PRESS NOTE – EARTH HOUR 2012

Hundreds of millions of people, businesses and governments around the world unite each year to support the largest environmental event in history – Earth Hour.
More than 5,200 cities and towns in 135 countries worldwide switched off their lights for Earth Hour 2011 alone, sending a powerful message for action on climate change. It also ushered in a new era with members going Beyond the Hour to commit to lasting action for the planet. Without a doubt, it’s shown how great things can be achieved when people come together for a common cause.
Visakha Container Terminal Pvt Ltd has joined the group of ‘Responsible Organisations’ which are committed to this hot environmental issue. They have arranged a series of awareness programs on Earth Hour by doing plantation, screening awareness movies, earth hour messages on Terminal’s digital displays, email awareness messages etc. They joined hands with CII Young Indians for an awareness rally at Beach Road from 5:00PM to 6:00PM. Later from 8:30PM to 9:30PM they switched off the lighting of the Terminal to confirm solidarity to the noble cause.

GITAM Students for NASA Competition

A team of 10 students from GITAM University is participating in the third annual lunabotics mining competition being conducted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at the Kennedy Space Centre's Visitors Complex, Florida from May 21 to 26. GITAM University is among the 12 universities selected from India and the only university from Andhra Pradesh participating in the prestigious event. GITAM team, ‘The Illuminati' consisting of Shaik Abdul Shariq, Rudra Pratap and Tirupati Giridhar (mechanical engineering branch), P.V.S.S. Siddhartha and Shaik Mohammed Saifuddin Malik (industrial engineering), Nishant Chowdary and Thota Sai Krishnama Naidu (ECE), Janki Sharad Kumar Bhimani (EEE), Pingili Srichandan Reddy (EIE) and A.V. Aditya Sastry (CSE) are entering into the competition on designing an excavator for the moon surface to collect the sand on the moon. The team earned the berth to the NASA competition after its report on the model it is going to make has been accepted. This is for the second consecutive year a team from GITAM is entering the NASA competition. Last year, a five-member team from the university entered the competition and made the finals but a small glitch in its model saw the team losing narrowly. NASA is conducting the competition to engage and retain students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It will also be benefited with the possibility of lunar excavation concepts from the universities throwing up good ideas and solutions which could be applied to a lunar excavation device or payload. This year, the competing teams have to design and build a lunabot, an excavator that can mine and deposit a minimum of 10 kg. of lunar stimulant within ten minutes. This is a challenging task, said the team of students, since many other aspects have to be taken into consideration.

Gas turbine and diesel management committee meeting held at ENC

The Gas Turbine and Diesel Management Committee Meeting, an annual event of the Indian Navy was inaugurated today, 28 Mar 12 by Rear Admiral Shekhar Mital, NM, Chief Staff Officer (Technical), Headquarters, Eastern Naval Command, at INS Eksila, which is the Premier Marine Gas Turbine Overhaul establishment of the Indian Navy and one of its kind in Asia. convened by the Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Navy), the meeting is being chaired by Rear Admiral S Nedunchezian, NM, Assistant Chief of Material (D&R). The meeting will be conducted over two days and is aimed at formulating policies for the effective management of Gas Turbines and Diesel engines powering frontline warships of Indian Navy.

Senior Marine Engineering Officers of Indian Navy from all the commands including Integrated Headquarters, New Delhi and allied units at Visakhapatnam are attending the meeting. The range of discussions would encompass a broad spectrum of issues including induction of state of the art technologies, up gradation of existing equipment and machinery, innovative & cost effective techniques in maintenance and repairs of Gas Turbines and Diesel Engines in a time bound manner, enhancing productivity and achieving self- reliance through indigenisation and innovation. Issues related to infrastructure development for new induction warships including training, operational and logistics will also form an important part of the event.

CPI-M called for protest on land scams in VUDA

Mr. Ch. Narasinga Rao, District Secretary, called for protest on land scams in Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA). Speaking to newsmen on Tuesday. He condemned the statement made by Mr. N. Kiran Kumar Reddy on VUDA land scam that it doesn't require CBI enquiry. Mr. Rao said, ministers, MLAs, bureaucrats and more number of politicians were involved in this issue. Land worth crores of rupees were went at cheap rate to their close intimates, which would require to reveal for public for which VUDA is responsible, he added. He invited all the opposition parties, intellectuals, social organisations to fight against this huge corruption. He demanded the Government to take action against the people involved. He pointed out the politicians who served for VUDA earlier in various posts. He termed the review meeting held by Mr. Ganta Srinivasa Rao, I & I Minister as a stunt. Mr. Ganga Rao, secretary- city wing CPM also joined the meet.

All set for Sri Mahalakshmi Yagam
Shobhayatra on March 29

All the necessary arrangements are made for the proposed 13th Sri Mahalakshmi yagam in city scheduled from March 29 to April 5 at Andhra University Engineering College Grounds, according to Tridandi Sri Ramachandra Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamy, of Sri Bhashyakara Peetham, Bheemavaram. Main yagasala designed in swan model, pravachana mandapam (discourses premise) can accommodate more than 15000 devotees and dining section provided with 100 water outlet provisions where about 90 thousand devotees would be given great South Indian food. This yagam is meant for the good cause to get peaceful world. Special Isthi yagasala also provided for those devotees who had certain causes. Prior to the yagam, there would be a Shobhayatra - huge procession including 1000 artists from 10 states to perform Sankham art, folk art, dance, andhra style tappeta gullu, chariots describing Andhra traditional festivals, followed by vedic chanting by vedic students of Sri Bhashyakara Peetham, Bheemavaram. This procession will begin from Ramalayam, near Old Jail road, on March 29 by 4 pm onwards. About 25000 devotees are expected to participate in it.

