Monthly Archives: October 2014

New Kakinada Co-op Bank Branch

Business & Economy

Visakhapatnam  : 

Since its inception in 1980, the Kakinada Co-operative Town Bank Limited has been making profits, and deposits crossed `351.94 crore by September-end, said Ch Raveendra, chairman of the bank.

Visakha Dairy chairman Adari Tulasi Rao and Daspalla Hotels Group managing director M Raghavendra Rao inaugurated the bank’s second branch at Gajuwaka here Thursday. The bank chairman told the gathering that the total advances of the bank had reached `232.82 crore.

The bank registered a net profit of `3.01 crore in the first half of the current fiscal. On the bank’s net NPA, Raveendra said that it was 1.03 per cent. The bank plans to open four more branches – two in Visakhapatnam, one in Guntur and another in Vijayawada, he added.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / October 10th, 2014

Farmers keen to practice Israeli farming methods

Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, World Opinion
Nurseries at Guntur-Vijayawada national highway near Tadepalli mandal in Guntur district. (Photo: DC)
Nurseries at Guntur-Vijayawada national highway near Tadepalli mandal in Guntur district. (Photo: DC)

Vijayawada: 

A few farmers in Guntur district are slowly adopting the Israeli farming techniques to grow hybrid saplings, seeds and crops. The Israeli farming technique, which is gaining popularity among farmers helps to increase the productivity using less space as well as less water when compared to that of traditional farming, which is largely followed by farmers.

The techniques can be used to produce anything from seeds to final products like vegetables and fruits.

Kallam Narendra Reddy, a 51-year-old farmer in Penu-maka village of Tadepalli mandal in Guntur district, started to use Israeli farming methods putting aside his two decades experience in traditional farming.
Mr Reddy grows saplings and seeds for variety of vegetables and flowers including cauliflower, papaya, plantain, brinjal, drum sticks, cabbage, tomato and others in his 2-acre land.
“With an initial investment of `12 lakh, I started to grow saplings in the one-and-a-half acre land in two different methods. While one is under nets another is under special poly house,” said Mr Narendra.
Many of my colleagues ventured to start farming in this method but stepped back as there is no support from the government, he added.
Best advantages of growing hybrid crops in trays under the specially designed houses is that productivity could not be affected by the climate and can be grown in any season of the year.
Meanwhile, the state government has no plans to encourage such farmers and provide facilities for them. Farmers have appealed to the government authorities to provide raw materials and export facilities so that more number of farmers can adopt the Israeli technique.
“Though it is one-time investment we have to spend some lakhs to start it. If the government recognizes this method and encourage farmers we can produce more number of crops,” said Mr K. Aadi Narayana, a farmer in Yerabalem village near Magalagiri.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / DC Correspondent / October 07th, 2014

Kadapa airport to be thrown open on Oct. 14

Business & Economy, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All, Science & Technology

The long-abandoned air strip in Kadapa that has been given a facelift and developed into an airport will be brought into operation in a week.

Arrangements are being made for the inauguration of Kadapa airport by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on October 14. Union Minister for Civil Aviation P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju will take part in the inauguration.

History

Kadapa aerodrome was constructed in 1953 on a 229-acre site. Vayudoot operated services from Kadapa to Hyderabad in the 1980s. The aerodrome built on a 229-acre stretch was subsequently used by Chief Ministers for making transit halt of the Government helicopters and for refuelling.

About 15 light and microlight aircraft and helicopters landed in Kadapa aerodrome and took off in Air Race India Show organised by Aeronautical Society of India in 2003, as a prelude to the first centenary of aviation history created on December 17, 1903, when the Wright Brothers flew the first-ever powered flight. It was an enthralling experience for the massive audience to watch light and microlight aircraft and helicopters land and take off over a three-hour period, 11 years ago.

The YSR government had entered into a MoU in March 2007 for developing the aerodrome into an airport and allocated an additional 440 acres, located about 10 km from Kadapa town.

In accordance with the MoU, the government had offered to supply drinking water and power free of cost for five years.

It also granted property tax exemption for land used for the airport, navigation and related purposes and the airport staff colony, besides granting exemption from Kadapa Municipal Corporation taxes.

Under the Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis, a new two km. Runway was completed at a cost of Rs. 21 crore.

In addition, a 11-km long compound wall was constructed with an outlay of Rs. 24 crore. In the second phase, an Air Traffic Control (ATC) building, passenger terminal, parking bays and internal roads were built at a cost of Rs. 13 crore.

