ACA felicitates U-19 women’s team

December 3, 2017Records, All, Sportsadmin

Moment to cherish:Members of Andhra u-19 women’s team in a cheerful mood during a felicitation programme in Vijayawada on Friday.V. RAJUV RAJU.

Rs. 10 lakh cash award presented to the team

Andhra Cricket Association on Friday felicitated the victorious Andhra under-19 women’s team with Rs. 10 lakh cash award for emerging as national champion in the limited overs segment defeating Mumbai in the final at Guntur on Thursday.

Several administrators, coaches and players, including National Senior Selection Committee chairman MSK Prasad took part in the function and congratulated the team.

This is the second time Andhra under- 19 women’s team had won a national title. Earlier it won its maiden title at Cuttack in 2015.

Speaking on the occasion ACA secretary Ch. Arun Kumar said that owing to progressive steps taken by the association under the stewardship of Narasapuram Member of Parliament Gokaraju Ganga Raju, the results have started to trickle in.

“ACA has spent BCCI funds in a productive manner by sprucing up infrastructure in all 13 districts and the setting up of women’s academy at JKC College (Guntur) paved way for the development of the women cricket in a big way,’ he said. “The results are not instant. There is a sustained effort for more than six years which is helping Andhra teams win big tournaments,” said National Senior Selection Committee chairman M.S.K. Prasad

Women’s team coach Srinivas Reddy said that this team defeated the top teams in the country. Players like Durga, Sindhuja, E. Padmaja, Pushpa Latha and others played well. “The players should learn how to take singles. With no singles coming they are getting under pressure and going for big unproductive strokes,” he observed. ACA administrators recollected the services of late J. Narendranath, who strove hard for the development of the women’s cricket in Andhra.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Andhra Pradesh / by Special Correspondent / Vijayawada – December 02nd, 2017

New species of gecko found in Andhra Pradesh

December 2, 2017Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, World Opinionadmin

Visakhapatnam :

A new species of gecko belonging to the genus Hemidactylus has been discovered in the Eastern Ghats in northern Andhra Pradesh.

Locally named ‘Mahendragiri Gecko’ it is endemic only to the rocky areas of Eastern Ghats namely Araku, Tyda, Simhachalam Hills, Mahendragiri Hills in Andhra-Odisha border.

The reptile has been confirmed as a new species by scientists who conducted research in the Eastern Ghats for almost a decade after discovering it in Tyda near Araku in 2009.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Visakhapatnam News / TNN / November 26th, 2017

Vizag Fest to begin tomorrow

December 1, 2017Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economyadmin

Vizag Fest chairman K.V. Ramana, right, and secretary A. Aja Sarma releasing a pamphlet on the festival in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday.

A series of programmes are lined up for the 10-day event

With a promise to combine entertainment and knowledge, Vizag Fest 2017, comprising book exhibition, literary talks, short film shows and science and technology, will begin at AU Engineering College grounds on Friday. There is no entry fee.

“The ten-day fest, being organised in association with the Department of Culture of Andhra Pradesh, intends to provide wholesome entertainment and relief to citizens caught in mechanical life,” fest secretary A. Aja Sarma said.

HRD Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao will inaugurate the festival. The Youth Festival will be inaugurated by Minister for Sports and Youth Kollu Ravindra on December 2.

Festival chairman and former Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University K.V. Ramana on Wednesday released the catchy theme song of the festival. The song was written by Jana Vignana Vedika State president Challa Ravi Kumar and sung by R. Rajesh.

Mr. Ramana recalled that when K.V. Gopala Swamy was the registrar of Andhra University, youth festival and drama festival were organised coinciding with the convocation. Vizag Fest was registered as a permanent trust. While other cities had exhibition grounds, Visakhapatnam lacked a permanent ground, he pointed out.

