Category Archives: Business & Economy

ANU Lands DRDO Project on Info Code

Business & Economy, Education, Science & Technology
Guntur :
The prestigious Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has awarded a project to Acharya Nagarjuna University (ANU) to design and develop CDMA transceiver.

Vice-chancellor K Viynna Rao said that the significance of the project was that a special code would be developed by using specially designed software, which would ensure that enemies could not crack the code to get the information of the Army. Even if the enemies tried to tap information on the Army, they would get only noise but no information. The main objective of the project is to strengthen the information and communication system of the Army.

The vice-chancellor said that the Field Programme Gate Array (FPGA) technology would be used to develop the code and added that the DRDO had sanctioned Rs 29 lakh to the university for the project. P Siddaiah, the dean of university college of engineering, who would be the principal investigator of the project, said that the DRDO project would earn the university nationwide reputation.

Three Ministers to Visit ANU Today

Guntur: Ministers Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Prathipati Pulla Rao and Ravela Kishore Babu will participate in several programmes at Acharya Nagarjuna University Saturday. In a release here Friday, ANU vice-chancellor K Viyanna Rao said that release of results of PECET-2014, inauguration of new research scholars and engineering college boys hostels and laying of a foundation for international students hostel will be organised Saturday. Prof L Venugopal Reddy, chairman, AP State Council of Higher Education, and Ponnur MLA Dhulipalla Narendra Kumar will attend the Programmes.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / June 28th, 2014

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

Visakhapatnam will be financial capital of Andhra Pradesh: Ayyanna

Business & Economy

Visakhapatnam :

The government would develop Vizag as the financial capital of the state, despite the challenges in front of it, Andhra Pradesh panchayat raj minister Ayyanna Patrudu told mediapersons here on Wednesday on his first visit to the city after being inducted into the Naidu cabinet.

Ayyanna Patrudu, who was inducted into cabinet for the fifth time, gave a call to industrialists to invest in Andhra Pradesh as the state would get uninterrupted power as has been assured by the central government. He demanded that the Union government extend the special status for another five years in addition to the promised five years.

The minister said that they would strive to set up a tribal university between Vizianagaram and Visakha for the convenience for the four districts in the north Andhra region and also promised to make an effort to ensure that Vizag becomes a pollution-free city.

Ayyanna Patrudu expressed confidence about getting a sanction of Rs 60 crore to start the functioning of Visakha Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS) with a 200-bed facility. Other focus areas included making NH-16, which passes through the city a six-lane road with flyovers wherever needed.

He said the government will also aim to utilize the long coastline of Andhra Pradesh by proposing the establishment of 12 minor ports.

Responding to the resignation of Dadi Veerabadra Rao of the YSR Congress, Patrudu said anybody can join the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) if they wish to serve the party. Moreover, the former TDP minister Dadi is an ardent fan of NTR and the party leaders will not have a problem working with him, he said.

Earlier, Ayyanna Patrudu visited the Simhachalam temple and offered prayers to Lord Varaha Lakshminarasimha Swamy.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Visakhapatnam / TNN / June 12th, 2014

Development of NW-4 a boon to A.P.

Business & Economy

Project expected to be environment-friendly and economical. The project has been in deep freezer for over five years, and it is high time it was taken out and implemented.

The development of National Waterway No. 4 will be a boon to the cash-strapped Andhra Pradesh. The waterway project that stretches from Kakinada to Puducherry for the transport of cargo in Nellore, Prakasam, Guntur, Krishna, West and East Godavari districts to the existing and developing ports is expected to be both environmental-friendly and economical.

NW4ANDHRA19jun2014

An estimated 11 million tonnes of cargo is expected to be transported through NW-4 every year.

Various canals can be linked with stretches of Krishna and Godavari rivers to form a 1,095-km waterway from Kakinada to Puducherry. This network of canals and sections of Krishna and Godavari rivers have been declared as the National Water No. 4 on November 25, 2008, and entrusted to the National Waterway Authority of India (NWAI) for development.

The project has been in deep freezer for over five years, and it is high time it was taken out and implemented.

Former Vijayawada Irrigation Circle Deputy Superintending Engineer Rajendra Prasad said the development of NW-4 would be a boon to Andhra Pradesh that required rapid development. Agriculture produce can be brought to the NW 4 through canals that are linked from interior rural areas, he said. The estimated cost of developing the National Waterway was Rs. 1,515 crore according to the prices of 2009.

