No question of leaving Cong: Reddy

New Delhi, May 31: Congress MP YS Jaganmohan Reddy, who was recently detained for his controversial 'yatra' (rally), said he will not leave the party but is ready to quit from his Lok Sabha post."There is no reason why I should leave my party (Congress). If I had to leave, I would have done that immediately after my father (late Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy) died; at that time I also had sympathy of 135 MLAs," Reddy told reporters on Monday here.Reddy, who is in the Capital to meet Congress top brass over the 'yatra' controversy, said: "I respect madam (party supremo Sonia Gandhi) a lot, and have full faith in her. My intensions are clear, my mind is guilt-free, I have not done anything wrong."I am here (Delhi) to request the Congress to allow me continue my Odarpu Yatra. I will explain my stand behind this apolitical rally. The 'yatra' cannot be stopped...it's my moral responsibility and duty to carry on with it. "Asked if there are chances that Congress will take action against him over this issue, Reddy said: "I don't think the party will take action against me. Why should they? I have done no wrong."On May 28, Reddy was taken into preventive custody by the Andhra Pradesh police, apprehending violent clashes after he refused to call off his controversial yatra (rally).Reddy was arrested from a train at Vangapalli in Nalgonda district while he was on way to Warangal to console the family members of those who died of shock or committed suicide after his father's death in a helicopter crash last year.Reddy was on a yatra to meet the bereaved family members and even after his arrest, he has reportedly stated of resuming his travel at a later date.His yatra was seen as a move to give air to the anti-Telangana lobby, of which Reddy and his late father were supporters.Like the late chief minister, the younger Reddy is also against the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and he had, along with MPs from Rayalaseema and Andhra regions, voiced their opposition to formation of Telangana state in the Parliament.The yatra could have fuelled clashes between Reddy's supports and pro-Telangana activists.The Joint Action Committee (JAC), Telangana Rashtra Samiti, other pro-Telangana groups, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had announced their plans to stall the yatra.Some Congress leaders were also against Reddy's yatra and had even reportedly got Congress chief Sonia Gandhi to ask Reddy to stop his rally.But Reddy had decided to go ahead with the yatra, which he has now stated of resuming at a later time.He has maintained that the yatra was not a political statement, and his detractors were trying to defame him.
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HIV woman refused admission, gives birth by roadside

Hyderabad,May 31: An HIV-positive woman was forced to give birth to her baby by the roadside after a government-run hospital allegedly refused her admission.The shocking incident took place Sunday evening in Suryapet town of Nalgonda district, about 170 km from here. According to delayed reports reaching the state capital, some women in the town helped deliver the baby after the pregnant woman collapsed by the roadside. Alivelu, wife of a daily wage labourer from Kesaram village in Nalgonda, reached Government Area Hospital in Suryapet. After the blood examination, she was found HIV-positive and the staff on duty allegedly refused her admission saying the doctors were not available. The 28-year-old was asked to come to the hospital the next day. Some relatives accompanying her tried to get her admitted to a private hospital but could not arrange the money. In the meantime, she developed labour pains and some local women came forward to help her. Shocked by the incident, Health Minister D. Nagender announced a probe. "We will take action against those who refused to admit the woman," the minister told reporters. Alivelu, who had returned to the village with the new-born Sunday night, was brought to the town and admitted to the hospital by health officials. R.V. Chandravadan, director, Andhra Pradesh AIDS Control Society, said there was no reason for a government hospital to deny admission to any HIV-infected person. "Action will definitely be taken against those found guilty," he said.
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Heat wave prevails in coastal AP, Telangana despite rain

Hyderabad,May 31: Heat wave conditions prevailed over Telangana and over the districts of Krishna, Guntur and Prakasam of Coastal Andhra Pradesh despite isolated rain occurring over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Rayalaseema.The maximum temperatures changed little over Telangana and Rayalaseema and fell at one or two places over coastal Andhra Pradesh. They were significantly above normal over Rayalaseema and at one or two places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh. The highest maximum temperature of 46 degrees Celsius was recorded at Adilabad, Met Department said today.Srungavarapukota (Vizianagaram district) recorded a heavy rainfall measuring nine cm. Palamaner and Punganur (both Chittoor districts) received three cm each rainfall, Kuppam (Chittoor district) 2 cm and Mahabubnagar, Araku Valley (Visakhapatnam district) and Vizianagaram (Vizianagaram district) recorded one cm each rainfall.Heat wave conditions would continue to prevail over Telangana and may continue to prevail over the districts of Krishna, Guntur and Prakasam of Coastal Andhra Pradesh during the next two days.Isolated rain/thundershowers would occur over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Rayalaseema.There is a chance of rain/thundershowers in parts of the city while maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 43 and 28 degrees Celsius respectively.
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Hyderabad gets an eco-friendly ice skating rink

Hyderabad,May 31: Hyderabad got its first eco-friendly ice-skating rink with a synthetic surface on Sunday.The rink has been introduced by Sparq Concepts in conjunction with Spanish company, XTRAICE.Spanning an area of 1,300 square feet, the sporting arena is all set to woo ice skating enthusiasts."The rink here is artificial ice rink. This is not ice but it is 97 percent close to ice-skating. It is a fibre-plastic on which we put solution and we skate. We get 97 percent similarity of ice skating," said Anup Kumar Yaman, an Asian Games medallist in figure skating.With zero electricity consumption, the rink can accommodate 25 skaters at a time and has a viewer gallery, which can accommodate double the number of visitors overlooking the skating rink."It''s a remarkable technology and the same product is being used in US and Canada where the ice hockey teams called Florida Panthers and ..., they are using the same product in their training centers," said Afroz Khan, Associate Manager, Sparq Concepts.Similar kind of artificial ice rinks are present at Disneyland in Paris, Toki No Sumik in Japan, the Danish and Spanish ice hockey Associations, and the Bastad Stadium in Sweden.
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Jagan leaves for Delhi to meet Cong high command

Hyderabad,May 30: Reprimanded by the Congress high-command for defying its advice against the 'Odarpu Yatra', which was aborted amid firing and escalating law and order probelms, Congress MP from Kadapa Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy left for New Delhi this evening to put forward his side of the story to the party.After Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee advised to cut-off 'Odarpu Yatra', Jagan had called on Andhra Pradesh Governor E S L Narasimham at Rajbhavan yesterday bypassing Chief Minister Rosaiah.He had reportedly compalined to the Governor that the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) had deliberately stoked the Mahaboobabad firing incident on May 28 'by attacking the Congress leaders there'.The Mahaboobabad firing incident triggered a bandh in Telangana where the government was able to bring back peace after more than 5 months turmoil with the appointment of the Justice Srikrishna Committee. The political temperature in Telangana went up with the yatra. Jagan who is member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance which is meeting in New Delhi tomorrow is likely to use opportunity with the visit to meet party high command including Union Law Minister M Veerappa Moily who is incharge of Andhra Pradesh affairs.Jagan's visit also come at a time amid reports of businessmen known to him had reporterdy approached the Bharatiya Janata Party for a look into the new situation in Andhra Pradesh. Jagan's business links with the 'Gali brothers', the BJP minister of Karnataka is no secret.
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Chiranjeevi's party to support Cong. in RS polls

New Delhi, May 30: South Indian superstar Chiranjeevi's Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) has pledged its support to the ruling Congress in the coming Rajya Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh as the national party fell short by six votes to get its fourth candidate elected to the Upper House.The agreement between the Congress and PRP was reached at a meeting between Congress president Sonia Gandhi and PRP chief Chiranjeevi at Gandhi's 10 Janpath residence here Saturday. Gandhi's political secretary Ahmed Patel, Union Minister for Law and party in-charge of Andhra Pradesh Veerappa Moily and PRP leader C Ramchandraiah were also present. The PRP has decided to withdraw its candidate for the Rajya Sabha election and its 18 MLAs in the state Assembly shall now vote in favour of Congress candidate, Ramchandriah said. With this, Congress' candidates victory in four seats has been ensured, for which it required 164 votes but, prior to the understanding with the PRP, was falling short by six votes. The PRP leader maintained that no favour has been sought from the Congress in return, though he added that Gandhi's support was asked for getting two irrigation schemes in the state declared as national projects. The arrangement with PRP will spell double benefit for the Congress as the party was facing prospects of revolt by former chief minister late YSR Reddy's son Jagan Mohan and his loyalists. Reddy's lobby has support of about 18 MLAs and if they leave the Congress, Rosaiah's government would have been reduced to majority. The PRP's support in such a scenario could come handy for the ruling party.
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Four of a family murdered in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, May 30: In a gruesome incident here, four members of a family were murdered by their son-in-law and his relatives early Sunday, police said.

