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Constitution has stood the test of time: law college principal

Principal of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar College of Law V. Kesava Rao giving a lecture on ‘Indian democracy at the cross roads’ – “Has the Constitution failed us” at the Visakhapatnam Public Library in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. Director of the Centre A. Prasanna Kumar and Prof M. Nalini of the Department of Politics and Public Administration of AU, are seen. Photo:C.V.Subrahmanyam. / The Hindu

‘Red tape, black money, and corruption are eating into vitals of democracy’

Crime in politics and farce in election system in India have created a vacuum of morality, observed Principal and Dean of Andhra University Law College A. Kesava Rao here on Saturday.

Delivering a talk on ‘Has the Constitution failed us?’, arranged by Gayatri Vidya Parishad’s Centre for Policy Studies at Visakhapatnam Public Library, he shared his views and experiences about how good governance was better than self governance and how our Constitution had at many times been tested when assaults had been made on the fundamental rights in the Constitution.

He highlighted the ways in which the Constitution had protected our nation till date either by restricting political chaos with the help of judiciary or by safeguarding the rights and interests of the media.

Expressing disappointment over how three elements — red tape, black money, and corruption — failed our Constitution, he said they deprived us of the fruits of the vision our leaders had envisioned for us.

REMEDIAL MEASURES

Professor in the Department of Politics and Public Administration, Andhra University, M. Nalini, who spoke on ‘Measures for course correction’, put forth a few remedial measures for a better democracy.

She focused on constructive measures such as structural changes, radical decentralisation of power from unions, improvement in the quality of democracy, restricting the malfunctioning of democracy, educating the public, facilitation of public hearing, formation of an accountable coalition body, improvement in the responsiveness of masses and need for extensive discussion of issues like treaties and policies in the parliament in her speech.

CPS Director A. Prasanna Kumar spoke on ‘Non-Alignment 2.0′ – a foreign and strategic policy for India framed by eight prominent scholars and released in January 2012.

Eliminating poverty, utilising human resources, giving significance to inclusive growth, upholding values and preserving our moral and ideological capital were the challenges faced today, he pointed out.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / News> Cities> Visakhapatanam / May 27th, 2012

‘Retina cancer curable’

Life threatening for children, say experts

Cancer of the retina in the eye – retinoblastoma – a rare cancer among children below three years, is curable provided they are given treatment at the right time, cancer specialists from L.V. Prasad Eye Institute said here on Wednesday.

On the occasion of Retinoblastoma Awareness Week, between May 13 and 19, cancer specialists from Apollo Cancer Institute and of LVPEI said that retinoblastoma is a rare and life threatening cancer ailment among the children. “Each year, worldwide only 4,000 new cases of retinoblastoma are detected. In India, we come across 1,500 new cases every year. Of these, 250 t 300 cases are treated at LVPEI. Every year, close to 750 children die due to this ailment,” Vijaya Anand Reddy, director, Apollo Cancer Institute, told press persons here on Wednesday.

The LVPEI oncologists said that cancer of the eye is characterised by the presence of a white shiny reflex in the child’s eye. “Parents must rush the child to an ophthalmologist or an oncologist after noticing the white shiny reflex. If treated in time, then 95 per cent of the children can be saved. Close to 85 per cent will have their eye balls intact and 75 per cent of the children will have their vision protected,” Head of Ocular Oncology, LVPEI, Dr. Santosh Honavar said.

The LVPEI doctors said that in addition to the whitening, parents should also look out for symptoms like swelling of the eyes and steady watering.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / News> Cities> Hyderabad / by M. Sai Gopal / May 10th, 2012

Kuwait Cricket Felicitates Senior Cricketers

Ex-Players Honored With Lifetime Achievement Awards

Mohammed Yahya (Right), Receiving The Life Time Achievement Award From Asad Baig.

Kuwait City, April 3:

In commemoration of Kuwait National & Liberation day 2012, Kuwait Cricket, in a memorable & praiseworthy gesture took the initiative to honor and felicitate some senior cricketers in Kuwait by honoring them with Lifetime achievement awards. In fact, it was a reunion of many cricketers of the past & present, along with new generation players, especially the Kuwait National Under 19 women’s team. The gathering of players was quite emotional as they shared the fond memories of the past. These players are known for their passion, dedication and wonderful contribution to the sport of cricket and have always been emotionally attached to the cause of upliftment of cricket & sportsmanship.

