Besides promising to open more retail outlets in Andhra Pradesh, retail major Walmart International, as per the state government’s claim, has come forward to promote and purchase ‘Made in Andhra’ products. It also expressed its willingness to give the local products ‘Made in AP’ tag.
Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, during his second day participation in the annual summit of the World Economic Forum, held at Davos on Wednesday, met several CEOs of the top-notch business houses and tried to persuade them to invest in the truncated state.
When Naidu met David Cheesewright, president and CEO of Walmart International, and discussed areas of collaboration with him, according to the AP government, the retail giant agreed to work with the AP government on five key areas: technology, retail sector, exporting of agricultural products, social projects and lending a helping hand to the DWCRA women.
In the field of retail, Walmart is planning to open retail stores in AP to promote and purchase ‘Made in Andhra’ products. Apart from this, the retail major will help the AP government in exporting agricultural and horticulture products. The company identified 20 agricultural and horticultural products for this purpose. Organically grown products will be sourced from the farmers and exported to international markets. Some of the products identified for sourcing are cashew, peanuts, rice, coconut, maize, pulses, fruits, marine products, banana, mango, citrus, egg, dairy, coffee, papaya and potato.
As for social projects, Walmart will promote products manufactured by DWCRA women. At least 100 products will be identified and promoted. The company will also help small farmers sell their agri produce. Cheesewright would visit AP in April.
Visakhapatnam as Digital City
Software giant Wipro expressed its willingness to develop Visakhapatnam as digital city on pilot basis. During his meeting at Davos, Naidu interacted with Wipro chairman Azim Premji and he the latter agreed to support the state by developing Vizag as a digital city.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / January 22nd, 2015
An arm of the World Bank will lend Rs 475 crore ($75 million) to the Andhra Pradesh Government for implementing a rural growth project.
The fund from International Development Association (IDA) will be used for implementing the Rural Inclusive Growth Project (RIGP), aimed at enhancing agricultural incomes of small/marginal farmers and ensuring increased access to services related to health, nutrition, sanitation and social entitlements, a senior official said today.
(The project would help the…)
RIGP will target small and marginal farmers in 5,000 villages in the state. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu recently discussed the project with a team of officials from the World Bank.
It will focus on increasing economic opportunities for small and marginal farmers, especially from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and develop a network of social enterprises for food, nutrition and sanitation, he said.
The project would help the State government in creating an enabling policy framework across sectors through the seven missions it has established.
A targeted 2.5 lakh small and marginal farmers would be supported under the RIGP to increase their incomes by at least 50 per cent by enhancing productivity and improving their access to markets, the official said.
Investments would be made to improve access to services in the areas of health, nutrition, water and sanitation to boost human development by increasing coverage and effectiveness of social safety net programmes, he said.
About five lakh households, particularly those belonging to SCs and STs, would benefit from this.
“Community-led approach will be followed under RIGP to improve access to water and sanitation services in the targeted villages adopting.
“Saturation mode will be adopted so as to cover all households and rural institutions like schools, anganwadis (childcare centres) and health centres and help them achieve open defecation-free status,” the official added.
source: http://www.articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com / The Economic Times / Home> Collections> Farmers / PTI / December 26th, 2014
Nina Davuluri, who was crowned Miss America 2014, credits her Indian roots and culture for having won the coveted beauty title, The Hindu reported.
Davuluri, on her recent visit to Vijayawada to meet her extended relatives, said: “The fact that I am rooted in Indian culture helped me win Miss America pageant.”
She added: “My last visit to Vijayawada city was in 2009. The city has changed a lot but people are the same, warm and affectionate.”
As a child, Davuluri learned classical dancing in Vijayawada. The dusky beauty also revealed that she would not join the entertainment industry like other Indian beauty queens, but would keep herself “engaged in service to society, especially in the field of women empowerment.” — SG
source: http://www.saudigazette.com / Saudi Gazette / Home> Life / New York – Monday, December 29th, 2014
A new kimberlite pipe has been discovered in the 2,300 sq. km. Kalyandurg’s cluster of Anantapur district, and is named KL-7, and is the seventh such in the area, reports say. The pipe may be a possible diamond bearing kimberlite pipe.
