Tag: Andhra Pradesh

Business

United Way Bengaluru Launches ‘Mangroves Matter’: A Campaign to Restore Mangrove Ecosystems Started revitalizing mangrove ecosystems at Pulicat near Chennai

May 27, 2024 by Mansi Praharaj 0 Comments #' Mangroves Matter', #'jungle of roots', #'Mangroves Matter' campaign, #2024, #Andhra Pradesh, #brackish water body, #Chennai, #COP28, #ecosystems, #India's second-largest brackish water body., #Karnataka, #Kerala, #Mangrove, #Pulicat, #Pulicat or Pazhaverkadu, #Pulicat region, #Rajesh Krishnan, #Sriram Ananthanarayanan, #Tamil, #Tamil Nadu, #United Way Bengaluru, #United Way Bengaluru (UWBe), #water body., #World Wetlands Day

Mangrove @ Pulicat 1

Bengaluru, May 27, 2024: Recent reports indicate a staggering loss of about 35% of mangroves between 1996 and 2010 highlighting a concerning trend in environmental degradation. Mangrove ecosystems play a significant role in stabilizing coastlines, making their preservation crucial for the environment and inhabitants. Mangroves are a natural solution to climate change, the paramount global threat. They can sequester carbon at a rate five times greater than tropical forests.

Responding to this urgent need, United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) has launched an ambitious and impactful campaign, ‘ Mangroves Matter’, to revitalize mangrove ecosystems. The first foot is at Pulicat or Pazhaverkadu, a coastal town near Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Known as the ‘jungle of roots‘ in Tamil, Pulicat encompasses a vast expanse of 720 sq. km, constituting India’s second-largest brackish water body. Rampant destruction of mangrove vegetation by human activities and natural causes has led to a massive reduction in the lake’s depth from 3.8m to 2m. This ecological decline has endangered biodiversity and threatened the livelihoods of local fisherfolk dependent on the mangrove ecosystem.

The ‘Mangroves Matter’ campaign was officially launched on World Wetlands Day, 2024, with a bold vision to rewild approximately 10 lakh mangroves across 100 acres in the Pulicat region alone. In addition to their environmental advantages, the campaign will closely work with the Irula community, opening up livelihood opportunities for them and boosting the local economy by supporting the cultivation of shrimp and fish species. The project also includes removal of acres of Prosopis ( Karuvelam ), an invasive species which has destroyed the local flora and soil ecosystems.

Sriram Ananthanarayanan, Director-Projects, UWBe, said, “I am glad that many of our Corporate CSR partners have come forward to support this campaign with a shared vision towards environmental commitment. Notably, our CSR partner, Mphasis, has pledged their support to this cause, dedicating the rewilding of mangroves on 70 acres in Pulicat. “

Looking ahead, United Way Bengaluru envisions extending the campaign’s reach to other regions, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala. Upholding its mission of “mobilizing the caring power of communities,” the organization calls upon organizations from different industries to join hands in supporting this vital mission for the preservation of the planet’s precious ecosystems.

Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, UWBe, said, “COP28 made significant progress towards securing the Mangrove Breakthrough’s goal of 15 million hectares of mangroves underpinned by USD 4 billion new investments by 2030. I am super excited that United Way Bengaluru is among the very few organisations who have taken this initiative. ‘Mangroves Matter’ is aligned with the aspiration of COP28, which calls out the responsibility of the State, corporations, local people, community, NGOs and other stakeholders to deliver the Breakthrough.”

Education

SRM University-AP initiates Prerana Vanam on Founder’s Day

Aug 25, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #Andhra Pradesh, #Dr M Malakondaiah IPS, #former Director-General of Police, #Founder Chancellor Dr T R Paarivendhar, #Prerana Vanam, #SRM University-AP

SRM University-AP celebrated the birthday of Founder Chancellor Dr T R Paarivendhar as Founder’s Day on August 24, 2021. Dr M Malakondaiah IPS, former Director-General of Police, Andhra Pradesh, was the chief guest of the day. The inauguration of Prerana Vanam, a week-long (Aug 24-29) event of planting trees across the university is being held as part of the celebrations. Prof Vajja Sambasiva Rao, Vice-Chancellor; Prof D Narayana Rao, Pro-Vice-Chancellor; Dr Vinayak Kalluri, Registrar; and Wg Cmdr Venkataachalam Sekkappan, Director-CLM addressed the gathering.

In his address, Vice-Chancellor Prof VS Rao commended the services rendered by Dr T R Paarivendhar for the progress of the education sector. He advised the students to move forward by taking inspiration from the Chancellor. In his keynote address, Dr M Malakondaiah praised the management for establishing a university with world-class standards in a very short period of time and providing first-class engineering education. He also appreciated the Prerana Vanam endeavour that aims to promote greenery on the campus. “We all have a responsibility to protect and nourish the environment and I am glad that SRM AP is showing the appropriate way”, he added. Speaking on the occasion, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof D Narayana Rao paid tributes to the leadership of Hon’ble Chancellor. He further explicated the benefits of growing trees and how that sustainably contributes to the oxygen level in the atmosphere.

