AIRES 2012 held

The All India Robotics and Embeded Systems (Aires-2012) was organised by Department of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Andhra University College of Engineering on Friday. Dr. V Bhujanga Rao, Chief Controller R and D (HR), DRDO, New Delhi inaugurated the seminar and congratulated all the young talent on the occasion. He lauded the achievements of the college at the national level. He mentioned that most of the scientists are the allumni of the same campus. Dr. GSN Raju, Principal, AU Engineering College, announced that the college placed top among all the colleges in the nation in a survey conducted by Star News Channel which will be given on Saturday at Mumbai. The college also conferred A + grade by National Board of Accreditation for its achievements. The two day session will discuss more on the new developments in the computer system. Mr. Srinivasa Rao, Mr. Sitaramaiah and others present.

Lord Jagannadh in Sri Krishna incarnation

Large number of devotees visited the Turner's Choultry to witness the Lord Jagannath in Sri Krishna Vamana Avatar, during the Jagannath Ashadha festival on Friday. It is the complete incarnation which produced Holy Bhagavatgita to this world. Speaking to the newsmen, Sriman Jagannadhacharyulu, the temple priest said, that it became practice that the Krishnavatar shown on the nineth day. The ten day Lord Jagannadh festival at Turner's Choultry will conclude on June 30, and the return car festival will be held on July 1 and followed by the grand anna prasada seva on July 2 to all the devotees at the Jagannadha Swamy temple in old city. The Endowments officials made all the arrangements at the festive location for smooth conduct of darshan to devotees. The special rituals began at 6 am followed by the regular activities.

DRDO strengthens missile defence

Dr. MM Pallam Raju, Minister of State for Defence, announced that the Defence Research Development Organisation's (DRDO) ballistic Missile Defence System would be placed in New Delhi and Mumbai, and waiting for Cabinet approval. Speaking at a book release function in Visakhapatnam on Friday at Public Library he said that, the Indian defence team is the best among the rest of the nations, the proposed BMDS will make more protective. The Minister told reporters that there are about 30,000 scientists and engineers doing great research work through 50 laboratories and the recently launched AGNI-5 Surface to Surface Missile shows the strength of Indian scientists. He also lamented that India is the biggest importer of defence material compared to other countries despite having a very good research team. We are not in a position to transform our good research work into products that are needed by the country”, he mentioned. Later he released a book titled ‘Dialogue and Democracy’, compilation of important ideas, issues and policies of stalwarts including PV Narasimha Rao, Dr Abid Hussain, K Natwar Singh, Vice Admiral (rtd) Anup Singh and Admiral (rtd) Arun Prakash at a function organised by Centre for Policy Studies and Gayatri Vidya Parishad. Mr. Dronamraju Srinivas, Government Whip, Mr. DV Subba Rao, former president Bar Council of India, Mr. A. Prasanna Kumar, Dr. V. Balamohan Das, Dr. Somaraju, Mr. Vijay Kumar, and others attended.

Student JAC opposes Rayala Telengana

Mr. Adari Kishore Kumar, State Convenor, the Samaikyaandhra Student Joint Action Committee strongly opposed the Rayala Telangana, proposed by some of the politicians at the Union Capital on Friday. Addressing the media representatives at the VJF Press Club here in Visakhapatnam, he said the some of the selfish politicians are creating confusion among the people regarding the State bifurication issue. He demanded Mr. Kodanda Ram to resign from his position and he works as a broker to one party. Of the total population in the State 90 per cent of the people seeking Samaikya Andhra State and no to separation. Mr. K. Srinivasa Rao, Satish and others participated.

CPI demands probe into NTPC incident

Mr. JV Satyanarayana Murthy, District Secretary, Communist Party of India (CPI) has demanded probe into the NTPC incident in which several villagers were injured in the CISF lathi charge on Thursday. He said that a judicial inquiry should be initiated into the incidents and the government should take care of the villagers who suffered injuries. He called on the party activist S Masen at the King George Hospital, who suffered injuries in the lathi charge and said the CISF personnel went berserk when the villagers boycotted the talks and tried to stall the works at the pipeline. He said due to the pollutants released through the pipeline, the marine life was getting destroyed which in turn was affecting the fishing activities of the villages. Murthy said a team of CPI would visit the Tikkvanipalem village to ascertain the facts.

Convention against destructive development

A national convention would be organised on July 21 and 22 at Ambedkar Bhavan announced Mr. KS Chalam, Converner, the Coastal Corridor Nirmana Vetireka Porata Committee. Speaking to media on Thursday, he said that the State Government is implementing destructive developments in the name of globalisation and privatisation. The proposed chemical industries in Coastal regions are banned in United States and other European countries, he mentioned.

The livelihood of Fisherman, Farmers and Common man will be affected more by Industrial Pollution on land as well as in sea. He cited number of incidents took place at Sompeta and Kakarapalli, where the public strongly opposed such polluting industries. Prominent environmentalist like Dr. PD Satyapal, Dr. K. Krishna Rao, representation from Environmental Protection Associations will address the session on July 21 and 22.

High tension at NTPC

About 10 fishermen and other security officials were injured during a protest staged by fishermen at the NTPC- Simhadri Thermal Project near Visakhapatnam on Thursday. According to sources, these fishermen started protest against the pollution caused by the NTPC and also for proper rehabilitation measures. After some time this peaceful protest turned violent as the fishermen started throwing stones towards the plant, and the Central Industrial Security Force crew opened several rounds of fire in the air. The fishermen in particular alleged that fishing resources are being destroyed due to the pollution and their livelihood is adversely affected.The NTPC-Simhadri, with an initial capacity of 1,000 MW, is now executing the expansion project, adding 1,000 MW more. Mr. Lav Agarwal, District Collector, Mr.J. Purnachandra Rao, Commissioner of Police, visited the spot.

Kovvali centenary celebrations on June 30

The centenary celebrations of noted writer Mr. Kovvali Lakshmi Narasimharao would be held on June 30 here in city, announced Mr. Sekhar Mantri, secretary- Sahridaya Sahiti on Wednesday. Speaking at a press conference at VJF Press Club, Dabagardens, he said that it will be organised in association with Kinnera Art Theatres, Hyderabad and Kovvali Lakshmi Narayana and Nageswara Rao, sons of noted writer at the Public Library, Dwarakanagar. He further stated that Kovvali Narasimha Rao was a great novelist who highlighted society- related problems besides women and contemporary issues. Mr. Lakshmi Nayarana, DGM - Canara Bank, son of Kovvali said that, his father was the only person who wrote over 1,000 novels in any language. He invited all the book lovers and and admirers of Kovvali to participate in the centenary fete. He further said that earlier they had organised the centenaries in Hyderabad, Chennai and Vijayawada and now in Visakhapatnam to convey the importance of Kovvali writings to the present society. He further mentioned that, most of the books written by Kovvali are being republishing. Mr. B. Prabhakar Sharma, Bureau Chief, The Hindu, advised all the media persons to read the writings of Kovvali to know the better language. Noted writer Mr. Dwibhasyam Rajeswara Rao also present at the conference.

Colleges bandh peaceful

All the colleges remained closed here on Wednesday in response to a call given by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in protest against the shortage of lecturers in government colleges. Staging a dharna at the Old Jail Road junction, Mr. Amarnath, representative of ABVP demanded the government to re-incorporate colleges that are not following proper to the rules and regulations. No untoward incident was reported during the bandh. Girl students formed a human chain near the Government Women’s Junior College to express their protest and support to the bandh. The state of government junior colleges was deteriorating day by day as they lacked basic facilities and the Intermediate Board had failed in rectifying this situation, the protestors alleged. Similarly, the officials have failed to initiate action against the corporate colleges that were being run in contravention of rules, he alleged.

Ability People to conduct screening camp for PHs

The Ability People, a voluntary organisation is going to conduct screening camps for the physically handicapped persons in the Visakhapatnam District, announced Mr. Dilip Patro, its founder president. Speaking to newsmen at the District Collectorate on Wednesday, he said that this session is supported by the district administration. The screening camps be held at various mandals for the next 19 days by Physically Handicapped Department and Rajiv Vidya Mission. This organisation is serving the physically handicapped children in the district for the past few years by providing wheel chairs, tri-cycles etc. During this screening camps, the Ability People will test the candidates and provide the equipment if necessary. The Motivation UK, an organisation is extending the support by providing equipment at the least price ie Rs. 16,000. He further said that, the Government could provide only Rs. 6000 and rest Rs. 10,000 should be spent by the Ability People. Mr. Nageswara Rao, Additional Joint Commissioner also present at the press conference.

Varun Bajaj creates record in Pulsar sales

The Varun Bajaj, the Authorised Dealer of India’s leading Automobile Company Bajaj Auto Ltd., announced that Pulsar sales has crossed over 50,000 in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. Addressing the press conference, Mr. Amit Pawar, Zonal Manager, Bajaj Auto Ltd., said Bajaj Auto, achieved a landmark sale of 10 million units of motorcycles based on its patented DTS-i ‘Digital Twin Spark Ignition’ engine technology. The first bike sold in 2003 immediately after the release, he added. This bike is available in 5 models – light sports vehicle in 135cc, 150cc, 180cc, 200cc and street fighter model in 220 cc. The Varun Group has good reputation in the State, he mentioned. Mr. Srinvias, Varun Bajaj, CEO said, the organisation offers Rs. 1500 worth insurance free on every Pulsar. Finance facility @ 8.99 per cent also available. Mr. Johnson, Area Sales Manager also participated.

Vishnu Vardhan Tennis Academy opened

Mr. Vishnuvardhan, Indian Olympic Tennis team player inaugurated a Tennis Academy at the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation Courts, near III Town Police Station, announced himself at a press conference held at VJF Press Club on Tuesday. Speaking on the occasion, he said that it is honour to him to join Mr. Leander Paes at the coming London Olympics. These courts are very comfort to him for the practice and it is useful to the interested players in the city. He thanked Mr. B. Ramanjaneyulu, Commissioner Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) for providing necessary support to him. He said four synthetic hard courts were laid with international standards by the GVMC to cater to the needs of every individual. Specific and tailor-made programmes for every individual based on the requirements were formulated. Mr Vardhan said it was also planned to have coaching stints abroad in association with various academies in Europe. He invited applications from the intersted children to join his tennis academy and details can be had from 9848198900 or 9492231363.

High tension at liquor lottery

High tension prevailed in the city where the Prohibition and Excise Department, conducted a lottery for allotment of liquor shops for north coastal andhra region on Tuesday. All the opposition parties including Telugudesam, Loksatta, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India and other social activists staged a high protest at the venue. Keeping in view of the tense, the district administration deployed police forces in thousands for smooth conduct of the lottery. Protesters conducted a huge rally before the lottery, and the venue echoed with the slogans against the new excise policy implemented by the State Government. The activists including Mr. P. Chalapathi Rao, former MP, Mr. S. Soma, MLA - Araku Valley, Mr. JV Satyanarayana Murthy, District Secretary CPI, Dr. Ganga Rao, City president, CPM, Mr. PS Naidu- Telugudesam, Mr. K. Tata Rao- Telugudesam and many student representatives from Loksatta party opposed the new system of excise policy.

Lot held for 400 shops :

According to the district authorities the lottery held for 400 liquor shops in the district and about 3273 applications were received. Of which 78 shops didn't received even one application and a shop in Rishikonda received 118 applications which is highest so far. The lottery begin at 3 pnm at the Ambedkar Bhavan near Ramatalkies on Tuesday. Women applicants also dropped their applications for the shops. Mr. Lav Agarwal, District collector, Mr. DL Bhaskar, Dy Commissioner, Prohibition and Excise Department supervised the official proceedings.

EdCET 2012 results announced

Mr. MG Gopal, Principal Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Government of Andhra Pradesh and Incharge Vice Chancellor released the results of EdCET 2012 on Tuesday. He congratulated the Dr. N. Venkata Rao, Convernor EdCET 2012 for preparing the results four days before the scheduled date ie June 30. The first rankers English and Mathematics belongs to Visakhapatnam, he said. The test was conducted in 40 cities and 316 centres. Mr. TV Bapiraju scored 126 marks and stood first in Mathematics, Ms. S. Nirmala scored 125 marks and grabbed first rank in English both are from Visakhapatnam district. Dr. PVGD Prasad Reddy, Rector Andhra University, Dr. N. Venkata Rao, Convenor, EdCET 2012, Ms. K. Samrajya Lakshmi, Incharge Registrar and others present.
The top 10 rankers in all five divisions are as follows :
Mathematics : 1. Mr. TV Bapiraju - 126 marks, 2. Mr. K. Anjaneyulu - 124 marks, 3. Mr. P. Somanna - 124 marks, 4. Mr. K. Srinivasachary - 122 marks, 5. Ms. T. Sramica - 119 marks, 6. Mr. M. Ramakrishna Raju - 119 marks, 7. Mr. ChSubba Reddy - 118 marks, 8. Mr. K. Rajasekhar- 118 marks, 9. Mr. G. Sekhar Babu - 117 marks, 10. Mr. A Balakrishna- 117 marks.
Physical Sciences : 1. Ms. P S Sudha - 107 marks, 2. Mr. K. Srinivasa Rao - 106 marks, 3. Mr. B. Venu - 104 marks, 4. Mr. P. Upender - 103 marks, 5. Ms. K. Suresh Kumar - 103 marks, 6. Ms. R. Sridevi- 102 marks, 7. Mr. Y. Srinu - 101 marks, 8. Mr. T. Srinivasa Rao- 101 marks, 9. Mr. S. Chiranjeevi - 101 marks, 10. Ms. A R Anitha Kumari- 101 marks.
Biological Sciences : 1. Mr. BS Sarath - 111 marks, 2. Mr. N. Jayaram - 111 marks, 3. Mr. P. Trinadha Rao- 110 marks, 4. Ms. B. Pushpalatha - 108 marks, 5. Ms. K. V Padamvathi - 107 marks, 6. Ms. V. Rama - 107 marks, 7. Ms. M. Veera Kumari - 105 marks, 8. Ms. Ch. Anjani Sireesha - 105 marks, 9. Mr. P. Srikanth - 105 marks, 10. Mr. K. Vijay Kumar- 104 marks.
Social Studies : 1. Mr. K L Narayana - 119 marks, 2. Mr. P. Krishna - 114 marks, 3. Mr. G. Srinivas - 112 marks, 4. Mr. A. Srinivasa Rao - 112 marks, 5. Ms. K. Bhagyaraju - 111 marks, 6. Mr. S. Srikanth - 111 marks, 7. Mr. S. Gopala Rao - 110 marks, 8. Mr. G. Ramakrishna - 110 marks, 9. Mr. Sk. Lathif Pasha- 110 marks, 10. Mr. S. Veerababu - 110 marks.
English : 1. Ms. S. Nirmala - 125 marks, 2. Mr. YVR Prasanna Kumar - 120 marks, 3. Mr. P.V Ramana - 120 marks, 4. Ms. R. Laxmi Prabha- 119 marks, 5. Ms. K. Prasanna Lakshmi - 118 marks, 6. Mr. BVS Prasad - 118 marks, 7. Ms. Urmila Mukherjee - 116 marks, 8. Mr. T. Simhachalam- 115 marks, 9. Mr. R. Madhu - 115 marks, 10. Mr. K Ramana Prasad - 115 marks.

Narusimhavatar

Lord Jagannadha Swamy appeared in Nrusimhavatar on Monday, as part of the eleven day Jagannath festival began on June 22 with Rath yatra. Devotees in large number reached the Turner's Choultry to see this incarnation. For the last four day, the incarnation festival received good response from the devotees. The Endowments made all the necessary arrangements to the festival. The return rath yatra will be done in the month end, followed by Maha Annadanam at the Jagannath temple, old city, according to the organising committee.

FAPI president condemns Jagan’s arrest

Mr. BV Rama Rao, President, the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Industries (FAPI), condemned the arrest of Mr. YS Jaganmohan Reddy in the guise of disproportionate assets case by the Central Bureau of Investigation. Speaking at the press conference at the YSR Congress Party office on Monday, he said that the ruling Congress Party has failed in all aspects. Most of the industries are ready to shut their doors due to the long standing power cuts, though they are the one of the main revenue generating sources to the State Government. Thousands of employees were sacked from the duties by the industries. Meanwhile, the Congress party has failed to provide proper supply of seeds, free supply of electricity to the farmers which were promised during the election campaign, he said. Mr. Rama Rao, joined the YSR Congress recently and asked his fellow industrialists to support YSR Congress for better progress of industries in future. Making a statement on recent by-election results, the people of Andhra supported the YSR Congress not for the sympathy grounds, but for their progress. He alleged that Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy has not provided employment under the much publicised Rajiv Yuva Kiranalu (RYK) as he was always busy protecting his chair. About PCC chief Botcha Satyanarayana, he alleged that he was involved in Rs 11 crore Volkswagen scam as Industry Minister. All small and medium-scale industrialists were also condemning Mr Jagan’s arrest as he was an industrialist. Mr. GV Ravi Raju, Incharge- Srikakulam and others also present.

YSRCP Maha Dharna Demands supply of Seeds

Mr. Vamsikrishna Srinivas, City president, YSR Congress demanded the State Government to provide seeds to the farmers in time. Speaking to the party activists at a Mass Dharna organised by the District Party at the district collectorate on Monday, he said there is in need of seeds, fertilizers and free electricity, the ruling party has failed to fulfil the needs of farmers. During elections, the ruling Congress party has promised for free electricity to all the crops, but now the implementation is zero, he added. He criticised that the Kiran Kumar Reddy Government failed to supply seeds to the farmers in time. The inaction of the State and Central Governments resulted in soaring prices of fertilisers, he alleged. The Government is grossly neglecting the welfare of the farmers in the State. The Government is not able to contiue to the welfare schemes of the Former CM YS Rajasekhar Reddy. Mr. GV Raviraju, Incharge Srikakulam, former corporator, Hanok and a large number of farmers, women and youth participated. The party activists headed by Mr. Vamsikrishna submitted a memorandum to the District Collector Lav Agarwal.

One day docs strike held peaceful

Health and Medical practioners of both Government and Private went on one day strike against the step motherly attitude of the Central Government on Monday. This nation wide strike call given by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), the doctors in Vizag conducted a huge rally from King George Hospital (KGH) to Jagadamba and formed human chain at the junction. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Kalyan Prasad, President IMA said, this is very unfortunate that doctors came on roads leaving the services only because of the negligence of the Government. The IMA strongly opposed the newly introduced policies regarding the medical practitioners. He criticised the Government for constituting a Superarching Commission over all the Medical Councils using the proposed National Council for Human Resources in Health (NCHRH) Bill-2012. She also criticised the Centre forabolishing the democratic institution Indian Medical Council and demanded an Independent Council for the Medical profession. Condemning the proposed BRHC course Dr Ramani questioned how a student can learn to treat human beings by studying only 3 and half years course when a veternary doctor needed 4 and half years course. The rally proceeded to the Collectorate and members of the Indian Medical Association submitted a memorandum to the District Collector. Members of the Government Doctors Association, AP Nursing Homes Association, Medical Representatives Associations participated in the protest.

96 school buses seized in north Andhra

The raids on private transport offices and the educational institutions are still going on the seventh successive day and about 96 school buses were seized in Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts, according to the officials sources. The school buses belong to various educational institutions and have been running without valid documents and ignoring safety measures. The officials also seized nine buses of private travel agencies in the three districts. Majority of school buses belonging to the various educational institutions in the region were not roadworthy and pose danger for the school children. In spite of warnings and raids, the organisations have been appointing drivers having no valid licenses and even without mandatory permission, officials mentioned. They were also collecting information on the buses being operated by the private transporters on various routes from Visakhapatnam city and Vizianagaram, list of their drivers and their career records. During the searches they found that private travel agencies in the region were also ignoring the safety norms leaving the passengers to their fate.

Chaitanya Sravanti pamphlet against alcohol

Chaitanya Sravanti, a voluntary organisation released a pamphlet against alcohol, as part of its continuing its fight against it on Saturday. Ms. Digumarthy Saraswathy, freedom fighter, an advisor or Chaitanya Sravanti alleged that the government new policy for issue licences to new liquor shops in the State. She asked the public join this agitation. This noted lawyer praised the activities of this institution in support of below poverty line families. Ms. Shirin Rehman, founder convenor of Chaitanya Sravanti, said the organisation has been fighting against alcohol since inception and filed a Public Interest Litigation in the High Court. This NGO has been fighting against abuse of alcohol and creating awareness among the people. Women will continue to fight against alcohol and pressurise the government to regulate it, she added. The pamphlet contains awareness programme and the losses suffered by the poor and various surveys conducted by international organisations.

Rich tributes to former prez Giri

Mr. Dronamraju Srinivas, Government Whip and other Congress Leaders in the City paid homage to the former president of India Varahagiri Venkata Giri on the occassion of his death anniversary on Saturday. He garlanded the statue of V.V.Giri at Ramakrishna Beach and paid rich tributes to him. Addressing the gathering he said that V.V.Giri started his life as a Trade Union Leader and reached to the heights of the Indian Presidentship. He called upon the youth to follow the ideals of former president who fought for the freedom of India. Mr. L. Ramarao, District president, NSUI, women activists Ms. Vijaya Reddy, Ms. Kedari Laxmi, Mr. Arun, Mr. Murthy Yadav, Mr. Gopal Reddy and others participated.

