PM to Inaugurate Conference of Chief Secretaries,

(PIB News) Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will inaugurate the Conference of Chief Secretaries of states here tomorrow. The two day conference is being organized by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. It will be first such Conference and will be held annually. The conference is aimed at institutionalizing the process of interaction with States / UTs. It will serve as a standing forum for exchange of views between the Centre and the States and provide an occasion for interaction on internal matters. The issues relating to the latest trend in technology, emerging global challenges & opportunities and key security concerns & the role of state governments would be discussed. Global developments that have a bearing on the country would also be deliberated upon. The conference will be attended by the Minister of State for Prime Minister’s Office and Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Sh. Prithviraj Chavan, Cabinet Secretary Sh. K.M. Chandrashekhar, Secretary (ARPG&P), Secretaries of the Ministries / Departments and Chief Secretaries of the States / UTs.
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Shri S. Sundareshan assumes charge as New Petroleum Secretary,

Shri S. Sundareshan assuming charge as the Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, in New Delhi on January 31, 2010. He took over from Shri R.S. Pandey (to his right), who retired from service today. (Photo by No:CNR-30173) ------------------ ----------------------------------------------------Shri S. Sundareshan took over as new Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas here today. A 1976 batch IAS officer of Kerela Cadre, Shri Sundareshan succeeded Shri R.S. Pandey, who demitted office on superannuation.

A man of diverse experience, Shri Sundareshan has worked at senior level for close to three years in the Ministry as Additional Secretary and Special Secretary since April-2007. He has also been Chairman, Forward Markets Commission, putting in place necessary regulation and structures for the growth of commodities future market. An MBA from University of Leeds, UK, Shri Sundareshan held several important positions in the Government of India including Joint Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs (Ministry of Finance), Minister (Economic and Commercial), Embassy of India, Tokyo, Joint Chief Controller of Imports & Exports (Ministry of Commerce) etc.
He also handled important assignments in his cadre State Kerala. These include Principal Secretary (Revenue), Secretary (Department of Expenditure), Managing Director (MD), Kerala State Milk Marketing Federation, MD, Kerala Fisheries Corporation besides working as CEO of different State public sectors undertaking for six years.
Shri Sundareshan was born on 28th October 1952. He did his Masters from University of Mumbai before joining the 1976 batch of Indian Administrative Service.

Matchmaker Naidu found Jr NTR’s bride

Hyderabad, Jan. 29: The Telugu Desam chief, Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu, is believed to be the man behind the marriage alliance between Junior NTR and Ms Lakshmi Praneeta, as part of his plan to keep NTR under his control and to groom him as a key leader in the party in the days ahead.Political circles are agog with news of the marriage and Mr Naidu’s role as match-maker.According to reliable party sources, Junior NTR was persuaded by his mother, Ms Shalini, and close friends that this was the proper age for marriage. There was no dearth of prospective brides. At least half-a-dozen industrialists, including owners of two Telugu news channels, proposed their daughters. This did not go down well with Mr Naidu who believed it would be better for both Junior NTR and the Telugu Desam if the bride was from within the circle of relatives. When Mr Naidu told this to Junior NTR, the latter reportedly said, "Uncle, I accept whatever you decide."Mr Naidu then approached a close relative of his, Mr Narne Srinivasarao, husband of his niece, who was agreeable.A few days ago, Mr Naidu flew to Singapore — where his daughter-in-law, Ms Bhrahmani, is working — with his wife, Ms Bhuvaneswari, son, Mr Lokesh, and Junior NTR’s parents, Mr Hari Krishna and Ms Shalini. Mr Narne Srinivasarao and Ms Mallika, the parents of Ms Lakshmi Praneeta, accompanied them. Sources said Mr Naidu went there for detailed talks with all his relatives about the alliance, and it was finally settled.According to Telugu Desam sources, Junior NTR is anxious to please his uncle with whom he now enjoys a close relationship. He was advised by his close friends that he could emerge as a powerful leader of the party if he played his cards right,(thanks to DC)

Intermediate exams to start from.10th march,

Hyderabad, Jan. 29: The state government on Friday postponed the Intermediate public exams by a week, bowing to pressure from some ministers of Telangana region and leaders of the Telangana Joint Action Committee.

