Field Marshal K M Cariappa the first Indian commander-in-chief of the Indian Army was responsible for eradicating caste and creed from the Indian Army. He remains one of India’s bravest sons.
New Delhi :
January 28 2023 marks the 124th birth anniversary of Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army.
When it comes to Field Marshal K M Cariappa, there are many stories. Prior to becoming the Army Chief, FM Carrriappa led the Indian forces on the western front during the India-Pakistan War of 1947. He played a major role in recapturing Drass, Kargil and Zojila.
Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa
Another fine achievement of FM Cariappa was that he kept politics away from the Indian Army. He also introduced inclusivity by doing away with caste and creed. In this regard, he raised the Brigade of The Guards in 1949.
The soldiers were his sons: This story will go on to show how important the nation and soldiers were for Field Marshal K M Cariappa. It was 1965, the last day of the war between India and Pakistan. FM Cariappa’s son, then Squadron Leader K C Cariappa of the Indian Air Force was flying near the border, when his plane was shot down. He was taken prisoner by the Pakistan Army.
At that time, Cariappa was a retired General of the Indian Army. He was conferred the title of Field Marshal in the year 1986.
When K C Cariappa was being interrogated, he only revealed his name, rank and unit number. That is when the jail guards rushed to his cell to ask if he was the son of K M Cariappa.
K C Cariappa recalled (https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/when-i-was-a-prisoner-of-war-in-pakistan/295045), he gave his name, rank and number. I was asked if I was related to General Cariappa. I feigned a faint because of the pain, or maybe I did pass out. The next thing I knew was that I was lying on the back of a jeep and was being questioned by a Brigadier.
After he confirmed that he is the son of General Cariappa, the news reached up to Ayub Khan who at that time was the military leader of Pakistan. Khan announced on radio that K C Cariappa had been captured by his forces and that he was in safe custody.
Khan offered to release K C Cariappa because he is the son of General Cariappa. He even ordered the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi to personally meet with General Cariappa and brief him about his health.
General Cariappa declined the offer by saying all soldiers were his sons, and all of them should be looked after well by Pakistan.
K C Cariappa revealed years after his release that his dad was a man of high principles. For him his son and all other soldiers were the same. I was released with all others even though Ayub Khan was his junior and was close to him. Despite that he refused to get me released Air Marshal (retd) K C Cariappa.
source: http://www.oneindia.com / One India / Home> News> India / by One India Correspondent / January 28th, 2023
Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna reached the mixed doubles final of the 2023 Australian Open in Sania’s final Grand Slam appearance.
Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna of India converse during the mixed doubles semifinals against Neal Skupski and Desirae Krawczyk at the 2023 Australian Open on January 25, 2023 | Photo Credit: Getty Images
Playing the last Grand Slam tournament of her career, Sania Mirza earned the chance to win her seventh major title by reaching the Australian Open mixed doubles final with compatriot Rohan Bopanna here on Wednesday.
The unseeded Indian pair knocked out third seeds Desirae Krawczyk and Neal Skupski 7-6(5) 6-7(5) 10-6 in the semifinal that lasted one hour and 52 minutes.
Sania has won three women’s doubles and as many mixed doubles titles in her career while Bopanna has won one mixed doubles title.
Sania has announced that the WTA event in Dubai in February will be her swansong.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Tennis / by PTI / January 25th, 2023
The first day of the exhibition hosted a wide range of visitors and featured various activities and events, expecting over 1,500 international and regional companies and brands to participate in the event.
Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister of Education, toured the exhibition and was briefed on the most notable products that participating local, regional, and global companies had on display. — Supplied photos
Al Falasi toured the exhibition and was briefed on the most notable products that participating local, regional, and global companies had on display. He met several exhibitors and commended the immense turnout at second edition of the exhibition.
The three-day event is being organised by DXB Live, the integrated event management and experiential agency of Dubai World Trade Centre, in cooperation with the Specialty Coffee Association.
The first day of the exhibition hosted a wide range of visitors and featured various activities and events, expecting over 1,500 international and regional companies and brands to participate in the event.
