Monthly Archives: December 2014

Start-up Village to Kickstart Operations

Business & Economy, Science & Technology

Visakhapatnam :

Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu along with Sun Microsystems co-founder Vinod Khosla will attend the launch of operations at the refurbished Sunrise Start-Up Village at Rushikonda here on December 17.

The CM will also participate in a CEOs Conclave to be held here on the same day and is expected to roll out a red carpet for investors to come to Andhra Pradesh, particularly to Visakhapatnam.

The IT incubation centre, now named ‘Sunrise Start-up Village’ has been built at a cost of Rs 25 crore atop Rushikonda hill for promoting the IT sector in Visakhapatnam. It was inaugurated on September 29 in the presence of Infosys co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan. However, the incubation tower had to undergo major repairs following the damage caused by Hudhud cyclone. The operation launch was originally scheduled for Dec 12 but has been postponed to Dec 17. “The repairs have now been completed. In a couple of days, we will hand over the premises to the five companies which were allocated office space,” said an official of the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC).

The first of its kind in the state, the Sunrise Start-Up Village will promote enterprises by first generation entrepreneurs and the government has already entered into an agreement with MobMe Wireless Limited of the Kochi Start-Up Village for maintaining the incubation tower.

In a bid to promote the village, the chief minister will participate in an interaction with the representatives of about 40 small firms.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / December 11th, 2014

Platinum jubilee of INS Circars today

Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All, Science & Technology
MAJOR LEAP: Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma inspecting a guard of honour before commissioning INS Shakti (in the background) in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. — Photo: K. R. Deepak
MAJOR LEAP: Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma inspecting a guard of honour before commissioning INS Shakti (in the background) in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. — Photo: K. R. Deepak

INS Circars, the first Naval establishment in Visakhapatnam, is celebrating its Platinum Jubilee on Friday.

The British had identified Visakhapatnam as an important convoy assembly point for military operation in 1923. However, it was on this day 75 years ago, a small Naval Base was commissioned on December 12, 1939. To cater to the need for expansion, the base was formally established as HMIS Circars on April 12, 1942, according to an official release.

The origin of the name ‘Circars’ relates to the Nizam of Hyderabad, who had ruled this land. The first Naval establishment of the Eastern Seaboard was therefore aptly named ‘Circars’, a befitting title to the Depot Ship.

Commodore K.P. Gopal Rao, MVC, VSM (Retd.), former Commanding Officer INS Circars from January 3, 1974 to January 16, 1976, would be the chief guest at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Special Correspondent / Visakhapatnam – December 12th, 2014

Maa Mahamaya plans to double capacity

Business & Economy, Records, All, Science & Technology

Visakhapatnam :

Maa Mahamaya Industries Ltd, the first mini integrated steel plant in Andhra Pradesh set up in Vizianagaram district, is planning to double its present capacity of 1.20 lakh tonnes per annum, according to N. Rath, the president.

He was speaking at a press meet here on Thursday after releasing the new product of the company – the premium double-ribbed TMT steel bar named “Mangal 999″. He said the mini integrated steel plant had been set up at R.G Peta village in the L. Kota mandal of Vizianagaram district in 2006 at a cost of Rs. 270 crore. “We are now launching the premium variant of our main product – Mangal 999 – which provides greater grip and the bond between the concrete and steel is enhanced manifold, if these TMT bars are used. The price variation may be 10-15 per cent for the premium, but we are sure the market will accept it,” he said.

He said the market conditions in the recent past had not been very encouraging, and that was the reason why the expansion had been put on hold but “we will go ahead with it in the near future. We will have to invest Rs. 700-800 crore for the purpose.”

Ashok Kumar Agarwal, Chairman and Managing Director of the company, said there were only two factories in the country – one in the north and the other in Karnataka – producing a similar product and the company would have no problem in selling it. “At present, we are focussing only on AP and Telangana. After expansion, we will branch out to the other southern states and northen markets as well,” he said.

He said the company had tied up with the NMDC for sourcing the iron ore from Chhattisgarh. In response to a question, he said the company had suffered losses of Rs. 40 crore due to Hudhud cyclone and lost 20 days or so of production. “The cyclone was a definite setback this year, but now we are back to normal,” he added.

sarma.rs@thehindu.co.in

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line / Home> Companies / The Hindu Bureau / Visakhapatnam – December 11th, 2014

Dutch sites in Krishna, Guntur to get new lease of life

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All

 

The Dutch fort at Bandarkota village near Machilipatnam in Krishna district. - Photo : T. Appala Naidu / The Hindu
The Dutch fort at Bandarkota village near Machilipatnam in Krishna district. – Photo : T. Appala Naidu / The Hindu

Govt. to take up conservation measures after documentation of monuments by Archaeology Dept.

