Former APCC president D Srinivas, who joined TRS recently, will join the list of advisors to the Telangana State government.
Srinivas joined TRS recently stating that he would like to share his vast experience as a politician for developing the new state. Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, while admitting DS, into the Pink Party also said the latter’s experience will be utilised for realising the goal of Bangaru Telangana.
On Friday, the government issued orders appointing DS as special advisor to the state government for inter-state affairs. The cabinet rank post has a tenure of one year from the date of assumption of office.
The state government has already appointed more than half-a-dozen advisors for guiding the government. Like the other advisors, DS will be paid Rs 1 lakh as salary apart from other allowances and perks. DS will get medical reimbursement on par with All India Services officers. He would be provided five supporting staff.
With the possibility of a rise in inter-state disputes, the government decided to appoint DS as an advisor for inter-state affairs.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by Express News Service / August 22nd, 2015
Hyderabad’s ‘real heroes’ were honoured by 92.7 Big FM
It is not easy to initiate a change. But, the best way to bring a change is by paving a new path. While most of us complain at the way society turns a blind eye to the problems and situations, there are a few who do not complain, instead take things in their hands and set an example. To felicitate their efforts and set them as role models to society, 92.7 Big FM invited these heroes as part of their ‘Big Real Hero Awards’ campaign.
As we celebrate the 69th year of independence the change makers of our society become the real heroes to fight for various forms of independence in our independent society. These heroes are silent and are making a difference without talking about it.
As part of their campaign, Big FM in their breakfast show asked people to share the names of heroes they have seen working for society. After an overwhelming response some of them were even featured in their breakfast show ‘Salaam Telangana’ hosted by RJ Shekar and Swapna.
In an event on Friday, the channel felicitated the six heroes namely—Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Sharif, Rajeshwra Rao, Bhagya Lakshmi, Yadigiri and M. Vijay Ram Kumar. The awardees come from different walks of life and serve society in different ways and means. They, in their own right have been working for a change. Bal Gangadhar, a retired railways employee has used his pension to fill more than 1100 potholes in the city. He took the initiative when he witnessed several incidents caused by the bad state of roads. In Bal Gangadhar’s absence his brother Bhimesh Shankar was present. He established shramadaan.org
Sharif is the founder of Friends2support.org. F2S is a group founded by five friends to help people meet the emergency blood requirement for free. F2S claims to be India’s largest blood donor database. The organisation has won several national and international awards. Rajeshwar Rao is the founder of Satya Harishchandra foundation. They cremate unclaimed and unidentified dead bodies. Bhagya Lakshmi from ‘Manchi Pustakam’ is a small initiative taken to publish, encourage and promote Telugu books. Yadigiri is a chef and he donates food from his restaurant—Ulavacharu to orphans everyday and M. Vijay Ram Kumar of Emerald sweets has been working for a green society. The awards were given away by Somesh Kumar, Commissioner GHMC and actor Manchu Lakshmi.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus / by Prabalika M. Borah / Hyderabad – August 14th, 2015
Former director writes a book highlighting the glory of the State-owned coal company
After an illustrious career spanning over 36 years in the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), Jammalamadaka Dattatreyulu, former Director of the SCCL, has taken to literature to spread the glory and trailblazing production endeavours of the State-owned premier coal production company.
He has penned a book titled Mining ideas and coal – Journey with Singareni chronicling the many significant milestones and benchmarks achieved by the SCCL in coal production.
Mr. Dattatreyulu, who did B.E (Mining) from Osmania University, joined the SCCL as Mining Graduate Trainee in 1976.
He served as a Director on the board of SCCL for over eight years in the fag end of his career. He was widely appreciated for his significant contribution to upgradation of technology and enhancement of coal production in the company besides pioneering initiatives in other realms such as coal exploration dispatch, welfare and safety of workmen, in addition to corporate social responsibility.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Telangana / by P. Sridhar / Khammam – August 24th, 2015
In the day Saina Nehwal regained the top ranking in the world of badminton, the ace shuttler also signed up a new sports marketing firm to manage her portfolio. The contract with IOS Sports & Entertainment promises her Rs 25 crore in the next two years.
New Delhi :
On the day Saina Nehwal regained the top ranking in the world of badminton, the ace shuttler also signed up a new sports marketing firm to manage her portfolio. The contract with IOS Sports & Entertainment promises her Rs 25 crore in the next two years.
