Category Archives: Science & Technology

VGS-Cavallo Energy fast-tracks floating LNG terminal project off Andhra Pradesh

Business & Economy, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Plan to commission the 3.6-mt terminal by July next year

Hyderabad :  

Krishna Godavari LNG Terminal Ltd, a joint venture between VGS Group, Cavallo Energy of the US and Belgium’s Exmar, is fast-tracking its 3.6 million tonnes (mt) floating terminal project off Kakinada coast in Andhra Pradesh.

The company is hastening the commissioning schedules, expecting a surge in demand, as the new State Government is set to take immediate measures to boost power production.

The $450-million (₹2,670-crore) project is expected to fire up a significant chunk of the gas-famished power units in the region, which are today lying idle for want of fuel.

Speedy commissioning

Set to face the first public hearing for environmental clearance later this month, the company is readying to start construction by November. It plans to commission the project by July next year.

Unlike shore-based LNG terminals, a floating facility, which will be the first-of-its-kind in India, takes relatively shorter time for commissioning, as ready-made floating storage and floating re-gasification units are available in the market.

The 5-mt Gangavaram Port LNG Terminal, being developed by Petronet LNG in neighbouring Visakhapatnam, is also looking at clearing the decks for the project at the earliest.

Boost to power production

MVSR Kamesam, Director (India Operations) of VGS Group, said the 3.6-mt terminal can fire up power projects with a capacity of 4,000 MW.

“After we add another 3.6 mt capacity in the next three to four years, a total of 8,000 MW of power can be generated,” he told Business Line.

An estimated 3,000 MW of capacity is today lying stranded in the new Andhra Pradesh for want of gas, especially after output from the KG Basin shrank.

The company intends to keep the cost of gas below $15 a unit (gas is measured in million British thermal units). “At this price, power can be produced at ₹5-5.50 a unit,” Kamesam said. Apart from the two floating units, which are being built in China for $250 million, the facility will include a mooring system to hold the LNG carriers and a sub-sea pipeline that will deliver gas to the shore.

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line / Home> Companies / by Amit Mitra / Hyderabad – June 11th, 2014

Efftronics develops automatic signalling system for trains

Records, All, Science & Technology
D. Rama Krishna (extreme left), MD, Efftronics, addressing a press meet in Vijayawada on Friday. - Photo: Ch.Vijaya Bhaskar / The Hindu
D. Rama Krishna (extreme left), MD, Efftronics, addressing a press meet in Vijayawada on Friday. – Photo: Ch.Vijaya Bhaskar / The Hindu

City-based technology company, Efftronics Systems Private Limited developed ‘Automatic Signalling System Integrity Tester’, an electronic testing system, which ensures safe running of trains. This system conducts several test cases generated by the software and there are inbuilt checks for every detail like wiring, platforms and clearances for operations of trains.

In the normal course, signal engineers conduct a thorough test before introducing any signalling system at a station. After rectifying any defects, if any, they certify its safety and introduce train operations, said D. Rama Krishna, Managing Director of Efftronics Systems, here on Friday.

“The testing in the existing practice is done manually and there is scope for errors. This apart, there is no evidence available for tests conducted and results obtained for future reference in case of any accidents,” he explained.

The Automatic Signalling System Integrity Tester was aimed at addressing such deficiencies. The system would generate several test cases and tests were conducted by embedded electronic system. The results were automatically evaluated by the software, he said.

Details pertaining to tests conducted, results obtained and defects observed are all recorded for reference of signal engineers. Over a dozen employees worked on this project for about four years. Last year, this system was tested at 24 stations in the country and 99 defects were detected at 16 stations, claimed Mr. Krishna.

Rail Business, a monthly magazine supported by Asian Railway Association and Asian Institute of Transport Development, New Delhi presented its “Product of the Year -2013” award to Efftronics.

Railway Board Chairman Arunendra Kumar presented the award to B. Sambireddy, Chief Engineer of Efftronics at New Delhi on June 6.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by Special Correspondent / Vijayawada – June 14th, 2014

Veerulapadu residents get smokeless chulhas

Green Initiatives / Environment, Science & Technology, Uncategorized

Officials of the Krishna district branch of New & Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NREDCAP) on Monday distributed fuel-efficient smokeless chulhas in Veerulapadu mandal headquarters and in Jujjur village under Veerlulapadu mandal.

