of National Small Industries Corporation and is rated by SMERA as a high Performance and financially stable company. IES has the proficiency and the experience in successfully marketing, selling and providing technical support to more than 800 educational institutions all over India including IISc, IIT’s & NIT’s.

BUSINESS PORTFOLIO
Training
Engineering Services
Product Sales
Staffing & recruitment

India has the largest unharnessed potential to be the ESO (Engineering Services Outsourcing) hub of the world (Source : NASSCOM study). Definition of ESO is changing globally and it is no more technically repetitive and non-core engineering activity. To prepare the large engineering talent pool of India for the challenges of the Engineering industry and the top research organizations of India and to get our engineers ready to the challenge of grabbing the largest share of ESO, which would touch an incredible $1 trillion by 2020, INNOVENT is conducting a job assured program called the ANALYST Program to fill the gap.
INNOVENT is into skill assessment and competency mapping followed with remedial measures for academia and corporates, to fill the gap on skill set between academic institutions and industrial practices.
INNOVENT is also conducting regular training programs on various CAE simulation tools with certification and also on engineering subjects with industry flavor for students, faculty and corporates.


Contact nos. : +91-80-2520 5015 / 16 / 17.

About the Book : Engineering Critical Thinking by Ganesha H.N., our CTO.
A concept was envisaged by INNOVENT Engineering Solutions to develop engineering spontaneity and problem solving skills amongst young engineers aspiring to take up assignments in New Product Introduction. The concept gained wide acceptance with both corporate and academia as a means of improving scientific reasoning and ability to apply the physics fundamentals to real world engineering-situations. INNOVENT decided to bring out the course in the form of a text book. 

Most of the existing text books comprehensively deal with one aspect of design and may not have an integrated approach needed for product development. The book has a completely different style of presentation which makes engineers think laterally and interrelate the varied facets of the situation. A simple component may have to be looked at from different points of view such as stress, dynamics/vibration, life, assembly, manufacture, cost, weight, SFC, NVH, electrical properties, fire resistance and many more. The book has 7 chapters which covers all these aspects systematically through theory and moderately complex situations relevant to the industry.

The faculty also may gain valuable insights into different situations such as industry situations, best practices and rigorous application of subject fundamentals.
The book could be 'Go to material' for young designers and analysts. The OEM’s could use the book to train the young engineers for New product introduction.  Universities could use this book for a 3 credit course for UG and PG students to enhance the competency and employability. This in turn helps to bridge the gap between industry and academia.

Report by 

Raghav
Senior Journalist

Media & Publications Division
Ravina Consulting
No.24,Pattamal Plaza
3rd Cross Kamanahalli
BANGALORE 560084 

www.twitter.com/BangaloreNews
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Tuesday, January 5, 2010

South India’s largest mall to open in Feb 2010 in Bangalore

South India’s largest mall is 97 pc leased, to open in February
04 Jan 2010

South India’s largest mall is 97 pc leased, to open in February
With 215-plus retail units, 30 escalators, 18 lifts and a built-up area of a whopping 1.3 million square feet, the much-awaited Mantri Mall (now formally named Mantri Square) in Bangalore is getting ready to open next month.

One of the many key features of Mantri Square is its portfolio of 14 anchors and mini-anchors. These include a 70,400 sq.ft Spar hypermarket, a 6-screen Inox (including Inox’s first ever Aura 70-seater VIP auditorium), a 44,000 square feet Lifestyle, a 43,000 square feet Shoppers Stop, a 33,100 square feet Pantaloons, a 23,000 square feet Amoeba FEC (with a 12-lane bowling alley), a 22,000 square feet Home Centre, an 18,000 square feet Reliance Trends, a 15,800 square feet Reliance Living, a 15,600 square feet Marks & Spencer, a 13,000 square feet Reliance Digital, a 12,800 square feet international retailer (name not disclosed), a 11,000 square feet Reliance Timeout, and a 9,800 square feet Showoff store.

