Arvind, one of the largest integrated textiles and branded apparel players has opened four new stores in Hyderabad. These are located in Jubilee Hills, Chikkadpally, Kothapet and Vanasthalipuram. The Jubilee Hills store would be the company’s second flagship apart from the one existing one in Himayatnagar. Arvind’s total store count in Hyderabad now goes up to 13 and across India the number is 94.
‘The Arvind Store’ offers premium shirting & suiting fabrics for the discerning customer and display brands like US Polo Association, Flying Machine and Arrow. In addition to this, the store will have customised tailoring solutions with two unique concepts namely; Studio Arvind and Arvind Denim Lab (ADL).
Studio Arvind, the Custom Tailoring unit of the Arvind store, brings to the fore all of Arvind’s knowledge in creating world-class garments which will help you create your own look. Not only does it provide customized garments, but it also offers different styles and fits for each category. ADL is a concept exclusive to The Arvind Store which offers customised washed jeans made to order.
P S Rajiv, Head-Retail (EBOs), Arvind says: “We will be soon opening our 100th store across the country, which is an important milestone for any company. Out of these stores, 40 percent are located in Andhra Pradesh. We will be opening our 50th store across the state by the end of this fiscal.”
Arvind has licensing relationships with many international brands like Arrow, Izod, GANT, US Polo, Energie & Billabong in its brand portfolio.
source: http://www.fashionunited.com / Fashion United / Monday – May 13th, 2013
The Deccan Chronicle is as integral a part of Hyderabad as the Charminar.
Deccan Chronicle was conceived by three friends — a journalist Theodre La Touche, an advocate, B. R Chari and Sarojini Naidu’s son, a homeopath, M N Jaisoorya. They sold the idea of an “everybody’s paper” to Mr Rajagopal who supplied papers to the Nizam’s government Press.
Thus was born the Deccan Chronicle in 1938.
From those patriotism-filled pre-independence days, Deccan Chronicle has retained its position as the leading newspaper and has only grown stronger as the ‘people’s paper’.
The expansion and modernization of Deccan Chronicle began when my father, the late T Chandrashekhar Reddy, acquired DC in 1977. As the city changed and evolved, so did its people. And along with them changed and grew the Chronicle.
All newspapers report contemporary history. It is the credibility of our coverage and reports that has helped us build a broad and loyal readership. Our journalists report without fear or favour. We weigh facts and try our best to provide readers with accurate and reliable information in a context that empowers them.
We are entertaining but we are also watchdogs and give voice to the voiceless. In many ways we are driven by the reader. Most importantly our readers are assured that we have no editorial arrangements that compromise editorial integrity under commercial pressures. DC’s fascinating journey through 75 years has made it a household companion across southern India. Yet this is only the beginning. We look forward to the journey ahead with the continued affection and support of our readers.
Last but most important, the untiring effort put in by the DC team, to ensure the paper reaches your doorstep every morning without fail. Thank you all. We treasure the relationship; we couldn’t have done without each and everyone of you.
Susheela, wife of a farmer, Vishnuvardhan Rao, displaying the medicinal varieties of paddy cultivated in their fields, at Arisepalli village in Krishna district./ Photo: V. Raju / The Hindu
Here is some good news for patients suffering from joint pains, heart-related ailments and other chronic diseases. There is no need to run around hospitals if medicinal rice is consumed, says Panchakarla Vishnuvardhan Rao.
A farmer and Gopala Mithra member, Mr. Rao, is raising ‘medicinal varieties of paddy’ in the village in Krishna district. People are prone to diseases due to consumption of foodgrains that lack these values, said the farmer, who completed BZC in National College, at Machilipatnam.
Many people in their youth suffer from chronic diseases and take injections and gulp pills. The farmer’s idea is to give medicines along with food grains and keep the people away from diseases, Mr. Vishnuvardhan Rao told The Hindu.
In the ‘Navarai’ variety he has raised he claims it is good for gastro and knee patients, Dodda Beer Nallu is good for anaemic patients and adolescent girls, Rami Gali has high protein-content, Rohas Panjar and Kadam are other medicinal varieties of paddy.
“Farmers are cultivating medicinal paddy in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, which is good for pregnant women and patients suffering with other diseases. Medicinal crop varieties are not suitable for growing in saline soil and research should be done to cultivate the varieties in coastal areas”, said Mr. Vishnuvardhan.
Adopted from USA
He took the sample grains from a researcher, Sabarmatee, in Pasadena University, California in the US. She was raising 370 varieties of foodgrains in two acres in Orissa, as part of investigations.
The duration of the crop was 135 days and medicinal paddy contains high B Complex value and disease-resistance capability, he added.
It is better, if the crop is raised by using ‘go mutram’ (cow urine) and dung, said the farmer.
