RV-SKILLS to focus on Artificial Intelligence & Automotive Electronics

RV-SKILLS to focus on Artificial Intelligence & Automotive Electronics to strengthen ecosystem for entrepreneurs and technologists

Skilling on emerging tech by industry experts to remain innovative & competitive.

RV-SKILLS, a unique industry-focused centre for skill development, training and research, with special emphasis on emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Automotive Electronics (AE), has taken a definite shape in Bengaluru, to cater to the fast-changing dynamics of the Indian industry.

Pioneered by the Rashtreeya Sikshana Samithi Trust (RSST) in strategic association with Nanochip Solutions Pvt. Limited, RV-SKILLS is set to become the one-stop destination for people pursuing excellence in emerging fields like AI, ML, AE and VLSI design under the tutelage of industry experts.

VODAFONE IDEA LAUNCHES TurboNet 4G IN KARNATAKA

TurboNet 4G is bull! on the combined strength of the Integrated network resulting in better customer experience Increased 46 co verage, greater Capacity and turbo speeds

Deployment of L 900 technolog y In Bangalore to offer enhanced Indoor
experience on 4G

Bengaluru, 12th September 2019: Vodafone Idea Ltd.. India's leading telecommunication service provider. today announced the launch of TurboNet 4G in Karnataka where it has successfully integrated the erstwhile Vodafone and Idea networks. With this. Bengaluru has become the first metro in the country

to get TurboNet 46 services. in addition to other major Cities like Mysuru, Mangaluru, Belagavi. Hubballi & Davangere in Karnataka.

Additionally. to further enhance indoor user experience on 4G. Vodafone Idea Ltd. has deployed the future-fit L900 technology for its customers in Bangalore. This latest deployment enables higher penetration of 4G in indoor areas offering enhanced network experience for customers.

The launch of TurboNet 4G follows the successful consolidation of its radio network integration and the deployment of newer technologies to further boost network capacity and coverage across large parts of the country.

Speaking on the occasion Arvind Nevatia. Circle Business Head Karnataka. Vodafone idea Ltd. said. ‘With TurboNet 4G. 14 Mn Vodafone Idea customers in Karnataka will get faster download and upload speeds. better coverage and enhanced user experience while consuming content on their smartphones. While there is already more than 2X times improvement in 4G speeds in many markets. our latest deployment of L900 technology in Bangalore, will further

TurboNet4G Advanta e Turbo Network: state-of-the-art 4G LTE network with dual spectrum power offering higher capacity and coverage

Enhanced network capabilities: deployment of future-fit L900 technology that greatly enhances indoor coverage

High Speed downloads/uploads: a fast and seamless mobile internet experience with minimal latency Enhanced experience: HD quality voice calling. high definition streaming of music, videos. mobile gaming and two-way video calling with faster response time

greatly enhance indoor coverage and provide HD quality voice calling and higher data speeds at places where our customers need these services the most. With a strong unified network and rich digital content. we are confident of giving all our customers a superior network experience."

Mobile users of other networks who wish to switch to Vodafone Idea TurboNet 4G and benefit from our superior network experience can connect by dialling the toll-free number 1800-123-612345.

According to Vishant Vora. Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone Idea Ltd., 'With the integration of two strong networks in many markets. Vodafone Idea is becoming a higher powered. super charged 4G network on the back of larger number of sites. deployment of future fit technologies and greater spectrum allocation. TurboNet truly defines the reinvented 4G network which promises to deliver wider coverage, increased capacity. turbo speeds and superior customer experience. Our unified network is being presented to customers of both brands under a single brand proposition TurboNet 4G in all the integrated markets in India. So whether you are a Vodafone or Idea customer. your network is now bigger, stronger and better."

As per Ookla. the global leader in broadband testing and web-based network diagnostic applications, Vodafone and Idea brands are delivering fastest upload and download 46 speeds in many of the integrated markets. More details on www.vodafoneidea.com

With the turbo speeds being offered on both the brands, customers can enjoy live TV shows, latest movies and a variety of original content on Vodafone Play and Idea Movies and TV App. Vodafone Idea has partnered with leading content creators and aggregators like Eros. Sony, ZeeS, Hungama Play. T-Series, SunNXT, ShemarooMe. Hoichoi. TV Today. Discovery and many others that provides an array of free premium content to subscribers to enjoy on TurboNet 4G. Additionally. the company has tie ups with leading content providers like Amazon Prime and Netflix for its premium customers.

