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
Mohammed Ahmed with his coach Ismail Baig. Photo: V.V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu
The 20-year-old Mohammad Ahmed has every reason to look back with a sense of pride after winning the bronze medal being part of the Indian coxed eights team in the Asian Games in his very first appearance.
“It was an unforgettable experience for me. To win a medal in my first Asiad is something which I never dreamt off. I am grateful to Ismail Sir (pointing to coach),” exclaims the young CPRF constable.
“We all enjoyed every moment of the race. It could have been great if only we had won a gold for which we were all confident,” says Ahmed, who incidentally picked his third medal at the Asian level.
‘My dream’
“My dream is to be part of the Indian rowing team for the 2016 Olympics. I am confident I will realise that goal too,” says the smiling young rower, who loves watching soccer and also plays gully cricket whenever he finds time.
The youngest of all the Indian rowers in the Incheon Asian Games is born in a family which survives on his father Mohammad Ismail’s meat shop in the by-lanes of Kavadiguda.
This enterprising young rower took to the sport during one of the routine trips with his father who supplies meat to the rowing contingent as part of their daily diet.
India’s chief national coach and Dronacharya Ismail Baig was quick to spot the spark in the young boy and coaxed him to rowing.
The rest is history. Ahmed won gold in the Kolkata Senior Nationals in the coxed four event, bronze in the Hyderabad Nationals in the coxed eight team and later a silver in the Asian championship later on in Korea.
Later on, he has been groomed as the ‘cox’ in the Indian eights team which also has the 2010 Asiad gold medallist Bajrang Lal Thakkar. Technically, he is supposed to give direction to the team to be straight and keep track of the wind conditions and guide the rowers accordingly.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by V.V.Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – September 29th, 2014
Sania Mirza has lauded Indian tennis team’s performance at the 17th Asian Games, given that the country did not come with the best unit possible for the event. Photo: PTI/ File
Incheon:
Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza feels the five medals that the team has managed to grab at the ongoing Asian Games is a pretty good performance given that the country did not come with the best unit possible for the event.
“It has been a pretty good week. We (she and Prarthana Thombare) got a medal (bronze) in women’s doubles which is huge because it’s something that we never did. I had to be the leader. It’s a young team we came here with, didn’t come with the best team possible, especially with the guys. Five medals (including today’s) is pretty good,” she said ahead of the mixed doubles semifinals with Saket Myneni at the Yeorumul Tennis Centre.
Hyderabad and Dubai-based Sania spoke to reporters as the matches for the day had been put off due to continuous rains at Incheon since Sunday night. The 27-year-old Indian tennis star, who was initially inclined towards skipping the Games to gain doubles points on the WTA tour before changing her mind, said the reason was to provide the country with its best shot at picking up more medals in these Games, her fourth on the trot.
“The minute I made the decision to come here, I knew it was the right decision. For me the most important thing was to give India the best chance of winning as many medals as possible. I did what I could and I got two in the two events I played (women’s doubles and mixed doubles where she and Myneni will fight for the gold). “I am happy that there was my contribution. Personally it’s my fourth Asian Games in a row and I have got medals in every single Asian Games I have been to. For me to get eight medals in the last four editions is pretty good,” she remarked.
Before the current Games she had won a gold (in mixed doubles in 2006 in Doha), three silver medals (women’s singles and team in 2006 and in mixed doubles in 2010 at Guangzhou) and two bronze medals (women’s singles and doubles in Guangzhou). Besides, she also won silver (singles) and bronze (doubles) in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
Sania said she has played her part as a mentor to her women teammates here who are of the same age as her younger sister and is hoping they win medals on their own in the next Games which are scheduled at Jakarta in 2018.
“I have a good rapport with these girls and I am always there to help if they ask. They are all of my sister’s age, like babies for me. They are 7-8 years younger than me. I am sharing a room with one of them.”
“Most definitely these are the best youngsters we have had in a while. My doubles partner (Prarthana) has some potential and is still pretty young. We need to build on this. I hope this gives them a lot of confidence that they can achieve certain things,” Sania said.
“I have held this flag for a long time. It will be great to pass it on to someone else. Hopefully by the next Asian Games, they will be ready to win a medal by themselves,” she added.
Sania, who was the world no 23 at her peak in singles, pointed out quite a few factors like lack of guidance and proper coaching as reasons for the other Indian women being unable to break into even the top 200 In singles.
“There are a few reasons. I definitely think planning is one of them, lack of knowledge and lack of maybe even coaching abilities at certain levels. I think a lot of coaches in India haven’t seen what it takes to really make it because they have not produced anyone nor have they been at that level. “I am not saying you need to be a great tennis player to be a coach, but you need to have watched at the highest level to be a good coach. The best they might have watched is the WTA event a few years ago.”
