ADVANTAGE KARNATAKA MAGAZINE JUNE 2018

June 2018 | Vol 4 | Issue 3

www.advantagekarnataka.in

Wellness Swells India Innovation Summit from July 12

ADVANTAGE KARNATAKA

Content

5 CII Innovation Summit 2018 from July 12 6 Wellness Swells

12 Providing Lubrication Solutions for Technologies of Future 14 Bosch Gives Bullish Outlook with Double-Digit Growth 16 Dedicated To Perfecting Construction 18 Building on the Strength of Diversity 21 MEA Brings Changes to Passport Rules 22 Manifestation of Spirituality 25 ELCINA SES 2018 in July 26 AASSC Launches Skill Development Programs 28 The Brand-New Identity of Senior Care 30 How about being ‘Super at Sixty’?

33 IISc in Global Rankings 34 Karwar Amidst the Sun and Sand 36 BEL Reports 14% Turnover Growth 38 Dodging Bangalore’s Traffic in Style 41 Titan Aviation Goes Global with New AOCS 42 Automobile 47 Sports 48 Royal Silk of Mysore

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ADVANTAGE KARNATAKA

CII Innovation Summit 2018 from July 12

June 2018 | Vol 4 | Issue 3

www.advantagekarnataka.in

Wellness Swells India Innovation Summit from July 12

EDITORIAL Epochal Transition into Bountiful Vistas

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espite a fragmented mandate that dramatically changed the contours of coalition politics in the State, Karnataka has once again emerged a game changer in the epochal zeitgeist, the spirit of the times, realpolitik alliances

that would determine the fate of Indian democracy and the nation itself. This land of unequalled possibilities has rebound into international limelight as a paragon of civility, culture, political grit and stable governance. Karnataka’s utterly resplendent in its glory!

A new government can signify a phenomenal transition, a paradigm shift, a transformative change, a sweeping revolution. This is the time to reaffirm our Editorial Advisory Board

commitment to enduring values, setting priorities, redefining vision statements and policy initiatives, identifying thrust areas and grand challenges, elucidating strategies

Dr. C.G. Krishnadas Nair

accentuating agenda for good governance. We can gain a positive momentum by

Dr. D. S. Ashwath IAS (Retd)

choosing unity of purpose over conflict and discord, clarity in our aims, responsibility

Shri. Ivan Nigli Ex. MLA

in our actions, civility in our attitudes even when we differ. It takes magnanimity and

Maj Neil Castelino (Retd) Sunny Jerome Managing Editor Preethi M Associate Editor Trivandrum S.Radhakrishnan Email: mailradhakrishnan@gmail.com Anantha Narayanan K Subeditor

true statesmanship to reach out, build bridges between different sectors and diverse interests.

A people-centric administration would ensure accessibility, transparency and accountability. The highly exalted and widely extolled Karnataka Model of development and growth has evolved over the years with clear roadmaps for plotting the future and credible modalities of inclusion, innovation and enterprise for building an equitable dispensation.

In terms of fiscal robustness, outlays, revenue surplus and different facets of the economy and growth parameters Karnataka has an outstanding profile. Indisputably, it is the industrial, technological powerhouse of India. By any benchmark, the State excels in all vital counts of social progress, inclusive growth and development. The advantages, natural resources, benevolent endowments and attributes, characteristic

David Barnabhas Design

traits and hallmarks, boons and blessings of heritage and culture that enrich the

For Publishing Articles & Advertisements

manifold manifestations of excellence in public affairs should reflect on the quality

glorious saga that is Karnataka are incredibly innumerable. Such multifarious and of life of the common man across the urban-rural divide.We are delighted to note positive signs of the political vision that’s being unfolded in the State. While the Chief

Email : editor@advantagekarnataka.in Tel : +91 9449061925 / 080 25604055.

Email : info@advantagekarnataka.in Tel : + 91 94805 51925 / 080 25604055. www. advantagekarnataka.in

Minister H.D. Kurmaraswamy has already announced certain administrative measures to infuse confidence in public mind, more definitive strategies, schemes, pathbreaking initiatives and policy reforms are needed for building credibility.

Advantage Karnataka wholeheartedly joins the celebration of a new bountiful era of great dreams and promises!

Edited, Printed & Published by Sunny Jerome, Managing Editor, ADVANTAGE KARNATAKA,Aerosun Media Pvt. Ltd., B-2, SAPPHIRE, 1st, Block, 3rd Cross, Prakruthi Township, Babusapalya, Kalyan Nagar, Bangalore - 560113.

Printed at Rashtrotthana Mudranalaya, 19/1, K.G. Nagar, Bangalore - 19

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Summit Highlights • High Profile Speakers • International Participation • CII-3M Student Challenge • Exhibition to Showcase Innovation • Breakout Sessions, Workshops, Hackathon

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onfederation of Indian Industry (CII) is organising its annual event India Innovation Summit 2018 on July 12- 13 at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Peenya. The theme of the fourteenth summit is “India.

AI – Driving the future for the world”.

The India Innovation Summit, which is the flagship national event of CII in Bangalore, will provide an ideal platform for Indian Industry to study and understand the various flavours of innovation across all verticals of the Industry and drive the essential role of innovation in business success for the nation in the digital era. It is also a platform to engage and drive the innovation led growth strategies from India for global markets.

The theme “India.AI – Driving the future for the world” is very relevant and timely for India, from a national economic and a human capital development perspective. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

solutions are proliferating in all walks of life - it touches us as consumers, when we search for information, buy ordinary things or services, or interact with others; machine-intelligence influences the way enterprises connect and engage with their customers, optimize their supply chain, or manufacture goods.

Besides the two-day conference, CII will also be organising an exhibition to provide an experiential understanding and a display of technological innovations by various Research and Industry partners. The pavilions would cover the spectrum of innovation, representing the macro and micro level of creativity and entrepreneurial zeal.

The highlights of the summit include high profile speakers, international participation, CII-3M student challenge, breakout sessions, workshops, hackathons etc. The summit will have participation from Union Ministries and State Government departments. CII is

expecting participation of over 1000-1500 delegates from spheres of industry in the summit.

The summit will have sessions on various topics including ‘Learning with Machines’ that will discuss trends in AI/ ML and impact on learning systems – Robo-teachers, curated but synthetic content and personalised learning paths.

Another session ‘Drivers are Us’ will cover autonomous modes of transportation, self-driving cars and assisted driver systems.

‘Machines at work – Jobs of future’ will discuss the role of human labour, expertise and judgement in blended workforce of different industries. ‘Mining Digital Gold – A matter of trust’ will discuss the role of trusted third-party systems in the era of AI/ML – Crypto currency, Smart contracts etc.

There will be a session on healthcare delivery with robots and AI agents – Nursing, Clinical processes, Surgery, Diagnostics, Medical devices etc. The session ‘Machines Day Out’ will address consumer commerce driven by bots and the rise of social influence networks in social quality of life.

On day one of the summit, there will be workshop on Introduction to AI and Image Recognition Neural Networks. It is designed to give the participants an overview of Artificial Intelligence and its subdomain Machine Learning and handson experience with neural network to do image recognition. On the second day, the workshop will be on ‘Design Matters- Experience Design Thinking

by Attempting a Challenge. It will give the participants practical experience in Design Thinking.

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Wellness Swells

George Jacoby

Karnataka is thriving on the niche tourism segment of Wellness, with a surge in the number of seekers for spiritual healing, holistic mind-bodyspirit harmony, alternative therapies for rejuvenation and balance, detox regimen, and lifestyle transformation

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arnataka has emerged as a preferred hub for wellness tourism in the country, with a sharp rise – almost 25 per cent annually – in the number of tourists looking for spiritual healing, holistic mind-bodyspirit harmony, alternative modalities and integrated, indigenous, traditional therapies for rejuvenation and balance, detox regimen, and lifestyle transformation.

When Mysuru was listed as

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the fourth-best destination among the top 31 places to visit by the New York Times, Karnataka State Tourism Department turned its attention on promoting wellness tourism in the region.

Mysuru, Udupi, Nanjangud, Gokarna and Bijapur have developed as wellness destinations even as worldclass, high-end Ayurvedic health resorts, luxury spas and magnificent Yoga-meditation and New Age Spirituality ashrams mushroomed around Bengaluru.

The National Medical and Wellness Tourism Promotion Board was set up under the Indian Ministry of Tourism to streamline and standardise the niche travel segment.

The Ministry of Tourism has drafted a guideline for promotion of Wellness Tourism as Niche Tourism Product, addressing issues regarding capacity building for the service providers, accreditation of wellness centres by National Board for

Accreditation of Hospitals & Healthcare Services (NABH) in consultation with AYUSH, and Market Development Assistance scheme. The government took the initiative to standardise the cost of wellness services in the country through a centralised web portal so that people who come to India seeking wellness and rejuvenation are not exploited or defrauded by anyone.

Travel industry’s reliance on seasonality and vagaries of a global economic climate can be overcome by promoting health and wellness tourism.

Karnataka’s established tourism infrastructure, with its capacity to support worldclass hospitality services, offers the best platform for this key segment.

According to spiritual texts, the human being is made up of five sheaths (panchamaya kosha) with the physical body (annamayakosha or food sheath), as the most immediate and grossest

sheath. The others in a scale of ascending subtlety include the pranamayakosha (the life force sheath), the manomayakosha (the mind sheath), the vijnanamayokosha (wisdom sheath), and finally the anandamayokosha (bliss sheath). Before an ailment or disorder affects our physical body, it first affects the more subtle bodies. For complete wellness, we need to heal all these sheaths beginning with the most subtle one.

We need to heal the body, mind and spirit. Operating from this awareness is what distinguishes the integrated healing model.

Spiritual dimension has to be included in healthcare.

While modern medicine has countered several diseases, it has ignored the cause of the ailment, often to be found in the mental or spiritual sheaths. More research is now proving that as much as 80 per cent of disorders are psychosomatic in nature. The most significant aspect of the

integrative approach is that it treats the patient as a whole person, instead of looking at him as just a damaged liver or a bunch of malignant cells.

Holistic healing provides a more systematic attention to the body-mind-spirit spectrum. Most indigenous healing modalities are in

tune with nature, ecosystem and the true needs of the human body. Diseases turn chronic because the underlying cause is not addressed. For the problem to be terminated completely from the being, one needs therapies that work at all the levels – physical, mental

and emotional – to heal the suppressed emotion. Once the root cause is removed, the symptoms disappear.

On offer are a wide range of wellness regimes as prescribed by traditional healers who provide the right combination of therapy, diet, yoga exercise and

meditation to help coax out one’s inherent need to heal, cleanse, relax and feel alive in conscious harmony with oneself. Qualified Ayurvedic physicians and therapists can determine the energy constitution that establishes one’s body type and gently guide

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one in the transcendental journey towards good health, inner equilibrium and emotional well-being.

Health truly becomes a dynamic expression of life.

An integrated approach to wellness and health care leads to a synthesis, fusion of modern medicine with alternative therapies and non-conventional remedies, giving rise to a system that will treat each patient holistically and uniquely. It is based on the principles of integrative medicine, combining the medical model of conventional Western medicine with alternative therapies such as yoga, mindfulness, meditation, and Ayurveda.

Here, then are some of the most celebrated wellness centres, spiritual sanctuaries and health resorts in Karnataka that redefine the concept of Wellness Tourism.

AyurvedaGram AyurvedaGram Heritage Wellness Retreat, at Hemandanahalli, Whitefield, evokes a unique ambience of traditional royal households and classic heritage homesteads of Kerala, with centuries-old architectural structures of famed Nalukettu, Kovilakam, Mana and Illam featuring solid woodwork

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and distinct ethnic decor transplanted intact block by block from their original locale to the splendid settings of this nine-acre lush green sanctuary subtly scented by more than 200 species of rare medicinal herbs. Authentic Kerala Ayurveda treatments and rejuvenation programmes along with time-honoured diagnostic methods including pulse diagnosis, conventional therapies, effective herbal medicines from Kerala, customised Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation, and balanced vegetarian diet as per the classical Ayurveda scriptures are the core attributes that make AyurvedaGram an internationally acclaimed wellness retreat.

A wide range of traditional therapies – Abhyanga, Elakizhi, Greeva Vasti, Lepam, Kati Vasti, Gandusha, Shirovasti, Njavarakizhi, Herbal steam bath, Nasya, Kabalam, Pichu, Pizhichil, Kaadi Dhara, Shirodhara, Netra tarpana, Kashaya Vasti, Upanaham, Ksheera Dhoomam, Udwarthanam, Podikizhi, Ksheera Dhara, Takradhara, Head and Face Massage – and herbal medicines are used to balance the bodily principles and to integrate body, mind and spirit.

Apart from regular treatment for routine ailments

as well as chronic diseases, AyurvedaGram also offers a host of specialised therapeutic treatments to maintain good health. Ayurvedic therapeutic programs are directed towards curing not just the symptoms of the disease, but the basic health problems or imbalances. These treatments primarily help to eliminate the excessively accumulated toxins, which are the root cause of various disorders and ailments afflicting the human body, and also boost the body’s internal immune system to fight such accumulations.

The treatments are generally designed for a duration of 7/14/21 days, but they can be varied according to the specific requirements of an individual.

Therapies for weight loss, spine and joint care, old age care, rejuvenation, stress management and lifestyle disease management are popular.

Art of Living Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has inspired millions around the world, crossing the boundaries of race, nationality and religion, with his beatific spiritual vision of a stressfree, violence-free world, and a unique brand of Yoga, Meditation and Awareness

known as the Art of Living that offers techniques and tools to live a deeper, more joyous life. The Art of Living International Centre, located in the outskirts of Bengaluru city, at Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth, Udayapura, is renowned for its Happiness Program of Yoga and Meditation, featuring practical tools like Sudarshan Kriya, Sri Sri Yoga and Sahaj Samadhi.

The Happiness Program is a powerful yet simple rhythmic breathing technique that incorporates specific natural rhythms of the breath, harmonising the body, mind and emotions. It helps eliminate stress, fatigue and negative emotions such as anger, frustration and depression, leaving the mind calm, focused and the body energised, completely relaxed.

Sudarshan Kriya harmonises the rhythms of the body, emotions and puts them back in tune with the rhythms of nature. Being in rhythm, we feel good about ourselves, love flows naturally in all relationships.

Designed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for the well-being of the body while nurturing the mind and spirit, Sri Sri Yoga Programs combine breathing techniques, stretching, yoga postures, meditation, relaxation, and yogic

knowledge. One moves from a basic level to an advanced level in a four-day vacation in a serene retreat setting.

Advanced yoga poses and breathing techniques, along with Subtle Strengthening and Healing Contractions, are designed to detox the body and de-stress the mind.

Sahaj Samadhi Meditation is a natural, effortless system of meditation that helps alleviate stress-related problems. The participant is taught to use a simple sound mentally which allows the mind to settle down and go within. When the mind and nervous system are allowed to repose a few moments in the profound silence, the blocks that clog the system and our progress gradually dissolve.

It deeply relaxes the mind and rejuvenates the system.

Started by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to serve as a specialty centre of ancient Indian healing traditions, Sri Sri Ayurveda Panchakarma offers alternative cleansing therapies from around the world at the sprawling Art of

Living campus in Kanakapura, Bengaluru. Rigorous detoxification, therapeutic massages, personalised diet and exercise programmes contribute towards building a lifestyle changing experience.

The Wellness Centre offers Nadi Pareeksha, which is an ancient Ayurvedic technique of pulse-based diagnosis.

Soukya International Holistic Centre Soukya International Holistic Centre, set on a 30-acre scented orchards, herbal gardens, and organic farm at Samethanahalli, Whitefield, is a world-class, purposebuilt holistic, integrative therapy and treatment health resort developed

by Dr Issac Mathai, one of India’s leading holistic health experts. It offers an extensive range of medical and complementary treatments, including Ayurveda, homeopathy, naturopathy, yoga, acupuncture, reflexology, acupressure and modern psychotherapy for de-addiction and

stress management.

