Monthly Archives: February 2015

Get a glimpse of ‘Robo Wars’, Grid Explorer at Technex-15

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Science & Technology

Varanasi :

Eye-catching model exhibitions by budding engineers, air shows, informative workshops and series of other events marked the formal start of the four-day annual techno-management festival ‘Technex-15’ at the Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University (IIT-BHU) on Friday.

The attractive start to a number of events including model exhibition (Modex) showcasing a number of technical innovations and models, RoboNex comprising ‘Robo wars’ (battle of robots), hurdlemania, hydrax, xestos, grid explorer, pixellate, air-shows and management events stole the show on the opening day of the fest.

When TOI contacted Pulkit, the senior advisor of the fest, he informed that while the manual and autonomous events of RoboNEX were held, the finals of the coding events, ‘Byte-The-Bits’ was also conduted on the first day. The manual events include hurdlemania, Robowars, and Hydrax, where as the autonomous ones comprise Xestos, grid explorer and pixellate.

Siddharth Dwivedi, a student of AITS, Nainital said, “Our team Formless has participated in Robowars and we have prepared a bot with three weapons to immobilize the opponent bot during the war.” Siddharth Chauhan, student of IIT-BHU said, “Our team has prepared a bot which works on rotor mechanism and will attack the opponent bots.”

The co-ordinator of the event, Gaurav Kumar informed that as many as 35 teams have participated in the Robowars event which remains the attraction every year. “It is the first time that we have also prepared a cage where the wars will be held so that the particles do not injure the spectators,” he said.

Lots of students could also be witnessed carrying out demo of their bots during ‘Xestos’ event. The co-ordinator, Utkarsh Kumar said, “The highlight of this event is that it works on wireless mechanism and hand-gestures. A wireless module, Accelerometer (nrf) is used for operating the bots.” As many as 55 teams of IIT-BHU and 15 teams from other colleges have participated in the event, he added.

Kartik Gangwar, a first year student of MJP Rohilkhand, Bareilley informed, “It is the first time that I have participated in such an event. It feels great to participate and compete with such innovative engineers.” Arpit Mittal and Sandeep, students from Haryana and Delhi said, “We hope our hard work pays off as we have devoted all our time and energy into it.”

Though the techno-management shows remained the attraction of Technex’15 on the inaugural day, it was not only about technical shows as the ‘Air Show’ organized at the Gymkhana grounds of the institute left the spectators spellbound.

Rajat Sharma, one of the co-ordinators of the aero-modelling event said that the aero-modelling club of IIT-BHU came up with new models of byplanes, jets, water-rockets with parachute mechanism for the first time at this year’s fest. The main attractions of the show remained Rahul Sharma and Dhruv Gupta, from Faridabad and Bangalore respectively and the audience kept on cheering looking at the models flying in the air. Anil Sharma of a firm at Faridabad manufactured as many as 35 models at the air show.

The theme of this year’s techno-management fest is ‘Inspired by Excellence’ and participants of over 135 colleges from 15 States have registered for the event.

Earlier, a Talent Quest (Outreach program for School Students) effectively organized a general aptitude and basic sciences tests which was followed by workshops on Robotics and Aero Modelling held on February 22.

It may be noted that in order to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul, Pronites are also lined up including the rocking VH1 Supersonic101 DJ Night, magnificent acts by German Street Magicians, fun-filled comedy night by stand-up comedian Kanan Gill, Bike Stunts showcase by Babar Khan and crew (MTV Stuntmania Underground winners) accompanied a Fire show.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Varanasi / by Punkhuri Kapoor, TNN / February 28th, 2015

Police stations rich repository of freedom struggle

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All

Allahabad :

The Allahabad Police records are a rich repository of British Raj history, dating back to 1896. The department has painstakingly compiled all records, including FIRs against martyrs and investigation sheets, along with the history of each and every case maintained by Britishers systematically in Conviction Registers (CRs).

SSP Deepak Kumar said, “Realizing historical value of British era records, we have written to the DGP to set up a special cell to maintain it. Records available with different police stations, including Colonelganj, Kotwali and Civil Lines, have been compiled with the help of historians.” He further said that they would consult Allahabad Museum officials after seeking seniors’ approval and suggestion.

Meanwhile, Regional Archive Office has already asked the district police authorities to hand over historical records for proper up keep.

