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RYTHU RATHAM to boost agri productivity

‘Rythu Ratham’, the scheme to supply tractors to small tractor drawn implements such as rotavators, hydraulic and marginal farmers, is being successfully imple- mould board plough, mulchers, shredders, etc. The Gov- mented across the State. About 6,000 tractors with ap- ernment is of the view that farmers can improve their propriate implements have been distributed on subsidy financial capability by adding the tractor-operated till now. For this, Rs. 125 crore were spent under the equipment. But, as the small and marginal farmers lack Farm Mechanisation Scheme. cash to purchase or hire tractors, the Government has It has been noticed that farm power (the power or the designed the Rythu Radham scheme to tide over the rate of completing a task/operation on a farm ex- problem. pressed as horsepower or kilowatt) is below the na- The Government set itself a target of distributing tional average in Andhra Pradesh. The present farm 20,000 tractors under the scheme. The subsidy allowed power in the State is 1.87 kW/ha while the national av- for 4 WD tractor 35 HP and above with other equip- erage is 2 kW/ha. The Government intends to reach the ment like reversible hydraulic mould board plough, ro- national average. Usage of tractors is expected to tovator, shredder, mulcher, rotopuddler is of Rs 2.5 lakh increase the farm power as the farmers will also use and for 2 WD tractor 35 HP would be Rs 2 lakh. AP Eng May 2018 - ramesh_Layout 1 4/30/2018 5:35 PM Page 3 Downloaded from http://SmartPrep.in

C O N T E N T S

A Fast for the State Literary reminiscences Of 23 Gurazada 6 Continuing his fight for Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu chose to convert his birthday on April 21 into a day of protest.

5 Police Tech-Tower to 15 combat crime CM’s 24 Social Network

Happening Andhra Polavaram fast progressing Various developments across the 32 state of Andhra Pradesh. AP Beckons 16 AP goes Live Happiness 8 with CFMS

Preserving Heritage 26 12 for Posterity New TTD Trust Board 17 Vizag Sworn in Port Plans Amaravati to 13 Big Host Powerboat Ashok Leyland unit Racing 20 set up a unit in AP

AP Non Resident 14 Telugus’ (APNRT) ‘ICON’ic Building 34 Chandranna Pelli Kanuka launched

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ANDHRA PRADESH EDITORIAL Published Monthly In English & Telugu Volume:13 May 2018 Issue:12 Salivahana Era 1940 Commissioner Long Road Ahead S Venkateswar IIS t was an extraordinary step taken in the backdrop of extraordinary Editor circumstances. When Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu chose to under - Ramesh Babu Kandula take day-long fast on his 69th birthday on April 20, it was meant to send across a message of strong protest. The continuing injustice being Executive Editor meted out to Andhra Pradesh - a state still recovering from the ill-effects of Naresh Nunna bIifurcation - received the much-needed attention across the nation as a Assistant Editor result of the rather unusual step taken by the Chief Minister. Cohv eSro Pwamge ya Sruthi A duly elected leader of a state sitting on dharna against the non-coopera - CM’s Dharma Porata Deeksha tion of the Centre is not without precedent. But what differentiates the pub - lic expression of anger by the Chief Minister is the backdrop in which it has Second Cover unfolded. The ruling TDP has been a reliable ally of the NDA that came to Rythu Ratham Scheme power with hopes raised high. The Chief Minister has been a strong sup - Third Cover porter of many not-so-popular decisions taken by the Centre in a bid to Month in Pics create a positive synergy. But all that came to naught because of the strangely antagonistic attitude of the Centre in honouring the promises Fourth Cover APIIC advt. made to the state in the wake of unscientific division of the united AP. Four precious years have passed by without the Centre rolling out any of the major initiatives enunciated in the AP Reorganisation Act. Few chief ministers would have visited Delhi as many times as the CM did during this period. And Published by: fewer would have had followed up with the central leadership as persistently Information & Public Relations as he did on various issues pending before national government. Department With hopes belied on the one hand, and politically suspicious overtures being Government of Andhra Pradesh made on the other, the ruling TDP snapped ties with NDA, and launched an Hyderabad - 500 028 unhinged broadside in support of the state's rights. Some might consider Ph: 040-23300258 the scathing attack launched against the Centre too hot for a state to handle. But the fact is that unless the bluff is called at least now, the state stands to Views expressed by various lose heavily in the long run. authors in this issue reflect their The loss if any as a result of this face-off is expected to befall the Chief personal opinions. Minister and his party; but all the gain would be for the State of Andhra Pradesh. All the more reason why the Chief Minister needs the unconditional Design support of the people, for whose future this protracted struggle has been Karthik Beesu undertaken in the first place. Time to close ranks, and to show unity in the cause of Andhra Pradesh and Photos: its future. T.Srinivasa Reddy, Vijayawada Printed at Caxton Offset Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad Each Issue : Rs 20/- Annual Subscription : Rs 220/- Email: [email protected] Ramesh Kandula www.ipr.ap.nic.in Editor Ramesh Babu Kandula M/s Caxton Offset Pvt. Ltd

Printed and Published by on behalf of Director/Commissioner, Information and Public Relations Dept.; Printed at ., 11.5.416/3, Red Hills, Hyderabad - 500 004; Published at Office of Director/Commissioner , 4 I&PR Dept, Govt of Andhra Pradesh, Samachar Bhavan, AC Guards, Hyderabad - 500028. Editor: Ramesh Babu Kandula. MAY 2018 Ph: 040-23300258. AP Eng May 2018 - ramesh_Layout 1 4/30/2018 4:40 PM Page 5 Downloaded from http://SmartPrep.in

POLAVARAM fast progressing The Chief Minister inspecting the works at Polavaram project site.

espite the problems with the Centre, the pace ment package has almost doubled in the last four of works at prestigious Polavaram Project years," Naidu said after the inspection. would not suffer in any way, Chief Minister "Out of the different elements of the project, the most Chandrababu Naidu made it clear. The CM during his progress was seen in the construction of the regular visit - the 57th review of the project - to the diaphragm wall," said Naidu. Overall, 2.29 lakh cubic site said that the Polavaram Irrigation Project has metres of earthwork was excavated for the spill chan- reached an overall progress of 52.2%. This includes nel, pilot channel, spillway, left bank and approach the head works, the Right Main Canal and the Left channel. Main Canal. The Chief Minister inspected the ongoing Meanwhile, among the 53 priority projects, works including the diaphragm wall and the spillway Pulakurthy Lift Irrigation Scheme and the Adavipalli channel. Reservoir, which is a part of the HNSS Phase 2, will be Naidu instructed officials to shoot off letters to Union completed soon. Minister of Water Resources Nitin Gadkari and Union As suggested by the Chief Minister, the Government is Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, requesting for faster making arrangements for the people of the state to distribution of funds for the irrigation project. “witness history” by visiting the Polavaram project In light of the ongoing Rehabilitation and Resettle- site. According to Water Resources Minister Devineni mentD (R&R) projects, officials said that this amount Umamaheswara Rao, special buses will be arranged will help in achieving the targets. Out of the 45 pro- for students, farmers, faculty members of colleges, posed colonies for 16,687 houses, work has started writers, poets and mediapersons everyday from May on 38 of them and is yet to begin on 7 colonies. Offi- from all the mandal headquarters for transporting cials also informed the Chief Minister that 15 colonies interested people to the project site. for Rehabilitation and Resettlement of 3,348 dis- The Water Resources department had submitted a placed families have been constructed in East and proposal at an estimated cost of Rs 22.5 crore for the West Godavari districts. same, and got an approval from the Finance Ministry. Stating that the Government would submit the sec- Secretary of the department Shashi Bhushan Kumar ond part of the detailed estimates soon, Naidu said also issued guidelines for the daily bus tours and v that the Centre had to release Rs 55,000 crore. directed the superintending engineers of the depart- MAY 2018 "The Centre had agreed to give Rs 22,000 crore but ment to make the necessary arrangements for the more is required as the Rehabilitation and Resettle- same. 5 AP Eng May 2018 - ramesh_Layout 1 4/30/2018 3:07 PM Page 6 Downloaded from http://SmartPrep.in

Continuing his fight for Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu chose to convert his birthday on April 20 into a day of protest.

been denied its right to the Special Category Status after state bifurcation, It was an unusual step for the Chief Minister to take up on his birthday to deal with an unusual situation facing the fledgling state. Instead of spending his time with family, Naidu decided to stage a one-day protest on behalf of five crore people of the State to safeguard their interests. At 7 a.m, Chandrababu Naidu walked into the Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium to begin his hunger strike, even as people from all walks of life were seen marching towards the stadium to participate in the Deeksha. After offering floral tributes to the portraits of Mahatma Gandhi, Potti Sriramulu, Jyothi Rao Phule and BR Ambed- kar, he came onto the dais. He was blessed by priests from Tirumala temple, Kanaka Durga temple, and priests from Islam, Christian, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain communities. The 68-year-old Chandrababu Naidu, known for his frugal diet and disciplined lifestyle, sat silently during his 12- hour fast in the scorching heat of Vijayawada summer. The stadium was full of people including party leaders and activists, members of different organisations, stu- dents, employees and women who came to support his Deeksha, holding placards with slogans demanding imple- mentation of the provisions of the AP Reorganisation Act. Huge tents were erected on the premises to provide shade from the sweltering heat. A Fast “We have come here to support our Chief Minister's day- long fast as part of his fight against the Central govern- ment for the Special Category Status (SCS) which will ensure a better future for us,” P Naveen, a student from Narayana Junior College in Vijayawada was quoted as say- FOR THE STATE ing by New Indian Express. Apart from students, youth, women, artistes, elderly peo- ple and the differently-abled extended their support to the Chief Minister, who acknowledged their greetings with a smile. Many people vied with one another to take he Dharma Porata Deeksha of Chief Minister N selfies with him. Chandrababu Naidu in Vijayawada on the occa- D Pawani, a teacher undergoing training at DIET in Kr- sion of his birthday further strengthened the ishna district, said that she, along with several others, had movement for justice to the state. The discontent come to participate in the agitation feeling that it was her that is brewing among people over the Central govern- responsibility. Like her, many others extended support to ment’s failure to meet its commitments to Andhra the Chief Minister's fast. A steady flow of supporters was 6 Pradesh was evident at Chief Minister’s 12-hour fast, witnessed throughout the day. A queue line and Ma rAaYm 2p018 taken up demanding justice to Andhra Pradesh which has were arranged in front of the dais for free movement of

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While concluding his day-long fast, the Chief Minister appealed to the people to be ready and united to face the Centre if it resorted to vindictive measures against the State in the days to come

Support pours in scathing attack against Prime Minis- Appreciate the efforts of all those on his birthday and extended his sup- ter Narendra Modi. In a speech who joined me at the protest today, port to the demands of Andhra mixed with Telugu and Hindi, Bal- crossing all barriers of age, gender, Pradesh. He tweeted: Sir you have akrishna said rebellion was over and caste & creed. As I conclude my fast, I chosen your birthday to go on a fast am grateful to everyone who bore for your state. I cant greet you with it was time for war. “Andhra Pradesh the immense heat & supported the the regular many happy returns of is not your fiefdom like Gujarat cause we are fighting for. – Chief Min- this day, but I can wish you success in where you can do what you like,” he ister Chandrababu Naidu your demand for the returns your said caustically. A steady stream of Responding to Prime Minister Naren- state expects for your investment to people from all walks of life met the dra Modi’s birthday wishes, the Chief the country @ncbn Chief Minister, wished him on his Minister tweeted: Thank you very West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata birthday and extended support to his much for the greetings. I have just Bannerji also gave her support, Deeksha. The police and govern- concluded my 1 day fast, Dharma Po- tweeting: We extend support to ment officials were engaged in coor- rata Deeksha, demanding justice for 5 Andhra Pradesh CM, Chandrababu Longdinating Struggle and regulating Ahead the flow of crore people of Andhra Pradesh. Naidu @ncbn, for his one-day Hunger supporters. Cultural programmes Actor Kamal Hassan wished the CM Strike for the 5 crore people of AP were performed on another dais.

