Category Archives: Science & Technology

Mughal Emperors eyes medical tourists from Iraq

Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Science & Technology, Travel & Tourism, World Opinion, , ,

The company is promoted by Yakub Habeebudin Tucy, the great grandson of last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar.

Hyderabad-based Mughal Emperors Logistics Private Ltd is reaching out to Iraqi nationals interested in medical tourism in India.

The company, which is promoted by Yakub Habeebudin Tucy, the great grandson of last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, said it was also looking at Jordan and Palestine.

According to Tucy, the potential medical tourists from Iraq to India is 800-900 every year. While a less severe medical therapy costs around Rs 60,000 in Iraq, in India it costs Rs 15,000-20,000. The cities mostly preferred for therapies are Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad.

On average, a medical tourist from Iraq stays for 20-25 days in India, while in some cases it’s around 60 days.

On the total Indians visiting Iraq annually, Tucy said more than 16,000 visit places of religious interest including the shrines of Abdul Qadir Gilani in Baghdad, Imam Hussain in Karbala and Imam Ali in Najaf. Some Indians also throng the ruins of Babylonia on the River Tigris.

Mughal Logistics is ferrying a batch comprising 100-120 individuals every two months to these holyplaces for the Muslim community.

It runs a seven and eight-day package for Indians travelling to Iraq, priced at Rs 65,000 and Rs 75,000 respectively.

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> Companies> News / by BS Reporter / Hyderabad – March 05th, 2014

Tariffs unlikely to rise, asserts Farooqui

Science & Technology,
M. F. Farooqui
M. F. Farooqui

Competition, new tech to keep rates down

Telecom Secretary M. F. Farooqui has pointed out that tariffs may not rise as a result of the recently concluded spectrum auction as operators will be kept in check by increasing competition.

Mr. Farooqui’s comments, however, come less than a few weeks after Vodafone India boss Marten Pieters had said the point had come where the company would have to increase its tariff levels every year depending on cost levels.

“I am not the operator… I’m the regulator. But there are two elements or factors that will help keep themobile tariffs from rising,” Mr. Farooqui said, on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress trade fair here.

MobileCongressMPos12mar2014

The first, he said, was that increasing competition would help keep tariffs down. “This will make sure that operators will not do anything that will reduce their market share.” The second, he said, was that new types of technology would allow operators to lower costs and also offer a wide range of different services.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Business / by Anuj Srinivas / Barcelona – February 27th, 2014

Repository of Indian medicines

Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Green Products, Science & Technology, ,

With the growing interest in traditional and complementary systems of medicine across the globe, a facility located in Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT) campus, Bangalore helps authenticate the identity of medicinal plants, especially in the form of a repository of the natural resources. 

This centre named as Bio-cultural herbarium is a one-stop information related to plants and currently holds about 40,000 accessions pertaining to more than 3,200 medicinal plants collected from across various bio-geographic regions of the country. A unique feature of this herbarium is its easy accessibility both to the scientific community and the layman which has been achieved through linking the cultural information pertaining to vernacular names, local uses and classical uses of plants to the herbarium database.

The centre also has a repository of raw drugs collected directly from the botanical source and samples. The herbarium and raw drug repository is supported with an image library that currently possesses over 20,000 images. Dr Noorunnisa Begum, curator of the Herbarium says “Traditional knowledge of medicinal plants and their utilisation is increasingly being realised and put to use by modern medicine”.

The long term goal of the centre is to act as a vehicle to promote medicinal plant conservation and in turn help revive health care traditions.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> Spectrum / by Manish Sharma / March 11th, 2014

City boy’s chopper bike burns rubber

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Science & Technology, Sports, , ,

Zakir’s 10-feet long Captain America-style bikesports monster Trepador tyre; actor Upendra asked him if the bike can be used in one of his movies.