About Vodafone Idea Limited

Vodafone Idea Limited is an Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group partnership. It is India’s leading telecom service prowder. The Company provides pan India Voice and Data services across 2G. 36 and 46 platform. With the large spectrum portfolio to support the growing demand for data and voice, the company is committed to deliver delightful customer experiences and contnbute towards creating a truly 'Digital India' by enabling millions of citizens to connect and build a better tomorrow. The Company IS developing infrastructure to introduce newer and smarter technologies. making both retail and enterprise customers future ready with innovative offerings, conveniently accessible through an ecosystem of digital channels as well as extensive on-ground presence. The Company is listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in India.

For more information. please visit: www.vodafoneidea.com

Mining and exploration Convention and Trade Show (Mining Mazma 2019

The three-day international event Mining. Exploration Convention and Trade Show (Mining Mazma 2019). 9'“ in its series. being held from 12'" to 14'" September. 2019 in beautiful and green city Bengaluru. capital of Karnatake State. Mining Mazma provides an unique platform for all the stakeholders viz. policy makers, technologists, explorations companies. mining professionals. equipment suppliers, academicians and civil societies to share the latest development in their respective fields.

2. This Convention and Trade Show, one of its kind, sponsored by Ministry of Mines and organized by FIMI with the support of PDAC and MSTA Canada is being held at very opportune time when there is need to have enhanced focus on mining sector which has great potential to play its vital role towards significant contribution to country’s economy as well as boosting the much needed employment generation.

3. There has been paradigm shift in terms of statutes, regulations and policies in respect of the mining sector with a view to unlocking and effective utilization of the country’s mineral resources. However. the sector is facing numerous challenges in terms of their implementation and in achieving the desired objective of revival and growth of mining sector.

4. Indian mining sector has great potential for its growth and lot of scope for investment particularly in the areas like exploration, drilling, mining operations. beneficiation and other related sub-sectors. Though geologically being a part of Gondwana land, India has the same prospectivity as other resouroe-rich countries such as South Africa, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Indonesia, Chile etc. but unfortunately our country remains under explored. Even after 72 years of Independence, the contribution of mineral sector to country’s GDP is quite low POCOS meagre 1.53% during the year 2017-18 while mineral resource rich
countries like South Africa and Australia's mineral sector contribution to their country’s GDP is to the tune of 7 to 7.5%.

5. Exploration is the foundation for establishment and development of the mineral resource base to have sustained and strong growth of mining industry. However. India's resources are inadequately explored particularly for non-bulk and deep seated minerals like gold, diamond. copper, nickel, lead & zinc, PGMs and REES. While countries like Canada and Australia has share of 13-14% each in the global exploration expenditure but India’s share is negligible. Mineral exploration being high risk area involving big investment , globally the exploration is undertaken by private sector comprising mainly of Junior Exploration Companies who have domain expertise. However, in our country, the exploration activities are mainly confined to Government sector agencies like GSI, MECL, DMGs and some nominated public sector companies. Considering the limitation of government agencies in terms of requisite resources and advanced technologies and restricted role of private sector, exploration activities remains subdued. Owing to inadequate exploration and subsequent under harnessing of mineral resources, country is heavily dependent on imports of minerals and is importing about seven times more than the value of domestic production of major minerals.

6. With a view to have enhanced focus on exploration activities in the country, Government effected amendments in MMDR Act in January, 2015 followed by NMET and NERP (Non-Exclusive Reconnaissance Permit) Rules but its effect has not been up to the mark since there is hardly any role of private sector in exploration in the current regulatory regime. NERP Rules stipulate that permit holder shall not be entitled to make any claim for grant of PL-cum-ML or ML. Since these Rules do not guarantee security of tenure and further rights of concession, no private sector has evinced interest in carrying out the exploration activities. It is a matter of concern that even after elapse of more than four years of implementation of NERP Rules, not even a single reconnaissance permit has been granted so far through out the country.

9. The primary objective of exploration is to extract and sell a product at a competitive price, a price that justifies the investment in exploration and mining. Thus, mineral taxation plays a key role in exploration as well as overall growth of the mining sector. The existing mineral taxation regime is not conducive to attract private / junior exploration companies to work in India. Mining industry in India is the highest taxed in the world with Effective Tax Rate as high as 64% for mines granted before 12th January, 2015 and 60% for mines granted thereafter. Over and above this, there are other host of taxes viz. 18% GST on royalty, 10% tax levied by Hon’ble Supreme Court in Goa and Karnataka, FDT in Karnataka, NPV in case of prospecting and survey besides other charges payable towards statutory clearances and local taxes I cess. If all the imposts are added, the total financial burden goes

beyond 100% of the cost of a mineral. It is therefore imperative that mineral taxation including royalty is rationalized in line with the mineral rich countries which will give impetus to exploration as well as mining activities and facilitate in achieving the desired objective of enhancing the current contribution of mineral sector in

country’s GDP.