Six assailants hacked to death four people in a house at Premnagar in Amberpet neighbourhood. Another person sustained serious injuries and is battling for life in hospital, police said. Qamruddin, his wife Sajida Begum and two other family members Abdullah Begani and Abdullah Kirmani were killed in the attack. Qamruddin's daughter Afreen, wife of the main accused, is in critical condition. Police said while one person died on the spot, three others succumbed to the their injuries in hospital. After the murders, Jehangir, son-in-law of Qamruddin, and his brother went to the police station where they surrendered. Police also arrested their four other relatives who helped them in committing the crime. Jehangir, who separated from his wife following a marital dispute, said he committed the crime to take revenge for a dowry harassment case filed by Afreen against him. Police are investigating.
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Telangana observes shutdown after Friday's violence

Hyderabad,May 29: Normal life was affected in the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh on Saturday in wake of a general shutdown called by Telangana-Joint Action Committee (T-JAC) to protest violence in Mahbubabad town during the tour of Congress MP and son of former chief minister late Y.S.R. Reddy, Y.S.Jagan Mohan Reddy, that left 24 people injured.Business establishments and educational institutions remained closed in Warangal, Medak, Mahbubnagar, Karimnagar, Nalgonda and Nizamabad districts. Several T-JAC leaders were taken into preventive custody at Kazipet, Narayankhed and Siddipet towns, police said. The pro-Telangana activists had called for the shutdown, blaming Jagan Mohan Reddy responsible for Friday's violence. Nine people were injured when police fired to quell protesters while seven others were injured in clashes, police said. Eight policemen were also hurt in the violence that broke out in protest against his yatra (rally) to meet families of people who committed suicide or died of shock after his father's death in a helicopter crash last year. Reddy was finally taken into preventive custody by the police on Friday from a train while on way to Warangal. The Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS), Osmania University JAC, Kakatiya University JAC and Bharatiya Janata Party have supported the shutdown. According to media reports, lawyers blocked roads near L B Nagar in Ranga Reddy district, while Telangana activists took out motor-bike rallies in Warangal, Karimnagar and other Telangana districts shouting anti-Jagan slogans. Tight security arrangements have been made in Telangana and additional forces were deployed near Osmania University, considered the nerve centre of the statehood movement.
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No merger with Congress in future: Chiranjeevi

New Delhi,May 29: Telugu cine star and Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) President Chiranjeevi on Saturday ruled out any merger with the Congress party in the future."The Congress has asked PRP to withdraw from Rajya Sabha polls," said Chiranjeevi after his meeting with Congress President Sonia Gandhi at 10, Janpath."The PRP has allied with Congress only for Rajya Sabha polls," he added The meeting gained significance after Congress MP and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Rajshekhar Reddy's son Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy defied the party orders and decided to go ahead with his planned 'Odarpu Yatra,' which caused a lot of violence in the Telangana region. The Praja Rajyam Party, which has 18 MLAs in the 295-member Andhra Pradesh Assembly, is keen on contesting the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. The actor-turned politician was asked by the Congress High Command to come here for discussions to reach an understanding on the biennial Rajya Sabha polls, after he announced that his party would contest the election.
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Telangana shutdown: Andhra Govt. asks police to ensure security

Hyderabad,May 29: The Andhra Pradesh Government has instructed the state police to prevent untoward incidents during a shutdown call given by the opposition Telangana Joint Action Committee (TJAC) on Saturday.The Telangana Joint Action Committee (T-JAC) is observing the shutdown in the Telangana region against the 'Odarpu Yatra' that was being led led by former Chief Minister Y S Rajshekhar Reddy's son and Kadapa MP Y S Jaganmohan Reddy. Police said all preventive measures have been put in place to avoid any untoward incident in the region, including taking Reddy into custody. The Director General of the Andhra Pradesh Police, R R Girish Kumar, said security forces have been asked to take stern action against those indulging in violence during the shutdown. On Friday, 24 people, including eight policemen, were injured in violence that broke out during Reddy's Yatra in Telangana.Reddy has said he will continue with his week-long 'Odarpu Yatra.'The Yatra was to begin from Mahbubabad in Warangal District on Friday, but opposition activists resisted Reddy's plan.Holding Reddy responsible for the violence in Warangal, the Telangana Joint Action Committee (T-JAC) has called for a shutdown in ten districts of the region. Meanwhile, incidents of pro-Telangana activists resorting to road blockades and stone pelting have been reported from Warangal and Nalgonda and Hyderabad.Reddy's followers created road blockades in Tirupati and set two bogies of Padmavathi Express on fire in Kadapa. They have also given a call for a shutdown in Kadapa District in protest against his arrest.
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87th birth anniversary of NTR observed in Andhra Pradesh

Hyderabad,May 28: The 87th birth anniversary of matinee-idol, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) founder-president and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N T Rama Rao was observed by his family members by paying floral tributes at 'NTR Ghat' here today.Former AP Chief Minister and NTR's son-in-law N Chandrababu Naidu and his wife Bhuvaneswari, daughter Union Minister for Human Resources Daggubati Purandeswari,son and Rajya Sabha member Harikrishna, another son and actor Balakrishna, his grandsons and others laid wreaths at the NTR Ghat.While remembering her father, Ms Purandeswari said he had secured a place in the hearts of people, who were affectionate to him even now. NTR, who strived hard for the welfare of the people in the state, had launched several welfare programmes for the poor and downtrodden, she said. A doyen of Telugu film industry, Rao was also responsible for safeguarding the self-respect of Telugu people, she said.Meanwhile, NTR's elder son-in-law and Congress MLA Daggubati Venkateswara Rao unveiled the statue of NTR in Karamchedu in Prakasam district where all his family members were present.Dr Venkateswara Rao, husband of Ms Purandeswari, said he has been making arrangements for unveiling the statue since the last six months. All family members of NTR, irrespective of their political affiliation, were invited for the programme.As a mark of respect to the founder-president of the party, the leaders of the TDP had been organising three-day 'Mahanadu' every year, coinciding with the birthday of NTR. This year the 'Mahanadu' began yesterday where the party would pass a number of resolutions.
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Rupees 605 crore under 'Pavalaa Vadee' scheme loans to SHGs

Kakinada, May 29: Andhra Pradesh government has fixed Rupees 605 crore as the target for extending loans under the Pavalaa vadee scheme to the SHGs in East Godavari district during the current year, district collector M Ravichandra has said.Presiding over the bankers' district level advisory committee meeting here yesterday he assured the bankers that the administration would extend all assistance to them for total recovery of the loans.A community based recovery mechanism had already been introduced for this purpose. He advised the bankers to ensure that each branch adopts one village and extends assistance to villagers for their economic uplift, formulating suitable plans. NABARD assistant General Manager Somayajulu said the banks would face difficulties in sanctioning loans to SHGs unless the recovery mechanism was improved and sought the cooperation of the district administration to lay more stress on this aspect.
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Prime Minister discusses wide range of issues with President Obama

(PIB NEWS) The Prime Minister spoke this evening with United States President Barack Obama. The two leaders discussed the forthcoming Strategic Dialogue between the two countries scheduled next week in Washington. Both sides attach great priority to the dialogue as a means to strengthen bilateral engagement on a wide range of issues including high technology trade, science & technology, civil nuclear cooperation, agriculture, human resource development, security and other strategic issues. The two leaders took the opportunity to discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest. President Obama conveyed condolences on the loss of lives resulting from the air crash in Mangalore last week. The Prime Minister said that a warm welcome awaited the President and his family when they visit India.

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PM’S COUNCIL ON CLIMATE CHANGE MEETS

(PIB NEWS) The Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change, which met today approved in principle the National Water Mission and suggested that its basic approach should be to make water conservation a peoples’ movement in India. For this it is essential to make available all data on water in the public domain to be able to mobilise citizens, local and State Governments for focused action on water conservation and augmentation. The Prime Minister chairing the Council highlighted the need to create a general consciousness of the need to use water in the most sustainable manner. Given the fact that there are multiple uses for water and an integrated approach based on basin development planning needs to be evolved, he said that political leadership at the local body level, state level and civil society organizations need to be involved in activities of the Water Mission. Ministers and other members of the Council endorsed these views. It was stated that the first step in this direction would be to prepare a comprehensive water data base in the public domain and assessing the impact of climate change on water. Action needs to be focused on vulnerable areas, where ground water is overexploited. It was also decided that water use efficiency should be raised by 20% through the promotion of water- positive and water- neutral technologies. Members felt that a structure of incentives should be created for using water in a sustainable manner. It was also felt that the Research and Development requirements of the Mission should be focused upon. Many Members stressed the need to use the opportunities from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, which already prioritizes community-level water security as the first charge in MGNREGA which is being led by panchayats and offers an opportunity to convert water conservation into a peoples movement. The Ministers of Finance, Power, Water Resources, Non- Conventional and Renewable Energy Resources, Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and Minister (Independent Charge) Environment and Forest and Members of the Council were present in the meeting.
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Heatwave in Port City continues,

