Monthly Archives: March 2013

Cyberabad police to set up women help desks

Business & Economy, Science & Technology

Hyderabad , MARCH 6:

In order to curb crime against women, Cyberabad Police has started the process of setting up exclusive women help desks across all its police stations.

The existing reception centres in 40-odd police stations under Cyberabad Police Commissionerate will also act as ‘exclusive women help desks’, Cyberabad Police Commissioner Ch. Dwarka Tirumala Rao told PTI.

“The reception centres are being strengthened and in addition to the reception work, they will function as women help desks with the posting of a woman police constable,” the Cyberabad Police chief said, adding that as of now one ‘exclusive women help desk’ is functioning through the police control room.

These help desks will look into the issues relating to women and crime against them by not only taking the complaints of women in distress, but also guide them properly and counsel them, Rao said.

These will be headed by women officials who will be in constant touch with the victims to ensure their safety. “The intention of setting up these help desks is to guide women properly besides following up the matter through regular communication with them once a complaint is lodged,” he added.

“Sensitive cases in which women are victims, will be handled by women inspectors under the supervision of Additional DCP (Crimes), also a woman officer,” the Commissioner said.

The complaints received by the desk would be monitored daily though an online system, another senior police officer said, adding that they have developed a software for petition monitoring system which will help keep a tab on the progress of cases at all stages.

The software which is being now tested, will shortly be updated with all police stations and will act as ‘grievance redressal system’ for all type of complaints, Rao said.

In 2012, 72 rape cases were registered in Cyberabad limits against 84 in 2011. The number of crimes against women decreased from 1,878 last year to 1,642 cases in 2011.

source: http://www.TheHinduBusinessLine.com / Home> News / by PTI / Hyderabad, March 06th, 2013

Hyderabad heritage structures ignored

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All

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 Picture for representation only. / Deccan Chronicle

Hyderabad:

The State government declared 15 sites in the city as heritage structures on January 17, but there are still thousands of buildings that could be accorded this status and preserved and protected. Every nook and corner of the historic twin city holds a heritage building that has been ignored and left unprotected, say heritage activists.

The government order (GO) issued by the Municipality Administration and Urban Development department in Jan-uary 2013 lists the following newly declared sites: Shamshabad police station (old), Shamshabad; Maniyar Patt Masjid, Kutbiguda; Daira Kaman, Zamistanpur; Gate portion of Monda Market; St. Sebastian Church, Regimental Bazar; Past Office of Nizam’s government at RTC Crossroads; Madigonda Shankeraiah Mutt, main road Kavadiguda; Ammapally Sita Ramachandra Swamy temple, Ammapally near Shamshabad; Maha-laka Chanda step-well, Eflu, Tarnaka; Islamiah High School, Monda Market; Vivek Vardhini School, Jambagh Road; Sudhir Naik Residence, Gowliguda; Rahat Manzil at Saidabad; Aziz Bagh, Noorkhan Bazaar and State Bank of India building, Koti.

There are a total 166 sites in the heritage list of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA).

Sajjid Shahid, city heritage activist said, “In a city like Hyderabad there are thousands of typical Nizam style sites that still exist, but are badly neglected. Sites like Kachiguda railway station, the former British Residency now Rashtrapati Bhavan, Bollaram, James Street railway station (a unique piece of architecture) and Le Palis- Royal (on the way to Bollaram, near parade ground) deserve the status.”

There are several old police stations adorned by exclusive art work and small police post structures that have been overlooked by the authorities.

He said the State Assembly at Nampally also deserves heritage status as do mini structures around the Paigan tombs near Pisalbanda. “The State needs to come up with a policy for these sites, and release yearly funds in order to maintain the beauty of the city,” said another heritage activist, Moha-mmad Sajjiulla.

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> News> Current Affairs / by Coreena Suares /  DC / March 05th, 2013

Nellore to have two more rice godowns

Business & Economy

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 Picture for representational purpose only. / Deccan Chronicle

Nellore: 

Decentralisation of rice procurement through rice millers has begun in SPSR Nellore district to supply the rice produced in the district through public distribution system as part of recently launched ‘Mana Biyyam’ (our rice) scheme.

Hitherto millers used to supply the rice procured from farmers to Food Corporation of India (FCI) and Civil Supplies department has been obtaining the same for PDS from FCI.