“Conventional firewood stoves have only 8 per cent fuel efficiency against the smokeless chulhas with 30 per cent fuel-efficiency, developed by Tamil Nadu Agricultural University,” said NREDCAP Krishna district Manager K. Srinivasa Rao.

Allotted

He said of the 1,000 chulhas allotted to the Krishna district unit, 500 were given to beneficiaries in Veerulapadu mandal and another 500 in Jujjuru village.

Subsidy

The cost of each is Rs. 150. With the State extending a subsidy of Rs. 125, the beneficiaries paid only Rs. 25 per chulha, he said. MDO P. Srinivasulu, sarpanch B. Bikshali, ZPTC Sk. Md. Shahnaz Begum and MPTCs Sk. Nagul Meera and T. Veerababu were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by Special Correspondent / Vijayawada – June 03rd, 2014

The brain behind a future international airport

Business & Economy, Science & Technology

 

B.G. Patil / The Hindu
B.G. Patil / The Hindu

Gannavaram Airport Director B.G. Patil has an action plan ready. He will play a key role in developing the airport on par with international standards.

He has been at the forefront of the development of Gannavaram airport for the last five years. Now, the airport has reached a stage where it is poised to be transformed into an international one in the next few years, thanks to its proximity to Guntur and Vijayawada where the capital of Andhra Pradesh is likely to come up.

He will play a key role in developing the airport on par with international standards. An action plan has also been chalked out in coordination with elected representatives from the region to achieve the goal.

Meet B.G. Patil (56), a native of Bidar in Karnataka, who has been striving to develop the airport on all fronts ever since he took charge as Project In-Charge in June 2009. He supervised runway strengthening works and the construction of the taxiway and apron.

The works taken up at a cost of Rs. 50 crore were completed within the stipulated time. Installation of the landing system equipment, tower automation and surveillance systems were some other projects executed under his supervision.

As the terminal was congested, extension works were carried out for the convenience of passengers. Conveyer belts were placed for baggage loading at the arrival counter. For night landing facility, simple approach lightings were installed on both sides of the runway. “With the assistance of senior officials, we took a series of steps to develop the airport,” says Mr. Patil.

While Mr. Patil was serving as Project In-Charge, orders came from the headquarters in New Delhi in October 2012, informing that he was appointed as Director of Gannavaram airport. He is also in charge of project and maintenance works at Rajahmundry and Visakhapatnam airports.

“We are striving hard to improve facilities here,” Mr. Patil says. A blueprint is being prepared in-coordination with local MPs and MLAs for developing Gannavaram into an international airport, he adds.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by M. Srinivas / Vijayawada – June 10th, 2014

Child Rights Body to Start Mother’s Milk Banks

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Nature, Science & Technology

Hyderabad :

Balala Hakkula Sangham, an organisation for the protection of child rights, has come with a first of its kind initiative to start a Mother’s Milk Bank, in association with Lotus Hospitals, to cater to the needs of orphaned infants. Infant mortality rate in Andhra Pradesh is 41 per 1,000 births in 2012 and most of the deaths are due to respiratory and diarrheal causes.

The main objectives of the initiative is to ensure that every baby born receives mother’s milk, to avoid bottled or animal formula milk and to provide ancillary support to breastfeeding. Donors of milk are tested for various diseases like Tuberculosis, HIV VDRL and Hepatitis before they make a contribution and will be screened by experts to rule out any virus or harmful bacteria. After a thorough screening procedure, the milk is donated to the needy children free of cost.

The average volume of milk taken is between 50-150 ml. “Experts say on an average, lactating women can produce 600 ml milk per day and 300 ml should be sufficient for their little ones. The minimum requirement for children without a feeding mother is 150 ml per day,” said Balala Hakkula Sangham general secretary P Anuradha Rao. For women who donate their milk, it helps them too as it would increase prolactin levels, preventings benign tumors in them.

The contributed milk is refrigerated and transferred to the bank in large containers. Later, it is pasteurised at 62.5 degree centigrade for 30 minutes, which preserves the milk from 80 percent of immunological factors, destroying pathogens, including HIV virus.