10. The initiative taken by Ministry of Coal in February, 2018 for deregulating the

coal sector by allowing commercial mining of coal by the private sector and recently permitting 100% FDI in commercial coal mining are welcome steps. FIMI urge the government to commence and hasten the process of offering of coal blocks for the

private sector for commercial mining.

11. Mining Mazma is the signature and the only annual international mining event

in India organized by FIMI which has now got a unique distinction globally and

getting overwhelming response year after year. Major mineral rich nations like

Canada and other countries are actively participating in the Convention as well as in Trade Show which is a testimony to its standing. In addition, number of exploration,

POCO companies, equipment suppliers, service providers both national and also participating in this event.

Columbia Pacific Communities launches ‘The Virtuoso Club and Serviced Residences’

 

Columbia Pacific Communities launches ‘The Virtuoso Club and Serviced Residences’, India’s first senior living community designed to international standards  

 

The Virtuoso Club and Serviced Residences by Columbia Pacific Communities is set to be launched in Bengaluru 

 

This is Columbia Pacific Communities’ 10th senior living community in the country 

 

Positive ageing - a lifestyle that encourages residents to be physically strong, mentally alert, intellectually stimulated and socially engaged, is the guiding philosophy of Columbia Pacific Communities

 

The property is located in the city’s most desirable green area, at Budigere, off Old Madras Road 

Bangalore, September 10, 2019: Columbia Pacific Communities, part of Seattle-based Columbia Pacific Management, today announced the launch of a new signature project in India. Columbia Pacific Management, brings together over 40 years of rich experience in senior housing design, development and management in the U.S., Europe and Asia.  Integrating global best practices in senior living design and management, The Virtuoso Club and Serviced Residences is a first of its kind offering in India.  

The 157 apartments and public spaces are designed to international standards and offer world-class amenities and facilities such as 24x7 healthcare, a club with a swimming pool, and home style food, making sure that a resident’s every need is taken care of.  

Commenting on the launch of the first property in India, Mohit Nirula, CEO, Columbia Pacific Communities, says, “We are pleased to announce the launch of our 10^th senior living community in the country – The Virtuoso Club and Serviced Residences in Bangalore.  A lot of thought and Columbia Pacific Management’s four decades of experience in senior living of have gone into making India's first senior living community designed to international standards.  

Residents of The Virtuoso Club and Serviced Residences will be able to leave their daily chores to us and use their time instead to embrace life, pursue passions and give back to society in more ways than ever before. 

Commenting on the India launch for the group, Carsten Belanich, Lead - International Senior Housing Funds, says,

“The senior population in India is expected to touch 173 million by 2026. There is an increasing need for a wholesome support system that takes care of physical, emotional and mental wellbeing of seniors. Drawing on our group’s deep expertise in developing senior housing across U.S., Europe and Asia, we are confident that Columbia Pacific Communities will positively shape the senior living category in India.”  

 Columbia Pacific Communities has associated with veteran actor Zeenat Aman, for the launch of its first signature property. 

Speaking about her association with the launch of Columbia Pacific Communities’ new project, veteran actor Zeenat Aman, says, “Columbia Pacific Communities’ brand ethos of positive ageing resonates deeply with my personal philosophy of ageing gracefully. At 65, I am loving life like never before, and believe that age is just a number. Your advanced years can be very productive if you are in the right environment. I travel frequently, act in movies and theatre, spend time with my pets, enjoy gardening, meet my friends and do everything that brings me joy. This is doubtlessly the best phase of my life. With a burgeoning senior population in India, there’s an increasing demand for a wholesome lifestyle solution for seniors. With their rich legacy of building homes for seniors across the globe, I am confident that Columbia Pacific Communities is poised to set new benchmarks for senior living in India.” 

With 40 years of rich global expertise in senior living, the company aims to reimagine senior living and senior care in India.  

About Columbia Pacific Management 

Columbia Pacific Management (CPM), based in Seattle, oversees an international healthcare business that develops and operates hospitals, clinics and senior housing in Asia and Africa. With locations in China, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, and Vietnam, CPM’s operating companies provide healthcare and senior care services in markets making up more than half the world’s population. All  these countries have rapidly aging populations, growing middle and upper-middle-class populations, increasing rates of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer and cardiac diseases , and an undersupply of quality healthcare and senior care facilities. Altogether, these factors create an unprecedented demand for world-class healthcare services and senior housing.