Officials are holding discussions with some air travel agencies such as Spice Jet.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Andhra Pradesh / by M. V. Subrahmanyam / Kadapa – October 07th, 2014

In 12 years, an incredible journey

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
K. Harish practising on his tabla. - Photo: K.N. Murali Sankar / The Hindu
K. Harish practising on his tabla. – Photo: K.N. Murali Sankar / The Hindu

A lot can happen over a period of 12 years – the gap between two consecutive Pushkarams of the Godavari. K. Harish, who was orphaned at an age of six during the Godavari Pushkaralu-2003, is now a musician with specialization in Hindustani vocal. In all likelihood, he will perform during the Pushkaram, scheduled for next year.

Harish, who is 18-year-old now, is one among the 20 Hindustani vocalists who performed in the National Cultural Festival conducted by the Union Ministry for Human Resources Development at Guwahati recently and the lone representative from Andhra Pradesh.

The Government Railway Police spotted six-year-old Harish abandoned in a train coach during the last Pushkarams and handed him over to Parivartana Home for the Street and Destitute Children at Bhaskar Nagar in the city. Pandranki Radhakrishna, a music teacher from Chakradharpur in Jharkhand, who settled in the city spotted Harish in the Home seven years ago and found that the boy was interested in music. Since then, music classes have become a part of the daily life for the boy, who is now pursuing Bachelors degree in music from Mumbai-based Akhila Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalayam.

“I don’t know anything about music before meeting my guru Radhakrishna. Beginning with vocal, he taught me Tabla and Harmonium as well,” says Harish, who spends seven hours on music practice everyday. After finishing electrical trade course from ITI, he is now looking for an apprenticeship in one of the local industries. “My plan is to pursue post-graduation in Hindustani music and to start a career as music lecturer,” he asserts in a confident tone. Harish is now getting monthly scholarship from the Mahavidyalaya.

“We made several efforts to find the address of his parents and send the boy back to them. He was able to give us the names of his parents and relatives, but he was not sure about the place where they reside. We took the help of the Bhimavaram police to trace his parents, but we could not make it,” says Vakkalanka Ramakrishna, secretary of Parivartana, the home that is providing food, shelter and education to 68 orphan boys.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National / by K.Murali Sankar / Kakinada – October 09th, 2014

Rear Admiral AB Singh is New Eastern Fleet Commander

Leaders, Records, All, Science & Technology
Rear Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh at the change of guard ceremony held in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday | EXPRESS PHOTO
Rear Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh at the change of guard ceremony held in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday | EXPRESS PHOTO

Visakhapatnam :

Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet Rear Admiral Atul Kumar Jain has handed over the Command of the Eastern Fleet to Rear Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh. The change of guard took place at an impressive ceremony onboard Flagship INS Jalashwa here Tuesday. Rear Admiral AK Jain will now assume the duties of Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command at Kochi.

Rear Admiral AB Singh is a specialist in navigation and aircraft direction, and a graduate of National Defence Academy Khadakvasla and Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. He also holds a masters’ degree from Cranfield University, UK. He commanded Indian Naval Ships Veer (Missile vessel), Vindhyagiri (Frigate), Trishul (Frigate) and Viraat (Aircraft Carrier).

He also held various prestigious staff and operational appointments and was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2011. Prior to taking over as Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, he was serving as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy and Plans) at Naval Headquarters, Delhi.

Fully Loaded

The Eastern Fleet comprises 30 ships including amphibious platform Jalashwa, destroyers, stealth frigates, anti-submarine warfare corvette Kamorta, missile corvettes, landing ship tanks, offshore patrol vessels, missile boats and tankers.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / Express News Service / October 08th, 2014

‘Become change agents to enrich lives’

Education, Leaders

Visakhapatnam  :

The 21st century will be a defining one for India and her children thanks to infrastructure development and improving connectivity due to greater emphasis on science and technology, Prof S V Raghavan, scientific secretary in the office of the principal scientific advisor to the government of India, said here on Monday while exhorting the students of Andhra University to become change agents to enrich the lives of their fellow countrymen.

Delivering the 82nd Andhra University convocation address, Prof Raghavan said science can no longer be perceived as elitist and cut off from routine and mundane societal problems. Elaborating on the continuum between science and society, Prof Raghavan pointed out that a scientific approach towards an idea helps refine it and sharpen it.

He also dwelt on one of the most exciting ideas taking shape in India. “The National Knowledge Network  (NKN) is a game changer for India as it has connected 1,300 institutions spread across the country, thereby bringing the collective wisdom available across the country together and making it accessible by annihilating distance.”

Providing an example of how NKN, which is touted to be the largest knowledge database, Prof Raghavan said through NKN a patient requiring critical attention can be diagnosed and treated remotely with the help of expert opinion.