Visakhapatnam, May 28 : The heat wave conditions which started in the aftermath of Cyclone Laila a week ago continues to torment people of this Port City with the mercury touching 42.6 Deg Celsius.The cyclone Warning Centre (CWC) Officials here today attributed rise in temperatures to the presence of north Westerly Winds over the coast. Dry winds were hitting the coast obstructing sea breeze due to which there is no moisture build up. The conditions are not favourable for the seasonal thunderstorms, though in the nighttime there may be some cloud formation Strong dry winds were likely to prevail and the heatwave conditions would continue for the next 24 hours.
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Despite High Command's nay, Jagan begins yatra

Hyderabad, May 29 : Despite Congress High Command's refusal and obstruction by the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), JAC of Osmania Students Union and several other organisations in Telangana, Congress MP YS Jagan Mohan Reddy started his 'Odarpu Yatra' in Warangal amid high tension. According to party sources here today, Mr Jagan did not heed the advise of the Congress leaders in the state against the tour.The Congress High Command had not given persmission for the 'yatra' and Union Law Minister and Incharge of Party affairs in Andhra Pradesh M Veerappa Moily had conveyed this to Mr Jagan.Chief Minister K Rosaiah held an emergency high-level meeting with Ministers last night to discuss the issue and deputed Ministers N Raghuveera Reddy and P Sabita Indra Reddy to Mr Jagan's residence last evening to advise him to postpone the tour. But he was eluctant.Mr Jagan and his supporters left for Mahbubabad by train this morning amid protests from Telangana people and organisations.
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YS Reddy arrested after refusing to call of yatra

Hyderabad, May 28 : Congress MP YS Jaganmohan Reddy, son of late Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy, was on Friday taken into preventive custody by the Andhra Pradesh police, apprehending violent clashes after he refused to call off a controversial yatra (rally).Reddy was arrested from a train at Vangapalli in Nalgonda district while he was on way to Warangal to console the family members of those who died of shock or committed suicide after his father's death in a helicopter crash last year.He is being brought to Hyderabad.Reddy was on a yatra to meet the bereaved family members and even after his arrest, he has reportedly stated of resuming his travel at a later date.His yatra was seen as a move to give air to the anti-Telangana lobby, of which Reddy and his late father were supporters.Like the late chief minister, the younger Reddy is also against the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and he had, along with MPs from Rayalaseema and Andhra regions, voiced their opposition to formation of Telangana state in the Parliament.The yatra could have fuelled clashes between Reddy's supports and pro-Telangana activists.The Joint Action Committee (JAC), Telangana Rashtra Samiti, other pro-Telangana groups, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had announced their plans to stall the yatra.Some Congress leaders were also against Reddy's yatra and had even reportedly got Congress chief Sonia Gandhi to ask Reddy to stop his rally.But Reddy had decided to go ahead with the yatra, which he has now stated of resuming at a later time.He has maintained that the yatra was not a political statement, and his detractors were trying to defame him.
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Jagan supporters, Telangana activists call for shutdowns

Hyderabad, May 28: Andhra Pradesh will see two shut downs Saturday, one by supporters of Congress MP Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy over his detention Friday and another to condemn the death of a Telangana activist.The shutdown by Reddy's supporters has been called in Kadapa district over their leader being taken into preventive custody while he was on his way to a rally in Warangal in the Telangana regions. The planned rally led to widespread violence in Warangal district as Reddy's supporters clashed with those supporting the demand for statehood to Telangana. Reddy is opposed to the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. A Telangana activist was killed near Mahbubabad railway station in Warangal district when Reddy's supporters allegedly fired at the crowd gathered to prevent the Congress MP's entry. Police also fired to quell the violence. To condemn the killing of the supporter, the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) have called for a Telangana shutdown. Reddy has planned a state-wide tour to console the families of those who committed suicide or died of shock following the death of his chief minister father Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy in a helicopter crash last year. While Reddy has been escorted back to Hyderabad by police, the Kadapa shutdown is being organised by the district Congress committee. Visakhapatnam, Krishna, Guntur, Anantapur, Chittoor and Kadapa districts in Andhra region of the state Friday saw widespread protests by Reddy's followers following his detention. Telangana political parties joint action committee convener M. Kodandaram said the Telangana bandh Saturday was against the killing of the Telangana activist. Students' Joint Action Committees of Osmania University and Kakatiya University, which are in the Telangana region, have extended support to the shutdown. Telangana activists also held demonstrations and burnt Reddy in effigy at Osmania University and in Karimnagar, Warangal, Nalgonda and Nizamabad districts in Telangana.
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Jagan plays Telangana card, one injured in firing

Hyderabad, May 28: One man was critically injured in Andhra Pradesh Friday when violence broke out between supporters and opponents of Congress parliamentarian Y.S.Jaganmohan Reddy as he was taken into preventive custody while on his way to a controversial rally in Warangal in the state's Telengana region.Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police R.R.Girish Kumar said that Prabhu, a student and activist of the Ambedkar Students' Federation, was in critical condition after sustaining two bullet injuries in firing by Jagan's supporters at Mahbubabad in Warangal district. "We mistook him to have succumbed to the injuries. But, his condition is critical," Girish Kumar told reporters here. Earlier, Home Minister P.Sabita Indra Reddy declared that Prabhu died in firing by gunmen of Jagan's staunch followers, Konda Murali and former minister Surekha, and not in police firing. Girish Kumar said that the gunmen and police opened fire only after the agitators threw stones at the guest room at Mahbubabad railway station where the couple, both legislators, was waiting to receive Jagan. He said a total of nine people, including Prabhu, were injured in the firing and all were being treated at different hospitals. A total of seven cases have been registered and 129 people protesting Jagan's visit to Warangal taken into custody, he added. Jagan was taken into preventive custody at Vangapalli in Nalgonda district, was taken to Hyderabad and set free on a personal bond, the police chief said. The rally was part of a state-wide tour planned by Jagan to console family members of those who committed suicide or died of shock following the death of his father, then chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, in a helicopter crash last year. Supporters of Jagan and Telengana statehood have called for separate shutdowns Saturday. The Kadapa district Congress Committee is also organising a shutdown to protest Jagan's detention. The Telangana political parties joint action committee plans a shutdown in entire Telengana region of the state to condemn the firing against its supporters. Students' Joint Action Committees of Osmania University and Kakatiya University, both of which are in Telengana region, extended support to the protest. Meanwhile, Visakhapatnam, Krishna, Guntur, Anantapur, Chittoor and Kadapa districts in Andhra region of the state saw widespread protests by Jagan's fsupporters following his detention. Telangana activists also held demonstrations and burnt Jagan's effigy at Osmania University as well as in Karimnagar, Warangal, Nalgonda and Nizamabad districts in Telengana region. To prevent Jagan from reaching Warangal by train, Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) activists and others seeking a separate Telangana state had blocked railway tracks. This forced the railway authorities to stop the train. Several other trains were also held up. Like his father, Jagan is also opposed to the demand for bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh while the TRS is fighting for a separate Telangana state. Jagan was stranded at Vangapalli for three hours while his supporters waiting at nearby Mahbubabad station clashed with Telangana supporters, police said. High drama preceded Jagan's detention. As soon as he began the train journey to Mahbubabad in Warangal district, TRS activists and various other Telangana forums came onto the streets to protest his entry. A group calling itself Telangana Liberation Army came into existence Thursday and issued a statement that it had planted seven bombs on the railway tracks on Jagan's route. However, police dismissed the claim. With violence erupting in Mahbubabad, Chief Minister K. Rosaiah met the home minister and the police chief, where it was decided to take Jagan into custody. Within minutes of Jagan's detention, Konda Surekha swallowed what she said were sleeping pills in front of the media at Mahbubabad. She was shifted to a nearby hospital. Another Jagan supporter and legislative council member P. Padmavathi fainted. She too was admitted to hospital. Jagan told reporters at the Vangapalli railway station that TRS leaders deliberately instigated violence at Mahbubabad to spoil his programme. He said he would return to Warangal to meet members of the bereaved families. "They died after coming to know about YSR's death. It's my duty to pay them tribute," he said as police escorted him back to Hyderabad.
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SCR cancels two trains, partially cancels 10 trains