World Meteorologial Day Celebrated at Eastern Naval Command

Eastern Naval Command celebrated the World Meteorological Day today, 26 Mar 12. The day is observed every year, to commemorate the formation of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), this day in 1950. Each year, the WMO focuses on a meteorological issue of global significance and the Theme for the current year was chosen to be Powering our Future with Weather, Climate and Water.
At the Eastern Naval Command, the Day was celebrated with activities such as Competitions in Painting and Essay Writing for children, and organised visits by Schools. Rear Admiral HCS Bisht, AVSM, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet inaugurated Automatic Marine Weather Terminal (AMWT) Base station at Command Meteorological office of Headquarters Eastern Naval Command, which can facilitate reception of real time Meteorological data from ships at sea. This was followed by an exhibition on Meteorology and Oceanography wherein the visitors witnessed various Meteorological instruments, charts, the growing importance of this science in day to day lives with the theme of Weather, Climate and Water powering our future.

CM promised for Green Visakha city
More funds for KGH : CM

Mr. N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh promised for green city during his visit to Vizag on Sunday. He was in city to participate in few programmes organised by the local district administration. The Chief Minister inaugurated the 40 lakh plantation project in next five years at the Visakhapatnam airport. During his visit Mr. Reddy promised for funds for the development of King George Hospital. He further stated that the City of Destiny would be tuned as new destination for global tourism. About 120 Crore rupees for tourism development in the state and 250 crore rupees was on the anvil for development of tourism sector, he added. The defence sector is also investing in North Coastal district like Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam which would yield jobs to the unemployed youth. Around 95,000 crore rupees investment was proposed during the Partnership Summit held recently. Later he had participated at the Vasanthostvam festival at the Ramakrishna beach. Mr. Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Minister for I & I, Mr. Balaraju, Minister for Tribal Welfare, MLAs, Mr. Lav Agarwal, District Collector, Mr. J. Purnachandra Rao, Commissioner of Police and others also present.

SSC exams began despite poor facilities today

The State Secondary Certificate (SSC) examinations began despite poor facilities on Monday. About 12, 87,736 students from 19, 690 scools attending at 5849 centres across the state. When it comes Vizag district, about 50,000 students appearing at 271 centres. Most of the centres could not met the minimal facilities including benches, drinking water and even proper electrical lighting. Students at some centres faced lot of trouble with the power failure, though the halls doesn't have proper ventilation. According to District Education Department, 2900 supervisors, 271 Chief Superindents, 13 flying squads were deputed to look after the exams.
The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation is running more number of services in the district where the SSC exam centres were alloted. Everyday, these buses would be operated from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 12 noon to 1 p.m. covering all examination centres and to facilitate students reach the examinations centres without any inconvenience. Students appearing for SSC public exams holding hall tickets and route bus passes will be allowed to travel in these buses.

Public participation for Pollution free Visakha

State Minister Mr. Ganta Srinivasa Rao stressed the need of public participation in making Vizag city as a Pollution Free Green City. Speaking during the cycle rally conducted at the Beach Road marking the inauguration of GVMC Cycle Club he iterated the need for controlling pollution. He also said that using Cycles by the public will reduce pollution a lot and Cycling is good for health. Minister for Medical Health an Education Mr. K. Murali, GVMC Commissioner Mr. Ramanjaneyulu and Rajya Sabha MP Mr. T Subbaramireddy also participated in this rally.

Rly reservation crew on mass leave

All the crew at the reservation counters went on mass leave in protest against the extension of their duty hours. About 35 staff at the satellite counters were away from the activities except three supervisors. According to sources the staff at Sambhalpur and Khurda divisions also went on mass leave. This unofficial strike will continue till the demands of the crew is solved. The Railway authorities have extended the working hours from eight to ten apart from their regular duties, which was not acceptable to the operating crew. All the reservation crew protested and held dharnas for the past few weeks in this regard. With this mass leave passengers at the reservation counters were troubled more.

Public Library at VJF opened

Mr. B. Ramanjaneyulu, Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Commissioner opened the public library at VJF Press Club, Seethammadhara on Saturday. He congratulated the team for providing such facility for the scribes. He further stated that scribes has equal responsibility as administration in developing the city and correcting the errors. Aimed to right topics and not to provoke the right things in negative presentation, he added. Mr. Tynala Vijay Kumar, MLA- Visakha North, Mr. Malla Vijay Prasad, MLA- Visakha West, had promissed to provide more facilities to the journalists. Committee of the Vizag Journalist Forum and other members of the society were present.

Dubai flight flagged off
More Intl flights from Vizag : Ajit Singh

The first international flight from Vizag was flagged off by Mr N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday. He promissed for better amenities and facilities at the Vizag airport on the occasion. He was accompanied by Mr. Ajit Singh, Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Ms. D. Purandheswari, Minister of State for Human Resources, Mr. T. Subbarami Reddy, MP, State Ministers, MLAs and other VIPs in the city. Mr. Reddy is confident that the Union Minister will visit Vizag soon to inaugurate more international flights. This Dubai fligh has 172 seats of which 20 are of executive category with in-built entertainment facility, and can also transport four tonnes of cargo. It will take off daily at 6.20 pm from Visakhapatnam and reach Dubai at 10.25 pm. In return journey, it will take off at 12.55 pm in Dubai and arrive in Visakhapatnam at 8 am. He further stated that the differences with Indian Navy will be persuaded soon to permit 24- hour flights.

