Monthly Archives: December 2014

Seventh kimberlite pipe discovered in Anantapur district

Business & Economy, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All, World Opinion

The exploration was undertaken by NMDC and NGRI

A new kimberlite pipe has been discovered in the 2,300 sq. km. Kalyandurg’s cluster of Anantapur district, and is named KL-7, and is the seventh such in the area, reports say. The pipe may be a possible diamond bearing kimberlite pipe.

Exploration activity involving aerial surveys and remote sensing, and other analysis in the area was undertaken by experts from National Mineral Development Corporation (NMCD) and Hyderabad based National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), after having renewed their prospecting license, reports add.

According to scientists, the discovery unfolded when subsequent drilling was performed at a suspected kimberlite region, revealing the kimberlite pipe near Budik-onda in Anantapur district.

The scientists are further considering a further course of action to undertake additional explorations, reports add.

source: http://www.diamondworld.net / Diamond World / Home> News / by Diamond World News Service / December 26th, 2014 / Ref. 10976

Equipping students with entrepreneurial skills

Education
Students of Dayalbagh Educational Institute and Distance Education Study Centre at Dayal Nagar in Visakhapatnam. - Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu
Students of Dayalbagh Educational Institute and Distance Education Study Centre at Dayal Nagar in Visakhapatnam. – Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu

The area was earlier allotted for a primary school. Dayalbagh Educational Institute (Deemed University) and Distance Education Study Centre now stand tall in that area, offering 10 vocational courses.

Cutting and sewing, textile designing and printing, electrician and motor vehicle mechanic courses, and post graduation diploma in theology are some of the courses being offered at the institution.

“In 2007, we commenced with just 24 students and two courses. Today, we have included eight more courses that cater to 100 students,” explains T. Ramasita, centre in-charge.

T. Ramasita, in-charge of Dayalbagh Educational Institute and Distance Education Study Centre. / The Hindu
T. Ramasita, in-charge of Dayalbagh Educational Institute and Distance Education Study Centre. / The Hindu

A 10-week modular course in block printing, tie and dye, screen printing, sewing operations, and hand embroidery had been launched last academic year.

“The short-term training aims at empowering people with entrepreneurial skills. In addition, through the alumni placement assistance cell, we do provide placements to students,” says K.S. Prasada Rao, trainer and secretary of Radhasoami Satsang.

Interestingly, the teaching sessions have been supported by trained mentors and EduSat channels, apart from practical and theory classes. The institution is equipped with a computer lab, library, and live telecast of training modules from the headquarters located in Dayalbagh, Agra.

Moreover, all the training programmes come at a nominal package.

“We tied up with Dr. V.S. Krishna Government College (Autonomous) recently wherein we offer modern office management and secretarial and office assistant and computer operator courses to the students. The modules are useful for the undergraduate students who would like to gain an extra edge in the domains mentioned,” adds Mr. Prasada Rao.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Rani Devalla / Visakhapatnam – December 24th, 2014

Software that helps visually challenged read and write

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Inspiration /Positive News and Features

Visually challenged students can now read textbooks, browse journals and compose on the desktop using a special software designed by Department of Computer Science Engineering at the Vignan University.

The software project – “Development of Educational Suite for Visually Challenged Students in Computer Science and Information Technology” has been approved by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.

The DST has further sanctioned Rs.43.17 lakh towards the project.

“Students and faculty members are training 70 students from Kalabharathi and Government School for Visually Challanged at Narsaraopet in the usage of special software. Students are also being provided laptops and desktops in which the software is uploaded. We will also further augment facilities to train more number of students,” said Professor A. Raghunath and K.V. Krishna Kishore (CSE).

Under the project, customised computers have been set up on the premises of library.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by Staff Reporter / Guntur – December 24th, 2014

Vizagites come together for Christmas celebrations

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Visakhapatnam :

The lit-up churches, shopping complexes and buildings with stars dangling from them, the aroma of freshly-baked cakes and plum pudding, melody of carols from churches signal that Christmas is here. After all the Samaikyandhra agitation, state bifurcation and Cyclone Hudhud havoc in 2014, finally the year is ending on a cheerful note.

On X-Mas eve, the city was abuzz with last minute shoppers, purchasing gifts, paper stars, lights and Christmas trees from various shops and roadside makeshift stalls put up at every nook and corner. The bakeries in the city were packed to their capacity with people queuing up to purchase cakes and cookies since evening.

Christmas celebrations are no longer confined to only the Christian community, but has taken a universal note with people from all religions participating in X-Mas tree decorations, buying cakes and going for the midnight mass and church service.

