Category Archives: Science & Technology

Citric acid-based disinfectant to kill chikungunya

Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Chennai :

A team of scientists in the city, along with experts in Andhra Pradesh and Japan, has found that a citric acid-based disinfectant can destroy the chikungunya virus. The chemically synthesised citric acid developed in Japan, has earlier proved effective in killing the human influenza virus.

The team from the department of virology at Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati; Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Chennai and scientists in Japan have tested the disinfectant in the form of granules on chikungunya virus. The team first collected more than 1,000 samples of chikungunya virus and developed and maintained in both human and mosquito cell line. The disinfectant was then tested on these viruses when it showed it can destroy the virus.

Scientists said the application could be on skin or fumigation to bring down the probability of infection even if bitten by a carrier mosquito. D V R Saigopal, professor of virology, SV University, said that the disinfectant, which is an ingredient in several food additives, was developed in Japan 10 years ago. “The disinfectants we get in India are detergent, phenol, foam or alcohol-based and have high toxicity and side effect. This disinfectant is solvent based and our tests showed it has low level of toxicity. It is not only safer but also cheaper,” the professor explained.

Scientists said that the disinfectant is at present approved as a mouth gargle and rinse in Japan and also used by the Japanese railways department as spray in their train coaches during flu seasons. It is also sold with a brand name ‘Clinister’ by a Japanese multinational company.

Encouraged by the positive result, the scientists have decided to approach the Union government with their research work looking for avenues to try it on other viruses. “It can kill the virus in the environment and in the mosquito as well as on the surface of the human skin where there is mosquito bite. It can be used in detergents, fumigant, mosquito repellent and hand wash,” the professor said.

Scientists have also decided to use the same methodology to test it on other viruses like foot and mouth disease virus and dengue virus.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Chennai / by U. Tejonmayam, TNN / October 14th, 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

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

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

City to get intellectual hub

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Science & Technology

Visakhapatnam :

Now, an ‘intellectual hub’ is being set up in the city. Headed by a neuro-psychiatrist, the hub named Virtue Centre will enable intellectuals and interested people to participate in discussions, brainstorming sessions, and idea-generating forums.

It will also nurture creativity, study social issues, give reports and encourage social entrepreneurship.

The hub also aims at facilitating growth of individuals, industries and institutions through innovation, idea generation, executive training, project consultancy, partnerships and inter-disciplinary linkages and cross cultural exchanges. Discussions will be held once a week with focus on education, innovation and implementation of ides.

Dr C Radhakanth, director of the hub, said it will be located at Zilla Parishad junction.

“As of now we will collaborate with the psychology department of Andhra University for education, IT professionals for innovations, and consultants from management institutes and IIMs for implementation.”

“Having worked with intellectually deficient and intellectually proficient, those with issues like mental retardation, Alzheimer’s, dyslexia, and autism, along with those who have no health problems but are ‘situationally distressed’, I feel it’s time to start contributing ideas for positive living, problem solving, intellectual development and creativity,” he added.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Visakhapatnam / TNN / October 02nd, 2014

DD to launch exclusive Telugu channel for residuary Andhra Pradesh

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Science & Technology

Doordarshan’s regional language channel for residuary Andhra Pradesh would be launched in Vijayawada, the proposed capital region of the State, on September 27.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu would launch the channel, Doordarshan Saptagiri, in the presence of Union Ministers Prakash Javadekar (Information & Broadcasting) and M Venkaiah Naidu (Urban Development), an official release said today.

The channel is being launched in the wake of bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. The newly-formed Telangana would have its own channel.

The release quoted Doordarshan Deputy Director General Sailaja Suman as saying the channel would have programmes blending cultural, political, economic, science and technology issues and aim at attracting the substantial population of youth.

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> News> India / Place: Andhra Pradesh, Agency:PTI / Thursday – September 25th, 2014

Have an Idea? Let it Take Wings at Startup Village

Business & Economy, Science & Technology
Arrangements being made for the Monday inaugural of the Startup Village by chief minister Chandrababu Naidu at the Technology Research and Innovation Park in Visakhapatnam on Sunday | EXPRESS PHOTO
Arrangements being made for the Monday inaugural of the Startup Village by chief minister Chandrababu Naidu at the Technology Research and Innovation Park in Visakhapatnam on Sunday | EXPRESS PHOTO

Visakhapatnam : 

Techies who have a product idea but do not have the tools to execute it, can breathe a sigh of relief for they can now just walk into the Startup Village to be inaugurated Monday at Technology Research and Innovation Park (TRIP) at Madhurawada Hill-3 where they would not only get all the equipment required to execute their idea but also get funding for their business venture.

Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu will formally inaugurate the Startup Village project which is designed in public-private-partnership (PPP) mode on the lines of the one in Kochi. The facility would be spread over 17,000 sft of fully furnished and air-conditioned startup space at Rushikonda in Visakhapatnam. Startup Village CEO Pranav Suresh and chief mentor Kris Gopalakrishnan, who is the co-founder of Infosys, will attend the event.

It will commence operations within two weeks in an area of 17,000 sft. The facility will have all the necessary plug-and-play equipment including computers and internet access allowing people with innovative ideas to start their companies overnight.

“To produce world-class swimmers, you need a world-class swimming pool and a world-class coach. The Startup Village at Madhurawada will provide these world-class equipment which would be otherwise not affordable for any small or startup company. The idea is to encourage youngsters particularly students who are aspiring to become entrepreneurs,” said Sanjay Vijaya Kumar, chairman of Kochi-based Startup Village, which is collaborating with Andhra Pradesh government to operationalise the Startup Village in Vizag. Thirty-year-old Sanjay Vijayakumar who is also CEO of MobME Wireless, will sign a memorandum of understanding with the state government, modelled on the Kochi-based Startup Village.

Startup Village has the stated goal of finding a billion dollar campus startup from India within the next 10 years.

“We believe that if Google, Microsoft, Apple and Facebook can be founded by young founders below the age of 24, there is talent in India to replicate the same success story,” he said, adding that the Startup Village at Visakhapatnam aims to create an ecosystem to find and nurture such visionary young entrepreneurs.

The Startup Village in Kochi attracted over 5,000 applications within two years and incubated more than 800 startups of which 256 are student startups. Nearly 46 companies are currently working from an office space of just 15,000 sft.

With an initial space of 17,000 sft, fully furnished offices and the plug-and-play system provided by Andhra Pradesh, the TRIP premises in Madhurawada can easily house 50 startup companies. Though the Startup Village will initially act as an incubator for the startup companies offering mobile and internet products, people with ideas in electronic hardware manufacture also now have a scope to realise their innovative ideas after the equipment is established. “We are bringing the Fab Lab including 3D Printers which are otherwise available only in the Western countries,” he said.

Terming Andhra Pradesh government proactive in terms of executing ideas, Sanjay feels that Vizag has the potential to become a major hub for the next phase of IT revolution in India. “Andhra Pradesh is the only state to have the Startup Policy designed to encourage startup companies which would revolutionise the IT and hardware sector in the country,” Sanjay stated.

FundingANDHRA29Sept2014

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by P S Dileep / November 29th, 2014

Students showcase ‘inspiring’ projects

Education, Science & Technology
Children being explained a project 'Pascal Law - Routine Use' during the State-level science exhibition iin Visakhapatnam. PHOTO: A. MANIKANTA KUMAR
Children being explained a project ‘Pascal Law – Routine Use’ during the State-level science exhibition iin Visakhapatnam. PHOTO: A. MANIKANTA KUMAR

Three -day State-level science expo concludes. Keeping the water scarcity in view, A. Sai Manideep has created waste water purification system which helps reuse waste water for domestic needs. He said, “If we can apply this mechanism, the water scarcity problem can be largely addressed.”

A few simple measures like installing a smoke sensor and automatic emergency doors and exits can save many lives during bus accidents. This was clearly explained by Raja Rajeswari, a Class X student of Zilla Parishad High School (Svam), Aarutegalapadu in Krishna district, who was part of the three-day State-level INSPIRE Science Exhibition II that concluded at SFS High School here on Monday.

If exhibiting their projects was exciting enough for most of the students, for those who came from various rural areas, participation itself turned out to be a unique experience. “We got to know the effective applications of solar energy, wind energy, and water recycling system at the venue and it helped us to learn and unlearn several concepts,” said Praveen Sai, a Class VIII student of ZPHS, Korukonda mandal in East Godavari district.