The architect of NKN said while NKN was the backbone for connectivity and access to knowledge bases, it was the student community that formed the backbone of India.

Speaking on the occasion, AU vice chancellor Prof GSN Raju said the varsity had received the highest funding of Rs 320 crore from the state government as compared to other state varsities. The AU VC also pointed out that the varsity had received Rs 35.97 crore in grants from the UGC and directorate of science and technology for research projects, over and above the Rs 1 crore received by the Delta Studies Centre which has been jointly set up by AU and ONGC.

Pointing out that AU had introduced 17 new courses in various fields, conducted 75 national and eight international seminars and workshops in the 2013-2014 academic year, he said wifi and ICT facilities were being developed on the campus in collaboration with Google and a new three storied building had also been constructed with the help of Rs 90 lakh donated by AU alumni.

During the convocation, more than 225 PhD degrees were presented and 16 medals and 13 prizes given to some of the PhD recipients. More than 426 prizes and 155 medals were presented to outstanding students and research scholars on the occasion.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Visakhapatnam / TNN / September 30th, 2014

Kadapa writer apprises President of his works

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Kadapa writer Vempalli Gangadhar with President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapathi Bhavan on Monday. Photo: By Arrangement / The Hindu
Kadapa writer Vempalli Gangadhar with President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapathi Bhavan on Monday. Photo: By Arrangement / The Hindu

Kadapa writer and Central Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar recipient Vempalli Gangadhar had the privilege of interacting with President Pranab Mukherjee for about an hour in Rashtrapati Bhavan at New Delhi about his literary pursuit on Monday.

Dr. Gangadhar, who has been a guest in Rashtrapati Bhavan from September 8 onwards, on being invited by the First Citizen of the country for a fortnight-long “in-residence programme”, said he explained to the President about the books written by him in Telugu portraying the social problems prevalent in drought-prone Rayalaseema region.

The young writer presented his books – Molakala Punnami, Devarasila and Greeshma Bhoomi (compilations of short stories), Pune Prayanam (on tribal women pushed into flesh trade) , Hiranya Rajyam (consequences of factionalism in Rayalaseema), Nela Digina Vaana (novel) and Tholi Telugu Sasanam (First Telugu Inscription) – to Mr. Pranab Mukherjee. The President congratulated Dr. Gangadhar for his literary efforts to portray the conditions in Rayalaseema.

Another writer Yishey Doma Bhutia of Sikkim also presented her books to the President. Two painters Rahool Saksena and Pratap Sudhir Morey were also among the invitees for the “in-residence programme”.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Andhra Pradesh / by M.V. Subrahmanyam / Kadapa – September 23rd, 2014

Jaggery traders switch to road from rail transport

Uncategorized
Jaggery stocks being loaded onto trucks at the Anakapalle market, in Visakhapatnam District. A file Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu
Jaggery stocks being loaded onto trucks at the Anakapalle market, in Visakhapatnam District. A file Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu

Short supply of rakes and wagons forces the traders to take the decision

Around 40 lakh lumps of jaggery, each weighing 15 kg, are being exported from the second largest jaggery market in the country – Anakapalle – every year. About two decades ago, railways was the preferred mode for transportation of jaggery lumps, but the traders shifted to road transport despite high cost.

“The short supply of rakes and wagons often reaching the wrong destinations pushed the traders take the hard decision,” says Anakapalle Jaggery Merchants’ Association president Konathala Lakshminarayana (Peda Babu).

“Thousands of daily wage earners, employees and vegetable vendors shuttle from Anakapalle to Visakhapatnam every day. Trains are the preferred mode of transport in view of the convenience and also to avoid getting caught in the traffic jams on the roads.” “There is a long- pending demand for operation of a shuttle train from Tuni to Visakhapatnam. The Kakinada – Visakhapatnam passenger is overcrowded and a couple of more shuttle services are required to cater to the needs daily passengers,” says Mr. Lakshminarayana, a former member of the ZRUCC.

Anakapalle has been merged with the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) making it imperative that this station be included in the list of satellite stations like Duvvada, Simhachalam and Pendurthy for stopping of all important passenger trains.

Meeting today

The meeting convened by Anakapalle MP Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao with the Divisional Railway Managers of Waltair (Visakhapatnam) of East Coast Railway and Vijayawada of South Central Railway at Anakapalle on Wednesday against this backdrop assumes significance.