Soukya denotes welfare and wellness along with a stable peace of mind, body, and spirit; it aims to restore the natural balance of one’s body, mind, and soul through a synergy of both ancient and modern medical techniques.

It blends the holistic selfhealing therapies practised under Kerala Ayurveda with the rejuvenating power of Yoga, Meditation therapy and herbal Ayurveda diet. Soukya Spa and Ayurveda Centre are popular with international and domestic guests for their luxurious comforts and personalised service.

Beyond the physical fixing, there’s a palpable spiritual depth here, and guests leave feeling uplifted and more able to cope with the pressures of everyday life.

The place brims with natural beauty: lush greenery, vibrant flowers and organic vegetable and herb gardens. Here, a doctor listens to your entire health history, taking note of personality, emotional state and every niggling ailment,

prescribing a bespoke combination of natural therapies including Ayurvedic massage, reflexology, basic yogic exercises and meditation as the remedy.

SwaSwara The name SwaSwara, a combo of Sanskrit words for ‘self’ and ‘sound’, implies inner voice, and the emphasis is on natural harmony, refocusing, and recalibrating the self – a holistic experience and transformation. The secluded cliff-top perch, a 26-acre CGH Earth property overlooking Om Beach, Donibhail, at Gokarna on the Arabian Sea, primarily offers yoga combined with meditation on the beach – besides Hatha and Isha Yoga, exotic versions like laughter yoga and art yoga too are available – and Ayurvedic and Naturopathy treatments.

The setting for a majority of the yoga sessions is the large air-conditioned circular meditation hut at the heart of the property, but for intermediate-level classes,

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the naturally cooled yoga deck near the beach is used.

SwaSwara has combined yoga with meditation, Ayurveda and naturopathy to create five different programmes; packages are available for up to 21 nights. You get to stay in one of 24 self-contained Konkan villas made of local laterite stone and thatch with open-to-sky bathrooms. While the meals are comprised of freshly caught seafood and vegetables and fruits from the organic garden, the resort serves Indian wines too. With the Artists in Residence programme, professional artists share their skills with the guests, making healing and creativity.

Pyramid Valley The magnificent Maitreya Buddha Pyramid, set amid natural rocks, verdant hills, lush green coconut groves and water bodies, is the world’s largest pyramid built solely for practising intensive meditation. It embodies the prophetic vision of Brahmarshi Patriji, a great spiritual master and exponent of the Pyramid Energy, New Age spirituality, mediation and vegetarianism.

Pyramid Valley is located at Kebbedoddi Village, Harohalli Hobli, on Kanakapura Road, 35 kms south of Bengaluru.

Brahmarshi Patriji, the founder of the Pyramid Spiritual Societies Movement, set up the Maitreya Buddha Vishwalayam, the International Meditational University at the Pyramid Valley as a place for seekers to encounter the experiences of the world spiritual masters and develop a holistic approach to life and learning.

The central attraction of the 26-acre campus is the 102feet high Maitreya Buddha Pyramid, constructed on the principles of Giza Pyramid,

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oriented exactly in the NorthSouth direction, having the golden angle of inclination at 51° 50’ and the high energy King’s Chamber located at the centre at one-third the height of the Pyramid.

It can accommodate over 5,000 people for meditation.

Hundreds of people visit the Valley regularly, to meditate in this high energy Pyramid.

Osho and Rampa Hill-top Viewpoint Pyramids, Milarepa Akhanda Dhyana Prangana, Adi Shakti Dhyana Kshetra, the hill top Tapastali meant exclusively for intense meditation in Nature, the Star Light Room Block, Meditation Lab, Kabir Bhavan Wisdom Centre, Pagoda cottages, Art Gallery with Buddhist Themes and Spiritual Science Library are some of the other attractions in the Valley Shreyas Yoga Retreat A niche boutique resort and luxury ashram, Shreyas Yoga Retreat, located 35 km from Bengaluru Junction railway station at Santoshima Farm, Gollahalli Gate, Nelamangala, is dedicated to promoting the authentic spiritual tradition of Yoga in a holistic manner. Yoga is taught in traditional ashram style with meditation sessions, chanting classes, vegetarian

cuisine and community service, while the guests live in a luxurious environment in 12 cottages spread over 25 acres of landscaped greenery, water bodies and organic gardens, without the austerity and rigour usually associated with the ashrams.

Ashtranga Yoga and Hatha Yoga retreats, Ayurveda rejuvenation therapy and Wellness for the soul packages, silent retreats, Panchakarma, Naturopathy, Detox process of aiding one to cleanse from inside out and holistic way of living – all are meant as aid on a spiritual path of selfdiscovery. Different facets of Yoga are practised along with pranayama and pratyahara (withdrawal of sensory inputs).

Anaha Spa offers effective therapies and massages to rejuvenate the body and remove toxins. Nourishing vegetarian food with ingredients from the organic garden helps detoxify and heal the body. Guests cherish the positive energy of nature.

Community service is to experience the joy of giving.

Dhamma Paphulla Dhamma Paphulla, meaning ‘Cheerfulness of Dhamma,’ is the most revered, authentic centre of Vipassana

Meditation in the country.

Set in a 10-acre tranquil area, with farmland on one side and forest on another side, at Alur village in Bengaluru North Taluk. This centre is dedicated to the practice of Vipassana meditation as taught by S.N. Goenka in the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin of Myanmar. Vipassana, which means “to see things as they really are,” is one of India’s most ancient techniques of meditation. It is a way of self-transformation through self-observation. It focuses on the deep interconnection between mind and body. It is this observation-based, self-exploratory journey to the common root of mind and body that dissolves mental impurity, resulting in a balanced mind full of love and compassion.

Vipassana meditation is taught as a ten-day residential course under a strict code of discipline.

This period has been found to be the minimum necessary for new students to understand the technique.

There is no fee charged for the course. All expenses, including the cost of food and accommodation, are met by voluntary donations from those who have already completed courses,

experienced the benefits of Vipassana and wish to give others the same experience.

AyurVAID Hospitals Highlighting diagnosis and treatment of the root-cause of serious diseases across major medical specialties, AyurVAID Hospitals, the biggest chain of Ayurveda hospitals in India, has in-patient facilities in Domlur and Ramamurthy Nagar, and day-care Panchakarma treatment centres in Jayanagar and JP Nagar in Bengaluru. AyurVAID is India’s first Ayurveda hospital to be accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers.

AyurVAID specialities include arthritis, diabetes, eyes and ENT, gastrointestinal, Parkinson’s, spondylosis, skin conditions and women’s health problems.

Panchakarma, the most definitive mind-bodyspirit healing therapy in Ayurveda Science and Medicine for purifying the body, strengthening the immune system restoring balance and wellbeing and re-connecting with one’s soul, is a major attraction here. Abhyangam herbal oil massage for stimulating vital points, Shirodhara in which medicated liquids are

poured in streams over the head, Vamana, therapeutic vomiting which is a medicated emesis for dislodging toxins from the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract etc. are among the popular treatments and procedures that make AyurVAID truly distinct.

Ashtanga Yoga Institute Founded by the legendary yoga guru K Pattabhi Jois, who taught Pop star Madonna, rock icon Sting and Hollywood actor Gwyneth Paltrow their yoga moves, Ashtanga Yoga Institute, Mysuru, draws hundreds of disciples, including foreigners, who wish to undergo structured training in yoga from authentic instructors.

Ashtanga Yoga is an ancient system of Yoga. According to the traditional lore, the sacred version was imparted to T. Krishnamacharya in the early 1900s by his Guru Rama Mohan Brahmachari, and was later passed down to Pattabhi Jois. Over seven decades he continued his dedicated teaching of this system of yoga, and at the age of 93, Pattabhi Jois passed away at home in Mysore on May 18, 2009.

His daughter Saraswathi and grandson Sharath have been keeping the legacy alive.

Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre Promoting a Vedic way of a healthy and peaceful living through Ayurveda, Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre, situated on the lap of Chamundi Hills in Mysuru, was started by a doctor who, after failing to find a cure for his illness in modern medicine, turned to Ayurveda and yoga instead. Along with Ayurvedic treatments for various ailments, from acne, diabetes, digestive disorders, disc herniation, fibromyalgia, hypothyroidism, psoriasis, obesity, to polycystic ovary syndrome, the Centre provides therapeutic Yoga for personal growth and wellbeing. The focus is on rejuvenation and cure through a natural process.

Principles of Vastu, the ancient Hindu science of construction and architecture, with emphasis on the five elements – Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Ether are followed.

Angsana Oasis and Spa Angsana Oasis and Spa is managed by Singaporebased Banyan Tree and is located just outside town on the Doddaballapur Road.

It offers a variety of holistic, therapeutic and customised spa programmes. These include the Tropical Fruit

Wash for rejuvenating dry skin; the Rice Soya Buffer uses the nutritious properties of soya for smoothening skin, the Honey and Sesame Scrub to exfoliate dead skin cells, and the Fresh Coconut Scrub where skin nourishment is carried out with a combination of fresh coconut flesh, turmeric and oil. The Thai couple massage, administered by masseurs from Thailand, is a clever blend of Thai and Swedish massage techniques where strong palm strokes are used while stretching the client at various points during the session.

AyurYoga Eco-Ashram The AyurYoga Eco-Ashram is located in an 18-acre organic farm on the bank of River Kabini at Village JP Hundi, Kannenur, Hulhalli Hobli, Mysuru in Karnataka.

In a two-week Yoga Immersion Retreat, designed especially for beginners, the theory of yoga and the basics of Patanjali Yoga sutras, Asanas and Pranayamas, Ayurveda detox kriyas, and practices for balancing Chakras are taught with detailed exhibitions and instructions.

In Yoga and Art Therapy Retreat, yoga is combined with art and meditation.

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Providing Lubrication Solutions for Technologies of Future

Deepankar Banerjee CEO, ExxonMobil Lubricants Pvt. Ltd.

With the prognosis of strong economic performance for next several years, the core sectors of Indian economy like mining, infrastructure, steel, and manufacturing are expected to be on a strong growth trajectory. With increased economic activities, the automotive sector is also expected to see a steady growth. Moreover, several initiatives from government to create ease of doing business will further boost these sectors. Lubrication solution is key for a strong performance in these industries and being a leader in synthetic lubricants, ExxonMobil is very buoyant about the Indian market, says Deepankar Banerjee, CEO - ExxonMobil Lubricants Private Limited.

In an interview with Advantage Karnataka, he talks about ExxonMobil’s operations in India and views on energy efficiency. A few excerpts from the interview.

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Could you give us an overview of ExxonMobil’s operations in India? What prospects do you see in Indian market?

ExxonMobil has been at the forefront of lubricant technology innovation for more than 150 years. Today, we continue to develop new lubrication solutions for technologies of the future, by delivering an extensive range of leading technical services to help our customers optimise their maintenance programs, enhance equipment performance, and ensure safety. Being an industry leader in synthetic lubricants, we have a full range of products that are available in the automotive, commercial, and industrial business sectors. In India, we engage in the distribution, sales and marketing of Mobil-branded lubricants and offer innovative technical solutions. We cater to a plethora of industries ranging from mining, infrastructure, steel, and manufacturing present across Large and Small Enterprises.

With the prognosis of strong economic performance for next several years, the core sectors of Indian economy like mining, infrastructure, steel, and manufacturing are expected to be on a strong growth trajectory.

With increased economic activities, the automotive sector is also expected to see a steady growth. Moreover, several initiatives from government to create ease of doing business will further boost these sectors.

Lubrication solution is key for a strong performance in these industries and being a leader in synthetic lubricants, we are very buoyant about the Indian market.

How does ExxonMobil take care of the energy needs of its customers to enhance productivity? What are the range of lubricants for the same?

We have a wide range of lubricants that offer ‘energy efficiency’ and ‘advancing productivity’ benefits to our customers to enable them to grow their business and make it profitable. We cater to a wide range of industries that operate in different working conditions, hence it is imperative that our solutions are customised to meet their specific demand. Most of our products ranging from mineral to synthetic are designed to meet specific customer needs to grow their business.

One opportunity for energy conservation

that is often overlooked in industrial facilities is the technology behind the lubricant used. To bolster our commitment towards energy efficiency, we worked with CII who developed a techno-strategic document titled ‘Enhanced Energy Efficiency in Industrial Lubrication (EEEIL)’ in consultation with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in 2014. This techno-strategic report establishes that energy efficient lubricants help achieve productivity improvement and reduction in carbon emissions within the industrial sector. In the latest edition of the report released in 2016, the four case studies published centred around Mobil Lubricants and their contribution to energy efficiency. This initiative by a leading industry body closely ties with our long-term objective of creating awareness on technologically advanced lubricants and need for companies across industries to perceive energy efficiency through a strategic lens and align it to their core business objectives.

A case in point, we have the case study of one of our customers Manjushree Technopack. Based out of Bengaluru, Manjushree is a plastic manufacturer and were looking for an innovative lubrication solution that could help increase their productivity and profitability. As a process, our Field Engineers conducted an on-site used oil analysis to offer custom made solutions for their targeted needs and recommended Mobil DTE 10 Excel™ 46 to replace the previous hydraulic oil. Our solutions helped them to achieve the energy efficiency target of 2% that resulted in an annual savings of US $ 19950. The example of Manjushree Technopack is one of the many cases in India of us helping our customers achieving their ‘energy efficiency’ and ‘advancing productivity’ targets.

Could you elaborate on ExxonMobil’s ‘Outlook for Energy: A View to 2040’?

‘The Outlook for Energy’ is ExxonMobil’s view of energy demand and supply through 2040. We use the outlook to help decide our long-term strategies and investments. Every year we conduct this in-depth analysis and updates our longterm view on energy supply and demand.

Based on our recent analysis, following are some very interesting highlights: • Global energy demand is expected

to grow by 25% YoY primarily driven by increase of consumption in the developing countries.

• By 2040 there will be growing impetus on smart consumption of energy and a shift towards a less carbon-intensive energy ecosystem.

• The world by 2040 would gradually move towards a gas-based economy and the demand for natural gas is expected to surpass that of coal. Interestingly natural gas will comprise 25% of all demand in 2040.

However, oil will still continue to play a pivotal role in the energy mix, driven by demand in transportation and feedstock for the chemical industry.

What are the services that you have beyond lubricants?

Mobil’s lubrication solution comprises of three critical components – our ‘expertise’, our state of the art ‘products’ and our world class ‘services’. The services play a critical role and help our customers

in meeting their energy efficiency and enhanced productivity goals. This range of technical services come under the Mobil ServSM umbrella and are designed to help our customers to optimise their lubrication programs that results in better performance and longevity of their machinery.

The host of services under Mobil Serv cover Oil Analysis, Engine Inspection, Hydraulic Inspection, Gear Inspection, Energy Efficiency Study and Lubricant Recommendation programs among many. Engine inspection and Hydraulic Inspection are conducted by Mobil’s well-trained engineers in the respective fields to report and document the condition of the internal components.

The post inspection data is used to arrive at the optimum time to replace critical components and the recommend maintenance practices to help improve system reliability.

Mobil ServSM Lubricant Analysis (MSLA) is a customised service solution to Mobil customers. Mobil Serv Lubricant Analysis

delivers the full spectrum of analysis on Mobil branded lubricants, which no other program can provide. Our close ties with equipment builders and our extensive knowledge of international standards help make the data even more valuable for our customers. Through our patented processes, we continue to be a leader in oil analysis technology, providing our customers with reliable predictive information, as well as recommended action steps and even on-site support from our engineers. The programme is based on a ‘scan and go’ concept and all the customer has to do is scan the sample bottle and equipment oil tank to receive the required support. According to our internal assessment through this programme, the process of semantic samples is made 66% faster than other standard available methods.

What are your investment plans in India?

