Category Archives: Records, All

CA Final Topper Clears Exam in One Sitting, Makes Chennai Proud

Education, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Records, All

Chennai /  Vijayawada :

A 23-year-old BCom graduate from Chennai, James John Britto, has emerged the national topper in his maiden attempt in the final Chartered Accountant exam, the results of which were announced on Sunday. Trailing him was Mohan Kumar Nagolu from Thottamledu, a non-descript hamlet under Chodavaram village panchayat near Srikalahasti in Chittoor district in Andhra, who emerged second.

CAtopperCHENNAI20jan2016

A resident of Mogappair, Britto completed his graduation in Loyola College. The final exam of one of the most toughest and rigorous professional courses in the world was conducted in November. Britto’s overall score was 595 out of 800 (74.38 per cent) which secured him the first rank in the country. The CA exams are divided into three levels — Common Proficiency Test (CPT), Integrated Professional Competence Course (IPCC) and the Final Examination.

“After clearing the foundation exams (CPT), I started preparing for the intermediate exams (IPCC). Since I did not wish to discontinue, I was preparing for the IPCC alongside my UG course,” said Britto.

On strategies he adopted to clear the exam, which people with even five to 10 years of professional CA experience find tough, he said, “I stuck to my basic plan of studying hard for 10-12 hours on an average everyday and this eventually peaked during the last few weeks of preparation.”

When asked about his future plans, one thing Britto was clear about was that he wanted to work in the city.

“As of now, I am looking at employment and have kept options open regarding the nature of the company. But one thing is for sure, I wouldn’t prefer working abroad as I love working here in the city,” said Britto, son of A Raja, a leading chartered accountant.

His father being in the field for nearly 30 years was one of the factors that Britto said contributed to his great success. “My father, who is in the same industry for close to 30 years, helped me a lot during the preparations and I would say his role was crucial throughout the CA exam journey.” Of the 42, 469 candidates who took up the exam last November, only 2,440 (5.75%) managed to clear the exam.

Nagolu Mohan Kumar from Tirupati and Avinash Sancheti from Kolkata secured the second and third rank in the final exam with scores 572 (71. 5 per cent) and 566 (70.75 per cent) respectively. When Mohan received a call from Manoj Fadnis, the president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), informing him about his results, Mohan Kumar was literally on cloud nine.

“My happiness knew no bounds when Manoj Sir called me up and told me that I had secured the all-India second rank. The call was immediately followed by another one, this time from M Devaraj Reddy, vice-president of ICAI. I was thrilled and shared the news with my family,” Mohan Kumar told Express over the phone. Mohan, who pursued the CA course right from Intermediate, took coaching from Superwhiz in Vijayawada and did his articleship with Datla and Associates in Hyderabad. He attributed his success in the CA final to hard work. “Since November, four months prior to the commencement of exams, I had been studying 12 to 13 hours a day, including Sundays,” he said, opining that systematic preparation is the key for success in CA exams.

Mohan Kumar’s father N Nagaraju Reddy is a farmer, while his brother Bhanuprakash has completed his BTech. Kumar’s entire family celebrated his success with the villagers also joining them.

Going forward, Mohan Kumar said, he wanted to work with a good MNC for three-four years before going for own practice.

Meanwhile, Superwhizz principal S Venkateswara Rao said along with Mohan Kumar, the institute had bagged three more ranks within the first 50 ranks. J Harsha Sai bagged the 7th rank, M Swathi the 32nd and P Pradeep Rai secured the 50th rank at the national level. The ICAI also released results for the CPT exams conducted during the December 2015 on Sunday. The overall pass percentage for this exam was around 34.45 percent as only 34,129 out of the 99,077 candidates who appeared for it cleared the test.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Express News Service / January 18th, 2016

The might of the Indian Navy: ENC

Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Visakhapatnam:

The Eastern Naval Command (ENC) is gearing up for the International Fleet Review (IFR) scheduled for February 2016. About 100 vessels from 50 countries will participate in the IFR.

In fact, the ENC has gained prominence after the Indian government focused on strengthening strategic ties with other countries as part of its ‘Look East’ policy. The defence ministry is also keen on strengthening ENC’s presence on the Eastern Sea Board.

