Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) director Dr ChMohanRao, has been selected for the award of VisishtaPuraskarm by Ramineni Foundation, USA on the occasion of its 15th Anniversary Puraskaarams-2014.
He was chosen for his outstanding contributions in science and technology, particularly in the areas of protein folding in health and disease and molecular basis for lens transparency and cataract.
He played a key role in developing a diagnostic tool to identify a number of eye infections under the CSIR’s programme on New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI) and looking into a cost-effective treatment for cancer using photodynamic therapy.
He has combined biophysical, molecular biological and cell biological approaches to address problems of biomedical importance. He has published more than 100 research papers and several science articles in many national and international journals and is a Fellow of several national and international academies.
Dr Mohan Rao’s multidisciplinary expertise including electronics, fabrication and digital interfacing along with cellular, molecular and biophysical approaches enabled him to provide vision and leadership in several contexts. In addition to his outstanding research activity, he has been playing a significant role in popularizing science among the school children, science teachers and uninitiated public in general.
Ramineni Foundation was founded in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA with a noble mission of recognising and felicitating the spirited, relentless efforts and immeasurable services of all those veterans drawn from a broad spectrum of fields in Arts, Science and Humanities. The award of Vishishta Puraskaaram carries rs one lakh cash, a plaque and a memento by Ramineni Foundation. He will receive the award on October 12 at a function to be organised by the Foundation in Vijayawada.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hyderabad / by Ch. Sushil Rao, TNN / October 10th, 2014
(1) International specialists on urban planning Alfonso Govela and Tim Campbell (right) at the XI Metropolis World Congress (2) Interceptor police stand guard near HITEX (3) Bomb squad personnel checking the surrounding area near the venue of XI Metropolis World Congress at HICC in Hyderabad on Monday | A SURESH KUMAR
Hyderabad :
The much-awaited XI Metropolis World Congress, organised by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation in coordination with the Telangana state government, commenced here on Monday.
While the media was kept away from the event, GHMC commissioner Somesh Kumar later briefed newsmen about the day’s proceedings at the event. He said that “Day Zero of the XI Metropolis World Congress saw 857 register for the conference, including 135 people from abroad . He added that the event with the theme ‘Cities for All’, had five technical sessions on Voices of the Children, Empowering Youth, Habitat in Urban India, Housing For All and Metropolis ‘Hackathon’.
Kumar said, “We had a session titled ‘Voices of Children’ where we sought the opinions of children from across the country, who articulately described the problems in their citites/towns, including the need for improvement of housing, public toilets, better sanitation and waste management in slum areas, among others.”
According to the GHMC commissioner, children from across the country, including Maharashtra, Orissa and Delhi were present. “To get an insight into children’s thinking is very rare in conferences like these.
The children also brought to our notice the presence of electrical poles which hang dangerously as also the dirty condition of most of the transformers,” he added.
The GHMC Commissioner listed out some of the suggestions made by the youth on why it was essential to involve them in policy-making and decision-making. He further said: “We discussed the importance of providing affordable housing to everyone. Everybody present unanimously agreed that the participation of the private sector is a must to improve the quality of housing, ” he added.
Meanwhile, the international specialists on urban planning who attended the Metropolis Hackathon, were highly impressed with the participation from the youth of the City in the conference. Speaking to the newsmen after the event, Alfonso Govela, architect and founder of Mex Smart Cities, Alain Renk, architect and city planner from France, Tim Campbell, an independent observer and a holder of Phd in urban studies from MIT, Philip Weist, entrepreneur and author, and Subromonium Sarma, senior director of Indian School of Business, gave an insight into what transpired during the Metropolis Hackathon.
“At the hackathon, we asked the youth of Hyderabad to come and give us ideas using technology on how to make it a better city. We had 360 team entries, from which 20 have been chosen,” informed Sarma.
Alfonso Govela, who hails from France, said: “ I’m very glad to see plenty of vibrant ideas from the youth of Hyderabad. Out of the 20 teams, five will be chosen as winners and they shall work together with the government of Telangana, Microsoft and Indian School of Business to implement their ideas. These ideas can be used not just in Hyderabad, but across the world,” he said.
Impressed by the enthusiastic participation of children and youth during the event Tim Campbell said, Hyderabad city held a bright future.
Media Blackout
The print and electronic media were denied access to the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC), where the XI Metropolis World Congress was taking place. They were instead provided with a media centre in the administrative building with a promise that live footage will be shown on screen. However, much to the dismay of the journalists present, the footage was not shown the entire day and the mediamen were totally unaware of what actually transpired at the event. It all started when the Public Relations group for the event Perfect Relations was replaced by Information & Public Relations (I&PR) at the last moment – i.e., late on Sunday evening by the government for inexplicable reasons. The mediamen were subsequently informed that they could not enter the premises and must instead stay put in the media centre and await press briefing from the officials. RV Chandravadan, Commissioner, I &PR, explained that there were very ‘specific’ reasons for this decision.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / Express News Service / October 07th, 2014
Around 2,000 police personnel will be stationed at Jodeghat village in Kerameri mandal for chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao’s visit.
