MyGate Receives Accolades from the Karnataka State Police for the KSP Clear e-Pass System

Karnataka State Police today honoured MyGate, the country's leading player in the community management space, for their contribution towards the efforts of the state police department during the lockdown. MyGate had, on a pro-bono basis, provided their technical expertise to build and manage the KSP Clear Pass, which issued over 2 lakh e-passes to Bengaluru citizens during Phase 1 & 2 of the lockdown.

Shri. Praveen Sood, Director General of Police, Karnataka, along with Shri. Pratap Reddy, Additional Director General of Police, Karnataka,  acknowledged MyGate's efforts by handing over a certificate of appreciation to Mr. Vijay Arisetty, Co-founder & CEO, MyGate and Mr. Shreyans Daga, Co-founder & CTO, MyGate.

“Our gratitude to Team MyGate for providing citizens (through Karnataka State Police), a user-friendly epass system during COVID-19 lockdown. An exemplary Public Private Partnership,”  said  Shri. Praveen Sood, Director General of Police, Karnataka.

About MyGate- Founded in 2016, MyGate is the largest security and community management app in the country, simplifying urban living of over two million homes in 10,000+ housing societies. It was ranked #4 on YourStory’s list of India’s Most Disruptive Start-ups in December 2019 and one of India’s coolest start-ups by Business Today in 2019. MyGate was founded by Vijay Arisetty, an ex- IAF pilot (Shaurya Chakra awardee), Abhishek K, former VP at Goldman Sachs, and Shreyans Daga, former project head at Oracle and Digit.

From left to Right - Mr. Shreyans Daga, Co-founder & CTO, MyGate, Mr. Vijay Arisetty, Co-founder & CEO, MyGate, Shri. Praveen Sood, Director General of Police, Karnataka and Shri. Pratap Reddy, Additional Director General of Police, Karnataka.

Rs 29,000 Crore Revenue Loss to Karnataka Due to Ban of Iron-Ore Export from the State: FIMI Southern Region

 

Summary

* Appeals to Ministry of Mines, Karnataka to make submissions to Hon’ble Supreme Court for allowing permission of iron-ore export from the state

* Karnataka is the only state in India which is suffering because of these restrictions while the rest of India is exporting iron ore as per the EXIM policy of Government

The Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI), Southern Region has made an appeal to the Ministry of Mines, Karnataka to take appropriate facts and urgently submit necessary facts before the Hon’ble Supreme Court, in order to rectify the gross imbalance that has arisen due to the prohibition on exports and seek urgent rectification of the situation by permitting export of iron-ore from Karnataka.

The restrictions on trade of iron ore in Karnataka is suppressing the growth of the sector and have significant deleterious effects on the industry and also the public Exchequer. The restrictions on sale of iron ore in Karnataka were imposed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court keeping in mind the situation prevailing in 2011-12. At that time, mining operations had come to a complete halt in view of prohibitory orders made by the Apex Court. As per estimates, the gross loss over a 10-year period to the State of Karnataka is approximately INR 29,058.8 crores due to ban of iron ore exports. 

The rest of India is exporting iron ore as per the EXIM policy of Government of India thereby ensuring fair revenue to the State Exchequer including foreign exchange as well as overall growth of the nation by using the railways, port facilities etc. As per the data available, the total export in the year 2019 from other parts of India shows export of 10.34 MMT of fines and 1.16 MMT of lumps.

While, during the same period, the state of Karnataka, lagged when there is a surplus of 5.19 MMT fines arising due to additional production from auctioned C category leases and expired leases. Hence, an alternative market is urgently required since surplus iron ore may remain unsold even if the entire domestic demand is met from leases in Karnataka and without recourse to material from outside the State.

In Karnataka, approximately 70% of the sourcing is by single major steel player. These restrictions are also distorting the market as the buyer has the freedom of trade, i.e. right to purchase iron ore from either the e-auction or from other States or even to import from overseas. This has created a skewed market, disadvantageous to sellers as they can only sell to domestic end-users.

At present, the value of iron ore which is consumed captively, is derived from the IBM prices. This is affected by the monopsony arising from the e-auction system. The huge pressure on the lessees due to large scale imports (sometimes at higher prices than local ore) has forced lessees to resort to distress sale (since the iron ore remained unsold for many months and in some cases years). Consequently, IBM index price for Karnataka is low. From Jan 2018 to May 2019, iron ore prices have gone down in Karnataka by -18.7 %, although IBM prices for Odisha and Chhattisgarh have only marginally reduced by -2.7% and -7.7% respectively.

The reduced price of iron ore sold in e-auction, also has a direct impact on levies to be paid to State of Karnataka since the same are fixed, ad valorem and on the basis of the sale price. The State’s revenue is 30% of the sale price. Hence, the recovery of true value will substantially enhance the revenue of State Exchequer. Pertinently, revenue at the aforesaid rate will accrue to the State even on export. On the other hand, where ore is imported by consumers in Karnataka, the State earns only 2.5% import duty.