The evening was memorable and it started with the address of Irfan Adil who briefed the crowd about Kuwait Cricket’s noble intension of honoring cricketers of the past. Asad Baig, Director General, Kuwait Cricket was the chief guest on this occasion and Lifetime achievement mementos were handed over to Andrew Pinho , Bader Muneer, Kazim Hussein, Mohammed Yahya, Arif Hussein and Chris Amarasekara. In his short message, Asad Baig, Director General, Kuwait Cricket praised the invaluable services rendered by these veteran cricketers and urged them to play role models for the younger generation and to inspire them with positive advises and to share their cricketing experience.

Mohammed Yahya
Currently, Mohammed Yahya is the senior most cricketer residing in Kuwait who had the distinction to play first class cricket in Pakistan in the Qaide Azam trophy where he had brushed his talents against the famous Pakistani cricketers to the likes of Intikab Alam, Mustaq Mohammed, Hanif Mohammed etc. Arriving in Kuwait in 1958, he joined Hawks Cricket club and later on moved to Cresent cricket club where he was the captain for a long time.
In his long tenure with Commercial Bank, where he joined in 1969, Mohammed Yahya was the pillar of the Bank team and this stylish wicket keeper batsman had the opportunity to play against visiting MCC, New Zealand & the England teams. A cracking knock of 177 runs for Commercial bank remains the hightest score of this humble and soft spoken cricketer.

Bader Muneer
A passionate cricketer who plays cricket to win and win only. A good allrounder, gifted with great bat speed, Bader Muneer on a given day can bat and destroy the opposition bowling to pieces and a canny off spinner with a wide range of variety deliveries in his armoury. Represented Unity Cricket club and has participated in all the local tournaments where he exhibited his cricket talents.

Kassim Hussein
A fiery right arm fast bowler who could swing the ball either ways was a terror to any batsmen playing cricket in the early 70’s. Such was the command that he had on the ball, Kazim Hussein could swing a match to his team’s favor which he had performed many a times.
Having played cricket with many great test cricketers in India such as the all time great Indian batsman Sunil Gavaker, Kazim Hussein was the lead bowler for Unity cricket club in Kuwait.

Andrew Pinho
The tall and lanky Andrew Pinho learned and played cricket in the twin cities of Secunderabad and Hyderabad, India, under the guidance of late M.L. Jaisimha, who was a former Indian test player. In Hyderabad league, was fortunate to play against most of the national cricketers to the likes of Abbas Ali Baig, Abid Ali, Govind Raj, Jaisimha, and E.A.S Prasanna etc.
Having been in Kuwait since 1975, started playing for Unity Cricket club, Ahmadi and scored 1000 runs for Unity Cricket Club for two consecutive seasons. Also captured 50 wickets in a season on two consecutive seasons. Represented Casuals and played in local prestigious tournaments like Bawa Shield, Speed Bird Trophy, Jashanmal Trophy and four Nations Trophy.
Selected to play for the Kuwait National Team and toured India, Pakistan, England and Denmark in1979/80. Played against the visiting National Cricket Team of Pakistan, led by IMRAN KHAN at Ahmadi Cricket Grounds. Following year played against the visiting National Cricket Team of Pakistan led by JAVED MIANDAD at NC grounds. Also played against the visiting Air India Cricket Team led by Mohinder Amarnath at Ahmadi Cricket Grounds and against the visiting English Team led by Keith Fletcher and Mike Gating at Al Arabi Football Stadium.

