Dr B Mahipal Reddy, chief scientist & head of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad has been honoured with the Fellowship of Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC), London in recognition of his outstanding research contributions to chemical sciences.
Dr Reddy has been selectedfor his more than two decades of research efforts in basic and applied science which resulted in the development of new catalysts for air pollution control, bio-mass conversion to value-added products, synthesis of fine chemicals, production of solar fuels, and conversion of greenhouse gases into useful chemicals.
Some of his contributions are already implemented in the chemical industry and some more are at different stages of exploitation. His outstanding research contributions in the areas of nanomaterials and green chemistry have already been well recognized worldwide and received several national and international awards.
He has published 230 research articles in high-impact international journals, wrote eight book chapters, completed 10 research projects, is the inventor of eight patents, and guided 30 Ph D degrees. He is the recipient of CSIR Young Scientist Award and CSI Young Scientist Award in addition to several other awards and honours. For his outstanding contributions to chemical sciences and technology, he has already been conferred with the fellowships of the Indian National Academy of Engineering (FNAE), the National Academy of Science (FNASc), and the Andhra Pradesh Academy of Sciences (FAPAS). Dr Reddy is also in the Editorial Boards of various International journals which include Journal of CO2 Utilization and Applied Petrochemicals Research published by Elsevier and Springer, respectively. Dr Reddy has visited and worked in several countries namely, USA, Russia, China, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Australia, Hungary, South Africa, and South Korea on various prestigious invitation fellowships.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hyderabad / Ch. Sunil Rao, TNN / September 05th, 2014
Kartekas from Hyderabad-based Okinawa Martial Arts Academy Sharath Verma, Tatikonda Kinshuk, M. Mohit and V. Saketh who won medals in the recent World karate championship in London are seen with their coaches and officials in Hyderabad on Wednesday. Photo: V.V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu
They left the shores almost unnoticed and came back with a highly creditable three silver and a bronze. From the indoor hall of YMCA Okinawa Martial Arts Academy in Secunderabad to the London World Championship and back home with medals, it has been a memorable journey for karatekas – Sharath Verma (silver in 75 kg category), Tatikonda Kinshuk (silver in below 50 kg), M. Mohit (silver in the 25 kg for under-10 age group) and V. Saketh (bronze in the below 55 kg for under-16 years).
By virtue of being national champions in their respective categories, the karatekas found their way into the Indian team. In fact, four of the five-member squad hail from the city with the fifth being Aashmi Ashishe of Odisha (a silver medalist) and training here for the last few weeks under the tutelage of Grand Master S. Srinivasan and C.S. Shihan Sai Kumar.
Though there were very few to acknowledge their feat in the corridors of AP Olympic Bhavan in the city when they came a few days ago, it did not seem to matter to them. “This performance comes as a huge morale-booster for all those passionate about martial arts. We have a membership of over two lakh across India and about 100 in and around the city,” says Mr. Srinivasan.
Mr. Sai Kumar is grateful to Mahesh Kumar Goud, chief of the newly-formed Telangana Karate Federation, for getting financial help to Kinshuk.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / V.V. Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – September 06th, 2014
Left teary-eyed after her Indianness was put into question just weeks back, tennis star Sania Mirza dedicated her US Open title to the country and the new state of Telangana, where her appointment as brand ambassador triggered a political furore.
Last night, the first-time combination of Sania and Brazil’s Bruno Soares clicked brilliantly as they secured a close win in the final to win the mixed doubles trophy.
“I am very happy, it’s great to win it with Bruno. For the first time we played together, it’s been great two weeks.
I dedicate this victory to everybody in India, my country, and to the state of Telangana and all people of Telangana,” Sania said from New York after winning the final.
“I am extremely ecstatic, it’s a dream come true, hopefully many more will come,” said the 27-year-old.
Sania’s third career Grand Slam came barely a month after she was branded ‘daughter-in-law’ of Pakistan by a BJP leader due to her marriage with cricketer Shoaib Malik. The comment was triggered by the Telangana government’s decision to appoint her brand ambassador of the newly-created state.