Mr. Ajit Singh has promissed to run more international flights from Vizag. Addressing the session held by the Air Traveller's Association on the occasion of Air India's inaugural flight flag off from here to Dubai. He further stated that civil aviation, tourism and hospitality sectors had great potential to generate employment and all efforts should be made to exploit the potential. Tier two cities like Vizag must be provided with more air connectivity to develop speedy, he added. He congratulated Mr. Subbarami Reddy, for his efforts to get the Vizag- Dubai flight. The 24- hour operations will improve tourism revenue too.

MMTC Gold expo in city

Mr. Lav Agarwal, District Collector, inaugurated MMTC Festival of Gold Exhibition Cum Sale here on Wednesday. He congratulated the organisers for the displaying precious ornaments at the exhibition. The gold jewellery is hallmarked for purity and precious stones carry quality certificate of accredited certifying agency. MMTC festival brings various designs from Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Gujarat, Orissa, Maharastra, Delhi, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Goa. This organisation also has a franchisee scheme for marketing silverware and there are more than 75 on All India basis. Jewel exhibition will be opened from 9.30 am to 8.30 pm till March 25.

RINL inks ambitious MOU with Ministry of Steel

• A growth of 30% in Gross Margin
• Highest ever turnover of Rs. 15,000 Cr.
• Exclusive Score Card for HR Parameters

State owned Navratna Company -Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) and Ministry of Steel (MOS) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for targeting a growth of 30% in Gross Margin for the year 2012-13.
Sri PK Misra, Secretary, Ministry of Steel and Sri AP Choudhary, CMD, RINL signed and exchanged the MOU Copies today at Steel Room in New Delhi.
The MOU envisages highest ever turnover of Rs. 15,000 Cr which is 10% above the target for 2011-12.
The most challenging target of Rs. 1275 Cr has been set for gross margin despite of significant reduction in interest income, overheads due to likely disruptions in production from existing units during commissioning and stabilization phase of 6.3 Mt facilities, when materials and utilities may have to be diverted from existing units.
Target for production of saleable steel is 18% higher than the current year production despite one furnace is going for major repairs in the last quarter. About a million hot metal production is the target from the new units under expansion programme in 2012-13.
The challenging targets have been set for Research & Development, Techno Economic parameters etc. 1% of PAT shall be spent towards company R&D activities. The other notable target is 2% of profit towards CSR activities
Exclusive score card for HR parameters like competency & leadership development, performance management, talent management, creativity & innovation, employee relations & welfare and HR Branding have been included in the MOU.
Separate templates for projects / activities relating to Sustainable Development are included in MOU 2012-13 for the first time.
Sri S Machendra Nathan, Addl Secretary & Financial Advisor and Dr Dalip Singh, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Steel graced the occasion.
MOU has also been signed between RINL and Bird Group Of Companies on no. of growth plans envisaging a good level of production from the OMDC Mines provided the necessary approvals from the State Govt of Odisha are accorded for lease of Mines.
RINL has achieved an ‘EXCELLENT’ Rating for the year 2010-11 with respect to its MOU Commitment to Ministry of Steel, Government of India.

CM to launch Green Visakha Project

Mr. N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh would be launching Green Visakha project on Sunday at Visakhapatnam airport during his visit to city. This project aims at planting of 40 lakh saplings in the next five years with a target of eight lakh saplings every year to prevent air pollution in the city. The district officials in association with the Andhra Pradesh State Pollution Control Board, Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority and Public Sector Undertakings taking up this project. Mr. K. Sashidhar, vice chairman, VUDA visited the project site on Tuesday, which is identified as one of the sensitive locations of pollution in the city. About 5000 saplings will be planted on Sunday, and other places to continue. It is the most important location to maintain greenary to attract the air travellers and other visitors. An area of 12 acres available there for which Coromandel Fertilisers has been assigned to take there responsibility of plant the saplings. Mr. Sashidhar was accompanied by Mr. BVA Krishna Murthy, DFO- VUDA, Mr. KV Ramana Murthy, DGM - Coromandel.

AU Engg grounds getting ready for Mahalakshmi yagam

The Andhra University Engineering College grounds getting ready for the 13 th Sri Mahalakshmi Yagam scheduled from March 29 to April 5. Grand level preparations are being in progress where the main yagasala, pravachana mandapam, tadiyaradhanasa sala etc at high level. According to Tridandi Ramachandra Jeeyar swamy, the organiser of this yagam, about 90 thousand devotees would be provided anna prasadam from 10 am onwards at the venue during the seven day festival. About 400 activists are serving the grounds decoration. For the past four months, all the activists are working day and night to make this yagam very grand success. All the people irrespect of the caste, creed are invited to take part in this yagam and be blessed by goddess of finance. This is being done for the welfare of the society and development of Visakhapatnam. About 18 peethadipatis including Chinna Jeeyar Swamy 12 other jeeyars are joining the yagam from March 29 to April 5. A huge procession (Shobha yatra) in which 1000 artists from 10 states will present various dance, singing, vedic chanting etc starts from Ramalayam near Government Women's College, old jail road on March 29 and proceed through Ramnagar, Siripuram to AU Grounds. During the festival special Ishthi yagams like Sudarshnesthi for better business, Putrakamesthi for children, Vaibhavesthi for vedic rituals and Lakshminaranesthi for wealth would be done, he added. This yagam will be concluded with the Kalyanam of Sri Bhoo Goda, Gocinda perumallu on April 5 performed in the evening with 200 white pearls will be used as talambralu, swamijy mentioned.

