Best App in Asia award to Hyderabad entrepreneur

Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion
The Best App In Asia category of the digital winners 2014, Raghu Kanchustambham, explains about his application in Hyderabad on Wednesday. Photo: G. Ramakrishna / The Hindu
The Best App In Asia category of the digital winners 2014, Raghu Kanchustambham, explains about his application in Hyderabad on Wednesday. Photo: G. Ramakrishna / The Hindu

The app helps coffee growers to get instant returns for their produce. Livelihood 360 is also capable of estimating quantity of the produce in the fields and sell the crop at fair price.

The coffee farmers of Araku valley these days get instant returns for their produce. Gone are the days when they had to wait for nearly a month till the buyers completed the weighing process of the produce and release money through co-operative society. Thanks to a mobile application developed by Hyderabad-based entrepreneur, Raghu Kanchustambham, there is no waiting period.

The app dubbed as ‘Livelihood 360 (L360)’ was adjudged the Best App of Asia in the Telenor Digital Winners Conference, a global competition held in Oslo, Norway this month. The award came with a cash prize of Rs. 9,79,000, which will be utilised by the developer to further “scale up” the concept.

It all started when Mr. Raghu, who has a start-up ‘Concept Wave’, met the officials of Naandi Foundation, which was already working with the coffee farmers of Araku valley. “The basic premise was to utilise technology and reach to those people not having access to technology and internet. I visited Araku valley and spent time with them and learnt a lot about their lifestyle and livelihood,” he said.

Mr. Raghu said the previous system of remittance to coffee growers in Araku was taking about a month. The coffee growers would take their produce to a prescribed ‘adda’ where the truck drivers would collect and transport coffee beans to another location for weighing and valuing. “We gave the truck drivers an application that would quantify the yield and also determine the quality instantly. The drivers will immediately remit the amount on the spot to farmers,” he explained.

Livelihood 360 is also capable of estimating quantity of the produce in the fields and sell the crop at fair price. “We have already adopted this application among 12,000 coffee farmers in 650 villages of Araku. Between 40 and 50 truck drivers from Araku were given training on using the application on a feature phone and not a smart phone,” he explained.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by M. Sai Gopal / Hyderabad – November 12th, 2014

Aviation conference takes off in Hyderabad on Wednesday

Business & Economy, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Representatives from 15 countries and 20 international speakers from Defence and aerospace engineering global majors are pariticipating in the meet.

A three-day aviation conference showcasing Telangana State as an investment hub in defence and aerospace engineering opens in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

The event, Defence & Aerosupply India, at the Novotel Hyderabad airport will bring the best in the aviation business to discuss new opportunities and challenges. There will be representation from 15 countries and 20 international speakers from defence and aerospace engineering global majors.

According to the organisers – Government of Telangana and Kenes Exhibitions – well known names globally in the sectors, including Airbus, Dassault, Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, Bell Helicopters, Israeli Aerospace Manufacturing Federation, have confirmed participation.

The conference comes in the backdrop of the State government announcing its decision to set up a new aerospace park to promote defence and aerospace industries. These two, as a combine, figure in the list of 12 sectors identified by the State for promotion and expected to get impetus in the upcoming industrial policy.

Senior officials of Telangana State, who briefed presspersons here on Tuesday about the conference, said the State government is keen to promote difference industries and studied incentives offered by neighbouring States to stay competitive. Special Chief Secretary and Commissioner for Industrial Promotion and Mines K. Pradeep Chandra and Commissioner for Industries, Commerce and Export Promotion Jayesh Rajan addressed the meet.

Chief Minister K.Chandrasekhar Rao is scheduled to inaugurate the conference on Wednesday. On November 13 and 14, a host of sessions focussed on specific areas such as supply chain management, MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) challenges, aviation systems and technologies besides company presentations would be held.

According to a press release, the conclave aims to bring global companies engaged in the supply chain of the aerospace arena with focus on technologies, high end products and expanding their supplier base to explore new business opportunities in the Indian market. It will provide broad coverage of the full supply chain in design and manufacturing of aero structures, engines, avionics, ECS, interior, MRO, engine refurbishment and sub-systems.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Special Correspondent / Hyderabad – November 11th, 2014

Microsoft hosts ‘Codess’ event in Hyderabad

Business & Economy, Science & Technology

Hyderabad :

IT major Microsoft said it had hosted ‘Codess’, a global community for women coders, at its Microsoft India Development Center campus in the city on Friday.

