Monthly Archives: July 2012

JSW Cement sets up new slag cement plant, India

Business & Economy

JSW Cement has established a 5Mta slag cement plant at Nandyal in Kurnool district, the slag for which is supplied by the company’s steel plant in Karnataka.

RC Sodani, CEO and director of JSW Cement told Business Line India that at the product is being sold at a slightly lower price than OPC, stating: “Our cement unit is in production or the past six months and the market response has been very encouraging so far.”

Currently the company sells slag cement in the southern states and parts of Maharashtra but is planning on exploring other markets in due course, according to Mr Sodani.

On the costing side, he said: “Without compromising on quality, we sell our cement at a slightly lesser cost, INR5 less for a bag than for ordinary cement. We are sure it will make inroads into the market.”

JSW Cement has two smaller cement units in Karnataka with a total capacity of 5.2Mt and has ambitious future expansion plans. Mr Sodani states: “We have plans to take it [capacity] up to 20Mta by 2020 at an additional investment of INR5000 crore.” Units are expected to be set up in Rajasthan, West Bengal and Karnataka.

source: http://www.cement.com / Home> News / ICR Newsroom / July 30th, 2012

It’s rush hour in old city

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Ramzan shopping and poor traffic management are making traversing the Charminar area a nightmare. Lack of planning by GHMC in executing the Pedestrianisation Project is only adding to the woes of pedestrians and motorists.

The rush of shoppers increases almost three-fold in the first three weeks of Ramzan on more than 1 km stretch between Madina and Shalibanda via Charminar. On the last three days of the fasting month this stretch is closed for vehicular traffic at night as thousands visit these markets for Id shopping. “In the first place the GHMC has inflicted a devastating impact on our business by senseless erection of boulders as part of the pedestrianisation project. To add to it, traffic cops allow carts on the road. We are having a tough time,” says Rahul Agarwal, a jeweller.

“Though traffic and police authorities are aware of the difficult situation during Ramzan, no plan to ease the traffic congestion has been made. It takes more than half an hour to cross Charminar from Afzal-gunj during this season which normally takes only a few minutes when there is no traffic,” says Faheem from Shalibanda. “Ramzan has just started, after the first week of August when people will have received their salaries and will have money to spend, the number of shoppers will increase,” says another shopkeeper Abbas Mehdi. Alternative parking arrangements would have eased traffic congestion at Charminar, especially during the Ramzan season.

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Channels> Cities> Hyderabad / DC, Hyderabad / July 30th, 2012

 

Indigenous sports too need to be encouraged: Nadendla Manohar

Sports

Speaker Nadendla Manohar (third from left), Vijayawada MP Lagadapati Rajagopal (second from left), international TT player Spoorthy (extreme left), and archer Jyothi Surekha releasing copies of redesigned Sportstar in Vijayawada on Wednesday. / Photo: ch. Vijaya Bhaskar

Assembly Speaker appreciates the contemporary design of Sportstar

In a country where cricket is religion, there is a need to focus on other sports too so that a large number of up-and-coming sportspersons could bring laurels in Olympics and other events, Speaker Nadendla Manohar has said.

Formally launching the redesigned Sportstar at Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation Stadium here on Wednesday along with Vijayawada MP Lagadapati Rajagopal, he said: “Before the advent of televisions, the inspiring stories of great sporting personalities did help me and many others. Even today I look forward to the arrival of every new issue of Sportstar.” Mr. Manohar appreciated the new design of the magazine, which, he said, was contemporary.

Parents should not focus only on academics of their children and force them to pursue careers in engineering and medicine. Children should be encouraged to pursue sports too from a tender age. He appreciated the support being given to international TT player Karanam Spoorthy and archer Jyothi Surekha, who were on the dais. Addressing the large number of office-bearers of several sports associations and parents, Mr. Manohar asked them not to depend only on government funds. He wanted philanthropists to fund infrastructure needs locally. In addition to cricket, kabaddi, kho-kho and other indigenous sports should be encouraged, he felt. In the primary education sector, the investment in India was very meagre and the country stood 45 in the world according to a recent survey, he observed.

He promised to fulfil the government’s promise to support the Volga Archery Academy in Vijayawada to fulfil former coach Lenin’s dreams.

Mr. Rajagopal, a TT player himself, was reminded of his match with Spoorthy. Stating that he appreciated the quality of Sportstar, the MP said he never knew it was from The Hindu group. He lauded the quality posters that the magazine publishes, which inspire many youth.

He requested ACA secretary Gokaraju Gangaraju to spend some money in promoting other sports too, though something was being done now. The MP was appreciative of the efforts of archery coach Satyanarayana for his efforts.