The 25-year-old currently earns between Rs 5 crore and Rs 7 crore a year from around 10 endorsement deals, some of which are for digital ads. She endorses brands such as Herbalife, Star Sports, Godrej No Marks, Emami, Sahara, Indian Overseas Bank, Iodex and Commune Builder .
Nehwal is among the highest paid woman athletes in India currently. Boxer Mary Kom earns Rs 4 crore-Rs 6 crore a year from endorsements and appearances. The shuttler moved up a place to No. 1 in the women’s singles category of the Badminton World Federation rankings released on Thursday, overtaking Carolina Marin despite losing to the Spaniard in the World Championship final last week.
Neerav Tomar, managing director and chief executive of IOS Sports, said his firm has been working with Nehwal for the past few years but only on one-off deals. “Now we have signed up to work exclusively with her. She is the world No. 1 now and she needs a bit of management and backing now,” Tomar said.
So far, Saina was managing her endorsement deals herself. IOS Sports had recently signed a three-year, Rs 35-crore contract with Suresh Raina, ending the cricketer’s association with Rhiti Sports Management owned by a friend of India ODI captain MS Dhoni.
The company also manages non-cricket sports persons such as boxers Mary Kom and Vijender Singh, wrestlers Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt, shooters Gagan Narang and Heena Sidhu and archer Deepika Kumari.
With her at the top of the rankings again, Nehwal’s brand value is likely to improve and so will her ability to charge higher. She currently charges around Rs 75 lakh a year per brand endorsement and Tomar expects this to jump to around Rs 1.25 crore.
Tomar said the deal with her to get Rs 25 crore in two years would depend on her performance at the 2015 Rio Olympics as well as her ability to maintain her No. 1 ranking for as long as possible in this two year period. “We want to grow both her portfolio and pricing,” he said
source: http://www.economictimes.indiatimes.com / The Economic Times / ET Home> Industry> Services> Advertising / by Ravi Teja Sharma, ET Bureau / August 21st, 2015
The state has bagged a big ticket pharma investment worth Rs 500 crores as Switzerland-based Ferring Pharmaceuticals will begin operations here. Ferring is engaged in formulations.
Earlier, the state gave permissions to around 39 companies in two weeks as part of the new industrial policy, TS-iPASS.
“The representatives of Ferring Pharmaceuticals visited the 12-acre land parcel allotted to them in Genome Valley before giving their nod. It will take two months for Ferring to get the other permissions,” sources said.
Another pharma major too is in touch with the Industries Department. “We will reveal the name of the second pharma company only after an agreement is signed. Otherwise, some other state may resort to poaching,” officials confided.
“Several industrialists in textiles, solar, life sciences, plastics and pharma are making serious enquiries. We will reveal the names of the firms only after confirmation,” sources added.
The mobile manufacturer Micromax has started its construction activity in the city. Officials of Industries Department are in touch with other mobile companies as well.
Sources said that another mobile company is also likely to invest in Hyderabad. The Industries Department is now in the process of inviting industrialists who made serious queries. “The industrialists enquired with those who got permissions in two weeks and are serious in investing in the state. All this happened due to word-of-mouth publicity,” sources said.
The State government recently announced a single window industrial policy, which works in a transparent manner without giving scope for corruption or red-tapism. The government has already allocated 10 per cent water in major projects for industries and a land bank of 1.5 lakh acres has been created for industrial needs.
Policy Pull
TS industrial policy spread by word-of-mouth
State is getting serious queries about investments
Switzerland’s Ferring Pharmaceuticals confirmed investment of Rs 500 crore
Textile, pharma, plastics, solar, mobile, life sciences companies looking to TS for investment
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by V.V. Balakrihsna / August 18th, 2015
Telangana Home Minister Nayini Narasimha Reddy launched the initiative by issuing 100 ‘Body Worn Cameras’ to the front line officers.
Picture for representational purpose only.
Ensuring a people-friendly approach by enforcing officers towards traffic violators, the Hyderabad Traffic Police (HTP) today launched ‘Body Worn Cameras’ for the first time in the country.
Telangana Home Minister Nayini Narasimha Reddy, who launched the initiative by issuing 100 ‘Body Worn Cameras’ to the front line officers said this is for the first in the country that traffic officers will be equipped with such an equipment.