JAC demands for RRB centre

Uttarandhra Joint Action Committee (JAC) demands for Railway Recruitment Board centre in Visakhapatnam, at a round table conference on Monday. It was held at Public Library, Dwarakanagar. Mr. JT Rama Rao said, aspirants of Railway jobs attending for various tests at Bhubaneshwar were manhandled by the locals with the support of police. After number of representations to MPs and Chief Minister, regarding special railway zone with Vizag as its headquarters, theyfailed to get this problem solved, even to get more trains to Vizag in the recently presented Railway budget. The Round table demanded for a centre of Railway examinations here. Mr. Kishore, Mr. Ramu, Ms. Sridevi, Mr. Tirumala Rao and others were also spoke.

Sankar Foundation trustee Sankar Rao died at 82

Mr. Atmakuri Sankar Rao, passed away at an age of 82 here on Sunday. He establsihed Sankar Foundation Eye Hospital near Simhachalam in 1997 with a cause to serve the needy poor at free of cost. He received number of awards for his service viz Madras Telugu Academy Award, Rotary Foundation award, Lions Club International, Best Surgical NGO award etc., Thousands of people were given special treatment at the hospital during eye treatment. Mr. John Major, former Prime Minister of United Kingdom had visited this hospital earlier. It was one hospital among the six, which has equipped with latest opthalmological instruments. His last journey was held on Monday from his residence. Mr. DV Subba Rao, former Mayor, Mr. Pyda Krishna Prasad, Dr. A. Prasanna Kumar, Mr. Kankatala Mallik and others paid tributes to Mr. Sankar Rao.

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations

Sri Sathya Sai Mobile Health Services vehicle was formally launched into service by Sri B Ramanjaneyulu Garu, Commissioner, today at Sri Sathya Sai Prema Sadan Compex, Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar School premises, MVP Colony.
Speaking on the occasion Sri Ramanjaneyulu lauded the outstanding service activities of sri sathya sai seva organisations. there is no specific form for the almighty, i personally feel that God has descended in the form of the mobile hospital, he added. he described the Mobile hospital as Walking God.
Inspired by the Mobile Hospital Services provided at Prasanthi Nilayam, the aim of this endeavour is to take free medical care of the highest order to the doorsteps of the poor and the needy in rural villages of Andhra Pradesh. By the Grace of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Saibaba vaaru, the SATHYA SAI SEVA ORGANISATION, visakhapatnam district is able to have a mobile health services vehicle.
The diagnostic equipments were inaugurated by Dr.P.Shyam Prasad, Superintendent, KGH,in the august presence of SG Chalam, State President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva organisations, Andhra Pradesh. The mobile hospital is equipped with Diagnostic Support equipments like : X-Ray, dark room, auto analyzer (blood chemistry), Centrifuge with 6 buckets (urine chemistry), Microscopes, ECG, Nebuliser, Oxygen Equipment, Emergency Kit, Fixed Examination Table, Over Head Water Tank.
With the help of voluntary services rendered by teams of doctors and paramedical staff, ably assisted by Sevadal (service volunteers) and devotees, primary care will be rendered along with Health & Hygiene Awareness Education to the poor and needy. The Mobile hospitals have a backend support of Ultra Sonogram, Steam Sterilizer, Eye- Refraction Equipment, Ophthalmology Scope, Dental Equipment, Gynaecology Test Kit.

Sri Sathya Sai Health Services Mobile Hospital Services will be concentrated in tribal villages and slums. A cluster of 10 to 15 villages in tribal area will be selected and conduct door to door survey will be conducted to identify the diseases to arrange suitable doctors, technicians and medicine. A centre point village will be identified as camp point. Medical camp will be conducted for 6 to 12 months in the same area to facilitate the patients for continuous treatment. Every camp general physicians, gynaecologist will be accompanied by lab technician, paramedical and sevadal. Total cost of the vehicle is Rs.11 lakhs and equipments cost around 4 lakhs (Total cost Rs15 lakhs). The monthly expenditure will be around Rs. 40,000.

“Manage Your Energy, Not Time” lecture by Dr Arun Madhavan

The HRD wing of RINL, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant organized a Guest Lecture on “Manage Your Energy, Not Time” at T&D Centre auditorium today for the benefit and knowledge of employees.

Eminent speaker Dr Arun Madhavan, former Director of Standard Chartered Bank and founder trustee of Vyakthi Vikas Kendra, an organization of Art of Living promoted by Sri Pandit Ravi Sankar delivered the lecture.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Madhavan said that managing energy and time is largely depends on inner consciousness of individuals that impacts on external behavior and added that people are most creative and innovative when their energies are boosted. He said that mind holds the key to creativity and innovation. Dr Madhavan observed that managing energy is nothing but showing love and appreciation on others which leads to good health. Breathing techniques, singing and meditation help people energise, he said. He mentioned that time is a mutual concept created by the movement of our senses, the celestial objects and our perceptions. It is part of illusion in which we live and which we take for real. He concluded by saying that the leadership paradigm of 20th century believed that motivating workforce was essential to great leadership. The old paradigm of motivation is now shifted as inspiration and the leaders have to stand as roll models and inspire people to energise, he added.