The two young sportspersons thanked their coaches and the government for supporting them in their respective games and promised to bring laurels to Vijayawada and the country.

Andhra Pradesh Badminton Association secretary Punniah Chowdhary, Krishna District Olympic Association secretary K.P. Rao, Andhra Pradesh TT Association secretary S.M. Sultan, and the ACA secretary spoke on the occasion.

District Sports Development Officer P. Ramakrishna said there were many talented players in many disciplines in Vijayawada, which had emerged as a sporting hub.

Sportstar can focus on the local talent to give them encouragement, he opined.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by Special Correspondent / July 26th, 2012

Thyagaraja music fete from tomorrow

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

‘Sapthagiri Sangeetha Vidwanmani’ to be conferred on three musicians

Classical music/dance lovers are in for a visual and aural treat from July 29 (Sunday), when the 70th Sri Thyagaraja Annual Festival of Music and Dance will begin at Sri Thyagaraja Mandapam. Sri Venkateswara Vedic University Vice-Chancellor S.Sudarsana Sarma will inaugurate the programme, while TTD Chairman Kanumuri Bapi Raju and Executive Officer L.V. Subrahmanyam take part.

The 11-day event in the temple city will be a mix of concerts by some of the reputed as well as upcoming artistes from across the country. Reputed instrumentalists like T. N. Krishnan (violin), N. Ramani (flute), U. Srinivas (mandolin), Geetha Krishnamurthy (Veena), Jayanti Kumaresh (Veena) and vocalists Bombay Sisters, Charumathi Ramachandran, Panthula Rama, M. S. Sheela, T. M. Krishna etc. will perform on the occasion. “A total of 29 programmes by 32 artistes will be the highlight this year, while Kathak dance performance by Saptharshi Roy and ‘Harikatha’ by scholar Simhachala Sastri are expected to be different,” K. V. Ranganathan, executive chairman of Sri Thyagaraja Trust, said at a media conference here on Friday. He said plans were afoot to modify the hall into an all-encompassing air-conditioned auditorium to generate income for the trust.

Honorary title

This year, the honorary title ‘Sapthagiri Sangeetha Vidwanmani’ will be conferred on vocalist Malladi Suribabu, violinist T. Rukmini and Mridangam exponent Guruvayur Dorai. The honour includes draping of a silk shawl and presentation of a gold dollar, a memento and a citation. V. Shankar, president of Sri Shanmukhananda Fine Arts and Sangeetha Sabha, Mumbai, who is also the chief patron of Sri Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, will present the awards.

General secretary Kanchi Raghuram, treasurer V. S. Narasimhachari, trustees Subrahmanyam Reddy, Venugopal Reddy, M. Dorai Raj, K. Vidyasagar and Sundarrami Reddy were present.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Staff Reporter / Tirupati, July 28th, 2012

PV Sindhu ready to rock 2016 Rio Games

Sports

Faridabad:

While India ace shuttler Saina Nehwal is on course to realise her London dreams, 17-year-old P V Sindhu, who recently won the Asia Youth U-19 championship, has already set her eyes at 2016 Rio Olympics.

The only Indian to win the prestigious title at Korea earlier this month, Sindhu said she is ready to take on the big guns of badminton and share the workload with Saina in the women’s singles.

“I am ranked 26th now and I want to break into top-10 by this year end. I have been working hard and improving and think I am ready to share the workload with Saina. I see myself playing the next Olympics,” said Sindhu on the sidelines of a Manav Rachna Sports Academy program here.

“I wish all the best to the Indian team for the Olympics. I am sure Saina will get a medal. P Kashyap, Jwala (Gutta), Ashwini (Ponappa) and V Diju — all of them practice so hard and my best wishes are with them.

“This time I missed out but next time definitely I would like to be there in Olympics. I know Olympics is big and I am working hard to do well,” said Sindhu, who managed to jump from 80 to top-30 in the last six months but eventually ran out of time to qualify for the upcoming London Games.

The only women’s singles player to hold the junior and senior national titles at the same time, Sindhu played one Grand Prix Gold (Thailand) and two Super Series (Indonesia, Singapore) events before the U-19 Asian championship on the trot.

“Compared to last year, I have improved my game a lot. My attack and defence, rally and strokes and endurance levels have improved. In senior circuit, matches goes on for an hour and it needs endurance,” she said.

