Monthly Archives: June 2014

700 Hyderabad firms shift to truncated Andhra Pradesh

Hyderabad :

At least 700 small and medium businesses owned by people with roots in Rayalseema  and coastal Andhra Pradesh have shifted their registered offices from Hyderabad to truncated Andhra Pradesh state over the last few months.

The move is seen as indicating uneasiness among businesses about their prospects in Hyderabad, which will become the sole capital of  Telangana in 10 years, and may hurt revenue collection in India’s newest state.

A senior official  at the ministry of corporate affairs said that some of those who have shifted have all their manufacturing and production facilities located in Andhra Pradesh and find no reason to continue their registered offices in a place that no longer belongs to their state.

“They also cite administrative advantages in shifting registered offices to a location close to their manufacturing facility,” the official said on condition of anonymity.

Telangana, which was carved out from Andhra Pradesh on June 2, enjoyed revenue surplus thanks mostly to large tax revenue from businesses with registered offices in Hyderabad, the economic growth engine of what used to be India’s fourth-largest state.

From June 2, 118 new companies have registered in Andhra Pradesh compared to only 12 companies in Telangana state. As there is no clarity yet on the exact tax benefits Andhra Pradesh will get in lieu of losing Hyderabad, the companies shifting their registered offices may not gain much immediately.

source: http://www.articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com / The Economic Times / Home> News> Emerging Business> SME Sector> Andhra Pradesh / CR Sukumar, ET Bureau / June 24th, 2014

Let the camera speak

Rashi Khanna and Naga Shourya in a still from 'Oohalu Gusagusalade' / The Hindu
Rashi Khanna and Naga Shourya in a still from ‘Oohalu Gusagusalade’ / The Hindu

Debut cinematographer Venkat C. Dilip feels honing his skills in the US helped him take a new look at cinema

Venkat C. Dilip submitted his thesis as part of his course in cinematography only to be told by the professor that his work was overshadowing the film instead of seamlessly blending with it. Venkat made the necessary changes and re-submitted his thesis. He remembered this lesson when he stepped out of film school to work as a camera assistant for Hollywood projects like Savannah andCrackerjack and short films such as Passing Through Traveling Down and The Visions of Dylan Bradley. “I observed that the work of many cinematographers tends to dominate a project and didn’t want to do that,” he says.

Now, Venkat’s cinematography in Oohalu Gusagusalade is being lauded for befitting the narrative and not trying to rise above what’s being demanded by the script. This is his first Telugu film and Venkat feels he has come full circle. “I was born in Guntur and did mechanical engineering from Chennai, before moving to the US,” he says.

Like many youngsters aspiring to learn the basics of filmmaking, Venkat too decided to train to be a director. But rather than taking up courses for script writing and direction, he was drawn to cinematography. “The course also taught me editing, which is essential to be a filmmaker,” he says.

Venkat C Dilip
Venkat C Dilip

During the three-year masters programme at Savannah College of Arts and Design, he got to intern on the sets of Robert Redford’s The Conspirator. “I was the only Asian on the sets. From Guntur to training with Robert Redford’s unit, it was a big shift. My father had egged me on to go to the US. I am so glad he did; my learning and work experience there changed my thought process. I learnt to look at a film differently,” he says. Venkat’s parents are film buffs and academicians now working in Swaziland.

A common friend, Bala Rajasekhar, sent Venkat’s work to Srinivas Avasarala and he got to work onOohalu Gusagusalade. “Looking back, I feel grateful for the faith Srinivas Avasarala and producer Sai Korrapati had in a debutant like me,” he says. Shooting a film with limited budget had its challenges. “Coming from a film school, I love challenges. The prospect of having to work around limitations triggers creativity,” he adds.

The portions between Rashi Khanna and Naga Shourya in Vizag have drawn attention. “The Vizag locales were refreshing. I wanted this portion of the film to look beautiful, yet not artificial,” he says. Appreciation had been coming in from his ilk as well. “Senthil Kumar appreciated the beach song for its colours and texture and P.G Vinda liked the night photography. That was a bit tricky; we had limited lights and had to make the scenes appear natural,” says Venkat.

Oohalu has opened new doors in the Telugu film industry but Venkat is looking forward to return to the US. “I want to work on both international projects and Telugu films. It will be tough, but I hope I will be able to work in both countries,” he signs off.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Cinema Plus / by Sangeetha Devi Dundoo / Hyderabad – June 23rd, 2014

Chinna Jeeyar Swamy Unveils Ashok Gajapathi Raju’s Book

Sri Tridandi Chinna Jeeyar Swamy (2nd right) releasing the book ‘Stray Thoughts on Political Economy’ written by P Anand Gajapathi Raju (right), chairman of MANSAS Trust, at the MGVR College of Engineering campus in Vizianagaram on Monday | Express Photo
Sri Tridandi Chinna Jeeyar Swamy (2nd right) releasing the book ‘Stray Thoughts on Political Economy’ written by P Anand Gajapathi Raju (right), chairman of MANSAS Trust, at the MGVR College of Engineering campus in Vizianagaram on Monday | Express Photo

Vizianagaram :

Sri Tridandi Chinna Jeeyar Swamy released a book entitled ‘Stray Thoughts on Political Economy’ written by chairman of MANSAS Trust, Pusapati Anand Gajapathi Raju, at the MVGR College here Monday.