In 2018-19, approximately 6.67 MMT of iron ore was imported into the state, as a substitute for locally produced iron ore, thereby leaving unsold stock in mines and causing loss of revenue to the State of Karnataka. These imports have also affected sale of 8 MMT of old stocks.

Vidyadhan Comes Forward to Support Kaushik for his Higher-Education

Vidyadhan, a flagship higher-education program under the aegis of The Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI) on Wednesday announced that it would support the higher education of Kaushik Acharya (15), a differently-abled boy residing in Kanchikar Pete in Bantwal district near Bengaluru (Karnataka). Kaushik will receive a scholarship from Vidyadhan starting from class 11th until he completes graduation in any stream of his choice.

"We are humbled to have Kaushik join the Vidyadhan family and glad to support him further in achieving his dreams. By overcoming his physical challenges with sheer hard work and determination to clear the board exams with exceptional marks, he has exemplified that one can conquer all difficulties if one wants to. Such meritorious students who overcome all odds serve as an inspiration to us all," said Mrs Kumari Shibulal, Founder and Chairperson, The Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives.

The scholarship offer letter was handed over in person to Kaushik on August 12th, 2020 by Vidyadhan’s State Coordinator Vishwanath K S, on behalf of the foundation.

“I am very happy and proud to receive the Vidyadhan scholarship. This will help me to pursue my higher education and fulfil my dream of becoming a government officer. It will be a huge help for my parents since this is not just a one-time scholarship but will be available to me until I complete my studies. I am very thankful to Vidyadhan and promise that in the future I will also help students like me who need support to the best of my abilities," said Kaushik. His parents believe that  apart from the scholarship, mentoring and training provided by Vidyadhan will help Kaushik to make the right decisions regarding further studies.

Kaushik didn’t let his inability become a hurdle in studies and wrote the SSLC final examination with his toes without taking help from anybody else. He passed in the first division by excellentmarks, thereby becoming a role model for all those who rise above difficulties in pursuit of knowledge and education. He even received praises from Mr. S Suresh Kumar, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Govt. of Karnataka), who personally commended his efforts by visiting him and lauded his achievement on social media as well.

Vidyadhan is currently supporting over 800 students from underserved backgrounds in Karnataka to help them pursue their studies in a field of their choice. The application process to avail the scholarship for this year is currently open and eligible students can apply through their website at www.vidyadhan.org.

About The Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives:

Born out of a sense of responsibility to society, the Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives has been actively supporting those in need through initiatives in education, healthcare and organic farming for the last 20 years, starting from 1999.

The Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives started with a focus on education, based on the simple belief that the founders – Mrs. Kumari Shibulal and Mr. S.D. Shibulal achieved what they did because of it. All its initiatives such as Vidyadhan, Ankur, The Samhita Academy, Vidyarakshak, ShikshaLokam, EduMentum are based on the premise of uplifting the underserved communities and providing them with the opportunity to build a better future.

Mrs Kumari Shibulal is the Founder & Chairperson of the Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives. Passionate about doing her bit for the underserved communities, her vision (and that of the Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives) is to spread knowledge and create an environment focussed on social change through a solution-oriented approach.

About Vidyadhan:

Vidyadhan is the flagship higher education scholarship program ofThe Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives. We identify students in need of financial assistance after matriculation, to support them through senior school and graduation of their choice. We have given over 17000+ scholarships through this initiative. Many have gone on to become productive citizens after completing the program over the years. 4300 students across 10 states are currently in the program.

To make this program more scalable and self-sustainable, a new model has been introduced called ‘Each One, Teach One’. The primary mission is to bring together academically brilliant but financially weak students and individuals and corporates interested in supporting these students to achieve their dreams. Launched in May 2015, this initiative facilitates need-based financial assistance to those pursuing degree courses such as medicine, engineering, nursing, etc.  The SFPI has pledged their support to Each One, Teach One’s vision is to increasing the impact from 17,000 scholarships in 10 States to 100,000 scholarships in all States in the next 5-7 years. Vidyadhan was launched in Karnataka in the year 2014 and currently has around 800 students in the state.

National Neonatal Forum Karnataka Chapter and UNICEF HFO Launch SOP Booklet for Maternal and Child Healthcare

The National Neonatal Forum Karnataka chapter and UNICEF HFO together have taken the initiative to write a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) booklet for ‘Antenatal, Intrapartum, Postnatal and New born Care during COVID-19’. Medical bodies like the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI), Karnataka Society Obstetrics and Gynaecology Association (KSOG) and Bangalore Society of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (BSOG) and many experts across the country and internationally have contributed to this book.