While concluding his day-long fast, the Chief Minister appealed to the people to be ready and united to face supporters. Speakers from various forts to secure the SCS in a peaceful the Centre if it resorted to vindictive organizations and associations criti- manner. Veteran journalist Turlapati measures against the State in the cised the failure of the centre to hon- Kutumba Rao said he saw in Naidu days to come, especially after the our the promises made to the state. the fighting qualities of Tanguturi Assembly elections in Karnataka in They extended support to Chan- Prakasam Pantulu. Film personality may. He termed his protest, drababu Naidu in his relentless Tammareddy Bharadwaja, chess christened the Dharma Porata struggle against the Central Govern- grandmaster Koneru Humpy were Deeksha, as just the beginning in the ment. Pavuluri Siva Ramakrishna, a among a host of personalities who long struggle ahead to ensure justice 96-year-old freedom fighter who ini- threw their weight behind the CM. to the State. tiated CM into the hunger strike, Hindupur MLA and film actor Nan- “I never thought I will have to take praised him for making relentless ef- damuri Balakrishna launched a up a Deeksha like this on my birth- day... but am very proud today for having done so. It’s my responsibility to fight for the good of the State,” he said and expressed happiness over the participation of people from dif- ferent walks of life and organisations in the protest programme. Dwelling at length on the failure of the Modi government in fulfilling poll prom- ises as well as implementing provi- sions in the AP Reorganisation Act, Naidu reiterated his oft-repeated fear that the Modi Sarkar may target the State to take revenge on the TDP for exiting the NDA. “They may tar- get the State after the Karnataka elections... the attack may come in any form... even by way of attacks on MAY 2018 individuals,” he claimed, hinting that7 the Centre may slap cases on TDP AP Eng May 2018 - ramesh_Layout 1 4/30/2018 4:40 PM Page 8 Downloaded from http://SmartPrep.in

HAPPY CITIES SUMMIT: AMARAVATI 2018

leaders and urged the people to rebuff any just attempts.In the same breath, Naidu as- serted that he was not afraid and would not tolerate if the Centre tried to weaken the State government like it has done in the neighbouring Tamil Nadu.He recalled Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar’s reported com- ments that the Centre had helped the State in the belief that the TDP would remain in the NDA and sought to know whose money was given to the State. Listing the assur- ances given by the BJP in the run-up to the 2014 elections, he explained threadbare how it had failed to keep its word. In this context, he explained in detail why the TDP had waited for four years to exit the NDA.“I visited Delhi 29 AP BECKONS HAPPINESS times and told them that they were betraying the State by colluding with the YSR Con- The Summit brought together the experts in the global urban gress. They tried to keep us landscape such as designers, planners, city leaders, industry and under their control much like entrepreneurs to discuss and share best practices, innovations they did in Tamil Nadu. They and ideas for Amaravati. instigated the YSRC and se- cured that party’s support in the presidential elections. Since no justice was done to State even after four budgets, our Union ministers resigned. ity means people, not roads the beginning is the direct involvement Even then, we gave them one and buildings or canals and of people. The three-day summit more opportunity... we sand. The `Happy Cities Sum- adopted a resolution in consonance wanted to solve the issues by mit: Amaravati 2018’ provided with this, declaring that people’s remaining in the NDA. Even a gentle reminder to this. The inaugu- involvement should be followed uni- then they didn’t respond ral edition of the annual global event versally since people formed the basis positively. It was then that we on urban innovation was held at the CK for progress and plans, making up any had to move a no-confidence Convention Centre in Mangalagiri of happy city. motion and walk out of NDA,” Guntur district from April 10 to 12, he recalled while referring to The new Andhra Pradesh is not only 2018. The new capital of Andhra queries raised by the vying with developing nations with Pradesh coming up at Amaravati under Opposition as to why the TDP respect to happiness index, but the the leadership of Chief Minister Chief Minister is also taking measures had been mum for four yearvs despite the Centre’s in Chandrababu Naidu, is all set to bear to ensure that every government difference. this point and proclaim that happiness department worked towards achieving 8 beckons community. people’s happiness. He has evMenA cYr e2-018 The basis for creating Amaravati from ated a separate ministry for this pur- C AP Eng May 2018 - ramesh_Layout 1 4/30/2018 3:07 PM Page 9 Downloaded from http://SmartPrep.in

pose, and is leading from the front to achieve growth of make it a vibrant, inclusive and ‘happy’ public space. happiness index. Besides, there were focused workshops for experience The theme of the summit was 'Urban Transformation to sharing and skill building, and a roundtable with city Global Living' and the programme helped the cities to be leaders. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated Uniquetruly people-centric, platform a principle that the State govern- the summit and on the opening day founder of Isha ment had embedded in the design of Amaravati since its Foundation Satguru Jaggi Vasudev spoke on `How to lead inception. a happy life’ Over 100 delegates from as many as 27 countries including the USA, Finland, the UK, Singapore, Japan, UAE, Bhutan, Costa Rica, Columbia, Tanzania Is- Happy Cities Summit was used as a platform to adopt the rael, and Spain attended the summit. best global practices in making Andhra Pradesh a happy The summit focused on progress in developing nations, State. The summit showcased the potential of the State, challenges faced by newly formed cities and the steps to particularly Amaravati. overcomePeople all them, the clean way and hygienic environs, vibrant Said the Chief Minister: Amaravati, which is the symbol economy, livable conditions, sustainable development of pride and culture of the people of the State, should fig- and other aspects. ure among the top five best cities in the world. The sum- mit should be a platform for exchange of innovative ideas to make the capital and the State an international bench- The Chief Minister has made the people partners in Ama- mark for citizen happiness index. ravati not just by way of payment of compensation or The Summit brought together the experts in the global sale deeds, but through landpooling. The farmers, urban landscape such as designers, planners, city lead- amazed at visionary’s goals, voluntarily handed over ers, industry and entrepreneurs to discuss and share their lands to etch a new chapter in history. best practices, innovations and ideas for Amaravati. According to the Chief Minister, people’s partnership Panel discussions with global experts, a pitch competi- does not mean sharing the ordeal but improving people’s tion to identify cutting-edge urban innovations, a happiness index. And in a bid to estimate its status, hackathon where citizens redesign public spaces were Andhra Pradesh competed with world nations in Happi- among the many events organized during the summit. In ness Index survey and secured a good rank. That was the fact, the state government, in partnership with Andhra reason why the Happy Cities Summit was hosted by the

Nature is a design

Pradesh Innovation Society (APIS) and Dalberg Advisors, State. launched the ‘Happy City Hackathon’, a unique event to MAY 2018which school and college students of the state were in- 9 vited to re-imagine the Punnami Ghat near Vijayawada to The Chief Minister’s tete-e-tete in the open with Satguru AP Eng May 2018 - ramesh_Layout 1 4/30/2018 3:07 PM Page 10 Downloaded from http://SmartPrep.in

Jaggi Vasudev, regaled the audience. The satguru nar- Ramakrishna Rao who with the help of a slide show ex- rated some of the experiences of his life. Eating alone plained how Amaravati was being developed into a cannot ensure good health and the body has to be taken Happy City. proper care of, he pointed out. Similarly, all care should The speakers disclosed that the exercise on happiness be taken while constructing happy cites, smart cities and was already on in the US and the UK for the past decade livable cities, he explained. Chandrababu Naidu had or so and though the GDP there had doubled between given to the nation Cyberabad in Hyderabad and Amara- 1973 and 2000, the happiness index did not rise. Accord- vati is his second city in the making, he stated and ex- ing to them, India is placed 133th among 155 countries uded confidence that the Chief Minister would meet in the Happiness Index. India was in 122nd position last success in the endeavour. year. However, it has dropped from there at present. In the panel discussion on `21st Century Cities: Ease of India and China posed psychological problems to the Living’, Ku Teng Che (Singapore), Peter Westerbaka (Fin- world due to the vast rich-poor divide in both the coun- land), M. Sinha (UK), Julie Rusk, Jean Wiseman, John tries. And in India, 70 per cent of the economic develop- mentMeaningful was cornered deliberations by the rich who accounted to just one per cent of the population, depriving happiness to the majority, they said.

Delegates from the countries which topped the Happi- ness Index, like Finland, the UK, the US, Bhutan, Colum- bia and Costa Rica who attended, explained how happiness is measured in their respective countries. The steps taken by them to improve HI made interesting ob- servation. It is laudable that Finland, acclaimed as the Visualbest in the treat realm of education, has come forward to set up a university in Amaravati with about 50,000 boys and girls.

Boyd (USA), Guy Perry (Dubai), Anibal Gaveria (Colum- The Amaravati Pavilion set up by the CRDA with 3D bia), Bharat Visweswaraya, Aswin Mahesh, and Director designs at the premises was a big draw at the summit. of Municipal Administration Kannababu took part and The different designs of Government complex, High aired their views. Court, Secretariat, Legislative Assembly and quarters for Mayor of Gelepse city of Bhutan Tikaram Kafe said Heads of Departments and MLAs separately were on Bhutan gave more importance to gross happiness index Novelshow. A ideas3D presentation was made on the LED screens than gross domestic product (GDP). It provided free on how Amaravati capital would look like in the future health and educational facilities for all and greenery through visuals. formed 70 per cent of the land. There was a rule im- posed that it did not come down to 60 per cent, he re- Whatvealed. Ministersis happiness? Pattipati Pulla Rao, P. Narayana, Nakka The response to the call of the CRDA inviting ideas to Anand Babu, Devineni Uma andMLA Sravan Kumar at- make Amaravati a happy and most livable city, was over- tended the session. whelming. The CRDA conducted a Pitch Contest which attracted 125 entries. After the preliminary rounds, 12 institutions were identified, their representatives asked The summit also discussed at length the parameters for to furnish ideas. A ten-member jury examined their pro- making people happy in the cities. Intelligentsia narrated posals. Meta Verne Systems of Singapore, Wallet EZ Serv- their own experiences and gave facts and figures through ices, Easy Give, and Recity Network of India, SEAB PowerPoint presentations. Representatives of organiza- Energy of the UK, Asia Initiative of the USA and others poured their ideas and explained the models. The five 10 tions selected for the Pitch contest, gave their presenta- MAY 2018 tions before the jury. On the second day, the proceedings best ideas among them will be awarded cash prizes and began with a presentation by AP CRDA Planning Director the CRDA also reached MoUs with some of the organiza- AP Eng May 2018 - ramesh_Layout 1 4/30/2018 3:07 PM Page 11 Downloaded from http://SmartPrep.in

Award for Amaravati Electric vehicles tions. gates who were amazed at the beautifully designed new capital city.

