Category Archives: Records, All

351 diesel power loco cars revamped

Business & Economy, Records, All

Southern Railway general manager R K Kulshreshtha has appreciated the efforts of Perambur Loco Works which wrapped vinyl sheets in the interiors of 351 diesel power cars recently.

Southern Railway GM KR Kulshreshtha inspecting an overhauled diesel power car in Perambur on Friday. (Photo | Express)
Southern Railway GM KR Kulshreshtha inspecting an overhauled diesel power car in Perambur on Friday. (Photo | Express)

Chennai :

Southern Railway general manager R K Kulshreshtha has appreciated the efforts of Perambur Loco Works which wrapped vinyl sheets in the interiors of 351 diesel power cars recently.On Friday, he along with principal heads of departments conducted annual inspection of Loco Works, Perambur and reviewed the various developmental works being done there.

A release said Perambur Loco Works, one of the oldest premier workshops of Southern Railway has progressed from carrying out repairs to Steam Locomotives in its formative years to upgrade itself with the latest technological advancement and become a modern workshop with its focus on repairs to coaches, diesel power cars, electric locomotives, self-propelled accident relief train and tower wagons. Chief Workshop Manager, Loco Works, explained to the General Manager all improvements and achievements by loco works team, including many innovations done by the staff.

The General Manager suggested that workshop should study and explore the possibilities of providing larger lookout glass in Diesel Power Cars for better visibility to drivers. Better sun visors should also be provided for the ease of drivers to avoid glare during train operation, he said.

During the visit to the electrical loco POH shop, improvements made in the re-cabling section, contactor section and the loco in which crew friendly features were provided for the comfort of the loco pilots and assistant loco pilots were also inspected.

Many locos have been provided with crew-friendly features such as air conditioner, increased moving space and improvement in drivers seat. A new cable cutting machine which cuts the power cables to required length so as to avoid strain to employees was commissioned during the visit, the release said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Express News Service / February 10th, 2019

Now, a raga named after Beethoven

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, World Opinion
Chitravina N Ravikiran
Chitravina N Ravikiran

Paying tribute to Western classical composer Ludwig van Beethoven, a new Indian classical raga Veetavanam has been created by Chitravina N. Ravikiran.

The name lends itself to multiple translations such as desired abundance, desired spring or desired forest. It forms the improvisatory prelude to his latest video Beethoven on 21 strings, which features the evergreen Fur Elise.

The musician’s creation, close to the Western minor scale that Fur Elise is composed in, draws from the Carnatic Keeravani. “Fur Elise actually uses several other phrasings and also every one of the 12 notes in a descending flourish at one point,” said Mr. Ravikiran, who has created a number of ragas, including Mohini, celebrating Mahatma Gandhi, and Choodamani, named after his mother.

“This raga is more a suggestive salutation to the great composer than an attempt to mimic him. I hope that this tribute is welcomed by musicians and music lovers of both the East and West,” he said.

On the challenges involved, he said that Indian classical has evolved along melodic lines and does not employ harmony. But even melody sections that may seem elementary on a piano (since 10 fingers are used) can be enormously challenging to negotiate with just one slide. “But the ‘singing’ quality of the Chitravina and its ability to execute enchanting micro-tonal nuances and also create dazzling effects can bring out a completely different flavour of the piece, without affecting its integrity,” he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Entertainment> Music / by Special Correspondent / Chennai – January 29th, 2019

IIT-M research generates lasers from carrots

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Education, Green Initiatives/ Environment, Nature, Records, All, Science & Technologies, World Opinion

Carrots cooked in alcohol may soon be a popular source of lasers.

Chennai :

Carrots cooked in alcohol may soon be a popular source of lasers. Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) have demonstrated the possibility of generating laser in an eco-friendly way, by using carrots as a lasing material, according to a statement issued by the institute.
The laser, generated through this technique, has immense potential in the field of bio-imaging.