Hyderabad, May 28 : The South Central Railways today cancelled two trains and partially cancelled ten trains due to tense situation in Telangana Area following Congress MP Y Jagan Mohan Reddys insistence on visiting Warangal as part of his Odarpu Yatra despite strong protests by pro-Telangana agitators.The trains that have been fully cancelled are Train No 338 Vijayawada-Kazipet passenger and Train No 322 Sirpur Town-Kazipet passenger, a press release here said.The trains that were partially cancelled include Train No:2706 Secunderabad-Guntur express, which will run up to Kazipet and return as Train No:2705; Train No:7406 Adilabad-Tirupati Krishna Express that will run up to Kazipet and return as Train No:7405; Train No:7035 Secunderabad-Sirpur Khagnagar express that will run up to Kazipet and return as Train No:7036; Train No:0752 Secunderabad- Manchiryal special that will run up to Kazipet and return as Empty rake; Train No:323 Bhadrachalam-Sirpur Khagnagar passenger that will be terminated at Yelgur and rake will be moved to Kazipet; Train No:2713 Vijayawada-Secunderabad Satavahana express will return from Kesamudram to Vijawayada as Train No:2714; Train No:7201 Guntur-Secunderabad Golconda express will return from Dornakal to Guntur as Train No:7202; Train No:357 Bhadrachallem-Kazipet will return from Chimalpahad; Train No:7234 Sirpur Khagnagar-Secunderabad Bhagyanagar express will run up to Kazipet and return as Train No:7233; and Train No:7405 Tirupati-Adilabad Krishna express will run up to Vijayawada and return as Train No 7406 from Vijayawada-Tirupati.
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Jaganmohan Reddy detained ahead of controversial yatra

Hyderabad, May 28: Police Friday arrested Congress MP Y.S.Jaganmohan Reddy to prevent a showdown between his supporters and opponents as he went ahead with his planned yatra in the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh.

Reddy, the son of late chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, was held at Vangapalli in Nalgonda district while he was on his way to Warangal by train to console the family members of those who died of shock or committed suicide following his father's death in a helicopter crash last year. The industrialist-turned-politician told reporters after his detention Friday that he would try to visit Warangal again. He is being brought to Hyderabad.
Reddy had refused to drop the yatra despite threats by Telangana activists to stop it at any cost. Like his father, Jagan is also opposed to the demand for bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. He, along with other MPs from Rayalaseema and Andhra regions, had voiced opposition to the demand for Telangana state in the Lok Sabha. Alleging that the yatra is aimed at campaigning against the movement for separate statehood to Telangana, the Joint Action Committee (JAC), Telangana Rashtra Samiti and other pro-Telangana groups have decided to stop his tour. Leaders of the opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Bharatiya Janata Party had also announced their plans to stall the yatra. A section of pro-Telangana leaders within the ruling Congress are also opposed to the yatra and they have appealed to party president Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi to stop Jagan. Jagan has termed as unfair objections to his yatra on political grounds. "There were no political statements nor any issue was politicised by me," he said in a statement.
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Police-agitators clash before Jagan's 'Yatra'

Mahbubabad, Andhra Pradesh, May 28 : Police fired rubber bullets to quell stone-pelting Telangana protestors attacking former Congress Minister Konda Surekha when she arrived at the Mahbubabad railway station just hours before YS Jagan Mohan Reddy was to step down here to start his 'Odarpu Yatra' in Warangal district today leaving at least four injured.A large number of pro-Telangana protestors descended at the railway station this morning, raising slogans and holding demonstrations against Jagan's arrival at Warangal on a six-day tour to console the families who have lost their kins in the wake of Former Chief Minister YSR Reddy's death in a helicopter crash on September 2 last year.Agitating protestors turned furious seeing Konda Surekha and her husband Murali at the Railway Station.
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Train movement between Hyd-Warangal badly affected

Hyderabad, May 28 : The movement of various trains was badly effected between Hyderabad-Warangal in the South Central Railway (SCR) Division due to the disturbance on this route by Telanganaites protesting against Kadapa MP YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's 'Odarpu Yatra' in Warangal which began here today.Accoding to the SCR sources several trains in this section were stopped at various places for hours together in view of the reports of removing fish plates and placing tree branches on track and also squatting by the agitators between Warangal-Hyderabad. Reports as many as 20 express trains including Bhagyanagar, A P Express, Krishna Express, Satavahana and Trivandrum Express were stopped at various places giving much inconvenience to passengers.Reports also said that the agitators removed the fish plates at Ghanapur and Raghunathpally and at Mahbubabad and Jangaon and Nalgonda-Warangal Section and stopped movement of trains in the division.
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Prez conveys sympathies to cyclone-hit people

Hyderabad, May 27 : President Pratibha Devisingh Patil has conveyed her sympathies to the people affected in the recent ''cyclone Laila'' in the State.In a letter to the Chief Minister dated May 21, 2010, a copy of which was released to the press here today, the President said, ''I have learnt about Cyclone Laila, which hit certain districts of Andhra Pradesh, causing loss of lives and damage to property and road networks and destroying crops.'' ''I am sure that the State Government and other authorities are making all efforts to bring relief to those affected and also in providing all support to the people who have incurred losses.Kindly convey my sympathies to the affected people,'' she added.
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ISNA Joins President Obama's Call for Courage, Respect and Unity to Confront Extremism

(Deccan Samachar Service) May 27, - The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) joins President Obama's call, during his commencement speech at West Point this past weekend, to not give in to fear, and to respect freedoms and not allow a "small band of men on the wrong side of history" to "discard our freedoms" or "to drive us apart." In his clearest statement on how we should react as Americans to the ongoing attempts by violent extremists to commit terrorist acts on our soil, the President described the terrorists as "small men on the wrong side of history. They lead no nation. They lead no religion." He added, "We need not give in to fear every time a terrorist tries to scare us. We should not discard our freedoms because extremists try to exploit them. We cannot succumb to division because others try to drive us apart. We are the United States of America, and we have repaired our union, and faced down fascism, and outlasted communism. We've gone through turmoil, we've gone through civil war, and we have come out stronger -- and we will do so once more." Muslim Americans are particularly pleased with the President's acknowledgement of the positive contribution the growing Muslim American community has made, and continues to make, to America's well-being and prosperity in every field. The President stated, "Extremists want a war between America and Islam, but Muslims are part of our national life, including those who serve in our United States Army. Adversaries want to divide us, but we are united by our support for you -- soldiers who send a clear message that this country is both the land of the free and the home of the brave."ISNA appreciates President Obama's commitment to diplomacy and dialogue and his rejection of unilateralism. It is refreshing to see the President shift the focus from differences among religious traditions to common values based on justice and shared aspirations. ISNA calls on all people to join the President's hopeful tone and ability to reach out and connect with all people.ISNA is the largest Muslim umbrella organization in the United States and Canada. Its mission is to provide a common platform for presenting Islam, supporting Muslim communities, developing educational, social and outreach programs, and fostering good relations with other religious communities, civic and serviceorganizations ===========================================

Heat wave conditions prevail in coastal AP, Telangana

Hyderabad, May 27 : Heat wave conditions prevailed over the districts of East and West Godavari and Guntur of Coastal Andhra Pradesh; Adilabad, Khammam, Karimnagar, Medak, Nizamabad and Warangal of Telangana, with the highest maximum temperature of 46 degrees Celsius being recorded at Ramagundam.The maximum temperatures significantly rose at a few places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh but fell at a few places over Telangana and at one or two places over Rayalaseema. They were significantly above normal over remaining districts of Telangana and above normal at many places over remaining districts of Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema, Met Department said today.Heat wave conditions are likely to prevail over Telangana and the districts of Visakhapatnam, East and West Godavari, Krishna and Guntur of Coastal Andhra Pradesh during the next two days. Strong surface winds, at time gusty, will prevail in the city, with maximum and minimum temperatures hovering around 42 and 27 degrees Celsius respectively
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Police asked to take precautionary measures on Jagan's tour: CM

Hyderabad, May 27 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah today said he had asked the police department to take precautionery measures on the proposed tour of Congress MP and former Chief Minister Y S R Reddy's son Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy in Warangal district commencing tommorow in view of the apprehansions on the tour.Addressing a press conference here, Mr Rosaiah said Mr Jagan was Member of Parliament and member of AICC and the Congress High Command had taken note of the matter.Asked whether the government had given permission for the tour, he said Mr Jagan had not applied for the permission from the government stating that there was no need for any individual or organisation to obtain permission from the government. Normally for rallies and public meetings, people had to take permission from the Police. ''I do not know whether Jagan has sought permission from the police department or not,'' he said.When asked why the government had given permission to Mr Jagan when it rejected the permission to the Osmania University Students' rally and the tour of BJP leadar Sushma Swaraj, he said the Osmania University students had submitted an application with the police for permission which was rejected by the police.''I have not talked with Mr Jagan on the tour. However, I asked the police department to take all measures to maintain law and order in view of the opposition from some sections of the people and leaders,'' he said
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Showdown inevitable as YSR's son set to visit Warangal