Lord Jagannadh in Matsya incarnation

The Lord Jagannath blessed the devotees in Matsyavatar on Friday, which is first among the Dasavataras at the grand celebrations of eleven day Lord Jagannadh festival at Turner's Choultry. The Endowments officials made all the arrangements at the festiv location for smooth conduct of darshan to devotees. The special rituals began at 6 am followed by the regular activities. Mr. Dronamraju Srinivas, Government Whip, Mr. M. Vijay Prasad, MLA- Visakha West visited the festival location where the deities of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra placed and offered rituals. Mr. Srinivas advised the organisers to make convenient darshan to all the devotees during the festival. The incarnation will be continued for the next nine days and the festival concludes with the Seshapanpu on June 30. The return rath yatra (car festival) will be held on July 1 and anna prasadam will be distributed to large number of devotees on July 2.

Vizag becomes lab for World bank : CPM

The Government is treating Vizag as a laboratory for World bank to implement all the failure proposals, opined Mr. Madhu, former MP and senior leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). Speaking at a press conference on Friday, he said that the party will campaign in each every colony in the city against the policies that are going to implement here. On July 3, there would be an attack on the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation by a mass gathering of about 3000 CPM activists, he mentioned. This local body imposed about Rs. 500 crore additional budget through taxes within five years and ready to implement additional taxes soon, he added. The pollution level in the city is increasing day by day and the Government is issuing more permissions to polluting chemical industries in city limits. He further blamed that all the banned industries in US and Western countries are ready for setting up industries here. In this regard he released a booklet on the failures of GVMC, taxes imposed on Vizagites and new taxation policies included. Dr. Gangarao, secretary city wing, pointed out that the GVMC failed to provide drinking water facilities to the each colony. All the public properties handed over to the private authorities through Public Private Partnership (PPP) on 33 year lease, which results more taxation for public. Based on all such issues, the CPM conducting awareness camps in each colony in the city from Saturday onwards, he added.

BJP launches jail bharo

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched Jail Bharo agitation against the inflation, irregularity in supply seeds to the farmers and recent hike in petroleum on Friday. Mr. B. Ranga Mohan, Vice president State wing, headed the protest at the Collectorate and alleged that the State Government has failed in all aspects including supply seeds to the farmers as the Kharif season had already commenced in the State and controlling the price of commodities. The Congress party came to power in the name of farmers in 2004 and 2009 but it had failed to mitigate their problems in the state. For the last four years the farmers were facing shortage of seeds in the state, the State Government not at all interested to provide alternate in this regard, he pointed out. The thousands of acres land remained uncultivated due to the above problems. He further demanded for the compensation to the farmers during this period. Later, the police arrested the BJP cadre before they tried to enter into the Collectorate. Ms. K. Ratna Kumari - State secretary, Mr. M. Ramakrishnamraju, Mr. Gangayya, Mr. Venkata Rao, Mr. T. Subbarami Reddy, and others participated at the jail bharo session.

Jagannadh Ratha Yatra held
Incarnation from tomorrow

The grand celebrations of eleven day Lord Jagannadh festival began with Rath yatra. The yatra held from Old city to Turner Choultry on Thursday. Sriman Jagannadhacharyulu, chief priest, Lord Jagannath temple, offered special rituals to deities before they were placed in the chariot. Mr. M. Vijay Prasad, MLA- Visakha West participated in the rally and offered rituals to the Lord. Thousands of devotees participated in the procession. The idols will be placed for the next ten days at the Turner's Choultry for special incarnation festival. The incarnation festival begins on Friday at the venue and starts with Matsya, Koorma, Varaha, Nrusimha, Vamana, Parasurama, Sri Rama, Sri Krishna and finally with Sesha panpu, he added. During the festival special rituals would be offered to the lord. The return rath yatra will be held on July 1, and anna prasadam will be distributed to large number of devotees on July 2. During the festival, recitation of Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam, tunes of Annamacharya, recitation of Bhagavat Gita will be presented by local devotees, he added. Mr. Suresh, temple authority also present at the conference.

CPM opposes Tridox Labs in Pharma city

Mr. Ch. Narasinga Rao, District Secretary, Communist Party of India (Marxist) demanded that the construction of Tridox Laboratories Limited in Tadi village of the mandal should be stopped immediately. He visited the Jawaharlal Nehru Pharma City here on Thursday, he alleged that the State government and Ramky management were giving permissions to most dangerous and highly pollution-prone industries at the cost of public health. Drinking water sources in Tadi and Tanam villages were polluted and women and children are suffering from various diseases with the bad odour around Pharma City. He mentioned that Mr. Khanna Nagaraju, son of Mr. Khanna Lakshminarayana, State Minister is the managing director of the firm. He said though the government has acquired 2,14,323 acres from farmers for Pharma City, it has failed to resolve the problems of the displaced persons. The government is not at all responding to the pleas of Tadi and Tanam villagers to shift them to safer places, he added. The city being already saturated with pollution causing industries, the more such ones will only add to the pollution, the CPM leader deplored. Mr. S. Ramesh, member CPM district committee and other members also joined Mr. Narasinga Rao on the occasion.

SC, ST sub-plan workshop held
Assns demands for Botsa's suspension

The SC/ST sub-plan committee workshop under the chairmanship of Mr. C. Damodar Rajanarasimha, Deputy Chief Minister held on Thursday at Andhra University Convocation hall, Visakhapatnam. The eight member team discussed on various issues regarding the release of funds allotted to various SC, ST communities by the Government of India. Mr. Rajanarasimha promised the gathering that the committee will look to submit a detailed report on this issue to the State Government before August 15. He invited the local associations to convey their opinions and issues unsolved so far to the notice of the Sub Plan Committee. About 2000 people from various associations have attended the workshop and conveyed their opinion. Meanwhile some associations have demanded the Deputy CM to release a statement on incident that took place in Lakshmipeta (Srikakulam district). He promised the activists for justice, before the protesters dragged by the security out of the venue. The protesters demanded suspension of PCC chief Mr. Botsa Satyanarayana and his wife Ms. Jhansi Lakshmi, MP Vizianagaram from the Congress party. They alleged that the government has failed to take any action against the persons responsible for the attack on SCs in Lakshmipet of Srikakulam even ten days after the incident in which five dalits died. Dr. J. Geetha Reddy, Mr. Pitani Chandrasekhar, Mr. K. Murali Mohan, Mr. Dokka Manikya Vara Prasad, Mr. P. Balaraju, Mr. Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Government Whip, Mr. Dronamraju Srinivas, Mr. Lav Agarwal, District Collector, Mr. Girija Shankar, Joint Collector, MLAs Mr. USR Kannabu, Ms. Mutyala Papa, Mr. P. Ramesh, and others Government officials were present. The next session of the workshop will be on Friday at Paderu. Later the Mr. Rajanarasimha distributed cheques to the Self Help Groups, and visited the stalls installed by various Government departments at the venue.

14th Visarada Convocation on Jun 24

Ms. D. Purandheswari, Minister of State for Human Resources Development will inaugurate the 14th Visarada Convocation organised by Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha (DBHP), Andhra Pradesh on June 24, announced Ms. M. Sitalakshmi, its state president at a press release. She mentioned that, for the first time convocation is organising outside Hyderabad and about 1000 delegates will participate in it. The first women president of DBHP Andhra wing, said that the DBHP is conducting Prathamika, Madhyama, Rastra, Pravesika, Visarada and Praveena twice in a year ie every second Saturday and Sunday in August and February. This trust is established to create awareness on Hindi language among the public in non Hindi speaking States, she said. The convocation will be held at AMCOSA function hall near Zilla Parishat from 10 am onwards. Nadoja Dr. Justice VS Malimath, President and Chancellor, DBHP will preside over the function, Mr. Dronamraju Srinivas, Government Whip, Mr. Velagapudi Ramakrishna Babu, MLA- Visakha East, Mr. Hanumanthappa, former MP and other noted personalities will attend the function.

Visakha Manyulu in three languages

Visakha Manyulu, a book comprises life style of 250 artists associated with Visakhapatnam will be release on June 23, announced Mr. M. Rajeswara Rao, founder president Satya-Murthy Charitable Trust. Speaking to the media at the Public Library, Dwarakanagar on Thursday, he said, the publication will be released in Telugu, English and Hindi languages at Central Canteen, Andhra University. It comprises the life style of artists lived 1822 to 1976 in Visakhapatnam. Himself prepared in Telugu version, Mr. B. Venkata Rao in Hindi ( Hindi Lecturer- BVK College) and Mr. MS Ganesh Kumar (English lecturer- Welfare Engineering College) in English, Mr. Rajeswara Rao mentioned. The Modu Guru Murty memorial awards will be given to 250 artists on the occasion.

IMA called for strike on Jun 25

The Indian Medical Associaton (IMA) has called for a Nation wide Medical strike against the health policies of the Central Government on 25th June, announced Dr. LV Raghava Rao, its National Vice President. Speaking to newsmen on Thursday at the VJF Press Club, he said that these policies are detrimental to the medical profession and education. He further said that, the implementation of this act will lead to license and inspector raj, harsh penalties on Medicos, closure of single doctor clinics and small medical establishment. The CEA is a good step to standardise the quality of healthcare facilities in the country, but unfortunately appears to have been made by people who have no idea about grassroot level issues. He pointed out the failures of the State Government at the remote locations, where no facilities like, medicine, testing equipment, ambulance, other transport is available. The doctor can check the patient and people blame the doctor if a patient dies with lack of facilities, he added. The IMA questioned the three and half years course BHRC introduced by the Central Government is introducing a through which the candidates serve the health centres in the remote areas. If a person studied MBBS for five and half years, followed specialisation courses for another four years. How a person can treat the patients with BHRC qualification, Dr. Rao asked the Government. During the strike, no regular services are available except emergency, he added. Dr. K. Rajeswar Rao, President A.P. Nursing Home Association, Dr. P.A. Ramani Secretary, IMA, participated in the press meet.

AISF demands for supply of books

The All India Students Federation (AISF) has given a call for bandh protesting against delay in supply of textbooks and exorbitant fees charged by private schools on Wednesday. Activists of AISF formed a human chain at the Ambedkar junction, Dabagardens as part of their protest. Speaking at the gathering Mr. Marrivemula Srinivas, State Vice President, AISF said, the state government has failed to provide proper amenities at the schools, colleges. Most of the schools in the State does not have even drinking water facility, toilets and furniture at all. The number of books distributed to the students of Government schools are very less compared to the actual requirement. He further demands the Government take steps for strict implementation of Right to Education Act (RTE) according to the Supreme Court orders. As per the guidelines, 25 percent of the total seats have to provide free to the below poverty line, he mentioned. The students of Visakha Women's College also participated in the protest. In support of the demand of the AISF, some of the schools in the city remained closed voluntarily.

Naval Investiture Ceremony Held at ENC

Naval Investiture Ceremony 2012 was held at the Eastern Naval Command parade ground, Naval Base here today, 20 Jun 12. Admiral Nirmal Verma, Chief of the Naval Staff took the salute at an impressive Parade comprising 24 Platoons and gave away the Presidents Gallantry and Non-Gallantry Awards to thirty three Naval personnel. In addition, Chief of the Naval Staff also presented Citations to four ships in recognition of their contribution towards operational effectiveness.

Admiral Nirmal Verma was received at the parade ground by Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. The Chief of Naval Staff was given a ceremonial salute by the Parade Commander, Commander Manish Rao, Excecutive Officer, INS Rajput, on arrival. He inspected a 50 men Armed Guard and reviewed the platoons of Naval and DSC personnel drawn from various ships and establishments of the Eastern Naval Command.

The Awards given away at the Investiture Ceremony included six Nao Sena Medals for acts of Gallantry, eight Nao Sena Medals for Devotion to Duty, 16 Vishist Seva Medals, Captain Ravi Dhir and Lieutenant VK Jain Memorial Gold Medals. Three ships and a submarine also received Unit Citations. Apart from the relatives of the award winners, the Ceremonial parade was also attended by Flag Officers, Commanding Officers of various ships and establishments and a large number of service and civilian personnel and their families.

VSP CMD promises for Ex-gratia and job

Mr. AP Choudhary, Chairman cum Managing Director, Rastriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL)- Visakhapatnam Steel Plant promised to provide an ex-gratia of Rs. 20 lakh, and a job to the victims of the blast took place in the plant on June 13. Speaking to newsmen on Tuesday late evening, he agreed to safety audit by third party, to regain the confidence on employees, some more safety activities would be taken into consideration. After returning from US on Monday, he inspected the factory where the accident took place and attended the board meeting of RINL, followed by discussions with the Unions in the plant. Mr. Choudhary urged the RINL Collective not to loose confidence and work hard for completing the ongoing expansion work as per schedule. He said the monetary compensation would be handed over to the family members of deceased employees. The families will be continued in the same quarters, and the industry will take care of the education of the children, he mentioned. Mecon Organisation a Russian Industry will act as consultant for the expansion works. A high level committee headed by Mr. SR Jain, former Chairman Steel Authority of India (SAIL) will visit the Steel Plant and submit a report before July 18.

Rahul’s birth day celebrated

The Congress cadre in the city celebrated the birth anniversary of Mr. Rahul Gandhi, General Secretary, All India Congress Committee (AICC) at various locations on Tuesday. Party activists distributed the fruits, milk, bread at the hospitals, orphanage centres, oldage homes on the occasion. Mr. Dronamraju Srinivas, Government Whip, Mr. Tynala Vijay Kumar, MLA- Visakhapatnam North, Mr. Malla Vijay Prasad, MLA- Visakhapatnam - West planted saplings at the Andhra University along with student wing of the party NSUI (National Students Union of India), followed by distribution of fruits to the inmates of Prema Samajam, he called upon the Youth Congress activists and leaders to strengthen the hands of Mr Rahul Gandhi for the 2014 general elections by taking all government welfare schemes to the people. “Without aspiring for any post at the Centre, Mr Rahul has been serving the party as an ordinary activist and the party leaders should imbibe his virtues,” he added. Mr. M Srinivasa Rao, MLA- Bheemili, Mr. P Rameshbabu, MLA- Pendurthy, Mr. Ch Ventaramaiah, MLA- Gajuwaka, Ms. Mutyalapapa, MLA- Narsipatnam and others participated.

Raid on travel agencies Statewide - 16 in Vizag

The Transport authorities conducted raids on all the private transport (travel) agencies statewide on Monday. A 40 member team separated into four teams have conducted raids in the city, on various noted travel offices including Kesineni Travels, Dhanunjaya Travel, Sree Kaleswari Travels, SVR Travels, Diwakar Travels, Kaveri Travels, Murali Krishna Travels, Navin Travels, Modern Travels, National Travels. According to the sources, most travel operators were found to be running buses without travel licenses and those who have permit did not renew the license. There are many small travel operators owning two or three buses on a single registration number and documents were seized from most of the offices. It was considered to be a knee-jerk reaction to the accident that took place near Sholapur Saturday. Raids on private transport operations in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Tirupati and Hyderabad conducted simultaneously.

Physically challenged people stage dharna

A large number of physically challenged persons staged dharna at the Collectorate against Government's apathy in implementing minimal facilities like medicare, education, housing, employment etc., on Monday. Addressing the gathering Mr. J. Ramana, joint secretary of Network of Disable Persons Organisation, alleged that neither national-level nor State-level commissions were set up to protect the rights of disabled persons. He futher demanded to bring Sub-Plan Act to the disabled too on par with SCs and STs, pay monthly pensions with arrears, spend three per cent from the funds of all government departments, initiate steps against fake pensioners and fake certificates and provide free transport facility to the disabled to travel across the State. Later, the protestors submitted a representation at the Collectorate.

SC/ST sub plan committee arrives on Jun 21

The Cabinet sub-committee on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes sub-plans headed by Mr. C. Damodar Raja Narasimha, Deputy Chief Minister will visit Vizag on June 21 to conduct a meeting to get feedback from stakeholders and beneficiaries, said Mr. Giraja Shankar, Joint Collector. Speaking to the heads of various departments in Collector's conference hall on Monday, he said, the committee will conduct the session at Convocation Hall, Andhra University on June 21 from 11 am onwards. Committee will identify education, drinking water supply and infrastructure facilities as priority areas while releasing funds for these sections at the specified percentages. The Committee comprises of Mr. Anam Ramanarayan Reddy, Mr. D. Manikya Vara Prasada Rao, Mr. P. Balaraju, Mr. E. Pratap Reddy, Dr. J. Geetha Reddy, Mr. S. Sailajanath, and Mr. Kondru Murali. The committee resolved to go ahead with the proposals to spend Rs. 2,609 crore on SCs and Rs. 1,500 crore on STs during the next two years in these priority areas. It would visit Paderu areas on June 22 and Kakinada on June 23. A report would be prepared by August 25 based on the feedback. Mr. UCG Nageswara Rao, Mr. DV Reddy, Mr. MDH Shariff, Mr. M. Maheswara Reddy, Mr. V. Satya Sai Srinivas, Dr. G. Savitri, Ms. Vidyavathi and others were present at the conference.

Jagannadh temple getting ready for Ratha Yatra
Festival begins on June 21, incarnation from 22

The grand celebrations of eleven day Lord Jagannadh festival begins with Rath yatra on June 21, announced Sriman Jagannadhacharyulu, chief priest, Lord Jagannath temple, old city. Speaking to newsmen on Monday, at the temple premise, he said that, Mr. Dronamraju Srinivas, will flag off the procession by 4 pm on June 21 from the temple. It will carry till the Turner's Choultry, where the idols be placed for the next ten days. The incarnation festival begins on June 22 at the venue and starts with Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Nrusimha, Vamana, Parasurama, Sri Rama, Sri Krishna and finally with Sesha Panpu, he added. During the festival special rituals would be offered to the lord. Mr. Jagannadha Rao, Executive Officer, intimated that all the neccessary arrangements are going on for the smooth conduct of the festival. The return rath yatra will be held on July 1, and anna prasadam will be distributed to large number of devotees on July 2. All devotees are welcome to participate in rath yatra and incarnations, he said. During the festival, recitation of Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam, tunes of Annamacharya, recitation of Bhagavat Gita will be presented by local devotees, he added. Mr. Suresh, temple authority also present at the conference.

Formula -1 in city on June 23

The TT Motorsports 128, Vizag’s Motorsports Event Management company is organizing The Vizag Autocross-2012 on June 23 and 24, announced Mr. Murtaz Johar, its representative. Speaking to the media gathering on Monday at a press conference he said, the event will be held at Andhra University Engineering Grounds. Anyone who has a car or a bike can participate in it. To register one can log on to www.ttmotorsports128.com. A large number of people have already registered from Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata and even from Vizag too, he added. He further added that Autocross events are low to medium speed auto racing events; they are often run on sports ground. Cars dealers like Mango Hyundai, ATR Volkswagen, Kantipudi Nissan, Siva Sankar TATA, Renault, TVS & Jupiter Honda will also be participating with their cars on display. He further said Vizag Autocross 2012 has a standard entry of Rs. 3000/- for both cars & bikes. For an entry form call 9885839803/ 9885367100 or log on to www.ttmotorsports128.com. Members of the organising team also present.

750 tribal patients given treatment at FREE Mega Integrated Medical Camp

‘Grama sevaye- Rama Seva, Manava Sevaye- Madhava Seva’- this is the motivation preached by Bhagavan sri sathya saibaba vaaru which inspires all the volunteers (sevadal) members of sri sathya sai seva organization in putting their best efforts in the service of the poor and needy, especially in the remote interior villages.
With a view to provide the best medical care and assistance to the needy persons in the remote villages, a Mega Integrated Medical camp was organized by sri sathya sai city seva samithi under the aegis of vizag district sri sathya seva organization at VALABU Tribal village of Devarapalli Mandal, Vizag District on 17th June, 2012 (Sunday).
To assess the need of the medical care for the villagers, a Primary survey was carried out on 12.6.2012 and later a Detailed door to door survey was subsequently carried out by the sevadal of sri sathya sai seva organization on 14.6.2012 in which it was ascertained that around 807 villagers need medical care.
Accordingly, the FREE integrated medical camp was organized today in which 750 villagers from neighboring 20 villages were examined by a team of 11 expert doctors in the areas of general medicine, ophthalmology, skin, orthopedics, ENT, Dental and gynecology. The medical team was headed by Dr.GVS Rao, convener, district medical centre, sri sathya sai seva organization, Vizag district. The medical camp was inaugurated by Dr.GVS Rao, Dr. Saigopal, Ex-DH & MO and VR Nageswara Rao, district president, sri sathya sai seva organization, Vizag district by lighting the Jyothi.
Medicines worth Rs.80,000/- were distributed freely to the needy on the occasion.
Various blood tests, ECG, Urine and other important tests were conducted inside the latest Mobile Hospital of sri sathya sai seva organization which was launched recently.
Integrated medical camp will be conducted again at the same place, ie., Valabu Village(which is the centre for about 20 villages) on the 3rd Sunday for the next 6 months.
35 New blankets were presented to elder people, 36 old ladies were given new sarees and 36 elderly gents were presented dhothis and towels on the occasion.
Sri K.Venakateswara Raju, convener, sri sathya sai city seva samithi, 18 para-medical staff, 50 sevadal and youth from devarapalli, K.Kotapadu, City seva samithi,ukunagaram, gazuwaka and simhachalam samithis, mahila youth sevadal actively participated in this mega integrated medical camp.