“My wife, Susheela, is encouraging me in raising different varieties of paddy. I allotted some land for cultivating medicinal varieties in my five and half acre paddy fields.
Farmers can give relief to the patients, if medicinal paddy is cultivated” Mr. Vishnuvardhan Rao opined.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by Rajulapudi Srinivas / Arisepalli (Krishna Dist), May 12th, 2013
The Marathwada region in Maharashtra, not long ago, was part of the erstwhile princely state of Hyderabad. Aurangabad in Marathwada and Hyderabad in Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh have a long shared history and culture. Truck-loads of the records of Mughal administration, particularly of the period of Shahjahan and Aurangzeb found in forts and palaces of Aurangabad were shifted to Hyderabad during the time of the last Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan as it was the capital of the state. Now, they form part of the State Archives and Research Institute. Similarly, the eye sketches of the splendid paintings of Ajanta caves done by a team headed by Syed Ahmed were brought to Hyderabad on the orders of the Nizam.
Ajanta caves and the paintings therein are considered a landmark in the history of art in India. They represent a distinct dimension of Buddhism. Paintings in the first set of caves are about 2,200 years old and the second set came into being some 1,500 years ago. The caves because of their unique place in the history of religion and art were declared a World Heritage Site in 1983.
There are altogether 30 caves on a range of hillocks close to Waghora river. They are divided into sanctuaries and a monastic complex.
According to Unesco, the wall paintings, profuse and sensitive, constitute the most striking artistic achievement of Ajanta. The caves are generally decorated with painted or sculpted figures of supple form and classic balance. The refined lightness of the decoration, equilibrium of the compositions, marvelous beauty of the feminine figures place the paintings in the rank of masterpieces of universal pictorial art.
The striking beauty of the caves, the paintings there and their collective importance did not escape the eyes of Ghulam Yazdani, the first director of the department of archaeology. He persuaded the Nizam to allow him to document the cave paintings. Yazdani assigned artist Syed Ahmed and his team to make the canvas copies of the paintings as many of them were being damaged by the vagaries of time.
Some 3,000 paintings were drawn. The next move for Yazdani was to get them published. They were published in four volumes from Britain somewhere in the 1930s.
Now, the sad part the story: half of the 3,000 paintings drawn by Syed Ahmed, Mohammed Jalaluddin and a few others have been on display at the state museum at Public Gardens for over four decades. But a close look reveals that they lack in upkeep. The other half are lying, mostly rolled up and uncared in the stores of the museum for decades.
The museum officials say that in spite of their repeated requests, the government has not given any money for the restoration and conservation of the paintings. Instead, some time ago, they were forced to part with several paintings which have been taken away to Buddha Vanam Museum that is coming up in Nagarjunakonda. They have been told to prepare the remaining paintings for shifting to Kalchakra Museum in Amravathi soon.
The unilateral government decision has given rise to speculation that it is planning to close down Ajanta Art Gallery in the museum by taking away the entire collection. The State Museum or to be precise Hyderabad will be made poorer of its artefacts under government supervision.
The questions which are being asked are: Why the government is not taking necessary interest in saving the collective heritage of Hyderabad? If the government wishes to save the Ajanta Art collection in the museum by taking it to some other place, why it is not doing so by keeping it in the State Museum? If the government, as it claims, wishes to take away only the paintings which have been lying unattended in stores, and not those which are on display, is it not splitting the collection?
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hyderabad / by Mir Ayoob Ali Khan / May 11th, 2013
Machilipatnam Agricultural Research Station scientists T. Anuradha and K. Nagendra Rao displaying new paddy seed varieties./ Photo: T. Appala Naidu / The Hindu
Two scientists of Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University Research Station (ARS) here have developed two paddy seed varieties, MCM 100 and MCM 101, which can grow in saline soil. The 12-year research of the experts in developing these seed varieties has revived the hopes of farmers having saline soils.
In 2011, the Directorate of Rice Research, Hyderabad, tagged MCM-101, a rabi season seed, as the second best variety among the 33 paddy seed varieties developed by the other scientists in India, ARS Principal Scientist T. Anuradha told The Hindu. As a part of testing for the second consecutive year, the seed with 125-day duration (MCM-101 variety) was sown in five locations in Andhra Pradesh in saline fields.
“We noticed that the fine quality variety withstood the ‘blast’ disease and reported better quality yield than MTU-1010, a leading rabi seed variety in Andhra Pradesh”, said Ms. Anuradha. The kharif seed MCM-100 was tested in ten locations including West Godavari, Krishna and East Godavari, in 2012 kharif. When compared with the leading MTU kharif variety seed, the MCM-100 yield was five per cent higher.
