Cigniti Tech opens new global test centre in Hyderabad

Business & Economy, Science & Technology, World Opinion

The new facility houses cloud-enabled performance test lab in addition to the existing mobile, robotics labs, helping the company’s clients further leverage its infrastructure

Cigniti Technologies Limited (formerly Chakkilam Infotech Limited), a city-based independent software testing company , opened a 34,000-sft global test engineering centre in Hyderabad on Monday. With the addition of the new facility, the company now has a total of 95,000 sft of space across Hyderabad, Dallas and Toronto.

“With the addition of this new centre, we are well equipped to meet our current and future growth needs while we continue to expand our operations further. Today, Cigniti is a 800-plus people organisation worldwide and we plan to hire another 400 by 2014 as we move forward,” Cigniti chief executive officer, Sudhakar Pennam , said in a release.

The new facility houses cloud-enabled performance test lab in addition to the existing mobile, robotics labs, helping the company’s clients further leverage its infrastructure, he added.

The company had in March this year inaugurated a mobile test lab (or competency unit) at its Hyderabad facility, from where it is offering its proprietary mobile and on-the-cloud testing platforms.

The lab enables Cigniti’s clients to quickly set up test harnesses and complete testing their mobile applications on multiple platforms, devices and networks.

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> Companies> News / by BS Reporter / Hyderabad – September 02nd, 2013

Inaugural IBL a smash hit: Saina

Records, All, Sports
Saina said she did not expect her team to win the title. (PTI/File photo)
Saina said she did not expect her team to win the title. (PTI/File photo)

The inaugural $1 million Indian Badminton League (IBL) proved to be a box-office hit. The galaxy of stars from the badminton world (without the ones from China and Japan) added tremendous lustre to the meet and the players dished out a sumptuous fare for the fans. Saina Nehwal was the creme de la creme of the lot. A Magnificent Seven (seven wins out of seven) was her contribution as Hyderabad Hotshots sizzled all the way.

There were no cheerleaders unlike the Indian Premier League, but the IBL provided cheers all the way. Saina firmly believes the IBL is a great thing to happen to badminton. “If you see the results, there is a lot of improvement by the Indian players, specially Kidambi Srikkanth. He really played well. I hope that more talented players emerge from India,” she said.

Saina said she did not expect her team to win the title. “We are the champions! We did not expect to win in the first edition itself.”

Saina firmly believes that the IBL will catch up with the IPL. “No one expected IBL to be be successful. It is wrong to compare it with the IPL. It is not right at this point of time because IPL is a great thing. We want to try to make IBL big, but for the first time, it is not easy. Hopefully, in coming years, it will catch up with the IPL.”

She is all the more happy because of the crowd response. “When something new starts, there could be some glitches. But I was really surprised to see a good crowd turn up for the matches in Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow. A lot of people came to cheer us up. A lot of kids came and cheered for me. It is really great to see the younger generation coming to badminton. We have not seen such big crowds during the nationals. Big-time badminton has arrived in India. The players were doing well and this small encouragement was required and it came at the right time because of the IBL,” she said.

Being a vital cog of her team, Saina did have some jitters when there was a possibility of her playing mixed doubles in case Ajay Jayaram had lost his singles match in the final.

“I’m a singles player. Frankly speaking, I was little scared of  playing the match because Pia (Zebadiah Bernadeth) and (Markis) Kido are world No 9. It was good that we pulled it off in the second men’s singles,” she said. Saina was the only player to win all seven matches. This form might help her regain her winning formula in the Super Series tournaments.

“It is not easy to win a Super Series title. I will try my best. Of course, it is not easy to win seven matches in a row. I was very focused and confident of pulling off matches. But with opponents like Tai Tzu Ying, Juliane Schenk, PV Sindhu, I never thought I would win seven matches. But I’m playing very well and getting back my rhythm. I just hope to end the year on a good note, winning some titles,” she said.

Saina expects Chinese players to play in the IBL next year. “It would be good and it would be good for them also. Finally, it is their decision. And anyway, most of the top players are playing so I have no issues with the Chinese playing or not. But the foreign players are really happy because of the amount of money that has come in,” she said. “Next year, it will be much tougher and there will be many more singles players coming in. There will be a lot of pressure on you but at same time, it will help me as I will play with a lot of top players,” she concluded.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Sport / by N. Jagannath Das – Hyderabad / September 02nd, 2013

We want to strengthen our presence outside Andhra Pradesh

Business & Economy

State Bank of Hyderabad, one of the oldest banks in the South and the largest among the associate banks of the State Bank of India, is spreading its wings beyond Andhra Pradesh in a big way.