Iskcon's Ratha Yatra on Jun 21

Mr. Samba Das, city president, The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) announced that ISKCON will celebrate Sri Jagannath Ratha Yatra on June 21. Speaking at a conference on Saturday, he said the Rath is specially built with collapsible canopy, the first of its kind in the city. The procession will start at Sampath Vinayak Temple at 4 pm and pass through GVMC, LIC, Dabagardens, Jagadamba Junction and Waltair Road. There will be bhajans, kirtans and kolatam throughout the procession, which will culminate at Gurajada Kalakshetram. The Rath Yatra will be launched by Mr. Botcha Satyanarayana, PCC chief and Minister for Transport, Mr. Dronamraju Srinivas, Government Whip, Mr. Malla Vijay Prasad, MLA- Visakha West and Mr. Velagapudi Ramakrishnababu, MLA- Visakha East. The special attraction of this year will be the flower decoration of the Rath from Bangalore. Ms. Nitai Sevini, trustee city wing ISKCON also present.

Architech 2012 Show attracted

The Architech Show-2012 is attracting the attention of the Students, Experts and Construction consultants, Civil Contractors in large numbers. It is being organised by the Indian Institute of Architechts in association with Millinnium Trade Wings from 15th to 17th June in Swarna Bharathi Stadium in the city. About 85 companies from Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata is exhibiting the Architechural, Building materials and interiors in the show. The response to the show is excellent, according to the organisers. Companies like Asian Paints, Mahendra, Kumar Pumps, V-Guard, Fenesta, Nandi Glass, Green Building, few consultantin industries etc. are running their stalls to promote their new innovations. Products like Water Pumps, Tiles, Partitions, Bathroom Wares, Solar Energy Systems, Generators and other home appliances and accessories are displayed in the stalls. Students in large number attended the show to update knowledge. Most of them are all new innovations, new designs, water and energy savers, the organisers mentioned.

Rich tributes paid to Sri Sri

Literary lovers in the city paid rich tributes to noted writer Srirangam Srinivasa Rao on the occasion of his death anniversary on Friday. Members of Sahiti Sravanthi and Ghantasala Sports and Cultural Association garlanded the statue of Sri Sri at the beach road. Mr. MVS Sharma, MLC recollected the memories of Sri Sri with the City of Destiny on the occasion. Vizag has very much closer to Sri Sri than others, this is the same beach which inspired him to write a number of revolutionary tunes. His pen is very powerful than others and wrote number of sensational songs for various Telugu movies, like Telugu Veera Levara in Alluri Sitarama Raju, first scope picture. He studied in Mrs. AVN College and also served as a demonstrator in the Zoology department in the same institute, he said. He had spent most time in his life only in Vizag, the MLC said. Mr. LR Swamy, Mr. Subba Rao, Mr. Chenna Tirumala Rao, Mr. G. Ramu, and members of the Ghantasala Cultural and Sports Association were also present.

YSRCP gets 15 seats in by-polls, Baburao at Payakaraopeta win

Mr. G. Baburao, of YSR Congress Party regains the seat in Payakaraopeta Assembly Constituency. He defeated Mr. Ch. Venkata Rao, Telugudesam by a margin of 14,632 votes. Mr. Lav Agarwal, District Election Officer announced the result after completion of counting session at Dr. LB College on Friday. The by-election was held on June 12 for Payakaraopeta Constituency. Whereas out 18 Assembly constituency results announced on Friday, YSR Congress grabbed 15 and also Nellore Lok Sabha Constituency, Congress 2 . The cadre of YSR Congress Party in Visakhapatnam celebrated the success. Mr. Vamsi Krishna Srinivas, President District wing, thanked the voters of Payakaraopeta Constituency for taking right decision. The details of the winners in the state are : Narasannapeta (Srikakulam district) - Mr. Dharmana Krishna Das (YSRCP), Payakaraopeta (Visakhapatnam district) - Mr. Golla Baburao (YSRCP), Ramachandrapuram (East Godavari districti) - Mr. Thota Trimurthulu (Congress), Narsapuram (West Godavari districti) - Mr. K. Subbarayudu (Congress), Polavaram (West Godavari) - Mr. Balaraju (YSR CP), Macharla (Guntur districti) - Mr. P. Ramakrishna Reddy (Congress), Prattipadu (Guntur district) - Ms. Sucharita (YSRCP), Ongole (Prakasam district) - Mr. B. Srinivasa Reddy (YSRCP), Tirupathi (Chittore district)- Mr. B. Karunakar Reddy (YSRCP), Rajampeta (Chittore district) - Mr. Amarnath Reddy (YSRCP), Koduru (Chittore district)- Mr. K. Srinivasulu (YSRCP), Ananthapur - Mr. Gurnadha Reddy (YSRCP), Rayadurgam (Ananthapur district) - Mr. K. Ramachandra Reddy (YSRCP), Emmiganuru (Kurnool district) - Mr. Chenna Kesava Reddy (YSRCP), Allagadda (Kurnool district) - Ms. B. Sobha Nagireddy (YSRCP), Parakala (Warangal district) - Mr. Bhikshapati (TRS), Udayagiri (Nellore district)- Mr. M. Chandrasekhar Reddy (YSRCP) and Nellore Lok Sabha - Mr. M. Rajamohan Reddy (YSRCP).

CITU demands for CBI inquiry on blast in VSP

Mr. Ajay Sharma, vice president, Centre for Indian Trade Unions (CITU) demanded for CBI enquiry on blast happened in the Viskahapatnam Steel Plant on Wednesday late night. The CITU conducted a rally from LIC office, dabagardens to the Gandhi statue opposite to Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) on Friday. Representatives of various organisations joined the rally and paid tributes to the victims on the occasion. Speaking at the gathering after the rally, Mr. Sharma said that, the Management of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant is interested only in expansion procedure but totally failed to provide proper security measures at the most dangerous location in the plant. He further demanded to provide compensation and job for families of victims and better treatment for severely injured. Mr. Rajeswara Rao, Mr. Jyothiswara Rao, Umarani, Venkateswara Rao, Rajesh and others were also present.

Passing Out Parade at Shipwright School

A Ceremonial Passing-out Parade was held at Shipwright School today, 15 Jun 12, on the occasion of passing out of 21 Officers of the Indian Navy from the Shipwright School. Rear Admiral KN Vaidyanathan, AVSM, NM, Director General Naval Design, Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Navy) was the Chief Guest on the Occasion. The Admiral reviewed the Parade and presented the CNS Trophy for the First in Overall Order of Merit to Sub Lieutenant Vivek Tiwari and Sub Lieutenant Piyush Jain. Deputy Commandant Vikas Rathi was awarded the Best in Parade Trophy.
In the course of the preceding 26 weeks, the Officers trained at the Shipwright School in various facets of Naval Architecture, Ship Building and Ship Maintenance. In addition, the officers also carried out project studies on live design issues. Apart from professional training, they were also exposed to associated facets of Naval life and participated in sea sorties with the Eastern Fleet, air sorties with INS Dega, small arms firing at Yendada, scientific studies at NSTL and Jungle Survival Camp at Tadipudi.
A valedictory function was also held on Thursday, 14 Jun 12, that culminated in a scintillating cultural programme presented by the Trainee Officers, Shipwright Artificers and other talented members of the Shipwright School.
On completion of further training at IIT Delhi, the officers will be appointed to various organisations involved with the task of designing, building and repairing of Indian Navys warships and submarines.

IIA show at Swarnabharathi

The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) in association with Millennium Trade wings is organising Architect Show 2012 at the Swarna Bharathi Indoor Stadium from 15th to 17th June, 2012, according to Mr. Y, Madhavarao, President IIA. Speaking to newsmen on Thursday at VJF Press Club he said, the exhibition will have over 80 stalls of various products like Architectural, Building Material & Interior Products, like Sanitary, Tiles Ceramic, Green Products, Power Gens, Solar, Artifacts, etc. The exhibition will be inuaguarated by Mr. B. Ramanjaneyulu, Commissioner, Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) by 5 pm on Friday. The show will have Architects free counselling facilities for the general public to create awareness about construction methods and procedures. Three city colleges which deal with Architecture will also have stalls at the event to create awareness among the public. It is the consecutive seventh year to conduct Architect expo here in Vizag, he said. Mr. Vijaya Anand, Mr. Bhaskara Rao and others present at the conference.

Major fire accident at Vizag Steel Plant
9 killed in Oxygen house blast : Minister Balaraju
Top rankers dead ?

About 9 employees were killed and eight are in serious condition in an accident when a blast occured in Oxygen house at Rastriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) - Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, announced Mr. P. Balaraju, Minister for Tribal Welfare on Wednesday late night. But the reliable sources informed that the death figure is 15, One General Manager and three Deputy General Managers were there among the dead. The accident took place at the Oxygen Unit of SMS - 2 on Wednesday late evening. More than 25 persons were injured during the accident, and were sent to Seven Hills hospital and Care Hospital. Seven among the injured are in serious condition, according to hospital sources. Mr. Ch. Venkataramaiah, MLA - Gajuwaka, Mr. Malla Vijay Prasad, MLA- Visakha West and Mr. Ch. Narasinga Rao, District Secretary Communist Party of India (Marxist)- CPM visited the hospital. Mr. Narasinga Rao, said it is the purely negligence of the Management of Steel Plant, which failed to provide proper safety measures. It is the major incident in the plant, and second major in the city, after a major blast in Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) in 1997. District Officials are on alert and inspected the incident spot.

Tight security at Strong room
Counting on June 15

The counting session for the Payakaraopeta by-election will be held on June 15 from 8 am onwards. Tight security provided at the strong room at Dr. Lankapalle Bullayya College where the EVMs were placed. All the EVMs of 231 polling stations reached the counting centre on the late hours on Tuesday. All the polling officials handed over their allotted EVMs to the concerned authorities at the counting centre. More number of police troups deployed to safeguard the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Mr. J. Purnachandra Rao, Commissioner of Police inspected the strong rooms on Wednesday and spoke to media persons, he said that no one is allowed without proper valid permission identity. The polling agents are allowed only on the counting day. Mr. G. Babu Rao (sitting MLA)- YSR Congress Party, Mr. Ch. Venkata Rao (Telugudesam), Ms. G. Sumana (Congress) are the main contenders in this by- election. About 1, 72,412 votes have polled in four mandals, of which 85,755 are men, 86,657 are women voters.

Rally for Red Ribbon Express flagged off
Exhibition train will be on June 16

Dr. R. Rajesh, Additional District Medical Officer, flagged off a bike rally conducted by the district wing of the Nehru Yuva Kendra on Wednesday. Speaking on the occasion, he said that this rally would bring the awareness on arrival of the Red Ribbon Express- a special train to create awareness on AIDS / HIV and the preventive measures through video presentation. This train has six coaches, of which four will display preventive measures though LCD, video, photo presentations, he said. This train will reach Vizag on June 16 and will be placed at Railway Grounds. This train exhibition is open to all on June 16 and 17. This express already covered eight districts in the State including Adilabad, Hyderabad, Chittore, Nalgoda, Guntur and Vizag will be the last destiny, Dr. Rajesh mentioned. The National AIDS Control Society, in association with Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, to bring awareness about the dreaded disease AIDS among youth, women. He advised all the teachers, NCC, NSS, Non Government Organisations, Voluntary organisations to take part in the awareness programme. The members of Nehru Yuva Kendra passes through Vizag city, Anakapalle, Chodavaram, Sabbavaram etc.

Akshara Deevena held

The Hindu Dharma Parirakshana Trust, in association with Endowments Department organised Akshara Deevena, a programme for mass Aksharabhyasams at the premises of Anjaneyaswami Temple on the main road on Wednesday. The authorities provided all the arrangements for the children, and the programmed held from 8.20 am onwards under the supervision of the temple priests. Mr. Jagannadha Rao, temple executive officer, said that, most of the parents nowadays were attracting towards the western culture and to create awareness among the Hindu tradition, the Endowments Department started this Aksharabhyasams. This process will also be doing other temples too, he added. The department provided new books, slates, ritual material and sweets to the children who participated in it. About 50 children were present at the Anjaneyaswamy temple, the second session will be done at Isukakonda Satyanarayana Swamy temple on Thursday, he added. Irrespect of the caste and community, everybody are eligible to participate in it, he mentioned. The Saraswathi puja (goddess of education) will be done for all students.

Go to Hell on Jun 15

“Go to Hell” a social drama written by noted writer, cine artist Mr. Gollapudi Maruti Rao and directed by legendary play director Dr. Chatla Sriramulu, 35 yrs ago is being enacted by Ranga Sai Nataka Academy at Kalabharathi on June 15. Addressing the newsmen Mr. Maruthi Rao, on Wednesday at a press conference held at VJF Press Club, he said that it is an academic play for drama lovers and is not a popular one. It will be presented by the same crew who played 35 years ago in key roles, and Chintamani fame Dr. Burra Subrahmanya Sastry playing as Sangameswara Sastry which is a main role, he added. He further added that his son, during his M.Phil Course, has done a comparative study between James Osborne’s "Look back in Anger" and Gollapudi’s "Go to Hell", a case study between the Anger of East and West. Mr. Badangeer Sai, founder president of Ranga Sai Nataka Sangham said that, the show will be presented at Kalabharati in Maddilapalem by 7 pm and it is a paid show and tickets are available by Rs. 100 and Rs. 50.

AU Engg college tops in ABP survey : Principal GSN Raju

Prof. GSN Raju, Principal Andhra University College of Engineering announced that this instituted is adjudged as “The Best Govt. Engineering College” by ABP TV News Channel for the year 2012. Addressing the press conference on Tuesday, he said, that this is the second consecutive year for the award on the basis of leadership qualities, development market, industry interface, curriculum factors and innovative techniques. The committee headed by Nasscom chairman, AUCE selected for the award and will be presented in Mumbai on June 30, he said. In another survey conducted by Deccan Chronicle AUCE is ranked 14 in South India among all IITs, NITs. He further extending the topic that, the 5 year integrated course in the college is approved by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). The programmes that are available at the AUCE 5 year integrated are: BE and ME degrees in Electronics and Communication Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Software Engineering, B.Tech + M.Tech in Computer Systems and Networking disciplines, he mentioned. More number of projects are in progress and many more to come. Mr. Ch.V. Ramachandra Murthy, Assistant Principal, faculty of various departments were also present.

International Anti Child Labour Day Meet

Gayatri Welfare Cultural Youth Academy organised an awareness programme on the occasion of International Anti Child Labour on Tuesday at Public Library on Tuesday. Justice K. Surya Rao, District Senior Judge,Visakhapatnam said that Children should be sent to school but not to work and recollected a noted slogan " Neti Balalu Repati Pavrulu " and children are the Nation builders. Hence the children should make use of the free and compulsory Education given by the Government. Childreb below 14 years aged should not go to work. It is the responsibility of every citizen not to entertain any child below 14 years in any of the work orders. He cautioned the people not to employ children below 14 years of age even for house hold domestic works. Ms. Sarvani, Ms. MC Ramani, Ms. LV Ramani, representatives District Legal Cell Authority also present.

Rachanotsav Events to start training in Vizag

Mr. Sanjay Kankaria, Director Rachnoutsav Events Academy, South Asia’s first Academy to offer an integrated full-time learning program in Event Management and Wedding Planning was announced here in the city on Tuesday. Addressing the press conference here, he advised local talented youth to think about unconventional career opportunities like event managements. To create awareness and highlight the career opportunities in Event Management and Wedding Planning department, Rachanotsav started training sessions in the city. The organisation had a vast experience in event management and served International industries like Google, Microsoft, Airtel, Godrej, Motorola, Novartis, Femina, State Bank of India, Ramky, Toyota SAB Miller, Suzuki, Apollo Hospitals, GE Money, JK Tyres and others. Rachnoutsav Events Academy has got accredition from Africa Bridal Industry Accreditation (ABIA). Academy is offering three courses in the Event Management and in Wedding Planning. Academic qualification for these courses are Intermediate or Plus 2 with 60 marks in English language. Basic Professional Foundation Course in Event Management (BPFCEM), Advance Masters Course in Event Management (AMCEM) and Advanced Masters Course in Wedding Planning and Designing (AMCWP). These two courses are of 12 months duration each.

State level music, dance competitions begins

Ms. VV Rani, Director, All India Radio, Visakhapatnam inaugurated the State level music and dance competitions here on Monday. Speaking on the occasion she said, one can relax through the music, this type of platforms would bring talented artists. She congratulated the Kalavahini Music and Dance Institute for organising the competition. Competition will be held in Sub Junior, Junior and Senior category and children below 18 years of age are eligible to take part in it, organisers mentioned. Competitions will continue till 17 of June and winners will be given awards on June 21, on the occasion of World Music day at the Kalabharati auditorium on a grand festival. About 200 children from Srikakulam, Vizianagam and Visakhapatnam districts were enrolled their names with the organisers and exhibit their talent during the competitions. Trainees of classical music presented Veena, Violin, Vocal and Keyboard enthralled the audience.

All ready to by-poll

All the necessary arrangements have been set to hold free and fair by-poll in 231 polling stations of Payakaraopeta Assembly segment on June 12 between 8 am and 5 pm, according to Mr. Lav Agarwal, District Election Officer. Speaking to newsmen on Monday, he said, as many as 260 observers, including micro, general and expenditure observers, deployed. In 176 polling stations, arrangements with a micro-observer, videographer, digital cameras and webcasting were made and the poll staff members were given training in two phases. An exposure of EVMs was also given to the public between June 2 and 9 in all village panchayats. A mock poll will be conducted on Tuesday between 7 and and 8 am, as per the directions of the State Election Commission. A polling agent should belong to that particular area only and he should present either his ID proof or voter slip. Voters are allowed only through a valid photo identity recognised by the Election Commission, he said.
In case the voter slip is missing, the voter could get a duplicate slip from the booth-level officer at the polling station, he said. The police have seized Rs. 3.50 crore, 4,150 mobiles while bring pumped into the constituency.The District Election Officer made it clear that both offering and accepting cash or kind or liquor to woo the voters is punishable under Section 171 (B) (E) of IPC. The counting would be held at the Dr LB College on June 15.

Aviationbaba to starts tech college in city

The Aviationbaba Aero Services (P) Limited starting BTech and other technical courses in Vizag by this academic year, announces Ms. Anshu Chodhary, its Cheif Executive Officer. Speaking to newsmen here at the VJF Press Club on Monday she said, this group has good reputation in Northern India, and services to aero for long periods. This educational institute will have B Tech (Aeronautical), BSc (Aircraft Maintenance Engineering), Bachelor in Mass Communication and Journalism and Bachelor in Fashion Technology, she added. This industry is affiliated to Singhania University, Rajasthan (Established by the Government of Rajasthan U/S 2f of UGC Act - 1956), also awarded with ISO 9001 - 2008, ISO 14001 : 2004 and OHSAS 18001 : 2007 certified University by QS Group Zunch AG- Switzerland (SAS). This college is situated at NAD Junction and the new courses will be started by 2012-13 academic year, she mentioned. Mr. Sarabjith Mishra, Director, Aviationbaba Aero Services said that the Group already maintaining these courses in Delhi, which has received good response. Good openings welcome the students after completion of courses.

Voter slip also be allowed cast vote

Mr. Lav Agarwal, District Election Officer informed the electors of Payakaraopeta Assembly segment in the by- election scheduled on Tuesday, ie June 12. Electorals shall have to produce Elector’s Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) for establishing their identity before casting votes, as per the directives of the Election Commission of India. For the first time the Election commissioner is distributed voter slips directly to the electoral this year, he said. In case EPICs have been lost or misplaced, the authenticated voter slip issued by the election machinery shall be the alternative document. He requested the electors of the Assembly segment to produce EPIC or authenticated voter slip to establish identity at polling stations before exercising their franchise.

Media sports from Jun 24
Ganta launches logo

Mr. Koyya Prasad Reddy, senior leader, YSR Congress Party frays on Ms. D. Purandheswari, Minister of State for Human Resources for pointing out Ms. YS Vijayamma who is on by-election campaign on Friday. Speaking to newsmen he said, Purandheswari was grown to the level of a Union Minister with the blessings of former Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy and has no right to point out YSR family. He further pointed out that DP doesn't take care of her father former chief minister N T Rama Rao when he fell sick in 1994. Mr Reddy said that Purandeswari, who along with her husband Venkateswara Rao and Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu, hatched a plan to dethrone NTR from Chief Ministership, has no moral right to criticise YS family system. Reffering to the advese remarks made by Mr. Lagadapati Raja Gopal, Vijayawada MP, Mr. Reddy said that Mr. Lagadapati is a political broker and doesn't have any character. Finally, Mr. Reddy is confident that YSR Congress will have good figure in Assembly soon.