Police have preserved all sheets related to cases registered in a CR with its serial number along with the name of the convict and the number of history-sheet, percentage and caste, place and date of conviction, offence category, punishment awarded, place of crime and remarks.

Apart from this, the records have other details like notes on crime in village with special references to fractions, land or water dispute, presence of criminal tribes or gang, occurrence of obstructions or damage to railway line within the village, special outbreak of crime in the village.

Records also revealed that the Britishers keenly compiled village-wise fractions, land or water disputes as well as damage to railway line within a village.

The police record of British era, including sheets on which cases under various sections of the IPC (Indian Penal Code) against martyrs were registered in Village Crime Notebook (VCN), too has been maintained.

Records revealed that the Village Crime Notebook, maintained by British between 1910 and 1947, has a mention of the case registered against martyr Chandra Shekhar Azad with Colonelganj police station under Section 307 of the IPC on February 27, 1931 (crime number 20\1931). The case was registered by Britishers against martyr Azad and one of his companion regarding Alfred Park firing incident, in which sub-inspector Rai Sahib Chaudhary Rishal Singh was the investigation officer.

However, the Britishers had not put any remark on the outcome of the case, whereas they had noted down the result of every case on the sheets.

“Since cases during the British rule were registered in Urdu, the department took assistance of Urdu translators to know about the particular cases registered against martyrs,” said the SSP adding, “These records were preserved technically and scientifically to prevent any further damage.”

As per available records, the first case with Colonelganj police station was registered in 1910 in Urdu under Section 457 of the IPC. The last case in same language was registered in 1949. Besides, Kotwali police too had recovered FIRs lodged in 1896.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Allahabad / by Kapil Dixit, TNN / February 27th, 2015

Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) launches EO Uttar Pradesh

Business & Economy, World Opinion

Lucknow :

The world’s largest peer-to-peer network of entrepreneurs have announced their arrival to Lucknow with the unveiling of the EO UP Chapter. Since 1987, EO has been transforming the lives of the entrepreneurs who seek to bring revolution in the world. As the global thought leader on entrepreneurship, EO plays an integral role in business, industry and the lives of leading entrepreneurs everywhere.

The latest entrant in the South Asia region, EO UP brings to the network a formidable array of entrepreneurs from across sectors: power, food, chemicals, dairy, leather, construction, auto and auto components, newspaper and railway components. With combined sales in excess of 4,000 crores, and total direct employee strength of more than 13,500 people, the chapter is charting a strategic growth plan for the next five years with the aim of bringing more entrepreneurs into the community.

EO undertakes several initiatives across its chapters to foster learning, development and inclusive growth within the entrepreneur community. It brings together the brightest minds across sectors and sparks intelligent discourse to drive the spirit of success, integrity and continued learning among its members. “With once-in-a-lifetime experiences and opportunities to engage with industry experts and mentors, EO brings its members closer to success”, said the company.

Speaking at the launch, Sanjay Jhunjhunwala, Founding President, EO UP said, “As entrepreneurs, we are all very busy building our own companies. EO serves as a binding force, bringing together entrepreneurs from different walks of life, drawing their individual strengths towards a shared goal of inclusive growth, learning and prosperity. We are very excited about the launch of the UP chapter and we hope to continue growing this network, building from one success to the next.”

The Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) is a global, peer-to-peer network of more than 10,000 influential business owners with 142 chapters in 46 countries. Founded in 1987, EO is the catalyst that enables leading entrepreneurs to learn and grow, leading to greater success in business and beyond.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / by Priyanka Singh, TNN / February 26th, 2015

Promising more

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All
Cheering the teamSinger Kanika Kapoor
Cheering the teamSinger Kanika Kapoor

The winner of this year’s Filmfare Award for Best Playback Singer (Female), Kanika Kapoor has released her new single in collaboration with the Universal Music for the Indian Cricket team which is participating in the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Kanika has already created a niche for herself in the industry by belting out hits like “Baby doll”, “Pink lips”, “Lovely”, “Chittiyaan Kallaiyaan” and many more adding to her fame and glory. Besides the Filmfare award she has also won prestigious awards as the Best Female Playback Singer at StarGuild, StarDust for her song “Baby doll” and won the Most Entertaining Singer category at Big Star Entertainments Awards.

In an interview to The Hindu she talks about her new single, struggle, hit numbers among other things.

Tell us about your new upcoming venture with Universal Music.