On 24th July 2020, all the above-mentioned bodies came together online and launched this E-Book. NNF Karnataka Chapter Secretary Dr Prashanth Gowda met the honourable Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa at his office, where he unveiled and signed the hard copy of the booklet. The Chief Minister congratulated the team for this effort and ensured his full support for the initiative.

This SOP Booklet is made available free of cost for all and training of all the nurses, doctors, healthcare workers based on this SOP will be initiated across the state in all SNCUs (Special New-born care Units). This E book will be uploaded on the website of NNF and all the other medical bodies who have contributed to it.

Speaking on this initiative of launching the booklet, Dr Prashanth Gowda, NNF Karnataka Chapter Secretary, Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospital said “Since the first COVID case was detected, there have been so many new developments regarding research and information about COVID-19. The virus is still very new and there is a lot of confusion about maternal and neonatal care during this phase. There are many SOPs made available to healthcare staff by WHO and various academic and technical agencies like ICMR based on latest evidence. While making this book we have corroborated all these recent evidences to make one comprehensive ready reckoner for all doctors and staff nurses to comprehend”

Speaking on the impact of COVID 19 on maternal and neonatal care Dr Gowda said “The existing burden of maternal mortality estimates to 30000 in the country and 750 in the state of Karnataka. Similarly, approximately 9,18,000 infants die nationally and 24,000 infants die in the state due to birth

& infancy related illnesses. Due to COVID-19, it is estimated additional 37% mothers and children die according to the Lancet Article. A number of healthcare employees have also become positive and many have lost their lives. The cases in the country and Karnataka especially are rising. For the safety of mothers, babies and healthcare staff we decided to launch the SOP”

Dr Gowda further elaborated on the importance of this book for healthcare staff during this pandemic he said “The main purpose of developing this document is to ensure that all the staff working in Government SNCUs are trained on these available guidance and recent evidences at the earliest. This will help support the staff especially in triaging, depending on the needs of the patient. It also enables the doctors to refer the flowcharts & ensure patients can be referred to appropriate facilitythereby limiting the unnecessary expenditures on the already distressed additional financial cause due to COVID-19 for the state. It also gives information about vaccines that are being developed by different Pharmaceutical companies.  I would like to add that this book is only the first version, we plan to update as new evidence generates with time”

The launch of this book has been highly appreciated by the Karnataka Government. Along with the Chief Minister, the Deputy CM Dr Ashwath Narayan, Shri Sriramulu, Health Minister and Dr Sudhakar, the Medical Minister have completely supported and encouraged the NNF and other bodies. They appreciated the efforts of NNF Karnataka President Dr Kotturesha and UNICEF HFO consultant Dr Sanjeev Upadhyay for their efforts to bring all stakeholders together for this noble cause.

BOCI and Karnataka State Bus Owners Federation Seek Help from Government Due to Financial Crisis

 

Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India - (BOCI) & Karnataka State Bus Owners Federation Bangalore representing district association of bus owners operating buses from various district of Karnataka and neighboring states urged the Karnataka government to provide immediate relief to the public transport sector which is on a  stand still due to COVID 19 lockdown. The public transport sector has requested waiver of taxes, deferment of tax payments, extension of vehicle insurance validity, increase in price/fare on tickets, extending the loan moratorium and subsidies on diesel and tax reduction on spare parts for a stipulated period which would help reduce the vehicle running cost to save the sector from collapsing.

The Current fleet of vehicles under the Private Passenger Services is approximately 4lakh in Karnataka. The extended lockdown has hit the sector hard with many operators in dire straits and on brink of closure.  When compared to other countries, in India public transport sector does not receive financial support, instead it has severe burden of taxation including GST on tickets and purchase of vehicle tires and spares, GST and CESS on fuel and lubricants and toll tax.

Considering social distancing norms and only half the seats being used, paying tax for all seats per quarter in advance has affected the transport operators badly.  Due to non-operation of vehicles for more than four months, it has impacted the public transport sector severely. The layoff has also caused tremendous inconvenience to commuters, the salaried middle-class and unprecedented hardship for migrant daily wage laborers in India who depend entirely on public transport for their commute. The sector has made several representations to the authorities in the transport department, Ministries of state and to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka to draw their attention to multitudes of issues faced by the sector and have urged urgent action to alleviate their pain.