The mega event is likely to catapult the ENC to an envious position in the Naval world. The ENC had come a long way from a small outpost in 1939 to playing a key role in the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971. It is spread across the longest geographical area amongst all the commands of the Indian armed forces. It is also the only one capable of operating nuclear-propelled submarines and plays a major role in providing security to offshore assets in the east coast.

The ENC came into existence on March 1, 1968. The ENC has been safeguarding India’s interests on the eastern sea board. Many vice-admirals of the ENC later served as the chief of Indian Navy.

“Out of 13 major ports in India, seven are located along the east coast. Around one lakh ships cross the Indian Ocean every year and around 70% of petroleum product movement of the world also crosses the Indian Ocean,” Eastern Naval Command chief vice-admiral Satish Soni told TOI.

The command that started with a small fleet now has a strong flotilla, submarine fleet and a powerful air arm, besides a well equipped naval dockyard and other units.

The Eastern Naval Command’s significance has increased after it acquired P8I, the long range maritime patrol aircraft, Advanced Jet Trainers (AJTs) and also the nuclear platform. It is the only command in the Indian Navy that has all these assets. It is also the only command with a facility for submariner training and shipwright school. The command has a strong air arm and three air stations – INS Dega at Visakhapatnam, INS Rajali at Arakkonam and INS Parandu in Tamil Nadu.

The ENC, which had 30 warships in 2005, increased its total fleet strength to 52 vessels by 2012. Among its capabilities, it has the INS Jalashwa, an amphibious transport dock, Rajput class destroyers, Kora class corvettes, Godavari class frigates, Shivalik class frigates, Sindhughosh class submarines and the Akula-class submarine INS Chakra. Naval aviation is provided by Sea King Helicopters. Another ship of Khamorta class – the INS Kadmatt – will be commissioned next month, sources said.

The ENC also played a major role in naval operations during the Indo-Pak War in 1971 and in Operation Pawan, which was undertaken by the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) to take control of Jaffna from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

source:  http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Visakhapatnam / by Siva G, TNN / December 28th, 2015

Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram sitting on 14m ton of manganese!

Business & Economy, Records, All, World Opinion

Visakhapatnam  :

The stretch of Eastern Ghats in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh has nearly 14 million tons of manganese, according to research scholars from the department of Geology , Andhra University in Visakhapatnam.

One can find the ore in 22 metres depth from earth level in the district. As per industry sources, low quality manganese is priced around Rs 3,500 per ton whereas high quality is valued at Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000 per ton.

Though the quantity is very large, but the available mineral is low grade when compared with the mineral sources in other parts of the country, particularly Madhya Pradesh, said Gollamudi Veeraswamy , a research scholar.

He said that the mandals like Garividi, Garb ham, Kondakinguva in Ramabhadrapuram in the district are full of manganese ore mines.

“When the phosphorous content is high, then it can be considered as low grade. High grade manganese contains very less volume of the phosphorous, against its average value,” Veeraswamy said.

Speaking to TOI, Veeraswamy’s guide Prof Nageswara Rao said though it is a low grade ore, it can be developed into a high grade one by removing the phosphorous. While Madhya Pradesh’s manganese ore contains nearly 0.1% of phosphorous per 100 grams, the Vizianagaram district’s manganese ore contains nearly 0.4%. “We can use this manganese also as per our needs. The manganese is particularly useful for iron and steel production industries.

Vizianagaram is the only district in Andhra Pradesh that has manganese ores. Roughly there is a deposit of nearly 14 million tons of manganese in the district, and it was formed 40,000 years ago” Nageswara Rao said.

Nearly 10 kg of manganese is required for manufacturing one ton of steel.The mineral is also used for making bleaching powder, insecticides, paints, batteries and china-clay . India has the second-largest manganese ore reserve in the world, after Zimbambwe.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Visakhapatnam / V. Kamalakara Rao, TNN / December 14th, 2015

AP Vows to Bring Back Amaravati Artefacts from Brit Museum

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, World Opinion

Guntur  :

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu have promised to take measures for bringing back several precious artefacts and sculptures belonging to the ancient Amaravati from the British Museum in London.

“The Britishers not only looted our nation’s wealth, but also took away the artecrafts from the historic town of Amaravati. I have already consulted with the Chief Minister and took the issue to the notice of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking him to take necessary steps to bring back the artecrafts being displayed in the British Museum,” Venkaiah Naidu said.

