Category Archives: Business & Economy

T-Hub may prove a game changer

Business & Economy
Interiors of T-Hub in Hyderabad. Photo: Mohammed Yousuf / The Hindu
Interiors of T-Hub in Hyderabad. Photo: Mohammed Yousuf / The Hindu

When Kisshann P.S.V. set up his start-up in 2008 while doing B.Tech, he had no one to guide him about how to take it to the next level. “Now, there is everything, and all you need is an idea,” he said, standing outside the newly inaugurated T-Hub building on Thursday evening.

Like him, other start-ups from the city too shared the same problems of finding space, mentors and investors. “The best part about the T-Hub is that it’s like a family. To set up an office outside, I would need to spend about Rs.15,000 a month on rent. Here, I can just get a desk for Rs. 4,000,” pointed out Kisshann, who is the founder and CEO of Innovators of India, a company that provides college students technological support for their ideas.

Agreeing with him was M. Ram Manohar Sharma, co-founder and CEO of Visiram Solutions, an IT development firm. “Mentoring is very important for start-ups, especially guidance from experts. The T-Hub will help people like us get into a supportive eco-system,” he said. He too had a hard time finding space when he started his company a few years ago. “We could not find space in Hi-Tech City,” he recalled. Another co-founder of a start-up was Prashanth Vishwanatha, who started Hackmania Technology Pvt. Ltd, that finds solutions to IT-based problems. “I started my company with a laptop and T-Hub is one place in India for such companies to come together,” opined Prashanth, who passed out of CMR College of Engineering four months ago.

Prashanth too felt that many start-ups do not have any support, and was happy that the T-Hub will now provide the mentoring aspect that was missing. “Now these companies will have some light on them as well,” he mentioned, adding that his company was mentored by a retired major, who is also an investor. About 140-odd companies will be setting up shop in the T-Hub, and the building can house up to 800 of them, said Kisshann. Both he and Prashanth have taken up space in the newly set-up incubation centre.

The best part about the T-Hub is it’s like a family. To set up an office outside, I will have to spend about Rs.15,000 a month on rent. Here, I can just get a desk for Rs. 4,000

Kisshann

Founder and CEO, Innovators of India

Telangana Signs MoU for Cooperation With French City

Business & Economy, World Opinion

Hyderabad :

The Telangana government on Tuesday signed an MoU with France’s Bordeaux city for strengthening economic links in biotechnology, aeronautical engineering, information technology and urban renewal.

Chief Secretary Rajiv Sharma, who is on a visit to France, signed the MoU with Bordeaux Metropolis Vice President Michel Vernejoul.

Sharma also met officials of other institutions including Aero Campus Quitaine and Sabena Techniques in Bordeaux to explore possible areas of cooperation and investment.

This was followed by meeting with number of companies in Sweden including Electrolux and Ericsson and a visit to Almhult, Ikea’s headquarters in Sweden, said an official statement here.

B.V Papa Rao, advisor to the government of Telangana had negotiated the draft framework agreement regarding the MoU during his visit to Bordeaux Metropolis last month.

After the framework agreement, several specific agreements in the areas identified for cooperation will be signed. These areas include urban development, urban mobility, water management and Musi River development.

Agreements will also be signed for cooperation in aeronautic engineering, information technology, biotechnology and wine industry. There will also be agreements covering art, architecture and tourism development.

source: http://ww.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by IANS / October 20th, 2015

A Bewelled Wonderland

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

WonderlandTELAN16oct2015

Online designer accessory portal pookaari.com announced the launch of its long term association with jewellery designer, Mrinalini Chandra with a limited edition line created exclusively by the eclectic artisan for the portal.

The muse being Lewis Carroll’s delightful Alice In Wonderland, this line includes seven unique, exquisite pairs of earrings. Drawing their inspiration from nature, the pieces display a whimsical adaption of natural flora and fauna and showcase a playful combination of artistry and design.

Wonderland02TELAN16oct2015

“Pookaari.com was started with a vision to offer the women of today a one stop destination for all accessories. We are very excited about our association with Mrinalini as her creations provide the portal with yet another facet; fun, youthful and vibrant,” stated Srivyashnavi Anush, founder of pookaari.com. The online store showcases collections of designers like Valliyan, Quirbox, Studio Kassa and House of Hula and others.