The pasteurised milk can be stored for six months, in the freezer for 48 hours, and six to eight hours at room temparature. The milk will be donated on first come first served basis.

Campaigning for donors will begin on the International Day for Protection of Children on June 1. Mother’s Milk Banks will come into operation from the first week of August, which is the International Breast Feed Week.

Breast milk contains various proteins and enzymes such as Immunoglobulins, Lysosomes and Lymphocytes that kill bacterial cells and increase immunity.

“Breast milk is every child’s right. Unfortunately there are instances where a child is deprived of this valuable right. In such a circumstance, the child can still be fed with breast milk through the breast milk banks,” Anuradha Rao said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Sameera Jonnalagadda / May 26th, 2014

Body donated to GMC

Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Leaders, Science & Technology, Uncategorized

Even after death, the husband and wife duo refuse to be parted! When Lingam Hanumanta Rao died last year, his wife Lingam Durga Devi donated his body to Gandhi Medical College (GMC) for research. On last Friday, when Durga Devi died of old age, her wish was fulfilled by her close relatives when they donated her body for research purpose to the GMC.

The noble gesture came in the backdrop of severe shortage of bodies that are required to study human anatomy for medical students in government teaching hospitals.

In fact, medical college students struggle to find a body for study . Both Osmania Medical College and the GMC suffer from shortage of bodies for research.Relatives of Durga Devi along with members of A.P. Body Donors’ Association (APBDA) visited the GMC on Thursday to finish all formalities and donate the body of the deceased.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Staff Reporter / Hyderabad – May 16th, 2014

RGUKT students for space conference in USA

Business & Economy, Education, Science & Technology, World Opinion

The contingent of 32 students of Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies (RGUKT) who won prizes in the NASA Ames Space Settlement Design Contest 2014 will be participating in the 33rd NSS International Space Development Conference in Los Angeles, scheduled to be held from May 14 to 18.

The State Bank of Hyderabad and the State Bank of India have come forward to provide sponsorship to the tune of Rs.30 lakh and Rs. 5 lakh respectively to fund the participation of the students. The university is also providing partial support, said R.V.Raja Kumar, Vice- Chancellor, RGUKT.

Prof. Kumar said that RUGKT students have been participating in this global competition for the last three years. This year they have won prizes for all the 19 projects done by them. “We are proud of our students for the recognition they got. They get a chance to interact with space scientists of high reputation from different countries.”

The NASA Ames Space Settlement Contest is an annual contest, which invites students from around the world, to design permanent orbital settlements in space, not on any planet or moon, and the best designs are awarded prizes.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Special Correspondent / Hyderabad – May 13th, 2014

First double-decker train chugs off to Guntur

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Science & Technology
The South Central Railway launched new air-conditioned double-decker bi-weekly superfast trains from Kacheguda to Guntur on Tuesday./ PHOTO: Nagara Gopal / The Hindu
The South Central Railway launched new air-conditioned double-decker bi-weekly superfast trains from Kacheguda to Guntur on Tuesday./ PHOTO: Nagara Gopal / The Hindu

Excitement grips passengers and those who came to see them off. On its inaugural run, it was flagged off not by a ‘neta’ or a senior official, but by Abdul Rehman, a train lighting helper.

Practically every one of the 350-odd passengers was getting himself/herself photographed with his/her near and dear ones, with the colourful train serving as the backdrop, as the electric locomotive blew its horn before beginning its journey, early on Tuesday morning.

As South Central Railway’s first air-conditioned, chair-car, double-decker superfast express to Guntur left Kacheguda, there were cheers all around. For most of those on platform no. 4, those who boarded the train and those who came to see them off, the sight of a double-decker train was a first time experience and hence the high-level excitement.

It was driven by loco pilot Karimullah, who has 18 years of experience behind the locomotive wheel and assistant loco pilot Ramakrishna (three years). On its inaugural run, it was flagged off not by a ‘neta’ or a senior official, but by Abdul Rehman, a train lighting helper, as he would retire from service this month-end. With the model code of conduct in force, inaugural by a Minister or a political leader was ruled out. A senior official informed that SCR’s General Manager P.K. Srivastava wanted the inauguration of this train to be done differently.