The retail trading area of this mall is 60 per cent larger than Spencer Plaza Chennai (currently the largest mall in South India), more than two and a half times that of Forum Mall at Koramangala (currently Bangalore’s largest mall) and about 12 per cent more than Ambience Mall in Gurgaon.

Apart from the 14 anchors and mini-anchors, Mantri Mall also has as many as 10 superstores (outlets with a carpet area of 4,000 to 8,000 square feet), including Prestige – The Man Store, Mom & Me, Crazy Concepts, Oviesse, Office Depot, Reliance Footprint, Kalanjali Sarees, Reliance Jewels, Neeru’s Elite and Reebok Performance Store.

For food lovers, there will be 34 F&B outlets in this mall, including India’s first Taco Bell from Yum Brands Inc. and Bangalore’s first The Great Kabab Factory, the award-winning North Indian restaurant from Carlson Restaurants Worldwide.

The shopping centre's planning consultant and sole leasing agents Asipac has got new leases for more than 6,00,000 square feet in the last 8-9 months. The property is currently 97 per cent leased.

Apart from tenants such as Metro, Mochi, Adidas, Nike, William Penn, Archies among others, Asipac has strategically targeted strong local retailers, including several well established high street names from Bangalore, including Showoff, Prestige – The Man Store, Favourite Shop, Vijaylakshmi Silks & Sarees, Davanam Jewellers, Shiv Sagar, Lal’s, Fazal’s, Kushal’s Fashion Jewellery, Sanskruti and Gangotree, as well as strong ethnicwear retailers from Hyderabad, including Kalanjali and Neerus.

Mantri Square also has a number of firsts to its credit. Apart from Taco Bell, Great Kabab Factory and Aura, it will also boast of Bangalore’s first OVS, Hush Puppies, Howards Storage World, Crocs, Celio, Marvel, Manyavar, Early Learning Centre, Esbeda, Alcott, Presto, Sunglass Hut, Addons, Holii, Boggi Milano, Toyopia, Bagzone, The Eyewear Store, Tie Rack London, Tissot, Rado, Editions, Addons, Hi Chai, Men & Boys and Ayesha stores. Also, 26 of the tenants will be doing business for the first time in a mall.

In addition to clothes, footwear and lifestyle accessories, Mantri Square will offer a wide range of ETIT (electronics, telecommunications and information technology) products under one roof in India with 11 ETIT stores, the widest range of sarees under one roof with eight stores, furniture & home accessories, bicycles, toys, prescription eyewear, maternity & newborn products, Indian sweets, real and fashion jewellery, luggage, wines & liquors, haircuts, pharmaceuticals, health & nutrition products, handicrafts, foreign exchange, photo processing, men’s tailoring, ladies tailoring, air and bus ticketing, financial services, personalised awards & trophies, express printing and even a multi-brand car gallery.

Asipac is projecting footfalls of 44,000 average daily visitors in 2010, going up to 72,000 average daily visitors when the Swastik Metro Station opens adjoining the mall in 2012


Thursday, December 3, 2009

Shriram Properties launches new projects

Shriram Properties, property development arm of Shriram Group, on Wednesday, announced the launch of it’s housing project consisting of over 7,000 homes across Bangalore, Chennai, Vizag and Kolkata.

Priced in the range of Rs 9 lakh to Rs 30 lakh, the houses will have amenities like swimming pools, jogging tracks, multipurpose community hall, children’s play area, shopping complexes, club houses and proximity to transportation hubs. In addition to this, the company also tied up with a school chain, which will provide educational opportunities to the residents. Shriram Properties Managing Director M Murali said “in India, there is a huge need for affordable housing and we are privileged to have all the approvals in place and to commence construction.”

The Bangalore project ‘Shriram Surabhi’ and ‘Shriram Smrithi’ are being developed off Kanakpura Road and Athibele Sarjapur Road respectively. ‘Shriram Sankari’ is coming up in Chennai. In Vizag, it is coming up in Madurawada, and in Kolkata, in Uttarpara. The project, which involves an investment of Rs 850 crore, is being funded largely by private equity and will be completed within next 24 to 30 months.

