14-Year-Old Creates Engaging Web-Game ‘Go Corona Go’ To Highlight The Importance Of Wearing Masks And Getting Vaccinated

When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. At a time when India is dealing with the second wave of Covid-19, a bright young 14-year-old WhiteHat Jr student from Bengaluru, Abhinav Ranjith Das, put on his thinking hat and created an engaging web based game titled ‘Go Corona Go’ to highlight the importance of protecting oneself from the virus by wearing masks and getting vaccinated as soon as possible.

The game, with its rich animation, lively music and interesting tasks, educates players about taking all precautions as they try to beat the virus.

The game has three levels in which the player has to jump over hurdles, including the virus itself, in order to get access to safety equipment such as masks and PPE kits to defeat the virus.  The objective of the game is to reach the end of the third and the final level where the player is rewarded with Covid-19 vaccine.

Speaking about his game, Abhinav said, “The present situation inspired me to develop the game. The game endeavours to educate people about how they can protect themselves from the virus but in a playful manner, as the player has to overcome obstacles to reach the final destination. It ends with a message about safety. I want everyone who plays this game to get inspired and take all the necessary precautions so that we can beat this virus!”

Abhinav has been studying with WhiteHat Jr for about 8 months now and has completed 84 coding classes. He is extremely fond of coding and finds it to be a fun activity.

Abhinav’s mother, Seema Ranjith said, “It is a very proud moment for us. The game is fun to play but at the same time, it also delivers an important message. We are excited about the way Abhinav is learning every day and is now planning to make more games.”

Going forward, Abhinav hopes to develop more games and is currently working on creating a car racing game and a Rubik’s cube game as well.

To play the game, click here: https://abhinavdas2006.github.io/Go-Corona-Go-Made-By-Abhinav-Final-Game/

MAHE Virtual Conference “Ecosophy” Highlights The Importance Of Art And Peace In Today’s Era

The Gandhian Centre for Philosophical Arts and Sciences (GCPAS), constituent department of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) along with UNESCO Peace Chair conducted two days international conference ‘Ecosophy” addressing the importance of art and peace in today’s era. A total number of 45 research papers related to art and peace are being presented online from different parts of the country and abroad discussing on contemporary issues and future alternatives that can be adopted to maintain peace and harmony in the world. The subthemes for the conference included as wide-ranging themes as ecological challenges, socio-economic issues, literature, cinema, gender studies, philosophy, individual to international peace etc.

The virtual conference emphasized the “Ecological Civilization”, based on harmony between humans and nature. Lt Gen Dr. M D Venkatesh, MAHE Vice-Chancellor addressed the Day 1 session highlighting the socio-economic and ecological problems which need to be addressed.

UNESCO Peace Chair Prof M D Nalapat, address his keynote stating the essence of Indian civilization is ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The world is one family). The gandhian notion of ‘appropriate means’ needs to be the cardinal philosophy in every walk of life, in international relations, so also in the time of the pandemic.

The first-day virtual conference ended with the session concluded by well-known journalist Sudheendra Kulkarni on “Possibilities of International Peace: A Gandhian Approach” where he maintained that the only option for industrial civilization is ecological civilization. Different sources of violence need to be addressed by Gandhian values of non-violence, love, and compassion, he added.

The second day of the conference begin with renowned writer Prof Manu Chakravarthy with his session on ‘The Cosmos and Human Consciousness: Metaphysical Explorations through Cinema’, He reasoned for a shift from anthropocentric worldview to a more nature-centric worldview, a kind of harmony between humankind and nature, for a better world. He demonstrated his point of view with examples from films of Kubrick, Tarkovsky, and Kurosawa.

The next session was followed by Dr. Bashabi Fraser, Director, Scottish Centre for Tagore Studies, Edinburgh Napier University on ‘Tagore and Environment: Philosophy and Praxis’, where she stated that Tagore was inclined to an ecological civilization as represented in his notion of a forest university and Shanti Niketan. Nature never betrays those who love her, she cited.

The day two last session for the virtual conference was by MAHE Executive Vice-President Dr. Vinod Bhat. He said that the research and publication need to define any university which holds the key for crisis and conflict resolution. Later the virtual concluded was concluded by GCPAS Director Prof Varadesh Hiregange and Team ICEAAP. Director Prof Varadesh Hiregange said that maintaining art could be a medium for peace and ecosophical exploration and expression.

Sangeetha Mobiles Teams Up With Feeding India By Zomato To Provide 1 Million Meals To Covid Warriors & Frontline Healthcare Workers

Beyond being passionate about what it does as India’s oldest mobile retail brand, Sangeetha thrives to stand as a symbol of service to the society it is selflessly a part of. 

