The eco-friendly bio-toilets, jointly developed by the Railways and DRDO, have been introduced on Visakhapatnam-Shiridi-Visakhapatnam and Visakhapatnam-Chennai-Visakhapatnam weekly express trains. The bio-toilets were fitted on the trains on Thursday and the trains titled Green Trains.
The specially designed toilets use anaerobic bacteria culture which converts the collected waste into biodegradable matter as gases like methane, carbon dioxide and water which were then discharged in specified discharge pits ensuring clean and hygienic environment.
According to divisional railway manager Anil Kumar, rail users have to be aware of utilisation of the bio-toilets as they are unlike the normal ones. Passengers should not dump things like plastic, empty bottles, paper and other garbage into the pans as otherwise they get choked and become unfit for use, the DRM said.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / November 07th, 2014
Final rounds of Miss Vizag 2014 will be held on November 30
Aspirants of Miss Vizag-2014 pageant on the catwalk at the auditions. Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu
Names from the glamour world like Sobhita Dhulipala and Ipsita Pati, who have their roots in Vizag, have been great source of inspiration for many girls in the city to step out and give wings to their dreams. Over the years, the Miss Vizag contest has turned into an ideal platform for girls to get a taste of the glamorous world of fashion and build up a career in the fashion industry.
Aspirants of Miss Vizag-2014 pageant on the catwalk at the auditions. Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu
The contest that was rescheduled this year to a later date due to the cyclone saw over 100 entries from participants who auditioned to participate in the Miss Vizag 2014 contest. Out of this, 22 contestants have been short-listed for the final rounds that will be held on November 30 at The Park.
Ajay Agarwal of Creative Plus Events who has been organising the event from the past couple of years feels there has been a great change in the way a career in the fashion industry is perceived in the city and it is waking up to the latest fashion trends in a big way. .
“International brands are coming up in the city and that has increased the fashion awareness. With Vizag girls like Sobhita winning the title of Miss India Earth last year, the entire perception about the fashion industry has changed. Now parents are eagerly coming forward to encourage the girls to take part in events like Miss Vizag,” says Ajay.
The contestants are in the age group of 18-25 years and hail from different backgrounds.
Says Laxmi Bharadwaj, who worked in the aviation industry for two years as an air hostess before embarking in the world of fashion: “It was my passion to get into the fashion industry. My experience in the airline sector has really helped me to develop my personality.”
Laxmi idolises Sushmita Sen and believes in a diet regime that she feels suits her body type.
“Contests like these are a test of one’s overall personality,” she says.
Aspirants of Miss Vizag-2014 pageant on the catwalk at the auditions. Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu
Others like Meghna Kintalli feel that Miss Vizag is an ideal platform to get noticed in the film industry. A B.Sc Biotechnology graduate, Meghna is currently shooting for her first film Nowadays at the Rama Naidu Studio in Hyderabad.
“My dream is to get into the film industry and make it big. I feel Miss Vizag contest will groom me to face the fashion world and get me closer to my final destination,” she says. To keep her fitness quotient high, she jogs every morning and goes for dance classes.
The contestants will go through a grooming session a week before the final round. The team of grooming experts comprising Amit Pandey from Delhi for choreography, Deepa Deval for fitness and nutrition, Miss Eva for make-up and hairstyles, will put the participants through rigorous training sessions.
Deepa Deval says that awareness of high fitness levels is generally high among the participants these days as compared to what it was five years ago.
“The girls follow a diet regime and are eager to lap up new techniques like Zumba to stay fit. Exercising not only builds the stamina, it also improves body posture which is very important when you are walking the ramp,” says Deepa, who has been in the fitness industry for the past two decades.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus> Fashion / by Nivedita Ganguly / November 07th, 2014
Boys and girls from Guntur who, won medals in School Games Championship held at Visakhapatnam recently, pose with medals. Photo: T. Vijaya Kumar / The Hindu
Young boxers from the district have won laurels at the State-level boxing championship conducted by the School Games Federation of India in Visakhapatnam. Trained by national level boxing champion and coach R. Viswanath, K. Karthik (91 kg) and A.K. Divya (69) won gold medals in boys and girls (under-19 category) sections while Sk. Yasin (81 kg), and B. Srilatha (48) have won silver medals. The girls have also secured runners up championship.