The 71-year-old bank opened over 200 branches in the last couple of years, with over half of these outside Andhra Pradesh. “Not that we do not want to open more branches in Andhra Pradesh, but we want to have a wider presence,” said M. Bhagavantha Rao, Managing Director of the bank, in an interview to Business Line.

Excerpts from the interview:

State Bank of Hyderabad seems to be on an expansion spree, particularly outside Andhra Pradesh. Why the sudden shift?

Our expansion drive is part of our move to concentrate beyond our traditional areas of Andhra Pradesh and parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra. Last year, we opened zonal offices in Mumbai and Delhi to extend our reach. Recently, we opened branches in Raipur, Ranchi and Patna.

We are planning to open more branches during the current financial year. Of the 200 branches we opened last, 60 per cent was outside Andhra Pradesh.

This ratio will keep increasing as we go forward. Not that we do not want to open more branches in Andhra Pradesh, but we want to have a wider presence. We have over 1,000 branches in Andhra Pradesh, in addition to several banking correspondents operating throughout the State.

How long does a new branch take to break even?

Depending on the rental and number of employees, it may vary. For us, on an average, it takes 12-15 months. We can break even much earlier, if the number of staff is lesser.

We will need at least 4-5 people in a new branch. All our new branches are giving us good business. For example, last year we opened branches in Kelambakkam, Chitlapakkam, Urapakkam and Sholinganallur — the southern suburbs of Chennai. Within 15-16 months, these branches contributed at least Rs 10 crore of business each.

What is the bank’s total business and how much of it comes from Andhra Pradesh at present?

At the end of the first quarter of the current fiscal, our total business stood at over Rs 2.10-lakh crore. Of this, 50 per cent came from Andhra Pradesh, and the remaining from rest of the country.

What is your turnover target for the next couple of years?

We want to achieve a business turnover of Rs 3-lakh crore by 2015, and we are on track to get there.

Considering the current economic situation….

(He interrupts) Our profitability may come under pressure, due to various provisioning and the general slowdown, but not the topline.

What is your strategy to achieve the growth target?

First, we want to expand our footprint to other geographies, particularly in the South this year. At present, we have 49 branches in this region. We want to take it to 65 by the end of the current financial year. We are planning to set up two branches in Kerala and 14 more in Tamil Nadu, including an all-women branch in Salem in October.

Second, we want to focus more on retail deposits and advances this year with more stress on car loans and the MSME (micro, small and medium enterprise) segment. This year being ‘the year of MSMEs’, we are planning Rs 9,000 crore of additional business from this segment. We have already done about Rs 1,500 crore so far.

There is great potential in this sector. All it requires is a bit of planning and training. As entrepreneurs require some sort of handholding, we need to have some trained people with us. This took some time for us. Now, we are completely equipped. We have posted 600 officers to manage the MSME business.

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line / Home> Industry> Banking / by R. Ravikumar  ravikumar.r@thehindu.co.in / September 02nd, 2013

Four Napoleon III-era coins discovered in Andhra temple

Historical Links, Pre-Independence

Authorities in Andhra Pradesh  have discovered four French gold coins dating back to Napoleon III, the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte and the last monarch of France, in a temple.

The coins, each weighing 1.5 grams, were found during digging at the Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy temple at Palakole town in West Godavari in coastal Andhra.

Department of archaeology and museums assistant director Bangaiah told IANS over phone that the coins dating back to the 18th century A.D. have images of Napoleon III.

“This is the first time that French coins have been found in Andhra Pradesh,” said Bangaiah. He pointed out that Palakole was a trading centre on the eastern coast attracting the Dutch, the French, the Portuguese and the British traders.

The official said the coins were found during the excavation work to rebuild the ‘dhwajastambham’ at the 10th century temple. The dhwajastambham or flag post of the deity had collapsed during the recent rains and the temple authorities had taken up the excavation to reinstall it.

“As per custom, the coins and other valuables of the temple are kept in a pit before erecting the dhwajastambham,” said Bangaiah.

The temple authorities gave one of the four coins to the department of archaeology and museums for displaying at the government museum in Kakinada in East Godavari district. The remaining three coins were kept in the excavated pit before starting work on rebuilding the dhwajastambham.

Three copper coins of British India were also discovered during the excavation. While two coins were of one paisa each, the third was of Re 1 denomination. The coins, from 1905, carried the image of Queen Victoria.