Chris Amarasekara
A gentleman cricketer who upholds the traditional term “Spirit of cricket” is Christopher Amarasekara (fondly called Chris) from Sri Lanka and very few who have watched him play cricket in Kuwait can forget the flashy and quick silver wicket keeper batsman who in the mid eighties played in the Hubara and Unity Leagues for Lanka Colts and Wings.
Selected in 1988 to represent Kuwait Select XI against the visiting British Airways team led by Farokh Engineer which included the left arm England spinner Don Wilson. Awarded Man of the Match for a half century and 5 victims behind the stumps in that match and was complimented for his excellent keeping by none other than Farokh Engineer who himself was stumped by Chris. After invasion represented Hawks & Casuals and Lanka Lions in the Hubara and Unity Leagues. Still active in cricket, Chris has many cherishing and happy moments with the bat and as wicket-keeper.

Arif Hussein
Arif Hussein, a stylish opening batsman represented the North Zone combined University team in India which included Kapil Dev, Arun Lal, Kirti Azad, Hari Gidwani etc., and later on represented the Central Zone U-22 team where he scored a match winning innings of 78 runs against West Zone which had the Indian batting legends Dilip Vengsarkar & Sandeep Patil. Blended with perfect batting technique, Arif Hussein played for Starlite cricket club in Kuwait and was known for his precise timing and nimble foot-work and had played in all the local tournaments like Bawa Shield, Speed Bird Trophy, Jashanmal Trophy and four Nations Trophy.
Represented Kuwait Wanderers in an unofficial International tournament and was declared the best fielder of the tournament. Represented Kuwait against visiting Indian, Pakistan & England teams and while touring the Indian sub-continent had scored a scintillating century against Khar Gymkhana.

source: http://www.arabtimesonline.com / April 04th, 2012

 

Hyatt Hotels Corporation launchess Park Hyatt Hyderabad

Hyatt Hotels Corporation recently announced the opening of Park Hyatt Hyderabad. The hotel with 185 guestrooms and 24 suites offers business travellers and local guests 42 serviced luxury apartments named The Residence, with five-star facilities.  The hotel is fifteen minutes drive from the Hi-Tech City and the business district, and 45 minutes from the international airport. “We are proud to expand the Park Hyatt brand presence in India with Park Hyatt Hyderabad joining Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa, which will be followed by the opening of Park Hyatt Chennai in the second quarter of 2012. These openings are reflective of the thoughtful growth of the brand in destinations that build customer preference, and they also add to the growing portfolio of Hyatt hotels in India,” said Peter Fulton, Managing Director, Hyatt International – South West Asia.

The Residence at Park Hyatt Hyderabad offer furnished apartments with fully-equipped kitchens,  furniture and complimentary wireless internet, informed a release. The residences are built in configurations of one, two and three bedrooms measuring from 927 square feet to 2,317 square feet. Each guestroom at the hotel is equipped with oversized work desks, easy-to-use in-room technology and electrical outlets and light fixtures, with luxurious bathrooms. These spa-style bathrooms feature oversized, free-standing bathtubs and Miller Harris amenities, informed a release. All restaurants at Park Hyatt Hyderabad are designed with interactive show kitchens. Tre-Forni, the hotel’s signature restaurant, offers Italian cuisine and its wine list features varieties from the Central and Northern Italian wine regions. The formal Dining Room serves Hyderabadi and European dishes. While The Living Room and Oriental Bar and Kitchen are the other dining opitions at the property.

Facilities at the hotel include The Spa offering beauty and wellness therapies including a Swedish sauna, steam room, beauty salon, and a fitness centre with a temperature-controlled swimming pool and gym and cardio equipment. Meetings facilities at the property include The Manor for conferences and events. The hotel has a pillar-less ballroom that can be divided into three different spaces, a pre-function area, and seven meeting rooms, each equipped with the latest technology, high-speed internet access and audiovisual systems.

“Park Hyatt hotels are premium luxury hotels designed to cater to the discerning individual seeking the privacy, personalised service and luxurious elegance of a contemporary hotel,” said Sven Hoffmeyer, General Manager, Park Hyatt Hyderabad. “This new hotel will maintain the brand’s emphasis on art and culinary excellence with locally inspired artwork in the public areas and a signature restaurant headed by experienced chefs. I am delighted that the majority of our associates have been recruited from other Hyatt hotels in India, as well as from around the world, which will ensure that our guests receive an authentic and true Park Hyatt experience during their stay in Hyderabad,” he added.