Speaking on the occasion, Chinna Jeeyar Swamy said that the book was simple, straight-forward and honest to the core, besides being an eye-opener for the policy-makers. He said India was a country with rich resources both monetarily and intellectually.

Vice-chancellor, JNTU-Kakinada, G Tulasi Ram Das complimented the  efforts of Anand Gajapathi Raju in bringing out the book. He wished that young people draw inspiration from it. He said the book would be made available at all libraries of the affiliate colleges of JNTU-Kakinada.

Collector of Vizianagaram district Kantilal Dande praised Anand Gajapathi Raju’s interest in writing. He expressed that the book discusses the policies of the government and the RBI.

Principal of MVGR College of Engineering KVL Raju and Sri Ahobelam Jeeyar Swamy also addressed the gathering.

The author of the book, Anand Gajapathi Raju, said that secular policies cannot run without non-secular policies. He dedicated the book to Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamy.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / June 24th, 2014

GBI to launch renewable solar power chargers

BuffaloGrid managing director Daniel Becerra, along with GBI India Head Srinivas Gogineni explaining about the device, in Vijayawada on Friday. /. Photo. Ch. Vijaya Bhaskar / The Hindu
BuffaloGrid managing director Daniel Becerra, along with GBI India Head Srinivas Gogineni explaining about the device, in Vijayawada on Friday. /. Photo. Ch. Vijaya Bhaskar / The Hindu

Global Business Incubator (GBI) in association with BuffaloGrid, a UK-based Solar Power Systems manufacturer, is planning to introduce off-grid electrical solutions across India.

GBI, based at Koneru Lakshmaiah University (KLU), will soon launch renewable solar power chargers in rural areas for sustainable economic growth, particularly in villages. The project will begin by August this year, said GBI India Head Srinivas Gogineni.

BuffaloGrid founder and managing director Daniel Becerra who was in the city, gave a power point presentation to students on the solar powered recharging device titled ‘BuffaloGrid’ at KLU on Friday. “BuffaloGrid is a device which can recharge 100 mobile phones, solar power lamps and other devices a day. The equipment, which will be supplied to agents free of cost, is safe and reliable for charging. Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited CEO Richard Branson is mentoring our product,” said Mr. Daniel.

Mr. Srinivas said off-grid devices enable social inclusion, e-government and help in poverty eradication. United Nations recognised that mobile phones are one of the biggest contributors to economic growth in the rural areas.

K.L. University vice-president Koneru Raja Hareen said the solar power device (BuffaloGrid) would focus on cellphone recharging, which means access to all critical services such as mobile banking, water point mapping, health care and even access to broadband services.

“The company will conduct a trial run with 40 devices. After the trial is completed, BuffaloGrid will start operations in India in the next two months,” said Mr. Hareen.

According to Mr. Srinivas, BuffaloGrid embarked upon expansion of its operations in Uganda, Ghana and India. Already, 12,000 agents had been identified in India.

The mobile phone would be recharged only if the port is unlocked in the device with an SMS. The details of the mobile phone recharged would be recorded by BuffaloGrid, and the company would collect charges from the service providers or mobile companies. “Deliberations in this regard are under way,” said Mr. Srinivas.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by Rajulapudi Srinivas / Vijayawada – June 27th, 2014

Three-day Archi Tech show opened

Students of Varaha College of Architecture and Planning showing a model at the Archi Tech Show in the city on Friday. Photo: C. V. SUBRAHMANYAM. / The Hindu
Students of Varaha College of Architecture and Planning showing a model at the Archi Tech Show in the city on Friday. Photo: C. V. SUBRAHMANYAM. / The Hindu

The exhibition will be on till Sunday. Modular kitchens, latest switches, several building materials, solar panels, glass decorative items, fibre flower pots, blinds, wardrobes and furniture, among others, are tastefully put on display to enable one to appreciate the exhibition.

From a breathtaking water cascade and ultramodern water purifiers to a variety of interior decoration items, wall papers and gadgets that make life easier – the Archi Tech Show 2014 has them all.

Even before one enters the show, a solar-powered, 1 HP pumpset welcomes one pointing at the immense possibilities of alternative energy in future.

An iron gazebo that can be erected in the yard or on terrace can be turned into a stylish accessory for good life, if only one has the space.

Modular kitchens, latest switches, several building materials, solar panels, glass decorative items, fibre flower pots, blinds, wardrobes and furniture, among others, are tastefully put on display to enable one to appreciate the exhibition.