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Friday, November 27, 2009

Tatas, L&T in race for Bangalore high-speed rail project


The Karnataka government will soon select a consortium bidder for the 35-km high-speed rail transport between Bangalore International Airport at Devanahalli and the city centre, a top official said here today.

The cost of the project is estimated at Rs 5,767 crore.

"We have short-listed five consortia for the project and one of them will be selected in the next 15 days to execute the project under the public private partnership (PPP) model," V Madhu, principal secretary, infrastructure development department, government of Karnataka told reporters on the margins of a trade fair.

The five consortia are led by ADAG, Tata, L&T, ICM and Lanco. Out of the total project cost, Rs 1,040 crore will be the share of the Central government as viability gap fund and Rs 532 crore by the state government as the cost of the land.

"The state government will acquire the land for the project. The balance funds will be invested by the selected consortium," Madhu said at a special session on Karnataka: infrastructure development agenda and investment opportunities at Excon 2009, an international exhibition on construction equipment and construction technology fair.

Madhu said though the Central government had cleared the project in principle after it was vetted by the empowered committee, it needs to be cleared by the finance ministry. The financial tenders will be issued after that and 75 days time will be given for them to respond. Financial closure will be achieved by May next year, he said.

A special purpose vehicle (SPV) will be set up to execute the project and decide on the required equity.

During the 30-year term of the project, he said the state government will explore the possibility of taking a stake in the SPV in the form a golden share.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation managing director E Sreedharan had prepared the detailed project report (DPR) for the rail link in 2007.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Grohe launches tech centre in City

Grohe AG, one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of sanitary fittings, on Saturday, announced the launch of Grohe Technology Centre in the City.


Inaugurated by Water Resources Minister Basavraj Bommai, the centre is primarily designed to provide visitors with a first-hand experience of the Grohe product range. The range offers water saving solutions comprising faucets, showers and kitchen mixtures, highlighting the brand’s commitment towards water conservation.

Briefing reporters, Grohe Vice President & Managing Director Mathew Job said “we see a lot of potential here as Bangalore is one of the fastest growing markets in the country and the consumer is exposed to international trends.”

He said the estimated market size for sanitary fittings in the country is Rs 2,000 crore, and the company targeted a Rs 400 crore business here by 2012. The company plans to investment Rs 15 crore annually, and launch three more technology centres in the country by the year 2010.

It recently launched an academy in collaboration with Don Bosco school in Mumbai called ‘Don Bosco Grohe Jal Academy’ to train the underprivileged with skills to become plumbers. The showers are priced in the range of Rs 800 to Rs 5 lakh.

Metro Reach-1 will be ready by December next year


The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) on Friday said it was on track to complete the 8-km stretch (Reach-1) from Baiyappanahalli to Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium by December 2010.

FKCCI President J Crasta (right), BMRCL Managing Director N Sivasailam , FKCCI Urban Services and Utilities Chairman Capt M M Harish at a meeting in Bangalore on  Friday. DH photo Addressing members of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) here, Managing director of BMRCL, N Sivasailam, said: “The opening of the first line is a very feasible option. It is most likely to happen. We are on track.”

Admitting that the award of underground (UG) tenders has suffered a delay, Sivasailam said the UG tender package would be rebid and awarded in three-month time. “However, we will open the line on the Northern stretch anytime between June and September 2011 and the Southern stretch between September 2011 and January 2012”

Contract

The BMRCL also announced that a contract has been signed with Johnson to supply 176 lifts to stations of Bangalore Metro at a cost of Rs 120 crore.

Sivasailam further added that elevated stations will only have passenger space and there will be no room for merchandising. “Five per cent of our revenue is expected from sources other than fares, such as advertising. At the moment, our priority is to get the Metro running. It is better to test the market after the trains run” he said.