The Union minister, along with the Chief Minister, launched the National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) scheme as well as the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme at Amaravati in Guntur district on Saturday. They also laid the foundation-stone for  `21.5 crore integrated water scheme intended to supply drinking water to 39 villages under Pedakurapadu and Tadikonda Assembly constituencies.

As part of the first phase of HRIDAY scheme, the Union government sanctioned funds to the tune of ` 22.26 crore for the development of Amaravati. Similarly, the Centre sanctioned `28.36 crore under PRASAD scheme.

Addressing a public gathering on the occasion, the Union Minister, who handed over the funds sanction letter to the Chief Minister, said the Centre altogether sanctioned `60.62 crore to Amaravati under both the schemes and sought the latter to sanction another `50 crore on behalf of the state government for the allround development of the town.

On the occasion, he also underlined the need for providing the best connectivity to the ancient Amaravai with the new Amaravati (the new capital of the state). Detailing the historic importance of Amaravati, he said  it was the place that visited by Gautama Buddha several centuries ago and from where Acharya Nagarjuna launched the propagation of Buddhism.

Speaking on the occasion, Chandrababu Naidu said they would develop the ancient Amaravati in such manner that all those visiting the state’s new capital city would also make a visit to the historic town. The articrats belonging to Amaravati lying in British Museum in London, as well as in Tamil Nadu, will be brought the back, he said.

“No doubt, it is going to be one of the best historic city,” he maintained.

Promising to sanction `50 crore for development of Amaravati as sought by Venkaiah Naidu, he said the government would complete the Jnana Buddha project at the earliest.

He further appealed to those farmers, who approached court refusing to part their lands to an extent of 16 acres for the Buddhist circuit, to withdraw the petitions and cooperate with the government for the expansion of the project, which will come in handy for expansion of tourism sector in the town. He said the government would take its own steps in case the farmers show reluctance.

On the occasion, he also announced R Mallikarjuna Rao as special officer of the Jnana Buddha project. The Chief Minister promised to construct a lift irrigation scheme at Bodhanam to provide irrigation water to villages under Pedakurapadu constituency by drawing water from Pulichintala project.

Deputy Chief Minister N Chinnarajappa, ministers P Pulla Rao, D Umamaheswara Rao and Kamineni Srinivas, Visakhapatnam BJP M K Haribabu, Narasaraopet MP Rayapati Sambasiva Rao, Pedakurapadu MLA K Sridhar and others were present.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / Express News Service / December 06th, 2015

After controversial demolition 2 years ago, authorities now feign memory loss on promises made

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

Visakhapatnam : 

At one time, it was probably the most popular landmark in the Port City. Built to commemorate the coronation of Edward VII in 1914, the Kurupam Market had a lofty gateway and a clock tower. All of a sudden, out of the blue exactly two years ago in the month of November, the structure built by the then zamindar of Kurupam, which at the most needed a few repairs, was knocked down by the GVMC authorities at the orders of the then commissioner MV Satyanarayana. This despite the fact that the structure was listed as a heritage monument by the Vizag chapter of Intach.

The demolition of the structure, which was actually under the control of the endowments department, triggered a blame game. While the endowments department absolved itself of any involvement, GVMC authorities categorically denied any hand in the demolition, which took place in the middle of the night. However, heritage activists put the blame on GVMC. They claimed that Kuppam Market was razed in a demolition drive by the civic body in Old Town during which nearly 30 structures were knocked down.

Though it has been two years now, none of the promises made by then MLA (South) Dronam Raju Srinivas have materialised. “Plans are afoot to build a similar structure in the place of the old one at a cost of Rs 65 lakh,” the MLA had declared soon after the demolition. However, as on today, no such structure has either come or any such move is on the anvil. After the demolition, some landmarks of the heritage structure including the clock and the timber beams were taken away. The clock was last seen inside one of the godowns in the market yard a few days after demolition. Now nobody knows about its whereabouts. Similarly, nobody knows what happened to the timber beams.

Heritage activist Rani Sarma observed, “It is sad to note that so far neither the GVMC nor the endowments department have made any effort to contact heritage experts to re-build a similar structure. The endowments department is simply looking at it merely as a valuable piece of real estate.”