Currently, the most common lasing materials, such as Indium-Gallium-Arsenic and Gallium-Nitrates, are manufactured using toxic chemical processes which are harmful to the environment. The new technique that the researchers have come up with uses just minimally processed carrots.“We fondly call this kitchen laser,” exclaimed Sivarama Krishnan, one of the guides of the research.

The research was undertaken by a team comprising Prof C Vijayan, Assistant Professor Sivarama Krishnan, and Venkata Siva Gummaluri, a PhD research scholar, from the Physics department of IIT-M.
The discovery itself was a result of the after-work-hours fun experiment, said Sivarama Krishnan. “We were pumping light through various organic materials and found that carrots have lasing properties. For example, we also tried orange juice and tomato juice,” he said. What set the humble carrot apart was the optically active bio-pigment called carotenoids present in the vegetable.

Although the fluorescence quantum yield of carotenoids is much less, compared to standard organic laser dyes, the vibrational spectra can be obtained even with extremely low concentrations of carotenoids, said Sivarama Krishnan. “We could easily increase the concentration of caretenoids on the surface of the carrots, by simply cooking it in alcohol. Then we pump light through a slice of the surface to get laser,” he said.

While the traditional polymers used were toxic and non-biodegradable, there has been search for more eco-friendly fluorescent polymers. In this search, the team looked at biological molecules as probable lasing sources.

Speaking about the importance of this research, Vijayan said, “There is now a move towards development of green, sustainable materials for various applications, including in photonics. The need for green photonic technologies is obvious in the current times where sustainability, bio-compatibility and degradability are of paramount importance.”

Carrots, in addition to having carotenoids, also have cellulose fibres that contribute to multiple scattering of photons and resultant optical amplification for Raman random lasing. The demonstration uses a process, first discovered by CV Raman, who won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1930.

The researchers plan to advance their research to make the material more commercially viable. Currently, this material has potential as it is natural, bio-compatible, safe to handle and highly reliable.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Sushmitha Ramkrishnan / Express News Service / February 05th, 2019

Kunal Sood: A techpreneur on celluloid

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Science & Technologies, World Opinion

KunalSoodCF05feb2019

Chennai-born, US-based social entrepreneur and impact investor Kunal Sood talks about instigating further futurism via tech-vestments

Having spent the past 20 years of his life in the US, Kunal Sood, the Founder of X Fellows and Partner at X Impact Group, uses technology to drive change. A TED Resident and Ambassador to Singularity University NYC, the 41-year-old empowers entrepreneurs and innovators to turn their dreams into reality.

Kunal’s expertise ranges from psychology degrees to being a global health scientist to, of course, entrepreneurship. All this culminates in two important bodies: X Fellows and Novus Summit.

X Fellows, a privately-held community of entrepreneurs, is considered the inner-circle of innovators with companies.

Excerpts from an email interview:

Working with world leaders

My work with world leaders is primarily about building extraordinary citizens. The men and women shaping the future of our planet can find common ground around solving our global challenges.

KunalSood02CF05feb2019

People sometimes ask me ‘what do the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi and the President of Estonia, Kersti Kaljulaid have in common?’ I’ve been fortunate to play an important role in helping them unite around solving our world’s most urgent problems. Leaders that live their values in action help drive real-world results.

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Hear it from the leaders
  • As the founder and chairman of Novus Summit launched at the United Nations General Assembly Hall in 2016, Kunal has put the world’s most accomplished and exponential leaders together.
  • Such figures include Peter Diamandis, Anousheh Ansari and Astro Teller on stage, alongside tech titans like Sunil Mittal, Reid Hoffman and Marc Benioff.
  • Expect stories of transformation with a global audience of delegates representing 193 countries, consisting of Heads of State, UN Ambassadors and Youth Leaders.
  • While 2019’s summit on July 20 – to celebrate man’s landing on the moon – is invite-only, Kunal shares there will be a line-up of astronauts, influencers, artists, policy-makers and storytellers present.

______________________________________

My hope is to make X Fellows and Novus Summit the pre-eminent gatherings at the UNGA, for exponential leaders to unite in action and work to achieve the 17 UN Global Goals.