Hyderabad, May 27 : A showdown between supporters and opponents of Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy appears inevitable as the Congress MP is determined to go ahead with his planned 'odarpu' yatra in Telangana region.The industrialist-turned-politician is set to arrive in Warangal district Friday amid threats by Telangana activists to stop his yatra "at any cost". The Kadapa MP is visiting the district as part of his state-wide yatra to console family members of those who died of shock or committed suicide following the death of his father Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy in a helicopter crash last year. Alleging that the yatra is aimed at campaigning against the movement for separate statehood to Telangana, the Joint Action Committee (JAC), Telangana Rashtra Samiti and other pro-Telangana groups have decided to stop his tour. Leaders of opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and BJP have also announced their plans to stall the yatra. A section of pro-Telangana leaders within the ruling Congress party are also opposed to the yatra and they have appealed to party president Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi to stop Jagan. Jagan has termed as unfair objections to his yatra on political grounds. "There were no political statements nor any issue was politicised by me," he said in a statement. As a face-off appeared certain, police have made elaborate security arrangements at Mahabubabad in Warangal district where Jagan is set to begin his tour. Director General of Police Girish Kumar said the police would provide necessary security. Chief Minister K. Rosaiah Thursday refused to comment on Jagan's yatra and said he had not approached the government for permission for the same. "Police will take all necessary measures to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident," the chief minister told reporters here, hinting that Jagan's yatra would not be stopped. As the yatra threatens to create law and order problems, Rosaiah met state Congress president D. Srinivas and also held a meeting with state ministers to discuss the situation and the options available to the government. Like his father, Jagan is also opposed to the demand for bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. He along with other MPs from Rayalaseema and Andhra regions had voiced their opposition to the demand for Telangana state in Lok Sabha.
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TDP President resorting to gimmicks for political mileage:CM

Hyderabad, May 27 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah today alleged that opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) President N Chandrababu Naidu was resorting to gimmicks to gain political mileage and cheap popularity as he could not survive without media coverage.Reacting to the remarks made by Mr Naidu on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the Chief Minister at a press conference here said Mr Naidu appeared to be 'intemperate and desperate' on his comments on Prime Minister's performance.''Mr Naidu should know where he stands before making such uncalled-for comments on national leaders like AICC President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Mr Manmohan Singh,'' he said, adding there was nothing wrong in taking the advise from Sonia Gandhi in her capacity as the Chairperson of UPA.Unlike Mr Naidu, both the Prime Minister and UPA Chairperson had set indelible milestones and footprints in the political and economic history of the country with their stellar contributions as Mr Singh was the architect of humane economic reforms and Ms Gandhi even denounced the post of Prime Minister.He said the sole agenda of Prime Minister and UPA Chairperson was the welfare of common man whereas Mr Naidu's focus was only hi-tech, forgetting the very basic roots.Mr Rosaiah said the people had renewed their mandate for the UPA and personalities behind it, in view of the high standards of trustworthiness and transparency in public domain the Prime Minister and Ms Gandhi) had established.Stating that at least now Mr Naidu must understand how and why the people had rejected him, Mr Rosaiah said the TDP was rejected by the people for Mr Naidu's ''anti-people stand and anti-welfare policies and programmes which lacked human face''.
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Mulayam renominates Jaya Bachchan to Rajya Sabha

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Mulayam Singh Yadav has pushed actress-politician Jaya Bachchan for another term in the Rajya Sabha, a controversial move that is likely to further alienate his one-time close aide Amar Singh.The announcement of Bachchan’s nomination was made Wednesday by Mulayam Singh’s son and Uttar Pradesh’s SP chief Akhilesh Yadav. The SP has also nominated Rasheed Masood for the upper house of parliament.“The Samajwadi Party parliamentary board had finalised the names of Jaya Bachchan and Rasheed Masood for nomination to the Rajya Sabha,” Akhilesh Yadav stated in a statement issued here.Bachchan is the wife of mega star Amitabh Bachchan, whose proximity with the former SP leader Amar Singh is well known. Amar Singh has often stated that the Bachchans are like family to him; Jaya Bachchan too had supported him in the days before he finally exited the SP before distancing herself later.Amar Singh had said: “Jaya Bachchan is free to choose the way she likes even though she remains like family to me.”
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Speed up defence research, deliver on time: PM to scientists

India has not matched pace with competitors in defence technology, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Wednesday asking scientists to speed up their research and deliver critical technologies on time for the nation to achieve self-reliance.“In many areas, we have moved fast, but our competitors have often moved faster. It is a fact our current level of self-reliance in defence R and D (research and development) is less than our capabilities and it needs to be stepped up significantly,” Manmohan Singh said, addressing defence scientists here on the occasion of National Technology Day.Asking scientists to make sure they have the capacity and the will to compete, innovate and deliver on time in the wake of rapidly changing technology, Manmohan Singh noted: “It is a fact that some defence projects have been delayed and others have faced difficulties during the stage of operational induction.”He stressed that only the most competitive and resilient companies could expect to survive in the fiercely global market. “If our systems are strong and robust, the world will respect us and be willing to work with us. This was the lesson we learnt in the process of negotiating the civil nuclear deal with the international community”.He said the scientists should learn from mistakes and setbacks and be open to new ideas to stay ahead in the competitive world.“We should be able to acknowledge and learn from our setbacks,” he said and urged the premier Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to work closely with the armed forces and industry.“It is essential that DRDO work more closely with the armed forces, as well as the industry,” Manmohan Singh said.The prime minister also acknowledged the findings of the government-appointed defence review panel headed by former secretary for science and technology P. Rama Rao.Some of the recommendations of the panel were implemented earlier this month following which the size of the DRDO was reduced and a watchdog set up to speed up the execution of defence projects and increase private participation in the sector.“I am very glad to note that the ministry of defence is examining the recommendations of the (Rama Rao) committee on the functioning of the DRDO. I firmly believe that if we put our mind to it, there is no reason why our successes in the software sector cannot be replicated in the defence sector.”“We must strive for leadership in research and development in defence technologies. I would urge all of you to think big and to act with a strong sense of self-belief, nationalistic spirit and the desire to excel,” he said.
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Heat wave conditions prevail in Telangana, coastal AP

Hyderabad, May 26 : Heat wave conditions prevailed over Telangana and Guntur districts of Coastal Andhra Pradesh today, with the highest maximum temperature of 47 degrees Celsius recorded at Adilabad, Nizamabad and Ramagundam.Severe heat wave conditions may continue to prevail over Telangana during the next two days.The maximum temperatures rose at one or two places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and changed little over Rayalaseema.They were significantly above normal at one or two places over the remaining districts of the state and above normal at many places over Rayalaseema, the Met department said today. Isolated rain or thundershowers could occur over Rayalaseema. Though strong surface winds, at times gusty were likely in the city, the maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 44 and 29 degrees, respectively
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India gets first FDI in power sector after 54 months: Shinde

Hyderabad, May 26 : India gets its first foreign direct investment (FDI) in the power sector after 54 months when a Singapore-based company committed to invest in 1,320 megawatt ultra-critical thermal power plant coming up in Andhra Pradesh.Up to 100 per cent FDI is allowed in the power sector in the country.Singapore's Sembcorp will be investing Rs 1,100 crore to pick up 49 per cent stake in the Rs 6,869 crore phase-I of the thermal power plant of the Gayatri Group, the city-based infrastructure company, to come up at Krishnapatnam in Prakasam district.Speaking at the signing of a joint venture agreement here yesterday, Union Power Minister Shushil Kumar Shinde said: ''During my four and a half years tenure, the investment by Sembcorp Group is the first FDI in power sector,'' Mr Shinde said. The project is expected to come up in 40 months. The Minister, who conceded that India could meet only half of the 42,000 mw target in the 10th Plan, said the country is looking at the 78,000 mw target in the 11th Plan which ends in March 2012.Power equipment major BHEL has been tasked with doubling its capacity to manufacture 10,000 mw of power-generating equipment, Mr Shinde said, adding that the State-owned firm would further extend its capacity to 15,000 mw to achieve the 11th Plan target.He said four ultra mega power projects with Rs 16,000 crore investment are also planned in Andhra Pradesh. India needs bigger capacity utilisation even as the UPA Government has assured to electrify every village by 2012. With gas find in Krishna Godavari basin, more gas-based power plant are in the offing, the Minister added.Chief Minister K Rosaiah said his State welcomed investment not only in power but in all sectors. The first private sector power plant in the country had come up in Andhra Pradesh even before liberalisation.Andhra Pradesh had the both coal and natural gas and was the largest hydel generating State in India, the Chief Minister said, indicating that the State could be a favourable destination for investors.
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Student murdered in AP village