However, convenor of Intach, Vizag chapter, PV Prasad pointed out, “Recently we had a meeting with the present GVMC commissioner Pravin Kumar who offered to rebuild the structure. However, we felt that once a structure is gone, it is gone for ever. It can never be replaced. More importantly, the sum of Rs 65 lakh suggested is a ridiculously inadequate sum to rebuild a similar structure. To rebuild the structure using the same material, it would cost nothing less than Rs 2 to 3 crore. Hence, we suggested to the commissioner that they build large models of structures such as Kurupam Market, Round Bungalow ( former residence of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan) and the famous Gali Meda of Bheemili which have all been knocked down.”

Prasad claimed that the present GVMC commissioner, the district collector and the present Vuda chairman are keen on preserving the heritage of Vizag and are working on forming a permanent full time conservation committee.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Visakhapatnam / by Venkatesh Bayya, TNN / November 29th, 2015

Centenary celebrations of Narasaraopet from Dec. 11

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

Three-day event to showcase the rich culture and traditions of the town. Narasaraopet is known as the Gateway of Palnadu and had witnessed the rule of various dynasties.

The people of Narasaraopet will get a peek into the hoary past of the municipality during its 100 years’ celebrations beginning on December 11. It is going to be a three-day event that will feature the rich culture and traditions of the town which became a municipality in 1915.

It grew into a vibrant commercial town duly owing its glory to the popularity of the famous Sri Trikoteswara Swamy temple at Kotappakonda which is situated about 11 km from the town.

Kodela Sivaprasada Rao
Kodela Sivaprasada Rao

Speaker Kodela Sivaprasada Rao, who was elected MLA from Narasaraopet constituency for five consecutive times from 1983 to 1999 and represents Sattenapalli in the present Legislative Assembly, announced in a press conference here on Thursday that the 100-year fete would be celebrated on a grand note and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu would inaugurate the event.

Union Ministers M. Venkaiah Naidu and Suresh Prabhu would take part in the festivities on December 12 and Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan would be chief guest in the valedictory function.

According to historians, Narasaraopet was originally known as Atluru and derived its name from landlord Malraju Venkata Narasimha Rao. It was made a municipality on May 18, 1915 and was upgraded to Grade–I municipality on April 28, 1980. It has since achieved rapid strides with a population of 1,17,568 as per 2011 Census.

Narasaraopet and its surroundings are a part of the territory which was ruled by Satavahanas, Ikshvakus, Chalukyas, Cholas and Kakatiyas and the Reddy kings of Kondaveedu.

Speaking to The Hindu , Mr. Sivaprasada Rao said the town is known as the Gateway of Palnadu and had witnessed the rule of various dynasties. The town gave to society many prominent people in different walks of life.

“As MLA I have done my best for development of the town ”, Mr. Sivaprasada Rao said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Andhra Pradesh / by Staff Reporter / Guntur – November 27th, 2015

2 Visakhapatnam cyclists all set for Paris event

Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

Visakhapatnam:

Two cyclists from the city qualified for the coveted title of ‘Super Randonneur,’ which is given to a cyclist who is able to complete 200 km, 300 km, 400 km and 600 km cycling brevets in stipulated cut-off time within one cycling season.

Yogesh Tiwari and Anukaran Arzare are the first cyclists from Andhra Pradesh to achieve this title. They are now eligible to participate in the world’s most prestigious endurance cycling race, Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) held once in four years.

These brevets are endurance cycling races organised in the city under the patronage of Paris Club Parisien Randonnuer and Audax India Randonneur. The city cyclists are known as Vizag Randonnuers and championed by Sridhar Vaddi.

First of the series qualifiers, a 200 km brevet, was held in February, 300 km brevet was in August, while the 600 km and 400 km brevets were organised in October. The last race of the qualifiers was organised on October 30 and completed on October 31. “We paddled the entire distance of 400 km in 23 hours disregarding continuous heavy rains and opposing winds, going up the National Highway 16 till Vimancheru near Rajamundhry and back on the same highway. We had to wear helmets, reflective jackets carry repair kits, water and food items,” Yogesh Tiwari said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Visakhapatnam / TNN / November 02nd, 2015

GCC gets APEDA organic certification for 13 products

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Records, All

Visakhapatnam  :

The Girijan Cooperative Corporation (GCC) has received organic certification from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) on Wednesday for 13 products.