When asked about her creation for the new association, Mrinilini Chandra stated, “My collection is designed for the metropolitan woman of today. It conveys the symphony of artistic instincts, combining the charisma of a visit to wonderland making them a classic possession. I have adorned the line with delicate flowers, petals and tiny monkeys dancing around and encrusted the pieces with specially hand cut gems stones to resonate beauty in each pair.”

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Express News Service / October 15th, 2015

Sinotruk partners Overland Trucking of Hyderabad for India foray

Business & Economy, World Opinion
Zhang Houqin, president, marketing and sales for South Asia, Middle East and North Africa Sinotruk unveil 'HOWO' a chinese mime tipper truck in Hyderabad on Wednesday. Photo: Mohammed Yousuf / The Hindu
Zhang Houqin, president, marketing and sales for South Asia, Middle East and North Africa Sinotruk unveil ‘HOWO’ a chinese mime tipper truck in Hyderabad on Wednesday. Photo: Mohammed Yousuf / The Hindu

Hyderabad-based firm may set up Chinese truck assembly plant by 2016. It will require 20 acres for setting up the plant/assembly line.

Chinese truck maker Sinotruk has joined hands with Hyderabad firm Overland Trucking Pvt. Ltd. for its India foray, a journey that also envisages setting up of an assembly plant next year.

Though the details, including the different trucks to be assembled are yet to be worked out, Overland Trucking is weighing options primarily between Telangana and Maharashtra for the plant. It is also looking at Tamil Nadu for the facility that is expected to entail an investment of Rs.100 crore to Rs.150 crore.

The final decision will depend on what the governments offer by way of incentives, Overland’s Rajashekar Ailneni said, even while appreciating iPass, a legislation enacted by Telangana to ensure speedy, time-bound clearances for industrial projects.

Mr. Ailneni, who was speaking to presspersons at the launch of Sinotruk’s two trucks for the mining sector on Wednesday, said formal discussions with Telangana Government officials were yet to be initiated, but the plan is to establish the assembly plant by 2016. Twenty acres would be required for the plant.

On the foray, Sinotruk president (Asia-Europe Division) Zhang Houqin said: “Without [presence] in the India market, you cannot be a global player.” Pointing to the huge potential, he said that with more GDP growth and new roads and highways taking shape the demand for the vehicles will only go up. Sinotruk, established in 1960, is a $15 billion firm with a capacity to make 3 lakh trucks, including 40,000 heavy duty trucks.

Mr. Ailneni said that the focus initially was on introducing Sinotruk products to the mining sector in India and followed by cargo trucks. Overland is eyeing sale of 400 units next year.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by N. Ravi Kumar / Hyderabad – October 14th, 2015

A gala FICCI event in Hyderabad

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Leaders

RekhawPVSindhuTELAN12oct2015

In an open air party at an upscale Banjara Hills venue, the glitterati of the social circuit gathered with their spouses and friends in tow for an event dedicated to women’s empowerment and inspired by stree shakti.

Awards and honours were given to women achievers in several fields ranging from teaching, philanthropy, medicine to achievements in technology and media.

This FLO blockbuster-fundraising event was a night to not only commemorate achievers like PV Sindhu, Begum Bilquees Latif and others but also to celebrate the feminine side unabashedly.

The show-stoppers of the night including T-Town brigade Lakshmi Manchu, Regina Cassandra, Raashi Khanna and ace athlete Saina Nehwal walked the ramp in splendid outfits.

Over 40 ladies from the organisation, who usually are busy professionals by the day or run businesses, also walked the ramp along with the show-stoppers for the evening and as they took the stage doting family members and friends stood rushed to take photos of them while cheering them.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Hyderabad / by Paulami Sen / October 12th, 2015

TSTDC Launches Mobile Application, Touch-screen Kiosks

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, Travel, World Opinion
IT minister KT Rama Rao flanked by state government advisor KV Ramanachary, TSTDC chairman P Ramulu and MD Christina Z Chongthu releasing a book on ‘Ancient Temples of Telangana’ on the occasion of World Tourism Day in Hyderabad on Sunday. | EXPRESS Photo
IT minister KT Rama Rao flanked by state government advisor KV Ramanachary, TSTDC chairman P Ramulu and MD Christina Z Chongthu releasing a book on ‘Ancient Temples of Telangana’ on the occasion of World Tourism Day in Hyderabad on Sunday. | EXPRESS Photo

Hyderabad :

Coinciding with the World Tourism Day, the Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TSTDC) entered the online market and launched Android-based mobile phone application and touch-screen kiosks to promote tourism destinations in the state.