Afforestation


On a query from FKCCI members, Sivasailam said the BMRCL has begun an afforestation drive on 300 acres of land in the Tippagondanahalli catchment area. “Despite trees being cut, 90 per cent of them will be back, after project construction is done” he assured.
The BMRCL also announced that it was working with BBMP to offer option of Transfer of Development Rights in lieu of a rehabilitation package for land losers.

Source : deccanherald

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Ravina Media
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Ravina Consulting
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raghav@ravinaconsulting.com
www.twitter.com/bangalorenews

Centre’s aid for 8 projects in Karnataka

The Union water resources ministry has approved a Rs 2,019-crore assistance for eight major irrigation projects in Karnataka, involving construction of new canals and faster completion of pending works.


Karnataka Water Resources Minister Basavaraj Bommai, who met Union Water Resources Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal here on Friday, told reporters that the Centre had approved financial assistance for the projects under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) and the Prime Minister’s Special Package for farmer suicide-prone districts.

The projects are: phase III in stage I of Upper Krishna Project, Bhima Lift Irrigation Scheme, Guddadamallapur Lift Irrigation Scheme, UKP stage II, Ghataprabha Project stage III, Karanja Project and Malaprabha Project.

Bommai said the minister informed him that his ministry had written to the Planning Commission to enhance the financial allocation under the AIBP project from the existing Rs 500 crore to Rs 1,000 crore.

He also disclosed that the Union ministry of environment had cleared the Upper Bhadra Project, conceived to utilise 23 tmc feet of water from the Tunga and Bhadra reservoirs for irrigation and drinking water requirement of drought-prone areas of Chitradurga, Tumkur and Kolar districts.

As the total project cost is over Rs 5,900 crore, the State government has requested the Central government to consider this as a national project and allocate more funds, the minister said.

More funds

Meanwhile, the State government has requested the Centre to allocate more funds to repair canals in flood-hit districts. It was estimated that due to the recent floods, a total Rs 233.80 crore worth of irrigation infrastructure were damaged, including breach of several canals. As the existing Calamity Relief Fund does not have a provision to provide funds to repair damaged canals, the State government requested the Centre to allocate separate funds for the work.

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Ravina Media
Media &PR Division of

Ravina Consulting
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raghav@ravinaconsulting.com
www.twitter.com/bangalorenews

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Rainwater Harvesting by BBMP

The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), which has completed installing rainwater harvesting system in 16 of its buildings in the first phase, has called for tenders for rainwater harvesting structures in another 16 of its offices in the city.

The Rs 65 lakh project is expected to save nearly 1.2 crore litres of water every day in the future.

The Palike intends to complete the projects by April 2010. “We are targeting all the BBMP buildings in the city including hospitals, schools and ward offices for rain water harvesting for our internal use,” informed a Palike official.

In all, over 300 BBMP buildings are currently being targeted by the officials for rainwater harvesting. Palike officials said that the 16 buildings that already have RWH mechanism will save 1.2 crore litres of rainwaterper day.

“In the second phase Palike head office, the Council building and the IPP centre will be taken up for rain water harvesting,” said the official.

The Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology, consultants to the project, has provided the feasibility report. Officials state that the third phase of rainwater harvesting, as in the previous phases, will have the same number of buildings and cost around Rs 65 lakh.

Solar power

On the other hand, the BBMP still awaits for the Government to approve two projects of installing solar panel systems to generate electricity for their internal use.
The projects were to establish the Grid connect Solar PV Systems at the BBMP Main Building and the Council Building in the same vicinity. The project was to cost Rs 2.25 crore in total to install the system.

“While solar energy will be eco-friendly and cut down on our electricity consumption in conventional terms, the capital cost is on the higher side,” opined the official.
According to the officials, the project has been approved in-principle but is yet to be approved on paper.

The Horticulture Department in the meantime has decided to create at least a 1,000 recharge pits for water percolation in the parks under its
jurisdiction.