The exams will now begin on March 10 as against March 3 announced earlier.
The SSC exams will, however, stick to schedule and start on March 23. Even the Intermediate practical exams will be held as per the original schedule from February 3.
The minister for secondary education, Mr D. Manikya Vara Prasada Rao, who had earlier ruled out postponement, was forced to backtrack after three ministers of T-region, Mr D. Sridhar Babu, Mr Komatireddy Venkat Reddy and Mr Jupalli Krishna Rao, met the Chief Minister, Mr Rosaiah, on Tuesday and told him that students of T-region had missed out on a month’s classes due to the T-stir.Mr Rosaiah discussed the issue at the review meeting on higher education on Friday but left the final decision to Mr Prasada Rao. “Though I am personally against postponement, it was done upon the persistent demands from public representatives and various students and lecturers’ associations,” Mr Rao said.
Revised Intermediate exam schedule:                                                               Firstyear,                                                                                                                            *March 10: Second language.
*March 12: English
*March 15: Mathematics IA, Botany, Civics, Psychology.
*March 18: Mathematics IB, Zoology, History.
*March 20: Physics, Economics and Classical language.
*March 23: Chemistry, Commerce, Sociology, Fine Arts and Music.
*March 26: Geology, Home Science, Public Administration, Logic, Geography and Bridge Course (Maths).
*March 29: Modern language.
Second year
*March,11:Second language.
*March 13: English.
*March 17: Mathematics IIA, Botany, Civics and Psychology.
*March 19: Mathematics IIB, Zoology and History.
*March 22: Physics, Economics and Classical language.
*March 25: Chemistry, Commerce, Sociology, Fine Arts and Music.
*March 27: Geology, Home Science, Public Administration, Logic, Geography and Bridge Course (Maths).
*March 29: Modern language,(thanks to DC)-------------------------------------

Prayer meeting at mahatma gandhi's samadhi,

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, the Vice President, Shri Mohd. Hamid Ansari, the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Defence Minister, Shri A. K. Antony, the Minister of State of Defence, Shri M.M. Pallam Raju and other dignitaries attending the prayer meeting at the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of Martyr’s Day, at Rajghat, in Delhi on January 30, 2010. (Photo by PIB No:CNR-30158)
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PM- paying homage at the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi,

The Prime Minister,Dr.Manmohan Singh paying homage at the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of Martyr’s Day, at Rajghat, in Delhi on January,30,2010,(Photo by PIB,No:CNR-30153)

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Report of the Task Force on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises presented to,Shri Dr Manmohan singh

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh after receiving the Report of the Task Force on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises from the Chairman, Task Force on MSME and Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, Shri T.K.A. Nair, in New Delhi on January 30,2010.The Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Shri Dinsha J. Patel, the Secretary (MSME), Shri Dinesh Rai and the Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Shri Ashok Chawla are also seen,(Photo by PIB No:CNR-30161)

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(PIB NEWS) The Report of the Task Force on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises was presented to the Hon’ble Prime Minister today by its Chairman, Shri T.K.A.Nair. Present on the occasion were the Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Shri Dinsha Patel, Secretary (MSME), Shri Dinesh Rai, Member Planning Commission, Shri Arun Maira as well as members of the Task Force.
The Prime Minister had announced setting up of the Task Force in August, 2009 when representatives of prominent MSME associations had met him to highlight their issues and concerns. Accordingly, the Task Force under Shri T.K.A. Nair, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister was constituted on 2nd September, 2009 to reflect on the issues raised by the associations and formulate an agenda for action after discussions with all stakeholders. Its members included Member, Planning Commission, Secretaries of concerned Government Departments, Deputy Governor, RBI, Chairman and Managing Director, SIDBI and representatives of MSME associations.
The report provides a roadmap for the development and promotion of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). It recommends an agenda for immediate action to provide relief and incentives to the MSMEs, especially in the aftermath of the recent economic slowdown, accompanied by institutional changes and detailing of programmes, to be achieved in a time bound manner. In addition, it suggests setting up of appropriate legal and regulatory structures to create a conducive environment for entrepreneurship and growth of micro, small and medium enterprises in the country.
The Prime Minister remarked on the occasion that India needs thriving, vibrant and strong enterprises in the micro, small and medium segment for all round economic development. He commended the Task Force for the detailed and painstaking analysis done and the pragmatic recommendations put forth in their report. The Prime Minister said that implementation of the recommendations should be taken up earnestly and in a time bound manner to give a sustained impetus to this sector. He requested the Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to take the lead and spearhead policy reform for this sector.

PRESIDENT OF INDIA'S GREETINGS ON THE OCCASION OF "GURU RAVIDAS JAYANTI"

The President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil has greeted fellow citizens on the occasion of Guru Ravidas Jayanti, which shall be celebrated tomorrow. In her message, the President has said, "On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Guru Ravi Das, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all.

Guru Ravi Das was a great saint who preached that everyone should be treated equally. He considered service to humanity as service to God and his teachings of universal brotherhood are of utmost significance today.