District administration has earmarked godown fac-ility to store 1,20,000 metric tonnes during the current harvest season. The monthly requirement for PDS is around 1,200 to 1,300 MTs for Mana Biyyam scheme and the authorities will have 10 months buffer at any given point of time.

Rice that was being sold at Rs 25-a-kg in the open market would be supplied at 1kg to the white ration cardholders under the scheme. It may be mentioned here that Nellore district is one among the eight districts in the state chosen for introducing Mana Biyyam scheme.

According to joint collector B. Lakshmikantam, rice millers have already supplied 14,000 MTs of rice as on date to the Civil Supplies department. The rice will be distributed through PDS for cardholders and to schools and hostels for midday meal. Reacting to a question on storage facility, Mr Lakshmikantam said that the newly-built godown to store 30,000 MTs of rice at Chandrasekhara Puram in Kodavalur mandal is ready for inauguration. Simila-rly, another godown to store 8,000 MTs at Vedaya-palem in Nellore town is also ready for opening.

He said that the Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy would open these storage points during his ensuing Indiramma Baata programme in the district.

Office bearer of Rice Millers Association Y. Ran-gaiah Naidu said that Civil Supplies department would procure only raw rice (common and grade A variety) and they would give boiled rice to FCI for export to Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal among other states that prefer boiled rice. FCI would also export boiled rice to countries like Bangladesh, he added.

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> News> Current Affairs / DC, March 05th, 2013

Aditya Sarovar Premium adjudged best 5 star hotel

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Records, All

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The event provided a perfect platform for those from the hospitality industry including hotels, restaurants, caterers, spas and clubs among others to interact and exchange notes.

It was a star-studded event on the grounds of Hitex at Madhapur here on Saturday evening with the who and who from the hospitality industry from South India gracing the South India Hospitality Awards-2013 ceremony.

The second edition of the awards, presented to the best of the best in the hospitality industry, was organised by Epicurus in association with South India Hotels & Restaurants Association (SIHRA), Andhra Pradesh Hotels Association (APHA) and hotel associations of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The New Indian Express was the event’s official print partner.

The event provided a perfect platform for those from the hospitality industry including hotels, restaurants, caterers, spas and clubs among others to interact and exchange notes.

There was loud applause when 60 winners of the 641 applicants took the podium to receive their awards given in token appreciation of their service to people as described by Epicurus chief MS Nagaraju.

As the evening progressed, the guests were entertained with foot-tapping dance to some latest hit songs from Tollywood and Kollywood performed by Satya’s troupe.

The chief guests included Congress MLC P Sudhakar Reddy, commissioner of income tax S Sachdev, Karnataka Hotels Association president Ramachandra Upadhaya and SIHRA president Syama Raju. Epicurus head Nagaraju announced that his organisation was contemplating giving away All India Hospitality Award from next year.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Express News Service – Hyderabad / March 03rd, 2013

Now, pay less for stents

Science & Technology

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Central scheme cuts its ceiling rates on stents

In a move that could reduce prices of US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA)-imported Drug Eluting Stents (DES) and encourage domestic manufacturing, the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) has cut down its ceiling rates on stents.

The CGHS, which used to reimburse Rs. 65,000 for USFDA-approved DES, has now revised the rates and will pay Rs. 25,000 for a USFDA-approved DES. Interestingly, this rate is on a par with rates of DES that are manufactured by Indian companies.

Persons familiar with pricing of medical devices said that CGHS is the main body in the country that fixes reimbursement rates for costly imported stents and other medical devices.

Usually, almost all the insurance and reimbursement agencies and State governments consider CGHS rates as their yardstick and fix their reimbursement rates accordingly.

Discriminatory pricing

The old prices of DES set by CGHS in October 2011 were discriminatory in nature and discouraged local stent manufacturers who sold Drug Control General of India (DCGI) approved DES, senior doctors in the capital said.

“CGHS was reimbursing Rs. 65,000 to FDA-approved and Rs. 50,000 to stents that had CE mark, the European regulatory body for medical devices.

They used to reimburse only Rs. 40,000 to drug-eluting stents manufactured by Indian companies who had DCGI approval. The new rates, however, have levelled the playing field,” a senior cardiologist analysed.

Meanwhile, the new CGHS rates have put the authorities at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) in a dilemma. The NIMS authorities have so far followed the CGHS rates in fixing the cost of drug-eluting stents approved by USFDA.