Designed by architecture firm John Portman & Associates, the eight-story Park Hyatt Hyderabad has guestrooms and suites on the first six floors while the serviced apartments are on the two uppermost floors. The interior designed by the international design team Hirsch Bedner Associates, features Indian motifs inspired by henna patterns, with silk and vibrant colours adding a sari-inspired element to the decor.

source: http://www.TravelBizMonitor.com / Home / by TBM Staff, Mumbai / Friday, March 30th, 2012

Typing A to Z in a blink

Hyderabad:

Breaking the records of Jayasimha, Mohammed Khursheed Hussain, Pothireddy Krishna Teja and Sridhar Raju, B V A Manoj Varma, a junior analyst at the Wordworks Apex ITES (India) Pvt Ltd set a new record.

This confirmed his entry into the India Book of Records for typing all the 26 English alphabets in just 2.16 seconds without any space in between the letters, and 3.90 seconds with space between the letters.

However, he has his dreams, set high.

A native of West Godavari district, BVA Manoj Varma Penmetsa pursued his masters in computer applications from Karimnagar and is also an expert with the lower hand in typewriting.

“I have been practicing this for almost two years and it is my dream is to become a Guinness World Record holder.” His stint at the India Book of records, Varma says, is his first step to the Guinness Books of Records.

“Two years ago, when I saw Jayasimha breaking the world record, I have been working on it. And this is very important to me as people get recognised for their talents in different fields and being one among them would be a great feeling.”

Evidently excited Manoj, flanked by his friends and teachers cheering him up, did have to struggle a bit with the second task where he had to type each letter with a space.

And he was successful after quite some attempts.

He used a Dell key board for typing the alphabets without space, while he used a Logitech one for typing with space.

He says, “The type of keys on the keyboard are very important and spacing your fingers between them is also vital. Keys on laptops are surely placed close to each other, but are really soft, hence they reduce the speed of typing.”

Guests who were judging this attempt were DSP G Nageshwar Rao, Krishnaiah Goud, dept of commerce, AV College and R Ramchandhar Rao, head master, ZPHS, Miyapur.

source: http://www.ibnlive.in.com / South> Hyderabad / The New Indian Express, Express News Service / Hyderabad, March, 28th, 2012

 

Hyderabad Times Most Desirable People 2011

You decide! Cast your vote now and help the sexiest celebs in town make it to the top 20 of Hyderabad Times Most Desirable People 2011

Successful, stylish and super sexy – an army of drool-worthy celebs have managed to win the hearts of Hyderabadis with their good looks and smoking hot attitudes. And if you think a celebrity, who is born in Hyderabad, lives in the city or acts in Telugu movies, has got what it takes to be the most desirable star around, then it’s time for you to vote for them. Finally, here’s your poll where you, the reader, will have a say. Presenting the ‘Hyderabad Times Most Desirable People, 2011’ – your chance to decide who are the sexiest celebrities in town.

The polls have pitted some of the hottest people against each other to battle it out and win your hearts with their sheer desirability. From superstar Mahesh Babu and spunky Rana Daggubati, to the sexy Samantha and the sporty Saina, the celebs who have had us smitten, now need your help. Vote for your favorite lust-worthy figures and get them to the top 20 of Hyderabad Times Most Desirable People 2011 list. Remember, all your votes make a difference, so make each one count!

To vote log on to itimes.com/polls

Voting closes on April 15.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> Regional> Entertainment> Region> Telugu / TNN, March 19th, 2012

Turkey to open consulate in Hyderabad

Hyderabad:

In a bid to strengthen its centuries old ties with Hyderabad, Turkey plans to not only set up a consulate or appoint an honorary consul in Hyderabad but is also seeking direct air connectivity between Hyderabad and Istanbul, Turkish ambassador Dr. Burak Akcapar said on Saturday.

“We have applied to the Indian authorities for a direct air link between Hyderabad and Istanbul,” the envoy said.

Turkey seeks more flights from Indian cities

Turkey also sought doubling of flights from Delhi and Mumbai from the current one daily flight from these cities. To increase Turkish presence in Hyderabad we have sought permission for a consulate and till such time we plan to have an honorary consul,” the Turkish envoy told newspersons on the sidelines of a meeting with city-based industry bigwigs.