As a company, we lay enormous emphasis on ongoing investment in research and development (R&D), working side-by-side with the world’s leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). We aim to develop the most effective products and maintenance solutions for our customers, basis their specific demands and requirements.

Our application-specific expertise and close working relationships with the world’s leading OEMs enable us to provide our customers with products that have global consistency. We wwill continue to expand our footprint to meet the growing market demand. We will also continue to grow and invest in programs to ensure that we have the right kind of support structure, technology, and application expertise to deliver advancing productivity, reliability, and sustainability benefits to our customers.

We at ExxonMobil aim to develop breakthrough technologies that can benefit business and have a positive impact on society. We strongly believe that human ingenuity and innovation are critical to supplying the products that consumers need in a manner that is safe for our employees, communities, and the environment. Our scientists and engineers are presently working to develop technologies designed to produce energy in an increasingly safe, economical, and environmentally responsible manner.

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ADVANTAGE KARNATAKA

Bosch Gives Bullish Outlook with Double-Digit Growth Automotive industry in India accounted for 7.1 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product. “This is expected to increase in the future as well, as India gears up to achieve BSVI implementation from April 2020 and adopt electromobility solutions built for Indian conditions. With such an optimistic market outlook, Bosch is confident of continuing its strong revenues in future,” Soumitra Bhattacharya, Managing Director, Bosch Ltd.

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osch Limited, a leading supplier of technology and services, gave a bullish outlook after posting a total revenue from operations of INR 11,690 crores (1.55 billion euros) in the past 12 months, registering 12 per cent increase over the same period of the previous year on a comparable basis. “Bosch Limited’s domestic sales have been growing steadily as India’s automobile sector shows promising growth in the future,” said Soumitra Bhattacharya, Managing Director, Bosch Ltd. while addressing the annual press conference 2018 in Bangalore.

The Profit Before Tax (PBT) before exceptional items stood at INR 2,134 crores, or 18.3 per cent of total revenue from operations, a 1.9 per cent increase over the same period of the previous year on account of higher sales volume, which is offset by product mix change.

The Central Government has increased the maximum amount of gratuity payable to an employee under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 from INR 10 lakhs to INR 20 lakhs. The company has provided for an additional amount towards onetime past service cost, which has been disclosed as an exceptional item for the quarter and financial year ending March 31, 2018. Profit before tax after exceptional item stood at 2,041 crores, which show a

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Big Boss Malayalam to be Telecasted from June 24

he Malayalam version of the grand television show, Big Boss, will go on-air from June 24 onwards as its motion poster has been released by Malayalam superstar Mohanlal. Mohanlal has unveiled the motion poster of Bigg Boss Malayalam Season One. “No more small games. From here on, Big... Only Big games,” says the actor in the motion poster.

Mohanlal will be anchoring the weekend episodes and conducting weekly elimination rounds. The television world is eagerly waiting to see how the versatile actor will give a different outlook to the show compared to other South Indian versions

anchored by Kamal Hassan, Sudeep and Nani.

Post release of the motion poster by the actor, the channel has posted the video on their social media account. In the post, the actor expresses how excited he is to be part of the grand show, which he sees as a challenge for his 38-year-long career.

The actor has triggered the suspense when he said, “let’s watch the chemistry between the 16 contestants who are under 60 cameras for 100 days in the Bigg Boss house”.

The producers of Big Boss have been expanding the market for the show with focus on regional languages. The reality TV show is already a smash hit in Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu. The Marathi version is also successful.

The makers who wanted a big star to be the face of the show has finalised on Mohanlal to take charge.

The team will soon finalise on the theme, post which the Bigg Boss house would be set up mostly in Mumbai, according to reports. More details of the Malayalam version are yet to be announced.

Big Boss has completed 11 seasons in Hindi and is looking forward to season 12. The second season of Telugu version with its new host Nani will also begin this month. In Tamil, Kamal will return as the host for season two soon.

Manyata Tech Park, Bangalore

solitaire, Mangalore

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Soumitra Bhattacharya, Managing Director, Bosch Ltd and Jan-Oliver Rohrl, Chief Technology Officer and Director, Bosch Ltd., addressing the media conference in Bangalore. decline of 2.6 per cent over previous year.

The Net Profit after Tax (PAT) from continuing operations before exceptional item is 1,464 crores, an increase of 1.4 per cent over the previous year. PAT from continuing operations after exceptional item has decreased by 5.1 per cent over the previous year. Previous year profit after tax includes profit from sale of its Starter Motors and Generators Business, which was executed as on August 1, 2016.

Positive business development across key sectors in 2017-18 Results for the Fourth Quarter The company posted total revenue from operations of INR 3,158 crores, an increase of 22.7 per cent over the corresponding quarter of 2017. Profit before Tax (PBT) for the current quarter stood at INR 724 crores before exceptional items, a 9.2 per cent increase compared to the previous quarter. The increase in profit is mainly caused by higher sales volume and increased operational efficiencies offset by higher material cost due to product mix change. While the Profit after Tax (PAT) has increased by 19.7 per cent before exceptional item, the PAT after the exceptional item has marginally reduced by 1.5 per cent over the previous quarter.

The Mobility Solutions sector posted a healthy growth of 23.1 per cent. The

strong performance by the divisions’ Power Tools, Building Technology as well as Energy and Building Solutions has helped the business beyond Mobility Solutions to grow by 22.4 per cent.

Outlook 2018-19: Strong growth under optimistic market conditions Speaking about the outlook for the upcoming financial year, Bhattacharya said that a major portion of Bosch’s activities focus on building effective solutions for a connected future. This includes using big data for energy compliant processes, deploying digital solutions to get power tools into the hands of more tradesmen and securing hubs of urban movement such as airports and metro stations with smart surveillance solutions, among other initiatives.

Smart Campus in Bangalore Bhattacharya said that the Bosch campus in Adugodi, Bangalore will be developed into a smart campus. “The campus at present has around 3500 software engineers and more will be placed soon.

When both software and hardware engineers work in coordination, it will create magic. We intend to be future ready before the customers demand it,” he said.

GAIL HQ, Noida

“GREAT TO DEAL WITH GREAT TO WORK FOR” Le meridien, Kochi

Drepung Loseling Monastery, Mundgod

Mfar Constructions Pvt Ltd aims at providing innovative, responsive, reliable and cost effective engineering and construction solutions while ensuring quality, occupational health, safety and environmental protection. It strives to be trendsetter by sharing best practices and creating work environment that inspires and empowers it employees, leading to satisfactions of our customers. Quality, Speed, Safety & Modernization are the hallmarks of Mfar.

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ADVANTAGE KARNATAKA

DEDICATED TO PERFECTING CONSTRUCTION With its pan India presence over the last two decades of existence, Mfar Constructions Pvt. Ltd. has explored into real estate development in the Residential, Commercial, Hospitality & Industrial sectors. The Company aims to contribute to the ‘National Building Effort’ in a substantial way by providing quality construction to the utmost satisfaction of the society and by dedicating itself to perfecting construction by adopting modern techniques and utilising latest machinery and preserving the environment.

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stablished in Bangalore in 1996, Mfar Constructions Pvt. Ltd. has imprinted its own identity in the real estate development sector over the last two decades. Mfar, which is an ISO 9001-2008, ISO 14001-2004 and OHSAS 180012007 Certified Company, is a brainchild of the business tycoon and an honoured technocrat, Dr. P. Mohamed Ali. Mfar has expanded its operations across India as a noticeable and reliable

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Dr. P. Mohamed Ali Founding Chairman, Mfar Constructions Pvt. Ltd.

aims to contribute to the ‘National Building Effort’ in a substantial way by providing quality construction to the utmost satisfaction of the society and by dedicating itself to perfecting construction by adopting modern techniques and utilising latest machinery and preserving the environment.

Personal safety and Over-all development, which is harmonious with the environment, have been an integral part of Mfar’s work ethics ever since its inception in 1996. Dr. Ali’s inspirational work principles and emphasis on compliance to International Safety Standards have been recognised worldwide, and the same has been adapted in Mfar Constructions.

The Quality of Mfar’s work has been recognised and awarded by reputed foundations such as British Safety Council, ACCE, Greentech Foundation, National Safety Council of India, World Environment Forum, etc.

Today, Mfar Constructions has successfully completed over 200 projects across India, cumulatively covering a built-up area of around 60 Million Sq. ft.

Currently handling over 40 projects, Mfar intends to carry forward this momentum while exploring into niche and challenging opportunities in the upcoming future.

construction company, with its Corporate Office at Bangalore and a Zonal Office at Mangalore. Regional Offices have also been set up in Kolkata and Delhi to support the operations in the East and NCR. With its pan India presence over the last two decades of existence, Mfar has explored into real estate development in the Residential, Commercial, Hospitality & Industrial sectors, working with Real Estate giants and Multinational Companies such as Brigade Enterprises, Prestige Group, Century Real Estates, Shriram Properties, India Builders Corporation, Land Trades Builders & Property Developers, In-Land Group, Yenepoya Group of Educational Institutions, Expert Educational & Charitable Foundation, GAIL India Ltd, Management Development Institute, Narayana Hrudalaya Hospitals, ITC, Wipro, etc. Mfar is equipped with the requisite expertise and wide-ranging experience to undertake Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) projects.

Mfar Constructions undertakes diverse construction contracts including IT parks, malls, commercial, institutional, industrial infra & high rise residential projects. Quality, Speed, Safety and Modernisation are the hallmarks of Mfar. Contracts are executed using state of the art design tools and project management techniques from concept to commissioning. The Company

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ADVANTAGE KARNATAKA

Building on the Strength of

Diversity

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lush green campus in the heart of the garden city, offering high quality education through resourceful and challenging academia by being a base for students to begin journey to the pinnacles of their career. This is a one-line introduction to Christ (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, which is one among the top ranked educational institutions in India. This premier varsity, through its three campuses and 31 departments, offers 48 undergraduate, 47 postgraduate, 16 MPhil and 17 PhD programmes in various disciplines including Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, Commerce, Management, Engineering, Education, Music and Law to over 20000 students.

But, the above mere description of its

Dr. Anil Pinto Registrar, Christ

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Christ are structured in such a way that they serve the above purpose.

Dr. (Fr) Thomas C Mathew Vice Chancellor, Christ academic capabilities will not be enough to sum up everything about Christ, which intends not only to guide its students

to the apogee of education, but also to transform them into better human beings through ingenious and empathetic involvement in the society. On the occasion of marking its 50-year milestone in the service of higher education and society, the university continues to stand unique with its academics and related activities.

Christ’s mission statement tells “the campus is a nurturing ground for an individual’s holistic development to make an effective contribution to the society in a dynamic environment.” And the holistic development of a Christite (a student at Christ) is attained through academic excellence, professional competence, personal, inter-personal and societal skills.

The curriculums of all courses offered by

Diversity in Campus The campus is a cultural conglomerate with students from almost all states in India, 60 countries around the world and over 600 pan Indian and international faculties. “Diversity is our strength. Christ is a living example for the harmonious multiculturalism. The students, teachers, deans etc. are from different parts of the country with various backgrounds.

Rather than finding unity, we are building on the diversity we have. We believe that learning happens more outside classrooms rather than inside.

There are several activities designed by the university like cultural festivals, orientation programmes, seminars, workshops etc. When students from diverse cultural backgrounds join together and interact with each other, learning happens there. It widens their

horizons, nurtures their thought lines and perspective of the society, and helps them to grow psychologically,” says Dr. Anil Pinto who is the Registrar of Christ.

The campus itself is designed to support this cause. The infrastructure is one of the best in the country. In the busy and trafficobsessed city, the campus is very calm.

Once you step into the campus, you will be comforted to see the entire campus in a green tint with full of trees. Christ has many shady places - the circles around trees, benches, cafeterias, basketball courts etc. where students can sit, relax and interact. Moreover, here disciplines are mixed deliberately unlike other universities which have independent buildings for each department.

“Independent departments reduce the chances for students to meet and interact.

At Christ, you can see all disciplines - classical, traditional, professional etc. - in all blocks, as we believe that learning happens more dynamically when students mingle each other. It will improve students’ skillsets and the way they engage with things happen in life. I don’t think any campus provide ultimate learning as rich and diverse as Christ,” says Dr Pinto.

Collaborations with Foreign Universities Started collaborating with foreign institutions in 1988, Christ is one of the pioneers in pinning programmes.

At present, Christ has collaborations with more than 50 universities from countries around the world including, the US, UK, Canada, Germany, Korea, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, Australia, Thailand, Zimbabwe, China in terms of faculty exchange, student exchange, research, scholarships etc. “Collaborations with other universities help us to transform dynamically, increase visibility. Through pinning programmes, students will get the opportunity to use resources of other universities and their faculties,” Dr. Pinto adds.

New Courses Christ is known for adding new courses and programmes every year.

It offers numerous courses which are rarely available in other colleges in the country. “This year we started B.Com Strategic Finance which is a unique course. Last year, we started Leadership in Management, a course meant for nurturing leaders in social sectors.

As most of the MBA graduates prefer corporate sector, there is a need for creating efficient leaders in social sector.

We have Western Classical Music as a separate programme in UG level and there is a combination of Psychology and Western Classical Music. M.A. English with Cultural Studies and B. Com Integrated with CPA, which is being integrated in UG level for the first time in India, are other new courses,” he says.

Library Library is the soul of any institution and the libraries in Christ are one of the bests in India.

The main library, which is four-storey, is a centre of acquiring, processing, preserving and disseminating information to the user community with the motto of empowering knowledge.

It has well trained staff and an

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ADVANTAGE KARNATAKA

automated library system to enrich the user community with a wide range of academic resources such as books, periodicals, online periodicals, databases, back volumes, CDs/DVDs, project reports, audio / video cassettes, and question bank.

The library has over 2.5 Lakhs books, 1.47 Lakhs Library titles, 621 periodicals and 30 newspapers. The library also offers facilities for visually challenged students.

It has around 18 databases in various disciplines including Jstor, Elgaronline, ProQuest etc. The entire campus is WiFi enabled and all students can digitally access the databases from anywhere in the campus. “We have enough bandwidth to provide access to 20000 students simultaneously,” says Dr. Pinto.

Online Courses At Christ, teachers can add online courses to their programmes and students will be assessed on the basis of their performance in them. “Online courses are rich sources of knowledge. We encourage students to do online courses, for which they will get extra credits,” says Dr. Pinto.

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Wikipedia- Another level of Education The uniqueness of Christ’s academics reflects in the types of activities for students. It offers the largest Wikipedia exercise for academics in India now.

Writing articles for Wikipedia in regional languages- Sanskrit, Tamil, Urdu, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu etc. - is a compulsory part of language education and assessment is done based on quality of the content produced.

“Students have to create original and authentic content in regional languages in their own names which will be assessed by language teachers. In the last four years Christites have contributed over 3000 articles to Wikipedia,” Dr. Pinto says.

Centre for Social Action Centre for Social Action (CSA) is the development wing of Christ University.

It was set up in 1999 to coordinate social sensitisation programmes for students and undertake community development projects for marginalised communities. It is a students’ movement for a humane and just society with children as primary focus.

CSA addresses issues related to child

rights, socio-economic development of women, youths and farmers, community mobilization and environment/climate change issues.

“CSA was initiated with the intention of enabling the student community to imbibe the values of social responsibility.

CSA has direct involvement in around 120 villages and slums across India and it is the largest university outreach in the country. The students of Christ fully support over 900 children from nearby slum communities under “Educate a Child Programme” through voluntary contribution of over Rs 4.9 million every year. Under CSA, the English Department is organising an English Teaching Programme called Srujana for the children in the city’s slums. It is also a part of their curriculum for which they get marks,” says Dr Pinto.

Discipline Discipline is a part and parcel of organisations, and it is a major reason for Christ’s success and popularity. To ensure discipline, Christ has a separate security department which has more than 70 welltrained security personnel who closely monitor the campus and students. “In fact, Christ is the safest campus in the city.