Water scarcity

Keeping the water scarcity in view, A. Sai Manideep has created waste water purification system which helps reuse waste water for domestic needs. He said, “If we can apply this mechanism, the water scarcity problem can be largely addressed.”

What is more appealing is the fact that the students appear to be well-versed with various science concepts and evince keen interest in experimenting with the same. “For instance, catalytic converter is used to reduce the emission from the engine used in cars. The same device can also be applied to control air pollution,” explained K.R.S. Naidu, a Class X student.

It was a different experience for B. Venkata Sai, who came from Pogiri village in Srikakulam. He said, “I feel happy that I am able to connect with people through my project — national highway solar power project and convey the message effectively.”

Out of 456 models from six districts, 23 projects will be selected for the national-level exhibition which will be held in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from October 7, according to Deputy District Education Officer, Visakhapatnam (Urban), and nodal officer of INSPIRE Award Scheme C.V. Renuka.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Rani Devalla / Visakhapatnam – September 23rd, 2014

Port City Farmer’s ‘Amrutam’ Variety Set to Rule Mango World

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion
Kongara Ramesh at his mango orchard at Tarluwada village in Visakhapatnam district | Express Photo
Kongara Ramesh at his mango orchard at Tarluwada village in Visakhapatnam district | Express Photo

Visakhapatnam :

Amrutham Ice Fruit Mango, a new variety of the king of fruits, developed by a scientist Kongara Ramesh, is entering the international markets including the United Arab Emirates, the US and several other countries. This is the first mango created by a farmer using cross-pollination technique and can be frozen and eaten in all seasons. The uniqueness of the new mango variety is that it can be eaten like an ice fruit by peeling off its skin.

The new variety was developed three years ago after a 12-year experimentation by Ramesh. In the last three years, he planted the saplings extensively to estimate its yields. Now, Ramesh is taking care of 50,000 saplings at his own nursery at Tarluwada village in Anandapuram, just 28 km away from Visakhapatnam city.

Ramesh developed the variety by cross pollination between Amrapali and Chinnarasalu mango varieties, which are very sweet and can be frozen at sub-zero temperatures.

The Amrutham Ice Fruit Mango has been selected for the world horticulture show to be held at Germany in February, 2015. “It will be the first step to market Amrutham globally. I’m sure this will bring huge foreign currency to the country,” a proud Ramesh says.

Mass Cultivation

After the great success of Amrutham, Ramesh is wasting no time for mass cultivation of the fruit. Making use of all the 100 trees he raised initially, he had developed a nursery of about 50,000 saplings aged between six months and two-and-half years. As many as 600 trees can be raised in an acre and they will bear fruit in about three to four years. The yield of the fruit is 15 tonnes per acre. Except for using organic manure in the first year, the trees need no special care.

Assured Yield

Amrutham starts flowering from November. If the flowers are damaged in November, the cyclone season, it starts flowering in December and January with an assured yield of 90 per cent. Ramesh has also developed another variety called ‘Swagatham’. The speciality of the fruit is its aroma. One fruit of Swagatham’s aroma pervades the entire house. The variety was developed by cross-pollination between Imam Pasand and Chinna Rasalu.

Export Potential

Ramesh has plans to export the Amrutham Ice Fruit Mango to several countries. A large number of Telugu NRIs and foreigners are making enquiries about the fruit. However, surprisingly, neither the state government nor the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry visited the place to take further steps for bulk cultivation.

The Man Behind the Magic Fruits

A Guntur-based farmer and homoeo doctor settled in Visakhapatnam about 15 years ago, Ramesh started his own research at a 40-acre land owned by a private company. Having great interest in the mango crop and its varieties, Ramesh developed his ideas by cross-pollinating Andhra’s most popular mango Nuziveedu Chinnarasalu with North India’s famous variety Amrapali. He displayed it at the All India Horticulture Exhibition held in New Delhi last year, where a large number of foreigners tasted it and lauded it. Ramesh also sold the fruit in Vizag market. Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority witnessed the variety and congratulated Ramesh, who is set to market the fruit on a large-scale from the next season.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by VKL Gayatri / September 24th, 2014