Codess was established by Skype in March 2013 to explore ways to promote gender diversity in the field of engineering. “Codess Hyderabad is one in a series of Codess events worldwide and second in the series to be organized in India. Codess entered India in May 2014 in Bangalore. Themed ‘Coding an Innovative Enterprise’, Codess Hyderabad provided the attendees an opportunity to interact with women achievers in the area of engineering,” Microsoft said in a statement.

Around 84 women coders from Hyderabad with experience in development, testing and project management participated in the event, the company release said.

The company pointed out that the theme of ‘Coding an Innovative Enterprise’ was relevant as India is seeing a steady rise in technology startups and is emerging as the third largest base for startups after the US and UK.

“Innovative thinking, enterprising approach and problem solving attitude are some of the key skills to build a startup. These skills are also important to be a great coder. The theme, therefore, aimed at aligning thoughts, drawing parallels and providing a common platform for the participants to share experiences as entrepreneurs and coders,” it added.

Microsoft India R&D Pvt Ltd managing director Anil Bhansali said, “The program aims to bring together women in engineering to share personal and professional experiences, network and learn from each other.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hyderabad / by Swati Rathor, TNN / November 07th, 2014

Aviation conference takes off in Hyderabad on Wednesday

Business & Economy, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Representatives from 15 countries and 20 international speakers from Defence and aerospace engineering global majors are pariticipating in the meet.

A three-day aviation conference showcasing Telangana State as an investment hub in defence and aerospace engineering opens in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

The event, Defence & Aerosupply India, at the Novotel Hyderabad airport will bring the best in the aviation business to discuss new opportunities and challenges. There will be representation from 15 countries and 20 international speakers from defence and aerospace engineering global majors.

According to the organisers – Government of Telangana and Kenes Exhibitions – well known names globally in the sectors, including Airbus, Dassault, Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, Bell Helicopters, Israeli Aerospace Manufacturing Federation, have confirmed participation.

The conference comes in the backdrop of the State government announcing its decision to set up a new aerospace park to promote defence and aerospace industries. These two, as a combine, figure in the list of 12 sectors identified by the State for promotion and expected to get impetus in the upcoming industrial policy.

Senior officials of Telangana State, who briefed presspersons here on Tuesday about the conference, said the State government is keen to promote difference industries and studied incentives offered by neighbouring States to stay competitive. Special Chief Secretary and Commissioner for Industrial Promotion and Mines K. Pradeep Chandra and Commissioner for Industries, Commerce and Export Promotion Jayesh Rajan addressed the meet.

Chief Minister K.Chandrasekhar Rao is scheduled to inaugurate the conference on Wednesday. On November 13 and 14, a host of sessions focussed on specific areas such as supply chain management, MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) challenges, aviation systems and technologies besides company presentations would be held.

According to a press release, the conclave aims to bring global companies engaged in the supply chain of the aerospace arena with focus on technologies, high end products and expanding their supplier base to explore new business opportunities in the Indian market. It will provide broad coverage of the full supply chain in design and manufacturing of aero structures, engines, avionics, ECS, interior, MRO, engine refurbishment and sub-systems.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Special Correspondent / Hyderabad – November 11th, 2014

He’s back to where he belongs

Sports
Ambati Rayudu after completing his century during the 2nd ODI cricket match against Sri Lanka in Ahmedabad on Thursday. - Photo: PTI
Ambati Rayudu after completing his century during the 2nd ODI cricket match against Sri Lanka in Ahmedabad on Thursday. – Photo: PTI

Ambati Rayudu has had a bumpy ride in cricket, but 12 years after his heroics in the under-19 made him the next big thing in Indian cricket, he is here to stay. For someone who often gave the impression that he lacked the discipline required for the big league, Rayudu has come a long way.

When he walks on to the field for the third one-dayer against Sri Lanka here on Sunday, Ambati Rayudu will have a hearty laugh at how much life has changed over the past 12 years.