Focus on youth

The focus is on women, youth and children and as many as 2000 youth would be made part of the science exhibition displaying 100 projects. “To make the experience total, we dropped a proposal to hold the short film show at a separate auditorium and got a mini theatre ready to screen 70 films,” he said. Telugu Short Film Association honorary president and actor L.B. Sriram would participate in it. Cartoon and photo exhibitions and food stalls would also be part of the fest.

The first fest in 2015 was a big success and even top officials appreciated it and wanted it to be organised again, Mr. Sarma said.

A total of 200 cultural programmes would be organised.

Literary talks, release of books would be organised at Gurajada Sahitya Vedika.

At the book exhibition to be organised by Andhra University, Vignan University, Visakha Book Festival and Vizag Fest, 100 stalls would be set up.

Mr. Sarma said every day film personalities would address meetings and the stress was not on glamour. On the inaugural day, writer Suddala Ashok Teja would attend the programme. Chandra Bose, Goreti Venkanna, C. Uma Maheswara Rao, R.P. Patnaik and others would part in the fest.

Fest members N. Ramanachalam, A. Ramakrishna, K. Subhashini, Yellaji, P.V. Gopala Rao, Dandu Nageswara Rao and B.B. Ganesh were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Special Correspondent / November 30th, 2017

Transplant facility opened at Manipal Hospital

November 30, 2017Records, All, Science & Technologyadmin

Manipal Hospital unveiled state-of-the-art exclusive transplant and medical ICU in the city on Wednesday.

Minister P. Pullarao and NTR University V-C C.V. Rao take a look at the transplant and Medical ICU block after inauguration of Manipal Hospitals. (Photo: DC)

Vijayawada:

Manipal Hospital unveiled state-of-the-art exclusive transplant and medical ICU in the city on Wednesday. The facility was inaugurated by Prathipati Pulla Rao, civil supplies minister and Dr C.V. Rao, Vice-Chancellor, Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences here. The medical ICU has 11 beds, each in a separate room, transplant ICU has 6 beds with the latest air lock lobby in the patient room. Isolation has been designed in a way to prevent airborne-infections. The minister appreciated the management for upgrading the hospital with new equipment. “The facility has a built-up area of 6,500 square feet. The patient cubicle area is 100 square feet. Transplant ICU has 6 beds.”

Dr Sudhakar Kantipudi, unit head, Manipal Hospitals, said, “Our aim is to provide excellent services in healthcare sector. Many people are suffering from severe health problems needing transplant.” The transplant and medical ICU play a major role in supporting a surgery or a transplant and having state-of-the- art unit makes a huge difference. We are happy to take this positive step for the people of Vijayawada.” Dr Srinivasan, senior surgeon, Dr Srinivas Rao T, Consultant Critical Care, and Dr. Manoj Kumar, chief of clinical services were present

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation>Current Affairs / November 30th, 2017

Ongole kids make a mark at international level

November 29, 2017Records, All, Sports, World Opinionadmin

Proud moment:Students displaying the medals they won in the Pencak Silat event heldin Singapore, at Ongole.Kommuri SrinivasKommuriSrinivas

Win six golds in Pencak Silat Singapore Open

Students from the Nextgen International School here have brought laurels winning gold in six events and one bronze in Pencak Silat for pre-teens under different weight categories in the Singapore Open championship held earlier this month.

The students — K. Abhishek, D. Girish, S.P. Sandeep, G. Yashwantraj, B. Puneet Chakravarthy Rathod, K. Harshavardhan and A. Varshith — are not the ones to rest on past laurels. The young sportspersons, all below 13 years of age, are determined to prove their mettle in the World Championship to be held in Thailand in March, 2018

“We will prove to the world that our win in the Singapore Open is not a flash in the pan,” they said after a tiring practice session under the watchful eyes of team India captain P. Manoj Sai who has honed their skills.

The training for the students includes three hours of practice in the morning and evening sessions. “They are provided with a special diet which is less in sugar and oil contents,” the coach said.