Indian Green Building Council expressed happiness that top priority is being accorded to GreenBlue in the con- Manufacturers of newly designed electric cars and bikes struction of capital Amaravati. The council, after examin- displayed them at the summit. Mahindra’s battery oper- ing the Amaravati designs, already awarded a platinum ated cars, Gold Stone Infratech’s electric bus under `Build rating. The award was given away to Chief Minister Your Dreams’, and two bikes of Evera New and Renew- Chandrababau Naidu and CRDA Commissioner able Energy Motor Car Tech Private Ltd., were show- CapitalCherukuri Trust Sridhar during the summit. It is noteworthy cased. These can travel at 60 kmph to 120 kmph speed that IGBC chairman Dr. Prem C Jain attended the summit without using a drop of petrol or diesel. While the cost of to present the award in person. buses like Volvo is over Rs. One crore, the electic bus costs about Rs.3 crore. People can travel in the bus for 300 km non-stop by charging for four hours, consuming CRDA Planning Director Ramakrishna Rao said that only 100 units. Mahindra has manufactured e-Varity starting with selection of the Capital, the people were Sixelectric point cars formula which cost Rs.12.5 lakh and when charged made partners to every programme implemented so far. for eight –and-a-half hours using 14 units, can travel up The policies were framed in accordance with their to 140 km at speeds of about 80 kmph. wishes which is why the people in the capital believed in the CRDA. “Under the landpooling scheme, we took 34,000 acres from over 27,000 farmers and so far dis- The Happy Cities International Summit came out with a tributed more than 60,000 plots without raising any ob- six-point formula on the final day for achieving the goal jections,” he points out. under Administration, Built Environment, Natural Envi- Also, 29 villages in the capital region were connected and ronment, Economy-Livelihoods, Culture Community and efforts were on towards rise in the standard of living of Physical-Mental Well-being. the people there. A 22 km river front, 52 km. fresh water The Government has to ensure under Administration canals with blue network are being set up. Townships that all groups in the society lived in harmony, awareness comprising four cyberhoods are being created with of the government policies from time to time and peo- every township provided with all the necessary infra- ple’s involvement in planning and their implementation. Brochurestructural facilities on Amaravati and amenities, he says, and hopes Built Environment will strike the right balance to create that about 35 lakh would be able to live comfortably the atmosphere for people to lead quality happy life there in the near future. while the Natural Environment involves providing clean and green atmosphere, with people involved in protec- tion of the environs. The Chief Minister released a brochure brought out by Under Economy-Livelihood, guaranteed employment the Special secretary to the Government Ajay Jain during and enriching culture along with wealth and tapping the the Happy Cities International Summit. Satguru Jaggi Va- talent for creativity will be taken up. Unity in diversity, sudev handed over the brochures to the foreign dele- healthy habits and physical exercise leading to content- ment are practiced which automatically help achieve the goal. The Chief Minister during his valedictory address said unpolluted cities alone could provide happiness and assured the people that all the resolutions of the summit would be implemented full. Municipal Administration and Urban Development minister P. Narayana said build- ing a new capital itself was a big challenge and there was need to find ways and means to turn them into happy cities. Several foreign delegates spoke and the Chief Min-v ister gave away certificates to winners of quiz contest. A MAY 2018 Rythulaku Vandanam poster and a book on land-pooling11 were also released on the occasion. AP Eng May 2018 - ramesh_Layout 1 4/30/2018 3:07 PM Page 12 Downloaded from http://SmartPrep.in

A view of Kondapalli Fort. Preserving Heritage for Posterity Kondapalli Utsav

The Andhra Pradesh State government organised ‘Kondapalli Utsav’ for three- days starting April 5, to propogate and celebrate the rich heritage, language, culture and tradition of the Telugu people.

ndhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu guage and an influencing culture. Telugu’s origin, signifi- Naidu declared the year 2018 be celebrated cance, and literature were widely debated on the finale. as the year of ‘Telugu Language Protection The event concluded with a group of learned scholars and Promotion Year’. Taking cue from it, the and Telugu enthusiasts taking part in formulating con- department of Creativity and Culture Com- crete steps for the development and widespread of the mission of the State, in association with government has Telugu language and its culture. organised a three-day ‘Kondapalli Utsav’ from April 5, This utsav is also an attempt to inculcate knowledge of coinciding with the take over of Kondapalli by Vijayana- the language among younger generation, who otherwise gara empire, which happened after a three-month long would overlook it as just another subject for scoring battle involving the king Sri Krishnadevarayalu. marks. The feeling of nativity has to be instilled among Fete was organised to propogate and celebrate the rich them, asserted the delegates. heritage, language, culture and tradition of the Telugu Andhra Pradesh Chief Executive Officer D Vijay Bhaskar people. The utsav is marked by several cultural, literal said the event was proposed so as promoting the and traditional events that coincided with the theme language at international level and it is need of the hour ‘2018-Telugu language Protection and Promotion year’, to assess the direction of its growth in accordance with as coined by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. modern times. Heritage site Kondapalli khilla served as the backdrop to “These workshops would also strive for creating aware- this prestigious utsav that saw many a prominent peo- ness among the public about the language and its ple from the feilds of culture, literature, dance, art, and history. Efforts will be made to popularise the language history together; taking part in seminars, workshops without losing its nativity to the modern younger gener- and cultural events. The legacy of Kondapalli added to ation, he said.” Minister for Water Resources Devineni the event’s purpose and charm. Uma Maheswara Rao and Deputy Speaker Mandali Bud- v On the first and second days of the utsav, Telugu’s his- dha Prasad attended the event as chief guests. tory and eminence was talked about. Scholars and 12 researchers discussed achievements of Telugu as a lan- MAY 2018 A AP Eng May 2018 - ramesh_Layout 1 4/30/2018 3:07 PM Page 13 Downloaded from http://SmartPrep.in

Returns India after 14 years Amaravati toPower Host boat Racing

F1H20 World Championship Schedule

Place Venue Date

Portugal Portiamo May18-20 UK London June15-17 France Avion June29-July1 China Harbin August24-26 China Loizou Sept 29-Oct 1 India Amaravati November22-24 UAE Abu Dhabi December6-8 UAE Sharjah December13-15 mega event by pulling out all stops. This world powerboat racing championship is going to be held in 8 major cities across the world- viz. Lon- don, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah etc. Each round was held in one city of the countries. After 2004, there was never another chance for this championship to be held in apital Amaravati is all set to host the UIM World class facilities the country and after 14 years, Amaravati was se- Formula 1 Powerboat racing (F1H2O) World lected to host one round of the championship. Championship. After coming to India for the first time since 2004, where the first race was held at Mumbai, Amaravati is now set to host the prestigious championship in the coming month of Meanwhile, State Tourism department has geared up November on river Krishna at Bhavani Island. drawing out plans to put in place elaborate arrange- The F1H2O Championship is a famous water sport ments for the championship, under the leadership of event that takes place every year. This year the cham- Minister B Akhilapriya. Besides providing amenities, pionship will begin in Portugal on May 18 and ends focus is laid on improving the quality of accommoda- on December 15 at Sharjah. The events to take place tion at hotels and resorts, sanitation and hygiene; in Amaravati will be held between November 22 and special interest would be on making sure there is 24. International guests, participants are expected to sumptuous food available throughout. To cater to throng the region in big numbers. diverse visitors and participants from around the world, a round the clock food court has been pro- Amaravati is being lauded as the best place for exten- posed. Multi-cuisine food will be available for the sive scope for water-based activity and tourism. As visitors. many as seven locations alongside the river are going to be developed into hot shot water sports centers. “The F1H2O championship is really a prestigious Diverse water sports activities will be available to event and we are proud to host it in Amaravati for the public — from Jetski, speed boat, kayaking, river first time. After 2004, Amaravati is selected as the cruise to special rides like zorbing at these places. host to one of the racing events and we are thrilled Hosting an international event as such would only el- about it. The event will entertain the audience with evate the capital city’s status by another step. With its uniqueness as there will be boats that run at a v great opportunity at hand, the State government as speed of 300km per hour. With great footing from MAY 2018 well as the Tourism Development Corporation are in Chief Minister, we are putting out efforts to host this13 Cno mood to look back and are sprucing up for the event flawlessly,” said the Tourism Minister. AP Eng May 2018 - ramesh_Layout 1 4/30/2018 3:07 PM Page 14 Downloaded from http://SmartPrep.in

AP Non Resident Telugus’ (APNRT) ‘ICON ’ic Building

The Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (AP-NRTS), which is headed by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, unveiled a grand plan of constructing a 27- floor iconic building in the emerging capital city of Amaravati in the coming few years.

Icon is envisioned as an exemplary structure in the capital city and being designed to be the home to multiple blue chip companies. It is ex - pected to bring between 2000 - 3000 high wage em - ployees to our capital Amaravati. These jobs will bring the much needed spending capacity, flair and interna - NtionaRl dTyna’ms ics to the people’s capital and is an at - tractive investment opportunity for buyers from all over the world. It will house offices of 50 companies floated by Non-Resident Indians. The investor would get an opportunity to park their funds into a real property in a sunrise city, with mini - mal risk for their investment. Apart from being an dent Telugu Affairs and Investments and CEO, APNRT iconic structure being invested into, the property is a number of companies were expected to arrive to guaranteed to appreciate due to the involvement of Amaravati where space has been earmarked for a 27- Andhra Pradesh Government and APNRT (Andhra storeyed IT Tower. Not just small and medium compa - Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu) Society, who are the nies but big ones like Microsoft and HCL have shown promoters of the project. AP Government in the form interest, thanks to some aggressive promotion by the of APNRT Society is the promoter and developer of Chief Minister. While the Capital Region Development this venture. APNRTS's objectives are to handhold and Authority (CRDA) allocated 4.6 acres of land for the assist the investors for their ease in setting up compa - building, the APNRTS felt that 10 acres of land is re - nies and smooth functioning. quired for the building and sought Chief Minister to al - The APNRTS iconic building to come up in the shape of locate the remaining land, for which the latter assured English letter ‘A’ (Denoting Amaravati) will have a consideration. digital globe at the center. Approving the design of The ICON prject will have offices of 50 companies APNRTS iconic building coming up in Amaravati, the floated by NRIs, including a fair number of NRT enti - Chief Minister suggested that APNRT Society encour - ties, a revolving restaurant and other state-of-the-art age the non-resident Andhras (NRAs) in taking part in facilities targeted at business visitors and touMriAstYs .2 T0h1e 8 14 the State development and welfare programmes. Ravi project will be almost entirely funded by NRTs though Kumar Vemuri, Advisor to AP Government, Non-Resi - the NRTS was formed by AP government, NRTS CEO AP Eng May 2018 - ramesh_Layout 1 4/30/2018 3:07 PM Page 15 Downloaded from http://SmartPrep.in