The App acts as a virtual guide to users and provides detailed information on the transport, accommodation and history of any chosen place. Any mobile phone user can download this Android-based App free of cost.

The touch-screen kiosks, which will also serve a similar purpose, will be installed at railway stations, bus stations and airports for the benefit of travellers to guide them to the nearest tourist spots.

Information technology minister K T Rama Rao inaugurated the two facilities during World Tourism Day celebrations at Taramati Baradari in the city on Sunday.

Rama Rao advised the TSTDC to explore new trends in tourism promotion such as palace tourism and theme park tourism. “The weekend culture is a developing trend in cities like Hyderabad. It is a good opportunity for the tourism sector to cash in on the growing demand for children’s parks and theme-based restaurants in the city.” He also suggested to TSTDC to develop adventure sports destinations near Hyderabad.

Meanwhile, the TSTDC has announced new initiatives to develop unexplored tourist destinations in the state. Corporation chairman Pervaram Ramulu said that the government was planning to develop theme- based tourism circuits to connect multiple tourist spots under a single package.

An integrated eco-tourism circuit in Mahbubnagar district has been announced recently. A tribal tourism circuit in Warangal district with eight destinations was being developed with an investment of Rs 96.01 crore, he said. On the occasion of the World Tourism Day, the TSTDC presented awards to best performing restaurants, tour operators and guides. ‘One Billion Tourists, One Billion Opportunities’ has been chosen as the theme for Tourism Day celebrations this year. According to a recent report by the United Nations, the global tourism market will have 1.80 billion (100.80 crore) tourists.

To enhance its share in the country’s tourism revenue, the TSTDC is planning to spend Rs 600 crore with a target to develop the tourism spots to global standards.

Tourism secretary B Venkatesham, advisor to the state government KV Ramanachary, TSTDC managing director Christina Z Chongthu and director of archaeology Sunita Bhagawat were also present at the event.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by Express News Service / September 28th, 2015

Dr. Reddy’s inks deal for Hatchtech’s lice lotion

Business & Economy, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories announced on Monday the signing of a commercialisation deal for Australian pharma firm Hatchtech’s prescription head lice product Xeglyze Lotion.

Exclusive rights

“The exclusive rights for this product are applicable for the territories of the US, Canada, India, Russia and the CIS, Australia, New Zealand and Venezuela,” a release from the Hyderabad-based Dr. Reddy’s said.

Promius Pharma, a wholly-owned specialty firm of Dr. Reddy’s, will market the product in the US if the new drug application of Hatchtech gets the approval of the US Food and Drug Administration.

Under the agreement, Dr. Reddy’s will pay Hatchtech US $10 million upfront, up to $ 50 million based on pre commercialisation milestones and an undisclosed amount based on post commercialisation milestones, the release said.

Active drug substance

The active drug substance for Xeglyze lotion was developed in collaboration with Dr. Reddy’s Custom Pharmaceutical Services (CPS) business unit. In September last year, the Australian firm had announced positive results from its two pivotal Phase 3 clinical studies evaluating the lotion as a potential treatment for head lice infestation.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by N. Ravi Kumar / Hyderabad – September 15th, 2015

It’s raining investments for Telangana

Business & Economy, World Opinion
Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao at a meeting with K.V Kamath, president, and Xian Zhu, vice-president, of New Development Bank Shanghai, in China on Thursday. --Photo: By Arrangement
Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao at a meeting with K.V Kamath, president, and Xian Zhu, vice-president, of New Development Bank Shanghai, in China on Thursday. –Photo: By Arrangement

Celkon and Makeno sign MoU in the presence of KCR to invest $ 20 million dollars for setting up TV unit in Hyderabad

Celkon and Makeno have signed a memorandum of understanding with the Telangana government in the presence of Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao at Shanghai in China on Thursday to invest $ 20 million for setting up a LED TV unit in Hyderabad.

Two more Chinese companies in cell phone components and headphones have also come forward to invest in Hyderabad, a release said.

KCR travels in high speed train

Earlier in the morning, the Chief Minister and his delegation in China reached Shanghai from Dalian after attending World Economic Forum meeting. They travelled by Maglev high speed train which moves at 300 kms per hour while travelling to Shanghai, a global financial hub on China’s central coast.

Later, Mr. Rao addressed a meeting organised by Confederation of Indian Industry and the Telangana government where the MoU was signed. Shanghai Electric Corporation vice-president Shao whose company was a $ 40 billion entity met Mr. Rao.