The Hyderabadi was forced to issue a statement to assert her roots and was seen breaking down on news channels while trying to do so.
Asked if the controversy played on her mind during the US Open campaign, Sania said she believes in moving forward and remains focussed on her game after stepping into the court.
“I don’t think we should focus on the negatives,” said Sania, who is first Indian female player and only the third from the country after Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes to have won Grand Slam titles.
Sania and Bruno were cruising in the Match Tie break and had five championship points after securing a comfortable 9-4 lead but a flurry of errors threatened to devastate their hopes.
Local hope Abigail Spears and Santiago Gonzalez made it 9-9 and looked like snatching it away from the Indo-Brazilian top seeds.
“We all had our hearts in our mouths at that point but we just tried to be positive and do whatever we could, help each other out and come out on top,” Sania said recalling the crunch moment.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Sport / by PTI / September 06th, 2014
The Indian Navy is all set to maintain the 400-year-old Siva temple at Pudur village in Rangareddy district in Telangana as villagers opposed relocation of the historical temple.
It all began when Telangana government has decided to allot 2,730 acres in Damagundam Reserve Forest block near Pudur village to the Ministry of Defence for setting up a Very Low Frequency (VLF) station by the Navy. The land includes 32.19 acres belonging to Sri Ramalingeshwara Swamy temple in the village.
Apart from this, the main temple is located in Survey No. 473 in an extent of 12 acres and 04 guntas in which the Gundlam and some small temples are located.
The officials conducted several meetings for allotment of the land and also shifting of the temple in view of the proposed acquisition of the entire Forest Block allocated to the Navy, by the Special Chief Secretary & Chief Commissioner of Land Administration (CCLA), Hyderabad.
The Endowments Department has said there is no objection for acquisition of land in respect of 39 acres and 23 guntas for which the Naval authorities have agreed to pay compensation as per new Land Acquisition of Revenue Recovery (LARR) Act 2013, amounting to approximately `5.14 crore.
With regard to 5 acres where the temple complex and also a tank are located, the Navy has sought acquisition of the land and transfer of title as the temple complex is located in the centre of the proposed project area (VLF station).
The Pudur Gram Panchayat has passed a resolution rejecting translocation of the temple complex as the temple is of about 400 years antiquity.
Later, the Naval Commandant concerned has said there are three approach roads from Pudur, Gudupally and Vikarabad to the temple. The Indian Navy is planning to construct 7 km road around the entire campus, which will lead to the main access point on the eastern side near Pudur. As it would take some time, the Navy has agreed to allow conditional access to devotees from all three access points till the road is laid. After the road is ready, there will be only one permanent access from the side of Pudur village.
Revenue Secretary B Venkateswara Rao issued orders on Wednesday stating that the TS government accorded permission to the district collector, Rangareddy for acquisition of the temple land to an extent of 44 acres and 23 guntas (39 acres and 23 guntas of temple land and 5 acres of temple complex), belonging to Sri Ramalingeshwara Swamy Temple, situated in Survey Nos. 217, 218, 219 and 473 in Pudur village, in favour of the Ministry of Defence, for the establishment of VLF Station.
The condition put forth by the TS govt to the Navy is that “the Indian Navy shall maintain and upkeep the temple which will continue to be there, where it is now situated”. Navy should submit a letter of acceptance from the Naval authorities for providing conditional access to the people, the government said.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by Express News Service / September 04th, 2014
Bruno Soares, left, and Sania Mirza pose for photos with the championship trophy after defeating Abigail Spears and Santiago Gonzalez in the mixed doubles final of the 2014 U.S. Open tennis tournament
New York:
Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza clinched her third mixed doubles Grand Slam title as she and her partner Bruno Soares overcame a few anxiuous moments in the Match Tie break to win the US Open, here today. The top seeded Indo-Brazilian pair squandered five straight championship points before scoring a 6-1 2-6 11-9 win over Abigail Spears from the USA and Santiago Gonzalez from Mexico in exactly 60 minutes.