The company’s affiliates include Columbia Asia, operating hospitals in India and Southeast Asia; Columbia Africa, which operates a clinic in Nairobi, Kenya; Columbia China, which is building a network of hospitals and clinics in China; Cascade Healthcare, a subsidiary of Columbia China that operates senior care facilities; and Remote Medical International, which provides medical services and supplies to challenging locations around the globe. 

About Columbia Pacific Communities 

Columbia Pacific Communities is India’s largest and most experienced senior living community operator with close to 1600 residential units under management in 5 cities and 9 locations across south India. As the pioneers in this category, it is committed to reimagine the concept of senior living in India and create world-class practices that exceed the expectations of its stakeholders. It is part of the Columbia Pacific Group, one of the foremost developers of senior living communities and hospitals in the United States and Asia. Founded by Dan Baty, Columbia Pacific Group has more than 40 years of experience and expertise in designing, building and managing senior housing communities around the world. The team, with the expertise of our principals in the United States of America and our partners in India, brings together rich experience in senior housing design, development and management.  

GOVT TO CREATE FAVORABLE CONDITIONS FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT: CHIEF MINISTER YEDIYURAPPA

GOVT TO CREATE FAVORABLE CONDITIONS FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT: CHIEF MINISTER YEDIYURAPPA

Bengaluru, September 7: The government has taken several initiatives towards a favourable condition for the growth and development of the industrial sector, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said here on Friday.

Presenting the Sir M Visvesvaraya industrial award for manufacturing excellence and export performance organised by the Department of Commerce and and Industries at the Banquet Hall of Vidhana Soudha, the state secretariat, he said that in the past the state has taken several steps to develop a favourable industrial climate.  Bangalore has gained a reputation in the industrial and handicraft sector, export sector, information technology, bio-technology, he added.

Mr Yediyurappa said that industries play a key role in the economic development of the country and recognising this Karnataka is the first state to come out with an industrial policy. The government is all set to come out with a revised industrial policy for 2019 in consultation with the captains of the industry.

 

He said while the loans of the handloom weavers have already been waived, a textile policy is being implemented soon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon inaugurate the newly built airport in Kalaburgi which will benefit the handloom sector and the weavers.

While congratulating the award winners, he appealed them to come forward to contribute for the relief and rehabilitation of the people of those regions which have been affected by the recent floods.

Mr Yediyurappa said that Karnataka is a frontrunner in policy initiatives for promotion of international trade and foreign direct investment in the country.  The awards are presented to recognise meritorious exporters in the State for their contribution in exports and the economy of the country, he added.

He said Karnataka has been a pioneer in policy initiatives including Electric Vehicle Policy, Agro Business Policy, Start-up Policy, NRI Policy, Retail Trade Policy among others.

The Chief Minister said Karnataka is one of the leading exporting states in the country. Its exports stood at 95,180 million US Dollars in 2018-19, garnering a share of 17.8 % in India’s overall exports. A new Export Strategy for Karnataka is underway which aims to give thrust to boost exports through the potential and sunrise sectors, providing impetus to logistics, infrastructure among other aspects which would enhance exports.

Karnataka’s manufacturing sectors like aerospace, precision engineering components, readymade garments and textiles, coffee, pepper, cashew, marine products, petroleum products, silk and sandalwood oil have found acceptance with ever growing market across the world, he added.

Minister for Commerce and Industries Jagadish Shettar, who spoke on the occasion, said that steps have been taken to develop industries in various regions of the State apart from Bangalore.

With the same government at the Centre and the state will ensure a favourable climate for industrial development, Mr Shettar added.

As many as 63 exporters and 47 industrialists were conferred with the Sir M Visvesvaraya awards.

Central Minister D.V Sadanand gowda, Industry minister Jagadish Shettar, Principal Secretary to Govt C&I Mr Gaurav Gupta, Industry Department Commissioner Smt Gunjan Krishna were present on the occasion.

Parikrma Girls Football Club have been selected to play for the Nationals team

This year at PCL – meet teams from Dubai, Goa, Udaipur and Belgaum

 

Bangalore, September 2019:

Nine years have passed, and we are proud to share with you positive transformation stories that reaffirm our belief and efforts in this movement: yes, sport is not just an extra-curricular activity. 