There is a separate counselling cell where students can approach for any difficulty they face in the campus. Also, we have around 250 peer counsellors, selected from the students through various tests by the psychology department. They will help other students to help solving their problems. The idea is that students can easily recognise the problems of other students,” adds Dr. Pinto.

MEA Brings Changes to Passport Rules DRDO Elevates Tessy Thomas as DG Aero

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Passports may no longer be a valid proof of address as the current last page with the residential information of the passport holder may not be present in the new passports.

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he Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has decided to bring out a set of new passport rules in India for the year 2018 and all the changes will come into effect in June.

According to sources, MEA might eliminate printing the last page of the passport. However, all the information will continue to be possessed by the passport office and the immigration department and the governmental database. All passports have a barcode since 2012, which after being scanned gives all the information.

This measure is taken not to reveal much information than required. But, the existing passports will be the same till the expiry date.

Besides the changes in address, the MEA is also considering changes in colour of passport. As of now, Indian passports are issued in three colours: white for government officers or to those people who visit other countries for official work of the government; red for diplomats; and blue for all others in two categories — those who need emigration check (ECR) and those who do not (ECNR).

But, according to new rules, those in the ECR category will have orange passports.

The ministry intends to increase the speed of the emigration by making it easier to identify those who need the emigration check. The printing of the new ECR passports will be done at the India Security Press at Nashik. The existing ECR passports will also be valid till the expiry date.

The new passports will not have the parent’s name printed on the last page of the passport. This has been decided after studying submissions that in case of “names of estranged mother/father” and “kids of single parents” need not be printed on the passport.

As per the new updates, the physical police verification of passport might change to online verification. The CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems Project) will be associated with Ministry of External Affairs and will replace the traditional physical police verification to online verification. This measure will significantly reduce the processing time for the passports.

he Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has appointed top woman missile scientist Dr. Tessy Thomas as the new Director General of Aeronautical Systems (DG-Aero), replacing C P Ramanarayanan who retired. Tessy Thomas, popularly known as Agni Putri for her contributions to Agni Missile project over the decades, is the first woman to be appointed DG-Aero. She will head DRDO’s aeronautical projects from now on.

Prior to the appointment, she was the director of the Hyderabad-based Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) since 2014. As the DG-Aero, she will be based out of Bengaluru’s C V Raman Nagar and will head Aero Cluster, which is one of the 10 technological clusters of DRDO labs and establishments.

The aeronautics cluster comprises five Bengaluru-based laboratories — Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE), Gas Turbine Research and Development Establishment (GTRE), Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) and the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) which is in Agra. Dr. Tessy will also be responsible for the projects being done at Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) which is the nodal agency for combat aircraft including Tejas. Dr. Tessy, who hails from Alappuzha in Kerala, has been associated with the Agni project since 1988 and she led Agni IV to successful test launch in 2011.

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ADVANTAGE KARNATAKA

Manifestation of Spirituality Most of Dhanraj Bhagat’s drawings and sculptures have been found jam-packed in a perilous storage space of the Jaipur House. After much painstaking efforts, NGMA has managed to restore most of them by preserving its antiquity. In fact, NGMA has breathed new life into the unique pieces of art, which are as contemporary now as it must have then.

Dhanraj Bhagat (1917-1988) have been found jam-packed in a perilous storage space of the Jaipur House. After much painstaking efforts, NGMA has managed to restore most of them by preserving its antiquity. In fact, NGMA has breathed new life into the unique pieces of art, which are as contemporary now as it must have then.

Throughout the exhibition, there are indicators of Bhagat’s preoccupation with the general idea of the Indian family, and its many interlocking tropes. Most of his sculptures are in metal, wood, cement, and plaster of paris. Bhagat’s aesthetic is acutely Indian. The work Family Horse, carved out of wood, symbolises how man

Anantha Narayanan K

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rt and Spirituality are often interwoven through subliminal links and the pieces of art created by an artist invoke the spiritual underpinnings of those works. But, giving a physical manifestation to spirituality, with all its purity, has been successful for very limited number of artists in India.

Dhanraj Bhagat, considered one of the most innovative sculptors of India, was one such person who has displayed an unquenchable inquest into Indian Spirituality. Bhagat, who won acclaim as a major force in modern Indian sculpture, has created some of the finest sculptures

Musican (Plaster of Paris)

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carries the burden of his entire family, as human figures of different sizes stand like chess pieces on his back. Through his work Mahakala (1958), which is made of painted plaster of paris, Bhagat refers to The Partition and its effects. In Mahakala, a large face bathed in black can be seen eating tiny figures of men, which symbolises how man killed man during those times.

One of the highlights of the exhibition is the Nataraja or Dancing Shiva (1956), a famous sculpture that uses only Shiva’s form by turning his dance into something that can be read as both ecstasy and anger.

This abstract sculpture, made out of plaster of paris and oil colour, typifies the mixture of dance and meditation for the Thandava posture. Though the sculpture has no features of human facial attributes, the pared down limb-like expressions maintain an overall abstract quality and suggestion of spiritual energies. At the exhibition, in order to give an impression of a fire underneath, the sculpture is standing on coal.

Music also translates in his flowing sketches of women and musicians with

almost ethereal quality. In his early works one could see how he has given a retouch to the subjects and depictions being men and women of the countryside involved in daily activities. Many of his works, like the Bull (1958) and the Birds (1948) are the examples of the perfect balance of his style in inducting the right sprinkle of romanticism to an objective subject.

Bhagat’s Standing Woman is an Ode to the feminine forms. He has beaten a flat copper sheet and contoured it into a woman’s body is rich in its feminine fluidity. This is one such work that shows how important it is for a sculptor to possess the knowledge about human figure, which is the most complex and subtle at the same time.

At the exhibition, NGMA has also tried to restore the sculptor’s studio, which they describe as “a frame frozen in the embryo of time”.

The studio also displayed Bhagat’s drilling and sawing tools which he used to create masterpieces and exemplifies his emphasis on tactile spontaneity. The recreation of his studio is a testimony to Bhagat’s love for the saying that work is worship.

Nataraja or Dancing Shiva (1956) by experimenting furiously with both material and form.

Recently, the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Bangalore, has conducted first ever retrospective of the ceaselessly ingenious artist, with more than 400 landmark drawings and sculptures on display. The retrospective exhibition, titled ‘Journey from the Physical to the Spiritual’, has celebrated the trailblazing work of Dhanraj Bhagat, and has been held as part of celebrating the 64th Foundation Day of NGMA and to commemorate the centenary of Bhagat.

It has familiarised viewers with Bhagat’s works that have largely remained unseen.

Born in Lahore in 1917, Bhagat has done

his art training at the Mayo School of Art, Lahore, before migrating to India post Partition, and has begun his career as a faculty member of the College of Art in Delhi in 1947, before retiring as the head of the Sculpture Department in 1977.

By the time he joined the college of Art, Delhi in 1947, modernism has become the defining aesthetic of his works.

According to Adwaita Gadanayak, Director General, NGMA, who has curated the exhibition, the unique style Bhagat has perfected over the years illustrates a unique blend of Indian heritage and Western artistic traditions, reflected in his use of geometric shapes and colour.

Most of Bhagat’s drawings and sculptures

Spirit of Work (Welded rod with Plaster of Paris)

Mahakala (Painted Plaster of Paris - 1958)

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ADVANTAGE KARNATAKA

PharmaNext for Digital Transformation

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roviding an overview of latest trends on pharma automation and medical devices, the Bangalore section of International Society of Automation (ISA), a global non-profit organisation which is an association of professionals in the Automation domain, has organised PharmaNext 2018 - Pharma Automation, Machineries & Medical Devices Trade Show.

The event, held at Nimhans Convention Centre, Bengaluru, has been a communication platform to all entrepreneurs involved in the creative and productive innovations of the industry, covering a broad spectrum of products in pharma automation. It has focused on Electronic Automation,

Pharma Automation, Factory Automation, Industrial Automation, Process Automation, Pharma Machineries and Manufactures, Medical Equipment and Devices, Process Automation Robotics, Asimov Robotics, Difact Robotics, Sastra Robotics, Robotic Alice, Milagrow Robotics, Robotics & Automation.

On the side-lines of the event, there has been a National Symposium on Automation & Digital Transformation of Pharma & Life Sciences Industry, which was attended by over 200 delegates.

Speakers from across the country have addressed the session and analysed how the Indian pharma industry is keen on adopting automation and digitalisation to ensure total transparency in operations.

The industry experts at the conclave have stated that the industry is poised to play a key role in automating its plants and labs

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by treading the digital technology path.

Dr. Amit Biswas, executive vice president, Dr Reddy’s Labs, has said that Indian pharma industry was keen to adopt automation to transform operations going the digital way. “Automation and digitalisation are inevitable for drug research and manufacturing firms.

In a phase where Quality by Design, focus on drug substance and product development take the centre-stage, we will see a paradigm shift in manufacturing operations with installations of robots and use of artificial intelligence,” he added.

Dr. Biswas has further said that five of the top 10 global generic companies are from India and the country supplies 40 percent of the generic drugs to the US. “This is because the country is also home to the highest number of the USFDA plants. Therefore, we see Indian pharma to be generic driven. Here Pharma 4.0 will make a difference as it makes medicine manufacture free from human contact, he said. Ram V Kerur, president, ISA Bangalore chapter and COO-Director, Sunlux Technovations in his introductory marks stated that there was a great need of the efficiency and agility needed to spur next-generation technologies to streamline business processes in pharma sector. “We have taken this focus as the industry is making efforts to implement digital initiatives,” he said.

Topics from Pharma industry 4.0, driving operational excellence, regulatory best practices and compliance digitalisation framework, batch to continuous pharma manufacturing, process analytical and instrumentation systems, compliance in a smart factory, digitalisation and cyber security provided a pharmaceutical enduser perspective etc. have been discussed at the event.

ELCINA SES 2018 in July BMTC to go ‘Smart’ with Bus-Pooling

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ith an aim to ensure hassle-free travel for commuters without making them wait for buses, Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has decided to introduce the idea of ‘bus-pooling. The state-run bus corporation will soon launch an on-demand bus service, allowing passengers travelling in a group to book a service through an app.

With the project, BMTC buses will pick up the passengers from the provided locations and ferry them to their predefined destinations via the fastest route with as few stops as possible.

Passengers who possess monthly bus passes can request a pick-up at their location provided there are at least 20 passengers who will board the bus.

The project is only in the beginning phase and BMTC is looking forward to having the technology to make it effective. Apart from convenience, the new service is expected to ensure ‘friendly’ seating arrangements for passengers travelling in a group and reduces travelling time. The app will identify the passengers going in the same direction and group them together in one bus.

V Ponnuraj, Managing Director, BMTC, has said that the new service will allow passengers to choose the best routes to their destinations rather than travelling in the designated routes.

“We are planning to deploy 40- seater buses for this doorstep service. We can start a service on a new route only if there is a demand from passengers.”

BMTC claims that the fare will be lower than app-based taxis.

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ith an aim to bring together industry, defence establishments and government together on a single platform and boost growth in Strategic Electronics sector, the 9th edition of Strategic Electronics Summit (SES 2018) – Defence & Aerospace will be held in Bangalore. The event, organised by Electronic Industries Association of India (ELCINA), is scheduled on 5th & 6th July 2018 at The Lalit Ashok Hotel.

SES was launched nine years ago by ELCINA to promote value addition, manufacturing and R&D in the Strategic Electronics sector and reduce import dependence in the industry. Another key objective of the event is to highlight the entry barriers and procedural anomalies in the present Defence Procurement system which prevents development of domestic capacities and capabilities.

MSMEs find it impossible to find entry into the system and need a special dispensation and support to succeed, said Rajoo Goel, Secretary General, ELCINA. About 300 delegates are expected to attend the conference and 25 speakers/ panellists will address the six sessions.

In addition to the delegates, there will be 400-500 additional visitors to the exhibition which is being organised during the event. The exhibition has 54 booths in varying sizes from 6 to 24 sq. metres. The event will also consist of at least three Industry Interactive Sessions with DPSU’s, Defence Organisations and Large Private Partners for sharing information and opportunities that MSME’s and stakeholders from Defence Electronics domain can avail and strengthen the domestic value chain, he

added.

Objectives of the event SES focuses on various deliverables for its participants including bringing all stakeholders on one platform to enable better communication and understanding of requirements of the defence establishment, facilitating indigenous capability to manufacture defence equipment and meet these requirements, and creating awareness

and need for a globally linked strong supply chain, Potential & opportunities in Strategic Electronics Industry, the real potential for defence business in India over the next five years given the Budget realities etc.

Other focus areas will be Defence Procurement Policy as a tool to convert India to a manufacturing hub, Reforms required in purchase procedures and project management, Accelerating the private participation in Space programs, and Revenue procurement in defence, Opportunities in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) as well as Role of Indian Industry and SMEs in Indigenisation.

about opportunities in the Strategic Electronics sector.

“SES 2018 will involve the Small and Medium Enterprises to meet the requirements of defence forces. It will bridge the gap between R&D, government organisations and businesses. The event will focus on encouraging and enabling investments for developing strategic strengths,” said Rajoo Goel.

ELCINA defEnnovation Awards 2018.

ELCINA has chosen to launch the defEnnovation Awards this year to recognise outstanding companies which have made exemplary contribution in the field of Defence Electronics (R&D, Design and Manufacturing) demonstrating an innovative approach and overall excellence. Thus, the name “defEnnovation” wherein ‘def’ represents Defence, ‘E’ represents Electronics and ‘Ennovation’ represents an innovative approach to achieve excellence in Electronics. The awards will be given to MSME (Sales Turnover < Rs 250 Crore) and Large companies (Sales Turnover > Rs 250 Crore). There will be separate awards for excellence in R&D, Indigenisation, Manufacturing – Component and Product. A special category award will also be there for the Best Startup.

Theme The theme of the conference is “Building India as a Strategic Electronics Manufacturing Hub” - A Vibrant Ecosystem with MSMEs, Private Partners and Public Sector. This is in line with the current strategy outlined by the Department of Defence Production and the new Defence Production Policy on the anvil. Some of the topics the conference will cover include Development of Defence Industrial Corridors – Promoting Start-ups and MSMEs Ecosystem, Global linkages for technologies and offsets

Registration The process for application has been kept simple through self-nomination basis and the same can be done online.

Large buyers such as DPSU’s and Strategic Private Partners or Defence Production Establishments can also nominate their chosen vendors who have excelled in any of the categories of the Awards mentioned above. A committee of highly experienced veterans from the defence sector will review the applicants and choose the winners.

For more details : rajesh@elcina.com

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ADVANTAGE KARNATAKA

AASSC Launches Skill Development Programs SUBSCRIPTION FORM

T

he Aerospace and Aviation Sector Skill Council (AASSC) has disclosed at its Board Meeting held in Bangalore that it has developed Qualifications Packs for 70 Job Roles spread across five subsectors through extensive industry engagement. Using these Qualifications Packs as template, skill development programs are being launched across India. One of the biggest such program is the launch of Aviation Multi Skill Development Centre at Chandigarh where five batches have already passed-out. The Centre has plans to train around 2400 candidates over the next three years.

The strength of Board members will be enhanced to 26 from present 21 to include MSME representation and meet the future challenges, says Mr T. Suvarna Raju, Chairman, AASSC and CMD of HAL. To ensure availability of qualified trainers and assessors, AASSC has run programs along with Department for International Development (DFID), UK and many more such schemes are in the pipeline. Development of Transnational Standards for Aerospace Design job roles

is underway with the support of DFID, UK. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has decided that India will be represented in the ‘Aircraft Maintenance’ skill in the World Skills competition scheduled to be held in August 2019 at Kazan, Russia. The AASSC has been entrusted with the responsibility of conducting the regional level selections for the trade at Bengaluru and the national level selections at Greater Noida. The candidate selected at the nationals will represent India at World Skills competitions 2019 at Kazan, Russia.