Guntur May 26 : A student who successfully completed SSLC (Xth class) Public Examination, the results of which was declared a couple of days ago, was murdered by unidientified persons at Dammalapadu village in Muppala Mandal midnight last night.Police said U Amkama Rao was sleeping outside his house when the miscreants slit his throat with a knife.The profusely bleeding Rao died on the way to a private hospital at Satenapalli.Police, quoting the family members said, had no animosity with anybody.A case was registered and investigation was underway, police added.
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U.S.Government Announces New Fee Structure,

Hyderabad(DECCAN SAMACHAR SERVICE)  As of June 4,2010, all U.S. Consular Sections worldwide will introduce a two-tiered fee structure for non-immigrant visas. This structured system coincides with a small, global application fee increase designed to balance the costs of recent enhancements to the visa application process. All applications for business or tourism (B-1/B-2), crew member (C-1/D), student (F or M), or exchange (J) categories will now cost $140 and a white receipt will be issued. Applications for petition-based work visa categories (H, L, O, P, Q, and R) will now cost $150 and a green receipt will be issued. These two receipts will still be purchased at approved HDFC Bank branches. Applications for treaty trader (E) visas will now cost $390 that will continue to be paid at the Consulate General.Applicants who purchased their receipts before June 4 will pay the balance between the old and new fees at the time of the interview. The previous application fee was $131 for all visas. The Department of State adopted the tiered system because petition-based applications require significantly more processing than other visa applications. The rate increase is for improvements in the manner and speed with which visa applications are processed, and in particular for fraud-detection efforts. The total fee covers the cost of accepting, adjudicating, and issuing nonimmigrant visa applications. In India alone, the U.S. government has increased consulate staffing by 40% over the last four years, and has invested over $100 million updating and expanding consular facilities. This includes a new Consulate General opened in Hyderabad, renovations to New Delhi consular facilities and a new Consulate General building in Mumbai. Applicants can read more about these and other changes at                                                                               http:// hyderabad. usconsulate. gov /visa _services.html.                            Send inquiries to HydNIV@state.gov.  
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Shri Kapil Sibal addresses the India-UAE Forum: calls for Collaboration to conquer new frontiers of knowledge

(PIB NEWS) Developing countries would emerge as the providers of solutions for the global community, which would be cost effective, and thus, effective for the entire world, in contrast to high cost solutions emerging from the developed world. This was stated by Shri Kapil Sibal, Union Minister for Human Resource Development while speaking at the India-UAE Forum, in Abu Dhabi last evening, on the subject, ‘Leveraging The Knowledge Economy Paradigm’. The forum was also addressed by Sheikh Nahayan Mubarak Al Nahayan, the Minister of Scientific Research and Higher Development for the UAE. Shri Sibal underlined that expansion in Higher Education is required in the developing world, in order to raise the Gross Enrolment Ratio(GER) to a robust level to generate the creativity and wealth that comes through intangible assets. He opined that the nature of wealth is shifting from acquisition of labour and capital to acquisition of intangible assets. Stating that expansion must be accompanied by quality, he said that in India initiatives are being taken to ensure this. The globalization of higher education has added newer challenges in terms of quality assurance system, issues of mutual recognition and equivalence of degrees and transparency in the regulatory structures of national systems of higher education. These challenges can be largely addressed by increased regional and international collaboration, the minister pointed out. Shri Sibal stated that the time has come to start a dialogue across countries as new frontiers of knowledge cannot be conquered without collaboration. All of us, in this globalised world, have a stake in each other’s future. (photo by PIB No:CNR.31755)
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Prime suspect behind German Bakery blast apprehended ,

The Union Home Minister, Shri P.Chidambaram has complimented ATS Maharashta, Pune Police and Central agencies for apprehending Abdul Samad, prime suspect behind the German Bakery blast. Following is the text of his statement issued here today.“The bomb blast in the German bakery, Pune occurred on February 13, 2010. The ATS Maharashtra, with the assistance of the Pune police, were able to identify the prime suspect behind the bomb blast. The Central Agencies were able to trace the suspect. He was apprehended yesterday (24.5.2010). He has been identified as Abdul Samad S/o Mohammed Zarar Siddibapa. He hails from Bhatkal, district Uttar Kannada, Karnataka. ATS Maharashtra has taken Abdul Samad into custody and will produce him before the Magistrate today. I compliment ATS Maharashtra, the Pune police and the Central Agencies for apprehending the prime suspect within 100 days of the incident.”
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Black Box Recovered ,

(PIB NEWS) The investigation team of DGCA has recovered Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) commonly known as Black Box, the most vital source of information, from the crash site of Air India Express aircraft at Mangalore today. The DFDR has been handed over to the air safety team of DGCA and is being brought back to the DGCA Headquarters. The DFDR though apparently impacted by the crash will be subjected to further tests for decoding and made available to the investigators. The DGCA investigation team, continuing with its investigations for search for vital components required for investigation, did an intense combing of the wider area at Mangalore crash site with the assistance of State Government officials and other specialized technical services today. As a result of the investigations today, the team recovered the Black Box. It has already recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Digital Flight Data Acquisition Unit (DFDAU) on Sunday.
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Prime suspect of German Bakery blast held: Chidambaram

Abdul Samad, the prime suspect in the Feb 13 German Bakery blast in Pune, has been apprehended by the investigative agencies, Home Minister P. Chidambaram said Tuesday.“The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS)Maharashtra,with the assistance of the Pune police, were able to identify the prime suspect behind the bomb blast. He has been identified as Abdul Samad, a resident of Bhatkal district of Karnataka. He was apprehended yesterday (Monday),”an official statement quoted Chidambaram as saying.“ATS Maharashtra has taken Abdul Samad into custody and will produce him before the magistrate today (Tuesday),” it added.Chidambaram complimented the investigative agencies for apprehending the prime suspect within 100 days of the incident.The bomb blast in the German Bakery killed 17 people.Following a tip-off, Samad (23) was nabbed by the Maharashtra ATS shortly after he arrived at the Mangalore airport on a flight from Dubai.He is said to be a close associate of Indian Mujahideen founders Riyaz Bhatkal and Iqbal Bhatkal, police sources here said.
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India, US discuss agenda for first strategic dialogue

Ahead of the first India-US strategic dialogue in Washington next week, US Under Ssecretary for Political Affairs William Burns Monday held discussions with Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao to firm up the agenda for the talks.Rao and Burns discussed issues related to expanding cooperation in the five focus areas of strategic cooperation, including energy and climate change, education and development, economic trade and agriculture, which have been identified for the strategic dialogue.“The substantive issues relating to the forthcoming visit of the external affairs minister to the US June 2-3, 2010, for the inaugural meeting of the India-US Strategic Dialogue in Washington were at the core of their discussions,” the external affairs ministry said in a statement Monday night.Besides bilateral issues, they also exchanged views on regional and global issues of shared interest and common concern, the ministry said.Issues relating to the stability of Afghanistan-Pakistan region also figured in the discussions, official sources said.Burns also called on Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Minister of State for Science and Technology Prithviraj Chavan and National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon.External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna will leave for Washington June 1 for the three-day visit which will be co-chaired by his counterpart, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal and Ahluwalia will be accompanying Krishna. Rao will join the Indian delegation in Washington from Beijing.This will be the first ministerial-level strategic dialogue between the two countries which are expanding their global partnership across a wide swathe of areas. Clinton had announced the dialogue during her visit to India in July last year.The talks between Krishna and Clinton are also expected to lay the groundwork for US President Barack Obama’s visit to India later this year.
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US hikes non-immigrant visa fees from June 4

The US has hiked the fees and introduced a two-tiered fee structure for all non-immigrant visas which will come into effect from June 4, a US consulate statement said here Tuesday.