This song is the Hindi version of the song “Heroes” which is originally made by Swedish DJ and music producer, Alesso. It is about encouraging the spirit of Indian cricket team and uniting every cricket fan to hoot for the ‘Heroes’ during this World Cup Season. I am pretty excited for this song because it brings out the essence of the cricket world cup and adds an energetic vibe to it.

How do you feel after singing so many hit numbers?

I believe success comes after a lot of hard work and patience. Even if you are graced with a lot talent, it does not mean you will be recognised as a singer at that very moment. Patience becomes vital during the low points of your life because it is your determination which bears the fruit in the end. I feel blessed to have an opportunity to express my talent at such a great platform and honoured to be the voice behind so many hits.

How did you start your struggle as a singer?

Being born and raised in Lucknow, I started studying classical music under Pandit Ganesh Prasad Mishra at the age of 12. After that I accompanied him when he performed at concerts all over India. During this time I did a stint with the All India Radio and then moved to the music industry. From my experience I can clearly tell that working for your passion is not merely a cakewalk. A lot of perseverance is required.

Do you believe in singing only one type of genre or more?

I clearly believe in singing different types of songs. I have sung many upbeat dance numbers but my latest song “Chhil Gaye Naina” from the film “NH10” is a sad song. I think all singers should explore their skills by singing songs of different genres so as to understand their strengths and weaknesses.

How do you plan to connect with your fans this year?

Right now I am going to be entertaining the crowd of Delhi University in the month of March. I am looking forward to make the youth dance to my beats at different colleges and lighten the evenings.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Friday Review / by Yukti Gaur / February 27th, 2015

Museum to digitize cultural assets

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence

Allahabad :

In an attempt to preserve the cultural identity of the city, Allahabad Museum would soon be maintaining a database of all archaeological sites, historic monuments and fairs including Maha Kumbh, Ardh-Kumbh, Magh Mela and Kartik Mela. The first of its kind project by the Ministry of Culture also includes digitization of all the cultural assets of the city. The exercise would be carried in nearly all the popular cities of the country.

After the digitization process, it is expected that archaeological sites at Bheeta, Gardhwa and places bordering Kaushambi will attract the tourists. Rajesh Purohit, director, Allahabad Museum told TOI, “The Ministry of Culture has undertaken the project as there is no database of tangible and intangible cultural spaces across the country. As a part of the initiative, it has been decided to prepare an inventory of tangible cultural assets like places of historic, political and archeological importance and even cultural centres where performances are held.”

He further said intangible assets like the ‘Sangam culture’, fairs, folklore and folk arts performed in and around the region would also form a part of the database. “Many people do not know that Kaushambi was the capital city of Mahajanpads in ancient India. It has monuments dated to Jains and Buddh period including stupas, viharas, terracota statues. Further, in Bheeta, terroracotas in Gardhwa temple complex are some of the highlights of the tangible cultural assets which will be highlighted after the digitization,” said Purohit.

He said, “Similarly, the legends associated with Magh and Kumbh Mela will also attract tourists in the city.” The digitization process would be carried out once the database is prepared by the museum. The museum is one of the selected national museums of the country and is governed by central government.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Allahabad / by Vinod Khanal, TNN / February 26th, 2015

IIT-BHU graduates develop tech for safer, faster tyres

Education, Science & Technology

Varanasi :

Three chemical engineering graduates of the Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University (IIT-BHU) have come up with a new eco-friendly innovation of extracting green silica from rice husk ash. With this, the carbon used in tyres can be replaced with silica which helps in reducing the rolling resistance and improve fuel economy.

Elaborating about their innovation Nikhar Jain said, “The rice husk ash contains heavy amount of silica which can be used for various purpose. To ensure effective rice husk utilization through efficient silica extraction, we developed a process to extract advance grade of green silica.”

Citing advantages, he said, “First and foremost, the cost will be cheaper as no import will be required. Secondly, silica helps in reducing the rolling resistance so if it is used instead of carbon black then the fuel economy too will improve.” It also results in 5% reduction in fuel consumption of vehicles and reduction in emission of green house gases, he added.

This technology for silica extraction has been successfully employed at pilot stage by Nikhar Jain, Tanmay Pandya and Abhishek Poddar, who are associated with ‘Bridgedots Techservices Private Limited’, established in 2011 by IIT-BHU alumni. It is a technology solution provider for Chemical & Allied Industries, across the globe, including India, Europe, Middle East, USA and Australia.