Spears sent a backhand volley long after making it 9-9from 4-9, as Sania and Soares heaved a sigh of relief. It was first time that Sania and Soares were playing together as a pair.
“Playing with him is a lot of fun. He did not play withme all these years not sure why?,” Sania gushed after the win and confirmed that the pairing will continue for the
Australian Open. Sania’s previous titles came with compatriot Mahesh Bhupathi. They won Australian Open in 2009 and French Open in 2012.
The 27-year old had reached the Australian Open mixed doubles final this year also but ended runners-up with Romanian partner Horea Tecau. Sania played well in the women’s doubles also, making the semifinals with Zimbabwe’s Cara Black.
Charminar, the symbol of Hyderabad | (File Photo/EPS)
Hyderabad :
Charminar — the symbol of Hyderabad — is the most searched historical site in the city on Google.
Google search trends analysis for the past six months reveals Charminar as the most searched historical site in the city, the company said in a statement on Wednesday.
Charminar has been searched the most in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana followed by Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. “Interestingly, there is a rising interest on the builders of Charminar as it remained as one of the top most queries on Google.”
The city of pearls, which emerged as hot favourite among Indian netizens during 2013, continues to captivate the spirit of tourists and netizens offering a fascinating panorama of the past, with a richly mixed cultural and historical heritage.
Golconda Fort, one of the famous landmarks of Hyderabad is the second most searched historical site in Hyderabad. It has been searched the most in Andhra Pradesh followed by Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Salar Jung Museum, the third largest museum in India, is also the third most searched historical site in Hyderabad. This museum which has the largest antiques collection in India has been searched by Andhra Pradesh followed by Karnataka.
Significant searches were also made on Falaknuma Palace. This palace which showcases a rare blend of Italian and Tudor architecture has been searched largely by Andhra Pradesh.
Purani Haveli, the official residence of Nizams in the past did attract a lot of queries majorly emerging from Delhi and Maharashtra.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by IANS / September 03rd, 2014
Hyderabad through art’ is Mandakini Rao’s solo art exhibition. Her first show was ‘Project 48’ where she painted 48 frames in 48 days.
Mandakini for now is a tour guide, taking visitors on a tour through the city. Sometimes at Charminar, sometimes at Qutub Shahi tombs, sometimes on the foot steps of a mosque or at times to a busy market area all through an artist’s eye.
A painting by Mandakini Rao / The Hindu
‘Hyderabad through art’ is Mandakini Rao’s solo art exhibition. Her first show was ‘Project 48’ where she painted 48 frames in 48 days. On display at Muse Art Gallery, the self-taught artist has painted 30 frames of sights and scenes around the city.
Are they an outcome of a trip to capture the city’s mood? Or was she, like other artists, inspired to present the beauty of the city from a different angle? Reality turns out to be something else. “My works are a reproduction of what I have seen and perceived around my surroundings. They are also at times inspired from photographs and images, but no, they are not replicas. Each frame has been infused with my signature style. I have used acrylic but given the water colour effect. Some of my frames are like a dream melting away. This I have done with the colours spilling and bleeding to give that effect,” explains Mandakini.
The artist however doesn’t stick to one style or medium. The effects depend on how I want my final product as I proceed to complete it. Born in the city, Mandakini Rao is a freelance graphic designer by profession and she quit her studies to take up art. “It wasn’t the best deal with my parents. They wanted me to do MS and courses like that, but seeing my interest in art I was allowed to pursue my dream in little doses. Finally they let me do a course in Visual FX and Graphic Designing in 2012 and I worked in a few places after that, but I still wanted to paint. My interest got stuck there, she says. She worked as a Creative Head/UI Designer with an iOS, Android apps company and also in an advertising agency.