The Dutch engineering marvels in Krishna and Guntur districts will soon get a new lease of life, with the Department of Archaeology and Museums (Andhra Pradesh) deciding to document them. The government, after assessing the scientific documentation, will initiate conservation measures.

It is learnt that the land within the limits of several Dutch cemeteries along the coastline of Krishna and Guntur districts are owned by the local communities. “The study will begin within a month. A detailed inspection and study will be taken up on Dutch cemeteries in Krishna and Gutur districts,” Department of Archaeology and Museums Assistant Director S. Bangaraiah said.

The government will initiate steps to conserve the listed Dutch sites based on the existing condition of the constructions. Officials will also cover the Dutch sites being conserved by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

In the early 16th century, the Dutch had established factories in Machilipatnam. The Dutch cemetery within the limits of Machilipatnam municipality was occupied by locals at Bandarkota. The fort in Bandarkota village under ASI conservation is related to times of the Dutch, French and the British in India.

Capt. Albert Harvey’s book Ten Years in India reveals that the fort had an arsenal store meant for supply to troops of the Hyderabad and Nagpur subsidiary forces as well as the whole of the northern division of the Army. However, the 1864 cyclone depopulated Bandarkota village, ruining the beauty of the Dutch constructions.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by T. Appala Naidu / Machilipatnam – December 02nd, 2014

Kadapa writer selected for Vasireddy Sitadevi story award

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Vempalli Gangadhar. / by Arrangement / The Hindu
Vempalli Gangadhar. / by Arrangement / The Hindu

Central Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar awardee and Kadapa writer Vempalli Gangadhar has been chosen for Vasireddy Sitadevi Memorial National Story Award 2014.

A.P. High Court Judge Grandhi Bhavani Prasad will present the award to Dr. Gangadhar in a function at Hyderabad on December 14. Former Vice-Chancellor of Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University Avula Manjulatha, Sri Venkateswara Bhakti Channel CEO Palakurthi Madhusudana Rao and writer Olga would participate, Yuva Kala Vahini founder-president Y.K. Nageswara Rao said in a statement.

Dr. Gangadhar, who received the Central Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar for “Molakala Punnami”, a compilation of stories, was a distinguished guest of President Pranab Mukherjee for a fortnight in the “In Residence” programme at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Andhra Pradesh / by Special Correspondent / Kadapa – December 10th, 2014

A combination of art and science

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
A well known musician `Nada Vidya Bharathi' Nedunuri Krishna Murthy at a function, oraganised by the Visakha Music and Dance Academy, in Visakhapatnam, on August 12, 2006. Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu
A well known musician `Nada Vidya Bharathi’ Nedunuri Krishna Murthy at a function, oraganised by the Visakha Music and Dance Academy, in Visakhapatnam, on August 12, 2006. Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu

Doyen of Carnatic Classical music Nedunuri Krishna Murthy, who passed away here on Monday, was a relentless champion of impeccable classicism and a stickler for tradition.

He firmly believed that music ought to be learnt through direct interaction in Guru-Sishya mode. His style combined the art and science of music in a robust measure. Imaginative exploration of ragas laden with succinct and succulent gamakas formed the hallmark of his rendition. While his swarakalpanas spoke of his mastery over rhythm, his flawless articulation carried the lyrical import in its varied emotive shades.

He set tunes to an array of the compositions of Annamayya and Bhadrachala Ramadas and compiled those works with notations in his books on Bhakta Ramadas and Annamayya. A man of genial disposition, off the stage, he was never seen talking about anything other than music and it was always rewarding to hear him elucidate the nuances of different styles of maestros.

Born in 1927 at Pithapuram in East Godavari district, he had grown up in an ambience conducive to classical music — his mother Vijayalakshmi, who was knowledgeable in classical music, nurtured his flair for music in his formative years. In 1940, he joined Maharaja College of Music and Dance at Vizianagaram for a diploma in violin. His Guru Dwaram Narasinga Rao Naidu told him to pursue vocal instead of violin and that put Nedunuri in his element. Later, he learnt Carnatic vocal under the tutelage of ry Sripada Pinakapani.

Krishna Murthy held various faculty positions in music colleges and music institutions. He worked as Principal of S.V. College of Music and Dance, Tirupati; M.R. Government College of Music and Dance, Vizianagaram; Government College of Music and Dance, Secunderabad; and retired as Principal of G.V.R Government College of Music and Dance, Vijayawada, in 1985. He was Dean of Faculty of the Fine Arts and Chairman of Board of Studies in Music of Sri Venkateswara University and Nagarjuna University. He was instrumental in opening the department of music in Andhra University. He was a recipient of string of prestigious awards including coveted Sangeetha Kalanidhi. He served as Asthana Vidwan for Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams and the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham.