The students tested silica extracted from rice husk ash at Malaviya Centre for Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship (MCIIE) and are in contact with several multinational companies (MNCs). “Presently, we have received approval from two MNCs and are in talk with a few federal companies for funds,” Nikhar Jain, one of the innovators.

It is currently incubated at the Technology Business Incubator, MCIIE of IIT-BHU, which provides direct access to leading authorities and experts in India and state-of-the-art research infrastructure of the campus. It also has a well-equipped research lab in Noida.

According to Jain, millions of tons of rice were harvested in India and disposal of rice husk ash was an environmental challenge. “If the rice husk wastes are used for landfills as well as in silica extraction, then waste disposal issues will be solved,” he said.

MCIIE coordinator and professor in department of chemical engineering PK Mishra said, “These young minds have come up with the first-of-its-kind idea by converting a waste product into a value added product. The rice husk served various purposes but disposal of ash was a challenge. Now, this husk ash would not only reduce energy but also help in minimal pollution.” He further said, “To extract silica from sand, you have to heat the sand up to 1,400 degrees Celsius while the temperature required for extracting silica from ash is only 100 degrees Celsius,” and added that plans were afoot to set up the plant at Punjab.

MCIIE technology manager Prashant Sinha said, “The best part of this innovation is its eco-friendly nature and advantages are not just limited to increasing fuel efficiency of tyres and reduction in pollution. But, even the left over ash can be of great use.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Varanasi / by Punkhuri Kapoor, TNN / February 12th, 2015

Trophies galore at flower show finale

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Travel

Lucknow :

As many as 107 running trophies and cups as prizes were presented to winners of the two-day-long fruits, vegetables and flower show, which concluded at Raj Bhavan on Sunday.

The show comprised a total of 1,004 participants along with more than 4,000 exhibits.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Ram Naik said the texture and aroma of flowers are a treat to the eyes, while vegetables are a foodie’s delight. Governor also appreciated vegetables grown as potted plants and said based on this experience and technique, it could be replicated on a wider scale.

The kitchen garden of Swati Singh, a resident of Vikramaditya Marg, won as many as 16 prizes. This year’s theme for the kitchen garden was ‘Sankalp’.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / TNN / February 23rd, 2015

UPCA remembers Gaur Hari Singhania

Leaders, Sports

Kanpur :

UP Cricket Association (UPCA) held a condolence meeting at Kamla Club here on Thursday to pay tributes to its past president and chief patron Gaur Hari Singhania. All directors and office-bearers, members of UPCA and several players attended the meeting.

Rajiv Shukla, general secretary of UPCA, announced in the meeting that the Cricket Academy at Kamla Club, which is under construction, would be named as Gaur Hari Singhania Cricket Academy, and UP Cricket Association (UPCA) will organise a league or tournament in his name.

Recalling the time spent with late Singhania, Rajeev Shukla said that the befitting tribute to late Singhania would be to execute his programmes and plans. “We would leave no stone unturned in executing his plans and programmes for taking the state cricket to newer heights.

Shukla said that the sad demise of Singhania, who was a leading industrialist, was an irreparable loss to UP cricket and the industrial sector of the country. The working committee of BCCI in its last meeting held at Chennai had also condoled the death of Singhania.

Speaking on the occasion, MM Mishra, director UPCA said that Singhania was a simple person who believed in giving and encouraging others. KN Tandon, Yudhveer Singh, Mohd Javed, Shashikant Khandekar, Reeta Dey and others also spoke on the occasion and paid their tributes. All persons present in the meeting garlanded the portrait of Singhania.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Kanpur / TNN / February 20th, 2015

Mean machines deck up city roads at vintage car rally in Kanpur

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All

The car rally witnessed participation from Kanpur as well as Lucknow and Allahabad.

Juhi poses with her Hillman vinatge car
Juhi poses with her Hillman vinatge car

The 9th annual vintage car rally organised by the Vintage and Classic Car Club of Cawnpore on Sunday was a big success from the word go. Vintage cars, bikes and even scooters lined up early in the morning at the Green Park Stadium with proud owners from Allahabad and Lucknow also participating in the event. “This vintage car rally is very popular among vintage vehicle owners and its popularity can be judged by the fact that we have participants from outside the city also showing their vehicles,” said Tariq Ibrahim, the president of the club. The rally was flagged off by ADM Avinash Singh and normal traffic on the road, from the stadium till Mall Road, came to a halt as people stood and looked in awe at the Rolls Royce, Austin, Morris Cowley and Hillmans drive past.
A few of the cars that have made history were also part of the rally including a Rolls Royce Silver Ghost Convertible Sports, owned by Yasser Ibrahim, is the winner of the 1st Formula One Race that took place in Spain in 1913.