Furthermore, the pioneering event serves as an ideal platform to congregate the leaders of the coffee industry, coffee connoisseurs and professionals from across the globe to explore newer avenues for development and various activities pertaining to the sector.
The second edition of World of Coffee Dubai 2023 is of high significance to the coffee sector
Khalid Al Hammadi, senior vice-president of DXB Live, said the second edition of World of Coffee Dubai 2023 is of high significance to the coffee sector given the increased level of global interest for participating in its numerous activities.
“This year, the exhibition has been successful in bringing together numerous industry leaders and professionals from global, regional, and local levels under one roof, further offering significant opportunities to strengthen networks, forge alliances, and discuss future prospects,” he said.
“We look forward to showcasing the pioneering position of the coffee sector in the UAE and creating a significant impact on visitors from across the globe regarding the coffee culture in Dubai and the customs and traditions associated with it. Additionally, we hope that all attendees will have an exceptional and exciting experiences at the exhibition’s activities, events, and competitions this year,” he said.
Khalid Al Mulla, chief executive officer of the SCA UAE Chapter, said this global exhibition plays a vital role in providing an ideal platform to congregate prominent specialists and pioneers of the global and regional coffee sector, and reflects Dubai’s commitment to strengthen commercial, economic and tourism sectors in the nation.
“The immense turnout of thousands of experts and specialists from across the globe in this exhibition and the business events hosted by the Emirate reflects the confidence of the international community and its recognition of the crucial role that Dubai plays in fostering commercial traffic at regional and global levels,” he said.
Yannis Apostolopoulos, chief executive officer of the Specialty Coffee Association, said: “We are pleased to work with DXB Live to host this international event, which focuses on the global coffee industry. The exhibition’s opening day was packed with seminars and lectures, and we further express our gratitude to the judges and volunteers whose efforts made this exhibition possible.”
The exhibition is open from Wednesday and Thursday, January 11 and 12, 2023, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Friday, January 13, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Warwick Gird, general manager of Marketing Spinneys Dubai, said: “Our collaboration with ‘World Of Coffee Dubai 2023’ aligns with our desire to help promote the expansion and prosperity of the coffee trade. It is also in line with our vision to support new local businesses and local brands in the sector by providing a chance for the winner of the ‘Best New Product’ competition to participate in our local business incubator programme. This collaboration represents a significant step given the pioneering role of the exhibition in promoting the coffee community’s growth and profitability at local, regional, and international levels.”
‘UAE National Barista Championship’ competition
Several activities and events were held on the first day of the exhibition, the most significant being the ‘UAE National Barista Championship,’ in which prominent and accomplished baristas from across the nation compete to qualify for the ‘International Barista Championship’. An international jury evaluated the entries based on the quality of the beverages, presentation, creativity, technical competence, and cleanliness.
The national championship aims to promote excellence in the coffee industry, highlight the barista profession, and give baristas a platform to demonstrate their skills and innovative abilities in the field of coffee preparation. An international jury evaluates their entries based on the quality of their drinks, presentation, creativity, technical competence and cleanliness. The national championship aims to allow baristas to showcase their skills and creativity in the field of coffee making, as well as shed light on the barista profession and support excellence in the coffee industry, which consists of Benedictus Mbongiseni, La Maison Gateau Café, Pradip Basnet, Stomping Grounds; Nooran Albannay, Coffee Architecture; Sonam Sherpa, PDL Coffee & Co.; Mariam Eren Pinza, Cosmic Garden Coffee Roastery; Hibatul Wafi, Encounter Coffee Roastery; Drew Joshua Dennehy, Three Coffee; Lian Kriszle Sanglitan, Café 2.0; Aldy Nugroho, The Espresso Lab; Abdulla Almheiri, Coarse Coffee; And Kemal Risyad, Archers Café.
Dazzling offers and a tour of international coffee varieties
The exhibition offers a variety of unique experiences, as visitors flocked to the ‘Roosters Village’ pavilion to meet professionals from the coffee industry, learn about their methods of coffee preparation, and sample coffee variants prepared with unique and distinctive methods from around the world.