The bike sports a converted 500 cc Royal Enfield engine
The bike sports a converted 500 cc Royal Enfield engine

If you find a monstrous 10-feet long bike zipping around the streets of Bangalore, ridden by a young lad, don’t mistake him for a ghost rider. It is actually 25-year-old interior designer Zakir Hussain Khan, who has passionately created this unique chopper bike which sports a converted 500 cc Royal Enfield engine.
Zakir Hussain, aka Zak as he’s popularly known among motorcycle enthusiasts, was inspired by the intriguing ‘Captain America’ chopper bikes in the West. Choppers are handcrafted or modified bikes. Captain America is the lead character in the counterculture 1960s movie Easy Rider, in which the two protagonists ride a chopper bike.
It took Zak three months to create this mean machine, which he calls the ‘Big Indian’. He now has Sandalwood bigwigs queuing up to feature this monster in their movies.
“Actually, I was test-riding the bike near actor Upendra’s house when his son saw the bike and called his father to check it out. He seemed quite impressed,” said Zak.
Uppi, known to wow his audience with his exuberant and larger-than-life characters, has even asked him if the bike can be used in one of his movies — this of course, after spending a few minutesinspecting the bike and its unusually big hind wheel.
The young designer, who invests most of his earnings from interior designing on modifying bikes, used the imported Maxxis Trepador tyre made by Taiwanese company Cheng Shin Rubber, doing business as Maxxis International, for the hind wheel. The tyre, made to be used on light trucks and SUVs, reportedly cost Zak a whopping Rs 60,000 to import from Germany. He thinks it gives the machine a mean look.
The bike cost him Rs 6.25 lakh to make from scratch. Another of its unique features is its silencer, which emits fire from its exhaust. This lone cost him a cool INR 1,50,000. Some of the characteristic features of this single-seater bike, now grabbing onlooker eyeballs, are its lengthened frame, extended forks, a skull for headlight, and Gatling-style (a forerunner of the modern machine gun) barrels, extending from one side of both the fork tubes.
Zak, always keen on wanting to make something different, started modifying cars and bikes since he was an 18-year-old. “I want to create another chopper bike which is 18-feet long,” said the ambitious Zak. And what is he going to do with this one? “I want to auction it after a few months,” he said.

source: http://www.bangaloremirror.com / Bangalore Mirror / Home> Bangalore> Others / by Nandini Kumar, Bangalore Mirror Bureau / March 08th, 2014

JK Govt should enhance retirement age of doctors: Azad

Business & Economy, Science & Technology, , ,

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today asked the Jammu and Kashmir  government to raise the retirement age of doctors so that the health sector did not suffer for want of adequate staff.

Azad said this after inaugurating a 220-bed Super Speciality Hospital besides launching Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakaram (RBSK), Project Swasthya Slate and 102-J&K Referral Service under National Rural Health Mission here.

Regarding 102 referral service, he asked the state health minister to bring the remaining sanctioned 200 ambulances at the earliest.

Accompanied by Union Minister Farooq Abdullah, Azad said Jammu and Kashmir was the first state to get the Project Swasthya Slate to cover most difficult areas.

Spelling out achievements of the Centre and state governments, Azad said, “We have not only given new dimensions to health sector but all the development fields have witnessed a discernible change during the past 4 to 5 years.”

Azad said one more medical college has been sanctioned for Rajouri, thus raising the total number of newly sanctioned medical colleges to five.

He said the government has given nod to establish 75 cancer institutions in the country compared to only one such centre in the last 65 years.

He said the UPA government extended massive financial and moral support to all the states without any political, social or religious consideration.

Speaking on the occasion, Abdullah extended gratitude to the Centre for giving special consideration to development of J&K in view of its tough terrain and hoped it will continue to do so in future also.

He also thanked Azad for transforming the healthcare profile of the state.

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> PTI Stories> National> News / by Press Trust of India / Jammu- March 03rd, 2014

Azad announces two medical colleges in Himachal

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Science & Technology

Mandi (Himachal Pradesh) :

Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad Saturday announced two new medical colleges, two trauma centres and a burn centre in Himachal Pradesh.

The minister was here to lay the foundation stone of the 100-bedded mother-child block at the zonal hospital compound. It will be constructed at a cost of Rs.17 crore.

Azad also inaugurated a super-specialty hospital block set up at a cost of Rs.150 crore at the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College in Tanda town through video conferencing.

According to official sources, the minister couldn’t fly to Tanda in Kangra district from here owing to bad weather.

Addressing a gathering here, he said the Indian government has doubled the budget allocation in health sector for the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

Azad announced to set up two trauma centres and a burn centre at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMCH) in Shimla.