Exploration activity involving aerial surveys and remote sensing, and other analysis in the area was undertaken by experts from National Mineral Development Corporation (NMCD) and Hyderabad based National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), after having renewed their prospecting license, reports add.
According to scientists, the discovery unfolded when subsequent drilling was performed at a suspected kimberlite region, revealing the kimberlite pipe near Budik-onda in Anantapur district.
The scientists are further considering a further course of action to undertake additional explorations, reports add.
source: http://www.diamondworld.net / Diamond World / Home> News / by Diamond World News Service / December 26th, 2014 / Ref. 10976
As Andhra Pradesh is gearing up to build a world class capital city, many infrastructure companies from Canada, who have expertise in the field, are keen to participate in upcoming projects in the state, especially in the capital region, Vijayawada
Describing trade relations between India and Canada, Canadian consul general Sydney Frank shares his vision in expanding trade ties between India and Canada, in an exclusive interview with Sai Durga Gona.
Q. How was the bilateral trade between India and Canada?
At present the trade between India and Canada is 5.8 billion dollars and the aim is to increase it to 15 billion dollars by 2015. We will soon implement the signed agreement ‘CEPA’ (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) and talks are going on for another trade agreement ‘FIPA’ (Foreign investment promotion and protection agreement). Engineering products were 43 per cent of the current Indian exports to Canada. Canada has eight trade and investment centres in India.
Q. What are the new trade plans in the Andhra Pradesh?
Well, yesterday I met Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and discussed the plans. We are very much looking forward to link up with the companies in AP and to promote Canada. The Canadian pensions fund is already spending `1.5 billion especially to develop the infrastructure in India. Already many leading Canadian firms have expressed their willingness to offer their expertise in infrastructure, metro rail, logistics, engineering, real estate and other sectors and building smart towns and cities in Andhra Pradesh, especially in Vijayawada as the state already chalking out plans to build a world class capital in this region.
Q. What kind of support we can expect from Canada for Indian students?
The education sector had witnessed a four-fold increase in number of Indians studying in Canada during the last six years. We are planning to make tie-ups with the educational institutions in India, especially in AP, by providing opportunities for the students to study half of their higher studies in Canada like what we are implementing in Hyderabad and nealy 400 Canadian institutions are setting up facilities for students in India.
Q. Have you made any plans for young entrepreneurs in Andhra Pradesh?
Well, we recently started a programme ‘Start-up Visa’ for the budding entrepreneurs throughout India. Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program is the first of its kind in the world. With the Start-Up Visa, Canada is targeting a new type of immigrant entrepreneur who has the potential to build innovative companies that can compete on a global scale and create jobs. What one should do is to get the idea accepted by any of the designated Canadian organisation in India.
Q. So, have you made deals with any of the companies in AP?
Not exactly, we already discussed with the Air Costa and also trying to collaborate with a few more companies in AP. Even they are showing interest to link up with Canadian companies, as it was proved that Canada is the best country to invest or to do business with in the top seven countries in the world. Many of the companies in India already linked up with Canadian companies, as we are best in refrigeration and preservation of food. Even our company ‘MCCAIN’ is well popular in India for frozen food.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / December 11th, 2014
Ginger Hotels, from Roots Corporation- a subsidiary of The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), has launched its first hotel in Visakhapatnam. The 72 room Ginger Hotel is located at Dwaraka Nagar, which is easily accessible from key business and leisure hubs in the city. The entry of Ginger Hotels into the port city follows the recent announcement to make Vizag a top international tourism spot by developing the Vizag- Bhimli corridor with world-class infrastructure.
Commenting on the launch PK Mohankumar, managing director and chief executive officer, Roots Corporation said, “We are delighted to be opening our first Ginger Hotel in Visakhapatnam. Andhra Pradesh represents one of the country’s fastest growing economies, and we are confident that Ginger Hotels will be able to cater to the increased tourism needs in the state. Our strong budget hotel model of a blend of comfort and efficiency with excellent value will be an attractive proposition for business and leisure travellers alike.”