Visitors at the rally were given much gyaan of the technical specifications of the vehicles by their respective owners.

Also finding an enviable spot at the rally was a Rolls Royce Double Limousine Silver Ghost 1913 and Rolls Royce Silver Ghost convertible sports of 1913 owned by Yasser Ibrahim. “The Rolls Royce Silver Ghost Convertible Sports has features like 7500 CC engine, four-gears, semi-automatic transmission with cruise control. My great-great grandfather Hafiz Halim Saheb bought it from London in the year 1913. I am the fifth generation driving this car. We sent this car to England to the Rolls Royce company last year, for its restoration. These cars are one of their own kinds in the world. I feel so proud when people driving fancy modern cars on the roads, stop and inquire about my old beauties,” said Ibrahim.

Vintage two-wheelers attracted just as much attention at the rally as did the four wheelers. Ruchika showed off her Lambretta 1945 scooter while TS Johar displayed his vintage BSA motorcycle. Tahir’s 1945 manufactured Ford Jeep had many automobile enthusiasts lining up to see the vehicle. But the biggest draw at the rally was businessman Shahid Mirza’s Ford Anglia manufactured in 1938 which was also used in the film Gadar-Ek Prem Katha.

We spotted Juhi Nigam, Umama, Kajri and Saif displaying their vintage cars. “I have brought my Hillman and two other vintage cars for the rally. These were owned by my grandparents and we are carrying forward the family tradition of maintaining them,” said Juhi. Dr Aditya Mohan Jain and wife Neeta also participated in rally along with three of their Morris cars.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Kanpur / by Sumit Jha, TNN / February 21st, 2015

Scot’s search for his roots

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, World Opinion
Nicholas Graves looking at one of the photos inside the carriage used by the Nizam State Guaranteed Railways at Lallaguda on Tuesday.– Photo: By Arrangement
Nicholas Graves looking at one of the photos inside the carriage used by the Nizam State Guaranteed Railways at Lallaguda on Tuesday.– Photo: By Arrangement

With just pension saving details dating to the era of last Nizam, Scottish national Nicholas Graves embarked on a search for his maternal ancestors at Lallaguda Railway Carriage Workshop.

On Tuesday, Mr. Graves looked for anything that could reveal information about his great grandfather from his maternal side, James Theodre, who worked for the Nizam State Guaranteed Railways (NSGR) as a loco fitter in 1932 at Lallaguda.

Mr. Graves has his ancestor’s pension saving details, couple of photographs of his maternal grandmother and grandfather who were married at a church in Lucknow, along with their marriage certificate.

“It started eight years ago when I developed interest in my ancestry. Researching my paternal ancestry, I have been able to track it back to four centuries. But I know very little about my maternal side,” Mr. Graves said during his tour of the workshop.

His ancestor James Theodre was born in India in 1897. The pension book with Mr. Graves shows that James earned Rs. 52 in 1932. His daughter and Mr. Graves’s maternal grandmother, Phyllis Margret Champion, was also born in India and later married an army man from England in Lucknow.

“After they got married in 1938, there is no record of my maternal grandparents visiting India or any clues about their parents, including James Theodre,” he said, pointing to an incomplete family tree he has put together.

Mr. Graves’s grandparents died when he was a child and there isn’t much he knows of them.

His mother and his aunt could only offer him the artefacts he has with him. But he knows it’s not much to go on.

His resolve to uncover his ancestry was motivated by Londoner Duncan Hart, who posted a video detailing his visit to Hyderabad to learn about his grandfather’s past more than two years ago. Though he did not meet Mr. Hart’s success at the workshop on Tuesday, Mr. Graves is optimistic.

Should he decide to persist with his search, Mr. Graves’s next stop would be St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lucknow, where he hopes to get details about his grandfather and grandmother, which would later help build a bigger picture of his maternal ancestry.

Nicholas Graves, a Scottish national, is in the city in search of his maternal ancestor who worked for the Nizam State Guaranteed Railways in 1932 at Lallaguda

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Rohit P S / Hyderabad – February 18th, 2015