Complimenting the young boxers at a felicitation function held at LVR & Sons Club here on Thursday, Deputy Commissioner of Excise Kullayappa said that young boxers achieved so much in spite of having poor facilities and added they needed encouragement to excel in the sport and promised all help.
Secretary of LVR & Sons Club Movva Chandramouli said that the club has been extending all help to budding sports persons. The budding boxers have been allowed to use the facilities in the gymnasium where they fine tuned their abilities under boxing coach R. Viswanath.
Guntur District Boxing Association secretary Venugopal, Assistant Commissioner of Excise Adiseshu, vice- president Kosana Venkateswara Rao and School Games Federation secretary Murali were present.
Seeking the assistance of various members in providing a boxing ring, Mr. Venugopal said that the Guntur Municipal Corporation had already allotted site opposite tennis court complex at NTR Municipal Stadium and sought the approval by the commissioner. Cotton Association president Pavuluri Krishna Kumari promised that he would speak to the Sports Minister and get the required boxing ring.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / Staff Reporter / Guntur – November 06th, 2014
To strengthen the culture and tradition, Srirama Charitable Trust, L Kota in Vizianagaram district is conducting a three-day Children’s Festival 2014 on its premises, starting December 11.
Announcing the dates of the festival here on Tuesday, chairman of the trust T. Subba Rao and secretary K. Madhuravani said that the platform is open for all the schoolchildren across Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram districts. “The objective of the festival is to encourage children to exhibit their creativity and involve them in fun-filled activities,” they said.
The festival includes competitions such as poetry recitation, essay writing, elocution, painting, singing and dancing, among other groups. Students from nursery to Class X can take part in the competition which is divided into three categories – sub juniors (Nursery to Class IV), juniors (Classes V to VII) and seniors (Classes VIII to X). Interested candidates should bring letter of permission from their respective schools.
Apart from free entry, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided to the participants free of cost. Last date for registration is November 30. Winners can walk away with trophies, cash awards and prizes. Further details can be had by contacting 9441140375 or 7382030399 or by logging on to www.sriramacharitabletrust.org.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Staff Reporter / Visakhapatnam – November 05th, 2014
All For a cause: Recently, another event for Kashmir relief saw the likes of Shriya Saran put up a show
It is official! Several popular film stars and prominent industry personalities have come forward to be part of an event in Hyderabad on November 30 that will aim at collecting relief for the cyclone-hit Vizag and neighbouring areas.
According to a press release, celebs have also made substantial monetary and material donations. Additionally, this collective effort will provide a chance for others to contribute as well.
“Beyond these individual acts of kindness and philanthropy though, lies a greater responsibility of inspiring collective action from the vast majority of the rest of the people,” say producer Allu Arvind and Murali Mohan, president of Movie Artists Association (MAA).
“The Industry is making efforts to put together a massive mara-thon entertainment event on the November 30 in Hyderabad to prompt the Telugus in India and across the world, to participate and contribute as per their capabilities,” says, N.V. Prasad, president of the Film Chamber.
“The event, while aimed at ensuring an unprecedented scale of entertainment and excitement for movie lovers, is also essentially aimed at evoking compassion, camaraderie and secure wider participation from all audiences,” said noted producers D. Suresh Babu and Dil Raju.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Entertainment> Tollywood / DC / by Suresh Kavivayani / November 05th, 2014
The death anniversary of former Union minister and TDP leader K Yerran Naidu was observed at his native village Nimmada in Kotabommali mandal in the district Sunday. The government declared it an official mourning, which is the best tribute to Yerran, K Rammohan Naidu, his son and Lok Sabha member, said, and expressed his gratefulness for the government’s gesture.