The key asks of the sector to various authorities in the Government of Karnataka are:

Waiver on Motor Vehicle Tax for six months

Extension of Vehicle Insurance

Increase in price in tickets

Waiver on Toll tax for public transport vehicles

Reduction in State tax & CESS on Diesel for public transport sector vehicles for next six months

Portal access to interact with RTO for payment of fees, documentation etc. avoid person to person contact and reduce virus spread

Insurance coverage to drivers and transport workers plying during pandemic to ferry passengers, essential goods

Allow utilization of ESI / EPF funds to pay staff salaries

Viability Gap Funding for Public Transport

Deferment of EMI payments for next 6 to 12 months

Addressing this concern, Mr. Rajavarma Ballal, All India Sectorial Vice President of Stage Carriage Service Sector, Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI) said, “Transport sector is one of the major sectors contributing to the economy of the state and the nation. Government must provide necessary support to revive the sector in these critical times by providing tax exemption and extension of loan repayment tenure amongst other provisions. Though Banks have extended the moratorium for few months, but they should extend the mortarium by waiving interest to existing loans because more than 80% of the vehicles are usually financed and many are availing the moratorium. The Central Government has also provided COVID loan facilities for MSMEs. But as per the provision the loan facilities can be availed only by the owners of the travel companies. This loan facility must be extended to the individual owners who are using their personal vehicles for transport.  Also, the economic relief announced by the government to the public sector transportation must be extended.”

Mr. Prasanna Patwardhan, President, Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI) said, India moves on public transport, as more than 90% of our people use it for their daily mobility needs. We have over 17 lakh operational buses on Indian roads, out of which, about 1.50 lakh buses are operated by various STU’s. The remaining 15.5lakh buses, accounting for almost 30 Crore passenger trips, are run by private operators which are the member of various Associations & Federations affiliated to Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI). Being a labor-intensive sector, we request the government to support and save the sector from a total collapse. The fiscal relief sought will help the sector see through these tumultuous times.”

BOCI has also addressed these issues in a letter to the Honorable Prime Minister requesting for a job security of 1 crore people who have not been paid during the lockdown and requested government to take responsibility to pay salaries for 3 months. Rescheduling of all EMIs and Banks should be instructed to reschedule loans by giving at least six months moratorium period to all customers and to waived off the interest for the moratorium period. Banks and NBFCs should be advised to provide top-up working capital at low interest rates to resume business.

Aakash Student Prerana M.N. Tops the State in the 2nd Karnataka PUC Board Exams; Scores 99.34%

Prerana M.N., a student of Aakash Institute’s Rajajinagar branch here has topped the State in the second year Karnataka Pre-University Course (PUC) Board Exams by securing 99.34%, results for which were announced today. She scored 596 marks out of a total of 600.   

Congratulating Prerana on her achievement, Mr Aakash Chaudhry, Director and CEO, Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL), said, “We are proud that our student Prerana has topped the state and secured 99.3% in the second year Pre-University Course Board Exams. It is the result of her hard work, the support of her parents and the quality test preparation and guidance imparted at Aakash. Many congratulations to her and all our students for performing well in the examination. We wish them all the best for their future endeavours.”

Aakash Institute aims to help students in their quest to achieve academic success. It has a centralized in-house process for curriculum and content development and faculty training and monitoring, led by its National Academic Team. Over the years, students from Aakash Institute have maintained a record success in various medical and engineering entrance exams and competitive exams such as NTSE, KVPY, and Olympiads.

About Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL)

Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL) provides comprehensive test preparatory services for students preparing for Medical and Engineering Entrance Examinations, School/Board Exams and Competitive Exams such as NTSE, KVPY, and Olympiads.  AESL believes that the “Aakash” brand is associated with quality coaching and a proven student selection track record in various Medical and Engineering Entrance Examinations, Scholarship exams & Olympiads. 

With over 32 years of operational experience in the test preparatory industry, the company has a large number of selections in Medical & Engineering Entrance Exams and several Foundation level Scholarship exams/Olympiads, a pan India network of 200+ Aakash Centres (including franchisee), and a student count of more than 250,000. 

Airtel Thanks App Now Available in Kannada for Airtel Prepaid Customers

As part of its mission to simplify the customer journey through innovative digital interventions, Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”) has announced the launch of Kannada language support on Airtel Thanks app for prepaid customers. The feature is LIVE on Android and will be available on iOS shortly. With increasing smartphone penetration, particularly in smaller towns and villages, customers are looking for vernacular online experience. This new feature on Airtel Thanks app will drive more adoption as well as make the user experience simpler and highly interactive for Airtel customers by removing language barriers. 

Airtel Thanks app allows Airtel smartphone customers to access Digital Self Care - make recharges, bill payments, checking real time data usage/balance details. Customers can also log service related issues through the app in a matter of few clicks. The app also offers access to digital payments and financial services along with preview of Airtel’s digital entertainment library.

Says Adarsh Nair, Chief Product Officer, Airtel: “At Airtel, we are obsessed with solving customer problems and making their experience better through digital technologies. As India transforms into a smartphone nation, close to 35% of Airtel Thanks app users now come from Tier 2/3 towns and rural markets. With deep vernacular support, Airtel Thanks app becomes even more relevant and accessible for these customers and enables them to unlock the full potential of Airtel’s exciting digital services.”

Airtel Thanks app has been fully designed and built by the in-house engineering team of Airtel.