The Indian influence

Growing up in Chennai was my toughest lesson in life early on, and given where I am today, the biggest blessing. My life, when I was around eight years old, shifted drastically, and I suffered both physically and mentally. While others excelled academically, I was left behind — often lost and without an understanding of why I was not able to keep pace.

My experience taught me how to relate to people with compassion and extraordinary resilience. India continually influences me because my late mentor Dr T J Cherian was a renowned cardiologist and served as a father figure in my life.

The birth of X Fellows

The idea of X Fellows was born out of the extraordinary courage of people like Dr Cherian. The programme was also born out of the need I see in the world to create a new league of extraordinary citizens. It is focused on the vision that we are all gifted, even when seemingly cursed.

Given the fast and accelerated pace at which exponential technology is outpacing our lives, I have learnt that the right community with sparking the right kinds of stories can bring about real impact. Together, they drive a sense of urgent action and offer a genuine opportunity to learn, connect and create something that is larger than us and truly extraordinary at its core.

We have entities such as Astro Teller of Google X, Anousheh Ansari of X Prize and Craig Hatkoff, founder of Tribeca Film Festival and Disruptors to name a few involved with X Fellows.

Tech talk

X Fellows is unique in technology because we believe in the power of mass customisation. Exponential technologies, be it Artificial Intelligence, 3D printing, or life-saving drones, can help us design individual solutions at an unparalleled scale. For example, a child who needed a prosthetic limb 20 years ago would face a lifetime of extremely expensive, poor-fitting choices. Today, tailor-made solutions are available at a fraction of the cost.

KunalSood03CF05feb2019

Sustainable solutions that are customised to the individual experience is where humanity is heading. By 2020, IDC analysts expect 3D printing global revenues to exceed $35 billion. It is human nature to want to create something that improves your life.

Human beings by nature are drawn to stories. Novus gives the youth a voice, as much as we give our elders a platform to share practical wisdom.

(As told to Akila Kannadasan)

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sci-Tech> Internet / by Akila Kannadasan / February 04th, 2019

Major General Dr AVK Mohan: Armed with adventure

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Records, All, Sports

At 59, the medical doctor qualified in hospital administration is fit as a fiddle.

At 59, Major General Dr AVK Mohan is a cyclist, mountaineer, runner and rider
At 59, Major General Dr AVK Mohan is a cyclist, mountaineer, runner and rider

Chennai  :

What would be a more apt venue for a tete-a-tete with a passionate endurance and adventure sports enthusiast than a bicycle store? We are at Pro-Bikers, OMR — the city’s go-to shop for professional cyclists — to meet Major General Dr AVK Mohan. It’s hard not to notice Mohan with his walrus moustache and crisp-casual attire. At 59, the medical doctor qualified in hospital administration is fit as a fiddle. “I have always been conscious about having a healthy lifestyle. I think everyone should focus on their fitness and well-being,” he says.

Amid a plethora of cycles and spares mounted on the walls, we find a quiet spot, and one of the most admired personalities in the city’s cycling and endurance sports circuit talks to us about his zest for life. The self-confessed ‘daredevil’ goes by the principle — ‘Never wait for opportunities to come your way. You create it, and seize the moment.’

Mohan has done it all — from going on mountaineering expeditions to Mount Satopanth with Italians in 1991, being the first in an Army brigade to climb a live volcano in Mount Nyeiragango in Congo in the early 2000s, to motorbiking to Siachen Glacier to commemorate the Army Medical Corps reunion, and biking to all the eight states on the Northeast including two China borders at Nathu La in Sikkim, Bumla in Arunachal Pradesh, Myanmar border at Moreh, Manipur and Bangladesh border at Agartala, Tripura.
His second-self is diverse, and he has a hard time picking a favourite. “From mountaineering, motorbiking, to cycling and running, they are all my favourites. Each one compliments and empowers the other. For instance, I cycle as cross-training for running,” he explains.