Asked about that one thing she would want to learn from Saina, Sindhu said she would have to work hard on her strokes, especially the flick, which is Saina’s biggest strength.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> Sports> More Sports> Badminton / PTI / July 20th, 2012

HIL to focus on dealer network in smaller towns

Business & Economy

Hyderabad Industries Limited (HIL), a complete roofing and building solutions provider, will continue focus on dealer and distribution network in smaller towns for deeper market penetration, a company official said Tuesday.

HIL managing director Abhaya Shankar said the growth of dealer and distribution network in smaller towns was steadily increasing and this helped the company achieve net sales growth of 34 percent for its products.

The company reported a rise of 35 percent in operating profit during the quarter that ended June 30.

Speaking at an event here to reward HIL’s trade partners, Abhaya Shankar said a comprehensive product portfolio and a series of green building new products continue to propel its growth, aided by increasing geographical presence and mix of manufacturing and outsourcing.

He also talked about the company’s future plans of diversification into various product ranges which in turn will provide sales support to its dealers.

HIL’s brands Charminar, Aerocon and HYSIL have a strong market presence. The C.K.Birla group company is the market leader in manufacturing and marketing of building, industrial and engineering products in India for over 65 years.

source: http://www.smetimes.in / SME Times News Bureau / July 25th, 2012

Pomp and gaiety mark 12th ATA Conference in Atlanta

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

Ravi receiving the Award

By Ravi R Ponangi

Atlanta:

Pomp and gaiety added to the show of strength, solidarity and pride of the Telugu-speaking community at the 12th American Telugu Association (ATA)  Conference and Youth Convention held here during July 6-8. The three-day conference saw a turnout of 8,000 delegates not only from different cities across the US, but also from India, Canada, Britain and Dubai.

The grand celebration was attended by M. M. Pallam Raju, India’s Minister of State for Defense; Upendra Chivukula, Deputy Speaker of New Jersey Assembly; D.K. Aruna, Information Minster of Andhra Pradesh; D. Sridhar Babu, Andhra Pradesh Education Minister;  and two parliament members, Madhu Yaskhi Gowd and Md. Azharuddin, besides a host of politicians, acclaimed personalities of Tollywood, literary scholars and artists from Andhra Pradesh.

Distinguished personalities included Dil Raju, Ajit Kumar, consul general of India in Atlanta, Sobha Naidu, Padmaja Reddy, Goreti Venkanna, Thaman, Garikipati Narasimha Rao, Nandamuri Lakshmi Parvathy, Ileana, and the past presidents of ATA graced the celebration.

Besides regular features and attractions such as spectacular cultural shows, ATA delegates benefited from the workshops and seminars held during convention. Seminars were held in different areas of specializations. Events included a variety of programs in various arenas including social, spiritual, cultural, literary, art, entertainment, business and medicine. Several vendors also put up their booths on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering at the inaugural ceremony on July 7,  Pallam Raju highlighted the achievements of India in various fields and explained the problems that India was facing. He said that the country was facing two internal problems. Suddenly the economy in the country had slowed down and security had become an issue. He said India was playing a major role on world stage. He hoped that India would become a powerful country in the world by 2050. India had been elected as a temporary member in the UN Security Council and the country was working to become its permanent member. “Now India has too many responsibilities. We have to question ourselves whether we are ready to take those responsibilities. We are confronting many internal security challenges as well as economic challenges. Due to the economic crises in the world, our economy too is affected badly. I am confident that our economy will bounce back soon,” he said.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the Indian economy would improve. India would be working towards economic integration and thereby bringing economic stability in the South Asian region.

Speaking about security, he said a variety of programs were being taken to strengthen the defense of the country.

Referring to Andhra Pradesh, the Minister said that the state had rich resources like minerals,  land, manpower, and entrepreneurs. “Telugu speaking people are on top in every field. Andhra Pradesh has a great potential to grow more. Many able chief ministers had taken the state forward in development. Now Kiran Kumar Reddy as the Chief Minister at  a crucial time is implementing various programs to take the state forward. I am confident that you are all thinking like me and I want you all to take the state forward,” he added.

Speaking about the separate Telengana state demand, he said:  “In my personal opinion the state should be united as it has its own merits and we get strength, if we are united in one state.”

D. K. Aruna, D. Sridhar Babu,  Ravi Prakash, CEO of TV9 channel, and others spoke.

The banquet dinner on July 6 included a reception and a social hour for guests of the convention. D.K. Aruna lighted the traditional lamp to mark the inauguration of the events that followed. A long awards ceremony followed the welcome speech, and the executive team was introduced by Dr. Mangaraju Vanapalli.