Police Tech-Tower to combat crime

Ravi Kumar Vemuru was quoted saying. NRT’s ICON is the first direct investment project of APNRT Society. To the already existing 32 Information Technology (IT) companies they brought to the State, an- other 21 companies are going to dot the capital city, very soon. While there are 3090 employees currently, the newly launched companies are expected to in- crease employment to another 3300 eli- gible candidates from the State. Police Tech Tower at Mangalagiri. Apart from setting up the IT companies, the APNRTS also played a crucial role behind the decision of moving Hyder- abad-based micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to set up their ndhra Pradesh police have now access to technology to tackle units in Veerapanenigudem of Krishna crime. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on April 12 inaugu- district. As many as 75 such units will rated ‘Andhra Pradesh Tech Tower’ constructed at a cost of Rs 18 shift their base, soon. Heeding to the re- Crore at AP Police DGP office near Amaravati. The new tech tower will quests made by the executive council of accommodate Tech services wing, AP Forensic Science Lab, Octopus, Po- APNRTS in establishment of IT compa- lice Recruitment Board, Police Communication Organizations, Standard- nies, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu isation, Police Housing Corporation and Police Transport organization. directed the concerned officials to allo- Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister stressed that incorporating cate necessary office space for setting up technology in all spheres of life will elevate functioning and yield faster IT companies. MSRCosmos, Adept IT So- results with accuracy. The AP tech tower is built with an aim to combat lutions, Horizon IT, Advance Software, crime with the best available technology and world class modern equip- Intellisoft, Intelli Asia, Timesquare IT ment. Technology can aid in efficient policing, he said. The Chief Minis- and Accel IT are a few of the companies ter announced that as many as 80 trained professionals would be that started working from Autonagar, Vi- appointed for strengthening the cyber security wing and a modern jayawada. forensic science lab would be developed in the tower. Police academy “Our relentless efforts in creating a would be set up either at Anantapur or Vijayawada, he disclosed, while proper IT ecosystem through innovative referringA to the already under construction 35 modern police stations, policy initiatives and providing best of he said. accommodation is bearing fruits now,” CM expressed concern about cyber security emerging as the biggest said Ravi Kumar Vemuru. Chief Minister concern and elaborated on his plans to effectively put to use the equip- also congratulated 107 members of the ment in Tech Tower. “I have asked the police to release monthly crime APNRT Society, who spent `9 crore for bulletins for the public to discuss crime trends. The department should development of smart villages. conduct crime review every month and look for aspects that help re- All non-Andhra Pradesh residents living duceTech the Tower rate,” Naidu said. Andhra Pradesh DGP M Malakondiah said the in other parts of the world can register, Tech Tower would help then in the administration and simplifies the join and explore opportunities of invest- process of investigations. ments through NRT. There are about 30 lakh NRTs across the globe and the or- ganization is mulling steps to increase The state-of-the-art Tech tower was initially estimated to be built with its membership. It has felicitated the Rs 10.67 Crore but by the time of inauguration, the expenditure shot up signing of MoUs by 76 companies with and amounted to Rs 18 Crore. Tech Tower is spread across an area of v v the Government of Andhra Pradesh and 5000 square meters in APSP’s 6th Battalion at Mangalagiri. The four- storeyed building has each floor measuring upto 8525 square feet mak- MAY 2018was in touch with more firms keen on in- vesting in the Sunrise State. ing it a total of 34,100 square feet. 15 AP Eng May 2018 - ramesh_Layout 1 4/30/2018 3:07 PM Page 16 Downloaded from http://SmartPrep.in

AP goes Live with CFMS A Pioneering Project to Integrate Financial Operations

AP’s CFMS project is the first of its kind in the country and has all the financial operations integrated. The new system would help achieve pa- perless transactions across counters.

M Chandrababu Naidu launched the prestigious bAepenp sm Ladaeu fnocr htheed S tfaoter aDs epparatr otfm theen ptrsoject. Special Comprehensive Financial Management System Chief Secretary LV Subramanyam said CFMS would put (CFMS) on April 2. The successful implementa- an end to all the hurdles in financial operations. tion of CFMS by the State will become a model for the entire country, he said. Speaking on the occasion, Naidu said that establishment On April 12, the e-Pragati Portal launched 8 services on of a proper system would make understanding the Rev- the core platform for the departments - Panchayat Raj, enue and Finance Departments easy. He cited the diffi- Roads and Buildings, School Education, Intermediate culties he had faced with the complexity of the Education, Agriculture Marketing and Real Estate Regu- departments while serving as a minister for finance in lation and Development Act (RERA). Concerned apps the past. “At that time there was one Subba Rao in the are launched to digitize services in these departments. Revenue Department who dealt with revenue records. The completely developed portal will render services in In his absence, no one in the office could understand the certificate-less government system, including them. Now, even common public can understand the marriage certificate, online soil health cards, caste revenue records due to technology and reforms,” Naidu certificate and digi-locker to name a few. said. CM appreciated Principal Secretary of Revenue M In the School Education department, online registration Ravi Chandra and his team for coming up with the proj- to recognise educational institutions and applications ect. “With the SAP’s technology, we are going forward in for establishment of new technical institutions are cur- CFMS,” he asserted. rently being developed. In addition, the Complete Stu- With CFMS, the State would be able to generate revenue dent Life Cycle Management will be ready for launch, aHnedl pexsp aencdhiieturvee r epcaeippetsr wleisths at rtoauncsha ocft aio bnutston and digitising all procedures of a student-life, including ad- also help the 42,000 drawing and disbursement officers missions, certificates, examination management and (DDOs) across the State work effectively. hostel management. Other services in this domain include the uberisation of tutors, tutorials and content, the delivery of scholar- Chandrababu further said that State’s CFMS project was ships, benefits and loan management and the upskilling the first of its kind in the country and had all the finan- and capacity building of teachers. To assess the produc- cial operations integrated with it. It would also help tivity and progress of digital transformation, officials achieve paperless transactions across counters. Integra- presented the parameters: single access, omni-channel, tion and implementation of CFMS, e-Office and e-Pragati single source of truth, minimal clicks, rendering of serv- would put Andhra Pradesh in a special spot in the ices and improved productivity. world. Chief Minister, whilst reviewing the progress of e-pra- Speaking about CFMS, Ravi Chandra said digital initia- gati at the grievance cell near his residence said that of- tives taken up by the RBI, the SBI, GSTN and other agen- ficials should adapt features of the index created by NIvTI cies helped the CFMS project, though it was difficult Aayog and come up with a practical model to assess the 16 initially. Advisor (IT) to Government J Satyanarayana digital transformation of the Andhra Pradesh GMoAveYr n2-018 said that special software for financial operations had ment. AP Eng May 2018 - ramesh_Layout 1 4/30/2018 3:07 PM Page 17 Downloaded from http://SmartPrep.in

Municipal Jr College students New TTD Trust excel in Intermediate results Board Sworn in Minister Narayana addressing the press.

Putta Sudhakar Yadav

he students of Nellore Mu- A special curriculum has been nicipal Residential Junior planned for classes 1-5 for introduc- College, who appeared for ing IIT course and laying foundation utta Sudhakar Yadav was sworn in the first year intermediate for the same in schools as well. Ad- as chairman of the TTD Trust examinations, have come out with mission procedures are all in place Board. Yadav’s appointment comes tremendous performance. A few stu- and seats were filled up to the neck in a year after the expiry of the term of the dents have been given training in the most of the schools for the following previous board led by Ch. Krishnamurthy, IIT Foundation course by the initia- academic year. The State is commit- in which he had served as a member. tive of Minister P Narayana, at the col- ted to strengthening the college edu- At a brief ceremony organised at ‘Ban- lege, as a pilot project. The material cation as much as it has focus on garu Vakili’ inside the temple, TTD Execu- and syllabus was picked up from the school education. The Government of tive Officer Anil Kumar Singhal Minister’s educational institution India has named Andhra Pradesh as administered the oath to Yadav. which specializes in competitive ex- the number one State in the country Those who took oath as member-trustees aminations. The students scored in terms of introducing revolutionary were MLAs G.S.S. Shivaji; Bonda Uma Ma- highest percentages ever, after under- programmes in educational sector, heswara Rao; and B.K. Partha Saradhi; going cautious programme. said Narayana. MP Rayapati Sambasiva Rao; and Challa The first of its kind residential junior Narayana said that IIT foundation Ramachandra Reddy, Potluri Ramesh college programme was initiated for course at primary level would be Babu, E. Peddi Reddy, Rudraraju Padma benefitting the financially backward helpful to the students in achieving PRaju, Meda Krishna Reddy, and Dokka Ja- students for competitive exams. The their goals. The government educa- gannadham. Mr. Singhal and Special Chief first batch students have excelled in tion has weakened due to lack of ob- Secretary (endowments) Manmohan the exams and yielded great results. servation on latest trends in Singh took oath as ex-officio members. Minister Narayana mentioned, “Out of education system. IIT foundation Soon after the ceremony, the priests 49 students who attended the first course which was introduced in all showered ‘Vedasir vachanams’ on Yadav year Intermediate examinations, 32 municipal schools had given good re- and his team. Tstudents secured 10 GPA and 12 stu- sults and we are happy about it. Chairperson of Infosys Foundation Sudha dents secured 9.8 points while the Minister Narayana along with Nellore Narayana Murthy; Telangana TDP MLA rest 5 of them scored 9.5 points out of city Mayor Sk Abdul Aziz along with Sandra Venkata Veeraiah; and Sapna total 10. We are very excited about the students met Chief Minister Chan- v Mungantiwar, wife of a Minister from Ma-v their results and are keen in introduc- drababu Naidu, who appreciated harashtra, who were also appointed ing the same foundation course pro- their efforts and encouraged them for MAY 2018 trustees, could not make it to the func- grammes in other colleges across the future accomplishments. tion. 17 State.” AP Eng May 2018 - ramesh_Layout 1 4/30/2018 3:07 PM Page 18 Downloaded from http://SmartPrep.in

RAJANI, THE LEGEND!

t is difficult to describe the multifac- film Swarga Seema which launched eted genius of Balantrapu Ra- Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao in the film janikantha Rao, who passed away on music arena). Film field’s loss was the Eminent composer 22nd April, 2018 at Vijayawada. He gain of All India Radio (AIR). and scholar was a scholar, poet, lyricist, musician, Rajani joined AIR at Madras in the early musicologist, music composer, a sea- 1940s which he once described as his Balantrapu soned broadcaster and a critic. ‘alma mater’. He was part of the creative Rajanikanta Rao, ‘Rajani’ as he was popularly known, was glory of Madras station. He could rightly popularly known as the second son of Balantrapu Venkata be termed as one of the pioneers of light Rao (one among the famous duo Venkata music in South. He continued to write Rajani, began his Parvateeswara Kavulu) and Venkata Ra- lyrics in Telugu and was composing career as a pro- manamma. He had his education at Pitha- music for lyrics in all the four major gramme executive puram and Kakinada. He secured first South Indian languages. He had produced class in honours degree in Literature many a musical feature. He was also re- in AIR-Madras in the from Andhra University, Waltair in 1940. sponsible for bringing Gantasala to year 1941. The His pursuit of music was almost simulta- Radio. Not many knew that ‘Challa neous. He learnt classical Karnataka gaalilo’ and “O vibhavari’ made popular noted musicologist music from Manda Krishna Murthy (a by Rajeswara Rao’s voice were the lyrics and composer left a disciple of Veena Maestro Sangameswara of Rajani. lasting impression Sastry) at Pithapuram and Sishtla Sarva He was popular as ‘Jeep’ at AIR Madras Sastry at Kakinada. He blossomed into a that is the General Purpose man- dou- on the Telugu music lyricist while he was still a student. bling up as writer, producer, director, and cultural scene. Madras (now Chennai) beckoned him, for composer, musician, sound effects man it was the destination of many aspiring (occasionally mimicking the cries of ani- talented young people of the composite mals and birds) apart from producing as- MadrasI state. He could have become a sorted sounds required to make the successful film music director and he Radio programme sound natural. 18 demonstrated his talent through eternal The songs- ‘Mroyimpu Jayabheri’MAY and 2018 hits such as Oho Paavuramaa ‘ (in the ‘Udayammayenu’ written and set to AP Eng May 2018 - ramesh_Layout 1 4/30/2018 3:07 PM Page 19 Downloaded from http://SmartPrep.in