Vedanta Iron Ore Karnataka Ensures Safety of Employees through Precautionary Measures

Vedanta Iron Ore has put in place measures to help mitigate the risk from coronavirus to employees and their families. The measures are intended to provide greater security to the employees by restricting the spread of the virus. The company has taken plentiful precautionary measures to fight this pandemic. Vedanta as a responsible corporate is fully committed to the safety of people, their families who are extended part of the Vedanta family and the communities. 

Mr. Krishna Reddy, Director, Vedanta Iron Ore Karnataka Business said, “As per MHA guidelines, the company has resumed limited operations subject to necessary precautions as mandated by various advisories being implemented for a safe working environment. We are taking all responsible actions and mandated safety protocols issued by various authorities in order to help stop the spread of Coronavirus. We are providing utmost care to the safety of people working with our company. Life of people is of extreme importance for us and will always remain our furthermost priority.”.

Mr. Prasanna HP, Assistant Security Officer, M/s Walson Services Private Limited (Contractor Company) said, “Our team is stationed at the Iron Ore Karnataka Business to ensure a safe work environment for the people in this extraordinary situation. The initiatives taken by Iron Ore Karnataka management ensures workers’ safety inside office premises. The whole system is set in place by the management and all the employees adheres to it. The management has also provided our team with PPEs to restrict the spread and for us to carry out our duties without any chance of infection.”.

The biggest challenge faced by Iron Ore Karnataka amid the pandemic has been to motivate employees and keep the work momentum going with limited operations, limited workforce and maintaining all health protocols viz social distancing, use of PPEs etc. The company is ensuring strict adherence to precautionary measures. 

Vedanta Iron Ore Karnataka is taking the following actions aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19:

* Enhanced facility hygiene practices including increasing the frequency with which high touch surfaces are cleaned. Safety precautions including supply of sanitizers, protective gears, masks, regular temperature checks and recording of all the work force at the Entrance Gate and availability of 24x7 medical support for further course of action if there is any abnormality found in the workers. Hands-free hand wash basins are located at all entry gates and hand wash facilities spread across all the worksites. 

* The residential doctor at Vedanta Iron Ore Karnataka distributes triple layered masks on a daily basis and has provided personal sanitizer bottles that have to carried every day (strict checking is done) for the safety of the employees, contractors and workmen working at the mines. Working during these times can be highly stressful, the residential doctor conduct awareness sessions on the importance of mental health. 

* Ensuring minimal gathering and social distancing protocols at workplaces. To ensure the social distancing inside the company premises is been maintained, a team of 3 ESM Security Personnel’s in 1st & 2nd Shift and circles are made at Sesa 01, Canteen area, Gates and attendance reader installed locations.

* Providing employees with flexibility around work schedules and recommending that they work from home, to the extent feasible and appropriate. Direct and indirect employees residing in affected and suspected have been asked to not report to work & there has been no denial on their salaries. Additional commute buses operate to maintain social distancing during travel to work. 

* Verification of the travel history of workforce has been initiated by the company before an employee is re-joining the company along with a declaration in prescribed format.  All essential business-related travel has been restricted for all the employees. Quarantine facility has been made available at a dedicated company apartment and those arriving from other states are tested for COVID-19 with a swab test & are quarantined mandatorily for 14 days. 

* To ensure safety, security and wellbeing of our stakeholders, especially our communities and employees,  Vedanta Iron Ore Karnataka handed over a drone camera with tablet to the Office of Superintendent of Police, Chitradurga to assist them to safeguard the people of the district in the pandemic. Provision of drone camera will benefit business continuity and safety as it guarantees proper surveillance and assures a safe environment for our employees, contractors and workmen to work, commute and live in. 

* Fumigation and sanitization in the Mines facility and transportation are being done on frequent basis. Continuous awareness on the situation and preventive measures are being conducted for direct and indirect employees via tool box talks and virtual platforms. 

In line with Vedanta philosophy of care and community welfare, Vedanta Iron Ore Karnataka Business has also been working in close- coordination with the Office of District Administration of Chitradurga, to help them in providing necessary infrastructure and provisioning of protective equipment across COVID- 19 medical facilities in the district. Apart from the contribution of Rs. 201 crores by the Group Chairman Mr. Anil Agarwal to combat COVID-19 pandemic, Vedanta Iron Ore Karnataka has donated Rs. 1 crore each to the CM Relief Funds of Goa and Karnataka state government. 

Vedanta Iron Ore at Karnataka has always had a symbolic relationship with Chitradurga Community for many decades and in this critical situation the company has handed over 10 ICU cots and 10 Multi- Para Monitor to the District Administration set to be installed at the COVID – 19 Relief District Hospital along 500 sanitiser bottles, 2500 triple layer N95 masks, 500 personal protection kits and an ambulance for emergency medical facilities. The company has also, handed over 3400 ration kits to the District Administration Office to help them be well prepared in the current situation. Besides this, Vedanta Iron Ore at Karnataka distributed 2600 three layered cloth masks to police officers, health workers and the community people across Chitradurga district handmade by local SHG women over the course of two weeks.