The corporation got the certification for products such as Honey, Amla, Tamarind, Shikakai, Soap Nut, Nannari, Karakkaya, Sarpagandhi, Nux Vomica, Gum Karaya, Gum Olipinam, Marking Nuts and Sugandhiphala. The 56-year-old GCC has become the first organisation in the country to get certification for forest produce.

Armed with the organic certification, GCC is now planning to tap premium markets, GCC managing director A Ravi Prakash told TOI. He said the certification is expected to boost GCC’s annual turnover in the coming years.

“Once GCC enters the premium market, our products are expected to generate more revenue. If everything goes well, we will export our products as well,” he said. GCC’s turnover in 2014-15 was Rs 185 crore, which is a 20% jump over the previous fiscal’s turnover of Rs 143 crore.

“We will strive hard for GCC’s growth. This certificate has put more responsibility on our shoulders. We have to plan carefully and make investments to maintain the quality and hygiene of products,” he said.

The GCC MD said that the corporation is also going to revamp its marketing strategy by setting up shops in commercial complexes and putting their products on e-commerce platforms.

“We plan to adopt new trading avenues. Till date, GCC has been active only in the traditional market. But the trend should gradually change for the better,” he said.

Sources said that GCC has decided to go for special advertisement campaigns to penetrate the market by competing with other corporates in some product categories. The corporation is now planning on passing the benefits to the tribal people, who are the backbone of the corporation, the sources added.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Visakhapatnam / by Siva G, TNN / October 29th, 2015

Artists set record with 100-hr non-stop painting

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

The event was organised to pay tributes to Pablo Picasso on his birth anniversary

More than 100 painters from across the country on Thursday created a record of sorts by painting non-stop taking turns for 100 hours.

The artists, both budding and seasoned, in 33 batches worked for more than three hours each to produce wonderful artworks at the Hydari Club here. Mr. Thimmiri Raveendra, a jury member of Miracles World Records, said: “It is a record.”

The event was organised by by Srutshit Art Academy to pay tributes to renowned artist Pablo Picasso on his birth anniversary.

The images that were churned out on the occasion included those of Lord Vinayaka, Buddha, night life, mother nature and the dream capital city of Amaravati.

The youngest of the participalnts, A. Vignesh and N. Chakrika, both aged nine, hogged the limelight.

Both chose to paint the images of Radhakrishna in acrylic medium and completed the task in nearly three hours.

The entries were sent to the Guinness Book of World Records , Limca Book of Records , Record Holders Republic and the Telugu Book of Records .

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Andhra Pradesh / by Staff Reporter / Ongole – October 30th, 2015

Telugu people’s struggles to be chronicled on the screen

About Seemandhra / Andhra Pradesh, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All

Vijayawada  :

With a view to highlight the Telugu culture and heritage, a production house called Bharateeyam Arts – the first banner to come out from Vijayawada post the state’s bifurcation – is planning a movie about Amaravati. The producers say they will donate the proceeds from the screenings to the capital development fund.

Addressing a press meet here on Tuesday, producer V Gopala Krishna said that the film will deal with the political, historical and cultural background of Andhra Pradesh. “The self-respect of five crore people of Andhra Pradesh was hurt by the division of the state. That is the reason why farmers came forward to offer their lands for the capital. The film will deal with the sacrifices made by such people and how the state evolved,” Krishna explained.

He recalled initially mulling a documentary on the same subject, but dropped the idea later. “This will be a full-length feature film with a commercial angle. The cast will be announced soon and shooting will start in four months or so,” the producer said, adding that the film will be made in two parts.

While music director-turned-director RP Patnaik will compose tunes, Suddala Ashok Teja and Krishna Chaitanya Prasad would jointly write the script.

Patnaik expressed happiness to be a part of the project. “Telugu people have a lot of history. This film will start right from the time when we were part of the Madras Presidency to the bifurcation to the present day. It will be based on facts and will not offend anybody,” Patnaik said.

Veteran journalist Turlapaty Kutumba Rao recalled how Telugu people had to leave Madras and how they thought in vain that they could have a permanent capital in Hyderabad. “I have seen the struggle the state and the people have gone through. We thought after 1956 the wandering would end. But we were wrong. With Amaravati it will end. It will be our own capital,” he said.

He appreciated the film’s crew for taking up the project as it would help the future generations to have a point of reference. Peasant leader A Bhavani Prasad was also present.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Vijayawada / TNN / October 21st, 2015