His contribution to literature is of a great value. Rajani’s ‘Satapatra Sundari’, a collection of 300 lyrics won him the Telugu Bhasha Samithi award for 1952- 53. He won the Sahitya Akademi award for his book on Vaaggeyakaaras. He has created many musical plays.

ordarshan. He translated many padams of Kshetrayya into English. He revised his famous work ‘Andhra Vaggeyakara Charitramu’ and wrote a sequel to the first part. He contin- ued to produce programmes for AIR till a few years ago. His contribution to literature is of a great value. Rajani’s ‘Satapatra Sundari’, a collection of 300 lyrics won him the Telugu Bhasha Samithi award for 1952- 53. He won the Sahitya Akademi award for his book on Vaaggeyakaaras. He has created many musical plays. His ‘Jegi Maamayya Paatalu’ is a collection of lively lyrics written for children. His rendering of Surya Stuti continues to enthral listeners of AIR, for over forty five years now. His erudite presenta- tion of 22 srutis (22 scales as recognised by his exponents music by Rajani were rendered by T Surya Kumari at the of classical South Indian Music) baffled many a musician. dawn of Independence from AIR, Madras. He was instrumental in recording and popularising many AIR took him to many places in India- Ahmadabad, Vi- compositions of Annamaacharya fifty years ago. He broad- jayawada, Delhi and Bangalore, to name a few. He won the cast different compositions Annamacharya on a daily basis prestigious Hoso Bunka, Tokyo Radio prize for his Radio in 1971. production in Telugu on ‘Godavari- it’s journey from the Though his work in film field was limited, his influence on hills to the ocean. While at Vijayawada, he rejuvenated subsequent composers was vast, as observed by well ‘Vani’, the programme journal of AIR. He introduced ‘Bhakti known critic and connoisseur of fine arts VAK Ranga Rao Ranjani’, the daily programme of devotional music which garu. became popular throughout South India. Rajani received many awards and honours through the He went all the way to Tiruvannamalai to record a long in- years. During the commemoration of Gurudev Ra- terview with ‘Chalam’, the popular Telugu writer. Rajani’s bindranath Tagore’s 150th Birth Anniversary, Rajani was ‘Vadya Vrinda’ compositions were very popular. honoured with ‘Tagore Akademi Ratna’ award. He was hon- Retirement gave him the freedom to pursue all that he oured by the Government of Andhra Pradesh with Kala wanted to do. He had short stints with the Telugu Univer- Ratna in 2007 and with Visishta Puraskaram recently. sity and Sri Venkateswara Kalaapeetham of TT Dev- Rajani’s alma mater, Andhra University conferred Kala asthanam at Tirupati. He set music for some Kuchipudi Prapoorna on him in 1981. His services were recognised by dance ballets. He wrote a column for a daily. For a while he many cultural organisations and he received many titles served as Producer Emeritus with All India Radio and Do- such as Naada Sudharnava, Pumbhaava Saraswati, Naveena Vaggeyakara etc. Rajani pursued many interests other than literature and music. His interest in Astronomy was remarkable. He had a contented and simple life. During his last few years, he had age related memory problems; but would re- member songs from the 1940s if anyone refers to those days. Many a time he would sing the songs as well. Though physically no more, Rajani will continue to live through his works in literature andDr.P.S.Gopalakrishna music, for generations to come. He was an illustrious Telugu person, who was an Indian at heart. MAY 2018 19 Former Station Director, AIR. AP Eng May 2018 - ramesh_Layout 1 4/30/2018 3:07 PM Page 20 Downloaded from http://SmartPrep.in

ASHOK LEYLAND SON OF THE SOIL SET UP A UNIT IN AP

Ashok Leyland, a flagship of the Hinduja Group, did the ceremonial ground breaking of its third bus as - sembling plant in the coun - try, at Vijayawada. The facility will produce electric vehicles in the future.

4800 buses per annum

he third big automobile unit comes to Andhra Pradesh after Kia and Hero in a span of one year. The world’s fourth largest bus maker would recruit more Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu laid the than 5,000 people to make 4c800 buses a year. The flag - foundation stone for Ashok Leyland’s bus building ship company of the Hinduja Group would produce its first plant at the model industrial park at Mallavalli, 40 km from bus in six months, according to the company. Vijayawada, on March 31. Ashok Leyland MD and CEO Vinod K Dasari said, “We were After laying the stone, Chandrababu Naidu said, “This is initially asked to set up the plant near the auto cluster in the third such big investment after Kia Motors and Hero. Sri City. But we wanted to set up the plant in Krishna dis - Ashok Leyland will be followed by about 700 industrial trict as I hail from this place. We will roll out the first bus units with investment. We gave more than 1,100 acres for iFnu slilx c maopnathcsit.”y The company would develop its facility in a the industries and the Mallavalli industrial region will 75-acre plot with an investment of Rs. 170 crore to make change the face of the State for good. The developments 4,800 buses annually in the first phase. speak of huge employment potential. I congratulate Dasari, son of the Krishna district, for choosing the place and swift execution.” The plant would reach full capacity in a year which would The expected investments in the automobile units, mega be doubled in the second phase in another 75 acres beside food parks, Plastic Park and logistic parks in the region the plant. would herald a great future for Amaravati, said he. Mallavelli plant to make 4,800 buses per annum. Mallavalli would have better access to the airport, the Machilipatnam port and the proposed outer ring road, World's fourth largest bus maker Ashok Leyland began making it an accessible point. construction of its bus making plant in Mallavalli Model In - dustrial Park, 40 kilometres from Vijayawada. The flagship The Andhra Pradesh government apparently was very co - company of the Hinduja Group will produce its first bus in operative in facilitating the plant in record time. From ini - coming six months according to the company. tial approach, registration to grounding of the plant it was MAY 2018 20 made possible in just four months. The capacity will be doubled in the second phase in an - T other 75 acres beside the plant according to him. Once AP Eng May 2018 - ramesh_Layout 1 4/30/2018 3:07 PM Page 21 Downloaded from http://SmartPrep.in

Tech Mahindra Opens Cyber Security Center completed, the Mallavelli plant will be the third bus making plant of Ashok Leyland after its facilities in Alwar (Rajasthan) and Trichy (Tamil Nadu). Other than bus making, the facility will house a state of the art learning and skill development centre. The com- pany will recruit over 5000 people for the facility. Vinod K Dasari, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland, said: “This fa- cility will help us be ahead of the curve by ensuring our readiness towards implementation of the bus body code and to meet the rising demand for ready-to-use, fully- built trucks. We will also produce electric vehicles at this plant.” Assuring necessary support for the setting up of the plant, the Chief Minister hoped it would play a crucial role in further strengthening the State as a next major ech Mahindra has joined hands with the State hub for the automotive sector. Government of Andhra Pradesh to establish coun- Expecting to see more than Rs 25,000 crore investments try’s first Cyber Security Operations Centre (APC- by about 6-7 companies in the automotive sector, Naidu SOC) in the city of Vijayawada. The CyberSecurity said: “The sector will boost the prospects of local youth Operations Centre, inaugurated on April 23, is equipped and also create a number of ancillary industries and at- with traditional SOC and predictive threat analytics capa- tract other companies to the State.” bilities. The security coverage extends to all central and state government entities. This region is seen as the next upcoming manufacturing hub in Krishna district. The Ashok Leyland plant will be Cybersecurity breaches are set to become a bigger menace spread over 75 acres, with a further capacity to add an- with increasing focus on digitalization, especially in the other 75 acres to the plant site to pave way for expan- government space. Tech Mahindra believes that emerging sion. technologies are driving connected experiences and a se- curity breach may put the entire ecosystem in toss. “ETlheec ptrlaicn tV, wehiicchl eiss likely to a see an initial investment of Rs 170 crore, may entail another investment of about “Cybersecurity has undoubtedly become an increasingly Rs 170-200 crore at a later phase,” the MD explained. critical and important issue. The APCSOC is our first line of defence against cyber threats,” said Minister for IT, E & C, and Panchayat Raj & Rural Development, Nara Lokesh, who Apart from making the entire range of buses of Ashok is on a personal mission to galvanise the fledgeling cyber Leyland, the facility will include an electric vehicle de- security ecosystem in the state. For the young IT minister, velopment centre comprising a futuristic conveyor line, cyber security and digital transformation is at the core of pilot assembly line and prototype development, Dasari all his policies. He continued, “Sunrise Andhra Pradesh is explained. building the next-generation skills that will make Amara- “We are looking at huge unfolding opportunity for EVs in vati a thriving hub undertaking advanced research in com- tGhree ceounn ftaryc. ilOitury first batch of EV buses will be deployed batting the ever evolving cyber threats.” in Ahmedabad where we have bagged the contract for “TTech Mahindra is excited to partner with the Andhra 40 EV buses,” added he. Pradesh government as it pioneers in the cyber security space. APCSOC first of its kind in India will leverage Tech Mahindra’s global expertise in cyber security and risk The company expects to make it a green facility with management. We are confident the APCSOC will be a shin- rooftop solar panels, LED lighting, battery-operated ve- ing example of excellence and pave the way for a robust hicles for in-plant movement, positive water balance government security framework,” said CP Gurnani, MD and and zero discharge. CEO, Tech Mahindra. “In a short time we have designed various elements of Speaking during the event, K.Vijayanand, Principal Secre- the project, and expect to roll out vehicles within six tary, Department of IT, E & C, said, “The launch of the APC- months of having proper road access to move heavy v SOC is a great step forward for the state. The SOC will v equipment. This will also have capability to double ca- address cyber threat by providing a holistic view in moni- MAY 2p0a1c8ity at the same location,” Dasari said. toring and tackling these threats.” 21 AP Eng May 2018 - ramesh_Layout 1 4/30/2018 3:07 PM Page 22 Downloaded from http://SmartPrep.in

AP At The Receiving End FM Yanamala on 'arbitrary' ToR of 15th Finance Commission

The seventh point of ToR reads that:"The Commission shall indicate the basis on which it has arrived at its find- ings and make available the State wise estimates of re- ceipts and expenditure". Taking serious exception to this point in specific, Yana- Heremala said- are "It a few(point more seven) points should bethat totally the eliminated FM raisedas it leads during to discretion, his speech arbitrariness, and is very subjec- wtive".