ChartANDHRA28jun2014

The three-day show, being conducted for the ninth year by Indian Institute of Architects, Visakhapatnam chapter, in association with Millennium Trade Wings, opened at AMCOSA Auditorium on Friday evening. It will be on till Sunday and entry is free. The show was inaugurated by managing director of CMR Group Mavoori Venkataramana.

IIA Visakhapatnam Centre chairman Y. Madhava Rao and Confederation of Real Estate Developers Associations of India Visakhapatnam Chapter chairman B Raja Srinivas were among those present.

Murli Menda of Millennium Trade Wings said the show with more than 70 stalls had improved with a number of new products.

For people looking for premium products in an effort to have comfortable and stylish homes, UPVC windows offer a choice. Similarly, fibre flower pots give one an opportunity to decorate homes in contrasting colours to match the décor.

PVC pipes, electric appliances, motors, security systems, and roofing solutions offer several options to builders and those planning to construct a house of their own and give an idea of the costs. Architecture students of Andhra University, GITAM University and Varaha College of Architecture and Planning put up an impressive display of their work.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Special Correspondent / Visakhapatnam – June 27th, 2014

Andhra Pradesh staff identify hillocks for establishing institutes

Picture for representational purpose (Photo: DC/File)
Picture for representational purpose (Photo: DC/File)

Hyderabad:

Lack of availability of large tracts of land in and around, Vijayawada has put major institutions like the IITs and IIMs in a spot. Vijayawada revenue division, which covers the city and suburbs like Kankipadu, Ibrah-impatnam and rural pockets of Nandigama, Mylavaram. Jaggai-ahpet, has only 12,143 acres of all kinds of government land, that are mostly hillocks.

While the state administration has asked for land for a Central University on about 500 acres, AIIMS on 100 acres and APSP additional battalion, 150 to 200 acres, the authorities do not have a single stretch of land to offer.

The situation is similar in Gudivada revenue division and the only hope for Krishna district is the land in Nuzivid. As the Machilipatnam revenue division is highly prone to floods and not connected to mainstream cities it is unlikely to get the prestigious institutes. The other hope for the capital zone is Mangalgiri area of neighbouring Guntur district.

“The forest, revenue, endowments and Wakf land together account for 12,143 acres. Even land at Jayanthipuram near Jaggaiahpet is a hillock. This land may be allotted to APSP battalion,” a senior revenue official said.

Even for an IIT or an IIM only five spots have been shown in and around Vijayawada. They need 50 acres of land each. “Most of the hillock areas are already quarried. There is serious scarcity of land,” said an official. There is no government land available in the core city of Vijayawada.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Education / DC / by U. Sudhakar Reddy / June 28th, 2014

ANU Lands DRDO Project on Info Code

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

Boys Company basketball selections

The Army Boys Company, AOC Centre at Secunderabad, is conducting a pre-induction rally (trials) at the Port Stadium’s outdoor basketball courts here from July 3 to 5 for boys of Andhra Pradesh.

The final selection would be conducted later at Secunderabad during which the boys would be picked up for an intensive training by Army and SAI coaches. Food and accommodation would be provided for the boys during the training programme and they could also opt for a job in the Army at the end of training, president of the District Basketball Association T.S.R. Prasad told reporters here on Friday. The AOC took the help of DBA for organising the pre-induction rally (preliminary trials) for boys in the 13 districts of Andhra Pradesh.

Boys in the 11-14 years age group as on August 5, 2014 can appear for the preliminary trials here. Boys who have played for a State in the Zonal or National championships or raw but talented players can attend. They have to bear their own expenses during the trials.

Other details can be had by contacting Boys Sports Academy, AOC Centre, Secunderabad, PIN 900 453, C/O 56 APO. Senior JCO, Sports Coy 09392417194 or basketball coach 93940 09631.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Special Correspondent / Visakhapatnam – June 27th, 2014

It’s Official. AP Capital between Guntur, V’wada

Hyderabad :
It is now official. A world class capital for Andhra Pradesh will come up between Vijayawada and Guntur.

According to municipal administration minister P Narayana, chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu took up the issue with Union minister for urban development M Venkaiah Naidu when both of them called on him earlier in the day. Narayana said that Naidu wants a city throbbing with life to be the capital city for Andhra Pradesh and feels that the location between Vijayawada and Guntur would be ideal for this purpose.

‘’We are trying to identify land for acquistiion for building the capital city. It would be an all inclusive capital. It would have all the administrative offices, courts and Assembly at one place besides residential colonies for the employees,” Narayana told newsmen. He said at present Naidu was looking at various models for development of capital city.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / Express News Service / June 27th, 2014

Telugu elected Mayor of German city

Ravindra Gujjula, the son of former Ongole MP Gujjula Yalamanda Reddy, has been elected for the fifth time as the Mayor of Altlandsberg in Germany.

Ravindra who belongs to the SPD was elected unopposed with rival political parties also supporting his candidature.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by Special Correspondent / Vijayawada – June 26th, 2014