Sangeetha has partnered with Feeding India, a not-for-profit organisation by Zomato, under the #IamFeedingIndia program to help serve meals for over 1 million people across South India. It is also distributing food packets in front of many of its stores across various towns of South India till 12 in the noon.

Also, Sangeetha is facilitating with delivery and refill pick-up of Oxygen Concentrators for home-quarantined COVID & Post-COVID patients, under the management of Shri Tejasvi Surya – MP, Bengaluru South, who with his ‘MP Oxy Bank’ initiative is helping stabilise patients with SPO2 level of 85-92 recover faster and better.

Holding hands with Adamya Chetana, a renowned voluntary organisationchaired by Dr Tejaswini AnanthKumar, Sangeetha and its convoy of delivery trucks are tirelessly assisting in delivering food packets to several healthcare workers at numerous public and private hospitals.

As a goodwill gesture, Sangeetha hasalso been providing dinner packets to a few Police Stations across Karnataka, AndraPradesh and Tamil Nadu States for their thankless service in the need of the hour. And, in partnership with Green Army, an NGO, the brand is helping pack and distribute general medicines to 300 home-isolated COVID patients.

Sangeetha has also contributed to Kannada Superstar Upendra’s initiative to help the needy within cinema industry and outside of it.

“Regardless of the situation, we must look out for each other. And in times like these, we need to become ambassadors to our neighbourhood. We sincerely hope and pray that, this too shall come to an end. Until then, stay home, stay safe and do your bit to help your friends and family steer through ahead – One step at a time”, as quoted by Mr. Subhash Chandra, Managing Director, Sangeetha Mobiles.

About Sangeetha Mobiles

Sangeetha Mobiles Pvt Ltd. is one of the leading multi-brand retailers of mobile phones in India. Over the years, Sangeetha Mobiles has carved a niche for itself, with a distinguished reputation for providing quality products and innovative retail solutions. From a modest beginning in 1974,  the brand has evolved constantly over past 47 years. Thanks to the trust the esteemed customers have placed, Sangeetha Mobiles serves over 60 million delighted customers with 700 stores across 9 states.

L&T Construction Awarded (Significant*) Contracts For Its Various Businesses

The construction arm of L&T has secured orders from prestigious clients for its various businesses.

Water & Effluent Treatment Business:

The Water & Effluent Treatment business of L&T Construction has bagged an order from Bangalore Water Supply & Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to Design, Build & Operate Sewage Treatment Plants & Intermediate Sewage Pumping Stations along with construction of main sewers for 110 villages in the Mahadevpura & Bommanahalli region (K&C Valley Catchment) of Bengaluru city. The project is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The brief scope of the project includes survey, investigation, design & construction of 2 Pumping stations, 3 fully automated Sewage Treatment Plants of 34 MLD total capacity and main sewer lines of 132 km length with DWC, RCC and DI pipes.       

The project will benefit 18.04 lakh people in Bengaluru city.

Heavy Civil Infrastructure Business:

The Heavy Civil Infrastructure business has secured an order to construct various facilities within 42 Months for the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) at Tarapur Maharashtra.

Building & Factories Business:

The Buildings & Factories business has secured an order from a prestigious client for the construction of Sports Infrastructure facilities in the Kalinga Stadium at Bhubaneswar, Odisha and a New International Hockey Stadium with 20,000 seating capacity at Rourkela, Odisha in time for the Hockey World Cup, 2023 with total built-up area of 8.45 Lakhs Sq.ft.

This project consists of many iconic buildings such as an Athletic High-Performance Centre (HPC), Aquatic Complex, Tennis Centre, Accommodation building for Hockey HPC & Staff and Staff Hostel at the Kalinga Sports Complex, Bhubaneswar and the Hockey Stadium with ancillary buildings and external development at Rourkela, Odisha. The scope of work involves Civil, Structural, MEP and Field of Play (FOP). 

The fast-track projects are scheduled to be completed in 15 months at Kalinga Sports Complex, Bhubaneswar and 12 months at Rourkela respectively.

Background:

Larsen & Toubro is an Indian multinational engaged in EPC Projects, Hi-Tech Manufacturing and Services. It operates in over 50 countries worldwide. A strong, customer–focused approach and the constant quest for top-class quality have enabled L&T to attain and sustain leadership in its major lines of business for eight decades.