·       Six of our girls from the Parikrma Girls Football Club have been selected to play for the Nationals team. This includes our student, Aishwarya too.

·       Besides having launched the Parikrma Boys Football Club that’s an A Division Club today, last year we launched the Girls Football Club, and are thrilled that girls from different schools in the city have approached us to be on the team and many have been selected as well.

·       Many of our alumni have registered and obtained admissions in colleges offering sports management and a few are training to be a coach. 

·       A few alumni have come together and started a sports management company called Rapt Sports. The team also organised its first ever corporate football tournament in July 2019, which witnessed active participation of 24 corporate teams. 

What to expect at PCL 2019?

Battling it out for the Equality Cup this year are 16 teams – many government schools, and 3 out-of-station teams and GEMS from Dubai. 

This year we have on board, supporting the event and as part of our leadership training and exchange program – the team from Worldwide Flight Services (WFS). “We are extremely proud to be supporting the Parikrma Champions League in September this year. We, at WFS, highly respect the Foundation for its outstanding work in helping the education and development of children from poor and marginalized communities. We greatly admire Parikrma’s commitment to the development of young people and to inspiring their future ambition, which are closely aligned to our own corporate values. That’s why this initiative forms a key component of the WFS corporate social responsibility programme and the launch event for our global ‘BOOST’ talent development programme. Supporting this world class football tournament is a new and exciting challenge for the WFS ‘BOOST’ team members who have been are helping to organize the event. We are sure that our time and investment can make a big difference to all participants,” states CEO, WFS, Craig Smyth. 

After raising the bar for school football sport in the city the last few years, the Parikrma Champions League in association with WFS, a one-of-a-kind U-16 boys football tournament, is back with the 9th championship tournament, which promises to be bigger and better.

·       The Coachers’ Pledge – where all participating coaches pledge fair play.

·       A special exhibition mixed match (both girls and boys).

·       State-of-the-art technology (bone-density test) used to determine students’ ages correctly.

·       Large LED screens with custom-made animations, live video feed and a unique score tracking system. Young players will feel like real professionals as they walk onto the field through a tunnel, being cheered on by crowds.

·       Outstanding individual performances and skill will be awarded with exciting prizes.

·       Exhibition match on the morning of the finals. Spotters will identify the most skilled players from 15 teams to form a Parikrma All-Star team that will take on CEOs of Bengaluru’s leading corporate companies in a 20-minute exhibition match.

·       In an effort to raise the level of the game each year, the matches this year will have 20-minute halves and the Semi-Finals and Finals will have 30-minute halves. The Parikrma Champions League 2019 will be a ranking tournament for the top 8 teams who will move into the Quarter Finals after the league stage.

The Parikrma Champions League has been made possible thanks to the support of the WFS and the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence. Identiti will provide all the clothing for the officials. Manipal Hospital will provide medical support for the tournament, ensuring that a doctor and nurse are present at the stadium on all three days in case of any injuries or medical emergency.

“We are really happy and proud of our ninth PCL. Each year, we have grown, evolved, unceasingly working towards making PCL one of the best state-of-the-art football tournaments in the city. Through this platform, we not only want to keep the spirit and passion of this much beloved sport alive – but persistently shed light on the importance and benefits of sports in schools,” says Shukla Bose, founder, CEO, Parikrma Humanity Foundation.

What is PCL?

Despite having an excellent football team, Parikrma was often left out of inter-school football leagues hosted by various elite and international schools in Bangalore. In an effort to create a level playing field and oppose this fragmented and unequal system, we launched our own football tournament – the Parikrma Champions League (PCL). The event has truly raised the bar for school level events and, since its inception in 2011, has become one of the most coveted inter-school football tournaments in Bangalore.

Parikrma shared a Memorandum of Recommendation with the Government stressing the critical importance of sports in schools in the year 2015.

The birth of Parikrma FC

A football club for the alumni and owned by Parikrma, the Parikrma FC is a testimony of our children’s passion and respect for the sport. This club was born in 2013, when Parikrma Foundation provided a platform for talented footballers students, alumni and staff to take their passion a step further. Parikrma FC started as a Bangalore Division C team, and is an A Division team today!

 

The Parikrma Girls Football Club

We launched the Girls Football Club this year and our team participated in the Karnataka Football league and reached semi-finals. The team captain even won the best mid-fielder award. 

About Parikrma Humanity Foundation

In the year 2003, 165 children from marginalized families started a new chapter in life, huddled together on a small roof-top in a school in Rajendranagar, Bengaluru. Today, with four schools (Jayanagar, Koramangala, Sahakarnagar and Nandini Layout) and one junior college, Parikrma Humanity Foundation continues to offer high quality education (CBSE), hope and support to thousands of children from four orphanages and over 90 slums in the city.