May the teachings of Guru Ravi Das inspire us all to strive to remove social inequities in our society." (press release from rashtrapati bhawan n.delhi)

New benchmark must for speedy achievement of power for all: Sushilkumar Shinde

The Union Power Minister, Shri Sushilkumar Shinde presenting the National Award for Meritorious Performance in Power Sector to Mandal Mahila Samakhya, Seethampeta, Andhra Pradesh in the category of Rural Distribution Franchisee Performance, in New Delhi on January 29, 2010.

The Minister of State of Power, Shri Bharatsinh Solanki is also seen.

(Photo by PIB No:CNR-30130 )
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(PIB NEWS)Union Power Minister, Shri Sushilkumar Shinde today urged the Power Sector Utilities to keep up the good work and continue their contribution in the task of building a strong infrastructure needed to achieve energy security. Speaking after giving away the National Awards for Meritorious Performance in Power Sector at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi today he called upon all concerned to establish new benchmarks for achieving the target of “electricity to all” as expeditiously as possible. He said that the awards have helped in significant improvement in operating performance, however their impact in expeditious completion of ongoing projects needs to be more pronounced in the years to come.Expressing satisfaction over the fact that Plant Load Factor (PLF) of a number of thermal power stations is reported to be over 90%, the Minister praised the National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd for bagging all the six awards in thermal performance category for Simahdri, Korba, Ramagundam, Vindhyachal, Rihand and Dadri Thermal Power Stations. He also urged new generating stations to leave no stone unturned for emulating the performance of these stations in the years to come.The Minister also expressed satisfaction that all the 17 transmission systems which participated in the Award Scheme, have reported availability above 99.14% and the Western Region Transmission System – I of PowerGrid Corporation of India Limited has received Gold Shield with availability of 99.91%. He said that PowerGrid also needs special commendation for completing a transmission line of about 400 circuit kilometer and a sub-station in Afghanistan under difficult working conditions, hilly terrain and snow bound area as well as difficult law and order conditions and completing the same ahead of contractual schedule.
Shri Shinde said that awards to Rural Distribution Franchisees, started by the Ministry from the year 2007-08, have catalyzed the franchisees and better results would be witnessed from more franchisees in the years to come.In his Address, Minister of State for Power, Shri Bharatsinh Solanki highlighted the performance of Rural Distribution Franchisees which is being measured in terms of revenue collection, metered services, type of franchise, etc. He observed that India is the first country where women have come in the business of rural franchisees where they are not only engaged in revenue collection but also in maintaining of the networking equipment. Congratulating the Mahila Mandal Samakhya, Seethampeta, a franchisee of Eastern Andhra Pradesh Discom who won the award this time, he wished all such organisations for continued success in the years to come.
Earlier, Shri Anil Kumar, Special Secretary, Ministry of Power addressed the gathering. He called for inclusive growth where electricity would reach out to every nook and corner of the country. Pointing out that India has only 700 units per capita while the world average is about 2700 units, he reminded the players in the power sector of the great expectations in terms of demand which called for capacity addition up to 8,00,000 MW by 2027.
Shri Rakesh Nath, Chairperson,CEA who was also present on the occasion, welcomed the gathering . Shri. Sudhir Kumar, Joint Sectretary in the Ministry of Power, proposed the vote of thanks.
The Comprehensive Awards Scheme was introduced by the Ministry of Power w.e.f the year 2004-05. The objective of this scheme is to develop a spirit of competitiveness among the various power stations / projects / companies in thermal, hydro and nuclear generation, transmission, distribution and rural distribution franchisees for achieving improved performance and early completion of thermal, hydro projects and transmission projects, distribution companies in the power sector. It also aims at encouraging personnel engaged in the power utilities to improve their efficiency & productivity and show better results.
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I&B Minister Smt,Ambika Soni,inaugurates"Broadcaster and New Media Technologies"conference/exhibition

The Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Smt. Ambika Soni lighting the lamp to inaugurate the 16th International Conference and Exhibition on Terrestrial and Satellite Broadcasting. Conference on ‘Broadcasters and new Media Technologies’, in New Delhi on January 29, 2010,(Photo by PIB No:CNR-30126)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(PIB News) The Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Smt Ambika Soni inaugurated the 16th International BES EXPO 2010 in New Delhi today. Acknowledging that technology is clearly a growth driver for many an innovations in Broadcast sector, the Minister urged the Broadcasters to ensure that fruits of new technology actually reach the consumer. Smt Soni said that it is the endeavour of her Ministry to ensure that policy framework and business models are in sync to cater to the consumer interest. “We are guided by the thought that technology neutral approach to policies is the appropriate way. Convergence in technology has to fast become a reality” the Minister said. Broadcast engineers must play a crucial role in guiding the best possible options in the carriage of the content to the public, she added.
The Minister emphasized that the Government is committed to technological improvement/digitalization of the DD network to improve the viewing experience. As the official Broadcaster for telecast of the Commonwealth Games 2010, the High Definition Television is in place, the Minister said. She added that Digitalization of the Broadcasting Services of Doordarshan/All India Radio and Cable Services, is one of the key thrust areas identified by the Ministry because of the “advantages digital mode offers in terms of efficient utilization of available spectrum, better quality of picture and services, various interactive and niche services and transparency above all.” Smt Soni noted that the trend worldwide has been to fix sunset dates for complete switch off of analog services. “While India as yet has not declared any sunset date for complete migration, it is now being increasingly felt that by 2017 we should also aim for complete switchover”, the Minister stated.
The Minister also announced that serious thought is being given to devise suitable policies for Mobile television. “With a view to incentivize the introduction of FM radio services in the North Eastern States, Jammu and Kashmir and island territories and to further liberalize the regulatory framework to provide for greater diversity of content and bring down operational costs, the Government is in the process of finalizing the FM Phase-III policy soon”, the Minister said. The Ministry also hopes to set up around 4000 Community Radio Stations in next three years the Minister announced. Distributing the annual BES Awards for Best Technological innovations, Smt Soni called upon the broadcasting industry to contribute not just in statistical figures for the economy but also contribute to a healthy socio-cultural growth of the society as a whole.
The 3 day international Expo and Conference proposes to discuss topical issues such as ‘innovative technologies for coverage of Commonwealth Games, HDTV and beyond; New technologies for Digital TV and Radio; Frequency Spectrum related issues under the theme of ‘Broadcast regulatory Issues’.

‘SCHEME FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT OF MINORITY WOMEN’

(PIB NEWS)A target of 32,950 has been fixed for training women from the Minority communities under the ‘Scheme for Leadership Development of Minority Women’ during the remaining months of the current financial year. For this an outlay of Rs. 8 crore has been made. The Scheme will be implemented throughout the country with special focus on districts, blocks and towns/cities having a substantial minority population. During the next financial year a target to train 56,850 women with an outlay of more than Rs. 15 crore has been fixed. During the last fiscal of the 11th Five Year Plan i.e., during 2011-12 a total of 93,000 women, at a cost of over Rs. 25 crore, will be trained under this Scheme. Thus the total target under the ‘Scheme for Leadership Development of Minority Women’ for the remaining period of the 11th Plan is to train 1,82,800 women and the overall outlay will be slightly over Rs. 48 crore.

The ‘Scheme for Leadership Development of Minority Women’ was launched by Shri Salman Khurshid, Minister of Minority Affairs, here yesterday. It proposes to reach out to women through Non-Governmental Organizations / institutions who will be provided with financial support for conducting leadership development training in a village / locality and in residential government training institutes so that women are empowered and emboldened to move out of the confines of home and assume leadership roles in their neighbourhoods. This would enable them to assert their rights, collectively or individually.

PM says NAMASTE to ARTIST,

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh with the artists who participated in the Republic Day Parade -2010,in New Delhi on January 28, 2010.

(Photo by PIB No:CNR-30117)

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Shri Manmohan Singh, With NCC Cadets,

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh with the NCC cadets who participated in the Republic Day Parade -2010,in New Delhi on January 28, 2010. (Photo by PIB No:CNR-30118)-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PM,addressing to NCC Cadets Rally.

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh addressing at the Republic Day Rally of NCC Cadets, in New Delhi on January 28, 2010.

(Photo by PIB, No:CNR-30107)

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Shri Kapil Sibal,Releasing Manual of "National Council for Teacher Education"

The Union Minister of Human Resource Development, Shri Kapil Sibal, releasing the user manual Version 1.0 titled ‘National Council for Teacher Education’ at the conference of State Education Secretaries of School Education, in New Delhi on January 28, 2010.