In his demise, the Caranatic classical music lost a doyen and the city of Visakhaptnam a leading light on its cultural front.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Velcheti Subrahmanyam / Visakhapatnam – December 09th, 2014

Naval Day operations s hold Vizagites spellbound Helobatics, Marcos steal the show

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Science & Technology

Visakhapatnam :

Nearly one lakh people congregated at the RK Beach to watch the thrilling operational displays put up by the men in uniform who guard the seas on Navy Day on Thursday evening.

Even though public and private vehicles were barred from entering the Beach Road from noon amidst stringent security, it didn’t deter the hoards of people who made their way to the venue, thousands of whom came walking from distant places. Every inch of the beach and road, balconies and rooftops of all the apartments and buildings in the vicinity were choc-a-bloc with people who quickly took vantage points so as not to miss any action.

Though every year the governor of some state is invited as the chief guest, for the first time this year, chief minister of Andhra Pradesh N Chandrababu Naidu was given the honours. Satish Soni, Vice Admiral of Eastern Naval Command, was present alongside.

This year, there were a couple of new demos such as the helobatics by Sarang Helicopters of the Indian Air Force and continuity drill with fire by the armed naval personnel.

Grace Abraham, a student of Timphany School, was bowled over by the helobatics display. “The manoeuvres of the helicopters were just awesome, especially the cross over and dolphin’s leap. I salute the pilots and people behind the show as so much of hard work and month-long practice have gone into making the challenging helobatics a huge success,” she said.

It was not only the fleet manoeuvers, demo and flypast by various helicopters and aircrafts that kept the onlookers’ gaze fixed firmly to the skies for more than an hour but also the daredevil performance by the Special Forces – the Marine Commandos (Marcos) – that kept them on tenterhooks.

Ashirwad Mohanty, a Class X student of Little Angel’s School, loved all the performances by the Marcos, especially the amphibious and beach assault involving specially designed crafts, a tank and missile boats. “Every demo was commendable. From skydiving to submarine and warships demonstration, from the Navy Band’s mesmerising music to the fire and weapon drills… But I was thrilled to watch the operations by the marine commandos the most, including the amphibious assault and their sabotage operations on a simulated oil rig,” said Ashirwad, who aspires to become an aeronautical engineer.

For Gita Singh, wife of Commander Bhupinder Singh, it was her first time at Navy Day ops demo. “All the demos were interesting and exhibited the skills of our men in uniform but the colourful skydiving by the marine commandos impressed me the most,” she stated.

Finally, at the end of the show, while watching the brilliant fireworks and illumined silhouettes of warships in the sea, Mriganka Majumdar, a communication consultant, said, “I feel the Indian coast and the seas are in the safest of hands. It’s a mind-blowing performance where for the first time I got to see the Naval operations on land, water and air. I’m lucky to be in Vizag at this time of the year. The skydiving as well as the slithering operations of the Marcos from the helicopter, the rescue demo involving the boats and helicopters were just spellbinding.”

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

Navy gets AP nod for Badangi airstrip

About Seemandhra / Andhra Pradesh, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All

Visakhapatnam  :

The Indian Navy has finally got a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the AP government to set up a diversionary airfield at Badangi near Bobbili in Vizianagaram that houses a World War II airstrip, Eastern Naval Command (ENC) chief vice Admiral Satish Soni said here on Wednesday.

The historic Badangi airstrip, which was used by the Royal Air Force during the Second World War to move its troops across the region, will now house the Indian Navy’s fighter aircraft fleet and will also be used for training pilots on the new aircraft being acquired by the Navy. Sources said the cost of developing a naval fighter plane base at Badangi might cost around Rs 200 crore to Rs 300 crore.

Speaking to media persons onboard INS Shivalik on Wednesday on the eve of Navy Day, the ENC chief said that following the state government’s approval, the proposal for acquisition of Badangi airstrip has now been sent to the Naval Headquarters at New Delhi.

Pointing out that the Navy wants the project to be put on fast track, he said the Navy would forward the proposal to the defence ministry and from there it would go to the ministry of finance. “With the induction of advanced aircraft like P8I and MIG 29K, pilots need more intensive training, which is why Badangi has been identified as the base for fighter aircraft and pilot training,” he said.

The airstrip, constructed during World War II by Mackenzie Company over 221 acres, was one of the biggest RAF bases in British India and had a control tower, separate underground armament depot and many underground bunkers, besides staff quarters and a natural pond for fire fighting. All those structures were demolished except the runway. In those days, the RAF squadron at Badangi housed supermarine Spitfire fighters, Hawker Hurricane fighters, Avro Lancaster Bombers, B-57 Canberra reconnaissance and transport aircraft. After it was shut down in 1946 after the war, Food Corporation of India used it for some time to store paddy and wheat.