Brush strokes: Painter Mandakini Rao. / The Hindu
Mandakini also teaches art at a hobby centre on weekends; with her back to back art assignments, she is pressurised to take a break. “My friends and family have warned me, so yes, it is a break for a week after my show,” she says.
source:http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus> Events / Prabalika M. Borah / September 02nd, 2014
At 54, Nina Reddy is busier than ever. Photo: R. Ravindran / The Hindu
Savera Hotels managing director Nina Reddy, who is planning the 13th anniversary celebrations of her fitness studio O2, says there is never a dull moment in her day.
It’s a Saturday afternoon in Hyderabad and the sun isn’t being particularly kind. There are lessons to do and chores to finish, but for the 25 children who live in the majestic white house in Barkatpura, this is hardly of any concern.
Even as their parents and staff at the house, tell them to get back to work, they look towards the gate expectantly. When they hear the sound of an approaching car, they spring up, shrieking with excitement.
“Ninamma ochundhi!” exclaims the driver’s daughter even as the children race through the cherry and guava trees. They startle some cows as they dash past the servant quarters. They jump over the pond, run past gargoyles spouting water and stop just short of the entrance, panting.
The guard manning the gates is on his feet, to welcome six-year-old Nina Reddy with a salute, as she drives through the gates of her grandparents’ house. “From Saturday afternoon to Sunday evening, till I’d go back to my parents’ house, it used to be a riot,” recalls Nina Reddy.
The weekends spent playing hopscotch and making music with the staff’s children is not something Nina often thinks about 48 years later. Yet, she somehow seems to know that the maid’s visually-challenged son, Venkatram, is now a professor in Hyderabad.
Even today, as she bustles about managing the affairs of Savera Hotel, Nina stops to enquire after her employees — she asks her public relations manager if her son’s cold is any better and listens, nodding sympathetically, when she says that it’s only become worse. “I’m a people’s person,” Nina needlessly explains. Nina often sends young female employees scurrying into the powder room, insisting they put on some lipstick or touch up their make-up. Grooming is important, she says.
Known for her impeccable sense of style, Nina has always been chic. Even in college, when the nuns who ran St. Francis College for Women gave her disapproving looks, she wore the jeans, shorts and shirts that pleased her. “When you say Reddy, you typically expect conservativeness. Mum was not like that, she brought us up differently,” Nina explains. None of that, however, took her away from her traditional roots.
When Nina was still in college, her parents announced that a young man from Madras was coming to see her. Her first reaction, understandably, was to burst into tears — she was still in her teens and hadn’t even completed her college education.
When she met young Vijay Kumar Reddy, however, everything changed. “He was extremely shy, he still is,” she smiles. Soon, he was calling her every night post-10 p.m., because that’s when the STD call rates were cheaper. Yet, staying on the call till the wee hours of the morning ensured that he drew up a huge bill. They wrote each other love letters, long ones, which filled up every inch of the inland letter. For her wedding shopping, when Nina came down to Madras on her way to Kancheepuram, he took her to Marina beach, after a quick stopover at Savera Hotel to pick up a packed picnic lunch.
When 19-year-old Nina married into the Savera family and moved to Madras in 1979, she found the city welcoming. Still, she was a stranger here and the language posed a major challenge. For a while, she walked around referring to Vijay Kumar as ‘Namma husband’, till she watched enough Tamil movies and picked up enough of the language to stop doing it.
She dabbled in every course available in the city, making many friends along the way. She organised exhibitions and car rallies, took part in kitty parties and Round Table meetings, started The Duchess Club and fitness studio O2, took over operations at Savera and started revamping the look of the hotel. When her two daughters came into her busy life, she’d plop them on her hips, with a baby bag swinging from her shoulders and take them along wherever she went.
There was never a dull moment, nothing slowed her down and that’s just the way Nina liked it. Because, “Life is not stagnant, it’s dynamic.” And Nina’s dynamism is what makes her who she is.