Earlier, Sri S Jagannathan, DGM (HRD) welcomed the gathering and Sri Sanjay Garg, AGM (Marketing) introduced the speaker. Sri Rahul, AGM (HRD) proposed vote of thanks. Senior officers and large number of employees attended and enjoyed the talk.

Folk music fest on 19th

The All India Radio (AIR) is arranging a Folk Music Festival on March 19 at Gurazada Kalakshetram.Speaking to media on Saturday, Dr. W Venkata Rani,the programme head, said, this festival would create an awareness among the future generation abot the Folk Dances.The Kolatam would performed by Thota Venkanna party, Thimsa and Garaga dance by Machavaram Rambabu, Tappeta gullu by Palina Krishna Rao, stage ballets like Satyaharischandra and Pandavodyogam dances would be performed in a traditional way. Special attraction of the presentation would be folk songs by noted singer Vangapandu Prasada Rao. Mr. Lav Agarwal - District Collector, Ms Neeraja Agarwal, Mr. J. Purnachandra Rao- Commissioner of Police will take part in the celebrations, she added. Mr. Shiva Sankar Reddy, Transission Executive and Mr. RV Ramana Murthy, Programme Executive will also be present in the conference.

Congress would regain its support from public : Purandheswari

Minister of State for HRD, D. Purandheswari is very confident that the Congress in the state would regain its lost support from the public. Addressing the gathering at an inaugural function of a marriage function hall constructed with her constituency's funds at Kotha Road on Saturday, she said that more funds would be allotted to the development of the city. Both State and Union Governments are already implementing benefit schemes like mid- day meal, free education, health schemes, etc. She further stated that this city would have more international IT units, 24 hour air connectivity, tourism development etc. Mr. Dronamraju Srinivas, Whip- State Government mentioned that this function hall has a hundred year old history and it would be more helpful to the needy and the poor to utilise this for various functions in this ward. He urged the Union Minister of State to allocate more funds to the city. Mr. K. Tata Rao, Chairman, Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi temple trust, Ms. D. Bhramaramba, EO of the same temple,were also present.

Ganta Press Meet

Severe action would be taken against the officials involved in various scams of Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA) announced Mr. Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Minister for Infrastructrure on Thursday. He held a high- level meeting with the district officials discussing the VUDA land allotments issues. He said, severe action would be taken against those who had indulged in irregularities of land allotments and were the cause of huge losses. He also announced that the Vice-Chairman sought an independent investigation to take up the probe since some senior officials were suspected to have played a key role in the scam. Instructions were already given to the District Registrars to stop further allotment transactions of the said land and plots that were mentioned in the report submitted by VUDA, he added. After the review meeting, the minister said to the newsmen ,no official would be spared , all involved, whether they being a minister or a senior official, would have to bear the consequences.

Release of Book ‘Life- A Journey’ authored by Dr. BN Singh, Ex-CMD, RINL

Sri. Umesh Chandra, Director (Operations) RINL-VSP released the Book ‘Life-A Journey’ authored by Dr. BN Singh, Ex-CMD, RINL and Group CEO, Adhunik Group of Industries, Kolkata, at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant today.
This book is the third in series of books authored by Dr. B.N. Singh.
His earlier two books are titled "COKE" – a technical book on coke making and "THE CREATOR" – a book on Vedanta philosophy as viewed from the eyes of a scientist. Speaking on the occasion Sri. Umesh Chandra, Director (Operations) RINL and Chief Guest said that Dr. BN Singh is a great visionery leader, who lead the entire RINL Collective towards turnaround of the Company. He also said that Dr. Singh understands minds of the people better than anyone in the Steel Industry. Later Sri. Umesh Chandra felicitated Dr. BN Singh.
The book "LIFE - A JOURNEY" is actually a rags-to-riches story of a poor village boy and is aimed at encouraging the reader to think big even if initially it appears difficult to achieve. The book sends out a signal that man is the supreme creation of God having enormous potential to achieve whatever he wills. It is the power of mind that shapes the destiny of a man and even the organizations that he leads. The factors such as family background, caste, creed, religion or nationality all related to inheritance are no barrier to prevent achieving excellence in life. It is important to have faith in oneself ; success will automatically follow.
Earlier, Dr. BN Singh has planted tree at Agro Forestry Department in Ukkunagaram.
Sri. S. Jagannathan, DGM (HRD) presided over the function and Sri. J Rahul of HRD Department proposed vote of thanks.

YSR-CP,CPI demands MPs to quit

Communist Party of India, district wing headed by its secretary Mr. JV Satyanarayana Murthy demanded that all the MPs in the state quit their posts as the "Vizag Division" was led down once again in the Annual Railway Budget which was presented on Wedensday at the Parliament. Speaking to newsmen at the protest camp staged at the Divisional Railway Manager's Office, he said “though Andhra Pradesh has produced 42 Members of Parliament,of which 32 seats represent the ruling Congress party, still AP is a'neglected' state!’“Activists of the CPI burnt an effigy of the Railway Minister and Union Government on the occasion. Mr. Koyya Prasad Reddy, YSR Congress Party pointed out the failure of sitting MPs in the State to get more releases in the Railway Budget. “Vizag MPs do not have time to look after the welfare of the poor” he said.