The AASSC with the support from NSDC will train the candidates from July 2018 till the world Skills competition in August 2019 and these candidates will also take part in the BRICS skills completion in South Africa.

The other highlights of the AASSC activities include training for 44 Aerospace Engine Welders for GE Aviation, skill development project under CSR initiative of GKN Aerospace, certification of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for Indian Navy personnel and training for Airline Cabin Crew by

Assam Skill Development Mission. There are many such programs which are being planned along with other state skill missions as well. The AASSC is exploring the possibilities of launching Aerospace & Aviation Skill Development programs through Universities and AICTE. The AASSC is working actively with industry, NSDC and the Government to roll-out NAPS in the sector.

The promoters of AASSC are Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), Bangalore Chamber of Industry & Commerce (BCIC), and Society for Indian Aerospace Technologies & Industries (SIATI).

The AASSC is one of the several skill councils set up under “Skill India” initiative by the Government of India under National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). The aim of AASSC is to ensure that there is supply of adequately skilled workforce to meet the demand of the industry. The scope of sector is vast and covers industry segments such as Aerospace Design & Development, Manufacturing & Assembly, Airlines, Airports, and MRO (Maintenance Repair & Overhauling).

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ADVANTAGE KARNATAKA

The Brand-New Identity of Senior Care “Senior people need more TLC than anybody else. India has an estimate of more than 320 million people above 60. Most of them are finding it difficult to have someone catering to their lifestyle needs. That’s when we decided to do something big in the society that could offer to upper-class seniors the convenient lifestyle they prefer and deserve. We realised that it was not hard. All we needed to do was finding ways to enrich their lives – through people, technology, and convenience care, says Adarsh Narhari, Managing Director, Mantri Primus in an interview with Anantha Narayanan K of Advantage Karnataka. With its unique approaches, Primus is redefining the concept of senior care.

Could you talk about you foray into the senior living real estate space?

The story of my foray into senior living real estate space is quite funny. To be frank, the idea was inspired by my grandmother. She has 11 siblings and most of their children are in the U.S. Whenever they come to India they would invite their parents to the States for staying with them, which the seniors are not in much fond of. They fear that the life there would be lonely, and the climate wouldn’t be favourable for them. So, my grandmother

asked me “You were looking for something new to work on.

Why don’t you do something for my brothers and sisters so that they can live here happily?”. That question made me think about the possibility of an organised senior care in the society.

I had done a lot research on senior living and realised the scope of the business. I have travelled across the globe and spent time with retirement communities. It has provided me with priceless insights into the lives and minds of seniors.

Senior people need more TLC than anybody else. India has

Adarsh Narhari MD, Mantri Primus an estimate of more than 320 million people above 60. Most of them are finding it difficult to have someone catering to their lifestyle needs.

That’s when I decided to do something big in the society that could offer to upperclass seniors the convenient lifestyle they prefer and deserve. I realised that it was not hard. All we needed to do was finding ways to enrich their lives – through people, operations, technology, and convenience care. So, I forayed into providing organised living space for seniors, where they learn to love life again, and created Primus brand in 2012. I think, we are probably the only player in India who have been providing complete senior care through a robust ecosystem for the last three years.

How does Mantri Primus redefine the concept of senior care? What are the facilities?

With Primus, we wanted to give a different identity to organise senior living.

Firstly, it is not real estate.

We did not want real estate

28

to get confused with senior living. Because, senior living space is all about providing the convenient lifestyle and consistent service they expect in their age, like a place where they can spend their retired life in a relaxed and peaceful manner without compromising on their preferences. Setting up a building, which is relatively easier, is only incidental to giving service. Secondly, you need to be with the customer till the end of his life providing service. For example, for a person at 55 or 60 may not need any medical help, but what their needs are having somebody to cook, wash and do everything they need at the push of a button.

What Primus assures is that we cater to all these needs and, we will catch up with their ageing needs too.

Because their emotional and medical needs keep changing with their age. At 70, what they need is not applicable at 85. So, Primus is the only senior living player in this country who is able to allow them age in place. It means,

partly real estate. There we have studio, 2BHK and 2.5BHK apartments. Regarding new projects, we are planning to expand our business to Pune, Chennai and Hyderabad.

Also, there will be three more projects in Bangalore.

we give them assisted living, nursing care along with all the facilities they need till the end of their life. That is primarily our difference from all others, because almost the entire country is giving active senior living, which is nothing but providing housing. We are specialised in creating Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC).

Our typical facilities are food, medical, housekeeping, concierge, events and all the common area maintenance.

We have a team that technically gets the whole community together. They will travel together, explore their hobbies together and they have activities like games, debates, spiritual guidance etc. which make the whole community one big family. Fitness is another big part of it and we have a geriatric-friendly gym with hydro-pneumatic equipment to avoid putting pressure on their joints. Other facilities are like any luxury hotel with swimming pools, massage centre, indoor games, security

etc.

Please talk about your projects Primus Eden and Reflection. Any new projects?

These are our first two projects. Primus Eden has been done on a lease-model, where the customer needs to pay a deposit, which is refundable, and a monthly fee.

That is the global practice we see as everywhere it is only for lease and mostly it is for 30 years. They are not buying a house, but absolute servicing facility. Primus Eden has an apartment like structure with 75 units spread across 4.5 acres. We don’t believe in villastructure for senior living as it is not practical to provide convenient service. Eden offers resort-like hospitality in the luxury of living space and conveniences a push of a button away. It has been operating for more than three years now and almost 75% of Eden is currently occupied.

Primus Reflection is our second project which is for sale. It has all the facilities like Eden and we allow customers to buy the unit. So, it is also

Could you elaborate on your concepts ‘Super at Sixty’ and ‘Emotional Technology’?

Super at Sixty is a campaign we have created. When we talk about senior living in India, the first thing that comes to mind mostly is an old-age home.

And most people think that such places are where children shift their parents when they are old. Unfortunately, it holds the preconceived images of abandonment, burden, loneliness etc. We wanted to change this very notion about senior living through our ‘Super at Sixty’ campaign. Ours is not an oldage home. Our customers are those people who are rich and can afford the kind of luxury service we offer. They live with us because they enjoy the service we offer, and they are happily living with other residents. It is not that their children do not love them and abandoned them. In fact, their children love them more than anyone. Because, they are providing the best living spaces for their parents when they cannot be their physically to take care of them.

They assure that their parents are absolutely happy with all luxury, care, medical help etc.

With Emotional technology we connect seniors with their children through technology.

We use Primus Companion — our custom technology platform exclusively for seniors residing at Primus properties — to keep them connected with each other, always. And that’s not the only thing our technology does. It helps our residents if they need to restock on prescriptions, buy supplies, or

get health checks done, all of it is just a tap away. The app is in the designing stage and will be ready in six months.

What kind of people stay in your facilities? Who are your target customers?

Our customers are mainly people from the upperclass society. We have those people who have retired from high positions like army officers, civil service personnel, bankers, parents of top businessmen etc. They are buying this not because they have no choice without their children by their side, but because they can afford our living space and above all, they want the lifestyle we offer. People are ready to pay for convenience of seniors and Primus provide them the ideal space to enjoy the rest of their lives.

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ADVANTAGE KARNATAKA

How about being ‘Super at Sixty’?

O

ld age is another phase of life that almost all have to go through one day and most people are apprehensive about themselves being dependent on others to get catered to their lifestyle needs. The financial, physical, emotional, and social wellbeing of seniors in their old age are largely being neglected, making them some of the most vulnerable individuals in society. While there are organisations that work towards making their lives better, the solutions are piecemeal. There is a need for highly efficient and organised senior care that unifies the requirements of seniors, as well as meets and supports their key needs across all areas of concern through a comprehensive ecosystem.

And, Primus, by Mantri, offers such a place for seniors who

30

are looking to spend the latter half of their lives peacefully in the Garden City without compromising on luxury.

Primus is a brand focused on providing an active luxury

cater to each and every one of them. By giving special attention to healthcare, hospitality, and design, Primus ensures that its properties are a place where seniors

Primus is a brand focused on providing an active luxury lifestyle to everyone who wants to truly feel Super at Sixty. People have very specific needs and Primus has detailed its properties to cater to each and every one of them. By giving special attention to healthcare, hospitality, and design, Primus ensures that its properties are a place where seniors can find the confidence to lead an active lifestyle. “Our goal was simple: Give people a luxurious, fulfilling space where they can be their super selves,” says Adarsh Narhari, Managing Director, Mantri Primus. lifestyle to everyone who wants to truly feel Super at Sixty. People have very specific needs and Primus has detailed its properties to

can find the confidence to lead an active lifestyle. “Our goal was simple: Give people a luxurious, fulfilling space where they can be their super

selves,” says Adarsh Narhari, Managing Director, Mantri Primus. With its projects Primus Eden and Reflection, the brand is redefining the concept of senior care.

Experience service at its best With a wide range of services designed to make the everyday lives of seniors seamless, freedom takes on a whole new meaning at Primus Eden. Primus aims to provide seniors with a life of independence and convenience that they deserve, by providing them with the best available senior care.

We straddle people, processes, and technology, and combine them with our own personal experiences to find solutions that will positively impact a senior’s physical, emotional, social, as well as financial well-being.

We take care of daily chores,

run errands, plan activities, and take care of specific dietary needs for them. So, they can enjoy the mind space to do the things that they love to do – be it spending time meditating or learning a new language,” says Adarsh. The range of services includes; Health First TM: The best of Technology integrated with on-premise healthcare, ensures you are never far from help when needed. Whether it is an emergency medical care centre, Video/Audio Consultation with a panel of specialist doctors,

onebutton-call for help, Physiotherapy, or documenting your health issues, Primus has got you covered.

Nutrition Nation TM: Primus’ multi- cuisine gourmet restaurant and outdoor café let you enjoy the privileges of Dining Out without worrying about Dietary requirements.

Its in-house nutritionist plans your gourmet meals with your health as priority.

Feast by the Poolside or dine indoors or even treat your visiting guests with sumptuous meals.

Empyrean Conceirge TM :

Growing old should come with many priveleges ; that includes the ability to sit back and relax while someone else takes care of all your odd jobs. Booking tickets, paying bills or taxes, License renewal , Mailing things – Whatever you need our Empryrean ConceirgeTM services team is just a tap away to help with our errands, so you never have to leave home.

Home Finesse TM: What if you could have your bed made, dishes washed, plumbing fixed, bathrooms cleaned, and homes dusted without lifting a finger?

Primus offers all these services and many more absolutely complimentary when you move into one of our welldesigned living spaces. Do not just live like royalty, feel like it too.

Life Enrichment Centre TM: No two moments are the same at Primus Eden. Its inhouse Events team selects and organizes experiences daily, hand-picked from over 42 unique activities – games, movies, hobby workshops, language classes, laughter therapy etc. Interest based activities, organised on a regular basis, include yoga, meditation, gardening, music, swimming lessons, photography and much more.

So, you wake up looking forward to learning something new every day. At Primus, all necessary measures have been taken to guarantee you comfortable, worry-free ageing. From specifically designed facilities and nutritionist approved food to medical and emergency services in place, everything is taken care of at Primus. Primus will be the ideal place for those seniors who like to socialise, hate daily chores, who are independent, adventurous, fun loving and open-minded.

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ADVANTAGE KARNATAKA

Organised by

In association with

5th Edition

IISc in Global Rankings

AEROSPACE & DEFENCE MANUFACTURING SHOW Energising the Indian Aerospace & Defence Manufacturing Industry

Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore makes it to top 100 in Times Higher Education ranking. IISc has also ranked 13th among top 50 universities in emerging economies. Earlier IISc topped both overall and university categories in India’s NIRF 2018 rankings.

9th & 10th Aug 2018 HAL Convention Center, Bangalore

T

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4.5 Sqm ( 3 m x 1.5 m) 1.1.2

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9th & 10th August, 2018 HAL Convention Center, Bangalore

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Private Aerospace and defence Industries Ministry of Defence Personnel Representatives of State Government Armed Forces Personnel DRDO Officials DPSU Officials Technical Experts and Analysts OEMs Defence Contractors and Traders Academicians , Researchers and Aerospace Engineering Students Decision-Makers in Defence and Aerospace Arena Technology Suppliers and Seekers

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Who should attend

Indian Defence and Aerospace Sector The Indian Defence and Aerospace Sector receives great attention as the government taking forward the modernisation and indigenisation drives.

The sector has tremendous potential for investment opportunities, foster innovation and growth since the government has set the target of achieving 70% indigenisation in defence and aerospace manufacturing in the next 10 years.

HALL 1 LAYOUT

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Defence and Civil Aviation Ministry, DRDO, private Industry, state governments, certifying authorities and Armed Forces will attend the event.

The event will offer a platform to create new business opportunities, identify potential players in private sector and build a strong supplier base to cater to the indigenisation needs.

3m

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Programs Additive Manufacturing UAV – Design, Development and Manufacture Quality and Certification Software Applications Developing Supply Chain Outsourcing by DPSUs Opportunities for Defence MSMEs

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Strategic Partnership Between Private and Public firms Indigenisation Scope for Private Companies in the Make in India initiatives Latest Technology Innovations High Productive Machines Shipbuilding and Space

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Focus areas

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he Indian aerospace and defence manufacturing industry is witnessing an unprecedented growth as the government pushes for making India as a defence manufacturing hub. With an aim to support the indigenisation drive in these sectors and realise India’s dream of being self-reliant, AEROMAG in association with SIATI is organising the fifth edition of ADMS as a window to witness the strategicmanufacturing capability of Indian companies and impart latest technologies.

ADMS is an yearly event started in 2014 and is supported by major Defence Industries including HAL, BEL,BDL , Armed Forces , DRDO Labs, Government of Karnataka, Industry bodies, ISRO, Academic institutions etc. There will be exhibition, seminar, B2B meetings as part of the ADMS. Representatives from Defence PSUs,

For more details , Please Contact: Preethi M, Tel – + 91 9448447509 Email : preethim@aeromag.in | seminar@aeromag.in Aeromag Asia, Aeronautical Society of India Building, Suranjandas Road, Off Old Madras Road, Bangalore- 560 075, Karnataka, India.

Tel : + 91-80-25284145 - / 91 9449061925 / 9480551925 www.aeromag.in

Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore

I

ndian Institute of Science, Bangalore, continues to be India’s pride among global universities as it makes once again into the top 100 list published by Times Higher Education. For the second time, IISc has been featured in the list being clubbed between 91-100 ranks.

The last time it secured a spot in the top 100 list has been in same banding in 2011.

IISc has become the only Indian varsity to make it to the prestigious list this year.

The varsity has also been ranked among the top 50 varsities in the Times Higher Education Emerging Economies University Rankings 2018. IISc was ranked 13th, up from its previous position of 14. Earlier in April, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has been again ranked first in both overall and university categories in India on the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2018, released by Union Minister of Human Resource Development Prakash Javadekar.

Founded in 1909, the IISc had started with just two departments -- General and Applied Chemistry and Electrical Technology -- but today has over 40 departments spread across six divisions: Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Electrical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Research, Mechanical Sciences, and Physical and Mathematical Sciences.

Phil Baty, Editorial Director of Global

Rankings for Times Higher Education (THE), has said that India’s plan to increase international student numbers was encouraging.

“The new Institutions of Eminence initiative, which closely aligns with THE’s own world-class excellence model, certainly has the potential to elevate its selected universities on the global stage,” he said.

The US varsities Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University, have continued to secure the first four spots in the top 100 list, followed by University of Cambridge from the UK. University of Cambridge which was in joint fourth place last year dropped a place in the latest rankings.

Harvard University is taking the top spot for the eighth consecutive year, and there are 43 other US institutions making the top 100.

The rankings have been compiled from a globally representative survey of 10,000 senior academics on the most renowned

educational institutions in the world.