Withdraw the Terms of Reference and leave it to the ash-starved state of Andhra Pradesh would fur- Finance Commission to finalise them in consultation ther be at the receiving end, if the ‘arbitrary’ with the States. Most of the Terms of Reference are w Terms of Reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance very retrograde in nature and not good for Coopera- Commission are implemented, State Finance tive Federalism. The seriously impact the autonomy of Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu said. Speaking at the the States. inaugural session of the first southern Finance Ministers’ Population criteria should be 1971 basis. Alternately a conclave, hosted by Kerala at Thiruvananthapuram on more realistic formula must be provided to ensure that April 10, he said AP may incur a highest loss of Rs. States that responded to National Duty and controlled w 24,340 crore in coming five years, if the ToR for sharing its population effective are not punished, and States of Central revenue with the states as per the 2011 Cen- that performed poorly are incentivised. So a Win-Win sus instead of the 1971 Census, get implemented. situation has to be created. Since population is the parameter that would get more Taking 2011 as basis may open up this to many more w weightage, AP, because of its population control meas- areas like delimitation which is disastrous for the ures implemented in the past and the obvious depletion States that responded to National Duty and controlled in population growth rate between 1971-81 and 2001- w population growth. 11, would stand to lose 0.616 percent Central revenue Vertical devolution should increase from present 42% share, minister said. w to give more flexibility to the States. He said the 14th Finance Commission, on the one hand, Revenue deficit Grant must continue as it is part of claims that financial devolution from the Centre to States constitutional mandate. has been increased from 32 per cent to 42 per cent and on the other, it has changed the ratio of Central assis- State has most of the subjects dealing with the welfare tance to some Centrally-sponsored programme from of the People and if its finances are stifled, it cannot 90:10 to 60:40, which has placed a 30 per cent addi- perform its constitutional mandate as well as electoral tional burden on the States. mandate. (Centre cannot decide what populist scheme is. Schemes are made as per the needs of the people- "By accepting the 14th Finance Commission’s recom- Mid day meal scheme which was thought of as populist C w mendations, the States are getting 2-4 per cent less rev- scheme earlier has become a national flagship scheme. enue from the Union government when compared to the Schemes which are ahead of time may be misunder- share allocated in the 13th Finance Commission. We stood as populist) have asked for the revenue deficit to be calculated for the Restrictions on borrowings to 1.7% of GSDP as sug- period before 14th Finance Commission but there was w no response from the Centre,” he said. gested by FRBM review committee is very bad for the States growth. More realistic figure should be taken Hitting out at the Centre for not consulting the states, he into consideration. said “The point is to suffer or not to suffer. This is against w the Constitution. I don't know why they have stipulated Finance Commission should not be burdened with GST the ToRs without taking opinion of all state gifts. It's issues as there is permanent GST council to look into v going to affect states rather than Centre. Without asking all issues relating to GST. any state, the government arbitrarily has decided ToRs Second edition of the conclave would be in vijayawada 22 which are against the law of the land.” on may 7th. MAY 2018 AP Eng May 2018 - ramesh_Layout 1 4/30/2018 3:07 PM Page 23 Downloaded from http://SmartPrep.in

Literary reminiscences Of GURAZADA APPARAO PANTULU

k- kOngole k Munisubrahmanyam

To Ongole Munisubrahmanyam, My dear friend,

It is long1 since I heard from you. I am glad to tell you that our cause has made great progress. How are you faring? Writing anything? Mr. G Natesan, Editor of Indian Review, contests for a seat in the Senate . He is one of our national heroes, a fearless patriot and an able organiser. He has built up an2 extensive publishing business. His publications are of great educational value on politics, economics and social philosophy. I shall feel obliged if you kindly write to your friend Mr.Venkatarangayya of P.R.College, Cocanada, regarding his vote. Kindly Fort send me his reply. Yours etc., Vizianagaram, 28-8-1911. Dear Munisubrahmanyam Pantulu, * This is an undated letter. However, as there is a reference to the Senate elections. we can safely conclude that this must have been written in the month of May, 1913. Madras Govt. gave choice to I have written to Venkatachalam Pantulu. I could the students of S.S.L.C. to write either Classical or not answer your letter at once on account of the modern Telugu in the examination of Part ll illness of my mother and of my cousin (Translation). This was a partial victory for the Venkateswarlu and pressure of work under the spoken Telugu movement. new system of management. I am sorry for your fi- nancial difficulties. 1. Elections to the Madras University Senate. I hope you will లవణరాజుsucceed as కల a lawyer and that your financial difficulties will vanish. If you have self- 2. Prof. Mamidipudi Venkatarangayya is a reputed confidence, you are sure to succeed. Intelligence historian who edited the English and Telugu and industry you possess in no small degree. I do volumes of History of Freedom Movement in not think that (Lavanaraju Kala) is Andhra Desa. He was a prolific writer and a more musical than my previous efforts (poems). great intellectual. He was a Lecturer in Andhra People get accustomed to the new style. That is all. University for a long time and later became Pro- There are few people of letters among us and pub- fessor and Head of the Department of Political lic opinion is worth nothing. I value the opinion of Science in Bombay University. He was working cultured persons like you. My namaskarams to as lecturer in PR. College, Kakinada at this point v (your) father. of time. Ongole Munisubrahmanyam was a col- league of Venkatarangaiah in PR. College for Yours affectionately, some time. MAY 2018 23 AP Eng May 2018 - ramesh_Layout 1 4/30/2018 3:07 PM Page 24 Downloaded from http://SmartPrep.in chief minister’s social network CM Chandrababu Naidu is an active social media user. Many of you have been actively following his activities with admiration. Here are a few snapshots from his Twitter account and those on him. w w w w w

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Snapshot

Leading in Rural Development

ndhra Pradesh stood first chayats, computers were provided cials for making it happen. in the number of farm to 4287 of them and APSFL has pro - "Andhra Pradesh stands first in ponds, in installation of vided internet connections to 841 the country for a number of Individual Household La - GPs. AP also topped the nation by achievements in the Panchayat trines, in completion of Anganwadi achieving highest workdays under Raj and Rural Development. This centres. The state had a remarkable National Rural Employment Guar - #PanchayatiRajDay, let's salute the achievement in laying CC roads in antee Scheme (NREGS). Chief Min - hardworking individuals for v rural areas and in installing LED ister Nara Chandrababu Naidu MAY 2018 contributing on grassroots level"- lights in in Gram Panchayats across expressed joy for these achieve - CM twits on April 24. 25 the state. Out of 12,918 Gram Pan - ments and congratulated the offi -

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PORTVIZAG PLANS IT BIG

63.54 million tonnes of cargo during 2017-18 which is four per cent more than last year, according to VPT chair- man MT Krishna Babu. Last year, the port had handled 61.02 MT and now it is about 2.5 MT more. "Coking coal and- seam coal have gone up but thermal coal and iron ore have declined. Still, the overall performance has been satisfac- tory despite stiff competition from the neighbouring private ports," he notes. The VPT is also adjudged the second cleanest in the country. Several projects are were in execution in the port, in- cluding some in the PPP (public-private partnership) mode and some others with VPT's own funds. Some of the PPP projects were facing certain difficulties but the port has sent proposals to the Union Ministry of Shipping to sort out the issues regarding storage charges and related matters. Once the projects are completed, the capacity of the port will increase. The VPT was aiming at 85 The Visakha Port, to 90 MT of cargo by 2020-21, which is Steel Plant and quite acceptable.. "Our port has spent Railway Division or long, the development of Rs 250 crore on its own projects and Visakhapatnam, known as the about Rs 600 crore have been spent on have come up the PPP projects during the year. The with impressive City of Destiny, hinged on the Visakhapatnam Port and the Essar iron ore handling complex (OHC) growth in rev- Waltair Division of the Indian Railways set up at a cost of Rs 600 crores was enues. The city and with the establishment of Visakha- commissioned during the year and two will benefit from patnam steel plant whose corporate en- berths have been completed on the west the rapid strides tity is the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd., it quay and two more will be completed made by these made rapid strides. Now, with the ad- this year. Once we get the environmen- tal clearance, we will begin work on oil entities. vent of IT industry, it is expected to grow by leaps and bounds. A heartening berths," Krishna Babu notes. The Vizag feature is that all the three pillars of the port is planning a covered storage facil- city –the port, railways and the steel ity for bulk cargoes, which will be the plant achieved remarkable progress in first of its kind in the country. It has en- the just concluded financial year and gaged a consultant for the purpose and the facility will cover 2.5 lakh tonnes of the results declared by them prove this. MAY 2018 26 cargoes at an estimated cost of Rs.125 Visakhapatnam Port Trust has handled crore on a 20-acre site. On the pollution F AP Eng May 2018 - ramesh_Layout 1 4/30/2018 3:07 PM Page 27 Downloaded from http://SmartPrep.in

Under the Sagarmala project, the Visakha Port has sent proposals to the ministry for five major projects at a cost of Rs 2,000 crore and the detailed project reports are getting ready.

control measures, the VPT chairman says that several transparent way. Several initiatives like Coastal shipping, initiatives are taken including construction of a wall, RINL presence in North Eastern regions, development of sprinkling of the cargo and monitoring of pollution levels new products help RINL achieve record sales during the so as to make it easy for the residents, as it is a city-based year. port. He also dwells on the road and rail projects to make All the major production units of RINL clocked their best cargo evacuation from the port easier. The Sheilanagar- ever performances with significant growth--hot metal 17 Sabbavaram road is being taken up at a cost of Rs 500 per cent, liquid steel 19 per cent, finished steel 21 per crore by the National Highways Authority of India. It can cent, saleable steel 17 per cent, value added steel 16 per be completed in the next 18 to 20 months. Also, the city cent and power generation 28 per cent. There were many road between Visakhapatnam container terminal and the significant achievements during the fiscal, notable among Convent Junction will be laid at a cost of Rs 120 crore. them being -- Consolidation of 6.3 mtpa expansion with Within the port, roads will be improved at a cost of Rs many of the new units crossing their rated capacities; 100 crore and the railway siding with Rs.150 crore from Completion of major Modernisation activities; Commis - port funds. Also, under the Sagarmala project, the port sioning of CCM-4 marking the completion of 7.3 mtpa; has sent proposals to the ministry for five major projects Foray into Coastal Shipping; Growth in Exports by 65% at a cost of Rs 2,000 crore and the detailed project re - and growth in Byproduct Sales by 24% RINL’s outlook is ports are getting ready. In-principle clearance was given bright for 2018-19 with targeted production of 6.4 mil - Itom tphermes. Bsievseid eSsh, Rosw 4 0B cyro Vreiz waigll bSet espeeln Pt loann itmproving Wliona lttoanisr o Rf Hevote Mneuteal ,R 6i.s3e ms illion tons of Liquid Steel and facilities at the fishing harbour Rs 20 under the Sagar - 5.7 million tons of Saleable Steel; and is all set to achieve mala project, and the rest to be borne by the State. the same with all internal controls in place.

Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd. (RINL), the corporate entity of Waltair Division of East Coast Railway has recorded gross Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, and the first shore-based revenue of Rs 7154.99 crore during the just concluded fi - steel plant in the country also registered an impressive nancial year 2017-18 which is 10.82 per cent more than performance in all facets of its operation during 2017-18. last year's Rs.6456.42 crore. Divisional Railway Manager According to RINL chairman and managing director P. Mukul Saran Mathur said that the Division transported Madhusudan, the growth and performance clearly speak 56.54 million tonnes which is 7.29% higher than last of the commitment and dedication of one and all in the year. Revenue from freight loading at Rs 6515.25 crore is plant. He congratulated the entire collective for their re - an increase of 11.44% over last year's Rs 5846.24 crores, markable performance in all areas of its operations. The and 4.63% over the target set for the fiscal year. "The Di - Sales Turnover at over Rs.16,500 crore showed a hand - vision has carried 35.06 million passengers to their desti - some growth of 31% with the Saleable Steel production nation generating revenue of Rs 536.43 crore which is touching the 4.5 MT mark for the first time. RINL is 7.51% more than the last year. We also achieved the best rightly on the recovery path of turnaround and it is happy operating ratio of 35.28," he disclosed. the markets seem to be picking up. RINL will reap the Waltair Division bagged 9 Best Performance Shields, benefits of expansion and modernization and earn profits including Overall Performance Shield at the 63rd Railway during the current year, he said. "There is every need to Week Awards function at Zonal Head Quarters, ramp up of volumes and Pulverized Coal Injection (PCI) Bhubaneswar recently. The Division’s consistent technology in all the Blast Furnaces which will help re - performance in all the fields ap- pBla. uPdreadb bhya tkhea Graen Seararl ma duce reduction of costlier coke consumption to further Manager, East Coast Railway, Senior Divisional enhance the bottom-line during the current year," Mad - Commercial Manager Suneel Kumar said. MAY 201h8 usudan observes. RINL is going to launch an eco- 27 friendly “e-office” system for faster decision making in a AP Eng May 2018 - ramesh_Layout 1 4/30/2018 3:07 PM Page 28 Downloaded from http://SmartPrep.in

After a lacklustre first quarter, the success of two of biggest films of the year has come as a big boost to Telugu film industry.