“Trains should be stopped at Anakapalle, Narsipatnam, Elamanchili and the railway stations have to be improved. We will also demand either re-routing of the AP Express via Visakhapatnam or making it start from Visakhapatnam,” Mr. Srinivasa Rao told The Hindu when contacted on Tuesday.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by B. Madhu Gopal / Visakhapatnam – September 24th, 2014

Visakhapatnam jailbirds to cultivate medicinal plants for Himalaya Drug Co

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

Visakhapatnam :

In a bid to give prisoners a second chance to rebuild their lives and enter mainstream society after release, the Andhra Pradesh prisons department on Tuesday inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with The Himalaya Drug Company for cultivation of medicinal plants in the Visakhapatnam Central Prison.

Under the PPP programme, the government would provide land and labour (prisoners) for cultivation of medicinal plants in the prison premises, while the training and rehabilitation measures for enhancing skill development among inmates and monthly stipend would be provided by the drug company.

The MoU addendum was signed by B Sunil Kumar, inspector general of prisons, the AP government and Dr VU Babu, head of phytochemistry, research and development, The Himalaya Drug Company.

As per the provisions of the MoU, the drug company along with jail authorities would impart training to prisoners for cultivating medicinal plants for Himalaya’s consumption at the Visakhapatnam semi-open Central prison. Inmates would be earning a regular monthly income and acquiring essential skills in the process.

Besides training, the drug company would also supply seeds and provide technical assistance. The government would provide infrastructure, land, irrigation facilities, electricity supply and farming implements.

Speaking on the occasion, B Sunil Kumar, IG (prisons), AP, said, “The main benefit of such collaborative projects is that the prisoners can be kept engaged and get a second chance to rebuild their social lives. They would be equipped with basic skills that open up avenues for employment after they have served their sentences. In the process, the burden on the government exchequer would also come down.”

“Already, projects such as dairy unit, and petrol bunks exist in some of the central and district prisons. A telephony system would be set up in the district and sub jails from January 2015,” added the IG.

At the Vizag Central prison, which houses 930 prisoners at present, cultivation of two species, including the bitter herb Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) and drumstick (Moringa oleifera), would be focused upon for the time being as the prevalent climatic conditions and soil are suited to their cultivation. “The work would be taken up just after Dasara initially on three to four acres, which would be extended gradually,” said Vizag jail superintendent Dr I Srinivasa Rao.

“Earlier too, we received a very good response from our prison farm in Anantapur and the concept has now been extended to Vizag Central Prison, which would help rehabilitate prisoners and provide sustainable livelihoods. In the future we would be looking at expansion of such programmes to other parts of the state and country for a more holistic growth.

In Anantapur open prison, alfalfa is cultivated. If farmers follow the protocol while cultivation, we would provide 100% buyback guarantee as well as employment opportunities,” said Dr Babu of Himalaya Drug Company.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Visakhapatnam / TNN / September 24th, 2014

Google partners with AP to develop Telugu internet

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Science & Technology, World Opinion
IT Secretary Sanjay Jaju signing MoU with Google India Vice President & MD Rajan Anandan to promote digital literacy and develop Telugu internet as Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu watches at the CEOs' conclave in Visakhapatnam on Monday. Photo: Arranged photo
IT Secretary Sanjay Jaju signing MoU with Google India Vice President & MD Rajan Anandan to promote digital literacy and develop Telugu internet as Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu watches at the CEOs’ conclave in Visakhapatnam on Monday. Photo: Arranged photo

The Andhra Pradesh Government signed a historic MoU with Google here at CEOs’ conclave on Monday to develop Telugu internet and launch a series of initiatives to transform the State into digital AP in a record time.

Complimenting Google for its association, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said digitalisation and internet literacy should be achieved in tune with the speed with which Google functions.

Google India Vice-President and Managing Director Rajan Anandan and Principal Secretary, IT Sanjay Jaju signed the agreement in the presence of Mr. Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister China Rajappa, Ministers Palle Raghunatha Reddy, Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Ch. Ayyanna Patrudu and P. Sujatha.

“We want to become first State to embrace Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Digital India and set an example to other States to follow. I will personally monitor the progress,” Mr. Naidu said.

Google, a top web property specialising innovative search technologies, which was launched by Stanford PhD students Larry Page and Sergey Brin in 1998, will also connect all women self-help groups through the internet in three years.

The initiatives will include developing Telugu font, keyboards, content and increasing access to government websites and scaling the local language web to throw window of opportunities for entrepreneurship.

As per the MoU, Google will help government make their websites mobile-ready and accessible in Telugu, promote internet safety among children and government officials, improve and get more local language content online and promote digital literacy among women and help small and medium business to gain from the internet economy.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Vijayawada / Santosh Patnaik / Visakhapatnam – September 29th, 2014