Dr. Rao S. Rapaka was honored for biomedical research, Dr. Lakkireddy Hanimi Reddy, was honored with the Philanthropist of the Decade Award; ATA distinguished award winners from Atlanta included Dr. Sivananda Nyayapati, Dr. P. Ravi Sarma, Narender G. Reddy and Ravi Ponangi.

“It feels great to be amongst my countrymen and I am proud of how well they have done for themselves here,” Mohammed Azharuddin, the former Indian Cricket Captain, said when asked about how it felt to be at the convention.

The second day festivities kicked off with the invocation and lighting of the lamp, singing of Vande Maataram and national anthems. After the Swagatham song, ATA messages by TAMA, GATA, ATA Convener Karunakar Asireddy, Youth Forum Chair Prashanth Paripati, ATA President Dr. Rajender Jinna, ATA Board, Standing Committee chairs and regional coordinators, and a spiritual message by Swami Chidatmananda followed. As chief guest, Pallam Raju addressed the gathering after the inaugural theme dance in praise of Telugu heritage and release of the inaugural CD.

Various Cultural programs including classical, semi-classical, folk dances, music, skits and plays were lined up to enthrall and entertain the audience. Prime-time entertainment began with an invocatory Kuchipudi dance – Om Namah Sivaya – choreographed by Hema Shilpa Uppala and presented by her, Reneeta Basu, and Puja Tripuraneni. Emceed by Shilpa Chakroborthy, the program included Kuchipudi dances, music performances, a fashion show, a fusion dance, a romantic thriller “Haunted Love,”  Tollywood Dhamaka, “Telugu Pandugalu,” and ATA honors and recognition  of conference donors and others. A live telecast of presentation of ATA lifetime achievement award to Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam in Chennai was shown on the big screen. It was followed by Kuchipudi offering “Nrityanjali,”  comedy skit “Americallo Manoorollu,”  Gaeya Rupa Kavitvam by Gorati Venkanna and a comedy show by Tollywood actors.

The July 8 proceedings  started off with the invocation and semi classical melodies by Dr. Jayaprada Ramamurthy and Ashtavashanam by Garikipati Narasimha Rao. “Sunanda Vinodini II,” continued to dazzle the audience with the finals of Jhummandi Naadam and ATA 2012 Solo Dance Talent. Winners of various contests were announced. Prime-time entertainment, emceed by Jitendranath, included Dazzling Dhamaka by Detroit Sizzlers, a dance performance by winner of ATA 2012 solo dance talent search, Namasthe India by Dr. Padmaja Reddy and group, honoring of Dr. Sobha Naidu and Kuchipudi performance by her students, mimicry by Jitendranath, presentation of ATA Outstanding Philanthropist Award to Dr. Hanmi Reddy Lakkireddy, presentation of honors and awards to Ravi Prakash of TV9 and members of convention committees, and the much awaited “ATA Raffle Draw.” The night ended on a high note with “Taaralu Digivacchina Vela,”  a musical performance,  by Thaman and party.

Other events included  business seminars, alumni meetings carom, chess and  jodinchu tournaments, CME, literary discussions, immigration issues, senior citizens programs, focus on breathing, essence of Vedas, Art of Living, and live political debates and discussions by Indian politicians telecast by TV9 and TV5.

source: http://www.indiatribune.com / Home> Newspaper> Community / July 2012

Local sheep wool blankets chic again

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Science & Technology

Once threatened, the pure Deccani breed sheep are finding their feet again, thanks to the unique conservation effort, done on a scientific basis with local shepherds acting as gene-keepers.

With the revival efforts of the pure breed in Medak district, as also in Maharashtra, the market for traditional “gongadi” (blanket) with the Deccani sheep wool is again shoring up. Those involved in the conservation efforts said gongadis are slowly catching the fancy of Hyderabad residents.

Known for its black wool and its gene pool, the Deccani breed was affected by crossbreeding with various other indigenous species of sheep.

Besides Andhra Pradesh, the Deccani breed is found in Karnataka, Maharash-tra and parts of northern Tamil Nadu along the Deccan plateau. S. Ashalatha from the organisation Anthra, which is actively working on the conservation project in Medak, said: “Shepherds over the years selected this breed for its tolerance to drought, fodder and water shortage, as well as the capacity to migrate long distances and ability to endure large variations in temperature. The wool has traditionally been spun into yarn by women and woven by men into blankets.

“Now, with Hyderabad residents again asking for small gongadis, the market for the special wool blanket is showing a positive sign.”

According veterinary scientist and Anthra director, Sagari R. Ramdas, import of cheap wool from Australia and Europe not only saw the local wool market go bust but also resulted in loss of the Deccani breed.