The company expressed interest in setting up manufacturing and supply units of high powered pumps and electrical equipment in Hyderabad. Mr. Rao welcomed the company and requested its team to visit Telangana.

At the CII meeting, Mr. Rao addressed 65 Chinese entrepreneurs and companies. He explained the availability of land bank, hassle free permissions to set up industries and zero corruption in the entire process. Many industrialists expressed desire to invest in Telangana.

Mr. Chandrasekhar Rao also met K.V Kamath, president, and Xian Zhu vice-president of New Development Bank of Shanghai and sought their help in funding urban development projects.

Their 40 minute meeting was interesting and the response of the bank officials was positive, said a press release.

The bank of Shanghai is a new enterprise in the process of formulating funding policies. It focuses on infrastructure development in developing countries.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Special Correspondent / Hyderabad – September 11th, 2015

Going professional

Business & Economy, Inspiration / Positive News and Features
HYDERABAD,TELANGANA,23/08/2015: Cobber Shanker (Right corner), with his family, and a photo of him, both in his house at L. B. Nagar in Hyderabad on Sunday. --Photo:Special Arrangements
HYDERABAD,TELANGANA,23/08/2015: Cobber Shanker (Right corner), with his family, and a photo of him, both in his house at L. B. Nagar in Hyderabad on Sunday. –Photo:Special Arrangements

Cobbler P. Shanker and his son are planning to market their skills through Facebook and are hoping that their business will take off soon.

Discarding old shoes after they are worn out is one thing, but having to discard those that are slightly damaged is another, especially if they are branded or expensive. And chances are that even showrooms where they are bought from may not be able to fix them.

That’s where P. Vijay and his father P. Shanker come in. Calling themselves professional cobblers, Mr. Shanker claims that he can repair any damaged shoe, especially branded ones.

“I used to mend shoes for Bata. I would repair at least five to 15 pairs a day. They would tell customers that their damaged shoes were sent to the ‘company’ for repair. I was that ‘company’,” laughs the 70-year-old cobbler.

Vijay is now set to change how people look at those who mend shoes, claiming that he and his father can repair almost any shoe.

“A lot of times, people just discard branded shoes, even if they can be repaired. Showrooms may not do it. We even get the material on our own and deliver finished goods to the customers,” he says.

As a test, this reporter gave Vijay a pair of two-year-old Red Tape shoes, with completely worn out soles and inner leather. In fact, before giving it to him, the showroom where the shoes were bought from and a few other stores refused to fix the pair, stating that the soles were not replaceable.

However, Mr. Shanker proved them wrong, bringing back the pair to life, by making a new pair of soles and fitting them perfectly.

“I had to cut out new soles from a sheet of rubber. We ourselves purchase material required for our work. That was how we worked for a few Bata stores, earning Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 10,000 a month,” recalls Mr. Shanker.

However, a few years ago, he stopped taking orders and branched out on his own.

After working for an Army battalion in Mehdiptnam garrison for some months, he shifted operations to his own house in L.B. Nagar. Vijay now plans to market his father’s skills to get more business by starting a Facebook page.

“I will leave my MNC job once this takes off,” he quips. He can be contacted on 97009 90160 and 84639 76778.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Telangana / by Yunus Y. Lasania / Hyderabad – September 06th, 2015

Mahindra Group to Expand Tractor Unit in Zaheerabad

Business & Economy

Hyderabad :

Mahindra Group has plans to expand their existing tractor manufacturing unit in Zaheerabad and also planning to provide electrical vehicles to ferry passengers of Metro Rail stations to different destinations in the city.

The representatives of six companies of Mahindra and Mahindra group called on IT minister K T Rama Rao and industries minister Jupally Krishna Rao here on Thursday.

The representatives of Mahindra group discussed with the ministers on the expansion plans of their group companies.

When Rama Rao called on Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra in Mumbai in the first week of August, Anand assured that he would send a team from his company to study the expansion plans and new investments.

At Thursday’s meeting, the representatives explained their expansion plans in motors, IT, infrastructure, aerospace and defence sector.

Mahindra group has decided to supply vehicles for the GHMC for lifting garbage.

They also explained their plans to provide electrical vehicles to transport passengers of Metro Rail stations to other places in the city.

The Mahindra group also hinted that they would further expand their tractor manufacturing plant in Zaheerabad.

When the representatives explained that their group was also involved in construction of weaker section houses, Rama Rao wanted them to give their plans in the proposed two-bed room flats taken up by the state government.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by Express News Service / September 04th, 2015