The Minister of State of Human Resource Development, Smt. D. Purandeswari and the Secretary, SE&L, Ministry of HRD, Smt. Anshu Vaish are also seen . Photo by PIB( No:CNR-30100)

Shri Bipan Chandra,addressing to Media,

Shri Bipan Chandra, Chairman of National Book Trust, addressing the Media regarding the 19th New Delhi World Book Fair, in New Delhi on January 28, 2010,The Director, National Book Trust, Ms.Nuzat Hassan and the director (M&C),Press Information Bureau,Sh.Dheeraj Singh are also seen,(photo by PIB,NO:CNR.30097)

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Lala Lajpat rai,birth anniversary in New Delhi,

The Union Finance Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, the Chairman of the BJP Parliamentary Party, Shri L.K. Advani, the Minister of State for Finance and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal, and other dignitaries paid tributes to Lala Lajpat Rai on the occasion of his birth anniversary, in New Delhi on January 28, 2010,(Photo byPIB,CNR NO:30096) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------                              

shri Mukherjee addressing pre-Budget meeting,

The Union Finance Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee addressing the pre- budget meeting with the members of Society for Law Firms, in New Delhi on January 27, 2010.(photo by PIB)----------------------------------------------------------------

Vice President with tableau artists

The Vice President, Shri Mohd. Hamid Ansari and his wife Smt. Salma Ansari, with the tableau artists who participated in the Republic Day Parade -2010 ,.in New Delhi on January 27, 2010. (photo by PIB)

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Dr.Manmohan Singh paying tributes at Amar Jawan Jyoti,

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh paying tributes at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate during the 61st Republic Day Parade-2010, in New Delhi on January 26, 2010

President Giving Ashok Chakra Award,

The president,smt Pratibha Devising Patil giving away the highest gallentry Award Ashok Chakra to smt beeta wife of the hawaldar rajesh kumar(posthumous)in new delhi on 26th jan,2010,(Photo PIB)

BSF camel marching at rajpath,

the band BSF camel marching contingent passes.through the rajpath during the 61st republic day parade-2010,in new delhi,jan 26th,2010.(photo PIB)

President dais at the celebration of the 61st republic day-2010,

         

 The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil ,the chief guest President of   Republic of Korea, Mr. Lee Myung Bak, the Vice President, Shri Mohd. Hamid Ansari, the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and other dignitaries at president dais at the celebration of the 61st Republic day-2010 in New Delhi on January 26, 2010. (Photo by PIB)

TIHGT SECURITY IN HYDERABAD ON R-DAY

With intelligence agencies warning of a possible terror attack, a tight security blanket was thrown around the venue of the main official Republic Day function in Hyderabad on Tuesday.

Bikini?me?no way!

Tags: Vidya Balan Vidya Balan has long been criticised for her dressing sense and the actress has gone back to her traditional sense of dressing after a long spell of experimentation with style. Vidya now says that she is comfortable with traditional attire but when it comes to acting she is open to experimenting with her clothes. “When I am ready to experiment with my roles why not with the garments?” she says, “As an actor I will wear all kinds of costumes that the role requires me to wear.”
Does that mean Vidya is ready to wear a bikini for the silver screen, having lost oodles of weight recently? “Bikini and me? No way!” says Vidya, “I don’t think I will ever be able to wear one on screen. Not that my weight is an issue or that I won’t look good in it but I am just too shy to be seen in a bikini,
On the topic of her experimenting with roles, Vidya says she is looking forward to Ishqiya. “It’s a wonderful role and I am looking forward to the film It’s been a great experience working with actors like Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi.”
Apart from Ishqiya, Vidya is also looking forward to UTV Movies’ No One Killed Jessica being directed by Rajkumar Gupta. “I am certainly looking forward to working with Rani (Mukerji). She is an amazing actress,” says Vidya.

A.K.KHAN,IPS, after assuming charge,

A.K.Khan,IPS after assuming charge at hyderabad police commisioner on 21st jan 2010,(photo by RSJ THOMAS)

"INDIA's SUPER QWEEN" fashion show in hyderabad

v.care spounsored in hyderabad the first ever beauty pageant for the transgender cpmmunity in india. the hunt was launched in hyderabad at hotel grand plaza on 23rd jan 2010, seen in the picture are india super qween, first position raksha, secund position aishwarya,and third position sonia,(photo by rsj thomas)

SHRI B.PRASAD RAO,IPS(CP) IN DELETE COMPAIGN PROGRAMME,

!!! TRAFFIC & PARKING FOR REPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATION AT SECUNDERABAD PRADE GROUND!!!

in exercise of the powers conferred upon me under section 21(1)(B) of hyderabad city police Act,1. A.K.Khan,IPS.commisioner of police hyderabad,do hereby notify for the information of yhe general public that in order to facilitate proper regulation of traffic in connection with the prade and republic day celebration at secunderabad parade grounds on 26th january 2010.,the following traffic restrictions will be enforced. the entry on S.P.Road between central telegraph cross road and YMCA cross road will be"one way"between 7 a.m and 11 a.m., cars having passes will be allowed from CTO junction towards YMCA before the parade commences and in the revers direction towards CTO junction after the parade is over.the road from contonment garden to SBH X road will be closed for all vehicular traffic from 7 a.m. to 11a.m.