S. Srinivas, selling Christmas decor and stars in front of St Anthony’s Church, said, “Our customers belong to all religions and are mostly children and youngsters. The festival has a universal appeal.”

S Prasad from Baker’s Castle informed that the demand for cakes go up so high that they would be selling only cakes and chocolates for December 24 and 25. “We don’t have the time to prepare our regular snacks items but going by the demand would only be selling cakes. The plum cakes, especially the Christmas tree-shaped ones are in great demand. Christmas and cakes have become synonymous for public.”

Among the gift items musical Santa caps are a hit this year. Apart from this, customers are buying regular paper stars, LED lights for Christmas trees and silver bells. “I would love to sport this Santa cap at the Christmas party that we friends would be celebrating tonight at a hotel. It’s something new this year,” said Prateek M, a commerce student.

Various city schools such as Sri Prakash Vidyaniketan, V T High School, Ravindrabharathi and Pollock’s High School also observed X-Mas in their schools by hosting Nativity plays, Christmas tree decorations, singing carols and so on. Also participating in the festive fervour, even YSR Steel Employees Congress Union celebrated Christmas at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant on Wednesday. As part of the celebrations the message of peace and prosperity was conveyed to the employees of the plant.

On Christmas, the city is all set to ring in the Christ’s arrival with prayers, hymns, church service and Christmas balls in the evening by the members of Christian and Anglo Indian community.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Visakhapatnam / TNN / December 25th, 2014

AP launches project Ongole Bull

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

Hyderabad:

The Andhra Pradesh government is rolling out a project to boost production of Sahiwal and Ongole bulls breed at a cost of Rs 6.52 crore with the Central assistance.

The project, which consists of Embryo Transfer Technology (ETT), will give a fillip to the growth of indigenous ‘Sahiwal cow’ and Ongole bull population in the State.  The Sahiwal or `Montgomery’ is largely bred in Montgomery, Punjab region of Pakistan. The Sahiwal are widely bred in India, Australia and Kenya.

The project has been taken up with the Central assistance of Rs 6.52 crore and the first phase of the programme has been taken up at the Frozen Semen Bull Station, Banavasi village, in Yemmiganur mandal of Kurnool district and the Progeny Testing Unit in Chittoor district.

According to a senior official in the Animal Husbandry Department, the department was tasked to identify the Sahiwal bull, a cross breed with Jersey cow, that was identified in Chittoor and a few other districts.  The project spread over a three-year period and is intended to identify 160 best bulls of Sahiwal-Jersey breeds.

source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home / by VRC Phaniharan / December 25th, 2014

Vizagites bid adieu to D.V. Subba Rao

Sports
Police band leads the cortege of former Mayor D.V. Subba Rao on Sunday in Visakhapatnam./ Photo C.V. Subrahmanyam
Police band leads the cortege of former Mayor D.V. Subba Rao on Sunday in Visakhapatnam./ Photo C.V. Subrahmanyam

N. Venkata Rao, former general secretary of Andhra Cricket Association and former vice president of BCCI, paid glowing tributes to D.V. Subba Rao who passed away on Saturday.

Subba Rao’s mortal remains were consigned to the flames on Sunday.

D.V. Subba Rao and Venkata Rao were together as president and secretary of ACA from 1991 to 2003 and functioned in close coordination.

They had together accomplished the completion of present international stadium at P.M. Palem in Visakhapatnam for which Subba Rao led from the front.

Venkata Rao recalled the untiring efforts P.R. Narayanaswami, the then convenor of the stadium committee, K. Parthasaradhi, secretary, VDCA, and late R.V.V.K. Prasad, treasurer, who played a significant role behind the scene. Mr. Venkata Rao endorsed the Narayanaswami’s view to name the present international stadium after D.V. Subba Rao and said it would be a fitting tribute to him.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Special Correspondent / Visakhapatnam – December 22nd, 2014

‘Chaitanya Sravanthi’ enthrals

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nri's / Pio's
VIJAYAWADA, ANDHRA PRADESH, 21/12/2014: A dancer at her best at Chaitanya Sraanthi, a programme organised by Telugu Associaion of Norh America, in Vijayawada on Sunday. Photo: Ch. Vijaya Bhaskar / The Hindu
VIJAYAWADA, ANDHRA PRADESH, 21/12/2014: A dancer at her best at Chaitanya Sraanthi, a programme organised by Telugu Associaion of Norh America, in Vijayawada on Sunday. Photo: Ch. Vijaya Bhaskar / The Hindu

The Telugu Association of North America (TANA) organised a Chaitanaya Sravanthi in a grand fashion here on Sunday.