We support each of our children right from 5 years old until they are an active and contributing member of society (25 years).  We have the highest attendance in the country at 96% and the lowest dropout rate at less than 1%. 

For more information, log on to: www.parikrmafoundation.org.

 

What: Parikrma Champions League- 9^th Edition 

When: 12-14 September 2019

Where: Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence, Yelahanka

 

The Forum, Prestige Group hosted ‘The Purple Run 2019

The Forum, Prestige Group hosted ‘The Purple Run 2019’ Press
India’s first ever run for Alzheimer’s across 8 malls & 6 cities on 15^th September 2019

The Forum is hosting The Purple Run, India’s biggest run for Alzheimer’s awareness, along with NIMHANS, on the 15th of September 2019 across 8 malls at the same time.

The Guests present at the press meet were : 

Sushruti Krishna - celebrity and Model, Femina Miss India 2016(1st Runner up), 

Sonali Swamy - International Athlete and Fitness coach

Muhammed Ali - COO, Prestige Group Retail

Pramod Deshpande - Founder of Jayanagar Jaguars,one of the oldest and largest running group of Bangalore, Author of the book - Master Your Run

Prof. P.T. Sivakumar Thangaraju - Consultant, Geriatric clinic & services, Nimhans, 

Aishwariya - Owner of Rage fitness and athlete

Badal Joshi - Fitness coach & influencer 

Abhishek YC - Fitness athlete coach & influencer

Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, is the 5th leading cause of death in people over 55 years of age, and in India, more than 4 million people suffer from various forms of this illness. Despite this, there’s a stigma attached to mental illnesses amongst us.

The Purple Run will be organized at all 8 Forum Malls across 6 cities and will kick off at once on 15^th September at The Forum Mall in Kormangala,Forum Shantiniketan Mall, Whitefield, The Forum Neighbourhood Mall in Whitefield, The Forum Vijaya Mall in Chennai, The Forum Fiza Mall in Mangalore, The Forum Center City in Mysore, The Forum Sujana Mall in Hyderabad and The Forum Celebrations Mall, in Udaipur. With over 10,000 people set to run for Alzheimer’s Awareness, at the same time, all over India, this will be the first of its kind.

The Purple Run offers 5 km  giving each participant an opportunity to run in their comfort zone. The Run starts from the respective malls and culminate at the same venues. The roads of Kormangala and Whitefield will be graced by some of the finest long distance athletes from across the city along with other running enthusiasts who will put their best foot forward to achieve the desired goals.

There are prizes for Rs. 7 lakhs and gift hampers to be won.

To participate, register with a nominal registration fee and a part of the proceeds shall go to NIMHANS towards treatment and research for Alzheimer’s.

For registrations, log onto: http://www.forummalls.in/forumpurplerun/

AWARENESS ON NATIONAL EYE DONATION FORTNIGHT -Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital,

“‘WALKATHON HELD’ BY DRKG'A‘RWAI’S’EYE HOSPITAL TO CREATE AWARENESS ON NATIONAL EYE DONATION FORTNIGHT

Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, Bengaluru, observes National Eye Donation Fortnight by organizing a Walkathon

To highlight the need to create awareness on eye donation over 200 school students participated in walkathon to encourage people to donate eyes in a way to emphasise the importance of donating eyes, and preventing blindness, patients who underwent Eye Transplant from Dr Agarwal’s eye hospital joined to_ walk along with the participants  Traffic Police from Bengaluru City came forward to Donate Eyes '

Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, Bengaluru, organized a walkathon to raise awareness regarding eye donation from Coles Road to Goodwill School. About 200 students from Goodwill Girls High School, St. Joseph's Convent Girls High School, Patients who underwent Eye Transplant, Hospital staff and other members of the public participated and pledged to donate their eyes. The walkathon was flagged off by Chief Guest DIG Ravi Kanthe Gowda, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police. The chief guest ensured to support the cause for donating eyes on behalf of the department by filling the necessary documents and encouraged the students and his team to support a noble cause.

DIG Ravi Kanthe Gowda, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police said, “Eye donation is rarely . spoken & encouraged in our country. To help build awareness in this area, I am delighted to . support Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital in their drive for eye donation among the young students. On this occasion, I also pledge to donate my eyes and will request every individual to be a responsible citizen and help someone see the world by donating their eyes."