This initiative is in the direction of developing friendly policing in Hyderabad and the use of technology will improve transparency and accountability in Traffic Management, the Minister said, adding after formation of Telangana state last year there have been marked changes in the police system.
Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Jitender said this project was started on a pilot basis in August last year by issuing four ‘Body Worn Cameras’ to the traffic officers. After successful implementation, 100 new ‘Body Worn Cameras’ have been acquired by the Hyderabad Traffic Police to monitor the Traffic Enforcement system, he said.
Elaborating on ‘Body Worn Cameras’, the top traffic cop said it is user friendly, having stud moving clip for wearing on the body and simple one click record. Citizens, when caught for any traffic violations by traffic cops can notice the recording on the front facing LCD screen.
Protected files and encrypted log of events makes it free from manipulations, Jitender said, adding this will enable socially desirable behaviour by traffic officers and public during their interactions. In the conventional practice of enforcement, there were many incidents of arguments, assaults and misbehaving between the commuters and cops.
Subsequently, on the other end, there was no evidence on record to establish the guilt (of violators) and it badly ruined the image of traffic cops, he said. The new system will help in improving discipline among the public as well as the police personnel, he said. Hyderabad Police Commissioner M Mahender Reddy also spoke.
source: http://www.indiatoday.intoday.in / IndiaToday.in / Home> News> India> Andhra Pradesh / by PTI / Hyderabad – August 14th, 2015
V. Shobhha Prasad, MD of Walden, in Hyderabad on Monday. Photo: G. Ramakrishna
A look back into one of the city’s favourite book shops as it celebrates its Silver Jubilee.
After just relishing Henry David Thoreau’s ‘Walden’ as part of Literature syllabus in college, a book store with that name was suffice to lure me inside, 25 years ago. A ‘supermarket kind of feel’ where you touch, feel and browse a book as you walk along the aisles before you pick up your favourite was a unique experience. That stretch of road connecting Begumpet and Punjagutta was thinly populated and almost had nil traffic then. There was no reason for people to meander into that road… yes, maybe for a cheese tart at Bakers Inn down the road, just that. But that made little difference to us as we started our long association with this newly found hangout place.
Twenty five years down the line, with a second branch at Banjara Hills, Walden is still a favourite and a quick one-stop shop for son’s stationery needs or to pick up the latest bestseller.
Choosing a last-minute gift item to grabbing a tub of moisturiser on your way to the bill counter was all part of the Walden shopping.
John Siddham, a Hyderabadi who now lives in Melbourne, makes it a part of his itinerary every time he visits Hyderabad. He confesses that it usually takes three to four visits each trip to satisfy his appetite.
“It is an enticing place; one easily loses sense of time conveniently wandering through the aisles of books ranging from diverse topics.
The fact that they cater for all ages has worked for us as family,” he says and adds, “The usual regret is at the airport check-in when we end up with excess baggage of books. But, hey, books in our bookshelf has been a talking point with most of our visitors.”
One of the exciting events that youngsters remember at Walden are the pre-dawn launch of Harry Potter books. Much as it gave a whole new fillip to the reading habits of a new generation, the experience gave much to remember for a long time.
Recollecting the experience of coming all the way from Miyapur at 5 a.m. with her sister, Swetha Sidotam says, “I think it was in 2005 and I had come to collect the 5th part of the Harry Potter series. It was kind of self reward for me for getting into JNTU for architecture. We reached the store around 6 a.m. and were welcomed by the smiling staff. Since I had pre-booked my copy I was handed over my book in an attractive carry bag. It was an exciting memory.”
Having successfully delivered memories and good times to so many customers, Walden, despite a shrunken parking space, remains a booklovers’ paradise.
‘Walden will not be shut’
Frequent visits to a spacious book store in Chennai and his fondness for reading inspired Electrical Engineer professional V. Ram Prasad to start a book store in Hyderabad. A natural at designing, he personally monitored the entire décor of all his stores.
His wife Shobha Prasad who shares his passion for books, says, “We wanted to develop this concept where customers can select what they want while walking around the book shelves. Unlike in other shops where one has to ask for a specific book, here we gave options. A book lover can see what’s available and take his pick.”
Recollecting the journey of 25 years, Shobha says, “People were of the opinion that Hyderabad was not ready for such kind of an exclusive book store and added to that this area was so secluded. There were many apprehensions. But we went ahead and launched it and by God’s grace it clicked instantly with the customers.” And the name Walden? Whose choice was that? “My husband’s. He was a voracious reader and he particularly like this book by Henry David Throeau and decided to name after its title. Also, we wanted a name that people could pronounce,” she smiles.