Monitoring and Addressing Human-Wildlife Conflict to the Benefit All

Conflict

● Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) incidents, arising from human-wildlife interactions are a global conservation challenge. HWC includes crop loss, livestock predation, property damage, and occasionally human injury and death.

● Wild Seve (‘Seve’ means ‘to serve’ in Kannada), established in July 2015, is a novel conservation intervention program that monitors and addresses HWC. Wild Seve assists people facing HWC-related losses to document and file for ex-gratia claims with the state government.

● In 48 months of operations, the program documented over 13,000 HWC incidents (as of July 2019), often involving large conflict-prone species such as elephants, leopards, and tigers, for families living around Bandipur and Nagarahole National Parks in Karnataka, India.

● Wild Seve isan effective low-cost conservation intervention that uses open-source technology and leverages existing policies to facilitate documentation for ex-gratia payment claims. This model of monitoring and addressing human-wildlife conflict is easily replicable, adaptable, and scalable in HWC-prone regions globally.

Scientists from the Centre for Wildlife Studies showed (in 2018) that although Karnataka leads the country in terms of reported human-wildlife conflict incidents and ex-gratia payments, thousands of incidents remained unreported and uncompensated for. Difficulty in accessing and delays in the application process for financial compensation, inconsistent policies, lack of transparency, high transaction costs, ineffective implementation, and variable payment amounts often anger communities, leading to increased retaliation against wildlife.

In a new peer reviewed article published in the journal, Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, Dr. Krithi K. Karanth and Anubhav Vanamamalai highlight the design, implementation, operation, and results of a novel conservation intervention in Karnataka, the Wild Seve program. Drawing on over a decade of research in the landscape, and designed to improve HWC reporting, response, and participation in ex-gratia payment schemes within the established policy framework, Wild Seve was launched in July 2015.

The Wild Seve program created an efficient mobile technology-based platform and toll-free helpline for reporting incidents, collecting data and evidence, and filing ex-gratia claims on behalf of the affected. Wild Seve wasable to effectively contribute to the monitoring of wildlife occurring outside protected areas, thereby aiding in long-term landscape-level conservation efforts. The program assists the most vulnerable communities living around wildlife reserves and helps bridge the gap between people and the government.

Quote 1: “In megadiverse countries like India which host large populations of charismatic conflict-prone animals such as elephants, leopards and tigers, HWC poses a serious conservation challenge. If we are serious about resolving conflict and conserving endangered wildlife we need to build adaptability, resilience and support people who are directly impacted so that retaliation doesn’t take place. Wild Seve improves community tolerance towards wildlife, and reduces retaliation against them,” says Dr. Krithi K. Karanth, Chief Conservation Scientist at CWS, and the lead author of the study.

The novel research outlines the results of 48 months of Wild Seve’s operations in 600 village settlements around Bandipur and Nagarahole National Parks. Wild Seve filed and tracked over 13,000 ex-gratia payment claims for human-wildlife conflict incidents, which included 12,978 crop and property loss incidents, 782 livestock predation events, and 48 human injuries and fatalities. Wild Seve even facilitated the construction of over 48 predator-proof livestock sheds for those facing repeated livestock predation. Wild Seve’s field staff are proud members of the local communities they serve, and are dispatched to the location of HWC incidents to assess and document the damage and compile an ex-gratia payment claim with all requisite evidence and documentation.

Quote 2: “Managing expectations, especially in conflict events is of utmost importance to promote coexistence in regions where people and wildlife overlap. Wild Seve directly benefits people through its process, science through rigorous collection of data and analysis, and informs policy through its experience. Our use of simple technology and ef icient processes makes Wild Seve an easily scalable and replicable solution in addressing human-wildlife conflict incidents across the country,” says Anubhav Vanamamalai, Research Fellow at CWS and former Program Manager of Wild Seve.

The study, titled Wild Seve: A Novel Conservation Intervention to Monitor and Address Human-Wildlife Conflict, authored by Dr. Krithi K. Karanth and Anubhav Vanamamalaiappeared in the journal, Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. The open-access study can also be directly retrieved from the journal.

Centre for Wildlife Studies

Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS), based in Bengaluru, is an internationally recognised centre-of-excellence in the arenas of wildlife research, in-situ conservation, policy, and education. In collaboration with Central and State Governments, as well as partnerships with several national and international institutions, CWS practices science-based conservation to promote the protection of wildlife and wildlands.