Turkey has also sought direct connectivity with Chennai, Amritsar, Bangalore and Kolkata. But, he said that Hyderabad was an “absolute priority” thanks to age-old links with the Nizams. The envoy was in town to pitch Turkey as an investment destination and woo Hyderabad-based businessmen, especially from infrastructure and realty sectors, to the week-long Turkey World Trade Bridge international business summit being organized by the Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists of Turkey (TUSKON) and the Indo-Turkish Business Association (ITBA) from June 3 to 10, 2012 in Istanbul.

Nearly 15 Hyderabad businessmen are expected to participate in the summit. He said Turkey was also seriously pursuing a free trade agreement (FTA) or economic partnership agreement (EPA) with India to accelerate bilateral trade that hit a historic high of $7 billion last year from $4 billion in 2010. “India and Turkey will be economically, politically and culturally shapers of the new world. We can easily increase bilateral trade to $20 billion in a short time if we have an FTA or ETA. We have completed the joint study, which is awaiting a signing and will pave the way for the agreement.”

Making a strong pitch for Indian players to invest in Turkey, which is the gateway to Europe and the Middle East and would give access to over 40 markets with a population of over 1.5 billion and $23 trillion GDP, the envoy said Indian giants like GMR, which set up Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen airport, Mahindras, Wipro,  Reliance, Tata and Dabur were already present in Turkey with Aditya Birla group investing $530 million in December 2011.

source: http://www.TimesofIndia.IndiaTimes.com/ Home> City> Hyderabad / TNN / March 18th, 2012

Action plan to give fillip to horticulture crops

Horticulture authorities have come up with an action plan at a cost of nearly Rs.5 crores to take up area expansion by raising several varieties of fruit crops, rejuvenation of existing crops, post-harvest management and exposure visits of farmers to other states to learn about new techniques of cultivation in East Godavari.

Horticulture authorities have come up with an action plan at a cost of nearly Rs.5 crores to take up area expansion by raising several varieties of fruit crops, rejuvenation of existing crops, post-harvest management and exposure visits of farmers to other states to learn about new techniques of cultivation in East Godavari.

Farmers will be encouraged to raise five varieties of fruit crops including mango, cashew nut, papaya, banana and cocoa in the expanded area. Cocoa and vegetables will be raised as inter-crops in the select varieties of fruit crops proposed for raising.

Expansion of the area of cultivation of oil palm is also proposed and farmers will be given subsidy worth Rs.3,000 per hectare to raise vegetables as inter-crop and Rs.4,000 per hectare for fertilisers including vermin-compost.

Several varieties of vegetable seeds will also be given on 50% subsidy. Authorities also plan to take up rejuvenation of the existing horticulture crops. They intend to cut off unwanted and infected branches of unknown varieties of trees and allow development of tender shoots.

Then they will graft shoots brought from a known variety of fruit which is in high demand to the tender shoots of the grown up tree and get quality fruits.

In case of grown trees of known origin but no quality fruit, the authorities intend to remove all dead wood from the tree and expose it more to sunlight.

Exposure to sunlight is expected to help the tree to fight against pests and diseases, grow stronger and give a better yield.

The authorities plan to raise inter-crops in old gardens to fill gaps. Farmers will be given plant material free of cost under the National Rural Employ-ment Guarantee Scheme (NRGES). They also intend to provide various kinds of machinery at 50% subsidy to farmers.

Awareness campaign will also be taken up for farmers to adopt various techniques of cultivation to help improve yields, including exposure visits to other states.

The horticulture assistant director, Mr K. Ajay Babu said, “Our tentative action plan is aimed to expand cultivable area of horticulture crops and make them more viable and profitable to the farmers.”

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Channels> Cities> Region> Rajahmundry / by DC Correspondent / March 14th, 2012

 

Vizag-Dubai flight is set

Air Travellers Association-India (ATA) president, Mr D. Varada Reddy, said that the first international fight (AI-952) between Visakhapatnam and Dubai will also be helpful to passengers who want to fly to Chicago or its neighbouring states including Canada.