“I want to see Himachal emerging as a model state in every sphere of development, especially in the health sector in the next four years,” he said.

He said six health institutions equivalent to the All-India Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have been developed in the country, of which Tanda is one.

A similar super-specialty hospital worth Rs.150 crore would be developed in Shimla.

“This will give relief to the people of the state who otherwise had to rush to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Chandigarh or AIIMS Delhi for specialised treatment,” he added.

He said two cancer institutes would be set up in Shimla and Mandi, besides a financial aid of Rs.190 crore each would be provided to open two medical colleges in Chamba and Nahan towns.

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh thanked Azad for providing liberal assistance to the state for strengthening the health infrastructure.

“I always wanted to see Tanda medical hospital and college to become a prestigious health institute of the country along with the IGMCH in Shimla and I can foresee that my dream project is being transformed into reality,” he said.

The chief minister said with the starting of super-specialty block at Tanda the people of adjoining districts of Kangra, Chamba, Mandi, Hamirpur and Una will get better treatment at affordable rates.

State Health Minister Kaul Singh Thakur said Rs.45 crore each would be spent to establish two cancer hospitals at Mandi and Shimla towns.

Transport Minister G.S. Bali, while interacting with the union minister through video conferencing, requested him to increase the MBBS seats from 100 to 150 at the IGMCH and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College.

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.

source: http://www.firstpost.com / FirstPost. / Home> Fwire / March 02nd, 2014 / Mandi (Himachal Pradesh), IANS – March 01st, 2014

Making light of his lightless days

Science & Technology, Sports, Uncategorized, , , , , , ,
Irfan Bin Hamed Al Hamoomi, the visually-challenged judoka from Hydeabad, who has been selected to represent India in the Junior world games (Paralympic) in Hungary, seen with his coach and mentor M. A. Aziz. PHOTO: K. RAMESH BABU / The Hindu
Irfan Bin Hamed Al Hamoomi, the visually-challenged judoka from Hydeabad, who has been selected to represent India in the Junior world games (Paralympic) in Hungary, seen with his coach and mentor M. A. Aziz. PHOTO: K. RAMESH BABU / The Hindu

Irfan Bin Hamed Al Hamoomi is the only person from the State to compete at the ongoing Junior European and Junior World Games competitions in Hungary

He cannot see the world like us, but Irfan Bin Hamed Al Hamoomi, 20, is sure to make the world sit up and watch his exploits in judo.

The local boy is the only person from the State (among five from India) to be selected to represent the country at the ongoing Junior European and Junior World Games competitions in Hungary. The 90-per cent visually challenged student of Chanchalguda Junior College says his career took a turn for the good after meeting M. A. Aziz, former national champion, and a jury member in the 2012 London Paralympics.

“Things changed for the good after I met him, as I was facing difficult times,” Irfan says, even as he traces his humble origins. His father Irfan Hamoomi supports the family selling onion and garlic.

The boy’s career took off when he won gold in the 55-kg category in the Lucknow nationals for the visually challenged (Andhra Pradesh won the overall championship for the first time with six gold, three silver and two bronze).

Irfan is confident of doing well in Hungary where judokas from 35 countries are expected to vie for top honours.

“I don’t think of my handicap at all. I am just enjoying the sport,” says the youngster. Irfan trains with 20 others at the Quli Qutub Shah Stadium on a wrestling mat (not a judo mat), showcasing his indefatigable spirit to keep improving despite all odds.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by V. V. Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – December 05th, 2013

Pharma Fest 2014 begins

Business & Economy, Science & Technology, ,
ESI Scheme Director Dr. (Mrs.) Rahimunnisa inaugurated the programme.
ESI Scheme Director Dr. (Mrs.) Rahimunnisa inaugurated the programme.

Mysore :

0ver 300 pharmacists of ESI hospitals attended day-long Pharma Fest-2014, organised by the pharmacists Association of ESI Hospitals of State, which commenced this morning at Guru Residency on JLB Road here.

ESI Scheme Director Dr. (Mrs.) Rahimunnisa inaugurated the programme.

Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Karnataka State government Employees’ Association (KSGEA) General Secretary Patel Pandu opined that the role of a pharmacist in dispensing the right medicine prescribed by a doctor was very vital. He said that a pharmacist should always be attentive and cautious is work. He advised the pharmacists to always abide by moral ethics.

