Latest news with #AnushaRao
The Hindu
06-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Namma Metro introduces QR code ticket-vending machines at Byappanahalli station
To enhance commuter convenience and reduce congestion at the ticket counter, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has introduced QR code-enabled ticket vending machines at Byappanahalli metro station. These self-service kiosks, designed to dispense paper tickets embedded with QR codes, aim to streamline the ticketing process for daily metro users. The move follows the successful pilot launch of similar machines at M.G. Road and Cubbon Park stations on the Purple Line. Now, two such compact green-coloured machines have been installed at Byappanahalli. According to a BMRCL official, the entire process of purchasing a QR code ticket takes less than a minute, offering a swift alternative to the conventional token system. 'These kiosks are introduced to help commuters bypass the long queues at manual ticket counters,' the official said. 'They are user-friendly, multilingual, and designed for self-operation. However, to assist first-time users or those needing help, a contractor-appointed staff member is stationed nearby.' Each kiosk prints out a paper ticket containing a QR code that can be scanned at the Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) gates. 'The earlier pilot at M.G. Road and Cubbon Park stations saw the deployment of six and eight machines respectively. Their utility was especially evident during large-scale events like IPL matches, when scores of passengers preferred using the vending machines over standing in lengthy queues,' official added. On average, about 70 to 80 commuters makeing use of these machines daily at the pilot stations. Anusha Rao, a regular metro commuter, welcomed the development, saying, 'These QR machines are incredibly convenient. I no longer have to wait behind a long line during peak hours, especially when I'm in a hurry. The process is fast, and the interface is simple to understand. It's a good step forward in Bengaluru where the metro is always crowded.' Another commuter, Ramesh K., who works in Indiranagar, said, 'This is a much-needed upgrade. I used the QR vending machine during peak hours whenever I took the metro which made me avoid wasting time in a massive queue. It's great to see BMRCL finally adopting digital solutions that make our commute easier. I hope they expand this to more stations soon.' A BMRCL official said that they are planning to roll out similar vending machines at other high-footfall stations in the near future.
Hindustan Times
24-04-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Pune doctors save preterm baby diagnosed with Rotavirus-related Encephalitis
In a rare and challenging case, doctors at Ankura Hospital in Aundh have successfully treated a preterm baby diagnosed with Rotavirus-related Encephalitis—a condition that can lead to serious brain complications if not diagnosed early. The baby, born at 35 weeks and weighing just over 2 kg, was one of the twins delivered through invitro fertilisation (IVF). Initially discharged after a brief NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) stay for mild breathing issues, the infant was brought back to the hospital on the ninth day of life with unusual symptoms such as lethargy and poor feeding but no fever, vomiting or diarrhoea—symptoms usually linked with infections like Rotavirus, as per a statement released on Wednesday. Doctors were puzzled. Dr Anusha Rao, consultant neonatologist, said, 'We ruled out common conditions like neonatal sepsis and birth-related oxygen shortage. An MRI of the brain showed subtle white matter changes—areas critical for brain communication—suggesting Encephalitis. However, common viral PCR panels on CSF tested negative.' Dr Umesh Vaidya, head of NICU, said that what made this case more unusual was the absence of typical signs of infection and the presence of bradycardia—slow heart rate—and short pauses in breathing. 'In such delicate cases, even small symptoms can be vital clues,' he said. Dr Vaidya further informed that Rotavirus is commonly known for causing Gastroenteritis and it has been associated with neurological complications such as seizures and Encephalopathy. 'Exact incidence in neonates is not well established. However, primarily because most studies and surveillance systems focus on older infants and children (typically six months to five years' old) where Rotavirus is most prevalent. Neonatal cases are likely underreported, and Encephalopathy may be missed or misattributed to birth-related Hypoxia or metabolic issues,' he said. Dr Siddharth Madabhushi, consultant neonatologist and medical director, said, 'With other viruses ruled out, the team decided to test a stool sample for Rotavirus, a common cause of diarrhoea in infants. The result was positive—confirming Rotavirus as the cause of brain inflammation. In neonates, the virus may not appear in cerebrospinal fluid, so stool testing becomes important,' he explained. Dr Shiji Chalipat, paediatric neurologist, pointed out that Rotavirus Encephalopathy remains under-recognised in clinical practice. 'In neonates, Encephalopathy with or without seizures or fever is commonly attributed to birth-related causes, infection or metabolic causes. This case reminds us that even common viruses like Rotavirus can present in uncommon ways. A high index of suspicion and early imaging are crucial.' The baby's parents have expressed deep gratitude to the doctors and NICU team for their compassionate care. 'They (the team) gave our baby a second chance at life,' the parents said.