Train fare hiked, PF ticket goes to Rs 5
No special trains to city

No much trains were allotted to the city in the Railway Budget 2012 presented by Mr. Pankaj Dwivedi Platform ticket increased to 5 rupees, whereas minimum fare and sleeper class fare hiked 3 paise per kilometer, whereas general ticket increased to 2 paise per pikometer etc. Passengers having e- ticket on mobiles are allowed to travel with proof of valid reservation. A 50 per cent concession in fare in AC-2, AC-3, Chair Car and Sleeper classes to patients suffering from 'Aplastic Anaemia' and 'Sickle Cell Anaemia'. Introducing SIMRAN system to provide Train running information will be sent to the passengers through internet, SMS etc. About 321 escalators at important stations, of which 50 will be commissioned in 2012-13. Weekly trains to Visakha - Sainagar Shirdi train via Vijayawada, Manmad, Bhubaneshwar- Tirupathi via Visakha, Visakha - Lokmanya Tilak Express via Raipur. Apart from them, no other facility was sanctioned to Visakhapatnam Railway Division.

BJP demands for Duranto

The City Unit of Bharatiya Janata Party led by its President Mr. M. Nagendra demands for Duranto to run as much possible. Staging a dharna at Waltair Divisional Railway Manager's Office on Monday, he said, nobody is focussing on new trains sanctioned to this division and sitting MPs are fighting each other instead of focusing on local issues. This train was announced in previous Railway Budget but still waiting for the signal, in the same way, more trains were shifted to Bhubaneshwar, some are extended. All this happened due to the negligence of the MPs and other elected members, he pointed out. Later, BJP activists tried to attack on DRM office, were controlled by the security. Later a memorandum was submitted to the officials. Memornadum stated that this Division is deprived of the many facilities including introduction of new trains including Duranto Express (Visakhapatnam - Secunderabad) which was granted in Railway budget 2011, restoration of Visakha- Shirdi train, Visakha- Varanasi express, Visakha- Tirupati train, Vizag- Chennai super fast etc.

People involved in corruption is not a human being : Justice Santhosh Hegde

People involved in corruption is not human being opined Justice Santhosh Hegde, former Lok Ayuktha (Karnataka). Addressing the industrial gathering at a session organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Vizag Chapter on Friday, he pointed out numerous examples on corruption that are practiced in various locations in the country. Taking bribe is as much wrong as giving, he mentioned. He is the only Indian who created sensation by raising his voice against corruption. He never lost his confidence during his hunger strike at Ram Leela Maidan recently. He had visited more than 300 educational institutions to address the students on corruption and its impact. Corruption in the nation is playing key role in all the acitivities in the society and was grown up with the culture, Justice mentioned. In olden days, corrupted persons can be counted on fingers but now it is the turn to count genuine people on the same fingers. Later, he had interacted with the audience on various issues. Mr. RVS Raju, Chairman, CII Vizag zone, Mr. Jay Galla, Chairman, Andhra Pradesh, Mr. S. Kannan and other senior members of Vizag zone were present at the session.

International Women's Day Celebrated at ENC

International Women's Day was celebrated today, 09 Mar 11 at the Eastern Naval Command. The women employees of the Headquarters and other allied units visited the Mother Teresa's Dying and destitute Home, Missionaries of Charity (Nirmal Hridaya) near Gynanapuram and interacted with the inmates and presented a cheque of Rs 10,000/- and rations for the Home.

In addition, a lecture on cancer awareness was also conducted by Surgeon Lieutenant Commander Smita Rani Nayak, Officer-in-Charge, Station Health Organisation (Visakhapatnam) towards health awareness among the women employees of the Command. This was followed by a health checkup for diagnosis of cancer. Mrs. Indira Sudhakar, w/o Rear Admiral T Sudhakar, Chief Staff Officer (Personnel & Administration) was the Chief Guest at the event attended by a large number of service and civilian women employees of Headquarters, Eastern Naval Command.

MLC demands to cancel lease on Library site

Mr. MVS Sarma, MLC demanded the Government to withdraw the lease agreement had with Pratyusha Group of Companies on District Library site. Speaking to newsmen on Wednesday, he said, this agreement was held in 2009 and the organisation has failed to initiate the construstion so far. Earlier, this library served the Vizagites with full of knowledge and enlightenment, district authorities has to take action against the organisation which failed to fulfil the lease conditions, he added. For the past few months, various activists made many representations to the district authorities but no one has come forward to take the action. Mr. Sarma pointed out the negligence of the local governing bodies which shows the intimacy relations with this organisation, which belongs to Mr. Ganta Srinivasa Rao, who is now become a Minister in the State Cabinet. If the authorities failed to take action against this organisation, he has no option except to protest in this issue.