TKM Celebrates Environment Month, Engaging Its Stakeholders, Rolls Out Month-Long Eco Activities Themed “Ecosystem Restoration”

As champions of sustainable practices, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the celebration of Environment Month through a series of environmental activities during June 2021, aimed at reviving and protecting the ecosystems, aligning with this year’s theme of ‘Ecosystem Restoration’ as announced by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

Further highlighting this year’s theme, special eco initiatives have been curated by TKM focusing on:

Reduce Resource

Reduce Pollution

Reduce Waste

Enhance Biodiversity

Promotion of Environment-friendly Technologies

Environment Conservation is inherent to Toyota culture. With our vision, philosophy, and guiding principles, we at Toyota, are focused on achieving harmony between our manufacturing operations and nature. To bring about a real change, we strongly believe that community/stakeholder involvement plays a vital role.

As a part of Environment Month, TKM is rolling out a novel initiative called ‘Eco-lifestyle’ wherein the focus will be to bring about behavioural change by motivating various stakeholders including employees, suppliers, dealers and logistics partners to incorporate eco-friendly habits in their day-to-day lives. Such daily eco-practices will include simple solutions such as using reusable water bottles, grocery bags and coffee cups, avoiding single-use plastics and food packaging material and making use of green mobility solutions. The idea of this initiative is to help individuals understand how adopting a simple change in one’s life can make a huge positive impact on the environment.

Towards creating awareness about the critical environmental issues, TKM conducts Webinar, Eco-Lifestyle Campaign, Afforestation and Clean-up Drives, Virtual Tour of Ecozone, Sharing of TKM’s Eco Best Practices, engaging all its stakeholders. Through these initiatives, TKM intends to enhance environmental performances of our business associates/stakeholders and bring about behavioral change among the individuals.

Another special activity during this Environment Month is the promotion of eco-tips aimed at CO2 Emission Reduction and Zero Single-use Plastic, by utilizing our social media platforms (*social contest links provided below), inviting employees, dealers, and suppliers to share their individual eco-ideas. Through such series of informative tips and interactive exercises, we hope to inspire the community to join the fight to save our environment and participate actively and enthusiastically.

Guided by the Environmental Challenge 2050, the 'Ecozone' (set-up inside TKM’s plant premises) is an outdoor environment learning center, specially designed to provide experiential learning to stakeholders. Spread over 25 acres, Ecozone comprises of 17 theme parks (to name a few - value theme park covering 3Rs, medicinal garden, conservation of natural resources/energy, evolution timeline, climate change and so forth) representing the five modules of Water, Waste, Climate Change, Biodiversity, Energy together with a 500KW solar park and 51,000m3 rainwater harvesting pond. This is an eco-effort to introduce the crucial elements of nature connection by creating native ecosystems, working models, audio-visual and other sensory experiences including hands-on activities and experiments.

In addition to these above measures, a significant initiative is the newly developed Underground Ecology Theme Park at Toyota Ecozone within the TKM’s premises in Bidadi, Karnataka. This ecology theme park displays different types of homes of species that live below the ground and their architectural features enhancing the natural ecosystem, for e.g., soil fertility.” The theme park showcases different types of species living structure below the ground contributing to the soil nutrient cycle and further highlighting the abiotic and biotic elements in the whole scheme of our planet’s ecosystem.

Under this project, TKM aims to connect children with nature, promote environmental awareness beyond classroom learning and inculcate a behavior towards the conservation of the environment. Thus far, more than 9,517 students and 1,000 schoolteachers have been a part of this training at the Ecozone. With this, we intend to expand our reach by training 10,000 students per annum and utilize this learning center to connect with various stakeholders such as Supplier, Dealers, Employee and their families, Government Officials, NGOs and other corporates and work towards building a eco sustainable future.

Other special activities planned for Environment Month include Quiz Contents for TKM employees, their families, suppliers, and dealer partners to engage and build awareness on environment protection and conservation. Additionally, TKM is organizing a webinar for employees which focuses on exploring different ways of sustainable living by environmental expert, is on the anvil during June 2021. Through these initiatives, we are targeting to engage with our stakeholders and encourage “sustainable" lifestyles, raise environmental awareness, and motivate the TKM value chain to enable a society where people live in harmony with the natural world.

In response to the environmental threats posing the industry and mankind, the “Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050” was announced in 2015, forming the base of our commitment towards Environmental Protection. The six challenges widely cover every aspect of our business, our exploration of new products and technologies, and our role as an enabler for individuals and communities to learn about and improve the natural world around them.

One of the six challenges focus towards achieving “New Vehicle Zero CO2 Emission Challenge”. We at Toyota strongly believe that eco-friendly vehicles contribute to the environment only when they come into widespread use. Towards this challenge, we are accelerating advances in technology and wider adoption for the electrified vehicles that Toyota has been developing including hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). We are committed to continuing working hand in hand with stakeholders to support the development of mass production infrastructure to achieve reduction of vehicle emissions and make the transition to electrified vehicles seamless.