School and college students enthralled the audience with their performances. The students presented dance forms of various States in classical and semi-classical style. Folk dances like Lambada by students from Guntur, and a classical dance on Vrindavana theme were a few to mention.

The dance depicted the multi-dimensional aspects of Krishna including the kaliya mardana. In yet another interesting portrayal, the important events in Indian independence movement evoked patriotic sentiments.

A blend of yoga and dance was a major attraction. The students of VMR Municipal School in the city were at their best as they showcased different asanas laced with dance postures. Impressed by their performance, Friends Foundation announced a cash reward of Rs. 25,000 to five students of the group. A musical concert by singers Prudhvi Chandra, Sravana Bhargavi and Revanth was among other highlights.

Venkat from Proddutur in Kadapa district demonstrated his skills in lip-reading, singing and dance. He sang songs based on clues given in tunes by his father. The father-son duo entertained the crowd by singing and humming. TANA gave him special slot with a view to encourage him.

TANA president Mohan Nannapaneni, secretary Satish Vemana and members Rajani Akurti were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by G. V.R. Subba Rao / Vijayawada – December 22nd, 2014

Two Rajahmundry Kids Top Google Coding Contest

Education, Records, All, Science & Technology
KSG Chandra Sekhar (right) and B Abhiram | Express Photo
KSG Chandra Sekhar (right) and B Abhiram | Express Photo

Rajahmundry :

Two students of the historical city proved their mettle in the national-level ‘Code To Learn Competition-2014’ conducted by Google recently. Google engineers judged the project submissions made across the country. The students were selected as part of 10 finalists at the national level in seventh and eighth classes category.

Two projects designed by students of Sri Gowthami School KSG Chandra Sekhar and B Abhiram were selected in the competition. The two students designed the projects under the scratch category. Google is conducting the ‘Code to Learn Contest’ from 2013, to make programming fun and easy to learn for schoolchildren in India. It has been designed to encourage school students to exhibit their creativity using scratch,

APP inventor, java script, python programming languages in creating interactive stories, animations, games, music and art creations.

School correspondent SR Kumar said the management was implementing scratch programme in the school from 2012 and congratulated the winning students.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / December 20th, 2014

Veteran Telugu Sports Journalist M Babu Dies at 74

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Sports

Veteran Telugu sports writer and journalist M Babu passed away here at his residence on Wednesday.

He was 74 years old. He is survived by his wife and two sons.

He was in good health even at 74, but suffered a suffered cardiac problem in the morning and breathed his last.

He served as a physical education teacher in various Zilla Parishad schools in Krishna district.

Incidentally, his wife happens to be a retired physical education teacher and one of his sons, serves as a physical education teacher in Krishna district.

After retiring as a physical education teacher, he joined Eenadu Telugu daily as a sports writer, before serving in other Telugu dailies like Andhra Jyothi and Vaartha, where he held similar posts.

He was the first Telugu sports journalist in Krishna district and was an authority on all sports. He was a guide as well as mentor to other sports journalists and he was present at all major sports events held in the city.

Journalists in the city affectionately called him “babai” (uncle) in Telugu.

Sports journalists, members of sports associations and local politicians visited his house to pay their last tributes to him.

source: http://www.outlookindia.com / Outlook / Home / Vijayawada – December 17th, 2014

GMR Group head GM Rao appointed Chairman of Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Corporation

Business & Economy, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Leaders

Hyderabad :

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has appointed industrialist and GMR Group head Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao as the chairman of AP Skill Development Corporation.

Rao has the capability of changing the face of the state in skill upgradation, a state government release quoted Naidu as saying.

The state government has allocated a budget of Rs 700 crores for the skill development initiative and it plans to train about two crore people in 10 years.

Those imparted training would be given certificates at the end of the training session.

Training would be held in various sectors including mapping, construction and manufacturing.

At the mandal-level, training would be given in agriculture and allied activities, while at the district-level training would be given in garment-making, plumbing and others.

Besides, training would also be imparted in computer and software courses, healthcare and energy sectors at the regional (Rayalaseema, North Coastal Andhra and central Andhra) level, the release said yesterday.

Naidu suggested that people from Coastal Andhra be trained in marine, naval and shipping-related activities and industries.

The Skill Development Corporation would be launched before January 15, 2015 and the proposed skill development centres would become operational by 2016, Naidu added.

source: http://www.economictimes.indiatimes.com / The Economic Times / Home> ET Home> News> Politics and Nation / by PTI / December 17th, 2014