Today, at 54, Nina feels that age has slowed her down physically. But, that’s hard to believe. As the clock strikes 4 p.m., most people would be itching to head home. Nina, however, fulfilling her role as the president of the National Association of the Blind, has to be present at a function. After a few hours there, she has a dance practice scheduled — she’s dancing to ‘Dhol Baje’ as part of O2’s 13th anniversary celebrations. Post that, she needs to come back to Savera, wrap up work for the day and squeeze in an hour of exercise. Once all that is done, she gets to go home, have dinner with her husband and play with her dogs.
Even with a schedule that hardly gives her time to breathe, she says she doesn’t need a vacation. “There’s no deprivation at any level, even in terms of time,” says Nina, who enjoys every activity she does. Her philosophy in life is not just to exist, but to live. And Nina lives her life quite large.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus> Fitness / September 02nd, 2014
Ice seems to be melting between Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and Telangana Joint Action Committee (TJAC) chairman Prof M Kodandaram if his appointment to two committees — to make Telangana history and culture part of school curriculum at all levels in the State — is any indication.
The development is significant since Kodandaram, after leading the Telangana movement, is sought to be roped in to help the State make radical changes in the school curriculum. After the installation of the TRS government, Kodandaram has gone back to teaching.
The Telangana government issued orders on Thursday constituting two separate committees to review and suggest changes for Telugu and Social Studies textbooks of all classes. “The committees are being set up to review Telugu language and Social Studies textbooks to reflect Telangana culture, history and literature in view of the State bifurcation,” the orders read. Former MLC and educationist Chukka Ramaiah and poet and CM’s OSD D Srinivas are also part of the panels.
Though Kodandaram clarified he was not consulted prior to his appointment, he said, “Telangana culture and history were never given the place they deserve. I welcome the government’s move.” He said it was important to capture past glory.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by Express News Service / August 29th, 2014
Hyderabad Sunrisers may have barely given you a moment to cheer, but there’s another city team that is certainly worthy of your attention — meet the Hyderabad Skykings. The city’s very own American football team.
After playing American football in India in February, they are all set to match their skills against professional footballers in the US. The team of 10 players, aged between 22 and 27, is now heading to the US to play against Oklahoma City Thunder, and are certainly kicked about it.
Sai Santhosh Sandri, the 22-year-old BCom student and the youngest player of the team, says, “It is a great opportunity for our future. Since Thunders is a professional team, we will learn a lot of new things there and get a global experience. There’s an India vs Pakistan match lined up in August, so this experience might enhance our chances of getting selected in the team.”
Naveen Kumar Kunku credits the growing popularity of contact sports in India for his interest in the game. A former rugby player, who started playing American Football three years ago, Naveen says, “More and more people are ditching cricket to be part of other sports like boxing, rugby and others. Since this game is very similar to rugby -the only difference being you can go for forward passes in rugby — I moved into this.” For many, the game’s aggression is a big draw. Sudheer Yadav Boini says, “This game is all about aggression that is what I love about it. All we need to play this game well is agility, strength and speed.” But since the game is full of aggression, injuries are frequent.
“Yes, but that is common in all other games too. Even Sachin Tendulkar and Sania Mirza get hurt. So, there’s no need to stop yourself from playing due to fear of injuries. We have protective gear like helmets, shoulder pads and other equipments,” says Sudheer.
There are also precautions taken to minimise chances of injuries.
Ashok Pentatiah Kunku, physiotherapist of the team says, “It is a high-octane sport so players have to practice a lot. Muscle soreness and spasms are quite common. So, we make sure players warm up properly before and after the game as it helps in preventing injuries.”
Though the game is still in its nascent stage, it is certainly gaining popularity. Coach Praveen Kumar Reddy Chintala says, “The game is getting popular in Hyderabad as well as India. When we last played at Gachibowli stadium in February this year, we got a huge crowd for the game. So, the fan base is expanding.” And if you aspire to be part of the team, there’s a chance for you too.
“Every month, we do a selection for freshers in different categories depending on their skills. We prefer people who have some sports background like handball throwers, runners, wrestlers, and more,” says Praveen.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hyderabad / Charu Sharma, TNN / August 16th, 2014