The ‘Pro Bar’ also witnessed an impressive footfall for its unique experiences, in which 12 participating companies and brands got a three-hour period to display their coffee variants. The companies participating in the ‘Pro Bar’ included ‘Guatemalan Coffees’, ‘The Eco Machine’, ‘Corabot Coffee’, ‘Kirchanchi, El Patrón’, ‘Tess Super General Trading, Roasters’, ‘IST’, ‘Things Café’, ‘Coffee Trading’, ‘Coffee Planet’, and ‘Pani Coffee’.
Wide choice of coffee gourmets
During the first day of the exhibition, the ‘Cabin Room’ booth hosted four exhibitors: Earth Roastery, Skuvsna NV, the Alliances for Action initiative from the International Trade Centre, and the Golden Cup Championship winners from Fairtrade Coffee. Each of them highlighted a particular variety of coffee beans and the unique roasting techniques used to prepare them and provided gourmet visitors and coffee enthusiasts with the opportunity to taste, assess, and compare them.
The exhibition is open from Wednesday and Thursday, January 11 and 12, 2023, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Friday, January 13, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
source: http://www.khaleejtimes.com / Khaleej Times / Home> Business / by Staff Reporter / January 11th, 2023
“Unfortunately, I am the only top-100 doubles player in the camp”, says Bopanna, as he points out that Ramkumar Ramanathan (71), Saketh Myneni (84) and Yuki Bhambri (96) are missing the camp.
Photo of Doubles tennis camp in Dubai. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Rohan Bopannais the best doubles player in the country, by a mile. Ranked 19, the former world No.3, is busy tuning the quality of doubles in the country with a preparatory camp in Dubai.
“Unfortunately, I am the only top-100 doubles player in the camp”, says Bopanna, as he points out that Ramkumar Ramanathan (71), Saketh Myneni (84) and Yuki Bhambri (96) are missing the camp.
“Ramkumar has his own reason. Saketh and Yuki were scheduled to join but are injured”, observed Bopanna, who has channelised support from Pune Metropolitan District Tennis Association (PMDTA) and KPIT for the camp.
The support ensures that the players just about buy their ticket to Dubai which Bopanna felt was important as he keeps insisting on players investing on their tennis to get better.
“We are having the camp in Dubai so that the players are out of their comfort zone, away from family distractions, and focus on best preparation for the season. Apart from the ATP event in Pune, there are a few Challengers in the country”, said Bopanna.
Purav Raja, Divij Sharan, Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan, Sriram Balaji,Anirudh Chandrashekhar, Vijay Sundar Prashanth, Arjun Kadhe would all be in the camp along with Toshihide Matsui of Japan and Fernando Ramboli of Brazil.
“Parikshit Somani and Sai Karteek Reddy wanted to join and we agreed. The leading singles players are having their coaches and plans”, said Bopanna, as he explained the reason for having a doubles camp.
Most of the players have the ability to break through to the next level but the idea is to help them sustain a good level.
“They all know how to play doubles. They can improve their technique and work as a team. The camp basically gives them a different perspective”, he said.
Interestingly, four courts at the Sania Mirza Academy in Dubai are being utilised, with the camp being conducted during midday to avoid disturbing the regular training schedule. Jeff Coetzee and M Balanchandran are the coaches, along with physios Gaurang Shukla and Manish Singh, apart from strength and conditioning coach Ashish Borkar.
“Some Kazakh players are also training in Dubai in a different place. We will have some matches, sets etc.”, remarked Bopanna.
“My coach Scott Davidoff is here in Dubai. We assembled yesterday. We could have started earlier, but waited for the players to finish their league commitments. The camp will finish on December 23, so that players can reach Pune and get acclimated to the conditions for the ATP event. Or reach home for a few days before starting the season again”, said Bopanna.
In the absence of Matthew Ebden, Bopanna would be partnering 35th ranked singles player, Botic van de Zandschulp of Holland for doubles in Pune.
source: http://www.sportstar.thehindu.com / Sportstar / Home> Tennis / by Kamesh Srinivasan / December 13th, 2022
The verification process is still ongoing to confirm if the event has broken the previous world record.