The CM will be participating in the 74th anniversary celebrations of tribal leader Komaram Bheem’s martyrdom, on October 8.
This is the first time the chief minister is visiting Jodeghat, the birth place of Bheem, after the formation of Telangana state. ‘‘We have initiated intensive combing operations by Grey Hounds teams and reserve police battalions to discourage any Maoist activity during the programme,’’ SP Gajarao Bhupal has said.
The 2,000-strong police force includes five additional SPs, 15 DSPs, 80 sub-inspectors, 30 circle inspectors, 110 asst SI, Grey Hounds teams, 15 bomb squads, eight dog squads, 500 constables, 230 head constables , one woman inspector, 3 women SIs and 35 women constables.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / Express News Service / October 08th, 2014
The 700-year-old banyan tree, Pillalamarri, which will appear on a special cover being brought out by the Postal Department.
Hyderabad :
Pillalamarri, the famed 700-year-old banyan tree near Mahabubnagar, will appear on a special cover being brought out by the Department of Posts.
The magnificent tree with its branches stretching over an area of three acres is acclaimed as a “living legend” of the district. Over the years, the heritage symbol, located in the fields 4 km from Mahabubnagar town, attracted tourists from far and near. From a distance, it presents the look of a small hillock covered with thick foliage. As one draws closer, the majestic tree stands out like a giant umbrella, which can shelter upto 1,000 persons. There is a tomb of a Muslim saint underneath the tree.
On its part, the Postal Department has resolved to do its bit to commemorate the tree by releasing a special cover during a philatelic exhibition at Mahabubnagar on August 29 and 30. The special cover will be released by T.S.Govindarajan, Chief Postmaster General, Andhra Pradesh Circle.
A special video show for children on “stamp collection-an educative hobby”, philately workshop, essay and quiz competitions for students will be the highlights of the two-day exhibition. As an on-going effort to popularise stamp collection, the facility of philately deposit account is provided at all head post offices through which children can get newly released stamps with an initial deposit of Rs 200.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu, Online edition / Home> Southern States – Andhra Pradesh / by The Hindu Special Correspondent / Thursday – August 14th, 2003
Starbucks opens new outlet in Hyderabad on Tuesday.-PHOTO: NAGARA GOPAL
The first flagship Starbucks store was thrown open in Hyderabad on Tuesday. A joint venture between Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Global Beverages, the Starbucks store promises to provide ‘elevated coffeehouse’ experience to customers.
This is not all; the company very soon will add one more store in the city in the coming months.
According to Tata Starbucks officials, within two years of launch in India, the company has managed to start 58 Starbucks stores across the country.
The well decorated Starbucks store at Road no-92, Banjara Hills has a range of offerings including the signature Starbucks espresso based beverages and extensive food menu comprising Indian and International favourites.
“Starbucks stores have always been a third place, a place away from home and office for customers where they can enjoy high quality Arabica coffee in an unparalleled store environment. We are excited to bring Starbucks Hyderabad,” said CEO, Tata Starbucks Limited, Avani Davda during the launch.
The store is also offering Starbucks range of merchandise and free Wi-Fi to customers. Currently, Starbucks is present in Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bangalore and Chennai.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Special Correspondent / Hyderabad – September 30th, 2014
Botany professor G. Narender Babu has pointed out that flowers and leaves used for preparing idols of Bathukamma could prevent water-borne diseases as they possess various medicinal properties.
Karimnagar:
Botany professor G. Narender Babu has pointed out that flowers and leaves used for preparing idols of Bathukamma could prevent water-borne diseases as they possess various medicinal properties.
Speaking to DC, Mr Narender Babu explained how the flowers and leaves could be beneficial once the idols are immersed in a tank or pond.
Flowers and leaves of forest plants such as thangedu (Cassia/ Senna Auriculata), gunugu (Celosia Argentia), katla (Iponota) and garden plants namely banthi (Tagetes Errecta), aster (Calendula Vera), pumpkin (Cucurbita Maximma), ribbed gourd (Luffa acutangula) are mostly used in preparing the idol of Bathukamma.
“The thangedu, gunugu and katla flowers produce many alkaloids with antibiotic properties. Similarly, a dense layer of white and fine glandular hairs growing on the leaves of pumpkin and ribbed gourd synthesise antibiotic chemicals. Many studies have found that these chemicals are capable of killing pathogenic bacteria, fungi and viruses that cause various diseases in human beings,” he said.
When several hundreds of idols are immersed in a tank or pond during the festival, these chemicals dissolve in the water, leading to death of the bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Thus, water-borne diseases such as typhoid, cholera, diarrhoea, pneumonia and tuberculosis (TB) can be prevented. Some respiratory and skin diseases can also be checked when water does not contain fungi. Generally, these diseases increase due to presence of various types of micro-organisms such as the bacteria, fungi and viruses in the water bodies.