From being almost a forgotten batting talent till a few years ago, to being the toast of the nation on Thursday – the right-handed batsman notched up his maiden ODI century against Sri Lanka in his 21st match, for which he was adjudged ‘player of the match’ – the 29-year-old has seen it all.

Arguably the most gifted batsman from the ‘City of Pearls’ after the elegant V.V.S. Laxman, Rayudu has had a chequered career and is now making a late impression on critics.

For someone who often gave the impression that he lacked the discipline required for the big league, Rayudu has come a long way.

Shifting base to Baroda to play Ranji Trophy in 2010 may have been one foot forward, but joining the Sachin Tendulkar-led Mumbai Indians in the IPL, he says, was the defining phase.

The change in attitude and the hunger for success were two striking features that set apart this phase from the past. And he is clearly basking in all glory for all the hard work put in with the Mumbai outfit.

It was in 2002 when Rayudu had that amazing run in England with the India under-19 team. Many predicted that he would don the India colours almost immediately.

But that it took almost a decade for him to break into the Indian team was perhaps a reflection of how an indifferent State Association can mar an original genius.

A combination of Rayudu’s inability to stay away from avoidable aspects in a cricketer’s career and the way many ‘enjoyed’ watching his career almost drift away during his early years, was a forgetful chapter in his career.

Now, at the peak of a dream run, and almost assured of a berth in the Indian World Cup team – he is a brilliant fielder too – Rayudu can only look one way.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by V.V. Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – November 08th, 2014

Liver transplant surgeries performed successfully

Amazing Feats, Nri's / PIO's, Science & Technology

Surgeons of Apollo Hospitals conducted three liver transplant surgeries and a kidney transplantation, all within a span of 40 hours, last month. Of the three patients who received liver, one received the organ from a brain dead victim in Visakhapatnam where the organ had to be flown-in in a commercial flight and transplanted immediately.

Mahendra Kumar Kar, Ketan Ramesh Patel and Dnyandev Warule underwent liver transplantations while Kareemullah Khan underwent kidney transplantation. Thanks to the Jeevandan programme, Kar, Patel and Khan received the organs from brain dead victims while Warule received a small part of liver from his son, Suresh Warule.

“It was a medical and logistical challenge because the liver had to be brought from Visakhapatnam. Mr. Patel had developed serious blood stream infection. We took the help of several experts to settle him down before transplantation,” said liver transplant surgeon Manish C. Varma.

While Mr. Kar, an NRI in US, came here for treatment, Mr. Warule is a farmer from Maharashtra. “We have a success rate of 99 per cent when it comes to liver transplants and 100 per cent success rate with live donor liver transplantation,” Dr. Varma claimed.

Mr. Khan (43), who underwent kidney transplantation, was a known diabetic and hypertension patient for the past eight years. “These were very complicated cases but we managed to complete the surgeries within 40 hours,” he added.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Special Correspondent / Hyderabad – November 06th, 2014

Nagi Reddy to be First SEC of Telangana

Leaders, Records, All

Hyderabad :

Principal secretary (finance) V Nagi Reddy is all set take up a new assignment as Telangana State Election Commissioner. He will resign to the present post and take up the new assignment.

A 1984-batch officer, Nagi Reddy hails from Peddareddipet of Medak district. He served in various departments in the undivided state. He played a key role in the division of the state in a sectoral committee.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by Express News Service / November 06th, 2014

Joint Clinic on Wheels

Science & Technology

JointCareTELANGANA05nov2014

Hyderabad :

The Joint Care Express, a state-of-the-art clinic (on wheels), consists of a lounge that can accommodate 10 patients at a time, creating an informative environment for them, with a variety of patient education tools available to the surgeon on board. The initiative aims at creating awareness among the masses on the seriousness of arthritis, which is reaching epidemic proportions, during the World Arthritis month and will travel across the city. The express also consists of Augmented Reality App that enables the surgeon to show the patient a computer generated image of the joints, thus providing a composite 3D view of how the knee joint looks, what causes arthritis and the steps of joint replacement surgery in a simplified visual form.