Speaking on the increase cases of blindness, Dr Ram Mirlay, Head, Clinical Services, Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital, said, “Karnataka is among Top 5 states for Visual disability and 9.5 Lakhs Blind in Karnataka. One out of every three blind person in the world lives in India and if just 1% of Indian population pledged to donate its eyes, the supply of corneas would be enough to completely cure the incidence of eye blindness in the country and more than 2.5 lakh blind people in India could regain eyesight if they get a corneal transplant. This drive will spread the message on the importance of eye don'ation.” ”

Supporting the eye donation drive, Dr. Archana 5Head, Clinical Services Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, Bengaluru, said, “Eye donation drives helps in building awareness among people. In India, we have about 4.6 million people with corneal biindness and this is expected to increase to 10 million by 2020. Currently there is a huge gap among the number of people awaiting corneal transplant and the available donors in our country. Hence we need to increase the number of eye donations in India.”

Present at the eye donation drive, Dr. Raghu Nagaraju Senior ConsuItant, Ophthalmologist.  We need to increase the number of eye banks in Karnataka across Tier I & Tier II cities. which will reduce the transportation duration since the cornea has to be collected at the right time, stored promptly and transplanted as soon as possible. To tackle the problem of blindness, all government-run district hospitals must have a corneal specialized surgeon. Hospitals in these cities has a high demand of ophthalmologists because of the growing cases in blindness. Additionally, the hospitals heed to work closely with the government to build infrastructure that is needed for corneal transplantation across government-run medical colleges.”

Talking about the growing cases of Corneal transplantation, Dr. Sanjana Vatsa,Consultant Opthalmologist, Dr. Agarwal Eye Hospital said, “There were patients who had advanced Keratoconus in both eyes and cornea showed intacs removal scars in both eyes, with fundus normal in both eyes. Those patients have been advised for corneal transplantation and we did the surgeries successfully through the help of available corneas at that time. It is not always that "7-th cornea mrtimeerhis-be'eomes morecritical for us to Greate awarenesson eye demtion.‘

About Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital:

Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital .a comprehensive eye hospital offering a one-stop solution for eye ailments: was started in the year 1957. Now the hospital is in its 61St year of offering quality services in eye care. It has 31 hospitals in Tamil Nadu and a visible footprint in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Kamataka. OdiSha. Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andaman, West Bengal, and Rajasthan. A tertiary eye care centre at Mauritius marks its first step towards establishing an international presence extended upto 13 branches covering the Indian Ocean region. African countries and East Asia.

ECI to host the 4th General Assembly of Association of World Election Bodies at Bengaluru India to take over as A-WEB Chair for 2019-21

(A-WEB) at Bengaluru on 3rd September 2019. India will take over as A-WEB’S Chair for the 2019-21 term. Over 50 countries across the globe will join the meeting at Bengaluru from 02nd to 04th September, 2019. An International Conference on “Initiatives and Challenges of Social Media and Information Technology in Elections” will also be held on 04th September, 2019.

The Association of World Election Bodies (A-WEB) is largest association of Election Management Bodies (EMBS) Worldwide. A-WEB was established on October 14, 2013 in Songdo, South Korea. The permanent secretariat of A-WEB is located at Seoul. A-WEB’s vision is to foster efficiency and effectiveness in conducting free, fair, transparent and participative elections worldwide. Its activities are guided by its mission to identify latest trends, challenges and developments in democratic electoral management and electoral processes and to facilitate appropriate exchange of experience and expertise among members with the objective of strengthening electoral democracy worldwide.

Election Commission of India has been very closely associated with the process of formation of A-WEB since 2011-12. ECI has been its Executive Board Member since AWEB's inception in October 2013 for two consecutive terms (2013-15 and 2015-17). At the last A-WEB General Assembly held in Bucharest on 3lst August, 2017, Romania took over as Chair and ECI was unanimously elected as Vice-Chair of A-WEB 2017-19. India is all set to take over as Chair now for the 2019-21 term.

At present A-WEB has 115 EMBs as Members & 20 Regional Associations/Organisations as Associate Members. 24 EMBs from Asia, 37 from Africa, 31 from America, 17 from Europe & 6 from Oceania presently are members of A WEB. ECI will continue to remain on the Executive Board of A-WEB for 2021-23 in its capacity as immediate former Chair of A-WEB.