Schedule

The Kacheguda-Guntur train no. 22118 will leave on Tuesdays and Fridays at 5.30 a.m. and reach at 10.40 a.m. with halts at Malkajgiri, Nalgonda, Miryalaguda and Piduguralla. On the return, no. 22117 will leave Guntur at 12.45 p.m. and reach Kacheguda at 5.55 p.m. The 10-rake train can carry 120 passengers in each, totalling to a whopping 1,200 passengers, the equivalent of 55 to 60 trains.

Starting from Wednesday, the same rake will leave for Tirupati at 6.45 a.m. and return by Thursday night, in time for its run to Guntur on Friday, said Chief Public Relations Officer K. Sambasiva Rao, pointing out that the rake would be used to its optimum, with eight services, four each to Guntur and Tirupati. “Depending upon the patronage, we will work out how to expand our service,” he said.

The unique selling proposition of the rake is that for the first time in Indian Railways, it comes with VESDA (Very Early Smoke/Fire Detection with Alarm System). There are 17 sensors at different points in each coach for the purpose. Each chair-car coach can seat 120 persons and as against the conventional chair-car coaches that cost Rs. 1.54 crore each, the new ones cost a whopping Rs. 2.86 crore each. The fare to Guntur is Rs. 415 and Rs. 720 for Tirupati.

Meanwhile, the members of the Suburban Train and Bus Travellers’ Association, Malkajgiri welcomed the newly-introduced Kacheguda-Guntur superfast double-decker train on Tuesday at Malkajgiri railway station. The Association members thanked the railway authorities for arranging stoppage at Malkajgiri and also requested the Rail Vikas Nigam Limited authorities to call fresh tenders for MMTS Phase 2.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> City> Hyderabad / by Suresh Krishnamoorthy / Hyderabad – May 13th, 2014

Double Decker Train Begins Maiden Journey

Business & Economy, Records, All, Science & Technology
Passengers travelling in the air-conditioned double-decker train on its inaugural run from Kacheguda in Hyderabad to Guntur on Tuesday | EXPRESS PHOTO
Passengers travelling in the air-conditioned double-decker train on its inaugural run from Kacheguda in Hyderabad to Guntur on Tuesday | EXPRESS PHOTO

For about 500 rail passengers who travelled from Kacheguda to Guntur on Tuesday morning turned out to bememorable and joyous occasion when they travelled in the first ever double decker train which was flagged off from Kacheguda on Tuesday.

South Central Railway added another milestone in its eventful journey, when the first-ever double decker train on its network began its run at 5:30 am from Kacheguda to Guntur on its maiden trip. The  AC coach train, powered by two generator cars, was a feast to the eye with its bright yellow and red colour.

The colour scheme and interiors are a departure from the convention to give aesthetic appeal and added comfort.

The train chugged off from Kacheguda, with the senior most employee of the station, M.Abdul Rahman, working in the electrical department waving the green flag for the loco pilot to start.

The passengers were busy taking their ‘selfies’ on the smart phones to cherish this journey. For the children, it was an interesting interlude as they ran through the passage of the coaches, shuffling between various decks.

‘’We are thrilled to travel in the double decker train and will cherish this proud moment for long and even clicked our photographs in the train,’’ Lakshmi of Guntur, who came to city to attend a function, said.

“Several years ago we used to travel in double decker buses on city roads and now travelling in double decker train is exciting. Railways should extend more and more such double decker trains on other important routes where the demand is heavy,’’ Venkat from Hyderabad said.

For two loco pilots of Guntur division, SK Karimulla and Y Ramakrishna (assistant loco pilot) who steered the train, it was a proud moment of their career as they received accolades from all the passengers and the onlookers.

Kacheguda-Guntur AC bi-weekly double decker superfast express will depart from Kacheguda at 05:30 am every Tuesday and Friday and arrive in Guntur at 10:40 am.

In the return direction, it will depart from Guntur at 12:45 pm every Tuesday and Friday and arrive in Kacheguda at 05:55 pm.