Manipal Health Enterprises Collaborates with Government of Karnataka to Combat COVID Crisis in the State

Collaboration

* Manipal Hospitals Malleshwaram to be converted into a dedicated COVID facility

* Partnership with Hospitality players in Bengaluru to set up COVID care centres for mild and asymptomatic patients

* Receives statutory approvals by the regulatory authorities to perform COVID 19 Test at Manipal Hospitals, Old Airport Road Bangalore and Hospital, Manipal

In an endeavour to intensify the fight against the pandemic, Manipal Health Enterprises part of Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG) collaborates with the Government of Karnataka and converts its 100 bed fully equipped facility at Malleshwaram as a dedicated COVID unit. The facility is equipped with a 14-bed respiratory ICU and state of the art equipment to ensure seamless and efficient treatment to COVID patients. The facility also has back up imaging and a full-fledged laboratory to ensure the highest level of care to COVID 19 patients. The Group has also been approved by the regulatory authorities to perform COVID 19 Testing at its Hospital on Old Airport, Bangalore and Udupi.

The group has been working closely with the Government of Karnataka since March when the pandemic started to breakout in the State. The Chairman of Manipal Hospitals, Dr. Sudarshan Ballal was a key member of the Task Force formed by the Govt to help combat the spread of the virus. Over the last 3 months, a specialist team comprising of a Physician/Geriatrician, Intensivist, Pulmonologists, Anaesthesiologist and Nephrologist have been monitoring critically ill COVID – 19 patients across 7 districts of Karnataka via the E-Rounds initiative. The dedicated team of specialists were part of the war room to provide video consultations to critically ill patients twice a day. In the month of April, Dr TMA Hospital, a 150 bed facility in Udupi was converted to a dedicated COVID centre and became the only private Hospital in Karnataka to be designated as a COVID – 19 Hospital and has treated over 150 patients. 

Dr. Ranjan Pai, Chairman, Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG) said, “These are unprecedented times not only for the country but for the whole of humanity. Manipal Group as a responsible entity is committed to serving the country and will extend every possible support to the Government. In order to build a robust healthcare response and to be able to combat COVID, it is imperative to work as a combined force. We are also exploring possibilities of collaborating with Hospitality players to set up dedicated a COVID care center for mild or asymptotic patients to further ease the burden on the healthcare system. We have successfully engaged in a similar relationship with the ITC Group for their Hotel in Dwarka through our network hospital in New Delhi.”

Sharing his thoughts Mr. Dilip Jose, MD and CEO of Manipal Health Enterprises said, “Our team of experts have been working closely with various sub committees, task forces and working groups of the Government of Karnataka and have been providing immense support to tackle the pandemic. The dedicated unit at Manipal Malleshwaram will provide the highest quality of care for COVID patients. All our regular patients requiring urgent, elective tertiary and quaternary care, will be directed to our other network hospitals on Old Airport Road and at Jayanagar and Whitefield. This will ensure safety and significantly reduce the risk for non- COVID patients visiting our Hospitals”.

About Manipal Hospitals:

As a pioneer in healthcare, Manipal Hospitals is one among the top 5 established healthcare players in India serving over 3 million patients annually. Its focus is to develop an affordable healthcare framework through its multispecialty and tertiary care delivery spectrum and further extend it to homecare. With its flagship quaternary care facility located in Bangalore (India), 9 tertiary care and 5 secondary care spread across India and abroad, Manipal Hospitals today successfully operates and manages over 5,900 beds across 15 hospitals. Manipal Hospitals provides comprehensive curative and preventive care for a multitude of patients from around the globe. Manipal Hospitals is NABH, AAHRPP accredited and most of the hospitals in its network are NABL, ER, Blood Bank accredited and recognized for Nursing Excellence. Manipal Hospitals has also been the most respected and patient recommended hospital in India through various consumer surveys.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Enables Access to Clean Drinking in Mandya

CSR 

* Sets- up two water purification units in Maddur Taluk in Mandya District

* Two more water units’ expected in Magadi and Ramanagara

* Installed a total of 41units at villages in Karnataka includes, one each in Varanasi and Vaishali to cater to the drinking water requirement of villages in India.

* All the water purification units have a 1000 liter per hour capacity accompanied with a minimum 6-stage purification system

* Benefitting over 260,000 villagers covering 250 villages across India

In its mission to enrich lives in the communities, Toyota Kirloskar Motor today inaugurated two community-based water purification units in Maddur Taluk in Mandya District. In addition, two more units will be inaugurated by end of this month in Ramanagara District. With this, Toyota Kirloskar Motor has installed a total of 41 units in and around its manufacturing unit in Ramanagara in addition to two units set up at Vishali and Varansi. 

The center was inaugurated and handover to the village representatives by Mr. DC Thammanna, MLA and Ex -Transport Minister Government of Karnataka in the presence of TKM officials.

The newly set up unit has a 1000 liter per hour capacity accompanied with a minimum 6-stage purification system. The advanced machine is equipped with a real time water reporting system that will provide data on Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), PH value contents for delivering the high standards of purified water to the community members. The unit is also fitted with multiple water dispensing system to address congestion. In addition, the installed unit is equipped with solar system, power backup, wastewater management. TKM has also entered into a 15 years maintenance agreement with agency to ensure longevity of the project.