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> News-IANS> Arts-Culture-Books / by IANS / Hyderabad – September 02nd, 2013

Award presented to nuclear scientist

Leaders, Records, All, Science & Technology
Vignan Group of Institutions Chairman L. Rathaiah (second from left) presenting ‘Vignan Sanketika Puraskar’ to Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited CMD Prabhat Kumar in Guntur on Saturday. / Photo: T. Vijaya Kumar / The Hindu
Vignan Group of Institutions Chairman L. Rathaiah (second from left) presenting ‘Vignan Sanketika Puraskar’ to Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited CMD Prabhat Kumar in Guntur on Saturday. / Photo: T. Vijaya Kumar / The Hindu

Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited Chairman & Managing Director Prabhat Kumar was presented ‘Vignan Sanketika Puraskar’ by Vignan Group of Institutions Chairman L. Rathaiah in a programme held at the university on the eve of Engineer’s Day.

On the occasion, Mr. Prabhat Kumar said a successful engineer is one who does not disturb the balance of nature and finds solutions to various problems faced by society in a harmonious way.

Students of engineering have a role model in Sir Mokshagundam Visveswaraiah who was one of the great engineers India had produced since times immemorial.

India is full of architecture marvels such as the Taj Mahal, famous temples of South India, dams and many such imposing structures. Mr. Rathaiah said budding engineers should imbibe the qualities of Sir Visveswaraiah and apply technologies to solving local problems. Vice-Chancellor M.S.C. Bose, Registrar A. Leela Mohan Rao, Director of Engineering & Technology V. Madhusudan Rao and Vignan’s Lara Institute of Technology & Science Principal S. Rukmini participated.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by Staff Reporter / Guntur – September 15th, 2013

DPS to conduct discussion on media literacy

Business & Economy, Education

Coinciding with International Literacy Day, Delhi Public School, Vijayawada, will organise a panel discussion on ‘Media Literacy’ on the school campus on September 7 (Saturday).

The event will commence at 9.30 a.m. in the seminar hall of the school.

Senior journalists from the print and electronic media will discuss key components of media literacy such as media as a watchdog, watching the watchdog, media ethics, social media and career opportunities in media.

Freelance writer and ELT Consultant P. Ramanujam will moderate the discussion.

In a statement on Friday, Head of the English Department and coordinator of the event Shanthi Ramajujam said the discussion would be followed by an interaction with children from different schools.

“The objective is to disabuse the notion of medial literacy and educate children to be intelligent users of media,” she said.

Two students and one teacher from each school are invited to participate.

The students may be from classes IX–XII.

Interested schools may confirm their participation by forwarding names of the students and the teacher by email to the Faculty Coordinator (English), Email: shanthiramanujam1962@gmail.com

The last date for registration is September 3.

Further information can be sought by contacting Shanthi Ramanujam, Discussion Coordinator (mobile: 77029 29564).

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> news> Cities> Vijayawada / by Special Correspondent / Vijayawada – August 31st, 2013

Huge increase in cash awards for theatre performances in Andhra Pradesh

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Hyderabad :

To give a boost to theatre in the state, the state government has increased the amount of cash prizes for performances in various categories. The enhancement was effected after the Andhra Pradesh State Film, Television and Theatre Development Corporation made the recommendation. Following the recommendation, cash prizes have been enhanced in respect of padya natakams, social plays, social playlets, and children’s social playlets.

The increase in cash prizes is considerable as a GO released by the general administration department on August 30 shows.

For padya natakams productions, the cash prizes for first best performance has been increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 80,000, second best from Rs 40,000 to Rs 60,000 and third best from Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000. There has been a considerable increase even in the individual awards. The best director award cash prize has been increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000, first best play writer from Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000, second best play writer from Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000, the Bellari Raghava ward for best actor from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000, best leading actress from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000, best music from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000. Cash prizes for the rest of the awards in the category have been increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000.

For social plays productions, the cash prize for first best performance has been increased from Rs 40,000 to Rs 70,000, the second from Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000 and the third from Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000. In the individual awards in the category, the best director’s cash prize has been increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000, the first best play writer from Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 and the second best play writer from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000. The best leading actor and best leading actress cash prize has been enhanced from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000. For the rest of the awards, the enhancement is from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000.

The enhancement will be applicable for the Nandi Natakotsavam 2013 which will be held in January/February 2014.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hyderabad / by Ch. Sushil Rao , TNN / August 31st, 2013

Tallest Ganesh has Facebook a/c, email id

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All
People having a look at the 59-foot Ganesh idol which is being erected at Khairatabad in the city on Saturday. —DC
People having a look at the 59-foot Ganesh idol which is being erected at Khairatabad in the city on Saturday. —DC

Hyderabad: 

The mammoth 59-foot Khairatabad Vinayakudu, built by more than 125 workers from all over India, will be open for public viewing from September 5 onwards, however darshans will begin only on September 9 (Monday).