With an aim to break into the world’s top 100 universities, India has taken several measures in the recent past which includes establishing its own ranking process and allowing graded autonomy to some institutions for hiring foreign faculty and designing new courses. India is also in the process of setting up 20 Institutes of Eminence in this regard.

A total of 42 Indian varsities have participated in the Times Higher Education Emerging Economies University Rankings 2018 this year, competing against 350 universities and institutions from 42 emerging economies, including China, Taiwan, Russia, Brazil, and Indonesia.

China’s Peking and Tsinghua universities claim the top two spots for fifth consecutive year.

Some of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) also have secured their spots in the list. IIT Bombay has maintained its ranking of 26 and IIT Kharagpur has secured 45th position by climbing 26 places to break into the top 50 list.

As per the ranking released by the national institutional ranking framework (NIRF), the IISc stood first in the university category, followed by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Banaras Hindu University (BHU).

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How to Reach?

ADVANTAGE KARNATAKA

Karwar

Amidst the Sun and Sand

About Karwar Ideal Trip Duration: 2 Full Days Nearest City: Hubli (167 Kms), Panaji (Goa) (108 Kms), Bangalore (520 Kms) Best Time to Visit: October to February Peak Season: December to January Weather: Summer: 18°C - 39°C and Winter: 13°C - 36°C

By Air- Nearest Airports are Dabolim International Airport, Goa (98 Kms) and Huballil Airport (168 Kms)

By Rail- Karwar Railway Station is well connected to all major cities with regular trains.

By Road- 520 Kms (8h 45 m) from Bangalore Via NH48. KSRTC has regular bus services from all major cities to Karwar.

K

arwar mesmerises its visitors with breath-taking view of its landscape, rugged hills, and clear backwaters. The very view of mountains rising out of the Arabian Sea is spellbinding. Beaches are in abundance here and people from all over the country reach Karwar to blend with the sun and sand on the beaches. It is said that the Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore found inspiration as a poet at the beaches of Karwar and contemplated on nature’s bounties in his memoir as a fit place in which to realise that the beauty of nature is not a mirage of imagination but reflects the joy of the infinite and thus draws us to lose oneself in it. The Western Ghats with its rich hilly forest tracts, picturesque valleys, spectacular designs of lofty monolithic rocks, amalgamates with the Arabian Sea at the beaches of Karwar, making it a perfect spot for one to destress and bask under sun.

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prawling along the lap of the mighty Western Ghats, Karwar, often dubbed as the Kashmir of Karnataka, is one of the greenest spots in India. The town, which is the headquarters of the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, is surrounded by the Western Ghats, Arabian Sea, Kali River, and a Harbour on the east, west, north, and south respectively. Karwar is a natural harbour where the river Kali embraces the Arabian Sea. The port town, known for its temples and beaches, is one of the important tourist spots in Karnataka. The Western Ghats with its rich hilly forest tracts, picturesque valleys, spectacular

include Karwar Beach, Devbagh Beach, Sadashivgad, Dargah of Peer Shan Shamsuddin Kharobat, Durga Temple, Kaju Bagh Beach, Kurumgad Island, Naganatha Temple, Narasimha Temple, Koodi Bagh Beach and Venkataramana Temple. Gokarna is about 60 km from Karwar and can be visited together.

Karwar beach Karwar is a collection of five beaches and Karwar beach is one among them which makes the town famous for ecotourism and nature lovers frequently visit the city for vacations. Balmy sunsets at the relatively less-crowded beach are a true treat to the eyes in the shimmering golden sand, pristine waters, and playful waves of the Arabian Sea. A variety of water sports such as banana ride, motorboat, and jet scooter activities are some of the main attractions here. The Karwar beach is famous for its seafood and is prepared in different styles with coconut and spice.

This quaint, simple, and charming beach destination is a must-see for one and all.

Devbagh Beach It is one of the famous beaches in Karnataka. The river Kali meets the Arabian

Sea at this spot, which together make a splendid sight. Being a nature lover’s paradise, Devbagh Beach is sandwiched between the magnificent Western Ghats and the mighty Arabian Sea. Here, one can hear the gentle crashing of the waves and watch the majestic sun vanish into the horizon giving way to a velvety moonlit night. Adventure sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, parachute riding, banana ride, speed boating is one of the major attractions of the beach.

Devbagh beach is the ideal place for a quiet, leisurely outing by the sea with a pinch of adrenaline.

Kurumgad island Shaped like a tortoise, this island is home to the Narasimha temple which is a famous pilgrimage spot in the area.

The island’s beach, which sports unspoilt stretches of sand, has numerous palm trees and the sea is uniquely greyish in colour. An abandoned lighthouse is another attraction which has its own historic tale to tell. The beach is known for other popular games including swimming in the attractive seas, fishing, and beach volleyball along the coastline, snorkelling, tidal pool, and boat rides.

Where to Stay?

Hotel Mayura Samudra KSTDC, Gokarna, Karwar Devbagh Beach Resort There are several affordable cottages in Karwar.

Oyster Rock Lighthouse The lighthouse, constructed by the British during the 1860s is located on Oyster rock island, near Karwar. Tourist can reach the island using machine boats from Karwar port. It is one of the oldest lighthouses in India. The Oyster rock islets are a hotspot for all types of Water Sports.

Sadashivgadh Hill Fort Built atop a hill on the north bank of the Kali river, the fort is known for its incredible view of the setting sun. It is mostly in ruins, having been pulled apart by the British, after multiple change of hands. There is a Durga temple situated in this fort and the Shantadurga deity here is believed to be installed by Shivaji for the locals to worship.

that the Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore found inspiration as a poet at the beaches of Karwar and contemplated on nature’s bounties in his memoir as a fit place in which to realise that the beauty of nature is not a mirage of imagination but reflects the joy of the infinite and thus draws us to lose oneself in it.

Karwar is situated at a distance of 60 km from Gokarna, 70 km from Kumta, 108 km from Panjim, 114 km from Murudeshwar, 167 km from Hubli and 517 km from Bangalore. The main attractions

designs of lofty monolithic rocks, amalgamates with the Arabian Sea at the beaches of Karwar, making it a perfect spot for one to destress and bask under sun.

Karwar mesmerises with breath-taking view of its landscape, rugged hills, and clear backwaters. The very view of mountains rising out of the Arabian Sea is spellbinding. Beaches are in abundance here and people from all over the country reach Karwar to blend with the sun and sand on the beaches. It is said

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35

Business ADVANTAGE KARNATAKA

BEL Reports 14% Turnover Growth

​ V Gowtama, CMD, BEL addressing the Annual Press Conference. Koshy Alexander, Director (F), R N Bagdalkar, Director (HR), Dr. Ajit M T Kalghatge, Director (R&D), Nataraj Krishnappa, Director (Other Units), and Anandi Ramalingam, Director (Marketing) are also seen.

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angalore-based Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) has registered a turnover growth of 14 per cent over the previous year. The PSU has registered a turnover of Rs.10085 Crores in 2017-18 compared to Rs.8825 Crores in 2016-17.

But, there has been a 29.5 per cent fall in its standalone net profit to Rs 5.58 billion in the Q4 owing to slump in export revenues, higher wage cost coupled with falling interest income. The profit after tax is Rs.1399 crores in 2017-18. The reports have been announced by MV Gowtama, Chairman and Managing Director, BEL, at the annual press conference held in Bangalore.

Meanwhile, BEL’s has secured excellent “MoU” Rating and the turnover from indigenous technology is 89%. BEL’s sales from defence business is 85% during 2017-18 and has commenced supply for Ground Based Mobile ELINT System and Battlefield Surveillance System. Another highlight of the previous year has been the inauguration of BEL-developed Online Inventory Management System for Indian Navy. The company’s exports order book stood at $92 million as of April 2018, which included offset order book of $35 million. The total order book value is Rs. 40115 crores as on 1 April 2018.

Gowtama has said that fall in interest income, higher wage cost and more tax outgo were the reasons behind the fall in profitability during this fiscal. “However, our sales have grown around 14 per cent last fiscal and we are hopeful of around 15 per cent growth in revenues in the current financial year. We are also betting big on exports and have started to witness some bit of traction in this space. The company

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is expanding its global presence for executing more exports orders,” he said.

During the last fiscal, the Navaratna PSU has executed orders related to integrated air command and control system, fire control system, L70 gun upgrade, Akash weapon system, and submarine sonar suite among others.

Some of the new products or systems introduced during the year are Ground Based Mobile Elint System, Lynx U2 for SNF and P15, Radio on the Move for QRSAM, Advanced Composite Communication

“

Future thrust areas for BEL include cognitive and artificial intelligence, machine learning, cyber security, cloud computing, data analytics and image analytics among others.

”

System for P15B, Mine Field Recording System, Electronic Voting Machine Mk II, Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail Mk II etc.

During the year 2017-18, the company has received many significant orders including Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail, Commander Thermal Imager Sights for T72 and BMP, Low Intensity Conflict EW System, Hull Mounted Sonar for P71.

Surveillance Radar Element, Compact Multi-Purpose Advanced Stabilized System (CoMPASS) among others. One of the major products supplied by BEL in the nod defence sector is the Electronic Voting Machine. BEL manufactures its

EVMs at different locations in Bengaluru, and during the last fiscal year 2017-18 it supplied around two lakh machines to the election commission. This current fiscal, BEL is planning to supply around 10 lakh machines to the Election Commission.

VVPATs are Tamperproof Reacting to reports on malfunctioning of VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) machines in the recently held bypolls in UP’s Kairana, M V Gowtama has said that the machines could malfunction due to different reasons but that never makes it vulnerable to tampering.

“These machines may have defects occurred due to various reasons including transportation to interior regions of the country during elections. Otherwise, these machines are manufactured based on set standards and procedures and despatched after robust-testing. Machine failure doesn’t mean tampering. BEL’s EV machines could not be tampered with, both electronically and physically at any circumstances,” said Gowtama.

BEL is also working on the new model of EVM which is expected to have much more add on features that will help it secure further. Even if one tries to physically tamper with them, they would stop functioning. BEL has a separate team to cater to international requirements of EVs, added Gowtama.

Export Performance The export turnover of BEL was 26 million USD in 2017-18. Major products exported include Coastal Surveillance System, CoMPASS, Advanced Composite Communication System, Electro

Mechanical parts etc. BEL has participated in three International Exhibitions to showcase products & capabilities and the export order book of US $ 92 million as on April 1, 2018; includes Offset order book of US $ 35 million.

Moreover, BEL has received the Defence Minister’s award for Best Performance in Exports for the year 2015-16.

R&D Initiatives Last year BEL has made several R&D achievements including successful test firing of indigenous RF Seekers (developed along with DRDO) for Akash 1S Missile System, successful test flight of Rustom II drone (Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle – MALE UAV) developed along with DRDO among others.

BEL has also signed LATOTs with DRDO. Manufacturing Initiatives BEL has developed Advanced EMC Testing Facilities of size 11m x 21m x 30m which can conduct testing of Systems / Platforms weighing up to 70 Tonnes. It has also constructed a Near Field Antenna Test Range (NFTR) facility for calibration and testing of Radars and communication antennas. BEL has established High level Shock Testing Facility capable of imparting mechanical shocks up to 120g level for equipment weighing up to 800 kg.

Other initiatives include a Secured Manufacturing Test facility established for production of EVMs and VVPATs and a state-of-the-art Electronic Artillery Fuze manufacturing facility.

Business Initiatives BEL has acquired land at High tech Defence & Aerospace Park at Devanahalli for pursuing business in areas like Satellite Integration, Space Electronics, Unmanned Systems, etc.

It also has engaged with potential Strategic Partners (identified by MoD) in the areas of aircrafts, tanks, and submarines. BEL has a dedicated Business vertical to address Cyber Security, Unmanned Systems and Composites. BEL has placed thrust on exports, offset, and contract manufacturing and expanded global presence with new overseas offices.

There has been big progress in diversification initiatives of BEL in the areas of Homeland Security & Smart City Business, Ammunition Fuses and RF Seekers have been satisfactory. BEL is having revenue inflow in these areas.

Make in India Initiatives BEL has been continuing its commitment towards Make in India programme and indigenisation drive. Last year, BEL has recorded 89% of Sales Revenue from Indigenous technology. BEL is focusing more on core areas and R&D all non-core areas are being outsourced to Indian Industries including MSMEs. For this a separate Outsourcing and Vendor Development Policy has been released and “Make in India” Display Cells have been established in all Units of BEL. Nodal officers for Outsourcing & Vendor development have been nominated and a Public Procurement Policy has been compiled. BEL’s Test facilities are being provided to private vendors.

3D ASR Radar

Environmental Initiatives BEL has a well-established Environmental Management System with pollution control measures, waste water treatment, zero effluent discharge, rainwater harvesting, energy conservation, and proper disposal of hazardous waste. All 9 Units of BEL are ISO 14001 (Environmental Standard) certified.

With a total capacity of 13.9 MW wind energy plants, 258 Lakh units generated has been wheeled during 2017-18. Green Building concept has been introduced in all new buildings, and all future buildings will meet Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) rating compliance.

BEL has taken up sustainable development initiative for retrofitting of conventional lightning to LED lighting system. In addition, energy conservation measures such as efficient VRV AC systems & screw chiller, DALI (Digitally Addressable Lighting Interface) Lighting control system are introduced.

Outlook for The Future BEL will continue its indigenisation efforts in line with ‘Make in India’. Radars, Missile Systems, Communication & Network Centric Systems, Tank Electronics, Gun Upgrades, Electro-Optic Systems and Electronic Warfare & Avionics Systems will drive BEL’s growth in the years ahead. State-of-the-art new factories for Electro Optics and Anantapur for future Missile programs will be established at Machilipatnam. Also, the company is pursuing business opportunities in Space Electronics, Solar Energy, Homeland Security, Smart Cards and Telecom. Strategies and action plans have been formulated to face competition, maintain technological edge and retain leadership position.

USHUS

HHTI with LRF Software Defined RadioManpack

Electronic Voting Machine

37

ADVANTAGE KARNATAKA

Dodging Bangalore’s Traffic in Style

From Electronic City to Bangalore Airport in 15 minutes.

“When people travel from Electronic City to Bangalore Airport by road-taxi it would cost them anywhere between Rs.1500 to Rs.2500 apart from an irksome travel of more than two hours.

Cabs booked from hotels cost around Rs.3500. But, in HeliTaxii, it takes less than 20 minutes and that too at a reasonable price,” says Govind Nair Director, Business Development, Thumby Aviation, while talking about “the smartest way to reach airport” from the city. A blissful 15-minute ride on ‘an arm chair in the sky’ to enjoy an aerial view of the beautiful Garden City is what India’s first dedicated Heli-taxi service offers.

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he dreadful traffic of Bangalore has always been a nightmare for commuters in the city, especially for those who have a flight to catch from the Kempegowda International Airport, situated more than 50 Kms from the heart of city. The journey by road to the airport often involves up to three hours in peak hour traffic. But now, with Helitaxii at their service, Bangaloreans have the “smartest way” to avoid traffic and reach the airport in style. A blissful 15-minute ride on an arm chair in the sky to enjoy an aerial view of the beautiful Garden City is what India’s first dedicated Heli-taxi service offers.

HeliTaxi has been started by a private aviation service provider, Thumby Aviation, in March 2018 with an aim to provide a quick seamless transfer of

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passengers from the city hub to the airport via air thereby reduce the travel

time to less than 15 minutes. The birth of HeliTaxii has happened when a young entrepreneur once again proved right the saying ‘Necessity is the mother of all inventions’. The idea to airlift people to airport came to Govind Nair, Director of Business Development at Thumby Aviation, when he himself experienced the bitterness of Bangalore traffic four years back.

“I had to travel from Electronic City to KIAL by road once and that day I felt the real heat of the serpentine queues on the city roads. I knew I would miss the flight, but I sat helpless in the car. I wished I had one of our choppers there to help

me catch the flight,” says Govind, who is also the son of Group Captain KNG Nair, the Chairman and Managing Director of Thumby Aviation. It was then Govind realised that the precious time of people was not something to be wasted in traffic.