In fact, while finalising the rate contract of stents for 2012-13, the NIMS management had claimed that it is the only hospital in Hyderabad that has implemented rates of stents based on the ceilings of Government of India.

“So far, NIMS has not affected any revision in its stent rates. But, we are expecting that the NIMS management will act on the issue soon. If not, there will be a contradiction of sorts,” doctors said.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Staff Reporter / March 02nd, 2013

Woman’s Day: Run for your life

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

The Hyderabad 10K Foundation is organising the Go! 5k Walk/Run marathon for women on the occasion of the International Woman’s Day on Sunday, March 3, flagging off at 7 am. Two tracks – a 5 km and 2km track – has been set for women to run, jog or simply walk on. The more adventurous and fit of the lot can also cycle the track, but will have to go all the 5kms. Uma Chigurupati, a regular marathon runner herself and chairperson of the foundation tells us more about the marathon.

“I know the marathon says run but the focus will be on walking because how many people can actually run? If people can, that would be great,” she starts off. Being organised to throw light on the importance of exercise, why is the focus only on women? She responds, “This is in celebration of International Women’s Day, or rather Women’s Week since the marathon will be conducted on the Sunday prior to the actual day. But also, we think that working women and educated women know the importance of physical fitness and are healthy. They are the ones who aren’t fit. If the woman is healthy, the family will also be healthy.”

With the motto ‘My Health My Concern’, she further adds, “The woman takes care of the family. But who will take care of her. Cardio-vascular exercise is important for everybody and this a day that women can come together to motivate each other and get motivated to lead a more healthy life.”

With lifestyle diseases on the rise and the risk of cancer shooting up, Uma points out that at least five days a week of exercise will not only prevent such statistics, but also induce a sense of positivity in people’s lives.

The women’s special marathon which began last year, also features a list activities to entice more women to join in. For instance, a prize was given out for four generations of women taking part. “There was a grandmother, her daughter, her grand daughter and her little girl who took part. This year too we will give out such a prize. There’s more, but it’s a surprise,” Uma shares.

Reporting time for the marathon is 6:30 am, which will be followed by warm ups. Registration for the same is Rs 50. Those interested in bicycling can either get their own cycle or one will be provided at the event by the Hyderabad Bicycling Club. And well, if you can’t run or cycle, just turn up for a pleasant walk in the morning along the Necklace road where the marathon will take place. For further details, contact 040 6464 6003.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Express Features – Hyderabad / March 02nd, 2013

Actor Sunil celebrates birthday with blind children

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nri's / Pio's

Chennai, Feb 28 (IANS):

Instead of throwing a lavish birthday party, Telugu actor Sunil Varma decided to spend the day with the children of Devnar School for blind in Hyderabad. He also donated Rs.2 lakh to the school.

Sunil turned 39 Thursday.

“Sunil spent a few hours with the blind children of Devnar School this morning. He has been planning to meet them for a long time but couldn’t take out time from his schedule. Today, being his birthday, he finally met them and also donated Rs.2 lakh,” Sunil’s agent told IANS.

Sunil’s Telugu romantic-comedy “Mr.Pellikoduku”, remake of Hindi hit “Tanu Weds Manu”, is releasing Friday worldwide.

Isha Chawla plays the female lead in the film.

Sunil plans to have a quiet evening with family.

“He is not keen on hosting a party. He will spend time with his family in the evening and await the release of his film tomorrow,” the agent added.

IANS 2013-02-28 21:06:04

source: http://www.vancouverdesi.com / The Province Vancouver Desi / Home> Bollywood / by South Asia News Services / February 28th, 2013

Warangal gets best Heritage City award

About Seemandhra / Andhra Pradesh, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

Warangal was awarded the best Heritage City  by the Union tourism ministry on Thursday. Though an official announcement is awaited, sources in the ministry confirmed the news. “Nomination was sent for best heritage city award about two months ago. Officials in Delhi have informed us about our selection. Official announcement would be made soon,” said a senior official at the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) in Hyderabad.

Warangal-Hanamkonda- Kazipet tri-junction city is the fifth largest city in the state, located 157 km from the state capital and about 870 ft above mid sea level. The city is well connected by bus and train network. Warangal Fort is positioned just around 12 km from Hanamkonda which was ruled for more than 200 years by the Kakatiya rulers in the 12th century.

Bhadrakali temple, Padmakshamma temple and thousand-pillar temple are the other attractions of this historical city.