Women Cycling

Curtain raiser of 'Women Cycling' in the eve of ‘International Women’s Day’ proposed to be held at 6.30am 8th March2012 by ‘J Creations’ and POSTER release by Shri. B. Ramanjaneyulu (hon’ble Commissioner-GVMC). ‘J CREATIONS’ was established in the year 2001 with its operations spanning all over India. Since its inception, the organization is involved into various fields including ad film making, designing, documentary preparation etc. After the smashing HIT of ‘World Peace Fest’ at 11.11am on 11.11.11 at R.K. Beach, Visakhapatnam, we feel proud to announce that we will be organizing 'Women Cycling' 06.30am on 8th of March, 2012 at Kali Temple, R. K. Beach, a Bicycle Rally with the spirit of UNITY raising awareness through women. Smt. Sharmila Devi (Managing Director of ‘J Creations’) stated that “Women Cycling”, a Bicycle Rally with the spirit of UNITY raising awareness through women, will be organized at 06.30am on 8th of March, 2012 at Kali Temple, R. K. Beach till ‘Victory at Sea’.. She gave a universal call to all women to participate in this noble occasion. The bicycles for participating women will be supplied at the venue itself, she stated. In this connection, the Curtain raiser of “Women Cycling” in the eve of ‘International Women’s Day’ is held at 5pm on 6th of March, 2012 at GVMC. Shri. B. Ramanjaneyulu (hon’ble Commissioner-GVMC) released the FIRST LOOK of the program and the first copy of Program POSTER is issued to Smt. Sharmila Devi (Managing Director of ‘J Creations’). Shri Kolli Jayanthi Babu (Treasurer of ‘J Creations’), Smt. Ammaji, Smt. Daneti Leela Kumari, Dr. P. Sravani (Paediatrician), Ms. Kranthi Das, PRO- Harish Chakra Satish, Marketing Incharge – Shri Anwar and other dignitaries attended the function.

Singapore H-C promises for support

Ms. Karen Tan, Singapore High Commissioner, promised to extend support for development in Vizag. She had visited various Public Sector Industries, tourist places, harbour, etc. Ms. D. Purandheswari Minister of State for Human Resources Development appealed the Singapore High Commissioner to run direct flights to City of Destiny, which will be more beneficial to the NRIs residing at Singapore. As there are a lots of investments made in the Steel City and the adjoining districts, with the help of the Singapore government, the direct flight to Singapore might be useful in bringing in more investments to the north coastal Andhra Pradesh. During the session, district officials, legislators, representatives from IT hubs and Visakhapatnam Air Travellers Association and others were also spoke.

Yachting Championship Concluded at ENC

Eastern Naval Command Yachting championship 2011-12 conducted at Naval Sailing Club, Visakhapatnam by INS Circars from 018 to 05 Mar 12, concluded on Monday, 05 Mar. The Event held in the Triangle Loop Finish Format was contested by the six standard Groups of the Command across eight categories, three each in Officers and in Sailors based on age and rank respectively and one in open category. A total of 70 personnel forming 36 teams participated in the Championship spread over four days.

The Championship was won by the Fleet B Team, which performed consistently across all the categories, ensuring the minimum number of points as required for a win, with 12 points to 15 of the Runners up, the Fleet A Team. Commodore SM Anwer, Commanding Officer, INS Circars was the Chief Guest at the closing ceremony held on 05 Mar 12, and gave away prizes to the Winners.

Accident - Free Steel, A challenge to Steel Industry: RINL CMD

Sri AP Choudhary, CMD, RINL, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant said that “accident-free steel” is a challenge to the steel industry to improve its safety performance to a level where there are no workplace incidents that result in an injury or illness to employees or contract labour. The productivity of the organization is directly linked to its safety performance which in turn will have a huge say on an organization’s profitability. Therefore, a profitable organization calls for a total safety culture which has to become part and parcel of every individual in the organization.

Sri Choudhary was the Chief Guest at the National Safety Day celebrations -2012 held at VSP today. He said that RINL has taken rapid strides in promoting safety in the organization and have the unique distinction of being one of the premier organizations to adopt OHSAS 18001 to improve safety performance and occupational health of its employees, he added. Sri Choudhary thanked Sri D Chandra Sekhar Varma, Joint Chief Inspector of Factories, AP State Govt, for his continuous support and guidance to RINL in achieving excellent safety performance.

The Guest of Honour, Sri D. Chandra Sekhar Varma, JCIF said that organizations would prosper once they implement their safety policies seriously and in an effective manner. He urged that people should act as change agents towards safety which leads to betterment of the organization. He appreciated RINL for showing very positive sign of declining of fatal accidents. Sri Varma advised the organizations to conduct safety awareness programmes under Corporate Social responsibility also. Later he released a CD containing of safety songs prepared by the employees of VSP.

Commissioner made a surprise visit to zone -6 zonal office

GVMC Commissioner made a surprise visit and inspected the various works done at Zonal Office, Vepagunta of Sixth Zone. He made a thorough check of the records maintained by the staff at the office. He ordered the staff to maintain different registers for the buildings based on the plinth area.

Crime Control Action

Mr. J. Purnachandra Rao, Commissioner of Police is keen to reduce the crime rate in the city. More sub Control Police Stations (SCPSs) were inaugarated in the city to by the police in various zones on Saturday. To control chain snachings, eve tease, house looty, etc, these SCPSs will act as sub police station. Mr. Rao, has identified number of busiest locations in the city. Mr. S. Venkata Rao, ACP inaugurated one of the stations in Ramnagar, Mr. Rajendra Kumar, ACP at Bhimili, Mr. Barla Prasad, ACP in Vepagunta junction. Some more centres will be opened in beach road. All these stations will be securing Tagarapuvalasa, Jogudulla palem, Madhurawada, Hanumanthawaka, Gopalapatnam Petrolbunk, Convent junction, etc. CIs Kumaraswami, Tata Rao, Bapuji and others present at the inaugural session.