Orthopaedic surgeons associated with the initiative are Dr Akhil Dadi at Srikara Hospital and Dr. Sudhir Reddy at Landmark Hospital.

The patients who walk into any of the free clinics on board the Joint Care Express will be addressed by a doctor and taken through the steps that include post-operative care and rehabilitation.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Express Features / November 04th, 2014

In altruistic, sporting sprit

Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Sports
Special arrangement / The Hindu
Special arrangement
/ The Hindu

Sports Coaching Foundation is reaching out to promote sporting activity in Government schools

Sports Coaching Foundation (at Masab Tank, Hyderabad ) has embarked on an innovative project ‘Build India Through Sports’ whichaims at not only spreading awareness about sports in select Government Schools but also ensure that a sports-friendly ambience is created on the premises with the hope of a continuity for sports activity.

“We initially hold discussions with the School management involving the Physical Education Teacher which is almost like a seminar and try to explain the importance of having sporting activity on their premises which should also result in better academic results. Recreation should be part of any curriculum,” feels K. Sai Baba, general secretary of the SCF which has already reached out to 50 such schools where some of the students who have never seen any sports equipment of quality are already getting a feel of what it is.

The second step, depending on the response of the schools, involves a visit by the coaching faculty armed with the basic sports equipment to give some sort of demo out on the sports arenas to lure students into sporting activity. “Mind you, this is not a commercial venture but purely funded by the NGO which is a non-profit organisation supported by crucial wings of the State government including the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation since 1991,” reminds Sai, a former Andhra Ranji cricketer and also Executive Committee member of the Hyderabad Cricket Association.

The project involves educating the children about the stupendous sporting achievements like five-time World women’s boxing champion Mary Kom, especially among the exclusive girls schools to provide the right dose of inspiration. “Yes, it is a fact that some of them don’t even have a level playing field, leave alone play facilities. That is exactly why we are trying to reach out by installing make-shift basketball rings, levelling whatever play area is available. We have provided dozens of footballs and basketballs to many schools already to see that there is some activity,” explains the SCF general secretary.

What is the reason for this project to take off? “From my own experience, it is the Government schools which lack the desired impetus and support. So, I thought let us start from there to cater to the lower strata of the society,” he replies.

The whole project is being pursued with sheer passion within the SCF’s limited financial resources and without any corpus fund for the same, he insists, adding, “We will be more than happy if there is sporting activity throughout the year; the SCF is always there to help any school in this regard.”.

In a way it is a concept which uses sports as a tool to facilitate personality development and develop human values, with the help of the success stories of champions like Sania Mirza, Saina Nehwal are explained to the children. Also, school students have a platform by way of free-entry to events which the SCF conducts to showcase their skills and dream big.

Sai Baba points out that the response was really good in some schools like Sabdaria Girls High School (Mehdipatnam) which has 1200 students and the Errum Manzil Government High School. “It gives us immense pleasure that now many Government Schools are making use of the equipment we donated and also the basic infrastructure like creating volleyball, basketball, kho kho and kabaddi courts too,” he says.

Interestingly, many of the Government School students too get a feel of the bowling machine of the SCF, incidentally the first organization in India to get this way back in early 90s, digital speed gun. “We hope to contribute in our own small way for the promotion of sports. This is an on-going project,” signs off the SCF official.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Metro Plus> Society / by V.V. Subrahmanhyam / November 05th, 2014

KCR Pays Tributes to Alwar Swamy

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders

Hyderabad :

Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Saturday paid tributes to social worker and writer Vattikota Alwar Swamy on his birth anniversary. Alwar Swamy, who belonged to Cheruvu Madaram in Nalgonda district, played a key role in the library movement, an official release said.

Chandrasekhar Rao said Alwar Swamy fought against oppression and was even imprisoned for fighting for the poor. Alwar Swamy wrote “Prajala Manishi” novel and also several stories.

Stating that Alwar Swamy gave away his personal library for setting up the present City Central Library, Chandrasekhar Rao said the library would be named after Alwar Swamy. “A statue of Alwar Swamy would also be installed on the premises,” he announced and said the works of Alwar Swamy would be published by the Telugu Akademi.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by Express News Service / November 02nd, 2014