Moreover it is an important cultural centre in the Telangana region.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service – Warangal / March 01st, 2013

Satya Jyothi Kovvuri Debuts by Participating at South Asian Princess North America 2013 Pageant

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nri's / Pio's, Uncategorized, World Opinion

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Washington, DC, March 1, 2013 (Washington Bangla Radio):

Satya Jyothi Kovvuri  is from Kakinada, a small town in Andhra Pradesh. First in a family of 3 kids, she always had encouragement from her parents to explore the world beyond academics. Her Dad was and is her biggest influence and motivator in her life – he is the one who taught her to visualize beyond what is visible to the naked eye. A triple gold medalist in her Bachelors in Computer Science and Systems Engineering, she moved to the United States for her Masters in Computer Science from University of Miami, Florida. married to her wonderful husband Raghav for over 10 years, Satya has an adorable 7 year old, Avinash. Currently she works as a senior software developer for the financial giant Bloomberg LP. 

Satya loves to dance, and enjoys listening to music, socializing and having a good time with family and friends. She volunteers for various charities like Make a Wish foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Feed the Children, Dress for Success etc on the weekends.

Though she has never done a professional modeling gig before, she has always been interested in fashion and trends. Satya firmly believes that a simple smile takes a person a long way and makes the world a much better place to live in, and that helping hands are more powerful than praying lips.

Satya Jyothi Kovvuri is participating in the Mrs Category.\

Achievements

  • Performed at various college functions and  fairs in NJ
  • Bloomberg matched dollars for the charity of her choice (Susan G Komen breast cancer foundation), for the charitable hours she put in last year
  • Won a couple of prizes for sketching and painting
  • Professor Sunderlal Sharma Award for Excellence in vocational education in +2
  • Awarded 3 gold medals in Bachelors for being the  best outgoing student, the best outgoing female student and for being top of the class
  • Full merit scholar ship for Masters from university of Miami and perfect GPA

source: http://www.washingtonbanglaradio.com / Home> Blogs> WBRi’s blog / Friday, March 01st, 2013

Andhra Pradesh to get major port, industrial corridor link

Business & Economy

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(File photo) Workers unload cargo from the first vessel to enter the Chinese-funded port in Hambantota, Sri Lanka – AFP

Hyderabad: 

The official announcement regarding setting up of a major port in the state and mentioning Andhra Pradesh’s involvement in the major industrial corridor between Chennai and Bengaluru were some of the positive signs in the Union Budget presented on Thursday.

The Budget also came as a shot in the arm for Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy as two of his pet initiatives — legislative backing for spending of funds to SCs and STs under the sub-plan and exclusive women’s banks — echoed in it.

“The Centre is also keen on a sub-plan and provided 25 per cent more funds in the Budget and the state can benefit from this,” finance minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy said.

AP can recover tax arrears from Centre: Anam

Hailing the Union Budget, state finance minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy said the state now had the opportunity of recovering arrears of Central taxes of Rs 1,000 crore with the Centre making a provision for payment of arrears with an outlay of Rs 9,000 crore.

“We will get another Rs 5,000 crore towards infrastructure development in the Prime Minister’s package for extremist affected districts and Rs 1,400 crore under the fluoride eradication programme,” he added.

The state’s failure to finalise a location for the new major port reflected in the Budget with the finance minister’s speech mentioning Sagar, the specific location for a similar port in West Bengal, while it merely stated Andhra Pradesh. “We will lag behind in making use of budgetary allocations if we continue to dodge on the location,” a senior official said.

Though Central and state officials had narrowed down on Ramayampet, Tirupati MP Chinta Mohan had come in the way of the Union Cabinet taking a final decision by dashing off a letter to the PM to locate the port at Duggarajupatnam.

Meanwhile, there was some ambiguity on whether the industrial corridor between Bengaluru and Chennai would cover AP.

While Ramanarayana Reddy thanked the Centre for including the state in the corridor, officials said the state’s request to take up the corridor encompassing Chittoor and Anantapur districts was not conceded for the first phase.

The Budget estimates also indicated that state would get Rs 4,000 crore additional income in the next financial year as share in Central taxes compared to 2012-2013.

 

The state as per revised estimates will get Rs 20,270 crore in the current financial year against a projected Rs 24,132 crore for the next financial year.

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> News> Current Affairs / by DC, March 01st, 2013