Today a chunk of the 221 acres is encroached by farmers, the Indian Navy needs a total of around 1,000 acres to set up its base, Soni said, pointing out that they may go for a 4,000-4,500 ft runway to cater to their needs. He said some kind of compensation would be worked out for the farmers currently cultivating nuts, paddy, and sugarcane at the airstrip site.

On the Naval Alternate Operations Base (NAOB) at Rambilli in Visakhapatnam district, the ENC chief said it would be completed in 2018 with some works already having started and others in progress. Talking about losses suffered by ENC due to Cyclone Hudhud, Soni said Rs 200 crore had been sanctioned for restoration works, which would be taken up one by one.

The ENC chief said the International Fleet Review (IFR) to be conducted from February 3 to 9, 2016, in Vizag would see 100 ships and delegates of 79 navies of various countries participate and would be reviewed by the Indian President.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> City> Visakhapatnam / TNN / December 04th, 2014

Roots Corporation launches first Ginger Hotel in Visakhapatnam

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

Ginger Hotels, from Roots Corporation- a subsidiary of The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), has launched its first hotel in Visakhapatnam. The 72 room Ginger Hotel is located at Dwaraka Nagar, which is easily accessible from key business and leisure hubs in the city. The entry of Ginger Hotels into the port city follows the recent announcement to make Vizag a top international tourism spot by developing the Vizag- Bhimli corridor with world-class infrastructure.

Commenting on the launch PK Mohankumar, managing director and chief executive officer, Roots Corporation said, “We are delighted to be opening our first Ginger Hotel in Visakhapatnam. Andhra Pradesh represents one of the country’s fastest growing economies, and we are confident that Ginger Hotels will be able to cater to the increased tourism needs in the state. Our strong budget hotel model of a blend of comfort and efficiency with excellent value will be an attractive proposition for business and leisure travellers alike.”

All 72 rooms are furnished with well-appointed amenities such as mini-fridge, satellite television, self-controlled air-conditioner etc. The rooms are also furnished with a workstation to make business on the go productive. The hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi to all resident guests helping the modern business traveller to stay connected. Guests can indulge in Indian cuisine at Red Salt – bright and inviting multi-cuisine coffee shop and an all-day diner. With the launch of its new hotel, Ginger now has 31 hotels in its portfolio.

source: http://financialexpress.com / The Fiancial Express / Home> Food & Hospitality World / by FHW Staff – Mumbai / December 03rd, 2014

Hopes of Reviving Badminton Glory in City Brighten

Sports

Vijayawada :

Once considered the cradle of badminton tournaments in Andhra Pradesh, Vijayawada is eagerly looking forward to the 79th Senior National Badminton Championship scheduled to be held in the city in January-February, 2015, to revive its past glory.

After a long gap of 34 years, the city will be hosting the national badminton championship, which will be the basis of selection for five international tournaments – German Open, All England Championship, French Open, India Open and Sudirman Cup.

BadmintonANDHRA03dec2014

Remembering the heydays of badminton in Vijayawada and how the city became the training ground for many international players, Punnaiah Choudary K Ch, general secretary of Andhra Pradesh Badminton Association says it all started in 1976, when the South Zone Inter-State Badminton Tournament was organised at Electricity Board Hall.

The likes of Prakash Padukone, the then reigning champion played in the tournament, which saw an overwhelming response. Considering the interest of people of Vijayawada in sports activity, the then district collector Santhanam, along with sub-collector AVS Reddy and municipal commissioner GP Rao, took the initative to get funds for the construction of the sports ground in 20 acres, which today is known as IGMC Stadium, he said.

The team of officials, later on played a vital role in the construction of Dandamudi Rajagopal Rao Indoor Stadium. The works commenced in 1979 and the indoor stadium with four badminton courts was ready by 1980.

The inaugural tournament at the stadium was the Senior National Badminton Championship and it witnessed a sensational victory of Syed Modi over Prakash Padukone.

However, since the government changed in 2004, the downfall of the stadium commenced. In 2005, all sports academies across the state including badminton and other academics in Vijayawada were closed by the government.

“In all, 800 boys and girls were getting trained in different sports in about five different academies at the time,” Chowdary said.Around the same time, Pullela Gopichand started his academy in Hyderabad and the focus of badminton was shifted to that place. Then on, no major badminton tournament was organised anywhere else in the state other than Hyderabad.

“We are eagerly looking for the tournament and are hoping to see the past glory of badminton again in the city,’’ D Srinivas, a middle-aged sports enthusiast said. Stadium authorities are now busy making the arrangements for the tournament.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / December 02nd, 2014