All 72 rooms are furnished with well-appointed amenities such as mini-fridge, satellite television, self-controlled air-conditioner etc. The rooms are also furnished with a workstation to make business on the go productive. The hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi to all resident guests helping the modern business traveller to stay connected. Guests can indulge in Indian cuisine at Red Salt – bright and inviting multi-cuisine coffee shop and an all-day diner. With the launch of its new hotel, Ginger now has 31 hotels in its portfolio.
source: http://financialexpress.com / The Fiancial Express / Home> Food & Hospitality World / by FHW Staff – Mumbai / December 03rd, 2014
VIJAYAWADA ANDHARA PRADESH, 17/11/2014: Prof. Raffaele Paloscia (second from right) of University of Florence addressing a seminar at School of Planning and Architecture near Vijayawada on Monday. Photo. HANDOUT_E_MAIL
Raffaele Paloscia, Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Florence (UoF) expressed his university’s keenness in collaborating with the School of Planning and Architecture in the fields of design, planning and architecture and sending students regularly for taking up joint student exercises and faculty exchange programmes.
Addressing a seminar on ‘village transformation in the peri-urban setting of Vijayawada metropolitan area’ at SPA at Nidamanuru near here on Monday, Mr. Paloscia said the UoF was working with SPA in developing new design, conservation practices and planning as being practiced in Italy and looked forward to greater interaction between faculty and students of both the institutions.
Italian students Sylvia and Roberta gave a presentation on the transformation of Nidamanuru village, the way it was dependent on Vijayawada and how land use changes were taking place.
Anna Krammer from University of Cologne spoke about the evolving peri-urban environment of Kondapalli along with Michelle and Archana, master’s degree students in urban and regional planning. They also pointed out the adverse impact of ‘invasion of the city’ and the thermal power plant on livelihoods of makers of the famous Kondapalli toys and need to conserve the dying art.
SPA Director N. Sridharan outlined the exchange programmes between various universities abroad and how they were enriching the knowledge of his students. He also informed about the study of the traditional hand block printing at Machilipatnam and Pedana by 30 German students with the support of their counterparts in SPA.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Andhra Pradesh / by Staff Reporter / Vijayawada – November 17th, 2014
The chairman of Krishna district Red Cross Society A Sridhar Reddy received a certificate of merit in the annual general meeting of Indian Red Cross Society held at DRDO Bhawan in New Delhi on Tuesday.
He received the award from President Pranab Mukherjee and also a certificate of merit from Union health minister JP Nadda.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / November 19th, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, who was on a “capital building mission” to the island nation of Singapore from November 12 to 14, announced that the master plan for the 35,000 acre new capital to be built on the banks of the Krishna river near Guntur will be prepared by the Singapore government itself.
“They have not formally okayed our proposal yet as it has to be ratified by the Cabinet. Once the master plan is prepared then the AP government will announce its time bound action plan for the construction of the capital city,” Naidu told reporters at his residence here on Sunday.
Naidu said that his government also offered Singapore to build 2,400 mw power stations near Krishnapatnam which will have forward linkages with special economic zones in which the AP government will also have stake through special purpose vehicles.
“I met 200 business entities in Singapore and explained them that AP is ready to provide them excellent business opportunities in the public-private partnership mode,” Naidu said adding that building a capital on the lines of Singapore was his poll time promise.
Allaying fears about farmers of the two mandals in Guntur district rejecting the government’s land pooling proposal, Naidu said that pooling is the best way out compared to land acquisition as farmers will have no stake in the fruits of development after the capital is built.
“I will try to meet farmers from Tuesday and convince them,” Naidu said. He blamed opposition parties for instilling fear in villagers. Naidu is also visiting Japan from November 23 for a week to explore possibilities to get assistance to build smart cities in the state including that of the new capital city.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> National / DHNS – Hyderabad , November 16th, 2014
Kidambi Srikanth defeated five-time world champion Lin Dan to win the China Open in Fuzhou. Earlier, Saina Nehwal (below) beat Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi in the women’s final. (Source: AP)
At his best, Lin Dan is the greatest badminton player of all time and deemed invincible by all contemporaries. But even at his worst — when injury makes him wobble — the five-time World Champion is considered shuttling divinity’s Lazarus, the man who can rise from the dead any moment of the match.
Only two men have snatched matches from the twice Olympic champion since the 2012 London Games — Jan O Jorgensen and Sony Dwi Kuncoro. And China has not seen him lose at home in a decade. So when Lin Dan, recovering from an ankle injury, turned up at Fuzhou this week, it could only mean one thing: Kidambi Srikanth of India stood no chance even if he suddenly found himself in the finals of the Premier Super Series at China.