Develop Better Welding Technology : Sri Madhusudhan to Researchers

Sri P Madhusudan, Director (Finance), RINL, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant has said that Cost economics of welding playing a crucial role in manufacturing decisions and welding professionals have to carefully choose the best alternative methods of welding. As the new technology matures, engineers have to be very creative and innovative in selecting and employing the right kind of technology so as to bring down the overall cost of welding without compromising the quality of joints thereby ensuring better product life, he added.
Sri Madhusudan inaugurated the National Weld Meet 2012 organised by the Visakhapatnam Chapter of Indian Institute of Welding in association with Visakhapatnam Steel Plant at Ukkungaram today. Speaking on the occasion, Sri Madhusudan called upon the researchers to develop better welding technology to meet the changing environment in welding science.
Sri Madhusudan said that adequate attention has to be given to the safety and occupational health of the workers directly involved in the welding process and the industry has to fine tune the safety standards and well document the identified hazards and associated risk management techniques. Later Sri Madhusudan released a souvenir brought out by the local chapter.
Sri DCS Varma, Joint Chief Inspector of Factories, Government of AP participated as the Guest of honour and delivered the Key-note address on the theme “Sustainable Development in Welding Science and Technology”.
Prof GL Dutta, Vice Chancellor, KL University, Guntur and Patron of IIW, said that various welding schools have been set up around the world to provide welding training to prospective candidates.
Sri Parimal Biswas, Hon’ Secretary General, Indian Institute of Welding explained the activities and initiatives of IIW and congratulated the Vizag Chapter for being more initiative oriented and enrolling highest members among all the chapters in the country.
Sri M Saibabu, Secretary of the local chapter and members of IIW, large number of delegates across the country took part in the meet. Fourteen technical papers are presented during the technical seminar covering a wide gamut of topics related to welding technology and science.

GVMC Additional Commisioner receiving complaints from various sections of people on account of Grievance Day
Vizag to get Carbon Mobility Plan(LCMP): GVMC Commissioner

Speaking in a meeting held with GVMC officials, GVMC Commissioner said that the Vizag City is selected for United Nations Environmental Project's eradication of pollution completely by 2030. As a part of this project there will be a comprehensive study by the Delhi IIT team which is going to visit the city soon. This report helps for the Carbon Mobility Plan by which the city can be pollution free by 2030. These measures are taken as a part of GVMC's fight against pollution. Already GVMC is carrying out initiatives for pollution free city by Vehicle Free Zones, Cycling, Footpaths, Cellar Parkings, Hawker Zones, Free Lefts etc. Cities like Rajkot, Ludhiana and Cochin also selected for this project.

EdCET 2012 held peaceful
1.3 lakh candidates attended

The entrance test for admission into the Bachelor of Education (BEd) in various colleges - Ed.CET- 2012, held peaceful on Friday, according to its Convenor Dr. N. Venkata Rao. It was conducted in 316 test centres across the State by the Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, on behalf of Andhra Pradesh State Council for Higher Education. Prof Jaya Prakash Rao, chairman of APSCHE, Hyderabad, drew the lots at 6 am on Friday for selecting Jnana Pradata set. A total of 1,37,084 candidates appeared for the examination, out of 1,51,692 candidates who had registered for all the five methodologies. The percentage of attendance was 90.37, with the break-up being 90.91 % in Osmania University; 87.82 % in Andhra University and 92.39 % in Sri Venkateswara University. The highest number of candidates (94.41 %) attended in Kothagudem, while Visakhapatnam registered the lowest attendance (85.15%). No candidate is allowed even one minute after the scheduled time ie 11 am in any of the test centre, he said. Dr. PVGD Prasad Reddy, Rector, Andhra University, Dr K Samrajya Lakshmi, Registrar, and principals of all constituent colleges of AU participated in the meeting.

DP has no right to comment : YSR CP

Mr. Koyya Prasad Reddy, senior leader, YSR Congress Party frays on Ms. D. Purandheswari, Minister of State for Human Resources for pointing out Ms. YS Vijayamma who is on by-election campaign on Friday. Speaking to newsmen he said, Purandheswari was grown to the level of a Union Minister with the blessings of former Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy and has no right to point out YSR family. He further pointed out that DP doesn't take care of her father former chief minister N T Rama Rao when he fell sick in 1994. Mr Reddy said that Purandeswari, who along with her husband Venkateswara Rao and Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu, hatched a plan to dethrone NTR from Chief Ministership, has no moral right to criticise YS family system. Reffering to the advese remarks made by Mr. Lagadapati Raja Gopal, Vijayawada MP, Mr. Reddy said that Mr. Lagadapati is a political broker and doesn't have any character. Finally, Mr. Reddy is confident that YSR Congress will have good figure in Assembly soon.

Open chess tourney begins

Mr. Ajay Kallam, Chairman Visakhapatnam Port Trust, inaugurated the two day Open Chess Tournament organised by Visakhapatnam Port Trust on Friday. The two-day tournament is being held at the Port Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, in which about 300 children would be participating. Competitions are being held separately for boys and girls in the age group of eight to 16 years in various categories. The categories are as follows : below 8 years, 8 to 10 years, 10 to 12 years, 12 to 14 years, 14 to 16 years. According to Visakhapatnam District Chess Association, children holding fide ratings are also taking part in it. The winners in these championships would be given cash prize of Rs 10,000, he said.

Mother Theresa federation members handed over a cheque to GVMC Commissioner under VIDYANIDHI

 

Packages are not okay : GVMC union

Sanitation workers rejected the package system offered by the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Commissioner instead of regular wages. Staged dharna at GVMC entrance on Thursday and made slogans to cancel the package system immediately. Mr. G. Subba Rao, Hon. President of the VMC Employees Union addressing the large gathering, he said that the Corporation had not yet paid the wages of the contract labour working under four zones. He said wages were paid to only workers of zone number five and two. About 5000 workers are involved in this issue, without any prior intimating all these were sent to package system and handed over to the private contractors, he mentioned. He demanded the Commissioner to take back the decision of package system to the sanitation workers, fails, the agitation would go further severe.

Air Marshal KJ Mathews at ENC

Air Marshal KJ Mathews, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC, Commander-in-Chief, Strategic Forces Command arrived Visakhapatnam today, 06 Jun 12, on a two day visit to the Eastern Naval Command. On arrival, the Air Marshal held discussions with Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, AVSM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief at the Headquarters, Eastern Naval Command. Air Marshal Mathews is also scheduled to visit some Shore Establishments in and around Visakhapatnam, including INS Kalinga and the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) prior departure on 07 Jun 12.

Natural resources neglected for power generation : BJP

Both Congress and the Telugu Desam governments have totally neglected to utilise natural resources like water, LPG, solar and wind energy to generate power, opined Mr. S. Verraju General Secretary Bharatiya Janata Party. Speaking to newsmen on Wednesday in the city he said, because of the governments failure it resulted in an acute shortage of power supply in the State. People are suffering heavily with power cuts which are four to six hours in cities, whereas ten to 12 hours in the rural, he said. Children and aged persons were reeling under severe heat wave conditions besides spurt in heat wave deaths, he alleged. The Governments in Chhattisgarh and Gujarat are generating sufficient power through natural resources like thermal, tydal etc. He advised the State Government to generate power through solar system, wind system to supplement thermal and hydro supplies to meet the shortage of power in the State. Mr. Ranga Mohan, Mr. Subbarami Reddy, Mr. PVN Madhav, Mr. Ramakrishnam Raju also present at the conference.

All ready for EdCET 2012

All the necessary arrangements have been completed for the EdCET 2012 scheduled on June 8, told Dr. N. Venkata Rao, convenor. Speaking to newsmen here on Wednesday, he said that a total of 1,51,582 applications have been received for entrance test for admission into the Bachelor of Education (Ed CET -2012 ) courses throughout the State. Hall tickets dispatched to the applicants, and can also be downloaded from www.edcet2012.org. All the candidates are advised to reach the examination centre 45 minutes in advance and no one is allowed even after one minute of the scheduled time, he said. For the first time in the State, hall ticket details were sent to all the candidates physically and to through SMS. A special conference was conducted to the regional coordinators and city coordinators. Entrance examination will be conducted in 40 cities in the State, over 316 centres. Candidates applied for Urdu medium shall have to write the examination in Hyderabad or Kurnool centres only, Dr. Rao mentioned. Dr. PVGD Prasad Reddy, Rector, Andhra University was also present.

Sale of Textbooks began

The sale of textbooks for Classes I to SSC of both English and Telugu media published by the AP Government began at the Super Bazar counter here on Tuesday. Mr. R. Ramakrishnam Raju, Chairman, Super Bazar inaugurated the sales. Later he told the reporters that all the textbooks are ready The counter also provides Lepakshi Nandi notebooks with eight per cent discount on the printed rates. About five special counters were provided to issue the text books. The books are on sale daily between 9.30 am and 1.30 pm, and again from 3 pm to 9 pm. He appealed to all school managements, students and parents to utilise the opportunity. For the first time, the textbooks are ready prior to the schedule of re-open. The target is set for this year is Rs. 50 lakhs, whereas it was only 39 lakhs last year, he said. The Super Bazar is ready to serve the schools directly on request. We are ready to supply books to any school, if any management informs us over phone numbers 0891- 2566122 or 0891-2564271,” he said. The books are on sale daily between 9.30 am and 1.30 pm, and again from 3 pm to 9 pm. Mr. B. Sanyasi Naidu, Managing Director also joined.

CBI enquiry doesn't have any impact on by-election : Babu

The investigation of CBI officials over money laundering case against Mr. YS Jaganmohan Reddy, president of YSR Congress doesn't have any impact on the ongoing by-election, opined Mr. Chandrababu Naidu. Sharing his views with reporters here on Tuesday, Mr. Babu said YSR -CP is attracting the party cadre by offering special packages, those who trapped in it will lose their value. He was in the city on a transit halt. He found fault with the remarks of Congress AP affairs in-charge Mr. Gulam Nabi Azad, who said Mr. Jagan could have become good rank if he continued in the party. "How a bad man becomes good in Congress". Mr. Naidu, said, both ruling and YSR CP are like the people studied in the same school. He was in view that the people involved directly or indirectly in money laundering cases be punished without any delay. He will tour Payakaraopeta on June 8 and advised the party cadre to take part in the campaign without fail.

RBS students returned from NASA expo

The 18-student team of Ravindra Bharati School, headed by Deans GR Vasantha and Krishna Kishore, returned to the city on after attending the NASA Ames Research Centre Space Settlement Design Competition at the International Space Development Conference-2012 in Washington DC between May 24 and 28. The school administration held a press conference in this regard on Monday, told that the team has bagged the top three positions apart from an honourary award. Ms Vasantha said the team was complimented by Mr. N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, Chief Minister and Mr. ESL Narasimhan, Governor of the State in this regard. About 4,000 students from 66 countries attended the competition to present 575 projects. Mr Krishna Kishore said that the students of Ravindra Bharati School bagged the NASA awards for the fourth time primarily because of the updated knowledge imparted in the school where all necessary facilities are available. Participation in such competitions will help promote selfconfidence and culture among students, he said. Representatives of the School Ms. Sridevi, Ms. Devasena, Mr. Sriram, Mr. Naresh, Mr. Jayababu and Ms. Suguna Kumari were also participated.

World Environment Day

Various organisations in the city conducted green rallies on the occasion of World Environment Day on Tuesday. Mr. D. Venkat Reddy, In-charge Joint Collector flagged off the rally at Ramakrishna beach oraganised by the Umar Alisha Rural Development Trust. Speaking on the occasion Mr. Reddy appreciated the initiative of the trust in protecting the environment and said it is the social responsibility of every human being to protect it, he further called upon each family to plant at least two saplings on any of the occasions in their family. Dr P. Ananda Kumar, Trust convenor said to control the growing heat wave conditions, every person shall have to plant a sapling and every tree would act as an oxygen cylinder. The trust is conducting number of awareness session in this regard, he later distributed the cloth bags in the rally and advised not to use polyethelene covers. Trust representatives D Satyanarayana Rao and BV Ramana and others also participated. The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) also held a green rally from the same place, the Vizag Children Club organised a painting exhibition on the occasion. Children in large number participated in it and exhibited their views.

RINL Celebrates World Environment Day

RINL, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant today joined the nation in celebrating the “World Environment Day” with much enthusiasm. Presentation of Green Awards to employees, mementoes to school children, house wives in various competitions organized to mark the celebrations.

Sri Y R Reddy, Director (Personnel) was the Chief Guest. Sri K V Rao, Joint Chief Environment Engineer, AP Pollution Control Board, was the guest of honour.

Speaking on the occasion, Sri YR Reddy said that RINL has made remarkable achievements in environmental protection right from the beginning and one of the core values of the Company was “Concern for Environment”. As popularly described as “A Greens Paradise” among all Indian Steel Plants, Sri Reddy said that RINL has been adopting several methods and techniques for clean and green environment in and around the plant right from its inception. The awards and praises bestowed on RINL reflects in the culmination of efforts of RINL collective, he added.

Sri K V Rao, Joint Chief Environment Engineer complimented RINL for bagging “Green Rating 3 Leaves Award” and also for taking several initiatives to contain pollution and improve the environment in and around the plant. He suggested VSP to explore to go for solar/wind/tidal power for improving the environment. Once this achieved, the energy efficiency of the Company will further improve, he added.

Sri NS Rao, Director (Projects) said that environmental norms in RINL are very high and energy efficient methods implemented in the plant are lauded by one and all in the entire steel industry.

Sri R Ranjan, ED (Works), Sri AK Makhija, GM (En MD), senior officers, representatives of Steel Executive Association, unions, SC&ST association and large number of employees and school children, house wives participated.

Later, the dignitaries presented Green Awards to the winners of various competitions held on the occasion.

RINL CMD RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS “GREEN RATING AWARD”

Sri AP Choudhary, CMD, RINL, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant received the prestigious “Green Rating Award” at New Delhi for achieving several benchmarks on energy use, resource consumption and environmental performance. RINL along with two other companies (Ispat Industries and Essar Steel) bagged the prestigious Award with “3 Leaves rating” out of 5 leaves.

After receiving the award, addressing the gathering Sri AP Choudhary said that in this era of high volatility and steep rise in input materials for the steel industry, the “green rating” has come as a shot in the arm for RINL, a Navratna company, which has all along banked heavily on it’s eco-friendly technologies to improve it’s bottom line in spite of not having captive mines for iron ore and coal. In fact RINL’s environmental measures contribute in reducing our steel manufacturing cost by a whopping 17%, Sri Choudhary added.

Sri Choudhary pointed out that the commitment for environment was made at the design-board-stage when Vizag Steel’s designers and engineers gave high priority for maintaining the pristine quality of the environment. The environment protection is imbibed in our operating culture since inception and we are always the 1st in adopting green technologies, he said.

“We are at the lowest water consumption levels in the steel industry at 2.53 cum/t of crude steel, low fuel rate in the Blast furnaces at 528kg/thm and one of the lowest energy consumers, at 6.06Gcal/t of crude steel. We are proceeding fast to achieve our endeavor of having coke rate less than 400kg/thm, energy consumption levels to less than 5.5 Gcal/t cs etc”, Sri Choudhary stated.

Smt Jayanthi Natarajan, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Environment & Forests released the “Green Rating” of Iron and Steel sector and give away the awards at a glittering function held at New Delhi on Monday evening.

Sri Umesh Chandra, Director (Operations) RINL was present on the occasion.

The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) recognized the good performance as under: Above 75% - 5 Leaves Award, 50-75% - 4 Leaves Award, 35-49.9% - 3 Leaves Award and 25% o34% - 2 Leaves Award, 15%-24.9% - 1 Leaf Award and less than 15% 0 no award.

Green Rating Project (GRP) is India’s only public disclosure project in which environmental performance of companies with in a sector is assessed and publicly released. The process followed by GRP is rigorous, independent and participatory.

The Green Rating Project (GRP) of the Indian Iron and Steel Sector is being organized by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The award was instituted by CSE based on the detailed information obtained from the plant and their team visit to the industry, feedback from NGOs, Pollution Control Board and other stakeholders. Assessment of the industry is done by a Technical Advisory Panel, comprising of distinguished technical experts from the steel industry and other areas.

More security with CCTV : CP

Mr. J. Purnachandra Rao, Commissioner of Police advised the Vizagites to set up Close Circuit televisions at their premise, which will provide more security. Addressing the Ashwani Mrudula Memorial Award function on Monday at Dabagardens, he said, the duty of the police is tough and confusion to investigate any case if the premise doesn't have any CCTV. Stating the importance of the CCTV, he mentioned that Ms. Ashwani Mrudula, student of Intermediate was brutally killed by a stranger in her flat last year, and was caught through cctv after a severe investigation. He advised all the builders and constructing organisations to provide a perfect system to each flat they build including kitchen and rooms. He inspected the security system at White Cubes Apartments in Dabagardens and congratulated the builders for providing extraordinary equipment which is relevant to each house today. Later, he distrubuted the Ashwani Mrudula Memorial Award - best construction to M/s Siri Nirman, builders of White Cubes Apartments on the occasion. Members of CREDAI (an organisation of builders) Mr. MVV Satyanaayana, Mr. K Subba Raju, Mr. B Raja Srinivas, Mr. GVVS Narayana and residents participated.

Stage play on Ambedkar on Jun 8

The Spandana Theatre, Hyderabad, will stage play Ambedkar Rajagruha Pravesam- a earlier life on Dr. BR Ambedkar on June 8, announced Mr. P. Ananda Rao, founder president of the organisation. Speaking to newsmen at VJF Press Club on Monday, he said that this play will be very much impressive and will be staged two days at Kalabharati Auditorium by 7 pm. Another noted stage show Padamati Gali also be exhibited on June 10 and 11 at the same venue by 6 pm free of cost. It was presented 104 times so far as a paid show. The shows will be supported by noted stage show industry Surabhi. Mr. Badamgir Sai, founder president - Rangasai Nataka Sangham and Mr. Nancharayya, treasurer, Sakala Kalakarula Samakhya were also present at the conference.

Workshop on Filmaking by M.V. Raghu begin

A five day Workshop on Film Making organised by noted Cinematographer Mr. MV Raghu, began on Friday at Vinoda Vedika, of Seethammadhara Press Club. He advised the trainees to have concentration towards the aim and it is not much expense to make a movie now-a-days. As the technology more developed, a short film can be prepared with a mobile at Rs. 100 onwards, he said. The next three days theory will be taught on direction, production, script, music, editing, stunt, sound effect, lighting, camera, etc. A live presentation will be done on the fourth day at D. Ramanaidu Film Studio at the beach road, followed by a on road movie making and editing. The students will be given one month time, after that, a festival will be conducted where the film prepared by these students be exhibited and the best film will get Rs. 10,000 cash prize, Mr. Raghu told. Dr. B. Satyanarayana, former Vice Chancellor Andhra University, Dr. Bala Mohan Das, former Vice Chancellor, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Mr. Narava Prakasa Rao, Hon. Secretary Vizag Film Society, Mr. Gantla Srinubabu, president Vizag Journalists Forum and about 50 students were present.

Need of Special courts to clear VIP cases : Lagadapati

Mr. Lagadapati Rajagopal, MP- Vijayawada, staged a protest at the Gandhi statue near Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) on Friday. Earlier, he told the newsmen, more special courts are needed to set up to clear the cases like illegal mining, money laundering cases etc., instead of taking much time for the final judgement. He condemned the activity of Mr. Pattabhi Rama Rao who was suspended by the High Court following corruption charges in granting bail to Gali Janardhan Reddy. He appreciated the functioning of the government headed by Mr Kiran Kumar Reddy. Mr. Dronamraju Srinivas, Whip, Mr. Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Minister for Ports and Infrastructure, Mr. P. Ramesh Babu, MLA- Pendurthy and other Congress Cadre joined him during his silent protest.

Mechanised boats to go to sea delayed

The mechanised boats in the Fishing harbour will go for fishing from the midnight of Friday, one day delayed as announced earlier. After the end of 47-day annual conservation cum ban imposed by the Ministry of Agriculture in the entire East Coast from April 15. The fisherfolk in Vizag postponed their duty for one day, in support of Mr. M. Venkata Ramana, a former minister who was in prison now. As part of their annual event before setting for venture after the conservation period, have performed Gangamma Jatara on Tuesday night praying to the Sea Goddess Gangamma on-board the boats to safeguard their lives. Of the total 600 mechanised boats, 50 per cent of them are expected to venture into the sea in the midnight of Friday. In the early stages, the fisherfolk had opposed the imposing of conservation cum ban and the officials educated them unless the conservation period is observed, there will be no growth of fish.

Hriday-Shan Organises “HRIDAY HEALTH WALK ON THE EVE OF WORLD NO-TOBACCO DAY”

On the eve of world no-tobacco day, today, HRIDAY-SHAN organised a health walk from Kalimatha temple in the beach road to Victory at Sea on 31st May, 2012.
Several children, elders, parents, walkers and Lions club members also joined the health walk and voiced their concern to prevent cancer.
Tobacco in its various forms kills 6 million people worldwide and about 80% of them are in developing countries. On the 31st MAY 2012 the VISAKHA HRIDAY SHAN students and other members undertook HRIDAY HEALTH WALK at 6AM from Ramakrishna Beach to Victory at Sea Tower, Beach Road to create an awareness about tobacco related health information to the public. Dr.CS SRINIVAS, Director, RK Childrens Hospital, Dr.M.Bhaskar, Senior Cardiologist, CARE Hospitals have coordinated the programme. HRIDAY-SHAN is a non-profitable organisation, Visakhapatnam Chapter’s with the primary objective of motivating youth in understanding the ill effects of tobacco taken in any form and preparing them as ambassadors of health promotion in the society.