Source : deccanherald.com

Ravina Media
Media &PR Division of

Ravina Consulting
No.429 Mahavir Tuscan
Near Hoodi Circle, Whitefield
Mahadevapura Post
BANGALORE 560048

raghav@ravinaconsulting.com
www.twitter.com/bangalorenews

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Twitter users meet Shashi Tharoor


This was the moment tweeple (people who use twitter) were waiting for - a meeting with poster boy Shashi Tharoor.


There was no proverbial ice to be broken during the tweetup (meeting of tweeple) at the Bangalore International Centre. No sooner had the minister of state for external affairs finished his introduction on how he got tweeting than questions gushed in torrents -- from whether he had become a Twitter addict to problems of dealing with the Left Front government in his constitutency.

He had the audience in splits as he described his adventures on the social networking platform. Stating that the cattle-class row did a lot of damage, he said, "I was called to defend Twitter on TV and explain what Twitter was to the Prime Minister. Some even advised me to give it up for the sake of my political career."

Why did he persist? "I am not revealing any state secrets. I see this is as a tool to demystify the process of governance. It brings in an element of transparency and accountability." One overzealous suggestion was that tweeting be made compulsory for all ministers. Tharoor quipped: "I shouldn't be the one to do that."

On the transition from diplomacy to politics: "I am here for the long haul. We are all here with a mission, to serve the society. When we leave, it should be a better place."

At one point, it seemed the roles had reversed: Tharoor was the listener. The audience, comprising mostly computer professionals generously offered suggestions on how his ministry could be made more transparent and interactive by using technology. But it's evident there is a long way to go, as Tharoor said, "Twitter is banned in the MEA."

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Thursday, November 5, 2009

SKF unveils its Global Testing Centre in Bangalore

SKF, a leading global supplier in areas of bearings, seals, mechatronics, services and lubrication systems, today inaugurated its India Global Testing Centre here.


Unveiling the new Testing Centre, Tom Johnstone- Group President and CEO, SKF told reporters "we are putting in place in India a knowledge infrastructure that will significantly reduce lead time for our customers and ensure we are able to respond speedily to the requirements for new products".

The main objective, Johnstone said, will be to conduct testing at close proximity to its customers for design process and supplier validation. This shall entail greater support for SKF's processes in a faster and cost effective manner by applying global test standards that adapt to local customer specific requirements.

The Global Testing Centre at the onset will cater to the two wheeler, automotive and sealing solutions businesses of SKF and will subsequently expanded to to encompass the industrial segment as well. The Centre will also cater to teting value added solutions that integrate SKF's five technology platforms.

"The Rs 10 crore Testing Centre is the first phase of the Global Technical Centre comprising the Testing Centre, Laboratory and Development Centre involving a total investment of Rs 30 crore and an overall employee strength of 100-130", he said.

Source : PTI

Bullet Train to link Bangalore - Chennai


Japanese investors have shown a keen interest in introducing a bullet train connecting Chennai and Mysore via Bangalore under a public private partnership model, besides setting up a Japanese industrial park on a 1,000-acre land in Tumkur.

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has given the approval in principle to the proposal put forth by the representatives of the Japanese External Trade Organisation (JETRO). JETRO representatives held a meeting with the chief minister in this regard on Wednesday.

However, it is not clear which Japanese companies were interested in taking up the train project, its estimated cost, the State Government’s role in it and other details. Official sources said the plan was still in its preliminary stage. JETRO, sources said, has already conducted a survey and found the Chennai-Mysore route very viable for investment.

The Union government is seriously considering developing the Chennai-Mumbai industrial corridor on the lines of the Mumbai-Delhi industrial corridor.
Moreover, Japanese car manufacturing companies Hyundai and Toyota already have their units in Chennai and Bidadi near Bangalore. Toyota has plans to set up another unit in Mysore. This will throw up lucrative business propositions as far as freight service is concerned, sources said.