“That wearying experience made me think about introducing a Heli-taxi platform in Bangalore. I shared the idea with my father and he gave green signal.

For two years, we had done various feasibility studies, surveys, and research in the project. We earned practical understanding like how consumers would look at a helicopter for their city travel and what would be an affordable price point for them. Later, we had to clear other hurdles like approval, land clearance, helipad construction etc. Finally, the idea took on wings on March 6, 2018 when our chopper completed its first taxi service to airport covering the 65Kms in less than 20 minutes,” says Govind.

At present, the HeliTaxii service is available from KIAL to Electronic City, Phase I, which is one of the main IT hubs.

It currently shuttles two US-made sixseater Bell 407 helicopters, with services being offered every 30 minutes in two shifts; one between 7 am and 10 am and the second between 3.30 pm and 6 pm.

A one-way trip on the chopper costs Rs.3500 per person, excluding the 18 per cent GST. “When people have to travel by road-taxi it would cost them anywhere between Rs.1500 to Rs.2500 and an irritating travel of more than two hours.

Cabs booked from hotels cost around Rs.3500. But, in HeliTaxii, it takes less than 20 mins and that too at a reasonable price,” says Govind. The company is

offering discounted fares for corporate bookings.

People can book their seats on the chopper through the mobile app HeliTaxii (available on Android and ios) or directly at the company’s counter at the airport.

It allows the passengers to carry luggage up to 15 kg and extra Rs.499 for additional baggage up to 20 kg. The HeliTaxii flies on a route approved by the Ministry of Defence and Airports Authority of India to avoid interference with KIA’s or the Air Force’s traffic at HAL. Thumby aviation has a designated heliport at a 1km distance from KIAL, from where the passengers are provided with a vehicle to reach the airport.

Heli-taxis have existed from the 1950s in the US, but in India it is something new which has a huge potential to catch on like wildfire. As the purpose is to save time, which is the most precious for many these days, it further widens the business scope

in the sector. Being the first Heli-taxi service provider in India, Thumby Aviation has set its ambitions high. According to Govind Nair, HeliTaxii has airlifted around 500 passengers between March-May. “We have been getting very good response so far. The users are mainly corporates, families, and a fair share of foreigners.

Currently, we are operating the services only during peak hours. Eventually, we want to take up more services and deploy bigger helicopters,” says Govind.

In the months ahead, the company wants to increase its network in Bengaluru and begin operations at night, while also connecting more helipads. “We are looking forward to expanding our service to various busy spots in the city. We are in talks with HAL to start service from their airport. Alongside, we have initiated talks with airlines and online travel agencies for a possible tie-up. Moreover, we are also evaluating cities like Hyderabad and New Delhi with an aim to have a panIndia presence. If everything goes as per plans, flying over the traffic and reaching the airport on a helicopter would soon be a possibility across other cities,” says Govind.

Apart from Heli-taxi services, the company offers emergency services like transporting organs to various hospitals, disaster management etc. Thumby Aviation has a history of helping various governments including the North Eastern states, in disaster management and antinaxal activities. Also, the company offers joy rides and private charters to various tourist places including Mysore, Wayanad, Chikmagalur etc.

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ADVANTAGE KARNATAKA

Bangalore to Pedal for a Change City get its First Bicycle Mayor

Sathya Shankaran receiving the Bicycle Mayor title from Jaap Werner, Honorary Consul General, The Netherlands.

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n a move to revive the charm of Garden City by promoting environment-friendly transport measures, Bangalore got its first Bicycle Mayor. A civic activist, Sathya Shankaran, has been selected as the Bicycle Mayor to oversee promoting the use of cycles as a cheaper and cleaner mode of transportation. The title is an honorary two-year position envisioned

by Amsterdam-based NGO ByCS and the initiative is a part of an existing global project by the Dutch organisation Bicycle Space.

The project aims to convert half of all

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urban transport in the world to bicycle traffic by2030. Bicycle Space has started this project in 11 countries and in India, it has been implemented in Guwahati and Vadodara already. In India, the project is being implemented with the support of the NGO Evangelical Social Action Forum (ESAF).

Sathya Shankaran, who is a cycling enthusiast, has been selected by an evaluation panel of civic activists and urban transport experts from 19 entries in Bangalore. Sathya has been given the title by Jaap Werner, Honorary Consul General, The Netherlands. As the Bicycle

Mayor, Shankaran will work closely with the government to ensure that more bicycles are brought onto the roads and raise support for cycling thereby reducing the traffic congestion in city. Promoting cycling for sustainable mobility in the city is one of the primary jobs the mayor is tasked with.

Sathya is the co-founder of the NGO Prajaa, which has been focusing on civic interventions in Bengaluru, and the founder of Citizens for Sustainability (Cifos), focusing on technology and infrastructure. He has been actively involved in projects concerning nonmotorised transport.

After receiving the title, Sathya has said that over his two-year tenure he would focus on creating awareness among school students by teaching subjects such as physics, health, and civics through cycling, he said. “The course will be integrated into the school curriculum and students will learn the mechanics of a cycle as well as the biological, environmental and civic benefits of cycling. I expect to work with civic bodies to create better infrastructure for cyclists.

Getting commuters to give up their cars and bikes and start using bicycles is an uphill task. But we hope do the best,” he said.

Titan Aviation Goes Global with New AOCS

Capt. Sakeer Sheik Founder and Chairman, Titan Aviation

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itan Aviation, a leading provider of aircraft management, aircraft sales and air charter services in the Middle East and India, has secured two new international Air Operator Certificates (AOC) and laid out its ambitious global growth strategy at EBACE 2018 – Europe’s premier aviation event.

The company has recently obtained an AOC from San Marino and FAA Part 135 charter operator certification, adding to its existing EASA, Cayman and DGCA accreditations. Titan Aviation’s immediate growth strategy has already seen the Dubai-headquartered company - now in its 14th year of operation - opening eight new bases across Europe and the USA, and hugely strengthen its operations team.

“We are growing and expanding into the global market with the latest two certifications facilitating our international aircraft management and charter business with aircraft registered in San Marino or the USA now flying all over the world,” said Capt. Sakeer Sheik, Founder and Chairman, Titan Aviation.

With offices in San Marino, Italy, Germany, France, the UK, Florida, New Jersey and New York, Titan now has 25 aircraft in its globally managed fleet, including Lineage 1000, Bombardier Global 6000, Legacy 650 and Gulfstream, with several available for charter.

“Our target is to have 20 jets under management in Europe within two

Having obtained an AOC from San Marino and FAA Part 135 charter operator certification, adding to its existing EASA, Cayman and DGCA accreditations, Bangalore-based Titan Aviation aims to mark global footprints in the sector. The company has opened eight new bases across Europe and the USA, and hugely strengthened its operations team. years and 50 in the USA within the same timescale of 2020,” explained Sheik. “The new AOCs and offices leave us well placed to reach these aims. We are now servicing the main European and American business and leisure destinations preferred by our clients in the Middle East and India, while providing seamless access to and from the USA and Europe,” he added.

Titan’s new global operations team heading up the growth programme includes: Captain Joachim Begründe who becomes Head of Europe Base; Henri Lauras as President of Aircraft Sales; Ilaria Cecere who takes on the mantle of Support Services Manager for Europe; James Coak who becomes VP Business Development; Horm Irani, General Manager and Head of US Base; Louis Ridley, Chief Pilot, and Steve Zirelli who joins the Titan Board in the USA. “This is a highly-skilled cadre of multi-national experts who bring a deep understanding of US, European and global aviation to the business.

As we look to greatly widen our wing print within a jet-speed timeframe, Titan is now offering 360-degree aviation solutions around-the-clock,” said Sheik.

Titan’s international growth march also includes expanding its influence into the medevac arena, particularly in the UAE where a gap in the market has arisen with the withdrawal of Abu Dhabi’s Royal Jet from the sector.

Switching Metro Line Gets Easier

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witching Metro line and trains at Kempegowda Majestic interchange, which is one of the busiest stations in the city, is now a lot easier and hassle-free. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has changed the timings of Purple (Byappanahalli to Mysuru Road) and Green (Nagasandra to Yelachenahalli) lines so that passengers getting off at the interchange can board the next onward train in three minutes. The interchange witnesses a footfall of over 27,000 every day and the switching lines and catching next train has been a bit annoying for many.

Mahendra Jain, Managing Director, BMRCL, has said that because of the synchronous operations of two lines, waiting time even during non-peak hours won’t exceed three minutes, excluding the transit time at the interchange, which usually takes two to three minutes, depending on the pace of the individual. “We will continue with the new system on a regular basis based on the success of the trial run.

Earlier, waiting time during non-peak hours was up to 10 minutes in certain cases due to reduced frequency of operations,” he said.

The new system aims to reduce congestion at the station as delay in getting trains leads to overcrowding.

BMRCL has also deployed more staff at the station to avoid crowding and ensure people queue up. More shortloop trains will be introduced between bus stations to clear rush.

BMRCL also hope to operate the first six-car Metro train by midJune. “All required tests, including electro-magnetic compatibility (EMC) tests, have been completed. The commissioner of railway safety has inspected the trial runs.

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ADVANTAGE KARNATAKA

Automobile

S E T A UPD

New Hyundai Creta with a Cosmetic Facelift

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yundai launched its 2018 Creta facelift recently with prices starting at Rs. 9.44 lakh, going all the way up to Rs. 15.03 lakh (all prices ex-showroom pan India). Creta has been one of Hyundai’s most popular products and a leader in the compact SUV segment with an average 10,000 units per month. Hence, the facelift has been much-awaited in the automobile world.

Moreover, it was imperative for Creta to get a makeover to keep the interest levels high amidst the tight competition in the segment as well as from segments a notch lower and higher.

The facelift is more of a cosmetic makeover along with new features and revised pricing thrown in the mix.

Hyundai is optimistic about the new Creta to boost its sales. Let’s take a look at what the new Creta brings with its facelift.

Exterior Despite lacking a dramatic makeover in the design, the new Creta has noticeable changes to give it a fresher look than the 2015 version. The chunky triple-chrome slats have been replaced with the new Hyundai family cascading grille which

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is larger wider and meet headlamps, unlike separate units on the older version. The front bumper looks more stylish with a brushed silver skid plate that gives a beefier look. The revised fog lamp housing with slightly smaller units enclosed with LED DRLs give a more elongated appearance to the face.

Though not much different from the older version, the new Creta looks a lot more appealing from the front.

At the sides, the new 17-inch machine cut alloy wheels give a sporty appearance but are restricted to the top variants.

More visible upgrades are at the rear with the reworked taillights that got new detailing, dual-toned bumper with revised reflectors and a wider faux diffuser. Hyundai has also added a roofmounted shark fin antenna. The new Creta is available in two new colours Marina Blue and Passion Orange, while Hyundai India is also offering a dual-tone paint option with a black roof.

Interior There are hardly any massive changes to the layout in the cabin. It features a five-

seater setup and a black and beige colour scheme, though the range-topping SX+ trim gets an all-black cabin. But, the new Creta is rich in features. The lower trims now get height adjustable driver’s seat, sliding armrest, speed sending door locks, front seatbelts with pre-tensioners.

Safety features like dual airbags, ABS, and EBD remain standard across the range.

The top variants sport an electric sunroof, cruise control, six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, and an updated 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with an IPS display and less glare. It has MirrorLink, navigation, smartphone connectivity Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top trims get six airbags as standard along with ESC, VSM and Hill Assist Control. The top variants have a wireless phone charger which is a first in the segment.

Powertrain The features under the hood of the 2018 Creta facelift are identical to its predecessor. The 1.6-litre petrol engine producing 121 bhp and 151 Nm of peak torque remain unchanged. Both have 6-speed manual and automatic transmission variants.

The 1.4-litre diesel is the more fuel efficient and produces 89 bhp and 220 Nm of peak torque. There’s also the range-topping and punchy 1.6-litre CRDi diesel with 126 bhp and peak torque of 260 Nm. The springy nature of the clutch and the notchy shifts remain unchanged on the manual variants of both, the petrol and diesel.

Prices The base ‘E’ petrol variant is Rs.15000 more expensive than its predecessor and the top-spec SX (O) petrol is more expensive by Rs.57000. Prices for base diesel variants remain unchanged, except the top-spec SX (O) which is now Rs.44000 more expensive.

Ride Quality With the facelift Hyundai Creta 2018 continues to keep its lead in the segment with a supple ride quality, predictive and progressive braking, and a much lighter steering. The performance figures, braking distance, and fuel economy readings for all the variants remain consistent with the older version.

Behold! RE Classic 500 Pegasus Edition

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iving much more excitement to Royal Enfield fans in India, the much-awaited limited edition Classic 500 Pegasus has been launched in India. The oldest two-wheeler brand has designed this Retro-Military style motorcycle to pay homage to one of the most famous Royal Enfield motorcycles used in World War II - the two-stroke RE/ WD 125.

Popularly known as the ‘Flying Flea’, the RE/WD 125 has served the British paratroopers during World War II. The lightweight Flying Flea used to be enclosed in a cage as it was intended to be dropped from aircrafts on the battlefield to help the military with on spot mobility.

The Classic 500 Pegasus Edition is priced at Rs 2.49 Lakhs.

It is a chance to own a piece of motorcycle history as only 1,000 units are available worldwide out of which 250 units will be sold in India.

Royal Enfield has tried to keep the military touch of the RE/WD 125 in Pegasus with each unit having a unique serial number stencilled on the fuel tank

in line with the military numbers during the Word War. Each unit has the Pegasus emblem - the official Parachute Regiment insignia and come with a pair of unique canvas panniers with Pegasus logo, like the ones used by despatch riders during war.

There is a range of apparel and accessories with the same military touch and these too will come in limited numbers. The motorcycle will be available in India in only one colour namely Service Brown.

It also has authentic markings of military motorcycles, including brown handlebar grips, a leather strap with a brass buckle across the air filter, blacked out silencers, rims, kickstart lever, pedals, and headlight bezel to make it more period-congruent.

The Classic 500 Pegasus Edition is powered by the same 499cc, single cylinder, air-cooled engine coupled with a five-speed gearbox, churning out 27 bhp of power and 41 Nm of torque. It is similar to standard Classic 500 in terms of components like suspension, chassis and brakes.

The RE/WD 125, known as the Flying Flea, was a two-stroke motorcycle used in World War II.

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ADVANTAGE KARNATAKA

Pharma Industry on the Road of Automation The need to comply to manufacturing standards of productivity and quality for enhancing competitiveness on a global level is one of the major growth driving factors for the automation in Indian pharma sector. The pharma automation is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 10-12% from 2015-2020 in India.

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utomation is a worldwide process and has come long way playing a major role in enhancing efficiency and accuracy of businesses. A recent international survey by a U.K. based professional body, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), ranked India one of the top three countries in the world to implement Robotic Automation in core business processes. The automation industry in India is witnessing a constant growth and one among the main sectors that is adopting automation widely is Pharma. The technological advances in automation and robotics are benefitting the pharmaceutical industry of today. Pharmaceutical manufacturing relies on many processes that can be fully or partially automated. With more companies realising the fact that automated solutions play a bigger role in their growth trajectory, the Indian Pharma industry is on the road of automation.

The Industry 4.0 is taking the centrestage for the pharma industry. Pharma 4.0, a replicate of Industry 4.0, is the enabler of continuous manufacturing. Big data analytics to cloud computing and Internet of Things (IoT) are among the innovations that take the pharma research

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and manufacture landscape to next level.

Dr. Amit Biswas, Executive Vice President, Dr Reddyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Labs, while addressing a recent pharma expo in Bangalore has said that by adopting automation the intent of the industry is to stall much of its manufacturing problems, increase quality and productivity and decrease risk and waste.

