“After a successful Chandrayaan -3 landing, India is now committed to reach its vision of a $44 billion space economy by 2033”
says Dr Pawan K Goenka, Chairman, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) at the International Conference on Space 2023
Bengaluru, 14 September 2023:
The Indian space sector is poised for exponential growth, with policy reforms, innovation, private sector involvement, and international collaboration at the forefront. As the nation continues to explore new horizons in space technology, it aims to address global challenges and contribute to advancing our understanding of the universe, stated Dr Goenka while addressing at the ‘International Conference on Space 2023’.
Dr Goenka emphasized the nation’s commitment to space exploration, technology development, and international collaboration, and India’s commitment of a $44 billion space economy by 2033.
Last few years have witnessed a string of successful launches, showcasing India’s robust indigenous technologies and launch vehicles developed by ISRO. The largest commercial launch by value in 2022, deploying 36 OneWeb satellites, was a significant milestone. The private sector has attracted substantial investment, with $45 million pouring in over the last six months, including a significant $36 million from Pixel in June. This underlines the growing confidence in India’s space industry. Design and manufacturing are advancing, with the imminent establishment of a large facility, Dr Goenka said.
The recent success of our lunar mission showcases the importance of preparation and precision in space exploration. It reflects India’s growing expertise in this field, said Dr. Kiran Kumar, Former Chairman, ISRO.
The summit witnessed the release of the first volume of Indian standards for Space Industry prepared by INSPACe, in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The catalogue encompasses 15 standards, focusing on three crucial aspects including space project management, system engineering and modelling, a key process in ensuring mission success.
A Thought Leadership report on ‘NewSpace: India Perspective’ was also released during the Summit.
An MoU between INSPACe and NIIFL was also exchanged during the Summit.
Deputy High Commissioner of the Australian Commission, Sarah Story, emphasized the special relationship between India and Australia in various fields, including space exploration and technology development. Both our commercial space sectors are vibrant and innovative. Australia is proud to support India’s space achievements, including the CHANDRIAN 3 mission,” she said.
Mr Jayant Patil , Chairman CII National Committee on Space, underlined the vital role of startups in advancing space technology and encouraged international collaboration. Startups have played a vital role in advancing space technology. This event is a step towards sharing Indian knowledge with the world for the common man’s benefit.
In his inaugural address, Mr Kamal Bali, Chairman, Southern Region commended India’s recent successes in the space sector, emphasizing the significance of ISRO’s achievements. We are in the midst of a global transformation in technology, and space will continue to influence developments in other sectors and support India’s global ambitions.
IN-SPACe represents a significant step in streamlining and regulating space activities. It demonstrates India’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for space exploration, said Mr Apparao Mallavarapu, Co-Chair, CII National Committee on Space.
In his Closing Remarks, Mr Sudheer Kumar N, Director, CBPO-ISROHQ encouraged all businesses to leverage the opportunities emerging from these initiatives. A surge in space startups, from 101 to 195, is a promising sign for the space ecosystem.
The two-day international conference on the space sector is being organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), with the support of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) and NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL). It features 80 eminent speakers and scientists across ten engaging sessions, thereby providing a platform for knowledge exchange and experience sharing. The Conference witnessed the participation of more than 600 attendees.
The Conference also aims to celebrate India’s recent achievements in space technology, including the historical Chandrayaan-3 landing which is a testament of the meticulous preparation and data-driven decision-making that has contributed to the mission’s success.
Manipal Global Education Services (MaGE) launched Manipal MedAce for medical PG aspirants. In the picture, Ravi Panchnadan, MD and CEO of Manipal Global Education Services and Preethi Frederick, Head – Product Development and Marketing, Manipal MedAce.
14th September 2023, Bengaluru: Manipal Global Education Services, a leading international provider of quality learning solutions in higher education, today launched Manipal MedAce, a first-of-its-kind super app for Medical Learning and Medical PG Prep, in a new mobile and cloud first format.
Manipal MedAce is a comprehensive and outcome driven resource built on academic and learner research. It enables MBBS students to supplement campus learning by providing access to a Comprehensive and Curated learning resource on a single platform through its Learn Product. It provides a Personalised Experience for PG aspirants that is Efficient, Clutter free and Stress Free, through its Prep Product thereby making the lives of medical students easier.