RANGASTHALAM, BCOHMEA TOR TEALUTGU FAILMN INEDU SNTRYE’SN RESU CUE

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Bharat Ane Nenu

Agnyaathavaasi he year- 2018 couldn’t have started on a more forward to praise the film on social media. That’s not all. disastrous note for Telugu film industry. The NTR Jr attended the pre-release event of debacle of Pawan Kalyan, Trivikram Srinivas’ as the chief guest, and on two occasions in April, the three sent shockwaves across the in - actors were spotted bonding big time, much to the delight dustry, anJadi tSriamdhea analysts say that the film in - of their fans. curred a loss of more than Rs 70 crores. In several areas, In the past couple of months, Telugu film industry has distributors are said to have close to 40%-50% on their been rocked by quite a few controveRrasinegsa rsatnhgailnagm from re - initial investments, which is huge by any yardstick. While Blehnatrleasts A dneeb Nateensu on Pawan Kalyan, sexual harassment at Balakrishna starrer did well at the box-office, workplace, fan wars, and the uncomfortable equation that followed by the huge Csuhcacloe,s Ts hoof lAipnruesmhak, a’s Bhaagamathie developed between the media and film industry. Amidst in late January, it clearly wasn’t enough to give a reason for these circumstances, the success of and the industry to continue celebrating the resurgence of Tel - has come as a silver lining for the indus - ugu cinema in the past cRouanpglea ostfh yaelarm s. In February and try which is now betting big on other summer releases. March, few films like and Awe did well Bharat Ane Nenu In any given year, the success of a big budget film has a at the box-office, but the industry still needed a bonafide cascading effect on low and medium budget films. The blockbuster to set the ball rolling in 2018. And then came, logic behind this sentiment is that the distributors, who Ram Charan-Sukumar’s and Mahesh Babu- Naa Peru Surya Mahanati earn profits from big films, will go on to reinvest all that Koratala Siva’s . money to buy rights oTfa mxiwedailua m and small budget films. In The summer of 2018 is fast turning out to be a memorable Rangasthalam May alone, Tollywood wOilflf wiceitr ness films like Allu Arjun’s event for the entire Telugu film industry, and within four , Keerthy SuresSha-mDmuloqhuaenr’asm , Bel - weeks, two of the biggest films of the year, fetched more lamkonda Sai Sreenivas-Pooja HegdSea’vsy Saasakchshi yam, and than Rs 250 crores (gross) at the box-office. The positive Vijay Deverakonda’s vie forB auadhiuebnaclei ’2s attention, buzz surrounding grew manifold right from apart from Nagarjuna’s . Then, in June, there’s Sud - the day of the film’s release, and it has already become the heer Babu-Aditi Rao Hydari’s and Naga third highest grossing Telugu film of all time, and cur - Chaitanya, Nidhhi Agrewal starrer lined up for rently, it has amassed a whopping Rs 115 crores (share). Bharat Ane Nenu release. Meanwhile, SS Rajamouli’s D, awnhgiachl Trade analysts have reported that the producers have wBhoanj rtahnregei BNhaatijoanaanl, ASwecarredt sS uinpcelrusdtainr g the aHwinadrid M foerd iBuem st earned more than Rs 40 crores as profits from the film, Popular film, is finally going to release in China on May 4 which puts in perspective how big a hit the film is. On sim - Srimanthudu Banada hthueb awlih 2o le industry is awaiting the result with bated ilar lines, too has set the box-office on breath. In recent times, seDvearnagla Hl indi films like , fire and went on to gross more than Rs 125 crores within , and five days of its release. In the process, the film surpassed Ran - have made a killing at the box-office in China, and if Mahesh Babu’s biggest hit , which released gasthalam Bharat Ane Nenu too opens to huge numbers in China, it’ll have back in 2015. T a good chance to surpass Rangaas stthhea lhaimgh est grossing It wasn’t just the two Telugu speaking staRtaesn gwahsethrae ltahm e Indian film of all time. The mood of the industry has two summer biggies drew massive crowdBsh. Baoratht Ane Nenu changed considerably in the past few weeks, anBdh ita roawt eAsn a e and raked in big moolah in lNoetn tuo. the success of two summer biggies in quick succes - Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and in the US alone, both the films sion. In fact, two weeks after released, there have crossed the $3 million mark. While is were numerous discussions among fans of respective stars hovering around $3.5-$3.7 million mark, if people will throng again to theatres to watch is expected to touch $4 million in the long run. In Australia However, the film’s huge success has proved that too, both the films surprised trade analysts by outper - you can’t just stop with one when the other option too is forming several other Hindi, Tamil, and Punjabi films equally good. Thanks to these two films, Telugu film indus - which released in recent years. try has clearly surpassed Tamil film industry as the second Rangasthalam The fact that both the films were tinkering with genres biggest contributorR ianj itneirkmans tohf’ sr eKvaeanlaue to Indian film in - dustry this year behind Hindi cinema. The Tamil film in - that haveBnh’ta breaet nA enxep Nloerneu d in a long time in mainstream Rangasthalam Bharat dustry was particularly crippled this year after a strike Telugu cinema was an additional factor which pulled the Ane Nenu crowd in droves to theatres. is a village stalled everything in the industry for 49 days, and several drama, set in the 80s, which dealt with local politics, big films including were postponed. whereas is a full-fledged political drama, All said and done, the success of and set in 2014, where the lead character Bharat played a has given plenty of hope for Telugu film industry Chief Minister. Both Ram Charan and Mahesh Babu earned that the rest of the films in sum- Hmerm wailln ctohnt Kinuem thaer s uCc -R rave reviews for their performances respectively, and the cess streak. Now, all eyes are on Allu Arjun’s Naa Peru whole industry joined the chorus to praise both the actors, Surya to complete the hat-trick. MAY 2a0n1d8 their films, for their performance. In fact, Mahesh 29 Babu and NTR Jr surprised Ram Charan when they came AP Eng May 2018 - ramesh_Layout 1 4/30/2018 3:07 PM Page 30 Downloaded from http://SmartPrep.in

Amazing Andhra Pradesh

Beat the summer blues with Kalamkari 30 MAY 2018 AP Eng May 2018 - ramesh_Layout 1 4/30/2018 3:07 PM Page 31 Downloaded from http://SmartPrep.in

he summer has arrived and it is painting, a mural art or even ac- Kalamkari art in the State to give a time for ditching those glam- cessories, Kalamkari art involves fillip on the front of adaptation of orous chiffons and heavy silk aKna ilnatmen s(ep pernoc)e adnurde nofa steuvreanlteen tKeachlanmolokgayr tio M imupsreovuem domestic sarees for the breezy hand- sctoeplos,u wrhsich has derived it the and overseas market for a range of looms. Talking about handlooms here, name of organic art. textile products. Andhra Pradesh is known widely for its diverse art of designing techniques using natural colours on fabric that allows you A dedicated museum was to breathe. The State can be referred to The kalam is prepared from bam- established and inaugurated as a hub of handlooms with various art boo stick or date palm stick with a by renowned Kalamkari artist. forms thriving all over the globe. Man- bundle of hair attached to one end, The ‘Kalamkari Art Museum’ is galagiri, Uppada, Dharmavaram, Pedana to be served as a pen. The brush is developed by Pedana-based and Srikalahasti,Venkatagiri,Bandaru- soaked in a mixture of fermented Pitchuka Srinivas and his son lanka, Chirala, Madhavaram to name a jaggery and water before being Varun Kumar. The museum traces few. Let us go through one of such won- dipped in colours to follow the de- the history of the art and displays derful art forms- Kalamkari. sign pattern. Colours are extracted the process of extraction of natural Extensively known for Kalamkari print- from roots of various plants, colours from various sources. The ing, dyeing, designing and trade, Pedana, leaves, flowers and metals like museum has three galleries - at a distance of 69 kilometers from Vi- iron, tin, copper and alum. Buffalo wooden blocks, natural colours jayawada will transport you into another mAPilk G aondv eMrynrombaelnant ’asr eF ielxlitpen- and history -which establish the world of natural colours, intricate and sively used in fixating the colours connection of the art with the attractive designs- all handmade. Dating on the fabric. Dutch and the British. “The idea of back to 2500 years ago, this art form is coming up with the exclusive mu- popular among Europeans with a great seum has been realised now. It is a deal of marketing and distributing hap- The Andhra Pradesh Economic De- result of my serious effort to keep pTening around France. Merely translat- velopment Board (APEDB) chaired it alive in its true format,” Srinivas ing to ‘Kalam’ means pen and ‘Kari’ by Chief Minister N Chandrababu said. means craftsmanship, it is no wonder if internationalNaidu is studying the two sacclaimtyles of yToyup sepso to ffo rKeiaglnaemrsk trayriing their hands at Kalamkari dyeing and block printing, when you visit Pedana.

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) Curator Sarah Fee got a few histori- There are two types of Kalamkari art cal clues during her field visit in Pedana, recently, to confirm that that flourished. Pedana style and at least five works among the 200 masterpieces of artwork made Srikalahasti style- both in Andhra in India were done by Machilipatnam and Pedana Kalamkari arti- Pradesh. While Srilakahasti style largely sans in the 20th century. concentrates on freehand drawing and filled-in colours; the subject remains to The five Kalamkari works -wall hangings with Mehrab design and be of mythological importance with de- other floral motifs sans artistic credit are now on display at the ROM. signs inspired from temples as well as how to reach scenes depicting episodes from Ra- mayana, Mahabharatha and Puranas. On the other hand, Pedana style kalamkari is different in terms of designs. It is mostly inspired by Mughals and Gol- There are numerous bus services from anywhere in the district to conda sultanate and has Persian flavor Pedana with trains plying frequently as well. One can reach to them. This style adapts to fashion Pedana via Machilipatnam within a two-hour drive through NH v trends to compete in textile market. 65. So, why wait? Head straight to Pedana and dig into heaps of Kalamkari textiles that come in various designs in bright hues MAYF 2r0o1m8 the scratch to the finished prod- 31 uct- be it a saree, clothing material, a that make you feel royalty. AP Eng May 2018 - ramesh_Layout 1 4/30/2018 3:07 PM Page 32 Downloaded from http://SmartPrep.in HAPPENING AP