Currently, many large pharmaceutical companies in India like Zydus Cadila,

Torrent Pharma and Cipla are automating their production facilities. An increase in the use of robots is particularly significant in dispensing, sorting, kit assembly and light machine-tending, owing to the benefits like greater speed and accuracy, more flexibility, and reliability. There are many areas in pharma sector where complete integration of machines and equipment is required.

Quality control and packaging are important automated processes in pharmaceuticals. Millions of tablets are produced each week and all of them must be carefully scrutinised before being packed and shipped to distributors. Also, pharma manufacturers must confirm that the correct amount of medication,

medicine and care. Also, it allows them to easily compare individual patient profiles with similar cases anywhere in the world, especially such incidents of rare diseases.

with the exact chemical composition and weight are precisely packed into the corresponding containers. Sorting tablets based on colour, shape, and size, and placing them accurately in the right containers are now done by automated machines. Automation using digital image processing through cameras is used for this purpose.

Companies now widely depend on automation to manage bottle orientation, capping, labelling, and collation systems.

Now, there is an automated system to monitor the operation on a supervisory level, checking for low hopper levels, fallen bottles and low-level supplies.

Another process keen on automation is weighing and dispensing of raw material.

Automation in this process helps to reduce risk of contamination, human error. It also reduces batch cycle times and improve data integrity by minimising manual process.

The use of robotics in the laboratory is also rising rapidly. Specific processes in drug development, including drug screening, anti-counterfeiting, and manufacturing tasks are now automated.

Many of the pharma labs now have robotic arms to carry out even the sample preparations in processes like Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and HighPerformance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Likewise, by combining NMR and X-Ray Crystallography, structural protein analysis is also being done using automated machines.

pharma industry which means more precise, predictable healthcare that is customised to the individual patient â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thanks to our increased understanding of genetics and genomics, which helps doctors in giving better disease prevention, more accurate diagnoses, safer drug prescriptions and effective treatments.

Automation in personalised medicines play a potential role by contributing towards an environment where it is commercially viable. Moreover, automated systems can effectively and flawlessly analyse patient info like medical histories, genotype data, familial inheritance, and biomedical research.

It increases the pace of gene sequence analysis at a low cost and allow pharmascientists to access a huge amount of data with little manual interaction. This in-depth analysis allows doctors to keep individual clinical and molecular profiles of each patient and use this to personalise

Apprehension to Embrace Automation Even after the benefits of automated pharma facilities are clearly understood, many players in the sector are a bit apprehensive towards embracing it fully.

Many are still unconvinced of robotics and see them as something entirely new and complex to implement. The reasons are many- cost-related worries, sceptical about the ease of use and acceptance by staff, the disbelief of affordability by small manufacturers etc.

But, automation could be a great investment as the returns often come in terms of energy savings, flexibility, high-speed production, and increased quality. Today, the technology is getting easier to use and accessible to even small businesses at affordable price points. Intelligent Automation is pushing industries towards training their workforce to be ready to cope with the changing scenario, which will not only save their jobs, but also place them high in their careers in the long run.

Moreover, with friendly government policies like Make in India, more capable companies are coming to the forefront of automation industry. With an alreadythriving pharma industry and startupculture, India can outrun its competitors in adopting Automation and Robotics for pharma manufacture soon.

Automation in Personalised Medicine Earlier, most people, irrespective of their genetic differences, age, and gender, received identical medical treatment for same diseases. But now, personalised medicine is getting more popular in

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ADVANTAGE KARNATAKA

Apple may Launch iPhone SE 2 in June

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he much-anticipated iPhone SE 2, successor of two-year-old iPhone SE, is likely to be launched in June this year according to latest leak reports

in the gadget world. The launch of the compact-sized Apple device has been one of the hot topics for a few months, especially among those who were unhappy with the large-sized phones. Now, the talks are about the features and surprises of the version two of SE. The iPhone SE 2 will look very similar to that of the previous handset. Apple may remove the headphone jack, which will be a notable attempt to slim down the phone. The company is expected to pack the A10 Fusion processor in the smartphone.

Interestingly, Apple may stay with the Touch ID, instead of the new Face ID feature, the latest trend in enhancing phone security. Apple is said to be including wireless charging an enabling support for HEIF/ HEVC media recordings in the SE 2.

OnePlus 6 Hits Indian Market

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he arrival of the One Plus 6, the latest flagship phone from the Chinese brand, to Indian market is the hottest news in gadget world now.

According to Amazon, which exclusively offers the phone in India, “the new flagship offers more screen without compromising on size, providing an immersive viewing experience.”

The OnePlus 6 features a 6.28-inch a Full Optic AMOLED 19:9 display, making it OnePlus’ largest-ever screen.

OnePlus 6 was inarguably one of the most anticipated smartphones in India today. The phone is powered by Snapdragon 845 SoC and sports the features like 6/8GB RAM, 64/128GB storage options, and a notch above the display like the iPhone X. OnePlus 6 also features Android 8.1 Oreo out of the box, 3300mAh battery, dualband Wi-Fi 802.11ac. The 3.5mm earphone jack has been retained and as far as the rear camera is concerned the OnePlus 6 features a 16MP main camera, supported by a 20MP secondary camera. The 64 GB variant is priced at Rs 34,999 whereas the 128 GB variant is priced at Rs 39,999.

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The Ideal Reply from “Dad’s Army”

Dell Inspiron 15 5575 with AMD Ryzen Processors, Radeon RX Vega Graphics Launched

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ringing a game changer into the category of mainstream notebooks, Dell has launched its Inspiron 15 5575 with AMD Ryzen processor with Radeon RX Vega Graphics. With the new Inspiron, personal computing will be more enjoyable as AMD brings a legacy of high-performance computing, graphics and visualisation technologies coupled with powerful processing capabilities.

AMD offers a choice of AMD Ryzen 3 2200U processor with Radeon Vega3 graphics or AMD Ryzen 5 2500U processor with Radeon Vega8 graphics. The former model has 4GB of DDR4

2400MHz RAM, while the latter has 8GB of DDR4 2400MHz RAM. Dell Inspiron 15 5575 offers a choice of 15.6-inch anti-glare HD and FHD displays, with the company’s Dell Cinema experience featuring with builtin speakers tuned with Waves MaxxAudio Pro software and advanced processing to deliver studio-quality sound as well as a lag-free video streaming experience with SmartByte, a connection optimiser.

It offers up to seven hours of battery life. The notebook is available in India at a starting price of Rs. 38,990 for the R3 model and Rs. 49,990 for the R5 model.

hen the ‘Yellow Army’ of Chennai Super Kings was back in the Indian Premier League after their two-year ban following corruption controversies, it was already an assurance that the 2018 edition would be one of the most thrilling ones. But, IPL lovers have been a bit bemused when Captain Cool M S Dhoni and Head Coach Stephen Fleming went to team up a squad of senior players instead of following the trend of identifying young blood in the shortest format. When the yellow brigade geared up with Shane Watson, Harbhajan Singh, Ambati Rayudu, Fat du Plessis, Dwayne Bravo, Imran Tahir, who were all into their 30s besides Dhoni, CSK has been ridiculed as “Chennai Senior Kings” and “Dad’s Army”.

Many have written off MSD’s ‘Dad’s Army’ even before the season kicked off. But, debunking the notion that their ageing stars would pull down performances, CSK proved that they were an absolute antithesis to what everyone termed as ‘Dad’s Army’. CSK left everyone stumped with their surge to the final and clinched their third IPL crown at Wankhede Stadium on May 27, to become the oldest team to claim any of the world’s top T20 league titles.

Things were hardly promising at the start as it appeared that the CSK management had put their faith on the thirty-plus age spectrum when the mission they signed up for demanded explosive power and innovative skills. But, CSK won half of their battle at the auction table itself as the management was sure about their picks. Especially, at a time when CSK was looking for a majestic comeback after two years. Dhoni knew that the typical success mantra of having young and dynamic performers would not help CSK to rebuild the cup-winning team because they needed experienced players, who knew what it takes to win an IPL. All members of the core team have won IPL titles earlier by giving significant contribution to the victory. They repeated their stints and ensured CSK’s titleclinching streak this year too. It was undoubtedly the consistency, effective captaincy, and experienced players which won the IPL for CSK. The matchwinner in the final, Shane Watson, who is just short of his 37th birthday, kept the confidence his captain has placed on him despite the Australian’s terrible performance in last season (71 runs in 8 matches). Watson stood up whenever the team needed – scoring

two centuries and two half centuries this season. It was his unbeaten 117 off 57, the highest score in an IPL final, won the cup for CSK Ambati Rayudu, one from Dhoni’s 30+ brigade, finished as CSK’s top-scorer this season with 602 in 16 matches – also earning him an India call for the ODI series in England. Dhoni never missed to tap the potential of Deepak Chahar. The clever use of senior spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Harbhajan Singh whenever situation demanded turned out fruitful. Though Fat du Plessis had to stay out of many matches he singlehandedly took CSK to final stunning Sunrisers Hyderabad with his unbeaten 67 of 42 balls.

All of the core team stood up at different situations when the team demanded their support.

The season was a personal triumph for Dhoni too as he shone both as a captain and batsman in addition to doing a fine job behind the stumps. Captain Cool has finished as the team’s third-highest run scorer this IPL with 455 runs in 16 outings, which was his second-best performance in the 11 IPLs so far. With their majestic performance, CSK has given the ideal reply to their critics and proven once again, ‘Age is just a number’.

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ADVANTAGE KARNATAKA

Royal Silk of

Mysore

Mysore Silk is a legendary brand with a spellbinding royal tradition and dazzling mystique

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he rustle and lustre of Mysore silk is resplendently breathtaking.

Royalties, star divas, beauty queens, brides and women striving to be unique and elegant all are enamoured and enthralled by the enchanting sheen of the fabric, purity of the zari, distinctive drape, exquisite non-crush quality, and butter-soft feel – the most distinct characteristics of original silk sarees that last for years.

Mysore silk, an integral part of Karnataka’s culture, is one of the finest and purest forms of silk. It has acquired a legendary status due to its sheer beauty,

exhibiting a range of rich colours, with golden threads interwoven in it for an enhanced effect. Produced at the country’s oldest silk manufacturing unit – the Mysore Silk Weaving Factory, Mysore silk sarees are exclusively manufactured by the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) that inherited the legacy of the silk manufacturing from the erstwhile Royal Government of Mysore. KSIC is the sole proprietor of the geographical indication for ‘Mysore Silk’ with the certificate of GI patent registration awarded in 2005.

The main body or the base fabric of Mysore silk saree is surprisingly plain

which really stands out amid all the flowery elaborate designs found on other Indian sarees. Mysore silk sarees have plain single colour base fabric of 100 per cent pure silk blended with a narrow strip of gold zari border at both ends. Each saree of 5.5 metres ends with a large ‘pallu’ with exquisite design and a blouse piece material. With varieties such as Crepe-de-Chine, Georgette, zari printed crepe silk, and semi crepe, the sarees come in nearly 300 different colours, which are either printed or dyed and in 115 vivid design combinations.

Some of the design combinations are:

Embroidery Design saree, Big Butta Pallu Zari, Rich Pallu Zari Saree, Jawar Border Saree, Small Mango Saree, Zari Printed Saree, Saree Tissue Saree, Traditional Zari Saree, Checked Zari Saree, Mango Border Saree, Sunrise Design saree, Butta Pallu Saree, and Double Line Checks Saree.

The most popular Mysore silk is the crepe sari, which gets its excellent fall as a result of the number of twists. The yarn used for the weft has up to 2,300 twists per metre, which gives it the crepe silk texture. The sheen and the visual luxury of the crepes are only to be experienced.

At 75 gm per metre, Mysore silk sarees have an unmatched drape. These crepes have delicate strands of zari interwoven in spectacular designs, in the borders and the pallu.

The weight and the content of gold or silver thread used mainly in the intricate border and the pallu (headpiece) determine the price of the sarees. A saree usually weighs between 400 and 600 grams (15-21 ounces). The silk is dyed using natural pigments and woven into intricate, subtle patterns featuring motifs of birds, fruits, leaves etc.

In a genuine Mysore silk saree, body and border are woven together and then colouring is done separately. In the pure silk saree, the zari is made of silver dipped in gold. KSIC produces 100 per cent Crepe-de-Chine fabrics using best quality yarn and using 65 per cent silver and 0.65 per cent gold lace zari. The intricate zari work on the borders and pallu set them apart. The zari rarely fades because the yarn used has the maximum gold and silver.

Mysore is known for its royal heritage and grandeur and Mysore silk reflects the traditional splendour through its rich yet delicate motifs. The printed crepes are tributes to designing and come with a double advantage of possessing the crepe’s softness and a vibrant range of designs from floral to geometric. Mysore silk fabrics are mainly grey woven and then piece dyed, with unique twist patterns in the weft preparation resulting in grainy effect and drape.

Tipu Sultan’s Vision Karnataka owes its pre-eminence in sericulture to Tipu Sultan, the de-facto ruler of the then Kingdom of Mysore, who imported silk cocoons from China

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in 1785 AD, with a vision of making Mysore a leading nation in quality silk production. Tipu Sultan sent a delegation to south China to obtain some seed material and a native of Trichy to learn silk trade. After the Sultan introduced sericulture in the Kingdom of Mysore, several hybrid silk worm varieties were created which were adapted to Indian climatic conditions. In 1866, an Italian by name Signor De Vachej established a private filature near Bangalore and began importing silkworms from Japan for crossbreeding cocoons. JRD Tata established the Tata Silk Farm in Bangalore in 1896.

In 1914, the Department of Sericulture was established in Mysore State, and a government silk farm was opened at Channapatna and 12 races of silkworms were imported from Italy. Ever since, sericulture in Karnataka has flourished with the districts of Mysore, Mandya, Chamarajnagar and Bangalore taking the lion share of silk production in the country.

Swiss Power-looms The Mysore Silk Weaving Factory was established in 1912 by the Maharaja of Mysore. Legend has it that Maharaja Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV went to Britain for Queen Victoria’s jubilee celebrations was impressed by the machine made silk fabric used by the British royalty. This inspired him to order for 32 power-looms to be imported from Switzerland to begin the earliest known production of machine made silk fabrics in India. The Weaving Factory located “on Manandavadi Road, opposite the Church” began manufacturing “Coating silks, mixed cotton and silk sarees, lace bordered sarees and dhotis.” Initially the silk fabrics were manufactured and supplied to meet the requirements of the royal family and ornamental fabrics to their armed forces.

Today, the Mysore Silk Factory produces finest of designer silk sarees, salwar kameez, shirts, kurtas, silk dhoti and men’s tie.

Silk exports from Karnataka account for 24 per cent of silk goods export value of the country, while Karnataka textile industry contributes to 20 per cent of the garment production in India. More than 4,32,000 people are engaged in sericulture in the state. Karnataka has 10 silk exchanges and 66 cocoon markets.

Over two centuries, Silk industry has had wider impact on Karnataka’s economy.

All stages of silk production process (silkworm egg production, rearing, reeling, throwing, wet processing and weaving) are well established. There was tremendous growth in Mulberry area, cocoon production and raw silk production. As a major silk producing state, Karnataka gained the benefits of various institutions, like the Central Silk Board, Central Sericulture Research and Training Institute in Mysuru, Central Silk Technological Research Institute in Bengaluru, and Indian Silk Export Promotion Council.

Besides the impact of the splendour and beauty of Mysore silk sarees on the textile industry in the state, the intricate process of weaving the delicate and gorgeous pure silk sarees, interwoven with gold threads, by traditional master craftsmen attract visitors to Mysore Silk factories.

Mysore Silk Tour is part of tourist itinerary in Karnataka.

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ADVANTAGE KARNATAKA

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Advantage Karnataka English Monthly ADVANTAGE KARNATAKA June 2017 Cost Rs 60 /Pages 68 Vol 4 I Issue 3

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