She also said that most of the women players are content to play at the USD 25,000 level which was simply not enough to go places in the world. “Tennis is very competitive these days. Physically as well they struggle a bit, there are a bunch of reasons. I have been trying to help them with scheduling, trying to tell them which tournament to take part in.”
“First of all they need to come out of the USD 25000 tournaments try and believe they can do better at the bigger tournaments. That’s one of the main things. That’s where they have to perform,” Sania said.
“You are not going to play these for the rest of your life. If you do so you will remain in the 300 rankings for the rest of your career. That’s what they have been doing, go for the easier options. It’s not because they want to but because of lack of guidance at certain levels. About her own career and her immediate plans she said she was leaving Tuesday morning to play in the September 27-October 5 China Open with Cara Black, and would probably play Tuesday afternoon.
“It’s been rough last couple of weeks. Since the US open I have not had any time really. I came back after New York and had literally three days at home. I was not even over jetlag when I left for Tokyo and then came here. It’s a good problem to have, it has been busy. After that I go to Singapore (for the WTA season-ending finals),” she said.
Saina said her season so far, especially the second half, has been pretty good and she wanted to finish it on a high. “It’s been a great year and especially the second half of the season has been unbelievable. Hopefully we (she and Black) can finish on a high, can win here (with Thombare) and hopefully go to Singapore which has been the highlight of my career. I want to do well there,” she said.
A little known company located on the city outskirts also played a significant role in the success of ‘Mangalyan’ (Mars Orbiter Mission or MOM) and earlier, the ‘Chandrayan’ – Mission to Moon. It had built crucial engines for Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), which puts satellites into their respective orbits.
“PSLV carrying MOM started and ended with our engines – two roll control ones in the first stage and both fourth stage engines. The control valve fabricated by us for the liquid apogee motor of the Orbiter was fired continuously for 520 seconds to put it into the Mars orbit,” explains Ajit Mohandas, Jt. MD, ASACO.
Founded by his father, K. Mohandas, in 1969 with just five employees to manufacture industrial machines in collaboration with European firms, it has 120 staff including engineers to make precision machine components, into material processing and likes applicable in aerospace and defence industry like fighter jets, naval ships besides launch vehicles and probes.
“My father has a fascination for technology and it’s his passion which has made us, the smallest firm among ISRO’s suppliers, to make complete engines. He put at stake everything to come this far,” avers the 42-year-old, happy over MOM’s success.
The senior Mohandas (77) had roped in ISRO’s legendary scientist K. Sivaramakrishnan Nair (led the design team for liquid propulsion engines), to help making of the crucial components. “It was a trial and error method to begin with but we managed to deliver qualitative goods on time and built trust over the decades,” he says.
ASACO located right across the upcoming IIT-Hyderabad campus in Kandi, Medak district, has supplied nearly 150 engines to ISRO for PSLV. “Our collaboration began in mid 80s with developing engine chambers. Our fabrications are based on ISRO designs and their team stationed here continuously monitors,” says the alumni of HPS-Begumpet & IIT (BHU).
Each year ASACO supplies about 25 engines and is now developing the semi-cryogenic engine for ISRO, according to vice-president S. Sreenivasan.
“We want to scale up to the level of making the entire fourth stage engine of PSLV if ISRO permits. We are also looking at strategic partnerships to grow into the international market,” says Mr. Mohandas. The world may have recognised India’s space prowess but he still struggles to get banking support!
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National / V. Geetanath / Hyderabad – September 26th, 2014
The representatives of Samsung Data Systems called on Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao here on Wednesday and explained him about the Central Clearing Housing Systems (CCHS).
A team of members led by Dongsun Choi, general manager and Young IL Kim, project director of Samsung Data Systems, India, called on the chief minister at the Secretariat. The team made a presentation to the chief minister on the Central Clearing Housing Systems (CCHS) with specific reference to Hyderabad.
The team members told Rao that in several cities of the world there is a provision for card-based CCHS system with payment method which helps their citizens to avail the best convenience in public transportation such as Oyster card in UK, Octopus card in Hong Kong, Suica card in Japan.
They said these cards can make payment to various authorities of metros, buses, taxis as well as in any retail shops. They also mentioned that CCHS is a gifted system for any metro city which would provide benefits to all.
Linking this, they said, smart cities could be better managed. The team further appraised about the intelligent manufacturing, intelligent logistics, intelligent office, intelligent home, intelligent surveillance and smart education as part of smart city system.
The chief minister told the Samsung team to come out with specific proposals for Hyderabad to make it a smart city and apply their experiences in a more meaningful way.
Rao also suggested to have a meeting with city police commissioner for further discussions. It was also agreed in principle to conduct a workshop shortly in this regard involving different stakeholders.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by Express News Service / September 25th, 2014