55 more underpasses, flyovers on cards

Many of the projects are bound to resemble the flyover at Windsor Manor and the underpass a few yards away at the Cauvery theatre junction. The only difference would be that the BBMP is likely to reduce the usage of the controversial magic box or the pre-cast element technology to almost zero.
According to BBMP sources, the Palike has proposed to build at least 55 more underpasses and fly overs at many bottleneck areas of the City including Minerva Circle, Shoole Circle, Kasturba Road, Shivananda Circle and near Commercial street. “Already we have planned to have a steel bridge from Minerva Circle to Hudson Circle. Work would start soon at Vidyapeetha Circle where an underpass is coming up. At Shoolay Circle we may require one project.

As the Metro Rail project is underway, we do not want to add more to the chaotic traffic in the City by starting new infrastructure projects. First we would like to have a clear picture of Metro Rail to take further steps in this regard,” said a top BBMP official.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Rediff picks minority stake in Imere Tech

Imere Technologies, a Bangalore-based company has got backing from India's leading online portal, Rediff.com, both in terms of capital and as a platform.Imere brings location-awareness to applications and provides a host of comprehensive geospatial features for cutting-edge mobile and Internet location-based services. Imere's technologies work without the need for GPS on mobile phones.

On the Internet, Imere endeavors to bring high levels of user location accuracy without entirely being dependant on IP addresses.

Ajit Balakrishnan [ Images ], chairman and CEO, Rediff.com said, "Location-awareness in applications is critical for hyper-local search and local advertising besides many evolving social networking and enterprise applications. Imere's technology is very cost effective in delivering location awareness."

"The investment from Rediff will not only help us achieve our goals, but also is strategically very important for the company" said Anil Mathews, founder of Imere.

Imere uses Cell-ID, Wi-Fi, GPS, IP Addresses and proprietary algorithms in its technologies, bringing best in class location accuracy for both mobile and Internet applications.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

CM thanks donors



It’s thanksgiving time for chief minister B S Yeddyurappa. In the wake of an overwhelming response from the public that resulted in
the state government mopping up over Rs 1,000 crore for flood relief works, Yeddyurappa has thanked the people of Karnataka, Bangaloreans in particular, for their support in contributing to flood relief.

Besides the Rs 1,000 crore from the public, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has promised to give Rs 1,000 crore. State government employees have given Rs 195 crore from their dearness allowance and Rs 30 crore from a day’s salary. Pensioners have contributed Rs 80 crore.

People who wish to contribute can draw their cheque/DD in favour of ‘Calamity Relief Fund of Karnataka’ account No. 823500111002.

Source : timesofindia.com

Raghav
Sr Journalist

Ravina Media & PR

303 Motherland Complex
3rd Main 3rd Cross,
Kamanahalli
BANGALORE 560084

‘Breast Cancer Handbook’ released

A “Breast Cancer Handbook”, a guide for women in dealing with breast cancer was released by Health Care Global Enterprises Ltd, here on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion Dr BS Ajaikumar, Chairman & CEO, HCG said, “Our attempt is to spread the core message that breast cancer is not a single disease; truly it is multiple diseases behaving differently in each individual.”

According to Dr Niti Raizada, Consultant, Medical Oncology and Consultant-in-charge, Center of Breast Health & Genetic Counselling Clinic, HCG, “The challenge today is to create awareness about growing incidence of breast cancer not only in urban centres but also rural areas. With breast cancer increasingly afflicting women even in their early 40’s and in some cases even 30’s, we should strive to encourage women to visit doctors for early detection as it is the best possible remedy.”

Sharing her thoughts, Sashi Venkat, key member of the Pink Hope Breast Cancer Support Group, said “Awareness about breast cancer is minimal in India. Efforts should be made by all concerned to reach this handbook to as many women as possible and persuade them to follow it in letter and spirit.”

P B Srinivas
Sr Journalist

Ravina Media & PR

303 Motherland Complex
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Kamanahalli
BANGALORE 560084

Bangalorean wins prize in Korean contest

A cartoon submitted by Bangalore-based cartoonist, B V Panduranga Rao has won a prize in the “Free Themes” category at the 18th Deojeon International Cartoon Contest 2009 organised in the South Korean capital of Seoul.