Dr. Rahimunnisa and Dr. Subramanya, who are due to retire on Feb. 28, were feted on the occasion.

Children of Pharmacists — Swathi, Navya S. Rai, Deepak and Nihal — who excelled in SSLC and PU were presented prizes.

KSGEA President H.K. Ramu, Pharmacists’ Association President D.B. Mahadevaiah, Secretary M.K. Manjunath, Working President B. Mohan, General Secretary K. Narasegowda and others were present.

The afternoon session featured interaction on pharma sector.

source:http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore /Home> General News / February 22nd, 2014

Making a habit of it

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Science & Technology, ,
Dr AJ Ansari (52) Director, Pristine Medical Services
Dr AJ Ansari (52) Director, Pristine Medical Services

His commitment to running and reading helps this doctor juggle multiple activities.

A man with his finger in many pies, Dr AJ Ansari is also the President of the Classic Road Runner’s Athletic Club and MD-Chairman of Community House and Development (CHAD), an NGO. He even holds membership in various medical associations, and juggles a busy work day with multiple emails and responsibilities at the clinic. It is his exercise routine and spiritual quest that keeps him centred enough to power through his busy days.

“My day starts by 7.30 am and ends late — sometimes by midnight,” he says. But he doesn’t allow that to affect his essential rituals. As a child he would play football and basketball in Dubai, where he grew up. Later when he came to India for studies, he couldn’t join a sports club, but ensured that he was involved in some kind of sporting activity.

His running journey began a few years ago, when he participated in the Human Rights Day run organised by the Classic Road Runner’s Club. “I decided to become part of the club. We promote health through sports by conducting aerobics classes for people and continue to organise the Human Rights Day run.”

While he advocates sports to beat the stress of life, Dr Ansari is also a spiritual man. The divine texts of different religions are an important part of his morning. “I am a strong believer in God. Every morning I look for quotations from the holy writings. I have all of them. Each one has a kind of light which can guide you,” he believes. Late in the evening too, he finds solace in books, which help him “sleep better”.

It is these routines, that Dr Ansari follows without compromise, that streamline his life.

source: http://www.bangaloremirror.com / Bangalore Mirror / Home> Columns> Work / by Ayesha Tabassum, Bangalore Mirror Bureau / February 24th, 2014

The lone Indian doctor in Kandahar

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Science & Technology, World Opinion,
Doctor Shah Nawaz with a patient at a private hospital in Kandahar in Afghanistan.
Doctor Shah Nawaz with a patient at a private hospital in Kandahar in Afghanistan.

Shah Nawaz says he is happy to serve the Afghan people

Set to complete a decade in the former power hub of the Taliban, Dr Shah Nawaz, the ‘lone Indian’ here, is happy to help the war-weary Afghan people with their medical needs.

Nawaz, 45, is a doctor working at a private hospital. Officials said Dr. Nawaz is the only Indian working in the city apart from a handful of staff at the Indian Consulate in Kandahar city.

Recalling his journey to Afghanistan, Dr. Nawaz said an Afghan businessman in the dry fruits trade had contacts with his family in India. The businessman often spoke to Dr. Nawaz of the plight of people in Kandahar and their health requirements.

“I then gave him a proposal to build a hospital. He (the businessman) was ready to invest and I expressed readiness to come to Afghanistan and serve the people,” Dr. Nawaz said.

“People here are very simple, their needs are very limited. Actually even basic treatment is not available,” said Nawaz, who hails from Maharashtra.

“I am here since August 2005. My family is not here. They are in Malaysia. I visit them twice or thrice a year and they come once a year to India,” he said. Dr. Nawaz said he was the only Indian working in the city but a number of his compatriots were employed in a huge U.S. military base in Kandahar. According to sources, Indians working at the U.S. base come through Dubai and are not registered with the Consulate.

India last week helped Afghanistan establish its first agriculture university here as part of a major capacity-building project to help the war-torn country increase farm output and attain economic independence.

The Afghan National Agricultural Sciences and Technology University (ANASTU) is coming up in the sprawling Tarnak farm in the former Taliban stronghold of Kandahar.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News /by PTI / Kandahar, February 24th, 2014