The current Executive Board of AWEB 2017-19 has 21 members wherein Dominican Republic as the Immediate Past Chair; 5 members from Africa namely Burkina Faso/Guinea/Kenya/Malawi/Tunisia; 4 members from Americas -Argentina/Colombia/El Salvador/Paraguay; 4 members from Asia Bangladesh/Palestine/‘I‘aiwan/Uzbekistan; 3 members from Europe Albania/Belarus/Croatia and Fiji as the member from Oceania are included.

Over 120 Participants from more than 50 countries across the globe will join the AWEB events scheduled in Bengaluru from 02“d to 04th September, 2019. By far this is the largest congregation of EMB delegates in India. Meeting of the Executive Board of A-WEB will be held on 02 Sep. 2019; Next day on Tuesday, the 3rd September, General Assembly of A-WEB will be held where India will take over as Chair of A-WEB for 2019-2021 term. Chief Election
Commissioner of India Sh Sunil Arora would preside over the General Assembly meeting. Detailed deliberations at the A-WEB General Assembly include discussion on Challenges and

future of furthering partnership amongst EMBs; appointment of office bearers; programmes and activities to be undertaken by A-WEB during 2020, etc.

On the 4th of September, an International Conference on “Initiatives and Challenges of Social Media and Information Technology in Elections" will be held. Eleven countries namely

Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia Herzegovina, Cameroon, Malawi, Mauritius, Palestine, Romania, Russia, Sierra Leone and Togo would make their presentations on the subject.

A-WEB was founded with the shared vision among its members of achieving sustainable democracy around the world. A-WEB aims at strengthening the processes of election management in member countries. Since, its inception A-WEB has undertaken election ICT Programmes in various countries like Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Fiji, Papua Guinea and Samoa. A-WEB also undertakes Election Visitor and Observation Programmes in various countries to study various election management practices and share knowledge with other Member of EMBs. The association has organized such EVPs to Bosnia & Herzegovina, Ecuador. The A-WEB Secretariat

also undertakes Election Management Capacity Building Programme for the officials from

Member EMBs. Since 2014, it has conducted more than 89 programmes for over 645 participants from over 70 countries.

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Inaugural Edition of ‘Karnataka International Travel Expo 2019

Inaugural Edition of ‘Karnataka International Travel Expo 2019’ a grand success Dates: 25 – 27 August 2019 Venue: LaLiT Ashok Bengaluru Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, and Karnataka Tourism Society jointly hosted the inaugural edition of 'Karnataka International Travel Expo'. The event was held from 25 – 27 August 2019 and had participation from over 400 registered buyers and media personnel from 30 countries. The KITE event was inaugurated by Honourable Chief Minister of Karnataka, Sri B.S. Yediyurappa on 26th August 2019 at The LaLiT Ashok Bengaluru. Inaugurating the event, Sri B.S. Yediyurappa said “Karnataka has immense potential to become a world-class destination, and we in Karnataka are supporting the efforts of the tourism department to market the State globally.

The vision for Karnataka Tourism is to increase the sector’s GSDP contribution to 20% by 2025 and provide direct and indirect employment to 65 lakh people through tourism”. The chief goal of the KITE expo was to showcase Karnataka Tourism to the world and increase the overall size of the State’s tourism sector. The event has facilitated approximately 10,000 B2B Meetings to bring together International and Indian buyers and sellers, showcasing the best of Karnataka and creating an opportunity for visitors to get first-hand exposure to the various tourism products of Karnataka. The B2B Meetings have the potential to offer immense business opportunities for the tourism industry in Karnataka. Many tourism industry players of Karnataka who participated in the event have expressed their satisfaction with the overwhelming response. Key Features of KITE 2019: ● One of India’s biggest Hosted Buyer Travel Event ● The first time such an event has been held in Karnataka, making it the sixth state of India to successfully host such an event ● More than 10,000 B2B meetings between tourism stakeholders for Karnataka over 2 days ● Participation of over 300 Buyers from 30 countries ● Over 100 Exhibitors representing various destinations and marquee products of Karnataka ● Coverage from over 40 media representatives and bloggers, including 17 representatives from international markets ●

Over 15 different tourism segments of Karnataka including Heritage, Wildlife, Adventure, Coastal, Spiritual, Ecotourism, Wellness, and Meetings & Conferences were showcased ● Familiarisation Tours showcasing major destinations of Karnataka will be conducted before and after the KITE event. Prominent destinations covered include Hampi, Coorg, Kabini, Mysore, Chikmagalur, Vijayapura, Badami and Pattadakal among several others ● Karnataka Tourism Society comprising stakeholders from various industry associations provided complimentary hotel stay of over 700 room nights to support the pre-event and post-event Familiarisation Tours to showcase the State