Over 6000 people gathered to break the world record for the largest family gathering in Bittangala. (Photo | Special Arrangement)
Madikeri:
With an aim to create the Guinness World Record, over 6000 people from the Kodava community got together at Bittangala in Virajpet on Saturday.
They gathered to break the world record for the largest family gathering under a single roof and the initiative was organized by the Kodava Clan Portal. The initiative was called ‘Okoota’.
“Nearly 6500 people gathered under the same roof to prove that we all belonged to the same family,” shared G Kishoo Uthappa, the founder of the Kodava Clan portal. He explained that people from three generations gathered for the event and the same was monitored by the representatives of the World Record Association.
The verification process is still ongoing to confirm if the event has broken the previous world record.
The Kodava Clan portal was started to help the Kodava community connect with the ancestral lineage and the portal has succeeded in creating the largest family tree of over 21,000 Kodava individuals.
Through the portal, one can even find out how they are related to FMKM Cariappa or anyone else from the community. The portal had won the India Book of Records for the largest family tree and it has now attempted to break the Guinness World Record.
“We are now linking everyone who was part of the event to the family tree in the portal to find out if we all belong to the same family,” explained Kishoo. A total of 4514 people from the same family gathered in France earlier to create the world record for the largest family gathering and the Kodava clan aims to break this record.
Meanwhile, the event provided a platform to the Kodava litterateurs to exhibit their works and enabled sales of the same. Over 30 outlets in the vicinity promoted the Kodava culture even as various entertaining events including the ‘valagathat’, singing and other programmes were organized.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Express News Service / December 25th, 2022
ILT20 2022-23: International League T20 (ILT20) franchise, Dubai Capitals (DC), have acquired the services of former India international Robin Uthappa for the…
ILT20 2022-23:
International League T20 (ILT20) franchise, Dubai Capitals (DC), have acquired the services of former India international Robin Uthappa for the inaugural season. The 37-year-old Uthappa, who recently announced his retirement from the IPL, played the last two IPL seasons for CSK. The swashbuckling right-hander is set to join the Dubai-based ILT20 franchise and will look to replicate his success in the middle-east nation.
“As classy as it gets at Dubai Capitals. Here’s welcoming 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐛𝐢𝐞 to our family, now eager to see a few dancing down-the-track shots at the Dubai International,” the franchise shared the joining of Uthappa on their official Twitter handle.
Apart from Robin, several other big names will grace the tournament
In the IPL, Uthappa featured in 205 matches, scoring 4,952 runs with an average of 27.51. The Karnataka stalwart scored 27 half-centuries in his IPL career and registered his best score of 88 runs against RCB in April this year. Apart from Uthappa, star players like Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Eoin Morgan, Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga will take part in the maiden season of ILT20.
Dubai Capitals Team Squad 2023
The players who will be in the first UAE T20 League have been announced by Dubai Capitals, which is a branch of Delhi Capitals.
Rovman Powell (West Indies)
Robin Uthappa (India)
Hazratullah Zazai (Afghanistan)
Daniel Lawrence (England)
George Munsey (Scotland)
Bhanuka Rajapaksa (West Indies)
Rovman Powell (Sri Lanka)
Niroshan Dickwella (Sri Lanka)
Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe)
Dasun Shanaka (Sri Lanka)
Fabian Allen (West Indies)
Isuru Udana (Sri Lanka)
Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Afghanistan)
Dushmantha Chameera (Sri Lanka)
Fred Klaassen (Netherlands)
Blessing Muzarabani (Zimbabwe)
source: http://www.insidesport.in / Inside Sport / Home> Cricket / by Pranchal Srivastava, Editor / December 15th, 2022
Title : The Wild Cat’s Compendium / Author : Dr. Nima Poovaya Smith /Year : 2022 /Pages : 51 /Price : Rs. 449
(Kindle version)
Publisher: Caracal Publications, United Kingdom
Dr. Nima Poovaya-Smith (parental home Ammanichanda) has just launched a delightful book titled The Wild Cat’s Compendium, which is a collection of 45 brilliantly crafted verses on 45 species of wild cats as well as few of the domestic ones.