Except, Srikanth upturned all logic and calculation by beating Super Dan 21-19, 21-17 at the spaceship-like futuristic stadium in eastern China. In achieving that, he even pushed to the back pages Saina Nehwal’s heart-warming return as champion after she beat Japanese Akane Yamaguchi 21-12, 22-20 for her eighth Super Series title.
Srikanth, a brooding 21-year-old from Guntur in Andhra Pradesh, who grew up watching his father manage many acres of farms that grew paddy, had climbed the rankings ladder of men’s singles painstakingly to World No.16 and done nothing more spectacular than winning India’s first Grand Prix title in men’s singles at Thailand two years ago.
In fact, he reluctantly started playing singles a few years ago, and needed to be told by coach Pullela Gopichand that making the national doubles semis in U-19 did not constitute ‘ambition’.
On Sunday, the laidback shuttler confidently stuck to no fixed plan whatsoever (“It’s the only way to beat Lin Dan,” coach Gopichand said), improvised on his unorthodox strokes, and scored a tactically brilliant and historic title triumph for himself and India.
Considered India’s most talented player for some time now – talented, not always consistent – Srikanth had told his coach in his characteristically crisp fashion that he would only wish Gopichand on his birthday Sunday, if he could beat Lin Dan. And the Hyderabad coach, though happy at how his ward had been playing, wasn’t expecting to be wished.
Till the very last point, and given the number of times the world had seen Lin Dan defy defeat eventually, Gopichand waited nervously for the Chinese champ’s revival. “I jumped when Srikanth got the last one through. There’s disbelief because you never expect Lin Dan to lose, he always makes a comeback,” the coach said.
Srikanth had given the coach many reasons to be optimistic over the 45 minutes. He was commanding in the way he started with assurance (“not tentative at all taking the lead in the opening set for someone playing his first Super Series final of his career”); he was making Lin Dan run, catching him off-guard at the net; and he was playing his shots unhindered till the end.
“But you know how Lin Dan can turn it around. He might be coming off an injury but you never write him off,” the coach persisted an hour after he’d secured his biggest win as mentor. “Biggest, I don’t know, I’m just very, very happy,” he said.
Only one Indian has beaten Lin Dan – and that was when the Chinese was a rookie. “I’d beaten him 15-4 or 15-3 in the decider when he was very young. But over the years, he’s turned into quite a monster. He’s better, faster and more versatile than anyone else,” Gopichand said.
His assessment of what Srikanth achieved was unabashedly complimenting. “Srikanth dominated him early, but Dan was reading his game. That Srikanth changed his tactics and used the right ones at the right time, and kept calm makes it a brilliant win,” the coach added. Srikanth’s poise, his 6 feet frame, and tactical nous mirrors Gopi’s, who was the last Indian to win a comparable title – the 2001 All England.
It was an intuitive call based on the same mental maturity he saw in the boy that made him convince Srikanth that he would be better off at singles. “Good thing about him is he doesn’t think too much, he’ll do what he’s told. And if he’s told nothing, he won’t do anything which can be a problem,” the coach half-joked.
Moving to the Hyderabad academy was a choice Srikanth made, following elder brother Nandakumar – a far more energetic, outgoing and driven youngster. While Nandu had the spectacular jump smash and all the ambition, Srikanth dawdled about till the coach saw his malleable mind and wrists, and wide range of strokes and decided to put an end to doubles, the closest the reticent boy chose to being a wallflower while playing badminton.
“He only speaks to Gopi about his game. The maximum I’ve heard him speak about sport is about Roger Federer in tennis. Otherwise, he trains, sleeps, watches movies alone, and never discusses the game with me. I was told by our parents that I had to look after my kid brother at the academy, and I don’t clutter his mind about the game either. When I spoke to him last night, I knew he didn’t need to be told what to do against Lin Dan,” brother Nandakumar said.
“He liked looking at big stadiums, but as a kid he was very quiet and would follow his mother around everywhere. Studies happened alongside, but it’s not like badminton was life-and-death for him. He’s turned into a good player now, no?” father Krishna said. A spectacular understatement if there ever was any, about one of the greatest wins in Indian badminton.
source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> Sports> Badminton / by Shivani Naik, Mumbai / Monday – November 17th, 2014