Learn for Basic Sciences contains dynamic, engaging, credible and easily accessible content, designed around the microlearning philosophy to provide flexible learning options. MedAce makes the learning journey exciting, easy and effective with a plethora of resources, such as
Micro learning modules
Live tutoring sessions
Online dissection lab
3D interactive learning
Gamified assessments
Prep provides a comprehensive learning experience to empower medical students on their journey to NEET PG/NexT/INICET/FMGE success. It is the only platform conceived and developed in accordance with NExT guidelines. It adheres to CBME curriculum- defined categories, including Must Know, Nice to Know, and May Know, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the new examination platform. The entire MCQ bank is designed based on these guidelines, focusing on problem-solving, comprehension, and recall skills. Key features include:
Personalised study plans
Error-free question bank
Custom and Grand tests
Flashcards and workbooks
Content curated by Subject Matter Experts
Manipal MedAce was unveiled in the presence of Mr. Ravi Panchanadan, Managing Director & CEO – Manipal Global Education Services (MaGE) and Ms. Preethi Frederick, Head – Product Development, Manipal MedAce.
Dr. Ranjan Pai, Chairman of Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG), said. “Over the years, the Manipal Group has pioneered several pioneering initiatives that have paved the way for progress around the world – empowering people and transforming lives. With Manipal MedAce, we are combining our passion for innovation with a desire to positively impact Medical Education, by helping learners be even better doctors. I have a first-hand understanding of the challenges an MBBS student is faced with and Manipal MedAce is our effort to create a learning catalyst for students.”
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Ravi Panchanadan, Managing Director & CEO – Manipal Global Education Services (MaGE), commented, Manipal MedAce brings together our rich heritage and expertise in medical education and a deep well researched understanding of the pulse of learners. With MedAce we’ve combined our 60-year expertise in delivering top tier medical content using latest digital technology in a user-friendly manner, which will engage with learners in a format/ on form factors they are comfortable with in their daily lives. Through Manipal MedAce, we endeavor to enrich lives of medical students by making learning easy and interesting, setting them up for success at every stage of the journey.”
Ms. Preethi Frederick, Head – Product Development and Marketing, Manipal MedAce said, “Manipal MedAce’s journey began with curiosity, research, and a relentless drive to make a difference. The app’s very foundation was rooted in understanding the needs of learners, It was all about creating something with learners. We understand the pressure that comes with pursuing an MBBS degree and preparing for a medical competitive exam. The constant juggling with endless exams, grappling with complex subjects, demands unwavering dedication. MedAce is designed and built to be a constant companion, a buddy and guide from the moment the leaner steps into medical school till the day they take the NEET-PG exam. We believe that learners will quickly figure out that Manipal MedAce is #inthistogether with them ”
Manipal MedAce is available for download on Android and iOS devices.
Dr.K. Venkatagiri Gowda’s centenary celebration will be held on 17th September 2023 from 4pm onwards at Jnanalyothi Auditorium in Bangalore.
In the divine presence of his holiness, Jagadguru Shri Shri Shri Dr. Nirmalanandanatha Swamji, head of Shri Adichunchanagiri Matha, Shri S.M.Krishna, Former Chief Minister of Karnataka will preside and Shri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka will inaugurate the event. Shri D.K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri. D.V.Sadananda Gowda, Member of Lokasabha, Shri Ramalinga Reddy, Minister for Transport and Mujarai, Shri.K.H.Muniyappa, Minister for Food and Supply and Shri.M.Krishnappa, former minister and MLA will be the chief guests. Former Justice, Dr.H.N.Nagamohan Das will deliver the Keynote address.
Dr.K. Venkatagiri Gowda Memorial National Award will be given to
1) Former Prime Minister of India and member of Rajyasabha, Dr.Manamohan Singh,
2) Former Director of IMF and Chairman of Punjab Sindh Bank, Dr.Charan Singh,
3) Vice Chairman of State Institute of Transformation of Karnataka, Dr.M.V.Rajeev Gowda and
4) Chairperson National Law School, Dr.Abdul Azeez.
Dr.B.S.Srikanta Aradhya, Prof.K.Malliah, Prof. K.C.Basappa and Shri.N.Puttaswami will be felicitated for their contribution to field of education. Talented students from different Universities and schools will be honored on the occasion.
On behalf of Dr.K. Venkatagiri Gowda Centenary Celebrations Committee, I invite you to participate in Dr.K. Venkatagiri Gowda Centenary Celebrations and make it a grand success said Mr. Dr. Ramalinge Gowda Nisarga – Secretary at press meet held at Press Club of Bangalore.
Mr. Mark Rutte , Honourable Prime Minister of the Netherlands officially inaugurated the Consulate-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands’ new offices at Embassy One, one of Embassy REIT’s flagship properties in Bengaluru. Strategically located near the central business district, Embassy One provides premium office spaces as part of a mixed-use project including the luxury Four Seasons Hotel.