Composing poems is an art and Nima excels in succinctly portraying the feline species in all its glory. In a few apt words, the 45 poems read as fluidly as the graceful strides of the cats.
(Read the sample poem.)
Nima Poovaya-Smith in conversation with David Lascelles, 8th Earl of Harewood, during the launch of her book.
Cats of All Tribes
Cats of all tribes major, middling, minor, inlaid menace and glamour, damascened suits of shadow armour.
Your coats boast such stylish motifs. Spots, dots, rosettes, stripes, flecks, spirals.
Draw breath, there is more, of this feline allure. Marbled, banded, clouded, streaked, stippled, brindled.
Your fur a lush canvas for lavish mark-making. Each unique striation etched with precision. Nature’s artful illusion.
The guile of the design, woven into the dapple of sun and shade, dissolving into air without hint or sign.
Seeing you without knowing we do, even when face-to-face. Our deepest, murkiest selves in plain view to that occult feline gaze.
African Golden Cats: By Joseph Wolf
What is remarkable about this compendium is the in-depth research that has gone into the lives, habitat, behaviour, and appearance of each variety of cat. Nima has been working on this book for quite a few years and has packed a great deal of information wonderfully crafted using her treasure trove of highly refined vocabulary. In addition, Nima has woven the grave threats these feline species face in the wild and that their primary detractors belong to the human species. In one of the poems, she has given a consciously chilling recipe for preparing tiger bone wine. Hopefully those who indulge in such shameful practices will realise and shun their superstition-ridden beliefs.
In the Introduction to the book, Nima mentions about her (and mine) maternal grandparents’ home (in Palangala village, Kodagu), where tigers and other wild cats roamed close to human dwellings. During our childhood days we have heard several tiger tales from our shikar-loving uncles. Over the years, those childhood memories have expanded in Nima’s mind to bring out this wonderful collection of poems.
As a bonus, each poem is richly illustrated with paintings by several well-known artists. One of the artists is Nima’s brother Sunil’s wife Sheila, an alumna of CAVA, Mysuru.
Nima earned her Ph.D in English literature from Mysore University under the guidance of Prof. U.R. Ananthamurthy who used to mention that Nima was one of his best students. She went on a scholarship to University of Leeds to pursue her post-doctoral studies. She has been a curator of several museums in the UK. She was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2016 for her contribution in the field of arts and museums. She was appointed as Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire in 2020, which entails interacting with the British royal family.
Chinese Mountain Cat: By Sheila Ammanichanda
Currently Nima is a Senior Visiting Research Fellow, School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies, University of Leeds.
Wild Cats’ Compendium was launched at the Ilkley Literature Festival in October 2022. In the accompanying photograph, Nima is in conversation with David Lascelles, 8th Earl of Harewood (and second cousin of King Charles III), during the book launch.
Wild Cat’s Compendium is available on Amazon. However, currently only kindle version of the book is marketed in India: The Wild Cats’ Compendium: Cats of All Tribes eBook: Poovaya-Smith, Nima: Amazon.in: Kindle Store
Reading Wild Cat’s Compendium is an enriching experience. Every time you re-read a poem you learn something more. I rate this book as a Collectors’ Item.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by C.P. Belliappa / December 12th, 2022
Karnataka Sangha Qatar in cooperation with Indian cultural Center hosted Indian Community.
Welcome reception to V S Vinay, ex Indian Hockey team player and current Hockey Karnataka Sr team coach and felicitated on December 6 at Ashok Hall Auditorium of Indian Cultural Centre.
Dignitaries present during this event was president of Indian Cultural Center P N Baburajan, vice president of Indian Cultural Center Subramanaya Hebbgelu.
The platform to this felicitation was created by Indian Cultural Centre to Honour the dignitaries visiting State of Qatar during the FIFA 2022 event.
Mahesh Gowda president – Karnataka Sangha Qatar welcomed the gathering and thanked V S Vinay for giving time for the reception and expressed confidence that under his mentorship many players will get trained and join Indian Hockey team and play for the country, also mentioned it is a proud moment that V S Vinay hails from Coorg district of Karnataka and which is know for producing world class players and won many medals for India.