Prerana Vanam is an initiative by SRM University-AP to fundamentally raise awareness among people about the importance of ecosystem preservation. This dream project of growing a diversified genus of trees across the university campus was named by Mr SP Sesha Sayee Kumar, General Manager, GPEMC. The formal event held in the university was attended by staff and faculty of the university and the distinguished guests inaugurated Prerana Vanam by planting tree saplings on the campus.

The celebration continued with SRM AP staff visiting the elderly at nearby Old Age Homes in Mangalagiri. Prof Vajja Sambasiva Rao lauded the gesture of the university that extends services to society. Dr Sivakumar, Deputy Dean Academic Affairs; Dr K Mohan, Director, ITKM and Corporate Communications; Dr Ch Lakshmi Rajyam, Medical Officer; and Ms Revathi Balakrishnan, Assistant Director- Student Affairs; Mr Venugopal, Media PRO were present on the occasion.

Business World

Environment Day Celebrations #GenerationRestoration: Eminent Officers from states of Telangana, Assam, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh Spread awareness on “Environment Protection and Social Responsibility”

Jun 6, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #Andhra Pradesh, #Environment Day Celebrations, #ICSL, #IDEAOVATOR, #Rajasthan, #Telangana;

Environment Day Celebrations by ICSL & IDEAOVATOR

ICSL has conducted a webinar on the account of World Environment Day. Eminent Public Officers from 4 states were invited as Speakers to spread awareness on this occasion and to discuss various aspects of conservation and regeneration. Shri Jayesh Ranjan, I.A.S Principal Secretary – Industries & Commerce (I&C) and Information Technology (IT) for Government of Telangana, Shri Ballepu Kalyan Chakravarthy, I.A.S Principal Secretary – Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Higher Education Department- Government Assam, Shri P Raja Babu, I.A.S CEO- Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), Government of Andhra Pradesh, Shri. Ashish Modi, I.A.S- District Magistrate, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan participated in the webinar.

IAS Officers Spread Awareness on Environment Day 2021

IAS Officers Spread Awareness on Environment Day 2021
The speakers emphasized on the importance of sustainability and discussed various initiatives, programs for Environment Protection.

The Organizer Deepika Joshi (Director- IDEAOVATOR and President ICSL) launched the Regenerative Entrepreneurship Series and explained the need for inducing regenerative processes at Industries, Organizations, and rejuvenating Mother Earth.

Jayesh sir

Jayesh

Shri Jayesh Ranjan, IAS stated about the role of corporates in Environment Sustainability and CSR. He also stated the initiatives like mission Kakatiya and Haritha Haram of Telangana Government and stated that Environment Protection is everyone’s responsibility and Telangana would continue to support green initiatives.

Kalyan

Shri B Kalyan Chakravarthy, IAS spoke about the role of every individual in Environment protection and how Sustainability Education can help in inducing the sense of responsibility towards environment conservation and regeneration from an early age. He mentioned that Assam is encouraging Biodiversity education in schools and that he has introduced a concept ” Biodiversity Register ” which would be maintained by students.

envi2

Shri P Raja Babu, IAS quoted about various initiatives at the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) and promoting sustainability through awareness programs and also by encouraging women entrepreneurship in the same domain. He also said that AP is adopting digital solutions to replace paper-based work and in turn protecting trees.

Shri. Ashish Modi, IAS mentioned urban waste, its impact, and the need for efficient waste management for environment conservation.

Many Environment Protection activists, workers were facilitated on this occasion.

Lalitha Alluri- Chairperson, Babita- Secretary, Kanchan-Treasurer, Mounica – Joint Secretary of ICSL and supporters COWE, RNIT Solutions, TITA, Jayalakshmi Foundation, Balaji scan, Fugenic, Ritzy Schools, Social activists, Corporates, Educational Institutions, Industrialists, Educationalists, Students also participated in the program.

News

SRMAP conveys gratitude to Journalists….

May 3, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #Andhra Pradesh, #SRM University-AP

Amaravati: SRM University-AP, Andhra Pradesh, conveyed its gratitude to the journalists for their commendable work and unyielding energy during the catastrophic time. In a brief ceremony on May 2, 2021, at 11 am, Wg Cmdr Venkataachalam Sekkappan, Director-Campus Life Maintenence, distributed essential commodities such as rice, condiments, wheat flour and cooking oil to 20 print and electronic media journalists as a token of appreciation. Mr Venugopal, Public Relation Officer and Mr Chandraprabhu, Store Manager, SRM University-AP, attended the service.