As per study by iCAT, a Government testing agency, HEVs can run 40% of the distance and 60% of the time as an electric vehicle with petrol engine shut off. This gives HEVs tremendous fuel efficiency improvements (35-50%) and much lower carbon emissions. Further as per independent studies on a well to wheel basis, i.e. fully considering impact of energy generation and its end use, in case of India carbon emissions for HEVs are even lower than BEVs. Hence HEV will also play a critical role in reducing fossil fuel consumption, carbon emissions and pollution as well as in creating local EV parts manufacturing eco-system while simultaneously protecting the huge existing investments and jobs related to ICE parts manufacturing thus ensuring a faster and disruption free technology transition.

Explaining the rationale for the Environment Month activities, Mr. Raju B. Ketkale, Deputy Managing Director, TKM, said, “Our eco initiatives have been strategically planned to exceed our management commitment, aimed towards achieving ZERO CO2, Water positive & Circular Economy Concepts with the final objective of eco sustainability. We have increased our green energy consumption to 94%, thus contributing towards a reduction of 2,41,000 tons CO2 emissions since 2014. We have been able to reduce 90% freshwater consumption at our manufacturing facility and have also achieved 96% recyclability of the waste generated.

We have planted more than 3,20,000 saplings with 650 native species which has helped in sequestering 4,700 tons of carbon di-oxide and enhanced biodiversity in our plant premises. Further, we are not only mitigating our impact on the environment, but also proactively contributing to the betterment of it by educating future generation on the topic of sustainable development in our one-of-a-kind experiential learning center – Ecozone.”

Needless to mention, we reaffirm our commitment to contribute to the society by ensuring conservation of our environmental ecosystem throughout the life cycle of our Products, Operations and Services, towards realizing our dream of “Living in Harmony with Nature”.

The Chennai Angels Makes Investment Of Rs 2.61 Cr In Blaer Motors

The Chennai Angels (TCA), one of India’s leading angel investment group, today announced an investment of Rs 2.61 Crores in Blaer Motors, an NIT-Trichy incubated startup based in Chennai.

Founded by 4 engineering students, Blaer Motors builds and develop technological solutions in the transportation and mobility space. The company focuses on developing clean, smart and efficient solutions that are cost efficient to meet the needs of the consumer.  Blaer has been working on Hybrid and Electric drivetrain solutions for 2-Wheelers and 3-Wheelers and collaborating with multiple OEMs for commercializing the drivetrain solutions.  

The Chennai Angels’ Investment Director, Mr. Vasantha Kumar, Head Business Development, ABAN Infrastructure Ltd who led this round of fundraise said “Blaer Motors came across as an innovation driven and technologically robust company working on developing hybrid technology for two & three-wheeler vehicles. This hybrid technology will help in both enhanced performance and fuel efficiency of the vehicles. India being the world’s largest 2 & 3 wheeler market, this innovation will have a huge impact on domestic market. I believe that Blaer Motors is uniquely positioned to tap the ever-emerging opportunities in the sector”

Mr. Abinesh Ekambaram, Co-Founder, Blaer Motors, said “this is our first round of external investment and we are very excited about this partnership with The Chennai Angels who share our vision towards sustainable mobility. We are thankful to our investors for believing in Blaer and we value their expertise in the automotive industry, which will help us to further our products and business strategies and strengthen our position in the market. ”

“Blaer Motors will be utilizing this fund mainly for infrastructure development, strengthening of our R&D team and technology development. Our focus now is to further optimize our hybrid technologies for motorcycles and expand our product portfolio into 3-Wheelers and LCVs. We want to establish Blaer as an indigenous technology provider in the automotive industry, which is dominated by European companies.” Abinesh added.

According to Mr. Chandran Krishnan, CEO of The Chennai Angels. “The Chennai Angels is betting on Blaer Motors because we share their vision of sustainable transportation and mobility. The hybrid bike runs intermittently on IC and this will significantly reduce pollution. We believe that there is a bright future for this company in the automobile space as their technology is advanced and reduces cost in acquiring hybrid vehicles in India”

About Baler Motors

As a part of their final year thesis, four engineering students driven by passion, conceptualized and developed an innovative technology. With initial funding and incubation support from NIT-Trichy, Blaer Motors Pvt. Ltd. was born in 2014. Baler Motors focuses on developing Clean, Smart and Efficient solutions for sustainable transportation and mobility. Blaer motors offers, Blaer Hybrid Solution - A patented plug-in hybrid technology for “Green Mobility”, LPG Two Wheeler Solutions and Electric Bicycle called Pedaleze.