Sec’bad-Kakinada Spl Train on May 16

Hyderabad: The South Central Railway will run two special trains between Secunderabad and Kakinada Town to clear extra rush of passengers. Secunderabad-Kakinada Town special train will depart from Secunderabad at 09:45 pm on May 16 (Friday) and arrive in Kakinada Town at 09:35 am the next day. In the opposite direction, the special train will depart from Kakinada Town at 10 pm on May 15 (Thursday) and arrive in Secunderabad at 10:55 am the next day.  Enroute, these trains will stop at Nalgonda, Miryalguda, Nadikudi, Guntur, Vijayawada, Gudivada, Kaikalur, Akividu, Bhimavaram Town, Tanuku, Nidadavolu, Rajahmundry and Samalkot stations in both the directions. Advance Reservations will open at 8 am on Wednesday.

Sec’bad-Hubli Spl Trains to Run till June 29

Hyderabad: To clear extra rush of passengers during summer season, tri-weekly special train currently running between Secunderabad and Hubli has been extended  to run till June 29. Secunderabad-Hubli tri-weekly special train will depart from Secunderabad at 4:00 pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from May 18 to June 29 and arrive in Hubli at 07:50 a.m. the next day. In the return direction, it will depart from Hubli at 08:50 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from May 17 to June  28 and arrive in Secunderabad at 11:45 am the next day. Enroute, these trains will stop at Begumpet, Lingampally, Vikarabad, Tandur, Sedam, Chittapur, Wadi, Shahabad, Gulburga, Ganagapur, Hotgi, Indi Rd, Bijapur, Bagevadi Rd, Almatti, Bagalkot, Badami, Hole Alur, Gadag and Annigeri stations in both the directions.

Kacheguda, Tirupati train to  be Flagged Off Today

This brand new double decker train will chug its way out to another popular destination, Tirupati, from Kacheguda on Wednesday. Kacheguda-Tirupati bi-weekly double decker superfast express will depart from Kacheguda at 06:45 am every Wednesday and Saturday and arrive in Tirupati at 06:15 pm In the return direction, it will depart from Tirupati at 05:45 am every Thursday and Sunday and arrive in Kacheguda at 05:15 pm

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Express News Service – Hyderabad / May 14th, 2014

Visual way to combating social evils

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Science & Technology
A. Ramadevi, Officer on Special Duty, Law and Order, Rajahmundry showing her short-film on Nirbhaya Act on her Tab. / Photo: BVS Bhaskar / The Hindu
A. Ramadevi, Officer on Special Duty, Law and Order, Rajahmundry showing her short-film on Nirbhaya Act on her Tab. / Photo: BVS Bhaskar / The Hindu

Rama Devi chooses the visual medium to educate and enlighten unlettered masses

Visual storytelling is an ancient art. Visuals help us tell stories with impact. A. Rama Devi, Officer on Special Duty, Law and Order and Traffic (Additional SP rank), Rajahmundry, chose this powerful medium to educate and enlighten the unlettered masses on social evils.

A native of the Andhra region, the women police officer has gained prominence in Warangal district for her prudent approach to issues.

When she was posted as Sub-Divisional Police Officer at Mahabubabad in Warangal district towards the end of 2011, she decided to take up issues related to the welfare of women in Lambada thandas (hamlets). “There were a total of 696 Lambada thandas under the purview of 10 police stations which were under my jurisdiction. Almost 98 per cent of them were unlettered and so, the level of awareness about key issues was very low,” she recalls.

To drive home her point effectively, she used the visual media as a tool and made a short film, Chaitanyam, which portrays a fierce fight against brewing of gudumba (illicit liquor). Several youngsters joined hands to promote the short film.

Chaitanyam also brings to the fore other existing practices like chewing of tobacco and child labour.

“I wrote the script and directed the film and gave it a voice. For camera, editing and acting, I used local talent,” she says. The first CD of the film was released by then SP Rajesh Kumar Singh.

When ‘Nirbhaya Act’ came into force following the Delhi rape incident, Ms. Ramadevi came up with yet another short film to enlighten the public on the clauses of the Act, explaining in detail each Section of the IPC relating to rape, attempt to rape and molestation. Her work was widely appreciated.

“My 10-year stint as Mandal Parishad Development Officer (MPDO) has helped me understand issues quickly and respond to them immediately,” she says.

Ms. Ramadevei passed Group-2 exams in 1996 and was appointed MPDO. She won the best MPDO award continuously for 10 years. A native of Srikakulam, she is also a postgraduate.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by  B.V.S. Bhaskar / Rajahmundry – May 13th, 2014