“About 6,075 kg yield per hectare was recorded from this variety as against 5,850 kg for MTU variety. The average yield of our seed in all the ten locations was 5,539 kg as against 5,269 kg of MTU,” said Ms. Anuradha. The crop duration was 140-145 days.
“The response from the farmers, who are growing and have tested the mini kits of the seed, is the real certification for our work and a Himalayan achievement,” said scientist K. Nagendra Rao, another scientist in the research on ‘Development of Saline-Tolerant Rice Varieties for Coastal Andhra Pradesh.’
The MCM-100 and 101 seed varieties are exclusive seeds that were developed for saline soil, which is plentiful in the State and is not suitable for existing paddy varieties.
“The scientists aimed at developing seeds meant for saline soils, but these two varieties will also give yield much higher than present leading varieties – MTU 1061 and BPT 5201 – if farmers grow in normal soils,” claims the scientist duo.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by T. Appala Naidu / Machilipatnam (A.P.) – May 10th, 2013
Springing forth in million dollar style, Nirav Modi comes from a lineage of old world cutters, starting at the young age of 19. Displaying a fine crafty eye for detail, his designs have dressed many a beautiful woman with an elegant sparkle. But his own inspiration comes from an elegant source – his mother.
“My mother is an interior designer and I grew up in Europe where she would take us to art museums in Rome, Paris and Vienna whenever possible. I cultivated a penchant for aesthetics and design; it has been such an integral part of what I experienced while growing up,” says Modi.
While visiting these intuitively artistic homes to some of the world’s greatest creativity, jewellery making already ran in the family.
“My grandfather was a diamantaire and my father is still an active diamantaire in Antwerp. I had absorbed a lot of diamond knowledge from them but the world of jewellery was somewhat foreign to me.”
The transition from uncut diamonds to fine jewellery happened quite unexpectedly though, when a friend asked him to design a piece. “Many years ago, a friend asked me to craft a pair of earrings for herself and a latent passion was ignited,” he shares.
So what makes Nirav Modi a brand that stands out? He explains it’s quite a simple matter of numbers.
“Traditional jewellers design a piece, then buy the diamonds and give it to local contractors for making it. From this traditional method, we have transcended to sourcing the rough stone and polishing it in our own factories in Russia. Thereby our diamond costs 15-20 per cent lower than traditional jewellers due to removing middle men. We then take the highest quality diamonds from our production and use them for creating a Nirav Modi jewel in our own workshop, ensuring exquisite craftsmanship.” Having worked on wide variety of jewellery lines, Nirav is now going simpler for his next project. “I am working on some beautiful solitaire rings which can be worn daily as well on special occasions,” he reveals.
Light for the wearer
He is glad his collection is not viewed in the ethnic segment, he wants his creations to be worn across time and space. “Our clients are a part of the international cognoscenti and have a taste for the finest. When working on jewels, I think about the woman and her comfort. This is the reason that all the jewellery has been specially crafted so that it has minimal metal, making it light for the wearer,” says Modi.
Tingle of excitement
For Modi, it isn’t just coming up with the designs, the inherent pleasure in supervising his pieces from start to finish is what really keeps him going. “I like overseeing the whole process, from sourcing and polishing the diamonds in Russia to designing and crafting the final jewel; it allows me to meticulously control quality and ensure that there is no compromise in any jewel,” says the diamond merchant.
Describing his looks and aesthetic, Modi says, “I would only use one word to describe the aesthetic: timeless. My dream is to wake up 100 years from now and see my clients’ grandchildren wearing Nirav Modi jewels. So everything that I craft is made to be a timeless heirloom.”
The Golconda Lotus necklace
The jewellery world was in for quite a surprise when Nirav Modi’s now famed Lotus necklace went for a whopping $3 million. But Modi himself couldn’t have been more surprised. “Somehow Christie’s had heard that we had this legendary Golconda diamond and asked me what we were planning with it. They saw the sketches and semi-finished necklace and immediately asked if they could have it for the cover of the next fine jewellery auction. They had not even seen the final piece,” he says. But the piece wasn’t precious just for the diamond.
“Apart from the 12 carat Golconda, the necklace also has one of the highest collection of Argyle pink diamonds ever found in a single jewellery piece and our patented Ainra Cut diamond links which replace the metal links traditionally found in jewellery,” says Modi, whose his inspiration comes “from almost everything around”.
Upcoming Hyderabad show
When Modi says everything around, he literally means it. “Inspiration for my collections comes from a variety of sources; from mythology and nature to art and children’s toys. The Scheherezade Collection has been inspired by Queen Scheherezade who told the tales of 1001 Arabian Nights, the Fluire Collection has a floral theme while a diamond cuff is an interpretation of a painting by the tribal artist Jangarh Singh Shyam,” says Modi.