Mahesh Gowda also thanked Indian cultural organisations for their invite and all Associated Organisations for felicitating the guest.
P N Baburajan in his address briefed the dignitary about Indian Cultural Center and how ICC is involved in the FIFA celebrations.
V S Vinaya thanked Karnataka Sangha and Indian Cultural Centre for felicitating him and people for there time to meet him, also motivated the parents to put their children in any sports and also briefed how their children get all the training facilities from the federation if they are really doing well in the sport.
The programme emcee was done by KSQ member Nithi Ramesh.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Middle East / by Media Release / December 10th, 2022
These microbial mats in a Lake Huron sinkhole have finger-like protrusions caused by a buildup of methane gas in small pockets beneath them. Image: Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary
By Daniel Schoenherr
Special microbial mat systems in Alpena, Michigan, are helping scientists search for extraterrestrial life.
“It’s so different, and feels otherworldly,” said Stephanie Gandulla, a diver with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary. She has sampled the mats near the sinkholes on the lake’s bottom.
You may have seen a microbial mat before — the green algae on wet rocks at the beach is an example.
Algae’s green color comes from chlorophyll — a substance that uses sunlight to turn carbon dioxide into energy. Carbon dioxide and oxygen support most of life on Earth.
But under special conditions, like those at three sinkholes just 2½ miles east of Alpena, primitive forms of microbes called cyanobacteria can survive without either of them.
These are white, not green, and they get energy from chemicals in the water.
“They are everywhere, but they are incredibly hard to find,” said Bopaiah Biddanda, a biologist with Grand Valley State University’s Annis Water Research Institute, who has been studying them for 20 years.
Such mats are normally found in ocean waters over 32,000 feet deep, but they can be found only 80 feet below the surface of what is known as Lake Huron’s Middle Island Sinkhole.
The sinkhole’s biologically extreme environment can help simulate sample collection in extraterrestrial worlds where life is based on similar chemicals. A new study by Biddanda models scenarios where robots could analyze material beneath the water of other planets. It’s based on the work in Lake Huron.
The study focuses on two methods: suction devices for soft mats and coring devices for hard mats.
Click on the photo below to watch a video about these mats:
The sinkholes near Alpena provide sulfuric, oxygenless groundwater that creates the conditions needed for the mats to grow. Filaments of cyanobacteria drift together, creating a wispy white-purple flow.
“It almost looks like a mirage,” Gandulla said.
It could be a long time before the experience from sinkholes in Lake Huron will be used to explore the potential of life on planets elsewhere, but Biddanda’s exploration is yielding other finds now.
Recently, for example, his team found an explanation for the mats’ mysterious ability to change colors overnight.
The purple and white cyanobacteria travel upwards to capture energy from the top of the mat, according to the study. During the day, microbes with color capture the small amount of sunlight reaching the seafloor with chlorophyll.
As the sun sets, the white microbes move to the surface of the mat to absorb chemicals in the sulfuric water for their energy. This continuous, vertical shift in microbes causes patches of the mat to change between purple and white in a daily cycle.
The microbial mats thrive off a special soup of chemicals in the groundwater, but changes in land use could disrupt it in the future.
The Thunder Bay sanctuary is constantly combating such threats to coastal ecosystems such as the one near Alpena.
“Development might choke off the water supply,” Biddanda said.
The marine sanctuary offers educational programs and tours to K-12 students and operates a welcome center year-round.
“We work together to protect it as a community,” Gandulla said.
Scientists hope to sample the oceans of Europa, a moon of Jupiter, for microbes with robots pioneered in Lake Huron. Image: NASA
The characteristics of Middle Island Sinkhole’s cyanobacteria could hold the key to much more than planetary exploration. They could lead to advances in other scientific fields, such as evolutionary biology and medicine.
“We have a library of pharmaceutical value here,” Biddanda said “This could help us down the road.”
And, he noted that they look cool: “There is something fascinating and mesmerizing about these colorful mats.”