Sri UP Singh, Joint Secretary (Steel) Inaugurates

Secondary Emission Control System At New Steel Melt Shop

The integrated commissioning activities of 6.3 MTPA expansion project of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant gained further momentum with the inauguration of the Secondary Emission Control System (SECS) at the New Steel melt Shop (SMS-2) today by Sri UP Singh IAS, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Steel by switching on the ID Fan-2 motor. Sri UP Singh complimented the VSP projects collective for completing the erection & advised to expedite commissioning activities in other new units.

Earlier, Sri UP Singh witnessed a Corporate Presentation of RINL and held discussions with the top management. Sri AP Choudhary, CMD gave a brief of the on going progress of the expansion programme.
Sri Umesh Chandra, Director (Operations), Sri P.Madhusudan, Director( Finance), Sri T.K. Chand, Director (Commercial), Sri Y. R. Reddy, Director(Personnel), Sri B. Siddhartha Kumar, IFS, CVO, Sri N.S. Rao, ED (P&C) and other senior officials of VSP, Resident Director, Dastur Co, M/s BHEL and M/s. Bridge & Roof Co were present on the occasion.
The SECS complex is designed to improve the environment for reducing the dust level in the emissions from 3000 mg/N Cu.m to 50 mg/N Cu.m.
SECS Complex houses Pollution control equipment like Gas mixer, 2 nos Electro Static Precipitators (ESP), 3 nos ID fans, Clean gas stack, Pneumatic dust conveying system etc. Hot & dust laden fumes generated at hot metal & Liquid Steel handling areas like LD Converters, Torpedo Reladling Pit, HMDP, Online rinsing, Ladle breaking unit etc are collected through a network of ducting and sent to SECS complex for dust separation and discharge of clean air to atmosphere. This metallurgical dust collected at SECS is recycled in Sinter making process in Sinter Plant.

Inter 2nd year exams begin from Saturday

The annual examinations of first year Intermediate began on Friday. A number of 46,201 students appeared on the first day at 113 cenres in the district. According to the sources, all the necessary arrangements were made for the examinations. Second year examinations will be held from Saturday. So far not much malpractices were registered in any of the centres. The seven flying squards, mobile teams and sitting examiners are examining the process. Police forces are in action to control unwanted incidents at the examination centres. Hall tickets were given to most of the students, except few cases which are also cleared at the eleventh hour. 144 section imposed at all the 113 centres in the district. No electronic instrument was allowed inside during the schedule of the examination.

Demand for special railway zone

The Visakhapatnam Railway Division being the highest revenue generating divisions of Indian Railways was always been neglected in the Annual Railway Budget, said Mr. J R Rama Rao, representative of Uttarandhra Political Forum. Participating at a round table conference organised by UPF at Public Library on Thursday, he mentioned some of major requirements that are essential for Visakhapatnam Division. All the political parties including Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Telugudesam were not at all serious about this issue. He also mentioned about the tragic incidents faced by the candidates when they appear for written test and interviews conducted by East Coast Railway at Bhubaneshwar. He also criticised politicians of Vizag including MPs and Ministers of not showing interest in this matter. He also said that Waltair Division is generating about 3500 crore rupees in a year in various modes, but always been given step motherly treatment. Mr. Appa Rao, Mr. Ramu, Mr. Subbarao, Mr. Anantha Krishna, Ms. Ramadevi, Ms Radhika and others particiapated in the discussion.

New products from expansion of RINL very soon :

Sri AP Choudhary, CMD

A major mile stones was achieved in the new Structural Mill in the expansion project of RINL- Visakhapatnam Steel Plant by launching the supply of water system by Sri AP Choudhary, CMD, RINL today. This marks the commissioning activities of Structural Mill in the 6.3 mtpa of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. The new and modern Structural Mill is being built at an estimated cost of around Rs. 1000 crores and the technology is being provided by M/s Daniel & C. The mill will produce 7,00,000 tons of various types of structurals per annum.

Speaking on the occasion, Sri Choudhary said that products from the new units will be rolled out in the first quarter of the next financial year. He praised the collective of RINL, M/s MN Dastur & Co and other agencies for their sincere efforts in the commissioning of the water system in the mill. The water system plays an important role in the commissioning of structural mill. CMD also reviewed the other expansion units and inspected the works to expedite the early commissioning of the expansion so that production as scheduled will be commenced very soon.

S/Sri Umesh Chandra, Director (Operations) RINL, DK Singh, Commandant, CISF, B Malyadri, GM(Projects)/Mills, VSP, R.Sreenivasulu, DGM©-i/c Structural Mill, resident directors of MN Dastur Co, A.Sivasubbu, R.C.Dalmia, M.Thirumaraiselvan, Senior Resident construction manager, Tata Projects Limited, Danieli & C, GDC, Sunil Hitech Engineers Ltd attended.

Tribals left for Tirumala

In a view to develop belief in Hinduism among the tribals and to stop the religion conversion rate Gurudeva Charitable Trust along with Swamy Swarupananda Saraswati, of Sri Sarada Peetham, Chinamushidiwada sent about 400 tribals to Tirumala hills on Wednesday. Trust is providing them free journey to Tirupati and followed by free darshan at Tirumala hills. Swamiji offered food packets, water bottles to the pilgrims at the Visakhapatnam Railway Station and blessed them. Speaking to the newsmen at Vizag RS, Swamiji said, to restrict conversion and observe self development, the trust has come forward to provide free trip to Tirumala.