Talking about the upcoming exhibition, he says, “It is almost impossible for me to choose one piece. I spend months on every single piece from sourcing the finest diamonds to perfecting the design. The Diamond Embrace Bangles are unique in that they were inspired from my daughters’ toy bangles. They came home one day with elastic bangles that stretched to embrace any wrist size. So I decided to create the same thing in gold and diamonds. Each Diamond Embrace Bangle has more than 700 moving parts which expand. We have them in yellow, white and rose gold.”
The Nirav Modi exhibition will be on display at the Taj Krishna on May 11, 12 and 13.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Swathi Sharma – Hyderabad / May 10th, 2013
BJP city president Narayana Rao garlanding the statue of revolutionary freedom fighter Alluri Seetharama Raju to mark his death anniversary at Seethammadhara junction in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday. / Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam. / The Hindu
Meetings, garlanding of statues and blood donation camps marked the 89th death anniversary of revolutionary freedom fighter Alluri Seetharama Raju organised at various places in the city on Tuesday.
At a programmes organised by the Alluri Walkers Association, Municipal Commissioner M.V. Satyanarayana, who participated as chief guest, said that it was a matter of pride for the people of Visakhapatnam as the revolutionary leader was born in Visakhapatnam and had studied at Mrs. AVN College in the city. He said that Alluri had sown the seeds for the freedom struggle in the region by creating terror in the minds of the British rulers. Responding to the plea for renaming of Visakhapatnam district as Alluri district, he said that it was a matter which could be considered by the State government and the district administration.
Earlier, he garlanded the statue of Alluri Seetharama Raju at Seethammadhara.
Walkers Association president M. Suresh presided. Earlier, association secretary Venkatesh welcomed the gathering.
CPI-M district committee secretary Ch. Narasinga Rao, GVMC chief engineer B. Jayaram Reddy, Chief Medical Officer P.V. Ramana Murthy and association members participated.
A blood donation camp was organised under the aegis of the All India Trade Union Council, All India Students Federation (AISF) and All India Youth Federation (AIYF). Kshatriya Seva Samithi president Ch. Venkatapathi Raju, CPI district council secretary J.V. Satyanarayana Murthy, CPI City council assistant secretary K. Satyanjaneya, AITUC State council members Padala Ramana, G. Vamana Murthy and Sarvani Varma participated.
Mr. Satyanarayana Murthy called upon the participants to emulate Alluri, who had fought for the rights of the tribals besides participating in the freedom struggle.
Leaders of various political parties garlanded statues of Alluri to mark the occasion.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Staff Reporter / May 08th, 2013
Good going: Nizamabad Collector Christina Z. Chongthu and Additional Joint Collector C. Sreeram Reddy with the district Kho Kho team which won the Telangana level sports competitions, in Nizamabad on Wednesday:/- Photo: K.V. Ramana / The Hindu
The Nizamabad girls and boys Kho Kho teams which bagged the first and second prizes in the Telangana level 33rd sports tournament held at Atmakur (M) in Nalgonda district were felicitated by the Collector Ms. Christina Z. Chongthu.
The Collector and the Additional Joint Collector C. Sreeram Reddy on Wednesday, complimented the teams for their efforts.
The officials also congratulated kho kho players M. Sandeep, Ch. Hareesh, A. Vijay, M. Latha, A. Honey, N. Madhuri and M.C. Srinivas who were selected for the 33rd national level tournament to be held in Himachal Pradesh from May 27. Kho Kho Association district president M. Sarala Mahender Reddy and secretary M. Gangadhar were present.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Andhra Pradesh / by Staff Reporter / Nizamabad – May 09th, 2013
Hyderabad has emerged as the largest retail hub in south India, according to a latest study by leading retail IT solutions provider Ginesys.
The study, titled “Indian Retail Footprint – 2013” says that Hyderabad witnessed 33.04 percent more retail penetration than Bangalore, despite a lower population.
At the macro-level, south India sees higher retail density than north and west India.
The report also found that tier-II cities such as Gwalior, Dhanbad, Vijayawada, Vizag, Surat, Pune and Chandigarh witnessed high penetration of retailers.
“Rise in discretionary/per capita income has given a boost to retail consumption in tier II cities and towns. At the same time, these towns and cities have witnessed rapid improvements in infrastructure and logistics enabling retailers to set up outlets to cater to the demand,” Ginesys CEO Prashant Lohia said in a statement.
In the south, cities like Vizag and Vijaywada, have become centres for heavy machine industries, in addition to traditional sea trade. This heavy commercialization can be considered a key factor responsible for high retail density.
The report also states that retail penetration is skewed towards the metros in north India comprising of the Delhi-NCR region, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
This article was distributed through the NewsCred Smartwire. Original article © IANS / Daily News 2013