* Circular benefits a small cartel of HSRP manufacturers
* 25,000 people and their families thrown out of business.
The Notification and Circular issued by Karnataka Transport Government, which makes it mandatory to install High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) on two crore old vehicles registered prior to 1st April 2019, is not only a blatant violation of the existing rules but is also designed to benefit a small cartel of manufacturers of such plates.
The said circular issued by Transport Department violates the Central Motor Vehicle Act and Rules (CMVA and CMVR), which requires the affixation of HSRPs through only the vehicle manufacturer’s dealership network, has thrown out of business of around 25,000 people and their families engaged in selling number plates.
The circular, which was ostensibly issued in support of the provisions in Rule 50 of the CMVR, suffers from several flaws as it is framed to get back door entry of a small cartel of HSRP Manufacturers who has money power as well as political influence and to enable them to make huge profit to the tune of more than 500 Crores.
As per the existing provisions, HSRPs for old vehicles can also be supplied through registering authority, Vehicle Manufacturers (OEM) through their dealers, and original HSRP manufacturers (License Plate Manufacturers) through their dealers. It is clarified in the Rule that only OEMs can supply blank plates to their dealers. It is the responsibility of dealers of OEMs to emboss the number on such blank plates and affix the same on the vehicles. Definitely, dealers of OEMs are responsible for billing to the customer. As per Rule, License Plate Manufacturers cannot supply embossed HSRP directly to the dealers of OEMs. License Plate Manufacturers can supply HSRP in the open market only through their dealers.
But Karnataka Transport Department, by creating ambiguity that they are permitting only OEMs and their dealers to affix HSRP on old vehicles, has given back door permission to four influential HSRP manufacturers for direct supply of HSRP in the open market. Even though the Circular mandate HSRP through OEMs andy their dealers, not even a single OEM is supplying HSRP for old vehicles. Booking, payment collection, billing and supplying are being done by the said cartelized License Plate Manufacturers through their own private portals like bookmyhsrp.com and makemyhsrp.com. They have not appointed a single dealer of them for supplying HSRP for old vehicles, but supplying through dealers of OEMs, which is illegal. Transport Department permits this unjust and illegal action, while there are 23 License Plate Manufacturers who are eligible for supplying HSRP for old vehicles. It is clear from the above that Transport Department issued the circular to exclude all eligible License Plate Manufacturers except the four influential. The circular not only provided back door entry to the four influential HSRP Vendors, but also permitted them to supply HSRP without their dealership. At least livelihood of some of our members would be protected, if the circular mandated dealership of these License Plate Manufacturers, for supplying HSRP for old vehicles. But the State Government deceived 25000 families including us and thrown out our livelihood to protect interest of a small cartel, that too is from outside Karnataka. More than 1,200-crore business is solely gone to these four HSRP manufacturers. Definitely there is a scam behind this. Because these four manufacturers are selling HSRP at an exorbitant price, since all their competitors have been eliminated through the Circular.
Irregularities in Circular – Affecting Kannadiga people
In this Circular, vehicle owners in Karnataka are compelled to purchase the product exclusively from a single vendor. Despite the availability of other approved HSRP manufacturers offering the product at lower prices, Kannadiga vehicle owners are unduly limited by this Circular. This effectively infringes upon their fundamental ‘right to choose’.
Additionally, Kannadiga residents in rural areas face the burden of extensive travel to install HSRPs, as the Circular mandates consumers to visit vehicle dealerships. Due to the restrictions placed on approved vehicle manufacturers offering doorstep HSRP supply, Kannadiga residents are forced to bear the additional expense of traveling to dealerships, often surpassing the actual cost of the HSRPs themselves.
Our humble request to the Government is that they should immediately withdraw the circular, which has already thrown out the livelihood of 25000 people and their families in Karnataka and issue a fresh circular protecting the livelihood of us too. We are sure that Government can easily do this, since there is a rule provision. As per rule, dealers of License Plate Manufacturers (HSRP Vendors) can also supply HSRP for old vehicles. There are 23 License Plate Manufacturers in India. Since we have ample expertise in number plate supplying and affixing, we will definitely be considered by these License Plate Manufacturers for their dealership. Or else, the Government may impose such condition in the fresh circular.
More than 50% of our members have been in the number plate business for the past two three decades. Hence, they are unable to move on to another job at this juncture. If the circular is not withdrawn by the Government, they may end up their life. Even though the Government has no concern about the life of common people, we are responsible for protecting their life. If the Government will not withdraw the circular immediately, we along with our families will be forced to protest against this. In fact, hunger strike will be more convenient to us, as we have no income to feed our families.
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