Distribution of cooked food to the poor and needy at their “doorstep” launched at Sri Sathya Sai City Seva Samithi

Distribution of Cooked food to the needy under ”Sri Sathya Sai National Narayana Seva Scheme” was launched from Sri Sathya Sai City Seva Samithi of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Visakhapatnam district.

Cooked nutritious and delicious food will be provided with both lunch and dinner at the doorstep of 18 identified needy persons throughout their life time in a carrier who are not in a position to move in the alum areas of MVP colony through Sri Sathya Sai City Seva Samithi. The beneficiaries were provided with the carriers containing cooked food.

The above programme was formally launched by renowned doctor Dr.SADASIVA RAO garu and Sri SG Chalam garu, State President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Andhra Pradesh at a function held at Sri Sathya Sai prema sadan at MVP colony on 31st May, 2012. The dignitaries handed over the carriers consisting of cooked food.

Food is served to the identified poor and needy in the urban and interior places on a daily basis with affection and Love with the divine blessings of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Saibaba throughout India. Needy people who do not have any source of support and have no food by any means are identified by Sri Sathya Sai seva organisations and are provided with sumptuous food every day which is cooked voluntarily by the devotees.

Atleast 8000 needy persons are provided with cooked food per month through 20 bhajan mandalis of Sri Sathya Sai city seva samithi. In addition to the above, around 160 needy persons(who are in a postion to cook themselves but lack monthly provisions) in villages are provided with “amrutha kalasams” –each amrutha kalasam consists of monthly provisions of 10 kgs of rice, dal, cooking oil, tamarind, red chilli, salt etc., under the aegis of Sri Sathya Sai city seva samithi.

Several other samithis of Visakhapatnam district also render similar service to the destitute.
Speaking on the occasion, sri SG Chalam described the above noble gesture as a “blessing of bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai babavaaru”. Dr. Sadasivarao garu lauded the untiring service activities of sri sathya sai seva organisations. Sri VR Nageswara arao, district president, Sri Sathya Sai seva organisations explained about the scheme. Sri k. venkateswara raju, convener, sri sathya sai city seva samithi, several office bearers, devotees were present on the occasion.

Bandh in city peaceful and partial

The Bharath Bandh called by the Bharatiya Janata Party and the other opposition parties against the petrol price hike evoked partial response in the city on Thusday. Activists of the above parties held rasta rokho at the busiest junctions along the National Highway in they city. The road was blocked since morning under the direct involvement of Mr. Ch. Narasinga Rao, District Secretary, Communist Party of India (Marxist)- CPM at Maddilapalem. He appealed the Vizagites to cooperate this strike protesting for a good cause and speaking the gathering on the occasion he said that, it was the 18 th occasion within 3 years duration and this time , it was 8 rupees hike at a stretch which seems to be burden on common man. He demanded the Government to roll back the price immediately on petrol. The tax in Andhra Pradesh is high when compared to other states in the country, the State Government has to take the response and down the tax in the state, he stated. Owing to by-election campaign the Telugudesam party and YSR Congress party were away from this bandh. Later, the CPM held a rally to Collectorate. Activists in large number participated in it.

Vijayamma starts her election campaign

Ms. YS Vijaya Lakshmi, honorary president, YSR Congress Party started her election campaign in Narasannapeta on Wednesday. She took the charge, after the party president and Kadapa MP Mr. YS Jaganmohan Reddy was sent to remand in a disproportionate assets case. She was accompanied by her daughter Ms. Sharmila, received a grand welcome at the Visakhapatnam Airport on Wednesday morning by the party cadre. She garlanded statue of her husband Dr. YS Rajasekhar Reddy at NAD Kotha Road Junction before proceeding to Narasannapeta (Srikakulam District) on road. She kicked off her campaign with very powerful script and targeted the ruling Congress, opposition party Telugudesam for maligning her son Jagan. She was strongly supported by thousands of party cadre throughout the journey. Later she proceeded to Payakaraopeta in the evening for further campaign. Ms. Sharmila became a special attraction in the campaign. She will continue her campaign till June 5, according to party sources. Mr. Dharmana Krishna Dasu, contestant in Narasannapeta, Mr. G. Babu Rao, contestant in Payakaraopeta, Mr. Vamsi Krishna Srinivas and others received her at the Visakhapatnam Airport.

1.51 lakh applications for EdCet - 2012

A total of 1,51,582 applications have been received for entrance test for admission into the Bachelor of Education (Ed CET -2012) courses throughout the State, told Dr. N. Venkata Rao. Speaking to newsmen on Wednesday, he said that all the necessary arrangements were done, hall tickets dispached to the applicants, and can also be downloaded from www.edcet2012.org. The test will be held on June 8. All the candidates are advised to reach the examination centre 45 minutes in advance and no one is allowed even after one minute of the scheduled time, he said. For the first time in the State, hall ticket details was sent to all the candidates physically and to through SMS. A special conference was conducted to the regional coordinators and city coordinators. It will be conducted in 40 cities in the State, over 316 centres. Candicates applied for Urdu medium shall have to write the examination in Hyderabad or Kurnool centres only, Dr. Rao mentioned. Dr. PVGD Prasad Reddy, Rector, Andhra University also present.

National seminar on “Present Perspectives of Bioactive molecules and Biotechnology”

A two day National seminar on “Present Perspectives of Bioactive molecules and Biotechnology” was inaugurated by Prof. P.V.G.D. Prasad Reddy, Rector, Andhra University on Wednesday. In his inaugural address, he emphasized the challenges in bioactive molecule researches. Prof. Reddy announced that Andhra University is applying to University Grants Commission (UGC), for a Rs 20 crore project to exploit the extraction of Bioactive molecules from medicinal Plants and marine organisms, since this varsity is surrounded by sea on one side and eastern ghats on the other. Prof. V. Veeriah, Principal, AU College of Science and Technology explained the importance of bioactive molecules in human health and well being. Delivering the key note address of the seminar Dr. B. Sesikeran, Director, National institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad discussed the importance of different technologies such as agricultural technology, nutritional technology, food technology for food and nutrition security. He also emphasized biotechnological advances like marker assisted breeding and transgenic technology could be used to bring about a significant increase in food production both in quantity and quality of nutrition. Each of these technologies has to be developed based on the safety of human and animal health and environment. All these technologies if utilized, will lead to improved quality nutrition to our people of India. Prof. T. Ramana, Prof. K.P.J. Hemalatha, Prof. T. Raghava Rao and other professionals from various institutions were participated in the inaugural ceremony.

Bharat Bandh to protest petro price hike : BJP

Mr. M. Nagendra, president, city wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) told that the Nationwide bandh called on Thursday is against the petrol price hike. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, he said that it is most undecomocratic that the Congress led UPA Central Government has hiked about 8 rupees recently. It is the 18th time within three years. He appealed the Vizagites to support this Bhavrat Bandh on Thursday, which is scheduled for a good cause. Mr. Nagendra alleged that the Central Government has announced its decision of petro price hike only after completion of the Parliament session anticipating stiff opposition from the BJP and other allied parties. He appealed to all political parties, trade unions, student unions, associations and general public to voluntarily participate in the proposed Bharat bandh. Mr. PVN Madhav, Yuva Morcha leader also present.

Bandh peaceful

The bandh call given by the leaders of the YSR Congress Party in protest against the arrest of their president and Kadapa MP Mr. YS Jaganmohan Reddy evoked poor response from the city on Monday. The police took about 1500 activists of the party into custody in North Coastal districts. A massive dharna staged by city wing near Gandhi statue opposite to the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation. The leaders and workers raised slogans against the Chief Minister Mr. Kiran Kumar Reddy, PCC president Mr. B. Satyanayarana and Telugudesam Party head Mr. Chandrababu Naidu.

Mr. Vamsi Krishna Srinivas, Convenor city wing YSR Congress told the media that, as per the High command instructions, they protest will continue till the release of their leader. He Father told that the Centre and the State Government conspired to send Mr. Jagan to Jail, Such cheap tricks cannot stop the win at the by-election. Earlier, the activists held a huge Rally from the party office in Maddilapalem to GVMC. More police forces were deployed to restrict violations if any during the bandh. Mr. J. Purnachandra Rao, Commissioner of Police himself personally supervised the security arrangements in the city. Mr. GV Ravi Raju, Mr. Hanok, Mr. Koyya Prasad Reddy, Ms. Ambati Vijaya Rao, Ms. Ushakiran, and others participated in the protest camp.

A1 held - high alert in city

High alert was declared in city, as the A1 Mr. YS Jaganmohan Reddy, accused in money landering case on Sunday. Mr. J. Purnachandra Rao, Commissioner of Police personally supervised the bandobust at Visakhapatnam Railway station, RTC complex, Government offices including CBI, party offices. As the statewide bandh called by the YSR Congress Party, against the arrest of its party president by the CBI in Hyderabad. Police held some of the activists under precautionary measures. Meanwhile the YSR Congress Party district wing appealed the activists to particiate in bandh peaceful and not to damage any public or private property. Some of bus services were stopped due to precautionary measures. Passengers at the RTC complex suffered lot on Sunday. The police were also seen at Maddilapalem Junction on the National Highway, NAD Kotha Road, Railway Station and RK Beach. A rally would be taken out from the party office (Maddilapalem) up to Mahatma Gandhi statue where a peaceful dharna would be organised, the leaders announced.

Astrology is a super science : AB Shukla, IAS

District administration made all the necessary arrangements for the Group I examinations organised by the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) on May 27. Mr. Lav Agarwal District Collector told that about 19,219 candidates appearing in 53 centres in Visakhapatnam. Various schools were selected in Visakhapatnam (Urban), Visakhapatnam (Rural), Gajuwaka, Pendurthy and Anandapuram mandals to conduct this exam from 10.30 am to 1 pm. No electronic equipment including mobiles are allowed inside the hall and 144 section will be imposed around the test centres. Mr. Akshay Suchdev, APPSC observer, Mr. Balakrishna, DCP, Mr. Hashim Shariff, DRO, Mr. B. Satyanarayana, RDO and other officials were also present at the session.

Protests on petro price hike. Effigies burnt at junctions

Representatives of opposition parties conveyed their protest against the hike of the petrol price on Thusday. The Communist Party of India (Marxist)- CPM, Communist Party of India (CPI), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Telugudesam activists staged dharnas, rasta rokhos at various junctions in city. Addressing at the dharna, Mr. Ch. Narasinga Rao, District Secreraty CPM told that the Congress led UPA Government has lost confidence in public and has no right to continue in power. It is very difficult to hold huge burden on commonman, about 8 rupees increase per litre petrol and it is the 14th occasion during the past three years and it is 30 rupees hike in Visakhapatnam only, he told. This will impact on other products like diesel, kerosene and cooking gas too. Mr. JV Satyanarayana Murthy, District Convenor CPI demanded the UPA Government either to withdraw the hike or to quit power on the occasion. Activists of both the left parties blocked Maddilapalem junction for about one hour in the morning, before they were taken into custody by the police.
Mr. M. Nagendra, City president BJP opined that, this UPA parties striving to serve for Corporate sectors but not the public whom they elected. Earlier, the staged a rasta rokho at Dwarakanagar centre- one of the busiest junctions in the city and burnt an effigy of the Union Government. Mr. PVN Madhav, Ms. Ratnakumari, Ms. Rajakumari and others present.

RINL & NMDC inks MOU for Installation of Slurry Pipeline and Pellet Plant

• Slurry pipeline is planned to be routed alongside the National Highway 43, avoiding the forest area
• Eases congestion of Kirandul to Kothavalasa railway line
• Project Cost Rs. 2200 Crs approx.

In the august presence of Sri Beni Prasad Verma, Hon’ble Minister of Steel, Govt. of India, the mining giant NMDC signed MOU with the second largest government owned steel company in India, RINL, for Installation of 336 Km length Slurry Pipeline from Jagdalpur to Visakhapatnam and a 4 Mtpa capacity Pellet Plant at Visakhapatnam today. The MoU was signed by Shri N.K. Nanda, CMD (I/c), NMDC and Shri A.P. Choudhary, CMD, RINL.
Hon’ble Steel Minister, Sri Beni Prasad Verma congratulated both NMDC and RINL for joining hands and he said that it is a right step in right direction. Joining hands by RINL and NMDC to take up the project for laying slurry pipeline and pellet plant is very significant move. NMDC needs to market and clear the fines from mine site and RINL needs raw material linkage for its growth plan.
Sri DRS Chaudhary, Secretary Steel present during the signing-in ceremony said that the pellet plant shall be a right step in the direction of raw material security that RINL is aiming for in the backdrop of its long term capacity expansion plan.
NMDC plans to increase its production of iron ore from Bailadila Region to 50 MTPA with expansion of existing mines and addition of new mines like Deposit -11B, Deposit 13 and Deposit 4. To increase the evacuation capacity, NMDC is contemplating to develop a slurry pipeline project from its mines in Chhattisgarh to feed RINL’s plant at Visakhapatnam and also to the proposed NMDC’s steel plant at Nagarnar. A new blast furnace has recently been commissioned in April 2012 as a part of RINL’s expansion plans.
The project will strengthen the synergy between steel major RINL and Mining leader NMDC. At the moment, the Kirandul to Kothavalasa railway line which is the lifeline for transportation of iron ore by NMDC to Visakhapatnam steel plant and other customers has reached its capacity for handling iron ore traffic. Hence, it is believed that this project shall expect to ease congestion on KK railway line.
The slurry pipeline shall be the second one to terminate at Visakhapatnam in addition to the existing pipeline of Essar Steel.
The pipeline is planned to be routed alongside the National Highway 43, avoiding the forest area. This will result in easy access for maintenance and reduced threat from extremists.
The slurry transportation cost is expected to be app Rs 400- 500/mt compare to Rs 870/mt by Rail.
M/s Mecon shall be the consultant for this entire project. The project is expected to be executed at the total cost of around Rs 2200 Crore in 36 months from the date of order placement.

Group I examinations

District administration made all the necessary arrangements for the Group I examinations organised by the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) on May 27. Mr. Lav Agarwal District Collector told that about 19,219 candidates appearing in 53 centres in Visakhapatnam. Various schools were selected in Visakhapatnam (Urban), Visakhapatnam (Rural), Gajuwaka, Pendurthy and Anandapuram mandals to conduct this exam from 10.30 am to 1 pm. No electronic equipment including mobiles are allowed inside the hall and 144 section will be imposed around the test centres. Mr. Akshay Suchdev, APPSC observer, Mr. Balakrishna, DCP, Mr. Hashim Shariff, DRO, Mr. B. Satyanarayana, RDO and other officials were also present at the session.

Class X results announced. Confusion with grading system.

Mr. K. Pardhasarathi, State Secondary Educational Minister released the Class X results at Hyderabad one day late as declared earlier. About 88.76 per cent of girls and 86.97 per cent of boys qualified in it. For the first time, the results were announced in grading system but not in marks. According to the sources, to suppress the competition among the educational institutions. The district could score 87.04 per cent of which boys grabbed 87.15 per cent and girls 86.93 per cent and stood in 14 th rank in the State. Rupadevi, daughter of an auto driver in Vepagunta qualified with 9.8 grading, Eswari Priyanka of old ITI junction also from Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation school grabbed 9.7 points stood in A1 grade. Her father is a painter. Number of students from the City of Destiny scored 10 point, Madhavi Latha of Madhavadhara among them. The Andhra University English Medium school grabbed good grading points. About 28 students scored top grade and seven next grades. The supplementary Examination will be conducted from 26th June and the last date of submission of the applications for the supplementary examinations is 11th June. Students, Parents and Educational institutions were confused with this grading system to trace out the marks scored based on different gradings like A1, A2, B1,B2,C1,C2,D1 and D2. Students in large number rush to internet cafes to get the result as early.

AUCET admissions began

The admission counselling for admissions into first year Post Graduation (PG) courses in Andhra University began on Wedensday. Dr. Prasad Reddy, Rector Andhra University handed over the admission cards to the top rankers on the occasion. The counselling session for Science stream first phase and Arts in second phase. Ms. Namadi Kiranmai (Bio- Chemistry), Mr. Gajula Muralikrishna (Organic chemistry) and Mr. Kamma Srihari (3rd ranker in Botany) received admission letters from the Rector. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Reddy said that, keeping in view of the academic year, this year the admission process pre-organised on May 22 instead of May 31 as announced earlier. All the rank holders can check the updated counselling status at www.andhrauniversity.info. First phase of science stream ends on May 28 and followed by Arts stream, he mentioned. Second phase admissions will be held from June 3 to June 9. Mr. Anil Kumar, Director of Admissions, also present.

Tight security for by-election : DGP Dinesh Reddy 171 platoons paramilitary deployed. First canteen will be at Vizag

Five level security will be arranged to conduct peaceful polling in 18 Assembly and one Lok Sabha by-election scheduled on June 12, announced Mr. V. Dinesh Reddy, Director General of Police. Speaking to media here on Wednesday, he said, that about 171 platoons of paramilitary forces apart from inter-state police forces and 12 armed reserve police will be deployed for it. All the constituencies will be under control of police 48 hours before the by-election date. Non voters including ruling party members will be evacuated from the by-poll constituencies on the day. All the check posts be alerted to control transport of unclaimed money and liquor, he added. So far Rs. two crore unclaimed money seized by the police. About three additional SPs, ten DSPs, 33 Inspectors and 153 SIs will look after the by-election, he told. The police will not tolerate any sort of violance, if the YSR Congress party chief and Kadapa MP Mr. Jaganmohan Reddy will be arrested by the CBI, Mr. Reddy mentioned. All the troublesome booths will be provided with more security. The Andhra Orissa border (AOB) is peaceful and the entire area is under control he said. Earlier, the DGP inaugurated a police club at Suryabagh. He told that State police will have a Super Speciality hospital in Yousafguda, Hyderabad for the welfare of the police families. Police Canteens will be established in Visakhapatnam to benefit the police families of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam districts. Mr. J. Purnachandra Rao, Commissioner of Police and other city cops joined him during his visit.

Protests on petro price hike of Rs. 80.16 per litre

Protests are on against the latest petrol price hike Wednesday late evening. All the opposition parties pointed out the failure of the Congress led UPA Government at the centre. After adding state taxes, the petrol product in city would be Rs. 80.16, whereas Rs 81.44 a litre in Hyderabad. All the opposition parties flayed the latest petrol price hike, said the UPA Government was digging its own grave. This would affect the common man and indirectly increase the prices of essential commodities. Additional budget of Rs. 8.36 increased on citymen, it was Rs. 71.80 earlier. This is the 11th occasion since June 26, 2010. It was Rs. 49.05 in December 2009. The common man in the city could not bear such huge difference, Mr. Narasinga Rao, of CPM told. The Opposition parties including Telugudesam, CPM, CPI decided to fight against this petrol hike. They requested all the Vizagites to cooperate the protest. There may be every chance of increase of diesel, kerosene, LPG in future and it would make the lives of the poor miserable.

Red Ribbon Express for city on June 16

A special train on HIV and AIDS awareness campaigning programme Red Ribbon Express will reach Vizag by June 16. According to the district officials, the train would be here for two days and the exhibition was meant for creating awareness among the people on HIV, AIDS and malaria. Mr. DV Reddy, will be incharge for this train here. The Two day training will be given to the students, women Self Help Groups (SHG), Anganwadi activists, youth organisations and other responsible volunteers at the spot. It was being jointly organised by the State Government and Centre. All sorts of propagation through pamphlets, posters etc., will be done, so that more people should come to it. This train left at New Delhi on January 12 and reach Vizag by June 16. During its year long journey across 23 states, it will cover 162 halt stations. It has three exhibition coaches with exhibits on HIV and AIDS while the fourth exhibition coach on National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) has exhibits on Tuberculosis, Malaria, Reproductive and Child Health services, general health and hygiene.

Hon'ble Steel Minister Reviews Annual Performance Of RINL For The Financial Year 2011-12 – Appreciates RINL Performance

Shri Beni Prasad Verma, Hon’ble Steel Minister reviewed the Annual Performance of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd. (RINL), Visakhapatnam for the Financial Year 2011-12 at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi today. The Hon’ble Minister appreciated the company’s efforts for registering significant growth in 2011-12.
He also complimented RINL for commissioning of 6.3 mtpa expansion units and asked RINL to quickly stabilize production from the new units.
RINL registered a growth of 7% in volume of Iron & Steel products and 79% of the company sales was Value Added Steel supplemented by significant growth of 45% in by-products and 47% in export of pig iron which helped in improving the bottom line thereby generating surplus funds for further expansion.
Shri A.P. Choudhary, CMD, RINL made a presentation indicating the highlights of performance achieved during the last financial year.
During the course of the presentation it was indicated that impact of around Rs. 1300 crs mainly on account of higher coking coal prices and iron ore prices could be partly offset through management initiatives & in-house cost reduction exercises such as optimization of coal blend, reduction in energy consumption, reduction in coke rate, increased usage of metallurgical waste, improvement in yields of various units etc. The company also commissioned a 14 MW Power plant to produce power from waste heat and a 2 Million Gallon per Day, Waste Water Treatment plant to recover waste water.
RINL achieved efficiency in four of its techno- economic parameters namely water consumption, Fuel rate in the Blast Furnace which includes coke rate, BF slag utilization etc. A reduction of 5 kg in coke rate, 1% in energy consumption and 27% improvement in converter lining life with a best life of 7777 has been achieved.
Shri D.R.S. Chaudhary, Secretary (Steel), while appreciating the efforts of RINL for improving its techno-economic parameters, advised the company to take advantage of its costal location to improve profitability.
Performance of RINL towards CSR, Environmental Measures as well as progress made by RINL for improving its presence in rural India through appointment of rural dealers were appreciated.
Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor, Shri S. Machendranathan and Joint Secretary, Dr. Dalip Singh were also present during the review.