According to a project prepared by the NWAI, stretches of Godavari and Krishna rivers and Eluru Canal, which had the maximum cargo potential, could be taken up in the first phase. The estimated cost of Phase One of the project was Rs. 609 crore (as per 2009 prices). The cost of the second phase for the development of North and South Buckingham Canal, Commamur Canal and Kaluvelly Tank was Rs. 906 crore.

The Commamur Canal begins at Vijayawada and ends at Pedaganjam in Prakasam district. The North Buckingham Canal begins at Pedaganjam and continues as South Buckingham Canal to Puducherry. The project costs will have to be revised as for the new prices, Mr. Rajendra Prasad said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by G. Venkataraanan Rao / Vijayawada – June 11th, 2014

Vaibhav Chain Store to be Opened at Kakinada Today

Business & Economy

Kakinada :

Vaibhav Jewellers chairman-cum-managing director Mallika Manoj Grandhi said that the first chain store would be launched in the fertilizer city Kakinada on the Temple Street by Tamil Nadu Governor Konejeti Rosaiah, Thursday.

She told mediaperons here Wednesday that the largest collection of gold, platinum, diamond and silver jewellery and articles with exquisite designs would be available in the showroom.

Vaibhav Jewellery executive director Amarendra Grandhi said the designs were carefully selected from across the country to suit the tastes of customers. Quality and craftsmanship are the specialities. Gopal Automotive Services chairman-cum-managing director Ch Ravindra would light the lamp. RM Rice Mill proprietor SK Reddy and Green Field Schools director GN Rao would be the first purchasers from the ground to the first floors, he announced. Vaibhav deputy general manager (marketing) J Raghunadh and others were present.

Grandhi Ram Murthi first floated Vaibhav Textiles in 1900 at Eluru and Grandhi Bala Krishna developed it in 1937. Later in 1964, Grandhi Narendras took the mantle and diversified into Vaibhav Jewellery.

It was opened in Visakhapatnam in 1995. It has now  emerged as Vaibhav Empire Private Limited. The group is providing employment to 450 persons directly.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / June 05th, 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

Dutch firm to prepare sanitation plan for Vizag

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, World Opinion

Visakhapatnam :

Noida-based consultancy firm Royal Haskoning DHV, part of the Dutch Royal Haskoning group, has been commissioned by the Union ministry of housing, urban development and poverty alleviation to undertake a study and prepare an action plan for implementing a clean sanitation programme covering the entire Greater Visakhapatanam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) limits.

The project, called capacity building for urban development, is expected to be completed within the next four months, GVMC commissioner MV Satyanarayana said, pointing out that the consultancy firm will prepare an action plan and submit a report to the central government. The report will also include the requirement for necessary funds from the Centre and state, apart from the share to be put in by GVMC, based on the financial status of the civic body.

Showcasing the highlights of the preliminary studies to various stakeholders on Wednesday, team leader Ashit Neema said their team had been conducting a study for the last 20 days in the city and had looked at drinking water supply, sanitation, drainages and solid waste management.

As per the 2011 census, Neema said 68% of the houses in the city were getting clean drinking water whereas 17% were dependent on borewells and another 15% on wells. Furthemore, coming to the sanitation aspect, he said about 86% people had access to toilets, 4% were dependent on public toilets and 10% has no access to toilets. Also, he said that only 60% of city had drainages and that there was a need to strengthen the city’s solid waste management system.

Neema said the project would be taken up in eight phases, with the first phase being constituting a city sanitation task force, followed by various rounds of workshops to make stakeholders understand the problems and resolve them . He said that a final city sanitation plan would be released after four months or so as part of the project in order to make Vizag a clean city.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Visakhapatnam / TNN / June 05th, 2014

AP: Farmers floats cooperative

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

CowAP05jun2014

Nearly 1,000 farmers from six villages in Mopidevi mandal of Krishna district have resolved to form a marketing co-operative society for their agriculture produce.

The farmers growing vegetables and horticulture products along the banks of the Krishna river will greatly benefit from this cooperative venture.

The venture mainly supported by Nabard will enable the farmers to open vegetable and fruit collection points in their respective villages and sell the produce without middlemen.