Ankamma Chowdary is SAAP Chairman This is for the first time the government is extending fi- nancial support to the APSRTC for procuring the buses,” Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu nominated said Transport Minister K Atchannaidu. Vijayawada-based senior sports administrator P Ankamma Chowdary as the Chairman of the Sports Au- Restaurant opened at Rly Station thority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP). Chowdary is presently serving as vice-president for AP Badminton A swanky restaurant food joint, ‘The Food Street’ has Association, a member of Badminton Association of been opened at the Vijayawada railway station recently. India and associate joint secretary to A.P. Olympic Asso- South Central Railway’s Vijayawada Division and Indian ciation. He participated as Technical Official in the World Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC) Badminton Championship in 2009. joined hands for the same. The plush eatery spread across 1500 sqaure feet has two-storeys that cater to the passengers as well as visitors. A variety of cuisines- Chittoor gets ODF status South Indian, North Indian and local cuisine will be Chittoor district has achieved the 100 per cent Open served round the clock. Apart from the restaurant, the Defecation Free (ODF) status. The target of 3, 80,339 In- banquet hall on their first floor has a capacity of 100 dividual Household Latrine (IHHL) units construction pax and will be open to organise small gatherings and was completed under Swacch Bharat mission, by the parties, said the concerned officials. end of March. District Collector P S Pradyumna declared that Chittoor district was already declared number one Railway stations to get International status in India in construction of the IHHL units, followed by Ministry of Railways has come up with a proposal to ac- Gorakhpur district of U.P. and Seetamarri district of cord international status to four railway stations in Bihar. He attributed the success to the efforts of the offi- Andhra Pradesh. A circular in this regard was issued by cials of all line departments, people’s representatives, the Ministry of Railways recently seeking officials of Vi- women’s group, voluntary organisations and the district jayawada, Guntur, Kurnool and Guntakal stations to police. Since the target is achieved, the focus now is on send proposals for taking up various development utilisation factor and administration is gearing up to it, works. Vijayawada station, which is under A1 category, added he. registers over one lakh footfalls a day. Already bids to execute the development projects in the station were Mini buses in Rural Areas called for. Food courts, multiplex theatres, shopping malls, pharmacies, budget hotels, ATMs, Internet cafes, In the coming six months, the State government is all executive lounges, cafeterias, multi-level parking are set to improve connectivity in rural villages by introduc- likely to come up on the station premises. ing mini buses to provide reliable transport to every vil- lage. An allotment of Rs 200 crore has been made towards purchasing of buses and the Finance depart- Restriction on VIP darshan at TTD on weekends ment has been requested to release all of it in one go. To tackle the summer rush, the Tirumala Tirupati Dev- “There are 14,123 villages in the State and Palle Velugu asthanams has resolved not to entertain any kind of rec- buses numbering 5,574, which are covering 18 lakh kilo- ommendation letters in the VIP break darshan of Lord meters every day. The occupancy ratio is 75%. As the Venkateswara during the weekends. The restriction occupancy rate is less in these buses, the government is came into force from April 20 and will stay on till the contemplating introducing of mini buses in the rural second week of July for about fifteen weeks. However areas. About 1,000 to 1,500 buses will be purchased. those VIPs who fall under the protocol category will be

AP tops in Energy Efficiency & Conservation

Andhra Pradesh has been ranked as the best state in the country for En- ergy Efficiency and Conservation programmes by The World Bank. Andhra Pradesh had achieved an energy saving of 1,500 million units in two years through use of LED lighting. “The result-oriented approach of AP government in implementing energy efficiency programmes is worth emulating by other states,” said World Bank Executive Director, Sub- hash Chandra Garg. With an overall score of 42.01, AP has emerged on top, followed by Rajasthan with 41.89, Karnataka 39.34 and Maharash- tra 39.29 in Energy Efficiency Readiness, a release from the State Energy Conservation Mission said. Kerala, Gujarat, NCT Delhi, Punjab, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh are the other states in the top ten ranking in that order. AP has launched a new initiative ‘AP Energy Star’, making it mandatory to procure only five-star rated appliances like air condition- ers, refrigerators, ceiling fans and water pump sets in future.

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CM expresses concern over currency shortage

hief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has asked the bankers to study the reasons for currency shortage and evolve an action plan to solve the problem. When the bankers replied to him saying a sharp declineC in the number of deposits is the main cause of the crisis, the Chief Minister said the people should not be afraid as deposits will be converted into equity if a bank collapses. Observing that the banking sys- tem is losing people's confidence due to various financial scams, the CM- sought to know what precautionary measures the RBI is taking to reverse the trend. Addressing a State-level Bankers' Committee (SLBC) meeting at the Grievance Hall at his residence in Undavalli, the Chief Minister ex- pressed concern that the people may no longer come forward to deposit their money in the banks if the customer service fails to improve.

extended with all the courtesies on normal basis. The davari, Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam, Kadapa, and Ananta- decision was taken with an intention to allocate more pur. During the first meeting of the trust held recently, it darshan hours to the common pilgrims. Senior officials resolved to establish the hospitals in 18 months. Chit- will be specially deputed during the last three days in toor, Kurnool, Nellore, and Visakhapatnam, which al- the week to cater to the needs of the devotees. The of- ready have a cancer care facility, or an institution of the ficials shall not only ensure a smooth flow of darshan State or Central government, or a private for-profit / not lines but also supervise the distribution of free food for-profit institution empanelled under the NTR Vaidya packets, water and buttermilk sachets. Seva, would be considered in phase II. The hospitals will provide free cancer care to all the poor. Tirupati Folk Festival from May 8 Nalin Prabhat is AP Greyhounds head The ‘Thathayagunta Gangamma Jatara’, the nine-day folk festival of Tirupati, will begin on a grand scale on Nalin Prabhat is appointed as the head of the Andhra May 8. The festival is observed to celebrate the birth Pradesh Operations Department (Greyhounds, Octopus. day of the Goddess, which falls in the last week of the Nalin is a 1992 batch officer, who served as the special ‘Chaitra’ month of the Hindu calendar. The Goddess, an additional DG of Operations,Vishakhapatnam region be- incarnation of Durga, is revered as the younger sister of fore. NVSurendra Babu, who recently served as head of Lord Venkateswara. The temple management is prepar- operations department, was promoted as DGP and he ing ‘Sarvanga Kavacham’, a set of golden armours and was replaced by Nalini Prabhath. ornaments weighing 3.5 kg which will be adorned by the presiding deity inside the sanctum sanctorum. Devotees have come forward to contribute their mite Potti Sreeramulu birthday now a State festival towards the cost of the offering. A poster too, was re- The Andhra Pradesh government has identified the leased on the occasion. birthday of freedom fighter Potti Sreeramulu as a State festival. Amarajeevi Potti Sreeramulu was instrumental Beach Festival at Bundar in achieving statehood to the Telugu speaking people The State government has directed the department of from Madras Presidency. He sacrificed his live for sepa- Tourism to organise a beach festival at Manginapudi, rating Andhra Pradesh from Union India. A Government near Machilipatnam. According to Minister K Ravindra, Order has been passed stating the same and hence- the beach festival is set to take place in the first week of forth, March 16 will be celebrated as a State festival. May. “State government has allotted a budget of Rs 4 crore for beautification of Manginapudi beach. All neces- Bhuseva pilot project launched sary arrangements for the festival have commenced. Sec- Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu launched the Bhu- ond phase beautification- walking track, approach road seva project, under which government and private lands apart from visitor amenities are getting done at a cost of across the State will be assigned 11-digit Bhudhaar Rs 1 crore were completed in time,” said he. numbers on the lines of Aadhaar in a two-step process. It is a pilot roject that will be implemented in Vuyyur Cancer units in 9 districts and Jaggaiahpet in Krishna district and is likely to be ex- The NTR Cancer Trust, registered under the NTR Vaidya tended to other districts by October 2. The ultimate Seva, will set up Cancer Care Institutions (CCI) in 9 dis- goal is to give Bhudhaar numbers to 2.84 crore agricul- tricts of the State. The Government of India has agreed tural lands and 50 lakh urban and 85 lakh rural proper- to give Rs 126 crore and the Tata Trust is willing to give ties. Bhudhaar numbers could not be tampered with Rs 100 crore for setting up of cancer institutes for com- and any land-related transaction could be monitored on prehensive care. CCIs will come up in districts of a real-time basis. The lands would be geo-tagged and Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, East Godavari, West Go- 11-digit temporary Bhudhaar numbers starting with 99 would be given. v

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Chandranna PELLI KANUKA launched

verify the beneficiaries and upload the same in the online portal, he ex- plained. All the certificates and documents will be veri- fied online. The Kalyana Mitras will provide 20 per cent approved amount on the spot, the remaining amount will be cleared at the time of marriage. Photos or fin- ger prints of the bride and bridegroom will serve as authentication to transfer the money he Andhra Pradesh government on April 18 during the time of marriage. Within 48 hours after the launched ‘Chandranna Pelli Kanuka’ welfare marriage, the government will deliver the marriage cer- scheme. The state cabinet approved welfare tificate to the couple, at their home. Chief Minister also scheme has come under implemented from April insisted that Kalyana Mitras would attend these mar- 20. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu formally launched riages as his representatives and will be treated as State the website and unveiled the logo of the scheme at his guests. residence in Undavalli. The ‘Chandranna Pelli Kanuka’ will Chandrababu further added that earlier there was dis- become a historic scheme in the future, Naidu opined. crimination against girl child. There were dowry issues Briefing about the scheme Chief Minister said, under this and many other social evils. But the society had witnessed scheme Rs 75,000 will be paid to an SC/ST bride marry- lot of changes gradually and today women empowerment ing a groom of a different caste. A sum of Rs 50,000 will is on the rise, thus ascending them to a position where be given to a backward class bride if she has an inter- they are choosing their life partners. caste marriage and Rs 1 lakh if either or both the bride One lakh marriages would be organised through Kalyana and bridegroom are physically challenged. Mitras in the State every year and the scheme would If an SC bride marries an SC boy, she would get Rs 40,000 largely benefit the concerned communities in conducting as a gift and Rs 30,000 if a Backward Class girl marries a marriages with the financial incentive, informed Chan- Backward Class boy, Naidu further added. The state gov- drababu Naidu. ernment is planning to spend up to Rs 100 crore for pro- Stating that everybody has a right to choose their life viding financial incentive under this scheme. An partner, Naidu announced special incentives for inter- institution called ‘Kalyana Mitra’ will also be created to caste marriages. The government will provide financial ensure effective processing of applications and payment assistance to STs, SCs, BCs, minorities and physically chal- of incentives to the brides in time. lenged persons. He said the government had taken the de- Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister hailed the cision to see smiles on the faces of the poor. The Chief progress made by women in different walks of life. “A day Minister said the government was ensuring proper imple- willT come when girls would demand dowry,” he remarked. mentation of social welfare schemes and that the benefits After launching the website, he mentioned that govern- reach the targeted people. ment will transfer benefits to the beneficiaries without The government achieved 97 per cent satisfaction of thev any delay, in the first phase but the intended beneficiaries beneficiaries, he pointed out. Naidu mentioned in detail 34 should file their applications a couple of weeks in advance various welfare schemes being implemented by MAYApril 201820. from May. The Kalyana Mitras will have responsibility to AP Eng May 2018 - ramesh_Layout 1 4/30/2018 3:07 PM Page 35 Downloaded from http://SmartPrep.in IN PICS

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Pic 1: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu congratulating Commonwealth gold-medalist Ragala Rahul in Vijayawada. Pic 2: Chief Minister inaugurated 18 new fire tenders5 by waving a flag. 6 Pic 3: Intelligence Bureau Director Rajeev Jain met Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu at his residence at Undavalli. Pic 4: CM and other leaders paykng respects on B R Ambedkar’s birth anniversary celebrations at Sakhamuri where Ambedkar Memorial will be coming up. Pic 5: Aerial view of the newly launched flyover on the Rajahmundry - Kakinada route, Dwarapudi village. Pic 6: Daily wage earner Narisetty Pullaiah donated Rs 22,210 towards building of Amaravati to the Chief Minster.

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Regd. No. H-HD-1082/2016-18 APENG/2007/20679 Published on: 01/05/2018 Posting Dt: 6th