Highlights of Performance Include -

• Hot metal flows from the biggest Blast furnace in PSU under MOS
• High Speed Caster – one of the fastest in the country goes on stream
• Record Turnover of Rs. 14457 crs - Growth of 26%.
• Sales volume of Iron & Steel Products – Growth of 7%
• Net Profit of around Rs. 750 crs – Growth of 14%.
• Payment to GOI Rs.1556 crs

Cong, YCP belongs to same school : TDP chief

The ruling Congress party and the YSR Congress are both released from same school in cheating the people, opined Mr. Chandrababu Naidu, president Telugudesam party. During the by-election campaigning session at Payakaraopeta mandal on Tuesday, he frays on the activities of ruling Congress party and the little bud YSR Congress. Mr. Yaganmohan Reddy, founder president YSR CP was scared of his own shadow and alleged that his arrest would never lead to cancellation of the elections. Most of the lands gave away at the cheapest price throughout the State during the Congress rule, with that effect YSR CP has born and broughtup now, Mr. Naidu stated. Mr. Jagan is not a freedom fighter nor an expert in political activities. Lets all support the CBI and extend complete support to their duty without interruption. This by-election was a result of resignation by the sitting MLA, who is also contesting again, he has to answer the public in this regard. The Telugudesam has good cadre in this constituency and Mr. Vengala Rao elected twice here and served better ever, Mr. Babu told. He further continued his campaign in this constituency. He was accompanied by Mr. Ch. Ayyannapatrudu, Telugudesam cadre from city and district during his road show.

CITU demands action against RTC official

The members of Visakha city committee of Shramika Mahila Coordination Committee associated with (Centre for Indian Trade Unions - CITU), staged a dharna protesting against the alleged lethargic attitude of the APSRTC and the police towards sexual harassment case of a lady conductor on Monday. Addressing the gathering at the protesting camp held at Collectorate Ms. Kameswari, its convenor demanded the Road Transport Corporation Visakha region management to complete the inquiry and initiate stringent action as per the law. The woman conductor Lakshmi working in the Waltair Depot, lodged a complaint with the depot manager on April 13 alleging that TI-3 supervisor Mr. Rama Rao has been harassing her sexually. After repeated appeals to her higher authorities, she staged a protest at the depot and the regional office as well in various modes. Later, a complaint was also lodged with the police, who failed to take any action so far. The CITU activists questioned the RTC authorities for their negligence towards a woman employee. Both the RTC management and police have failed to step forward to do justice to an innocent. They submitted a memorandum was submitted to Mr. Lav Agarwal on May 7, who asked the police to take immediate action. But the result is same, the probe is continuing name sake, she told newsmen.

Satya Vratam held central prison

To propagate true living system and develop spiritual values among the devotees whereever they lived in, the Annavaram Satyanarayana swamy Devasthanam, Annavaram authorities organised mass vratams at the central prision on Monday. A Prachar Ratham of the temple came out to the door steps of the devotees in association with Hindu Dharma Prarirakshana Trust. Mr. Ramachandra Mohan, Executive Officer of the temple told the media, that this journey received good responce from the devotees and it is a good time to the inmates of the central prison to participate directly in it, he thanked the jail authorities for the opportunity given to the prisoners. To propagate spiritualism and devotion among public who are not able to come all the way to Annavaram to perform ‘vratam’, they pressed the Lord’s Prachara Ratham into service. Every third Saturday, the vratam will be done at Central prison Rajahmundry, and will change mindset and attitude of the inmates, he added. Mr. Haq, Prison superintendent said, by putting the people in jail is not to punish them, but to change the attitude of them to live like good human beings. In the same route, they invited the Annavaram Temple authorities to hold ‘vratam’ to inmates following their offer, which is a great thing to help reform the inmates and to develop spiritualism. Officials from Prison, Government organisations were also participated.

Rajiv remembered on his death anniversary

The Vizagites remembered the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his death anniversary on Monday. Mr. Dronamraju Srinivas, Government Whip garlanded the protrait the statue of Rajiv on the occasion and told that the nation should feel proud of the departed leader for his sacrifice. He further said that Rajiv has created new history in the country by providing voting right to the people of India (aged 18years) and also took steps for the development of Information Technology. During Mr. Gandhi's reign India had maintained good relations with all the neighbouring countries including Pakistan. The administration in the nation is crucial while he assumed charge as the youngest prime minister of India, he opined. Mr. Rajiv Gandhi made his last speech here at the Indira Priyadarshini Stadium just before three hours of his death, Mr. Srinivas recollected that moment.
Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, former Prime Minister has become role model to number of younger generations opined Ms. Neeraja Agarwal, wife of District Collector Lav Agarwal. Speaking at a session organised by Sri Gayatri Welfare and Cultural Youth Academy, she has made an appeal to all sections of the society to strive for the unity, integrity and tranquillity in the country to help promote world peace. She paid floral tributes to the portrait of Rajiv Gandhi on the occasion. Students from various educational institutions were also present.

A review meet with all levels of GVMC officers, Engineers and Women Associations held by GVMC Commissioner on 19-May-2019. He requested Slum Federations to cooperate and organise good facilities to the people in their areas. He also told that the Micro-development is only possible with the major involvement of Slum Federations. He informed them that the governisation has been brought down from Zonal to Ward to Area to Federation so has to have a better governance for the people of Visakha.

Concentrate on safety measures : Vice Admiral Anil Chopra National Seminar on Fire and Electrical Safety held

Vice Admiral Anil K Chopra advised to concetrate on safety measures where ever live in. Addressing the gathering at the National Seminar organised by Fire Safety Association of India (FSAI) on Saturday, he told that Indian Navy is very particular in taking all the security services in and along the coastline. As part of the social responsibility, IN is exending services beyond its activities. Every construction including residential, commercial complexes, hotels, schools etc should maintain necessary safety measures and keep the fire extinguishers at the each floor, he advised. Mr. Domimic, General Secretary presented few incidents that had occured in various parts of country. Pointing out the carelessness of the people, he stated that most of the citizens doesn't care the responisibility, it was proved in fire accident at Hi-tech city in Bangalore, AMRI hospital in Kolkata, High Court in Delhi, School in Kumbhakonam etc. He advised all the citizens to keep fire extinguishers even at the individual flats. He further stated that FSAI is creating awareness among the public, as part of about 2,85,000 school children were trained how to handle severe situation during a fire accident. An exhibition held at the venue, about 20 organisations from various locations had exhibited latest safety equipment in it. During the session, The FSAI committee passed a resolution to announce Vizag chapter an independent one. Mr. K. Leela Prasad, Vizag Chapter, delegates from various industries Visakhapatnam Port Trust, HPCL, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, Indian Navy, Hotels, etc participated in it.

Tank clean with latest equipment

Clean and hygienic potable water is a universal need and one organisation in the Visakha Water Care has come forward to serve the Vizagites, said Mr.MMP Raju, its incharge. It is a franchisee of Fastclean, which is an established one and serving throughout the nation for the past decade. The organisation has good equipment and well trained crew cleans the water storage tanks anywhere in the construction will be cleaned. Usually, water storage tanks are typically located underground or overhead.
The same water that sustains our lives becomes home for a variety of germs, bacteria, pollutants and suspended particles. The 7 stage cleaning system includes mechanised dewatering, sludge removal, high pressure cleaning, vacuum cleaning, anti bacterial spray, UV radiation, spray of bleaching powder. Chemical treatment is available for 500 to 5 lakh litres and above capatity tanks. It is very useful to the apartments, shopping complexes, hotels, hospitals and other multi storied ones, he added.

Fire and Electrical Safety Exhibition on 19th

The Fire and Security Association of India, Visakhapatnam Chapter is organising an exclusive two day seminar on Exhibition on Fire and Electrical Safety, Security and Automation on 19th and 20th May, at Hotel Novotel, Varun Beach. Addressing the Media Mr. Dominic, General Secretary said that the F.S.A.I. mission is to create awareness among the younger generation on Fire Safety. In this endeavour they visited various shcools, and trained 2,85,000 children, in evacuation during a fire, grievance, Hyderabad Chapter President, K. Shashank said they have Techincal Programmes in Fire Safety in Hospitals, Hotels. He further added that present conference is being attended by more than 300 delegates, and also experts from Newzealand and U.K. S.K. Dheri, Group Head (Fire Safety), DLF Limited & Chairman NBC Part IV and William Gallagher, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer are participating in the two day session. K. Leela Prasad, Vizag Sub-Chapter Joint Secretary was present during the press meet.

Election media centre opened

Mr. J. Purnachandra Rao, Commissioner of Police, inaugurated the Media Certificate and Monotoring Cell (MC MC) at the district collectorate on Friday. Mr. Lav Agarwal, District Election Officer and District Collector, Mr. G. Srinivas, Superintendent of Police (SP), Mr. Robin Choudhury, IRS (Income Tax - Kolkata) Election expenditure observer also joined the occasion. Mr. Agarwal said, to disseminate poll information to print and electronic media from time to time, this centre will monitor all the activities of contesting candidates during their campaign. Every candidate needs to get permission for the publication of their campaigning information before they release advertisements to news dailies, Televisions news channels, cable networks, websites and radios. MC&MC members Prof. DVR Murty, Head of the Deapartment of Mass Communication and Master of Journalism, Andhra University, Mr. B Nageswara Reddy administrative officer and others participated.

Meet the VUDA- VC on May 22

Mr. K. Sashidhar, Vice Chairman of Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA) has announced an innovative activity “Meet the VC” to provide prompt services to those who have applied for approvals and other permissions. For the first time in VUDA, this Meet the VC concept will get good support from the public, the sources opined. Mr. Sashidhar, and his subordinates will clarify the queries raised by the public. This session will be held twice a month, the officials will attend the session with complete data ie layout plans, occupation details of VUDA shopping complexes in city for the programme. Mr. Sasidhar has already directed the Chief Urban Planner to review the status of each application now with VUDA and make them ready for the first "Meet the VC" program scheduled on May 22. Approvals and permissions will be issued on the spot during the "Meet the VC" programme for those applications meeting all requirements. Those applied for Layout approvals and building permissions from the regions of Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region (VMR), spreading in Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam and East Godavari districts were also asked to attend the programme.

At last Simhachalam EO surrender

Finally, the State Government surrendered Mr. Ch. Narasinga Rao, executive officer, Sri Varaha Lakshmi Nrusimha Swamy temple, Simhachalam to his parental department on Wedensday late hours. For the first time, this temple EO was sent back on force against many controversies and number of allegations during the Chanadayatra, and Kalyanotsavam recently. The State Government has appointed Joint Secretary of revenue wing OVR Reddy to enquiry in this regard. The Committee enquired temple crew and devotees as well. Mr. Narasinga Rao was the first person in the history of the Simhachalam temple to pick up many controversies in a short span of 11 months by taking unilateral decisions. Irked over all these issues, Mr Anand Gajapathi Raju wrote a letter to the Endowments Commissioner asking to change the EO, according to sources. Temple officials waiting for the appointment of the new EO.

Workshop on Filmaking by M.V. Raghu

Noted Cinematographer Mr. MV Raghu, is organising a five day workshop on Film making from June 1 in city, according to Mr. Narava Prakasa Rao, Hon. Secretary Vizag Film Society. Speaking at the poster release ceremony on Wedensday, he said, it is a unique opportunity to the interested lensmen to learn tips through expertise. The workshop will be organised at VJF Press Club, Seethammadhara, comprises three day theory and two days practicals at Ramanaidu studio, from 10 am to 5 pm. , he mentioned. Course fee for this workshop is Rs. 5000 inclusive of breakfast and lunch, he added. Half knowledge work is nowhere useful and success will come only through perfection and experience, said Mr. L. Satyanand, noted stage director. He further stated that short courses create awareness among the interested, this workshop will teach system of cinematography, editing, special effects, lighting, and camera handling etc.

INHS Kalyani set to celebrate its Golden Jubilee

INHS Kalyani, the Naval Hospital of Eastern Naval Command is all set for its Golden Jubilee Celebrations on 18 May 2012, as it completes 50 Glorious years of service to the Nation and the Defence personnel based at Visakhapatnam. Interacting with the local media on the occasion, Surgeon Commodore VSSR Ryali, Commanding Officer INHS Kalyani recounted how from the humble beginnings as a 60 bed hospital in 1962, it has now grown to be the second largest hospital of Indian Navy. During the last five decades, a constant thrust towards modernisation and quality health care has resulted in setting up of facilities like two Intensive Care Units (ICU), Ceramics Laboratory in the Dental Centre, Aram Ghar for relatives of serious patients, Ex-Servicemens Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) Polyclinic, Modular Operation Theatres, a 16 slice multi-detector CT scan and a Special Care Ward to manage unforeseen radiation injuries makes Kalyani the only Armed Forces Hospital with such a facility. Surgeon Commodore Ryali said that on this momentous occasion, INHS Kalyani stands on the threshold of its transformation to a 604-bedded, tertiary care Command Hospital with ten super-specialty centers that will have a new wing that will boast of state-of-the-art, fully air-conditioned and mechanically ventilated building with basement parking, terrace auditorium and roof-top helipad.

Surgeon Commodore Pavan Sarin, Command Medical Officer spoke of the exemplary services rendered by the Hospital to the dependant populace and its yeoman contributions at times of natural or man-made disasters. As an example of the mettle of this hospital he evoked few instances of the spontaneous health care given during the adversity of a tank blast in HPCL in 1997 and again during the devastation in the Orissa Super Cyclone 1999, floods in West Bengal as well as in the unprecedented tsunami in 2004. In all these situations, the Hospital extended its role to offer a healing touch to the afflicted people along the East Coast of India, and during the Tsunami, to the people of several countries abroad as well.

A Health Run on 14 Apr 2012 and a Multispecialty Health Camp at Ponduru on 29 Apr 12 were conducted as part of the host of activities scheduled to commemorate the Event. The anniversary celebrations slated for 18 May 12, include a ceremonial parade, release of a Special First Day Cover and a Seminar on Recent Advances and Challenges of Modern Hospitals of the New Millennium and will be attended by the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, as well as several senior delegates from all parts of country including the Director Generals of Armed Forces Medical Services, and eminent doctors from civilian fraternity.

Local bodies ignored First LS member

Mr. BV Ram, president Telugu Sakthi, flays the local bodies including Cheif Minister Mr. Kiran Kumar Reddy and opposition party leader Mr. Chandrababu Naidu ignored to honour Mr. Kandala Subrahmanyam (Tilak), the first member of the Lok Sabha (1952 - 57). Speaking to media on Wednesday here in Vizag, he said, it is honour to the State that, only two members of that period belongs to this State were identified and given respect at the highest coucil in the Country on completion of 60 years of the house recently. Mr Ram, who escorted him to New Delhi, quoting the observations of the first two Andhra MPs and presented their views at the highest council in the capital. Mr. Tilak will arrive in the city by the end of this month and were planning to organise a welcome rally and Vizagites are invited to take part in it, Mr. Ram added. He demanded the government to direct the district administration to organise an official felicitation function to these two personalities, who are a pride to this land. Mr VV Narasimham, son-in- law of Mr Tilak, Mr. K Nagabhushana Rao and Ms K Keertana and others also present.

Hanuman Jayanthi celebrated

Temples in the city celebrated Hanuman Jayanthi with religious fervour on Tuesday. Lord Hanuman appreared on this holi land for the first time on Vaisakha Bahula Dasami, it become practice to the devotees to celebrate and offer prayers to him. Devotees rushed to temples from early hours and performed special rituals to lord Hanuman on the occasion. It being Tuesday as well, temple authorities made all the necessary arrangements to control rush. Abhishekams offered with Tulsi, Beetal leaf, kumkum, cow milk, Sindhur and fruit juice. Devotees staged chantings of Hanuman Chalisa, Sundarakanda slokas till the evening. Abhaya Anjaneya temple in Seethamma dhara, Old Venkojipalem, Tatichetla palem, Purnamarket, Adrashananagar junction, Madhurawada, Kotha road, etc offered Anna Prasad in the afternoon, followed by the cultural shows in the evening.

Slum Free India project ready to implement Intl convention concluded

The State Government has decided to implement the proposal made by Brazil's Chief of Staff and Planning Director Mr. Eduardo Trani on Tuesday. It was mentioned by Dr. Vijay Kumar, Secretary, Municipal Administration and Urban Development, Government of Andhra Pradesh at the closing session of two day International Convention on Slum Free India Policy and Practice and Lessions from International Experiences, here. He said that India and Brazil would take up the project implementation under Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY). This decision was taken up after a special demonstration through power point presentation given by Brazil experts, Eduardo Trani and Diana Motta, Project Director, Emplasa, Metropolitan Planning Agency, Sao Paulo State. Further proceedings will be done in few stages, Mr. Kumar mentioned. The officials present at the convention convey their acceptance to this proposal. Dr Neelam Pradananga, Nepal, Prof. K. Srinivasa Chary of Administrative Staff College of India, Prof. Vijay Dhar, National Institute of Urban Affairs, New Delhi, Mr. B. Ramanjaneyulu, Commissioner- Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation and others participated.

AUCET 2012 admissions advanced Counselling begins on May 22 : AU Rector

The admission counselling begins from May 22, instead of May 31 as proposed, announced Dr. Prasad Reddy, Rector Andhra University. Speaking at news conference on Tuesday at AU campus, he said, keeping in view of the academic year, this year the admission process advanced to May 22. The rank cards already despatched to the all the rank holders, it can also be downloaded from www.andhrauniversity.info. On May 22, counselling starts with science stream, on day one, all the special category will be filled, on May 23 onwards the regular admissions be done and continued till June 2. First phase of science stream ends on May 28 and followed by Arts stream, he mentioned. Second phase admissions will be held from June 3 to June 9. For the first time, the counselling scheduled will be updated in website at the end of the day. All the rank holders are advised to the go through the www.andhrauniversity.info, for latest updates before they come to counselling. Mr. Anil Kumar, Director of Admissions, Dr. Samrajya Lakshmi, Registrar and Dr. Bobby Vardhan, Media Coordinator also present.

GAT 2012 results announced

Dr. G. Subrahmanyam, Vice Chancellor, Gitam University, announced the GAT 2012, All India Level, Gitam University Admission Test results for Engineering on Tuesday. He congratulated the all the rankers and said, the top ten will get fees reimbursement upto 100% free admission into the University, whereas the next 90 rankers will get seat at 50 per percent fees reimbursement. The online test attended by 45000 throughout the nation in 18 centres, he added. The admission conselling will begin from June 22 onwards, there are 1700 seats in Visakhapatnam and 1200 in Hyderabad. Among the top 10 Rankers, 8 were from Sri Chaitanya Junior College and one each from Narayana Junior College and Kakatiya Public School. Dr. D. Hari Narayana - Pro V.C, Dr. M. Poturaju - Registrar, Dr. K. Narendra -Admissions Director, Prof. D. Prasad Rao, Institute of Technology Principal were also present. Top 10 Rankers : Sushma Vankayala, Sure Manoj Kumar, Kavuluru Radha Krishna, Yashwanth Velidi, Prabhakara Varun T, Veereju Anil Chandra S Raju, J.P. Sagar, Kota Mahindar Ananda Kumar, Debanjan Mukherjee, Lagadapti Akhil.

Arrangements for Inter supply reviewed

Mr. UCG Nageswara Rao, Additional Joint Collector has directed the officials to make all arrangements for the first and second year Intermediate advance supplementary examinations to be held from Wednesday. He reviewed the meeting and reminded that the exams have been advanced from May 23. The exams will be held at 85 centres in the district, police officials have directed to make arrangements for bandobast. The RTC authorities were asked to operate special buses from 6 am till 5 pm. Transco officials were asked to ensure uninterrupted power supply during test timings. District Medical and Health officials were directed to get ready with first aid facility at the test centres. Mr. D Ramanjaneyulu, Regional Inspection Officer of Intermediate Board, Mr. Suryaprakasa Rao, Transco Deputy Engineer and other officials were present.

CPM activists held

Activists of Communist Party of India (Marxist)- CPIM held for obstructing the two day International Convention on Slum Free Urban India, on Monday. Dr. Ganga Rao, secretary, citywing of CPM along with the slum dwellers in the city staged a dharna at the convention venue, and said, the Government has failed to fulfill the needs of the low income groups. This convention is planned to evacuate the slums from city, for the past few years, the party is fighting against these proposals, he mentioned. Government schemes like Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Reconstruction Mission (JNNURM) and Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) are nowhere useful to these communities. These people demanding to construct the housing at the same place where these dwellers residing. The police warned the activists to withdraw before they took more than 50 activists into their custody.