In order to prevent diseases, our forefathers introduced a custom among people of Telangana in the form of Bathukamma festival, he stated.
An american corporation (www.WebMD.com) which provides basic health infomation, mentions about the medicinal values of flowers used.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / DC Correspondent / September 30th, 2014
Never judge yourself or others, because that hinders your well-being and even weakens your immune system. It’s a fact and science acknowledges it. This was what Ruby Mehmood’s recent talk at Lamakaan was all about. She was explaining a healing process called “Access Consciousness” and its basic component – “Bars”.
What are Bars?
There are 32 bars of energy that run through and around our heads, storing the electromagnetic component of all thoughts, ideas, attitudes, decisions and beliefs that we have ever had. There are thus bars for healing, body, control, awareness, creativity, power, aging, sex, money, etc.
Activate the Bars
This is what Ruby does as a bars practitioner and facilitator: “I activate the bars by touching points on the head lightly. Because judgments solidify the energy in these bars and limits your capacity to use them.”
A single session with Ruby at her residence in Chirag Ali Lane can clear 5,000 to 10,000 fixed points. This then creates a new space in the body, a space to receive and learn new things. But what judgments is she talking about? Ruby, who had stumbled upon this technique on a visit to Dubai, says, “As simple as ‘I don’t like this food, this job, this world’. ‘He is good or bad’. These judgements limit the ways you deal with a situation.”
Ask questions
Once the bars are activated, it’s time to ask questions and find answers. “Whenever you get stuck in a situation, ask these questions: Who does this (problem) belong to? How does it get better? What does it possibly mean?” says Ruby, who follows it up with body process classes. She can heal 60 body issues with hands-on healing like psoriasis, acidity, eye problems, arthritis and even skin issues like pigmentation and ageing. Ruby also knows 19 other healing modalities including past-life regression and Reiki.
Skeptics vs science
Her doctor-husband, Tehar Mahmood is not her client. Ruby says, “But there have been doctors who’ve come to me. This has helped them find alternate solutions to medical problems.” “I am not saying stop medicines. Never,” she adds.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> LifeStyle> Health & Wellbeing / DC / Barkha Kumari /March 22nd, 2014
Women police personnel and IT employees show ‘thumbs up’ sign at the inauguration of all-women police station at Gachibowli in Hyderabad on Wednesday. | NEERAJ MURALI
Hyderabad :
Keeping the safety and security of women in mind, the state government has set up its first all-women police station at Gachibowli here.
The IT Corridor Women’s Police Station was inaugurated by minister for IT and panchayat raj KT Rama Rao along with transport minister P Mahender Reddy and DGP Anurag Sharma on Wednesday.
Another police station was also inaugurated in the same area.
The first all-women police station in the state consists of a reception desk, help desk, inspector’s office and a room for medicare and counselling of victims. A special emergency helpline has also been set up, and women may call at 9494731100 to register complaints and seek assistance.
The police station has one inspector, one sub-inspector, two head constables, eight constables and four Home Guards. A police car has been provided to the women police officers.
“An important feature of this station is that there is a special room for medicare and counselling where victims are taken care off by medical professionals,” says K Madhulata, inspector at the station.
KTR announced that another all-women police station would be established soon at Adibatla in Ranga Reddy district.
“It is necessary that even villages should have all-women police stations. There is shortage of women in the police force and we have requested the chief minister to allot 3 pc reservation for women in all ranks in the department,” Anurag Sharma said.
Mahender Reddy said 15 buses would be provided to the police.
Cyberabad police commissioner CV Anand gave a presentation on the work done by the Society for Cyberabad Security Council (SCSC). Formed in 2006 under the Societies Act, SCSC consists of IT companies, TSIIC and HMDA. There are 173 IT companies working closely with the Cyberabad police to ensure safety and security of Cyberabad IT Corridor.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Express News Service / Ocotber 02nd, 2014
K Srinivas of Hyderabad, reigning national carrom champion and title winner of International Tourney of ‘Champion of Champions,’ on Tuesday lifted the men’s singles and men’s doubles titles at the 4th Carrom World Cup being held at Maldives. His win brought two gold medals to India.
Women singles title was lifted by former world cup winner and two times world champion Rashmi Kumari of India. She defeated Kavita Somanchi of India in straight sets. India has also won the women’s doubles Carrom World Cup 2014 title.
The Indian pair, P Jayashree and Rashmi, secured the champion title by winning both the sets in the final match played with yet another Indian pair, Kajol and Kavitha.
India has secured the top two titles of the women’s event.
In the championship, 17 countries including India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Qatar and Pakistan are participating.
Dr. Neeraj Sampathy, general secretary of Andhra Pradesh Carrom Association, is the coach of the Indian team.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Visakhapatnam / TNN / September 17th, 2014