The obvious challenge for Walden now is facing competition from online market. Agrees Shobha and emphasises the need to be choosy and careful about the selection of books.
“Apart from books we have expanded the space that has good mix of products as well. Stationery, gift articles and a few beauty products have always been an integral part of our store. Rare household articles that are latest addition also keep our customers happy,” smiles Shobha.
With popular book shops shutting down one by one, will Walden go the same way? “Walden will not be shut… never,” assures Shobha and informs about the third branch being opened in Gachibowli this month.
That’s some good news indeed, for book lovers!
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus / by S.B. Vijaya Mary / Hyderabad – August 03rd, 2015
The perennially drought-hit Mahbubnagar district could well turn out to be another Golconda, once famous as a city where diamonds were sold in heaps at roadside shops. The district, known for its large-scale annual migration of labour, is virtually sitting on diamond mines that could change the fortunes of the nascent Telangana state, experts say.
TOI Photo.
Researchers from the Centre of Exploration Geophysics, Osmania University, have identified as many as 21 new potential diamond zones in Mahbubnagar and villages abutting the border with Gulbarga and Raichur. Several places on the road between Mahbubnagar and Raichur are dotted with potential diamond zones. There have been several studies on the diamond potentiality of Mahbubnagar in the past, but this is the first time that about two dozen zones have been identified.
Earlier, scattered potential diamond locations were identified in the area between the Krishna and Bhima rivers, and the Krishna-Tungabhadra-Penna river zone. At least half a dozen government and commercial organizations are currently on a ‘diamond hunt’ in the district. The Geological Survey of India had found three diamond zones in the past.
Prof G Ramadass, who carried out aeromagnetic studies over an area of 1,999 sq km, said the potential diamond zones were buried 1.2 km down in the earth and more ground research may yield the precious stones.
“We have found kimberlite pipes at 21 places. Though not all kimberlite pipes bear diamonds, there have been instances where diamond zones were found in Mahbubnagar. We need to undertake further studies to explore the diamond-bearing potentiality of these places,” he added. Besides Ramadass, the OU team comprised M Preeti and A Subhash Babu.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Hyderabad / by Syed Akbar, TNN / August 10th, 2015
Three startups managed to impress investors at The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Hyderabad’s SmashUp event on Saturday, bagging investments worth Rs 15 lakh each. The startups are Carving Notions Technologies, which designs and assembles drones; SunwizTech India Pvt Ltd that designed a mobile app for car owners to locate the best place for getting their vehicles serviced; and driver solutions provider Driverr.
During the event, 10 startups with working prototypes pitched their business ideas to angel investors. These start-ups were given just five minutes to pitch to individual investors for a funding of Rs 15 lakh against 10% equity.
“TiE’s SmashUp event has been continuously nurturing early stage startups to move up the value chain. Through this platform, we aim to not only mentor these startups, but also connect them to the investor community. TiE Hyderabad will continue to bring together all stakeholders and play a proactive role in creating an inclusive ecosystem to promote the culture of entrepreneurship,” Rakesh Bhatia-TiE Hyderabad board member and event co-chair said.
The event witnessed a participation of around 300 people representing various stakeholders of the ecosystem, including startups and entrepreneurs.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Hyderabad / TNN / August 09th, 2015
US headquartered Techwave Consulting Inc. is opening its second office in Hyderabad, a key component of the firm’s global expansion plans that also involves a multi-fold increase in the headcount in the city.
“We have 300 people at our existing global delivery centre in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. Around 500 are to be added at the new facility [in Madhapur],” CEO Damodar Rao Gummadapu told The Hindu over phone on Thursday.
Global system integrator Techwave Consulting, specialising in ERP, Business Analytics, including Big Data, Cloud and mobility space, is acquiring a Hyderabad-based IT firm that has operations in Europe. The acquisition, expected to be closed by August-end, would bring on board 170 staffers from that firm. “Our goal is to increase the employee base in Hyderabad to 1,000 and globally 1,500 in December 2016,” he said, adding that the company is also looking at two more acquisitions. While one of the firms is in the US, the other is in Bengaluru. With the process in a nascent stage, he did not wish to elaborate on any details.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Special Correspondent / Hyderabad – July 31st, 2015