After traversing the country, Mohan moved to Chennai in December 2014 — a shift he never imagined would change his life. “I came to Chennai with inhibitions. The culture here was entirely different in comparison with my previous placements. I have served and commanded in Military hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir, Tezpur and so on,” he says.

But, what happened next was serendipitous. In June 2015, during one of his usual morning rides to OMR, he met Ashish Thadani and Kirtanya Krishnamurthy, who encouraged Mohan to join the Chennai Joy Riderz, a popular cycling group in the city. “My love for cycling tripled, and we went on several long distance rides. I met many like-minded people after my initiation into the group. I will treasure these memories forever,” says Mohan.

The tetra super randonneur has completed several long-distance rides including the 1,000km brevet event from Chennai to Vijayawada and back, a 900km tour of Nilgiris cycling — in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu in 2015, and the 4,500 km Tour de Rotary K2K from Kashmir to Kanyakumari as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan in 2016.

Mohan’s day starts at 3 am, where he runs or cycles for a minimum of 70 km, before heading to work. Recently, despite an ankle fracture, Mohan went on a 15-km run on the Marina circuit. “It’s healing, but I don’t think the fracture will stop me from doing what I love,” he shares.
Mohan is an unofficial mentor and inspiration for budding cycling and fitness enthusiasts not only in Chennai but across the country. “I make sure I push and motivate others to take steps towards a better living.

To be a role model is a big responsibility, but I enjoy being one,” he shares.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Roshne Balasubramanian / Express News Service / February 04th, 2019

Juicy Chemistry to show its organic skin care range at Vivaness 2019

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives/ Environment, Nature, Records, All
Pritesh Asher and Megha Asher | Photo Credit: M.Periasamy
Pritesh Asher and Megha Asher | Photo Credit: M.Periasamy

Juicy Chemistry hopes to spread the good word about their certified organic range of skin care products at the prestigious trade fair, Vivaness 2019

City-based Juicy Chemistry that is an organic skincare brand gets ready to participate in Vivaness 2019. In association with BIOFACH, Vivaness is the world’s largest trade fare exhibition for organic/natural personal care, skin care and organic food products. It is to be held between February 13 and 16 at Nuremberg, Germany. Explaining its significance for Juicy Chemistry, its co-founder and Managing Director, Pritesh Asher says that it is the opportunity of a lifetime to participate in this fair that is in its 30th consecutive year. “As Juicy Chemistry is a 100% Certified Organic Skincare brand, we will co-exhibit with Ecocert (the worlds largest organic certification body). We will present over 100 products that are certified by the Cosmetic Organic Standard (COSMOS).”

Megha Asher, founder and CEO of Juicy Chemistry, reiterates, “This expo onlyshowcases brands that are 100 per cent natural/organic.” She explains the stringent screening process that preceded their participation and adds, “Every product we want to showcase here is screened for various parameters. Exhibitors are required to keep the necessary documentation to validate the products on display comply with these standards.” (see box)

The fair expects over 50,000 visitors and 2,900 exhibitors from 154 countries over four days and “gives us a chance to represent India and present to the world that we are built on a simple philosophy that emphasises on ‘less is more’,” says Megha. It is all a matter of pride for the country, says Pritesh.

“We are a clean, environmentally-friendly, sustainable, cruelty-free, certified organic brand. More importantly, we want to show the international buyers that we can deliver world class products, which comply to the highest international standards. And all of them are made right here, in India.”

Juicy Chemistry is a very young company, just four and a half years old. Says Megha, “We started with ₹5,000 and the rice and green tea scrub (it is still a bestseller). We then built up our brand one product at a time and here we are today with over a 100 items and going to this prestigious international fair. I am excited.”