The prize-winning cartoon shows a big pot as a globe containing a little water at the bottom, to be distributed to millions of small pots all around. This cartoon has been included in the album brought out by the organisers and will be exhibited in the Korean Gallery in Seoul.

Rao is a former president of the Karnataka Cartoonists Association. His cartoons have been exhibited in Israel, Taiwan, Russia, Serbia, Croatia, Turkey, Cyprus, Portugal and Switzerland.

Source : deccanherald.com

Ravina Media & PR

303 Motherland Complex
3rd Main 3rd Cross,
Kamanahalli
BANGALORE 560084

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Cisco will build 4,000 houses at a cost of $10 million

Bengaluru
Oct. 22: When it pours… Flood victims in the under-developed north must place their faith in a state government turning increasingly to corporates to rebuild homes and infrastructure in Karnataka’s 16 flood ravaged districts.

Kicking off the launch on Thursday with the B.S. Yeddyurappa government on their new initiative Aasare or shelter was Cisco, which became the first multinational to sign on to the new public-private partnership programme.

Cisco will build 4,000 houses at a cost of $10 million. It will also set up two schools and provide healthcare software as part of a plan to introduce a telemedicine facility in the northern districts where floods destroyed the existing facilities.

Under the Aasare programme, the government will identify land on which the corporates will build houses for flood victims, a tired looking Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa said, clearly signaling that he intends to get moving on the issue.

Appreciating Cisco’s gesture, Mr Yeddyurappa lauded the company “for exhibiting its corporate social responsibility,” and praised it “as a model for other companies to follow.” Last count, the chief minister’s kitty was overflowing. Rs 500 crore. Is there more coming?

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Discover Darwin Now - exhibition opens in Bangalore

''A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life,'' so said Father of Evolution — Charles Robert Darwin. Feteing the bicentennial birth anniversary of the celebrated English naturalist and founding father of controversial Origin of Species theory, country’s Science City, is hosting a 15-day long Darwin Now Exhibition.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, British Library Manager Charu Sapra, said the idea behind bringing the globally travelling fair to India’s Silicon City was to inculcate an interest, and kindle a revival of scientific spirit, not only among City’s young adults, but equally among its larger highly erudite diaspora.



Darwin Now, she said, is a stunning exhibition created by British Council to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his book ‘On the Origin of Species’.

The exhibition explores the origins of Darwin’s book, outlines his central ideas and explains how those ideas are as important to us today as they were when they were first published.

Yes, nearly, 150 years ago — One man, and one book, came to symbolise the new biology of evolution, whose seminal study on the workings of nature and the variety of life re-imagined the ways that underlie all modern biology.


Further, Sapra said, the educative fair is aimed at walking students of various schools and colleges, as also others keen on pursuing science, through different facets of the scientist and the thesis he propounded and indirectly help in catalysing science education in the portals of various education in India and world.

The exhibits, with attractively designed posters seek to address Who was Charles Darwin? Why was he so controversial? Why is he still relevant today? and help explore his exciting world through interactive materials as people go through the discover Darwin now programme.
It explores the origins of Darwin’s book, outlines his central ideas, and explains how they remain at the core of contemporary research in biology and medicine till date.

Darwin Now is an international programme which investigates evolutionary theory and the influence that Darwin has made on our society, Sapra pointed out. As British Council Director Science Dr Lloyd Anderson succinctly put it: the Darwin Now exhibition is both colourful and interactive, to be enjoyed by children and adults. Each panel tells its own story. These activities are designed for teachers and facilitators to help students to look at the world around them and to see how Darwin’s legacy lives on today.

While first leg of the exhibition is at The Forum, Hosur Road till October 26, the second leg shifts to Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, T Chowdiah Road and will be on till November 2, 2009, Sapra said.
Darwin Now Exhibition Caravan, she said, will then chug on to Ahmedabad, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, right through the year into the New Year. Yes, celebrate life, evolution and discover Darwin Now.

Source : deccanherald.com