Poll ads need MCMC permission

The code of conduct for by-elections in the district become more severe. As per the directions of the State Election Commission, Mr. Lav Agarwal, District Collector and returning officer for Payakaropeta by-elections issued a guidelines that, the political parties and contesting candidates would have to take permission of Media Certificate and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) for giving election- related advertisements in newspapers and TV channels. Advertisements published in dailies, news channels and local radio stations would become part of the election expenditure, the Collector said. A special committee will be appointed to look after this category. All the data regarding advertisement, political party, name of the candidate, address etc be submitted in CD or DVD form to the concerned committee one week in advance, he mentioned. This committee would issue a certificate then only the advertisent is permitted for publication. All the political parties and contestants are answerable to the committee for any sort of campaigning including paid articles, pamphlets etc. Action will be taken as per the Supreme Court orders and Cable Network Act of 1990, the returning officer stated. Action also be extended to the printers of above campaigning material such as pamphlet, adverstiment, if they fail to publish their name on it.

Call to continue protest on VUDA scam

Mr. Jaya Prakash Narayan, National President, Lok Satta called the city cadre on Friday. Addressing the party session at Platinum Jubilee Guest House, Andhra University, he directed them to concentrate on public interested issues like VUDA land scam, liquor belt shops, awareness on prevention of traffic accidents, etc. Even ten seats in the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) counsel can solve the issues in city. Later Dr Jayaprakash Narayan launched the website of ‘The society of caring hands – We care’. The members of ‘Caring Hands – We Care’ have created the website to create awareness among people about helping the poor and the needy through the web, said members Ashok, Ruth Diamond, Raghu, Kranthi, Tarak and Narendra. Activists of women and youth wings of Loksatta attended in large number.

All-party team visits scam-hit VUDA lands

A team of 20 members comprises opposition parties had visited the various lands sold out by Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA) involved in land scam on Friday. This team pointed out misutilisation of power and demanded to cancel all the allotments and a comprehensive inquiry be held by independent agency like Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Mr. Jaya Prakash Narayana, president Lok Satta, said it is a conspiracy of unknown proportions in which government lands were transferred to the private individuals, the VUDA should take back the lands and initiate stringent action against the officials involved in the scam. Mr. K. Yerrannaidu former minister Telugu Desam and politburo member, mentioned that this scam is beyond Rs. 4000 crores and not as admitted by Mr. K. Sasidhar, Vice chairman VUDA. Mr. K. Narayana, State Secretary Communist Party of India (CPI) , VUDA land scam in much more bigger than Emaar scam it seems, and demanded that the inquiry should be handed over to the CBI. Mr. Lakshmi Narayana, Bharatiya Janata Party, Mr. Velagapudi Ramakrishna, MLA- Visakha East, Mr. Ch. Ayyannapatrudu, district convenor TDP, Dr. K. Haribabu, former MLA, Mr. Nagendra, city president BJP, Mr. Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar, TDP, and others were present.

EAMCET 2012 held peaceful

The Engineering, Agriculture and Medicine Common Entrance Test (EAMCET) - 2012 was successfully held across the State on Saturday. About 19,300 students in Engineering stream and 5, 130 members in medicine have attended in city limits. All the necessary arrangements have been done by the regional authorities, no student was allowed inside the examination hall even one minute after schedule time for the test. The first key for test would be released on Sunday, and final key with all corrections will be released on May 24. The ranks and marks in EAMCET would be announced as per the directions of the State Government. He said that marks and ranks of EAMCET would be announced on June 1 after giving due weightage to Intermediate marks. Students from remote locations reached the city in advance to overcome the delay. Tight security was beefed up at all the examination centres for smooth conduct of the test. The Engineering test conducted in the morning session and medicine and Agriculture stream in the afternoon session. Dr. Venkata Subbaiah, Regional Coordinator Visakhapatnam inspected various centres in city during the test schedule.

2,000 more buses to APSRTC

The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) will have 2,000 buses in the current financial year, which include 25 buses for the Visakha region, said executive director (operations) GV Ramana Rao on Friday. Revealing the details at a brochure release on AC buses operation, he said, about 25 buses inlcuding 3 luxury, 15 metro luxury, Palle Velugu and six ordinary services allotted to Visakhapatnam region. East Godavari district will have 33 buses fleet and Srikakulam and Vizianagaram district 15 each. 1000 shut down buses will be replaced by these 2000 services throughout the State with Rs. 100 crore funds sanctioned by the Government, he added. Some of the services will be on road by September and next by January. The link tickets will be launched on Saturday for this region, the occupancy ratio is increased by six per cent, Mr. Rao stated. Mr. Y. Jagadeesh, Regional Manager, Visakhapatnam, Mr. A. Krishna Rao, ED and other crew were present at the brochure release session.

CPI-M seeks RR package to Pharmacity villagers

Mr. S. Ramesh, executive member, district wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) strongly opposed the activity of development of Jawaharlal Nehru Pharma City in Parawada mandal and demanded to shift the villagers to better living sources. Speaking to press conference at his office on Thursday, he said, there were no RR packages so far and the management failed to implement the commitments that were given at the time of land acquisition. As per the regulations, industry cannot be set up within 500 meters arena of any village, but permissions were given within 50 meters area. Villagers of Tadi, Tanam could not bear the air pollution and water pollution and are on demand for shifting them to rehabilitation colonies with all common facilities. He condemned the statement of Mr. P. Ramesh Babu, local MLA that he doesn't aware of this serious issue after completing three years of his tenure. It is very unfortunate that, that those industries rejected in Hyderabad are being shifted to Visakhapatnam, he mentioned. The agitation will become serious mood, if the problem is not solved within two weeks, the CPM member warned. He was joined by Mr. Sri Rama Murthy and Mr. Satyanarayana, members of Pharmacity.

Aganwadis state meet in June

The Statewide convention of Andhra Pradesh Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union affiliated to Centre for Trade Unions (CITU) would be held in Visakhapatnam from June 29, announced Ms G. Kumari General Secretary. Revealing the details to newsmen on Thursday here she said, this convention will discuss issues pertaining to Aganwadi workers and helpers including minimum wages, retirement benefits, insurance and to identify them as government employees. The Association is opposing the Government's plan to dilute the ICDS and handover to outsourcing, she said. About 400 Anganwadi workers and helpers would be attending the proposed 7th convention and continued for the next three days. She alleged that the government has so far not implemented the directions of the Apex Court to set up more Aganwadi centres to provide nutritious food to pregnant women and children below six years. All the resolutions will be declared at a public meeting on July 1 ie on the final day. Ms. Nagaseshu, working president, Ms. Kalavathi and Ms Satyaveni, Ms. Lakshmi were also present.

Work shop on film making

Noted Cinematographer Mr. MV Raghu is organising a five day workshop on film making in Vizag from June 1. Revealing the details of the workshop at a press conference on Thursday, Mr. Raghu said, it would be most useful to the interested ones. During the five day course, three days would be theory and rest of the days on field training. The city has full potentiality, but utilisation of technology in proper way is most important. All the 24 frames will be introduced to the participants including photography, direction, modulation, script writing, sound recording, etc. On the last two days virtual practicals be given on various latest equipment. Renown stage artist, comedian Mr. Kallu Chidambaram, thanked the legendary cinematographer who worked with talented directors like K. Viswanadh, Vamsi, Jandhyala etc. Having introduced number of new faces to the silver screen from Vizag, he is extending his lovingness towards the art, he is conducting workshop here. Through such workshops number of good technicians will come out and so that movie lovers can get good films, he added. Mr. Narava Prakasa Rao, hon. secretary, Vizag Film Society and others present at the conference.

Steel Secretary Inaugurates New Facilities of RINL Expansion

Sri DRS Chaudhary, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Steel today inaugurated the Caster Shop in New Steel Melt Shop (SMS 2) and Air Separation Unit (ASU 4) as part of 6.3 Mtpa capacity of RINL-Visakhapatnam Steel Plant costing around Rs.12,500 Crores. The two facilities were built at a cost of around Rs 800 crores.
Sri Chaudhary arrived at RINL yesterday on a two day visit and taken around the production and expansion units today by Sri AP Choudhary, CMD and other Directors of RINL. Secretary, Steel visited the Model Room, Awards gallery, Coke Oven Battery, Blast Furnace, Wire Rod Mill 1 & 2 and planted trees at dedication Park inside the plant premises.
After visiting the plant, Steel Secretary held discussions with the top management on the issues related to strategic initiatives, expansion, issue related to employees and local.
Speaking on the occasion, the Steel Secretary congratulated RINL collective for running the plant in a “Very Efficiently” and appreciated the maintenance practices in the plant which he termed as “Very High”. He advised the RINL management to fully capitalize the advantages of the coastal location of the plant as no steel plant in the country is having such advantage. He also advised to go for a captive jetty in order to take full advantage of material logistics. He said that the Government of India is fully supporting RINL in acquiring iron ore mines to strengthen the raw material security. RINL should aggressively pursue its growth plan and raw material securitization, a vital area for RINL, he suggested.
He mentioned that listing of RINL will be a gain not only to the Company but also to the government. He alienated the fears that listing of 10% shares in RINL lead to privatization but in fact enhance “Corporate Governance”.
Sri AP Choudhary, CMD expressed his gratitude for the visit of Steel Secretary and thanked the Ministry of Steel for its continuous support and guidance in taking the plant to newer heights.
Steel Secretary and Joint Secretary later held discussions with Steel Executive Association, Recognised union leaders and INTUC leaders.
Dr Dalip Singh, Joint Secretary, Steel accompanied the Steel Secretary during his visit to RINL.
Sri P Madhusudan, Director (Finance), Sri TK Chand, Director (Commercial), Sri YR Reddy, Director (Personnel), Sri NS Rao, Director (Projects), Sri B Siddhartha Kumar, CVO, Executive Directors and General Managers of the Company took part in the discussions.

Expenditure review panels formed

The expenditure review panels were formed to look after the financial activities for the ongoing bypoll in the State on Wednesday. As per the directions of the Mr. Bhanvar Lal, State Election Commissioner and HS Brahma, Election Commissioner over video conference, Mr. Lav Agarwal, District Collector and Returning Officer announced that Mr. Robin Choudhary has been appointed as observer for election expenditure, Mr. James T Singh as nodal officer, Mr. VVS Ramavatharam and Mr. S Nagabushanam as his assistants. Mr. Lal further mentioned that four teams of videographers have been appointed for four mandals in Payakaropeta constituency. Similarly, four flying squads, one video viewing team, one accounting team, expenditure monitoring control room, call center and four static teams have been formed at the check posts to work round the clock. Mr. Girija Shankar, Joint Collector, Ms. Harichandana, Assistant Collector, Mr. Nageswara Rao, AJC, Mr. Shariff, DRO and others present.

URV demands to resolve water disputes with Odisha

The Uttarandhra Rakshana Vedika headed by Mr. Siva Shankar, demanded the State Government to resolve all inter-State water disputes pending with Odisha at the earliest. Referring to the newsmen here on Wednesday, he said, make the deal with Odisha as done with Maharashtra for Pranahita- Chevella project in New Delhi recently. The URV president further stated that the unsolved water agreements will cause problems to drinking water and agriculture. Pending disputes of Vamsadhara, Nagavali and Bahuda projects were remain unsolved for aegis. Though 90 per cent of the geographical arena in Ganjam district merged in Odisha State from Vizagapatam in 1936, since then the water issues were remain unsolved, he added. He recollected the mutual agreement took place between Mr. N. Sanjeeva Reddy (the then Chief Minister of AP) and Mr. Biju Patnaik (the then Chief Minister of Orissa) in 1962 stating equal share of water on all the projects, was not yet implemented. Later one more agreement was done in 2005 during Congress tenure, which is still remain pending. Mr. Siva Shankar, appealed to Mr. Kiran Kumar Reddy, Chief Minister to initiate steps to settle all inter- state disputes in this regard. Mr. Ganesh and Mr. Karun, members of the URV also present.

Aim at win in bypoll : CM

Mr. Kiran Kumar Reddy, Chief Minister called the party cadre to aim at the win in Payakaraopeta bypoll. Addressing the party cadre at the S. Rayavaram mandal, he said, the present bypoll is very prestigious to the party for its succeess. Earlier, he received warm welcome at the Visakhapatnam Airport on Wednesday by Mr. B.Satyanarayana, President, State Congress Party, Mr. Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Minister for Ports and Infrastructure, Mr. P. Balaraju, Minister for Tribal Welfare and others. Not much District officials except security were present due to election code in the district. During his short stay at the airport he advised the party cadre to act for the success. Later, he garlanded the statue of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi at Old Gajuwaka, later he went to S. Rayavaram. He was joined by Mr. Dronamraju Srinivas, Whip, Mr. K. Murali, Minister for Health Education, Mr. Ch. Venkataramaiah, MLA- Gajuwaka, Mr. P. Ramesh Babu, MLA- Pendurthy, Mr. M. Srinivasa Rao, MLA- Bheemili, Mr. UV Ramana Murthy Raju (Kannababu), MLA- Yelamanchili, Mutyala Papa, MLA- Narsipatnam, Gantyala Sumana, Congress contestant, B. Jhansi Lakshmi, MP- Vizianagaram and others at the congress cadre meet.

SRI DRS CHAUDHARY, SECRETARY, STEEL MAIDEN VISIT TO RINL-VSP

Sri DRS Chaudhary, IAS, of 1977 batch, MP cadre, Secretary Steel arrived to very warm welcome today on his maiden visit to RINL-Visakhapatnam Steel Plant which is recently expanded to 6.3 Mtpa.
Sri DRS Chaudhary, Secretary, Steel had a detailed review of the performance of the company including expansion, strategic initiatives, CSR activities etc., He appreciated RINL for meeting international norms on several fronts including techno economic parameters like water consumption, energy consumption, environment etc., He shared that RINL-VSP is pride of Government of India and has got good reputation among PSUs. He advised RINL collective to strive for emerging as the best steel plant in the world. He also advised that after the full capacity expansion, RINL should further excel. He expressed his happiness that RINL collective has the mettle and strength to achieve it. In the current scenario the organization success or failure largely depended on CSR activities he added. He suggested RINL to take up more number of CSR activities to improve the social upliftment of the people in and around the plant and its neighboring areas.
Sri AP Choudhary explained that out of eleven bench marks set by the Ministry of Steel, RINL is matching to around 4 to 5 parameters and said that plan is made to achieve the remaining in next 3 to 4 years.
Dr Dalip Singh, Joint Secretary, Steel accompanied the Steel Secretary in his visit to RINL-VSP. Sri P Madhusudan, Director (Finance), Sri TK Chand, Director (Commercial), Sri YR Reddy, Director (Personnel), Sri NS Rao, Director (Projects), Sri B Siddhartha Kumar, CVO present during the discussions. EDs and General Managers have also attended the meeting with Secretary Steel.
Secretary Steel will visit the Plant including operating units and expansion units like New Blast Furnace-3, New Steel Melt Shop etc., Steel Secretary’s visit to RINL attaches significance as products from new units will hit the market shortly.
Blast Furnace - 3 which is commissioned on 27th April 2012 has started production and now it is getting stabilized.
PHOTO Captions: 1) Sri DRS Chaudhary, Secretary, Steel arrived to a warm welcome at Hill Top Guest House today.
2) Sri DRS Choaudhary, Secretary, Steel addressing the senior management of RINL as Dr Dalip Singh, Joint Secretary, Steel and Sri AP Choudhary, CMD, RINL are looking on.

RINL PRESENTS “RECOGNITION LETTER” TO STEEL PLANT EMPLOYEES UNION

RINL-Visakhapatnam Steel Plant today handed over the “Letter of Recognition” to the Steel Plant Employees Union (SPEU) (Regd No.D-597/82) which secured highest number of votes in the elections held on 22.05.2010 at a function organized today at T&D Centre Auditorium.
Sri R Ranjan, Executive Director (Works) handed over the letter of recognition Sri D Adinarayana, General Secretary of SPEU and Sri N Rama Rao, President of SPEU. The recognition is valid for a period of two years with effect from 27th April 2012.
Sri PK Das, All India CITU Federation General Secretary, Sri VV Rama Rao, AP State AITUC Hony. President, Sri Ch. Narasinga Rao, CITU State President addressed the gathering.
Senior officers of RINL and a host of trade union leaders and their representatives attended the function.

TDP demands to relieve Venkatram Reddy

The Telugu Desam Party demands the State Government to relieve Mr. G. Venkatram Reddy, who involved in land probe issue in Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority immediately. Speaking to newsmen, Mr. B. Satyanarayana Murthy, former minister on Tuesday, he demanded to relieve him with immediate effect, who is currently Collector Srikakulam as District Election Officer of Srikakulam in view of ensuing Narasannapet bypoll. He appreciated the CBI to file a charge sheet on Mr. Reddy, in abuse of his official position and inpursuances of criminal conspiracy in YS Jaganmohan Reddy case. Mr. Reddy had approved the layout of RPCIL violating the rules of Master plan of VUDA, he mentioned. Mr. Murthy demanded N Kiran Kumar Reddy, to give permission to the CBI to probe the irregularities done by the present Srikakulam Collector. He further mentioned that, the charge-sheet reportedly said the RPCIL obtained wrongful gain of 914 acres of land inside the Pharma City and subsequently, the company sold the land by dividing the same into plots and obtained wrongful gain of Rs over 133 crore. He concluded the session with a repeated demand to relieve him for smooth conduction of Narasannapeta bypoll.

VUDA to take up more projects

The official body of the Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA) headed by Mr. Shyam Babu, Principal Secretary, Municipal Administration and Urban Development has approved to take up more developmental projects with Rs. 360 crore for 2012-13 on Tuesday. The Committee interested on a highlevel meditation centre proposed by Vipasana International Dhayana Society to be set up at the beach road, beautification of the beach road from city to Bheemili, Buddhist culture be propagated through establishing Arama centres, exhibition at Totlakonda. Allocation of funds for the welfare activities for SC, ST and disabled sections has been adopted for the first time and approved in the meeting. Later this committee visited Jogging Track, Kailasagiri, and planted saplings near the track. Mr. Kona Sashidhar, Vice- chairman, VUDA, District Collectors Mr. Lav Agarwal (Visakhapatnam), Mr. M. Veerabrahmaiah (Vizianagaram), Mr. G. Venkatram Reddy (Srikakulam), Mr. B. Ramanjaneyulu (Commissioner- Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Coprporation), Mr. B. Purushottam Reddy, Director, Town and Country Planning were also present at the session.

Exchange of trade mission with CII : US Consul General

The Consul General of US, Katherine S Dhanani, announced that they were interested in exchange of trading activities with Confederation of Indian Industry to establish more business in Visakhapatnam, one of the fastest growing cities in te World. Addressing the industrialists at an Interactive Session with Consulate General of USA on Monday, organised by CII, she asked the industry to make a plan for the Exchange mission between Visakhapatnam and US. Mr. James Golsen, Commerce Officer, US Consultate opined that Vizag has good potential to establish more industries including medical, hospital, life sciences, energy, minerals etc. By conducting intereactive sessions will clear the hurdles, he added. Multinational industries are very much interested to start their activities here, provided the common aminities be fulfilled. He indicated the industry to establish one-to-one interaction for specific proposals on trade and investment. Mr. Matthew Stannard, Vice-Consul General of USA, clarified on issues pertaining to processing of visa and said that US Consulate will continue working on simplification and expeditious issue of visa while adhering to the rules on the same. Later the US Consul team has clarified most of the querries raised by CII members on H1, B1, visa, trade and investment. Mr. TK Chand, President, CII Vizag chapter, has been working to present the status of Vizag before the US consul team. He presented this city as Goa of the East, largest city in the entire east coast after Chennai and Kolkata. Mr. G. Sambasiva Rao, vice-president, CII Vizag chapter and members of the CII - Vizag chapter participated in the interactive session.

First ABC in AP opened

The US Consul General, Katherine Dhanani opened first American Business Centre (ABC) in the State opened here on Monday at a programme held in the evening. Stating the importance of the centre, she said, the purpose of it is to reach out to the business community in two tier cities like Vizag, where the US official services are not present physically. ABC is jointly promoted by US Commercial Service and the Vizagapatam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). The ABC will start it's activities at VCCI- Siripuram temporarily. It is most beneficial to the industries looking for their establishment at US and vice versa and both the countries can benefit from sharing expertise and resources, she mentioned. Mr. Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Minister for Ports and Infrastructure thanked the US Consul General to establish ABC in Vizag, which will provide official information on US companies. Mr. James Golsen, Commerce Officer, US Consultate and other members present at the inaugural session.

Tributes to Alluri

Vizagites paid tributes to the renown freedom fighter who created awareness among the illeterate tribals in the district during the freedom struggle on Monday. On the occasion of his death anniversary, the activists of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanded the State Government to name this District on Alluri on the occasion. Garlanding the statue of Alluri Seetarama Raju, at Seethammadhara junction, Mr. K. Haribabu, former MLA, said, it is the responsibility of MLAs and MPs to pressurise the Govenment on the issue. The BJP is working on various issues in creating awareness among the tribals and residents of other remote locations. He further demanded that the locations associated with Alluri be developed as tourism centres to bring the notice of the commonman. Mr. Nagendra, president, BJP city wing and other activists also present.

Mr. Dronamraju Srinivas, Whip welcomed the scholars to do research on the life history on Alluri and their associates. Speaking at the occasion of paying tributes to Alluri at RK beach on Monday, he said, the Visakhapatnam proud to be having association with such personalities, who studied at Mrs. AVN College. He created sensation in those days by using traditional weapons against the high profile British. Most of the tribals in Vizag and East Godavari districts were followed him to get their rights, he added. Representatives of ruling Congress party also present.