Accordingly, all applicants for business or tourist (B-1/B-2), crew member (C-1/D), student (F or M), or exchange (J) categories will now have to pay $140 and receive a white coloured receipt.Petition-based work visas (H,L,O,P,Q and R categories) will now pay $150 and receive a green coloured receipt.These two coloured receipts will continue to be available at branches of HDFC Bank approved by the US Consulate here.Fiance (K category) visas will now pay $350 and continue to pay their fees at the consular section.For those who have purchased their receipts before June 4,will have to pay the balance between the old and new fees at the time of interview.Earlier, the application fees were a standard $131 for all visas. The new structured system coincides with a small global hike in application fees designed to offset the costs of recent ehnacements to the visa application process, the consulate statement added.It said that the US Department of State adopted the tiered system since petition-based applications required significantly more processing than other visa applications.“The rate increase is for improvements in the manner and speed with which visa applications are processed and in particular, for fraud-detection efforts,” the statement pointed out.The total fee would cover the cost of accepting, adjudicating and issuing non-immigrant visa applications.In India alone, the US government has increased consulate staff by 40 percent in the past four years with an investment of more than US $100 million towards updating and expanding consular facilities.This includes a new consulate opened in Hyderabad, renovations to the New Delhi consular facilities and a new consulate building in suburban Mumbai.Further details on the new charges are available at: http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov/non-immigrant_visas.html.Applicants can send inquiries about the revised fee structures to: MumbaiNIV@state.gov.
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Leonia launches Flowrider

Hyderabad, May 25 : Leading luxury resort Leonia Holistic Destination launched India's first surfing ridge 'Flowrider', claimed a company release on Tuesday.'The FlowRider' at Leonia provides a complete Entertainment transforming location for a Water Sport destination offering the fusion between Surf, Food, Music, Beverages and luxury resort amenities. It is a perfect place to hang out, a place to ride and a multifaceted lifestyle venue for families, group parties and corporate parties, said a company spokesperson.Raghu G, Director, Business Development, Leonia Holistic Destination, said, "Leonia enjoys a successful history of pioneering first of its kind facilities and amenities in the hospitality and leisure industry in India. Flowrider is a step towards our ambition to provide world class entertainment options to the people in India."Research has proved that 'FlowRider' is not only a calorie burner but also a great stress buster and acts as a anti-depressant.
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Isolated rain in AP, maximum temperature rises

Hyderabad, May 25: Isolated rain occurred over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Rayalaseema regions even as the maximum temperature rose significantly at one or two places over the state.The chief amounts of rainfall were reorded at Nandyal, Sompeta and Veeraghattam one each, Met department said today.The maximum temperature was significantly above normal at one or two places over Telangana and normal over Rayalaseema, but significantly below normal at one or two places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh. The highest maximum temperature of 45 degrees Celsius was recorded at Nizamabad. Isolated rain/thundershowers may occur over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Rayalaseema. A spell of rain/thundershowers may occur in parts of the city towards night. Maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 41 and 27 degrees respectively.
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Singapore's Sembcorp to invest in Andhra power plant

Hyderabad, May 25: Singapore-based energy and water company Sembcorp Industries Tuesday signed an agreement with an Indian firm for a joint venture to set up a 1,320 MW power plant in Andhra Pradesh.Sembcorp Utilities, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sembcorp, will hold 49 percent in the venture, Thermal Powertech Corporation India Limited. The remaining 51 percent will be held by Gayatri Energy Ventures Private Limited, a subsidiary of Gayatri Projects Limited. Sembcorp will invest Rs.1,100 crore in the Rs.6,869 crore supercritical technology-based plant at Krishnapatnam in coastal Nellore district. The two companies signed the agreement in the presence of Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K.Rosaiah. Gayatri Projects Managing Director T.V. Sandeep Reddy said the first phase of 1,320 MW would be completed in 40 months while the work for the second phase of another 1,320 MW would begin in one year. He said the financial closure for the project was expected to be completed by mid-June. While Rs.5,151 crore of the project cost would be raised through debts, the remaining Rs.1718 crore will be in the form of equity. Reddy said no decision had been taken to have Sembcorp as the partner for the second phase. The boards of the two companies will take a decision. The entire project of 2,640 MW is expected to be completed in five years.
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Suwaidi urges for trade partnerships between India, UAE

Hyderabad, May 24 : Embassy of United Arab Emirates (UAE), Commercial Attache Mana S Sultan Al Suwaidi today underlined the need for trade partnerships in various fields between India and UAE as both countries had good relations.Addressing members of the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) here, Mr Suwaidi said the UAE was the best destination for investments and urged the Indian business organisations to come forward with their investments. He sought trade partnerships in the fields of education, R and D, agriculture, drugs and other areas between the two countries to improve trade and exchange of knowledge.
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Rosaiah discusses RS candidates with Congress leadership

New Delhi,May 24: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah today met Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other Congress leaders to discuss and convey the wishes of a host of aspirants in the coming bienniel elections to the Rajya Sabha and bicameral AP legislature.

''I along with State Congress Chief Srinivas have conveyed the wishes of aspiring nominees from various regions, sitting MPs, new faces including some from outside the state,'' Mr Rosaiah told reporters here.''We have conveyed our views as senior leaders of the state and the final decision is that of party and it will be final binding on the state,'' he said. His understanding was that the party may accommodate a women among five names to Rajya Sabha when it finalises the candidates.There are five vacancies to the Rajya Sabha, 12 vacancies in the Legislative Assembly and one in the Upper House. Asked regarding the differences aired by partymen, he said it is bound to persist even in small parties. However, once the decision is made by the party, it is final and binding on all. ''There is no scope for indiscipline and everybody has to fall in line. As a disciplined Congress member I would air my views at appropriate party fora and not through the media,'' he said.Answering to questions regarding the proposed tour of Telangana region by party MP and former chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy's son Jagmohan Reddy, Mr Rosiah said as far as he was concerned, the MP was free to go ahead with the tour. The officials of the district administration would accord necessary permissions at their own level, he said. Asked about the junior Reddy critising the state administration, Mr Rosaiah said he had affectionate family ties with every member of YSR family. ''I have worked in YSR Government in various capacities including as Revenue and Finance Minister,'' he said. The chief minister said all the welfare programmes initiated during the previous regime should continue because he (Mr Rosaiah) too was part of the decision. Regarding the criticism of slowdown of the irrigation projects under Jala Yagnam intended to bring one crore acres of land under irrigation, Mr Rosaiah said delay was bound to happen because of hugeness of the projects. There were many which were taken up during the chief ministership of Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy and some got delayed due to want of necessary permissions, he added.
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APCC thanks RS member for efforts to retain elephant in zoo

Hyderabad,May 24: Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee General Secretary G Niranjan today thanked Rajya Sabha Member M A Khan for his efforts to convince Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh to retain an elephant in Nehru Zoological Park which was being used for ''Muharram'' and ''Bonalu'' processions.The Union Minister has directed the State Government not to return the elephant to Nizam Trust.As far as the use of elephants for religious processions are concerned, the Ministry will not have any objections in continuing with the past practice with the State's permission, a press release here said.
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Heatwave back to 'blazewada' after cyclonic storm

Vijayawada, May 24 : The residents of this city who had some respite from the sweltering heat following cyclonic storm 'Laila' last week, again experienced hot day today with the maximum temperature climbing to to 40.8 degrees Celsius.A Met Department official told UNI here the minimum temperature recorded was 27.4 degrees.Yesterday, the maximum temperature recorded was 37.7 degrees.The official said the mercury was likely to increase tomorrow due to ''Rohini Karthi''.The arterial roads wore a deserted look following the heat wave conditions as people preferred to remain indoors.
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Andhra Pradesh demands Rs 6000 cr to fight damage caused by 'Laila'

New Delhi, May 24 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah today met Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to seek additional funds of Rs 6000 crore from the National Calamity Contingency Fund to fight the damage caused by cyclone 'Laila'.''I have been apprising of the latest on the calamity caused by cyclone Laila in the districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, VishaHe also discussed problems faced by the extremist-affected districts to augment infrastructure in the affected areas. The Chief Minister also called on Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Home Minister P Chidambaram and Law Minister M Veerappa Moily and Defence Minister A K Antony. During his meeting with the Prime Minister, he requested to declare Indra Sagar Polavaram project as a National Project and give in principle approval for the Pranahita Chevella Project. Asked about Dr Singh's reaction to the demand, the Chief Minister said the CCEA was considering the matter and he would convey AP's request to them. Mr Rosaiah requested Mr Chidambaram to approve the proposal of Government of Andhra Pradesh to organise single local cadre in respect of newly-created cadre of teachers in Government, Zilla Parishad and Mandal Parishad schools under the Presidential Order 1975. The Chief Minister sought Central help to effectively counter Left Wing Extremism and ISI-sponsored terrorism in AP. He also requested approval for establishment of CRPF training institution with Field Firing Range in Chittoor district. In his interaction with Mr Antony, Mr Rosaiah urged strengthening of Maritime and Coastal Security to ward off threats from the sea and the Defence Ministry to take over the Hindustan Shipyard. The chief minister urged Mr Moily to amend the Constitutional provisions concerning sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes when Parliament meets next. Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh and former state Chief Minister called on Mr Rosaiah at AP Bhavan. ================================================ 

One charger for all mobile phones soon to hit the market

Hyderabad, May 24 : An energy efficient standard charger for all mobile phones will soon be introduced in the global market, said International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a leading United Nations agency for Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) issues.ITU officials announced on the first day of World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-10) here Monday that standard mobile phone charger is ready to be introduced in the market. The new Universal Charging Solution (UCS) underlines the role of ICT in providing solutions towards mitigating climate change. Director of ITU's Telecommunication Standardisation Bureau (TSB), Malcolm Johnson, told reporters on the sidelines of the conference that it was a significant step in reducing the environmental impact of mobile charging. He said UCS would reduce 13.6 million tonnes of CO2 emissions each year and 82,000 tonnes of redundant chargers. Johnson said the telecom industry led the development of UCS and hence it would be universally accepted by the telecom companies. The standardisation of technology enables the same charger to be used for all future handsets, regardless of make and model. It will cut the number of chargers produced, shipped and subsequently discarded as new models become available. The new standard will mean users worldwide will be able to charge their mobiles anywhere from any available charger, while also reducing the energy consumed while charging. The new UCS standard was based on input from the GSMA, which predicts a 50 percent reduction in standby energy consumption.
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Isolated rain lash several parts of AP