The Chennai Angels

The Chennai Angels (TCA, www.thechennaiangels.com) is one of India’s most active angel investing groups. Founded in the year 2007, it is comprised of successful entrepreneurs and business leaders with a track record of starting and scaling large enterprises. Additionally, several seed and venture capital firms hold institutional membership in the group. Though it is located in Chennai, TCA’s investing members and portfolio investments are not limited by geography. Unusually for an angel investing group, TCA has a diversified portfolio that goes well beyond a restrictive tech focus, reflecting the diversity of its members’ interests. TCA portfolio companies benefit from the collective expertise and rolodex of its members.

Covid Protectors Replace Dettol’s Iconic Logo On 4 M Packs In India

* Dettol pays tribute to the numerous unsung protectors of the Covid pandemic in its new campaign #DettolSalutes

* Dettol Salutes Mansoor Chetlu, a sub-contractor from Bangalore, who opened a COVID triage in collaboration with Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP)

Dettol, India’s most trusted germ protection brand, launched a one-of-its-kind campaign, #DettolSalutes today. For the first time in its history Dettol, as a tribute to Covid-19 warriors replaced its iconic logo with an image of a Covid protector along with the ‘protector’s’ inspiring story.

Dettol has curated 100 such stories from across India and carried them on its liquid handwash packs in honor of the protectors who have selflessly helped numerous people. In addition, Dettol has also launched a website- www.DettolSalutes.com. This platform is created especially for people from across India to share stories and acknowledge Covid protectors in their midst by creating customized virtual packs and sharing it on their social media channels.

Commenting on the #DettolSalutes campaign, Dilen Gandhi, Regional Marketing Director, South Asia – Health & Nutrition, Reckitt said, “True to Dettol’s legacy of being a protector, #DettolSalutes is our way of paying tribute to the many other protectors in the country. We believe these stories when shared, give a sense of much needed optimism among those seeing them. Therefore, as a brand, we have for the first time in Dettol’s history, given up our logo to share their actions. As the packs carry these stories, we believe they will also carry a message of hope across our country.”

One such story is that of Mansoor Chetlu, a 32-year-old resident of Bengaluru. As the second wave of COVID-19 hit the state, he distributed free food packets, oxygen cylinders, guided people on how to use these cylinders and helped open a COVID triage in collaboration with Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). A subcontractor by profession, Mansoor lost his job in March 2021, but this did not stop him from continuing his social work. Losing his job only encouraged him to use his resources, such as luggage trucks or tools to set up oxygen pipelines, for his new initiative. Working round the clock for about 18 hours a day, Mansoor has helped over 1,000 people who have been affected by COVID. Even without a regular flow of income, he is determined to expand his work by setting up another triage for the destitute who haven’t been able to get help as they lack valid identification cards.

There is a diverse and inclusive mix of hand-picked stories of individuals from across India - ranging from metros to smaller cities, from seniors to the youth and covering all regions. The intent is to cover a wide spectrum, thereby striking a personal chord with people from across the country. With the change in brand packaging and replacing its logo, Dettol aims to reach out to its consumers and show its solidarity by instilling a sense of hope to get through this phase.

Dettol as a part of the #DettolSalutes campaign launched an anthem last week to spread the message of hope and resolve during these tough times. Keeping in line with reaching out to a diverse audience, Dettol has also launched its anthem in sign language to make it more inclusive. This is the first time that Dettol will be showcasing an ASL advertisement on national television. With the anthem, Dettol aims to reiterate the importance of following Covid protocols including maintaining good hand hygiene.

The 4 million #DettolSalute packs will be available on e-commerce channels and across 500,000 stores in India from the 3rd week of June.

About Reckitt:

Reckitt* is the global leading consumer health and hygiene company. Driven by a purpose to build healthier lives and happier homes, RB has operations in over 60 countries. From the foundations of wellness and infant nutrition to the fundamentals of a hygienic home, its global brands help people live healthier, happier lives. RB has world leading Power brands which include household names such as Dettol, Harpic, Lizol, Veet, Durex, Strepsils, Mortein, Vanish, Air Wick, Enfamil, Nutramigen, Nurofen, Strepsils, Gaviscon, Mucinex, Scholl, Clearasil, Finish, Calgon, Woolite. RB’s unique culture is at the heart of its success. Its drive to achieve, passion to outperform and commitment to quality and scientific excellence are manifested in the work of over 40,000 RB employees worldwide.