According to the organisers, to the right of the Khairatabad Ganesha, a 20- feet Sri Rama Pattabhishekam idol is being installed and towards the left, Bhuwaneshwari Matha along with Lord Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Rudrudu, Lakshi and Saraswathi idol are being stationed.

M. Sudarshan, founder and chairman of the Khairatabad Utsava Samiti said, the theme adopted this year is Gonaga Chathurmukha Vinayakudu. Devotees will see two cows on both sides of lord Ganesh with five snakes and four faces of the god.

The huge idol that took nearly 50 days to complete, costs Rs 40 lakh. The plastering work is almost complete and painting will start soon. The idol will be ready by September 3.

About 10 CCTV cameras and additional door frame metal detectors will be installed during the 11-day festivities, the committee has also requested for women security guards.
This year, the committee has created a Facebook account of the idol.

“People living abroad can mail us at ganepathideva@gmail.com and send in their prayer requests, following which pujas will be conducted,” said Raj Kumar, committee member.
The Utsava Samiti is conducting its 59th Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> News> Current Affairs / DC / September 01st, 2013

GVK scion’s start-up takes to social enterprise

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Science & Technology

Hyderabad :

The Indian, an e-commerce start-up co-promoted by G.V. Keshav Reddy, grandson of industrialist G.V.K. Reddy, seeks to make a difference, though in a small way.

Its slogan speaks of its simple concept –“One for you, one for me.”

The concept seems rather simple. You buy a polo shirt at a flat rate of Rs 999, including handling charges and door delivery. Automatically, the company donates another shirt to the needy. Toms Shoes does a similar thing with shoes. Keshav Reddy, who is pursuing his studies at University of Michigan, has launched the initiative with his friend Ishaan Dodhiwala. The polo shirts are procured from a manufacturer in Tirupur in Tamil Nadu. The logo is a peacock, the national bird. The shirts will be stored at a warehouse in Hyderabad and dispatched to buyers through a tie-up with express logistics company Gati Ltd.

“The company is in the process of building a team to support its business and we expect to expand the product range as we go along building on The Indian brand,” Keshav Reddy told Business Line.

“We have invested few lakhs in the venture and do not have any major targets. We will slowly and surely grow the business and add other products to the portfolio,” he said.

As Keshav returns to the US to pursue his studies, Ishaan, who comes from a family engaged in textiles, will handle the operations in India.

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line / Home> Companies / by  V. Rishi Kumar  rishikumar.vundi@thehindu.co.in / Hyderabad – August 31st, 2013

Oberoi Group opens Trident, Hyderabad

Business & Economy

Hyderabad :

The Oberoi Group has opened Trident, Hyderabad. Located in the information technology hub, Hitec City, the hotel has an elegant and contemporary design and offers business and leisure facilities.

P.R.S Oberoi, Executive Chairman of The Oberoi Group, in a statement said: “Over the years we have added hotels at various locations in India and overseas which have become industry benchmarks. Hyderabad has emerged as a significant business destination and Trident, Hyderabad has been created with the discerning business traveller in mind.  This hotel is a testimony of our vision for the ‘Trident’ brand and its standards of excellence.”

Sharad Puri, General Manager, Trident, Hyderabad said, “With the opening of Trident, Hyderabad we want to offer discerning business and leisure travellers an oasis of tranquillity with service which is warm, caring and personalised.”

The hotel has 323 guest rooms and suites which are the largest in Hyderabad. It offers extensive conference and banquet facilities.

The dining options at Trident, Hyderabad include Amara, an all-day dining restaurant offering the best of world cuisine, Kanak, the Indian restaurant which serves the finest in Indian cuisine with a strong regional influence from Hyderabad, and Tuscany is the Italian restaurant with a relaxed ambience. This restaurant offers a display kitchen with a wood fired pizza oven and a wine tasting room offering a selection of fine wines.

Ninety Six serves a selection of spirits, wines and cocktails. Leisure facilities include the Trident Spa, a yoga room and a fully equipped fitness centre. The reflective swimming pool with an infinity edge is a unique feature of the hotel.

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line / Home> Companies / by V. Rishi Kumar  rishikumar.vundi@thehindu.co.in / Hyderabad – September 02nd, 2013