Health

Prof C Durga Rao receives a grant to enhance vaccine efficacy at a reduced cost…

Mar 31, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #and Associate Dean, #Andhra Pradesh, #Department of Biology, #Department of Biotechnology, #Government of India, #Prof C Durga Rao (Principal Investigator), #Professor, #Sciences, #SRM University-AP

Prof C Durga Rao (Principal Investigator), Professor, Department of Biology, and Associate Dean, Sciences,Department of Biology, SRM University-AP, Andhra Pradesh has received a total outlay of Rs. 1,10,52,941/- from the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, to work on the project titled “Understanding the molecular basis for the extreme differential level of expression of genes from human and animal rotaviruses in gene-transfected cells: Implications for improving the growth of human vaccine strains”. Using the grant, the professor will be spawning the appropriate facilities to perform cell culture and virus-related research at SRM University-AP.

Understanding how a virus overpowers the host resistance mechanisms and seizes the host cellular processes for its own growth is very challenging and is essential for the development of not only efficient viral vaccines but also for antiviral therapeutic strategies. Prof Durga Rao informs, “Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe and acute dehydrating diarrhoea in infants and children below 5 years of age. Efforts by us and Dr Bhan, former Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, led to the discovery and development of the first made in India rotavirus vaccine, produced by Bharat Biotech, Hyderabad.”

In the earlier project, Professor Rao observed that while some human rotaviral proteins could be expressed at high levels when the cloned genes were introduced into mammalian cells, other proteins could not be expressed at detectable levels. However, the virus expresses copious amounts of all its proteins when it infects the cells. Prof

Durga Rao further shares, “Within a few hours of infection, each virus employs several ploys in the infected cell to subvert the cellular defence and regulatory mechanisms and captures the host for its own progeny production.”
Based on the earlier observations, this project will advance to unravel the tricks employed by the virus, and viral transactions in the infected cells. The outcome of the project will have implications for genetically engineering the poorly growing human vaccine strains for their efficient growth in cell culture, leading to reduced cost of not only rotavirus vaccines, but also other viral vaccines.

Business World

Bus travel on path to normalcy: Over 3 lakh passengers travelled through redBus for the 2nd October long weekend

Oct 16, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Andhra Pradesh, #Gujarat, #Karnataka, #Maharashtra, #post-COVID, #Prakash Sangam, #redBus, #Tamil Nadu

RedBus, India’s largest online bus ticketing platform, recorded over 3 lakh seat reservations across the country over the 2nd October long weekend, in the latest sign of the industry returning to normalcy. States such as Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal are currently showing high demand for bus travel, surpassing pre-lockdown levels, partly due to limited availability of trains on key routes, making buses the most preferred means of travel.

Over the long weekend, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and West Bengal recorded maximum demand for travel in the country, while the top destinations preferred by the passengers were Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

The top 5 routes in the country for which redBus is witnessing significant bookings at present are, Bengaluru – Hyderabad, Delhi – Chandigarh, Hyderabad – Vijayawada, Asansol – Kolkata and Gorakhpur-Delhi.

Safety of passengers and the bus crew continues to be the top priority for redBus and the platform had earlier launched its Safety+ program, certification for its partner bus operators who meet the highest standards of excellence in safety and sanitization. Safety+ certified operators follow strict safety protocols to address the concerns around safety due to COVID-19.

The redBus ticketing platform indicates bus operators with this self-certification, with a Safety+ tag next to the bus listing, enabling passengers to opt for such operators or buses.

While Safety+ ensures that the partner bus operators enforce a slew of strict safety measures to keep the passengers safe, redBus has also listed out a set of passenger guidelines encouraging them to travel responsibly for a safe journey.

A behavioural shift that has been evident post-COVID is the preference for online bus booking going up. This has gained traction lately due to the safety and convenience aspects associated with it, compared to offline modes of ticket purchase. redBus has seen a rise in first-time customers, with the percentage of the transactions undertaken by new customers nearly doubling from 11% (Pre-COVID) to 21% (Post-COVID).

Another interesting trend being witnessed is the willingness among people in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns to travel, resulting in them contributing around 67% of the current bookings, as they look to return back to their workplaces (this was 56% earlier in the pre-COVID period).

Some of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities with high demand for bus travel at present are Jaipur, Gorakhpur, Indore, Visakhapatnam, Kalaburagi, Rajkot, Malda and Guwahati.

Speaking on the upbeat near-term outlook for the industry, Prakash Sangam, CEO, redBus, said, “The current phase is an important inflection point with a steady rise in demand for bus travel across the country, brought about by the gradual resumption of activities across all spheres, making travel a necessity. We expect this trend to continue with an increase in economic activity, further relaxation in locked down activities, the upcoming festive season and also when colleges/universities reopen. On many routes, we have also seen a substitution of demand moving from Trains to Buses.”