Stringent screening

The products should contain only natural or organic raw materials

There should be no petrochemical-based raw materials

There should be no synthetic ingredients including synthetic fats, oils, waxes or silicones. The list of no-nos is long

All ingredients used should be declared on the products

The natural raw materials must not be produced from genetically modified organisms

Products should be manufactured without using ionising radiation

Products are, as far as possible, produced and processed to the latest technical standards in an environment-friendly way

The products must be cruelty free

Beauty, naturally

Juicy Chemistry is preparing to launch a complete range of organic care for athletes and an intimate care line for women. They also have a range for junior care. “The aim is to bring simplified chemical-free solutions in anything that we use in our day to day life,” says Megha

Find out more on www.juicychemistry.com

The range is also available on Amazon.com and Amazon.in

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Life & Style / by Pankaja Srinivasan / February 01st, 2019

Freedom fighters get focus at spiritual fair

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

Students usually find it too dry and tedious to learn about leaders from our State who contributed towards the freedom struggle.

FreedomFightersCF03feb2019

Chennai :

A sound and light show about freedom fighters, customised stamps by India Post and demonstrations of traditional Tamil musical instruments, were the key attractions at the second day of the Hindu Spiritual and Service Fair on Thursday.

School students who visited the fair were captivated by the sound and light show and infographs installed at various places throughout the fair about freedom fighters like Velu Nachiyar, Kattabomman, Theeran Chinnamalai, Vachinathan, etc.

“Students usually find it too dry and tedious to learn about leaders from our State who contributed towards the freedom struggle. The sound and light show about Jallianwala Bagh massacre and Andaman Jail were very illustrative and helped them grasp facts better,” said a teacher who accompanied students at the fair.
Members from the trust that organised the event, said over the six days, students from close to 1,400 schools, will participate in the various competitions being held.

Hundreds who flocked to the fair’s 10th edition were especially intrigued by traditional Tamil instruments displayed by the team from Kosainagaraan, musicians who play these instruments at Tamil weddings. Students, elders and even policemen enthusiastically tried their hand at instruments like the Kombu, Parai, Thudumbu, etc. “Western instruments have replaced most of the traditional ones. Also several parts of these instruments have gotten plastic substitutes hence making the originals disappear over time,” Shivakumar, head of the team.

R Rajalakshmi, vice chairperson of the managing team of the fair, said that students are ferried from their respective schools to the fair to learn most about spiritual beliefs and India’s freedom movement. “Nowadays students don’t have the time or interest to divulge into specifics about how India got its freedom. It is our responsibility to make it more interesting for them,” she said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / by Express News Service / February 01st, 2019

Records set quickly and healthily

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, World Opinion

Did you know that you can make South Indian delicacies like idly, kolukkatai or puttu without using fire at all? Chennai just bagged a world record for it on Wednesday.

300 chefs made dishes without oil or heat  A Aravind
300 chefs made dishes without oil or heat  A Aravind

Chennai :

Did you know that you can make South Indian delicacies like idly, kolukkatai or puttu without using fire at all? Chennai just bagged a world record for it on Wednesday.
The Geo India Foundation in association with the Airports Authority of India, created a world record in the city on Wednesday. Led by chef Padayal Sivakumar, 300 airport staff prepared 300 different dishes without using oil or fire, all in a span of five minutes.

The main attraction was that the chefs did not use oil or heat to prepare the dishes. P Shreyas, one of the visitors of the event said, “Though none of the items were boiled, no item smelled raw. They were equally tasty and some vegetables like pumpkin and ridge gourd taste even better when they are not cooked.”
The 300 dishes were a mix of fusion and innovation — pearl millet laddu, pumpkin kozhukattai, fig juice, lotus idly, coriander idly, pomegranate rice,  oragne rice, and sapota payasam.

“We trained around 1,000 people comprising airport staff and students and selected 300 of them for the record. All the ingredients used in the dishes today are used on a daily basis in every household in Tamil Nadu. One might wonder how idly is made without heat, we did it by using flattened rice that doesn’t require to be cooked, said chef Siva Kumar.

The items were all made from organic fruits and vegetables and served in eco-friendly bowls and plates. The record was part of the Healthy Lifestyle Festival held at the Chennai Airport Marriage Hall to educate the public on how to follow a healthy lifestyle.