“We are mobilising local communities to conserve the Deccani breed and Osmanabadi goat breed, native to the Deccan plateau,” Ms Ramdas said. “About 400 pastoral and agro-pastoral families across 24 villages in Hathnura, Jinnaram, Narasapur, Narayankhed and Shivampet mandals of Medak are involved in the project.”

She said these are among the few remaining areas in the state that continue to have a significant number of sheep of “pure Deccani breed”.

source: http://www.AsianAge.com / Home> Hyderabad / by U. Sudhakar Reddy, DC, Hyderabad / July 24th, 2012

Marriages in Hyderabad help cut-flowers bloom

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

Bangalore, JULY 23:
Cut flowers prices have increased by 10-15 per cent in the last two months at the International Flower Auction Bangalore (IFAB). Flower prices are higher in Bangalore due to demand from Hyderabad.

Prices of cut-flowers in June-July trade between Rs 2 and Rs 2.50 for a stem.

“In Karnataka, Ashada (June-July period) is considered inauspicious to perform marriages or any other ceremonies; this saw poor sales of cut-flowers,” said Dr G. Shankara Murthy, General Manager, IFAB.

“Normally, not many weddings take place in the State during Ashada and prices fall by 50-60 per cent,,” he said.

Though Ashada is observed in Andhra Pradesh, too, this time there has been an extended marriage period.

Some non-resident Indians had performed marriages for their children to meet the visa deadlines. Again from next week, the marriage season begins.

IFAB Ltd is a joint venture company, set up by the Karnataka Government with the private exporters, to conduct regular auctions and promote floriculture exports from the State.

The marriage and festival season, which begin from July-end in South India are expected to result in increased demand again, the IFAB official said. The demand for flowers such as roses, tulips, gerberas and orchids extends up to November, except during the cyclone season when sales and production fall sharply.

Dr Jayaprakash Rao, General Secretary, South India Floriculture Association, said: “The start of the marriage and festival season in South India is expected to push up prices of cut flowers by 15-20 per cent this year due to dry weather in the State.”

The flower growing belt of Doddaballapur and Hosur area near Bangalore has been partially affected due to deficient monsoon.

Mr Rao said: “Some floriculture units are facing severe water shortage and are forced to depend on fast depleting ground water to maintain their farms.”

Karnataka’s cut flower production is estimated between 9 lakh and 10 lakh stems.

Of this, around two lakh enter the IFAB auction platforms and the rest are traded in unorganised markets.

anil.uthehindu.co.in

source: http://www.TheHinduBusinessLine.com / Home> Industry & Economy> Agri-Biz / by Anil Urs / July 23rd, 2012

Lepakshi crafts mela gets under way

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Sub-Collector S. Venkat Rao going around a Lepakshi Crafts Mela, inaugurated at Mogul Hall in Vijayawada on Friday. Photo: Ch.Vijaya Bhaskar

The exhibition was launched by Revenue Divisional Officer S. Venkata Rao and can be called as the perfect place to shop for college-going girls.

Fathers can now relax as the mother and daughter go out and shop to their heart’s content at the reasonably priced Lepakshi crafts mela, inaugurated on Friday in the Mogal Exhibition Hall.

The exhibition was launched by Revenue Divisional Officer S. Venkata Rao and can be called as the perfect place to shop for college-going girls because of its pocket-friendly prices. The exhibition displays a wide variety of items from single stone studs to pretty little anklets for the girls. There are a lot of imitation jewellery sets, kurtis, dress materials and also pure leather bags on sale at this exhibition.

Apart from these items for the young crowd, the exhibition-cum-sale also has items for the older generation like cotton bed spreads, sarees, and dresses for kids, shirts for men etc. There are also a few decorative items like Kondappali toys, wall hangings and replicas of Taj Mahal on sale at the exhibition.

The exhibition has a 10 per cent discount on handicrafts and 20 per cent discount on handlooms. Organised to increase the awareness and importance of handlooms among the general public, it has some of the items on display like Nirmal paintings, Banjara embroidery, pearls from Hyderabad, gold-plated ornaments, silver jewellery, wood carvings, just handicrafts etc.

Handloom section

In the handloom section there are daily wear sarees from Pochampally, Venkatagiri, Bengali cotton, Madhurai etc and Mangalagiri dress materials along with bed sheets from Kalamkari and Jaipur. This exhibition-cum-sale organised by the Lepakshi Handicrafts Emporium will be open to August 5, daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / News> Cities> Vijayawada / by Staff Reporter /  July 21st, 2012