Railway test held first time in Vizag 7,000 candidates appeared

For the first time, the Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC) conducted a written test for Group D posts in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. It is reported that, so far these test were conducted in Bhuvaneshwar, where the students from Visakhapatnam region were attacked physically by locals. After many agitations and memorandums to Railway Ministry, the Vizagites got good chance on Sunday. About seven thousand candidates appeared for the test in various centres in the city. The same procedure will be continued for the next three Sundays, according to the sources. The activists seeking a special Railway Zone at Visakhapatnam were successful to some extent by getting this test in Vizag. The RRC is holding this test for beyond 70,000 candidates in Bhubaneshwar, Puri and Berhampur apart from Vizag. The vacant posts will be filled in Group D category through this test in East Coast Railway.

Cancer screening camp in KGH

To create awareness on the need of diagnosing cancer at an early stage, the King George Hospital (KGH) is organising a five day Cancer Screening Camp begins on May 7 at the KGH, announced Dr. P. Shyam Prasad, Superintendent. According to him, as part of their efforts to save the life of a patient, this screening camp would be held from 9 am to 12 noon at Room No 9, at OP Block and will continue till May 11. People experiencing lumps in breasts, oozing from the breast, discharing etc., are advised to contact the screening centre. It is an awareness camp that conducts monthly, he added. Women in the age group below 45 years, having family history of cancer and subsequent symptoms should visit the camp and do check up for better health.

 

Brahmin Assn to distribute textbooks

The Vizag Brahmins’ Welfare Society is going to distribute text books to the economically backward Brahmin community on June 10, according to Mr. TSR Prasad, Hon. President of the society. Speaking to newsmen on Saturday, he said, Brahmin community blesses the rest of society to be live happily without seeking any profit. Most of the people in this community are economically backward, so the above organisation has taken up this step to distribute textbooks, and give the awards to the merit students of Class X and Intermediate. Text books will be distributed to all the classes till Post Graduation, he added. The interested Brahmin students are requested to send their applications to get the text books before May 26. Further details can be had from mobile numbers 9440227894 and 9299996729.

Music fest on Atreya tunes on May 7

On the occasion of noted lyricist Atreya's birth anniversary, in the name of Evaro Ravali- Nee Hrudayam Kadilinchali, announced Mr. Ganti Murali, Secretary, Atreya Memorial Kalapeetham. Speaking at the press conference on Saturday, at Vinoda Vedika, VJF Seethammadhara, he said, this cultural festival will be inaugurated by Mr. Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Minister for Ports and Infrastructure and Mr. Dronamraju Srinivas, Whip also join the fest. Tollywood singers Nitya Santoshini, Sahiti and others to entertain the audience with 24 songs of Atreya, he mentioned. This organisation is serving the poor by providing food, clothes and other minimal needs. Mr. Konathala Raju, Mr. Chenna Tirumala Rao also present at the session.

Cost Efficiency is need of hour

Sri P Madhusudan, Director (Finance), RINL, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant said that cost efficiency has become a major factor for survival of any organization in an age of fierce competition. Therefore, Cost Auditing assumed great significance, he added.
Sri Madhusudan presided over inauguration of a seminar session on recent developments on “Cost Accounting Record Rules & Cost Audit Report Rules” organized by Visakhapatnam Chapter of Cost Accountants & Ukkunagaram Institute of Cost Accountants of India in association with RINL-VSP today at T & D Centre Auditorium. Speaking on the occasion, Sri Madhusudan said during the last two decades there is dynamic change in the business environment and it is now no more a regulated regime and it has become dynamic and uncertain. He described globalization as a double edge sword which has thrown up opportunities and challenges. He said that most of the corporate managements are embarking upon cost efficiency to sustain growth in the highly competitive business environment.
Sri JK Puri, Past President of Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI) said that tremendous developments have been taken place in the profession of Cost and Audit management and a new wave of work areas have been developed to enhance the contribution by this profession. He said that cost efficiency largely depended on systematically measuring the cost and added cost control and record rules are very vital for achieving cost efficiency.
Sri BB Goyal, Advisor (Cost), Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Govt. of India in his lecture session highlighted the new provisions of Cost Accounting, Record Rules 2011 and Cost Audit Report Rules 2011 and its applicability and compliance needs.
Sri BR Prabhakar, Chairman, Southern India Regional Council (SIRC), Sri SC Mohanty, Member of SIRC in their speech said that cost management plays a vital role in measuring the competency and efficiency of any organization and advised that the government should concentrate on research to benefit the society at large. They mentioned that 39 cost accounting standards have been identified by ICAI to enhance the profession.
About 300 members of the Institutions and other dignitaries of RINL participated in the inaugural session.
Sri Sanyasi Rao, AGM (F&A) and members of SIRC, ICAI and Sri N Ramana Murthy, Secretary, Vizag Chapter of ICAI welcomed the gathering. Sri Sridhar, President of Ukkunagaram ICAI introduced the guests.

Children Perform 'PADA PUJA' to Parents on the eve of 'ESWARAMMA DAY'

6th May is observed as Eswaramma day in more than 120 countries, the vardhanthi of Smt.Eswaramma, the divine mother of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Saibaba.
As part of observing the Eswaramma day, the children of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant have performed a unique programme, 'PADA PUJA' to parents on this solemn day, today, under the aegis of Ukkunagaram Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi. The programme was inaugurated by chief guest Mrs. SASIKALA, Vice-President, Visteel Mahila Samithi alongwith Mrs. SARADA RAO, Vice-President, Visteel Mahila Samithi and Sri NS RAO, Convener, sri sathya sai seva samithi and Director-Projects of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant on Sunday.
Around 87 children washed the feet of their parents with utmost devotion at the backdrop of chanting of 'Purusha Suktam'. Later, amidst chanting of 'Sri Sathya Sai Astotharam', children performed puja for their parent's feet with 108 flowers. later the children adored them with garlands and felicitated them with a Shawl.
The Pada Puja Utsavam was organised by Sri Satya Sai Seva Organisation with a view to preserve and propagate the rich Indian culture and tradition. It was mainly organised to revive the 'Human Values' as advocated by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Saibaba. The parents were moved at the touching affection of the children.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest Mrs. Sasikala complimented the unique efforts of sri sathaya sai seva organisations in protecting the age old rich Indian traditions and imparting human values to the children at an early age. she called upon everyone to actively associate with sri sathya sai seva organisations in their service activities.
at the end, all the participants Chanted SRI SAI GAYATRI 11 times for Universal Peace, Harmony and growth of Visakhapatnam Steel plant.
The Pada Puja was coordinated by mrs. jaya kameswari, the mahila spiritual coordinator of Ukkunagaram sri sathya sai seva Samithi.

Dharna against MLA, his son

The representatives of ‘Dalitha Girijana and Mahila Sanghala Aikya Vedika’ staged a dharna with a demand to take action against Mr. UVR Raju - Kanna babu, MLA (Yelamanchili) and his son Mr. Sukumara Varma on Friday on misappropriation of the SC,ST developmental aids. Mr. B. Mallayya, reprensetative of the above society alleged that both MLA and his son involved and misappropriation of funds in purchasing 17 four wheelers under the Industrial Promotion Policy (IIPP) programme for 2010-15 allotted to SC, ST employed persons. They staged dharna at District Collectorate and pointed out that fraudulently gained Rs. 97,58,210 by way of subsidy under IIPP scheme. The issue of purchasing buses under the scheme on benami names by the MLA. They demanded action on the MLA and his son under section 3(1) (IX) of SC and ST (Prevention of atrocities) Act for their alleged misuse of scheme intended for the SCs and STs. Mr. A Kondababu, Kusuma, Kothapalli Venkata Ramana and others also present.

F-block owners demands facilities

The Autonagar F-Block Industrial Plot Owners’ Welfare Association has demanded the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) to provide necessary facilities and minimal needs like proper roads, drains, power supply and water to their plots. Speaking to press on Friday, Dr. NRS Prasad, president of the Association, said that the APIIC has sold 41 plots out of the total 60 plots to the upcoming entrepreneurs in survey numbers 42 and 48, Tunglam village in 2009. Due to non availability of minimal facilities, these industries could not open their shutters so far for business. These owners are forced to pay interests on the dead capitals, he alleged. No developmental activities were on even after this society met Union Minister of State for HRD Mrs. Purandheswari, state ministers and local MLAs, he pointed out. The APIIC failed to respond to the repeated pleas and they would start agitation on May 10 as a last hope, he mentioned. Mr. Prasanth Kumar, Secretary, Mr. Krishna Prasad, Mr. Vijay Kumar and Mr. Babu also present.

Fourth Estate Protection Force Day celebrated

Protection of Fourth Estate is necessary to play journalists good role in nation building, opined Mr. Dronamraju Srinivas, Whip and MLA- Visakha South on Thursday. Addressing the Fourth Estate Protection Force Day celebrations at Vizag Journalists Forum, he said, the journalists are being dictated by the managements, but they need more freedom in presenting the articles. Throughout the globe, the press is a right place along with the statuatory bodies, but most of the organisations failed to maintain the duties assigned to them, he added. The media is very powerful in educating public about antipeople policies of governments, he said. Press due to its freedom is capable of de-stabilising the governments at times, he added. Mr. N. Sai Baba, Rtd SP (ACB) adviced the scribes to follow regulations and fundamentals of the journalism. Mr. Bobby Vardhan, Media Coordinator, Andhra University, Mr. Shariff, Advocate and others present.

AUCET 2012 results announced Women tops in most tests

Dr. PVGD Prasad Reddy, Rector, Andhra University has announced the results of AUCET - 2012 admission into 1st year PG Courses in Andhra University campus and other affiliated colleges on Thursday. Women students stood top in most of the categories in AUCET. He said that the counselling schedule for admission into various courses of AUCET-2012 would commence on May 31. The rank cards along with the counselling schedule would be dispatched to the candidates soon and can also be downloaded from the websites. Among all the tests held for admissions into post graduate science courses D Usha Sowjanya secured highest marks while K Syamala stood first in arts, commerce and management courses. In all 24,777 candidates who appeared for both of the entrance examinations 24,377 were declared qualified. If all the streams -engineering, science and arts, commerce and management are taken into consideration K Syamala who took the test for admission into Telugu course achieved highest score by securing 82.75 marks out of 90 marks and she was also a topper among the women aspirants. D.Usha Sowjanya who opted for microbiology secured 78.75 marks while G.Satya Sai Krishna Priya who is seeking admission into five-year integrated course in engineering got 76.50 marks. Dr. K. Veeraiah, Pricincipal Science college, Dr. K. Samrajya Lakshmi, Registrar and other officials present. The results have also been posted on the websites www.andhrauniversity.info/doa,www.aucet.sssoutions.co.in and www.aucet.sssolutions. co.in. The results of undergraduate courses were already released in the last week.

Last date for EAMCET-12 extended : Convenor Ramana Rao

The last date for the submission of filled in applications for the admission into the first year of Engineering and Medical colleges (EAMCET 2012) is extended to May 9 ( with Rs. 10,000 fine) , announced Prof. NV Ramana Rao, its convenor. Speaking to newsmen here, he said, for the first time online submission is allowed, which resulted number of applications were received from abroad too. The test is scheduled on May 12, hall tickets can be downloaded from the website, candidates are advised to paste one passport photo and thumb impression on the hall ticket, and attestation by a Gazzetted officer is mandatory, he added. A total of 2,200 application had been received from Australia, US, Norway and Saudi Arabia. About 749 centres in the State are allotted, no electronic equipment is allowed including mobile, calculator etc., All the necessary arrangements are going on for smooth conduction of the test, he mentioned. There will be one invigilator for every 20 candidates, an observer for every 500 candidates, a special observer for every regional centre and an enforcement officer for each test centre, he said. He asked the candidates to report at their respective test centres 45 minutes before the commencement of the examination and even one minute late would not be entertained. Prof G K Viswanath, Co-Convenor, Prof K Venkata Subbaiah, Regional Co-ordinator of Visakhapatnam were also present.

CBI enquiry on VSP mishap sought

The activists of Uttarandhra Political Joint Action Committee (JAC) demanded the Government to order a CBI enquiry on the incident held at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP). Speaking at the Ksheerabhishekam ceremony to Tenneti Vishwanatham statue (who fought for the setting up of a Steel Plant in Vizag), Mr. J T Rama Rao, president of the JAC pointed out that it was a result of negligence of the plant management. He alleged that negligence of safety measures resulted this mishap. Earlier, the members of the JAC cleaned the statue at Jagadamba junction with milk. It was not the first occasion, there were number of accidents were registered earlier at the same plant. The JAC demands for the ex-gration of Rs. 20 lakh to the kin of the contract employees who killed.

CBI enquiry on VSP mishap sought

The activists of Uttarandhra Political Joint Action Committee (JAC) demanded the Government or order a CBI enquiry on the incident held at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP). Speaking at the Ksheerabhishekam ceremony to Tenneti Vishwanatham statue (who fought for the setting up of a Steel Plant in Vizag), Mr. J T Rama Rao, president of the JAC pointed out that it was a result of negligence of the plant management. He alleged that negligence of safety measures resulted this mishap. Earlier, the members of the JAC cleaned the statue at Jagadamba Junction with milk. It was not the first occasion, there were number of accidents were registered earlier at the same plant. The JAC demands for the ex-gration of Rs. 20 lakh to the kin of the contract employees who killed.

Getting ready for by-poll : Collector

In view of the ensuing Payakaraopet byelection, Mr. Lav Agarwal, the District Election Officer and Collector told the reporters that all the neccessary arrangements for the by-poll are going good. He visited the proposed vote counting centre at the Dr. LB College on Tuesday. He said that by the directions of State Election Commissioner, the local bodies are taking all the steps for smooth conduction of Payakaraopeta by-poll. During his visit, he inspected the EVMs storage and strong rooms to keep other election confidential material. Later he visited Bangarammapalem in S Rayavaram mandal to inspect polling centres. A high level meeting conducted with the election officers within the purview of the Constituency. He directed them to look after the election code of conduct whithout any deviation. District Collector was accompanied by Mr. Girija Shankar, Joint Collector, Additional Joint Collector UCG Mr. Nageswara Rao, Ms. D. Harichandana, Assistant Collector and other officials during the visit.

May Day held in city

The Trade Unions of various organisations in city observed May Day on Tuesday. Flagged off the rallies and sessions in various locations of the city to create awareness on unsolved inssues among its fellow colleagues. The Centre for Trade Unions (CITU) trade union wing of Communist Party of India (Marxist)- CPIM, AICTU trade union wing of Communist Party of India (CPI), Telugunadu Trade Union, and other observed the day with their future targets. Speaking on the occasion Mr. Ajay Sharma of CITU told the party activists to continue their protest until they get result. He frays the State Governemnt for introducing useless policies, it is the responsibility of the Government to implement Trade Union Acts in all the Public and Private sector industries. Most of the industries in the city are not caring those Acts.Mr. Ch. Narasinga Rao, of CPM pointed out the PCPIR, land acquisition made the fishermen shelterless and jobless. All such people are fighting for their livelihood and have no option but to intensify their struggles to get their rights fulfilled as the governments were favouring the rich and the multinationals neglecting the poor. He demanded the State Government to make the minimal wage for any worker be Rs. 10,000. Number of rallies were taken out by associations of Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC), Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), Andhra University Staff and Employees Union, East Coast Railway Employees Association, etc. on the occasion.

ACB files FIR on five in VUDA scam

The Anti- Corruption Bureau (ACB) filed FIR against three employees of Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA) and two officials of Sub-Registrar’s Office (SRO) here on Monday. According to sources, Mr. L. Krishna, district president Telugu Yuvatha filed a case in the ACB court on March 28 to go through the facts involved in it. As per the directions of the court, ACB in turn filed a case under the PCV Act of 1988, 11, 13(1) D, read with 13(2) and IPC 120 B, 34 and 109 and submitted the details to the court on Monday. The investigation in all aspects, and filed FIR against Mr. K. Karun Kumar (retired administrative officer ), Mr. K. Lakshmi Narasimha Murthy (AO), Mr. M. Yerrabbalu, Junior Assistant (VUDA), Mr. R. Mukunda Rao, Joint Sub Registrar -1, Mr. B. Ramesh Babu, Joint Sub Registrar, Sub- Registrar Office (Super Bazar). Prime allegations in this regard, was that, property sold at Rs. 118 per sq. yard, in Survey Number 1008 in Pandurangapuram, which costs beyond that (tentative price in actual market is Rs. 1 lakh). All the accused took the balance of the stamp duty to the tune of Rs 4.5 crore. The Vigilance Department has already begun investigation.

Collector asks to conduct Revenue sports in Vizag

Mr. Lav Agarwal, District Collector, requested the State Revenue Department to conduct Revenue Sports in Vizag. While congratulaing the winners of Statelevel Revenue sports held recently in Chittoor on Monday, he said, the State level sporting events will develop inter-personal realtionships. He congratulated the Vizag district for getting second place in state level sporting events. Complimenting the winners, he hoped that Vizag would stand first in all fronts, including Revenue sports for which that he would extend all possible support in providing necessary material and kits. The function organised by the District Revenue Officers’ Association at the Collectorate. Mr. E. Sri Rama Murthy, President, VRO's Association, Mr. Girija Shankar, Joint Collector, Mr. Simhadri Rao, team leader, Mr. Sharief, DRO, Mr. Nageswara Reddy, Administrative Officer and others present at the greeting ceremony.

Sri Sri writings created awareness among commonman : DS

Legendary writer Srirangam Srinivasa Rao (Sri Sri) created awareness on various issues among the society, said, Mr. Dronamraju Srinivas, Government Whip. He paid rich tributes to Sri Sri on the occasion of his 102nd birthday celebrations at beach road on Monday at a function organised by Ghantasala Sports and Cultural Association, later addressed the gathering. He invited the students to do more research work of Sri Sri writings and also to the Universities in the state. Born and brought up in Vizag, Sri Sri had penned all the activities in his daily life. He further stated that Sri Sri made many valuable writings about the lives of middle class people keeping in mind the present scenario of society at that time itself. Sri Sri writings were also screened on silver screen, some of them are Telugu Veera Levara in sensational movie Alluri Seetharamaraju and Akalirajyam etc, he added. Noted Cine lyricist Mr. Kasi Viswanath also present at the ceremony.

Sri Choudhary, CMD Calls for Low Cost Steel for Sustainable Growth

Sri AP Choudhary, CMD, RINL-Visakhapatnam Steel Plant stated that the focus should be on producing steel at the lowest cost, as it is prime requisite for not only sustainable growth but also for generation of adequate margins to fund the investments for future capacity additions in the country. Sri Choudhary was addressing a galaxy of leaders from the Steel Industry at the “Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Steel Summit – 2012” on the theme “Indian Steel: Global Competitiveness -- Local Efficiencies” held at New Delhi today.

Sri Beni Prasad Verma, Hon’ble Union Minister of Steel was the Chief Guest and inaugurated the summit. Sri DRS Chaudhary, Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Sri CS Verma, Chairman, SAIL, Sri Navin Jindal, MP and Executive Vice Chairman & MD, Jindal Steel and Power Ltd and Steel Captains of the Industry participated and deliberated on key areas like demand and supply scenario, policy imperatives, global trends, raw material availability, consumption patterns, technology and sustainability etc.
Sri Choudhary said that improvement in techno-economic parameters, such as specific energy consumption, raw material consumption, productivity & yields, waste recycling, waste heat recovery are the relevant areas for industry growth and occupy front seat. Ministry of Steel has rightly identified benchmarking as the key focus area to reorient the various steel making processes through adoption of “Best Available Technology” and “Best Available Practices” to sensitize the various steel producers to achieve the best level of performance with techno-economic parameters, he added.
RINL is a standing example and today it is in a position to compete in the market practically because of its techno-economic supremacy despite being disadvantaged by the lack of captive mines particularly for iron ore, Sri Choudhary pointed out.

The next major challenge is on the raw material front. The steel production is expected to touch the 200 to 250 MT mark by 2020 which would require around 400 MT of iron ore. The reserves would not be in a position to support this level of requirement for long. Hence there is need to curtail the export in the long term interest of the country. The government has already started discouraging exports through higher tariffs, the RINL CMD observed.
Sri Choudhary complimented CII for organizing the Steel Summit at a very appropriate juncture when the Indian Steel Industry is all poised to resume its growth trajectory with a growth of 7% in 2012 and around 9% in 2013.
He said that research indicates that the steel intensity increases exponentially with GDP until the per capita GDP reaches US $ 10,000. China is the glaring testimony to this finding. The steel industry of China during the last decade has grown by over 500% from 120 million tonnes to near 700 million tonnes. The present per capita GDP of China is 9000 plus and the forecast now indicate slowdown of the Chinese steel demand which has till now propelled the World Steel Industry.
Today, India is the fourth largest producer of crude steel globally. The total finished steel production in India from April-February 2012 stood at 64.233 mt, a growth of 6.8% compared to last year. While global crude steel production has crossed 1.5 billion ton in the year 2011, Asia’s share has gone up from 38% in 1998 to 64.7% in the year 2011. Going ahead, it is expected that Global Steel demand will grow at about 3 to 5%. In the 12th Five Year Plant, massive investments to the tune of 1 trillion USD are likely in the infrastructure sector, which will be 10% of the GDP.