Innovate and create

The 300 dishes included pearl millet laddu, pumpkin kozhukattai, lotus idly, coriander idly, hibiscus kheer,  mango pasumporiyal, navadhaniya sprout milk, pomegranate rice, orange rice, badam pisin jam, tender coconut jam, java plum kesari and sapota payasam.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Express News Service / January 31st, 2019

T.N. bags Best State Award for Swasth Bharat Yatra

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Records, All, Sports

Madurai and Sivakasi the best performing districts

Tamil Nadu has bagged the Best State Award for its active participation in the Swasth Bharat Yatra, a pan-India cyclothon aimed at promoting the concept of ‘eating right for a healthy life’.

Madurai and Sivakasi won the awards for the best performing districts, while the State also bagged 17 awards in various other categories.

Health Minister C. Vijaya Baskar received the award from Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Ashwini Kumar Choubey on Tuesday. Health Secretary J. Radhakrishnan was present on the occasion.

The State also received awards in six special categories, for six organisations and for the best cyclist, Menakadevi of Salem. Under the ‘eat right creativity challenge’, three schools were awarded in the poster competition and one in the wall art competition.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India had organised the Swasth Bharat Yatra, a key element of the ‘Eat Right India Movement’, to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi from October 2018 to January 2019. The objective was to promote the message of ‘Eat Healthy’ to prevent non-communicable diseases, ‘Eat Safe’ to prevent food-borne diseases and ‘Eat Fortified’ to prevent micro-nutrient deficiencies.

During the rally, cyclists visited villages, towns and cities across the country to spread awareness. Two of the six teams visited various districts in Tamil Nadu. They camped in each district for three days and organised awareness programmes.

The Tamil Nadu Food Safety Department made the arrangements to organise the events to create awareness.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Staff Reporter / Chennai – January 30th, 2019

A new initiative is here to create awareness on cancer

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Records, All, Science & Technologies
N. Ram launches Vizhithezhu project, an initiative by ESOINDIA in Chennai on Sunday. B. Jothi Ramalinga | Photo Credit: B_JOTHI RAMALINGAM
N. Ram launches Vizhithezhu project, an initiative by ESOINDIA in Chennai on Sunday. B. Jothi Ramalinga | Photo Credit: B_JOTHI RAMALINGAM

ESOINDIA conducts fundraiser music programme

Vizhithezhu, an initiative to create awareness about stomach and food pipe cancer and suicide prevention at the district, taluk and village-levels was launched on Sunday by Chennai-based ESOINDIA.

Launching the project at a fundraiser music programme for ESOINDIA at Kalaivanar Arangam, N. Ram, Chairman, THG Publishing Private Limited said when one wanted to achieve a social objective , creating awareness was the key. The media had an important role in creating awareness on the two issues, he said.

Appreciating the work of ESOINDIA founder S.M. Chandramohan, he said he was a humanist and his was evidence-based medicine.

Dr. Chandramohan said the organisation aimed at helping those with gastroesophagal disorders, especially cancers and those who had consumed acid.

“For a doctor, the happiest thing is to see his patients hale and hearty. We see patients who have ingested acid and are unable to eat or swallow even their own saliva,” he said.

Tears of joy

Cancer survivor Roopavani said she had gone to Dr. Chandramohan after she had lost all hope. Now, she leads a normal life with her grandchildren. Mukilan, who had consumed acid, said he shed tears of joy when he had the first morsel of food after 13 long months. Film director Agathiyan said: “There is no life without failure.” M. Kanagavel, secretary ESOINDIA said in February 2020, the organisation would conduct the Asia Pacific Gastro Esophagal Cancer Congress. Prizes were distributed to students who took part in an essay contest as part of World Cancer Day. Doctors Rema Chandramohan and Nalini Krishnan, who is also Co-Chairperson of Kasturi & Sons, Mohan Rajan, Sujatha Mohan, and Poongothai; and actors Varalakshmi and Sathish were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Special Correspondent / Chennai – January 28th, 2019