Commenting on the new unit launch, Mr. Vikram Gulati, Country Head & Senior Vice President, External Affairs, Public Relations, Corporate Social Responsibility & Corporate Governance, Toyota Kirloskar motor said, “At TKM, our guiding principle has always been to improve lives, and act on day-to-day life essential issues. We want to enrich the society with endeavors that are relevant, self-sustainable and meaningful. Therefore, our emphasis is to always secure the strong support of local communities so that each initiative can attain good sustainability. When we studied our neighboring community, the biggest threat was the access to treated water. Hence, in 2013 we harnessed our CSR program to invest in the creation of adequate infrastructure to increase access to safe and affordable drinking water. Today, we are humbled to announce, that we have touched over 2,60,000 in 250 villages.

It also gives us immense satisfaction that our CSR initiatives are meaningful and have so far touched the lives of more than 14,00,000 people with a commitment to bring in socio-economic development. With our continued commitment towards these causes we hope to continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. DC Thammanna, MLA and Ex -Transport Minister Government of Karnataka said, “As responsible citizens, ensuring the health, safety and hygiene of the communities is of utmost importance. The Government, local authorities & Corporates must come together in understanding and catering to the critical needs of the neighboring community. Access to safe drinking water is a fundamental human right and a major cause of worry. By setting up these water units, Toyota has made a significant contribution to address this problem. I strongly believe that with the support of companies like Toyota, we will be able to make more and more villages free from such indispensable issues and aid them for a better tomorrow.”

Starting 2001, CSR has been an integral part of TKM’s philosophy. The voluntary initiatives taken up by TKM and our employees focus primarily on scalability and sustainability. The activities revolve around five main themes of Education, Environment, Health & Hygiene, Road Safety and Skill Development. These themes are aligned on the need of the community at large and national priorities with the aim to consistently work to adopt outcome and impact-oriented approach in all our social projects to ensure.

In the areas of Health & Hygiene, TKM has taken series of initiatives to counter the growing concerns around insufficient sanitation facilities in government schools and lack of adequate training among school children. TKM has pledged its support to the ‘Swachh Bharat campaign.’ Under this initiative, TKM has constructed 907 school sanitation units in Ramanagara district in Karnataka [includes 125 units are located in Varanasi and 125 units in Vaishali in Bihar].  Around 29,406 girl children are benefitted from this program.

Recognizing the need for a new approach, TKM also initiated the ABCD project with a focus on bringing in a behavioral change. The Project ABCD (A Behavioral Change Demonstration) not only aims at achieving 100% school sanitation by increasing awareness, it also promoters dignity and privacy for the girl child by upgrading existing unhygienic school toilets to usable condition as well as to promote learning and retention among school children, teachers as well as the community members.  Under this program, a special initiative of motivating community to construct individual household sanitation units was undertaken and more than 10,754 individual household units have been constructed and 92 villages were declared Open Defecation Free villages.

$17 bn software exports for India's IT state

Defying the global meltdown, Karnataka earned $17 billion (Rs.74,929 crore) from software exports last fiscal (2008-09) as against Rs.60,800 crore the previous year, registering a 23 per cent growth in rupee terms and 21.5 per cent in dollar terms.

"The export performance of the IT industry in the state, especially Bangalore, demonstrates the knowledge sector remains unaffected by the global meltdown and decline in IT spending overseas," state Information Minister Katta Subbramanya Naidu told reporters here.

As India's tech hub, Bangalore accounted for Rs.72,506 crore or 97 per cent of the state's total exports, while the remaining Rs.2,423 crore are from tier-two cities such as Mysore, Mangalore and Hubli-Dharwad, registering 45 percent year-on-year (YoY) growth.

India's combined software exports -- spanning services, products and business process outsourcing (BPO) -- grew 21 per cent to $50 billion (Rs.2.22 trillion) as against $41 billion (Rs.1.84 trillion) in 2007-08.

Karnataka accounted for 34 per cent of the country's total software exports last fiscal.

"The growth is substantial especially in the current economic scenario. The state retains its top position in the sector, including exports," Naidu said.

Naidu said the state had set a target of $20 billion (Rs.1,000 billion) this fiscal.

Incidentally, the industry's representative body, National Association of Software Services and Companies (Nasscom), has forecast India's software exports this fiscal to be around $48-50 billion.

According to R. Rajalakshmi, director of the Bangalore chapter of the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), Karnataka's software export revenues are from the 1,200 firms registered with the STPI and software-related special economic zones.

Eighty-four software units will be set up in the state this fiscal, including 35 with foreign equity, two Indian majors and 47 small and medium enterprises, with a combined investment of Rs.465 crore.

In spite of voluntary attrition and lay-offs in the BPO sector, employment in the software industry in the state increased by 34,000 to 554,000 in 2008-09.

Agencies