The statue of former Union minister K Yerran Naidu in Srikakulam on Sunday | EXpress Photo
Yerran Naidu’s mother Kalavathi, wife Vijayalakshmi, Rammohan Naidu and brothers Atchchan Naidu, Hari Prasad and Prabhakar paid floral tributes at the Yerran Naidu ghat. MLAs G Shyam Sundar Sivaji, B Ramana Murthy, G Lakshmi Devi, government whip K Ravi Kumar, ZP chairperson Ch Dhana Lakshmi, MPTCs and ZPTCs followed suit. Collector Gaurav Uppal, representing the government, garlanded Yerran Naidu’s statue and called on the bereaved family members and enquired about their welfare.
On the occasion, Labour minister Atchchan Naidu said that Yerran brought Srikakulam district to the nation’s notice. As Union minister he saw that even remote areas in the district got road connectivity, Atchchan Naidu said.
Rammohan Naidu promised to implement his father’s cherished ideals. He also inaugurated a blood donation camp at Prajasadan on the occasion. A condolence meeting was held in the town in the evening. As per his father’s wish, a blood bank should be set up in Srikakulam, the MP said. He said he would contribute from his MPLAD fund for the establishment of the blood bank, he said.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / November 03rd, 2014
The Vande Ganhiyam peace march held from Gandhibomma Centre in Nellore to Pallepadu Ashram. Photo: K. Ravikumar / The Hindu
Speakers appeal to the youth to follow in the footsteps of the great leaders
Civil society activists, people’s representatives and district officials took part enthusiastically in the ‘Vande Gandhiyam’ peace rally which was organised from Gandhi statue in Nellore city to Pallepadu Ashram near here on Sunday.
Singer Ghazal Srinivas, MP Mekapati Rajamohan Reddy, Mayor Sk. Abdul Aziz, Nellore Town MLA P. Anilkumar Yadav and several other leaders and youth were present on the occasion. The event was organised to pay tributes to the values and ideals cherished by Mahatma Gandhi who stood out as a unique world leader by winning freedom through peace and non-violence.
District Collector N. Srikanth, who flagged off the rally in the city, said that the peace march would go a long way in drawing wide attention to the Gandhian principles that brought special recognition to the country. He said that the Pallepadu Gandhi Ashram was among the few important ashrams which were being preserved as a tribute to Gandhi.
Ghazal Srinivas led the march and underlined the significance of peace in bringing about harmony and unity among the countries of the world. He said that he had toured many parts of the world in the propagation of world peace. Calling upon the active participation of all sections of society, the speakers appealed to the youth to follow in the footsteps of the great leaders who fought for the independence of the country in those days. They said that it was everybody’s responsibility to protect and preserve the unity and integrity of the country.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Andhra Pradesh / by G. Ravikiran / Nellore – November 02nd, 2014
Aspirants of Miss Vizag-2014 pageant pose for a photograph at the audition conducted in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu
Aspirants of Miss Vizag pageant are happy to be part of something more meaningful. Besides Miss Vizag-2014 title and two runners-up titles, the participants have an opportunity to grab other titles such as Miss Beautiful Skin, Miss Beautiful Eyes, Miss Beautiful Smile.
The sixth edition of Miss Vizag will be remembered for two reasons. Firstly, the show was initially scheduled for October 12, the day when the city was battered by the cyclonic storm Hudhud. Secondly, to reach out to the cyclone victims, the organisers have decided to conduct the pageant for charity.
What has remained unchanged though is the spirit of the contestants, who are now keen on walking the ramp with energy and enthusiasm. The reason behind this, they say, is that their creativity is being utilised for something more meaningful.
At the first audition held here on Sunday, the participants shared their views on how they felt like being part of the relief team.