With the availability of abundant ground water the farmers in the villages have been growing crops round the year and waiting for better marketing facilities. The cooperative society will solve their long-standing problem.

source: http://www.indiancooperative.com / Indian Cooperative / Home> From States / by Amey Kumar / June 01st, 2014

Europeans bowled over by Kalamakari

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, World Opinion

 

A foreigner selecting Kalamkari products at Pedana in Krishna district. / Photo: T Appala Naidu / The Hindu
A foreigner selecting Kalamkari products at Pedana in Krishna district. / Photo: T Appala Naidu / The Hindu

Nicolas Sarkozy’s sister to Oprah Winfrey’s designer, many prefer it.

Traditional Kalamkari artisans of a tiny town on the Indian East Coast have a valid reason to cherish and celebrate their work, for to which Europeans are doffing their hats in awe. If anything to go by the sale of Kalamkari products, exporter P. Srinivas and his New York-based business partner Mary Mulcahy, France President Nicolas Sarkozy’s sister, designer for Oprah Winfrey and world famous interior designer Jacques Grange are a few who fell in love with the exquisite work done by the rural artisans.

The swelling register of the Kalamkari lovers also tempted the ‘Vogue Magazine’ that ran a green campaign referring natural fabric designs and products of the Kalamkari in their Christmas issue. In Hollywood, Kalamkari product made in Pedana can be sighted in the Academy Award winning movie Dallas Buyers Club, an American biographical drama film directed by Jean-Marc Vallee.

Referring to orders pouring in from across the Europe, in an e-mail to Mr. Srinivas, Ms. Mulcahy wrote earlier that “I wanted to tell you that the crown princess of Greece contacted me and wants to use our fabrics for her products and her shops in London, Athens and New York. That is quite an honour!!!”.

“Many a times I am helpless to meet the demand from my customers, particularly in the rainy season. It was a great honour for every artisan for the recognition that our art has received around the world,” opined Mr. Srinivas. Kalamkari artisans and renowned Kalamkari block-designers Gangadhar brothers have expressed that they have a greater responsibility in maintaining the standard and quality of the rural industry for the sake of well-being and survival of the traditional art – Kalamkari.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by T. Appala Naidu / Pedana – June 03rd, 2014

Pedana Kalamkari art form gets GI tag

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, World Opinion
A Kalamkari artist immersed in designing a piece of cloth. / File Photo / The Hindu
A Kalamkari artist immersed in designing a piece of cloth. / File Photo / The Hindu

Now, the production of Machilipatnam Kalamkari will be geographically limited to Pedana town and its neighbouring villages

Kalamkari, renowned for natural dye art or designs on fabrics, has been registered in the Geographical Indications Registry (GIR) of the Government of India under the Geographical Identification of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

Members of Vegetable Dye Hand Block Kalamkari Printers’ Welfare Association, Pedana received the registration certificate from the GIR, Chennai. In the GI Registration, this art form has, however, been recognised as ‘Machilipatnam Kalamkari’. Pedana is 15 k.m. from Machilipatnam.

“The registration will enable us to initiate legal action against those who copy the art or design in any form. It also restricts the production of fabrics with Kalamkari art in the areas falling out of the registered geographical area,” said the Welfare Association executive member Bandaru Anand Prasad.

According to GIR’s authorised user no – AU/396/GI/19/12, production of Machilipatnam Kalamkari is geographically only limited to Pedana town and its neighbouring villages of Machilipatnam, Polavaram and Kappaladoddi in Guduru mandal of Krishna district.

The ingredients used in the preparation of colours, stages of applying the dye and designs on fabrics were also submitted to the GIR authorities for the conservation of the art as well as easy identification of violators anywhere. Nevertheless, the geographical identification was limited for a few areas of production – such as textiles and textile goods, bed and table covers, clothing, carpets, rugs, linoleum and other materials for covering existing floors and embroidery.

“Since the new status deals with promising the registered standards of the Kalamkari, even local artisans and production houses have no exemption from the guidelines, framed for conservation of the art, if they fail to maintain the respective standard,” added Mr. Anand Prasad.

“Now we have every right to seek legal action against the violators – who copy the art form on the registered products,” he added. On the other hand, the scientists of National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad were engaged in producing new colours meant for Machilipatnam Kalamkari and a special training programme on applying new colours was also completed this week.

As a witness of the existence of the art form, a wall hanger dating back to 15th Century AD, is still being displayed in Victoria Museum, London.

The article has been edited to correct an editing error.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Andhra Pradesh / by  T. Appala Naidu / Pedana (Krishna District) / August 18th, 2013