It will be a golden opportunity for Pencak Silat practitioners as the event is a medal event in the next Asian games.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National > Andhra Pradesh / by Special Correspondent / Ongole – November 26th, 2017

Bill Gates remembers his first meeting with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu

November 29, 2017Leaders, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinionadmin

Microsoft founder Bill Gates. Image: Reuters

Microsoft Founder Bill Gates on Friday said he was really excited at meeting Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu for the first time over 20 years ago.

Addressing the valedictory of the three-day AP AgTech Summit 2017, the Co-Chair of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation recalled his meeting with Naidu who was then chief minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh.

“I was told that there is someone who believes in digital technology even more than you do. It was hard to believe but when we met, he had his digital equipment — computer — and he had the vision to make government better by using advanced tools,” said Gates.

He also revealed that they agreed and today they have reached a milestone as they can use dashboards for agriculture and health. He also referred to the use of Microsoft app Kaizala by the state government for its activity.

“It’s been a real journey over these 20 years, making that vision a reality. I expect it to accelerate and in the years ahead will move very quickly,” said Gates.

Earlier, Naidu in his speech revealed how he managed to get an appointment with Gates for 10 minutes but the latter spent 40 minutes with him. “I made a presentation through a laptop and I was the first Indian politician to do so,” the chief minister claimed.

Naidu explained how he convinced Gates to set up Microsoft’s development centre in Hyderabad. “Not only Microsoft opened its development centre in Hyderabad but Satya Nadella who is from our place became Microsoft CEO.”

Terming Gates as a great personality, the chief minister said he was spending the money he earned to help people around the world.

source: http://www.firstpost.com / First Post / Home> Tech> News Analysis / IANS / November 20th, 2017

Vizag boy Saahil Sehgal is all set to debut in Hollywood!

November 28, 2017Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, World Opinionadmin

How did a Vizag boy end up making his acting debut with a Hollywood film starring Oscar winner Brie Larson, really? “It’s a mix of a lot of things. I dreamt of becoming be an actor. And over time, after numerous struggles, auditions, acting schools and more, it happened,” says Saahil Sehgal , who is making his debut with Basmati Blues.

It seems like Saahil was destined to bag the role. “I auditioned for the film and the casting director loved me. She wanted me to fly down to the US, but my visa had just expired and there was no way I could get it renewed in a week. The casting director was as disappointed as I was when that happened. I was shooting for an ad in Kolkata when I got a call and was told that the director and producer are coming to Mumbai and wanted me to re-audition for the role. I auditioned again and the role was mine. I began shooting for the film just two weeks after,” he explains.

The film that was shot in Kerala, Mumbai, New York and Los Angeles will see Saahil play the role of William Patel. “He is basically an Indian, born and brought up abroad. But he comes back to India to take over his family business. The film is a romantic musical, and Brie Larson, an Indian-American actor called Utkarsh Ambudkar and I play the lead roles. The story revolves around the three of us,” explains Saahil .

Directed by Dan Baron, the film revolves around a multinational company called Mogil. “The CEO sends a scientist, played by Brie, to India to sell a genetically modified variety of rice to the farmers in India. And I play the guy who helps Brie get the farmers on board. But we discover that the seeds are sterile. Which means, the farmers will have to keep going back to the company to buy seeds. What happens next forms the crux of the story,” he adds.

The film, which has been in the making since 2013 is finally set to hit the screens soon. Explaining why it took so long, Sahil says, “We shot a major chunk of it in 2013 and then there was a lot of patchwork left that was shot in 2015. It’s an independent film and the director is a debutant too. He wanted things to be a certain way and kept making changes. He wanted the film to be as perfect as possible, so that took a while.”

Ask him what it was like to work with Brie Larson who won an Academy award for her role in the 2015 film, Room, and Saahil says, “Brie wasn’t the Academy-award-winner-Brie back then. She was just another co-star on the sets who was fun and easy to work with. We were both just playing our parts.”