“Now, the impact of the show has become intense as we are able to come together to contribute to a social cause,” says G. Shobana, who is all excited about her maiden show.
Some felt happy that despite the odds, they were able to team up again.
“The natural calamity could not stop the much-awaited show in any manner. However, the delay has helped us bounce back with more vigour and drive to help the needy,” says Sirisha, another aspirant.
Sharing her views on the rescheduled beauty contest, Laxmi Bhardwaj, an airhostess and a contestant, says: “Charity is very personal and should come from within. This is a nice opportunity for us to walk the extra mile and bring the smiles back.”
A total of 50 aspirants turned up for the auditions and, out of them, 22 will be heading to the finale.
Besides Miss Vizag-2014 title and two runners-up titles, the participants have an opportunity to grab other titles such as Miss Beautiful Skin, Miss Beautiful Eyes, Miss Beautiful Smile.
Funds raised through the show, including contributions made by the participants and organisers, will be utilised for cyclone relief work, says Sharif, one of the organisers.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Rani Devalla / Visakhapatnam – November 02nd, 2014
The Umar Alisha Rural Development Trust plans to plant 10 lakh trees in cyclone hit Visakhapatnam district to bring back the district’s greenery.
Addressing reporters after launching the project after planting a tree at their Viswa Vignana Spiritual Centre at Bheemjuniatnam in the district here today, Chairman of the Trust Umar Alisha said the trust would plant 10 lakh trees in the district within five years. He said 70 to 80 per cent of trees in Visakhapatnam have been destroyed due to cyclone.
‘Make Vizag Green’ is a project taken up by the Umar Alisha Rural Development Trust to replant lost greenery in Visakhapatnam.
He said it is everybody’s responsibility to protect the environment and plant trees which provide oxygen.
“Every tree will provide oxygen, which is very important for human beings,” he said.
Umar Alisha said that the trust would select trees which could withstand even wind speeds of 200 kilometres per hour during natural calamities like cyclones.
The project plans to use information technology, crowdsourcing, geocoding and social media to encourage people to participate.
He said the trust would plant 200 trees in various places in Bheemunipatnam today and also plant 1,100 trees in various places as well as both sides of the national highway.
source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> PTI Stories> National> News / Press Trust of India / Visakhapatnam – November 02nd, 2014
A view of the Kondapalli fort, 20 km away from Vijayawada.
VIJAYAWADA:
The historic Kondapalli fort, 20 km from Vijayawada city, is getting a facelift so that more tourists are attracted towards it. The archaeology department took up the renovation of the 14th century fort, built by king Prolaya Vema Reddy. However, due to denial of permission from the forest department, the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation officials are said have failed to provide basic amenities at the fort.
Archaeology officials have completed a major part of the renovation work, including administering chemical treatment to Ranimahal, Nartanasala and jail khana. Some walls that had collapsed have been rebuilt, while other walls and arches repaired and given a fresh coat of water to prevent rainwater seepage. Deputy executive engineer, archaeology department, S. Koteswaran said that granite has been laid along the pathways for the convenience of tourists and the damaged arches repaired. The Central government has sanctioned funds from the 13th Finance Commission for renovation of the fort. Officials plan to complete the renovation work within the budget of Rs 3 crore.
Meanwhile, the APTDC is working on attracting more tourists to Kondapalli fort by providing basic amenities and developing a craft bazaar to market the world famous Kondapalli toys and other handicrafts of the district.However, the APTDC has been unable to implement its plans as the forest department has denied permission for construction activity near the fort, citing protection of reserve forest, said APTDC divisional manager T. Baboji. “Kondapalli has immense tourism potential.
Being Kartika masam, thousands of people are visiting the fort on weekends to participate in Vanamahotsavam,” he said. Most of the visitors complain of lack of basic amenities at the site and appeal to the authorities to provide minimum facilities.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / by DC Correspondent / November 02nd, 2014