Hyderabad, May 24 : Isolated rain occurred over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Rayalaseema even as maximum temperatures significantly rose at one or two places over the state.Nandyal, Sompeta and Veeraghattam recorded rainfall of one cm each, Met Department said today.The maximum temperatures were significantly above normal at one or two places over Telangana and normal over Rayalaseema but significantly below normal at one or two places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh. The highest maximum temperature of 45 degrees Celsius was recorded at Nizamabad. Isolated rain/thundershowers may occur over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Rayalaseema. A spell of rain/thundershowers may occur in parts of city towards evening/night. Maximum and Minimum temperatures would be around 41 and 27 degrees Celsius respectively.
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BPO to be set up at Hyderabad's Cherlapalli Prison

Hyderabad, May 24 : Authorities at the Cherlapalli Prison in Hyderabad have asked some of the inmates to work in a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) unit within the prison complex.A Bangalore-based technical firm called Radiant Info Systems Ltd. is setting up the BPO centre."We have made plans to set up a rural BPO centre. So, I asked the authorities ''Can we set up a rural BPO centre in the prison?'' They got excited and asked officials to accompany me," said Narayana Charyullu, Director, Radiant Infosystems Ltd."I visited the jail and spent five-six hours there. I was surprised to see a computer lab already set up there, and they are imparting training to many prisoners," he added.The eligibility criteria for working in the BPO are education up till 10th standard and above and computer literacy."We found that large number of convicts are willing to work on computers. So, I thought these prisoners can made use of and they can be put on computer-based jobs," said Gopinath Reddy, Director General For Prisons, Andhra Pradesh."The BPO would be a non-voice unit as of now, and would work with data processing and transmission," he added.
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Air India Announces Interim Compensation for Mangalore Air Tragedy Victims

(PIB NEWS) The CMD of Air India, Shri Arvind Jadhav addressed a press conference at Mangalore today. Expressing grief and regret at the unfortunate accident of Air India Express flight IX-812, he said Air India team is working round the clock without a break and is committed to provide all assistance to the family members of the passengers as well as the crew. Mr. Jadhav announced Interim Compensation from Air India of Rs 10 Lakhs for passengers above the age of 12; Rs 5 Lakhs to passengers below the age of 12 and Rs 2 Lakhs for every injured passenger. This is subject to execution of appropriate documentation. This Interim compensation will be taken into account and adjusted against the final compensation to be assessed. The Insurance Companies have agreed to it. This compensation is over and above the ex-gratia payment announced by the Prime Minister.Mr.Jadhav also announced that the Air India Flight Safety Team along with DGCA has commenced the investigation process. He said, an international reputed Emergency Response company called M/s Kenyon has arrived in India and will be available for providing necessary support. The bodies of the First Officer Capt. Ahluwalia and one of the cabin crew Ms. Tejpal have been flown from Mangalore to Mumbai. He also told the media present that we are in touch with the family of the Commander Capt. Glusica and are making necessary arrangements for flying his body to his home country which is Serbia. Special assistance teams called Angels of Air India are working at Mangalore and other locations supporting all the family members, making their travel arrangements, taking care of their every need. One Angel of Air India has been assigned to each survivor and to the families of the deceased to assist them in any possible way. Mr. Jadhav said “As a national carrier, we definitely Care and will do everything to support the family members.” Counseling sessions have been planned for the family members as well as the crew members. There were 160 passengers and six crew members on board. There are eight survivors and the remaining 158 bodies have been recovered from the site. 128 bodies have been identified and returned to the family members
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UN agency to host global telecom meet in Hyderabad from Monday

Over 700 delegates from across the globe will converge here for the fifth Telecom Development Conference May 24-June 4 to set the agenda for pushing the advancement of information and communications technology sector for the next four years.Organised by the 145-year-old International Telecommunication Union, the event is drawing experts, policy makers and executives from several of the organisation’s 191 member countries and expected to adopt what is being called the Hyderabad Action Plan.This action plan, according to the organisation’s secretariat, speaks of the strategies to bring the benefits of information and communications technology to all communities in all regions of the world.This is the first time the event is being hosted in India — the fastest growing telecom market with over 600 million subscribers with the network that is growing by 20 million new users a month. The event was first held at Buenos Aires in 1994.As part of the massive security arrangements for the conference, the Cyberabad police Sunday took control of the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) located in Hitec City, the IT district.According to Geneva-based ITU, the conference will focus on the strategy for the growth of ICT and will adopt strategies to bring the benefits of ICT to all communities in all regions of the world.Some of the issues that will be discussed at the event include broadband connectivity, digital broadcasting, open source software, cyber security, e-accessibility for people with disabilities, e-applications, emergency communications, policy and regulation.A World Telecommunication Development Report will be released on May 25. Three ITU case studies will be released the next day, the organisers said. Minister of Communications and Information Technology A. Raja will lead the Indian team at the conference.ITU’s membership includes 191 member states and more than 700 sector-members and associates.
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Air India to give Rs.10 lakh interim relief to crash victims

Air India Sunday said it would give Rs.10 lakh each to the families of those aged 12 years and above killed in the Mangalore crash and Rs.5 lakh to those below 12.This is an interim monetary relief pending the finalisation of full compensation, Air India head Arvind Jadhav said.He also said that Rs.200,000 will be given to each injured in Saturday’s plane crash in Mangalore, in which 158 people were killed. Only eight passengers survived the air disaster, the country’s worst in a decade.“This (the compensation) is over and above the ex gratia relief announced by Prime Minister (Manmohan Singh),” Jadhav told reporters.He said the interim relief was decided after Air India held talks with an insurance company. “Finalising the rest of the compensation will take time and that compensation will be adjusted with the interim compensation,” he noted.The Air India chief managing director said that any dispute related to claiming of the compensation will be settled with the local administration.Jadhav appealed to the media to observe restraint and not speculate about the causes that led to the IX 812 Dubai-Mangalore flight to crash.“Speculations will hinder (the compensation process). It will have international ramifications. This is a tragic incident,” he said.Asked about the initial probe report if any, Jadhav said he was here to attend to the families of the victims and ensure they get proper response from the airline.“I have interacted with the injured. We have a response team and they will act as counsellors. My heart goes out to them (families of the victims),” he added.
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Around 130 crash victims identified, 20 may need DNA tests

The bodies of around 130 victims of Saturday’s plane crash in Mangalore have been identified and were being handed over to their relatives after autopsies, while a forensic team arrived from Hyderabad to conduct DNA tests to identify bodies charred beyond recognition, officials said Sunday.

“Around 130 bodies have been identified so far and will be handed over to the family members after post-mortem examination,” R. Rajesh, deputy superintendent of police here, said.“We are hopeful another seven to eight bodies will be identified by the family members while DNA test may become necessary to identify around 20 victims,” he added.Sources at the the Government Wenlock Hospital in Mangalore said the number of bodies to be identified with DNA tests was still not clear as relatives and friends of the victims continued their efforts to try and recognise their near and dear ones at the hospital’s mortuary.Heart-rending scenes were witnessed at the hospital as grieving relatives and friends had to go through the traumatic experience of looking at scores of badly burnt bodies to identify them, while doctors frantically conducted autopsies on the bodies as and when their identity was established.With the number of identified bodies increasing by the hour, the staff were racing against time to complete the post-mortem examinations before the bodies started decomposing.Most of the relatives of the victims were too numbed to talk and preferred to be left alone to grieve their loss privately and get over the trauma of seeing the charred remains of their loved ones.“We expect to complete the process of handing over the identified bodies to the relatives by late Sunday,” Rajesh said.Among the 158 dead were 19 children and four infants.All eight survivors of the crash, being treated at various hospitals in the city, were out of danger. Most of them had suffered cuts, bruises or minor burn injuries.An Air India spokesman in Mumbai said the process of identifying and handing over bodies was under way. He added that Air India has assigned a member of the Special Assistance Team and Angels of Air India team to each of the survivors and families of victims to assist them in all possible ways.The airline will also operate additional special flights to ferry families of the victims to Mangalore, the spokesman said.The IX 812 Dubai-Mangalore flight overshot the runway while landing at the Bajpe airport, about 20 km from Mangalore, early Saturday and caught fire after plunging about 300 metres off a cliff.All passengers were Indians, many returning home from Dubai where they worked.
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