Admittedly Saahil was more excited when he found out that he will be sharing the screen with Don Sutherland. “I walked in for the costume trials and saw Donlad Sutherland’s name on the cast sheet put up on a wall. I got excited as I had no idea that he was going to be a part of the film. I love his work in everything from Italian Job to Hunger Games. I even have a song with Donald in the film and it’ll be the first that he has sung in his whole career. It was a really great experience,” adds Saahil .

The film’s trailer, which released recently, ran into trouble with many criticising Brie Larson, of playing the ‘white saviour’ in the film. While the makers have clarified that the film is not about ‘an American going abroad to solve India’s problems’, social media is rife with Indians calling out the makers for ‘cultural appropriation’ and yet again, projecting India as a country with bad English, spicy food, song and dance, and nothing more. Saahil however, says, “People jumped the gun really fast on this one. Reacting this way has kind of become a part of the dysfunction right now. And I’m not saying that just because it’s my film. People need to be able to take a step back and give something a real chance. Because whatever they’ve been claiming, that’s not what the film is about at all.”

He goes on to add, “Director Dan Baron and his wife had spent time in India and fallen in love with the country. That’s why they wanted to make a film about India. They even watched a lot of Bollywood musicals before making this one. Yes, the film has a white person coming to India and eating spicy food. But then again, cliches are cliches. I feel the reactions to the trailer have got more to do with one’s personal convictions than any real issue at hand.”

For now though, Saahil is just excited about finally getting to see himself on the big screen. “From my childhood, ever since I decided I wanted to be an actor, this is the moment that I was waiting for.”

When asked what’s next, he says, “I shoot for a lot of commercials, but I auditioned for a few roles in LA and New York. Nothing is finalised yet, really.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Visakhapatnam News / by Neshita Nyayapati / TNN / November 25th, 2017

Andhra Pradesh: Farmers export plant material

November 27, 2017Agriculture, Business & Economy, Nature, World Opinionadmin

Local farmers get direct export orders from agents in the Gulf

The farmers export tall plants which grow to a height ranging from four to eight feet and aged two years and above by placing them in cocoa peat, to bring down the weight of the plant. (Representational Image)

Rajahmundry:

Given the huge demand for ornamental, fruit and ‘avenue’ plants from Kadiam nurseries in the Gulf, nursery farmers have exported plant material worth over $1.5 lakh to Dubai, Singapore and other countries in the current fiscal year, so far. Fruit plants like mango, ‘sapota’, guava, jackfruit, orange, ‘nerudu’, and ornamental plants like several varieties of colourful croton and ‘avenue’ plants like ashoka, kanuga, coconut, palm and others are being raised in plant nurseries located in several villages in Kadiam mandal in East Godavari. These plants are in huge demand in several Gulf countries. Local farmers get direct export orders from agents in the Gulf.

The farmers export tall plants which grow to a height ranging from four to eight feet and aged two years and above by placing them in cocoa peat, to bring down the weight of the plant. The farmers transport the plants in big refrigerated containers on trucks to the sea ports located either in Visakhapatnam or Chennai to export to the Gulf in cargo vessels. The plants can survive for a period ranging from 15 to 20 days in these refrigerated containers.

Horticulture authorities say that the quantum of export of plants to foreign countries from Kadiam nurseries is 0.5 per cent of the total potential and underlines the importance of enhance it to at least 10 per cent, so that local farmers benefit. The authorities also feel the need to tap the plant market in the US, as there has been no export business carried out here by Indian farmers. They say that the plant quarantine is imperative to create an export market.

This is mainly because no plant with pesticide residue will be accepted abroad. In addition, the plant must be ‘whole’, meaning its stem, branches and leaves must be healthy. They must also be free of diseases and pests and show no signs of this, in the form of scars. At present, the authorities are depending upon analysis of plant material at the Horticulture Research Station.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / by Sampat G. Samaritan, Deccan Chronicle / November 27th, 2017