Air Travellers Association-India (ATA) president, Mr D. Varada Reddy, said that the first international fight (AI-952) between Visakhapatnam and Dubai will also be helpful to passengers who want to fly to Chicago or its neighbouring states including Canada.

As the AI-952 flight is connected to Air India’s Chicago flight (AI-127) at Hyderabad, it can also help other passengers apart from those who fly to Dubai and onwards to Africa, Europe, etc, Mr Varada Reddy said.

In an official release here on Monday, Mr Varada Reddy said the connecting flight would save time, efforts and even cost to passengers, particularly women with children, and senior citizens.

He suggested that passengers book tickets through travel agents, tour operators or at the Air India office or even online as soon as possible by the scheduled departure time at 1.40 pm on March 25.

The return flight from Dubai, AI-951, will land in Vizag airport on March 25 at 8.05 am, he added.

Meanwhile, as a prelude to the take off of the first international Dubai bound flight on March 25 and in an attempt to put Vizag on the global map, the Visakhapatnam Air Travellers Association (VATA) has come up with a T shirt design contest.

VATA wants the participation of local talented youth to design a T shirt with international standards.

“A person returning from Goa wears an ‘I Love Goa T shirt’ available there. Same is the case with Canada, Australia and other global destinations. We also want such a kind of flavour and a mark for Vizag. The city should have its own T shirt with the theme, ‘I Love Vizag,” VATA president Ch. Ramakotaiah told this newspaper.

He added that greenery and the dolphin showcase the true flavour and spirit of the city and the T shirt should depict both.

VATA has called for entries from enthusiastic youth to reach it before March 14. The winning design will be featured on the T-shirt used as promotion of Vizag at the airport and a few other places in the city on March 25.

“We are hopeful that in a short period, the Vizag-Singapore flight will also take off from the city,” said Mr Ramakotaiah.

VATA is also organising Ugadi celebrations on March 23.

Minister Ganta Srinivas Rao will release the T-shirt on March 23 during the Ugadi celebrations and a surprising prize will be given to the winner on the day.

Interested candidates to design the T-shirt can contact vata1995@gmail.com or call phone number 9849977666.

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle. com / Home> Channels> Cities> Regions> Visakhapatnam / by DC Correspondent / Visakhapathnam, March 13th, 2012

 

India Aviation 2012 expo to start in Hyderabad from March 14

Hyderabad:

If it was Airbus’s jumbo A-380 in 2008, Boeing’s  ‘Dreamliner 787-8 aircraft would be the cynosure of all eyes when it touches down in India for the first time for India Aviation-2012 expo, beginning here on March 14, in the centenary year of civil aviation in India.

The Dreamliner, which would be inducted into Air India fleet soon, would be on display for three days at the biennial aero show at the Begumpet Airport here.

Sukhoi’s Superjet 100 aircraft, Airbus’ A-318 and Embraer’s business jets Phenom 300 and 100 would be the other attractions at the third edition of the International Exhibition and Conference on Civil Aviation, jointly organised by the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited will showcase its Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) that is currently in the development stage. Powered by a single engine, the LUH is to be deployed for Reconnaissance and Surveillance role.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh will inaugurate the five-day event in the presence of Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy. Singh will release a postal stamp and a coffee-table book on civil aviation too.

In all, 22 aircraft will be on static display, with 21 airline companies from across the globe will be participating. The beleaguered Kingfisher, which was one of the main sponsors of India Aviation in the previous two editions, would be missing this time.

While India is the host, UK will be the `partner country’, France the `focus country’ and the US `guest country’, said FICCI regional director (trade fairs) Lt Col Vivek Kodikal.

Andhra Pradesh would be the host state, Maharashtra the partner state and Karnataka the focus state at the event.

“The primary objective of the event is to attract investments in the aerospace sectors in the country in general and AP in particular,” Vivek said. The show would be open to business visitors for the first three days, and to common people on 17th and 18th.

source: http://www.EconomicTimes.Indiatimes.com / News> News by Industry> Transportation / PTI / March 10th, 2012