Terrorism has to be fought together: Patil

President Pratibha Patil Wednesday stressed the need for a collective and “firm commitment” of the international community to fight terrorism.“Fighting terrorism requires a firm commitment by the international community to act collectively and decisively,” she said at a ceremony to accept credentials by seven new ambassadors.She said the prospects for peace in the contemporary world were threatened by forces of extremism and terrorism.The envoys who presented their credentials were Ruben I. Zamora of El Salvador, Ronald B. Allarey of the Philippines, Thongphanh Syackhaphom of Laos, Doulat O. Kuanyshev of Kazakhstan, Nanguyalai Tarzi of Afghanistan, Marco Piccinini of Monaco and Byron Escobedo Menendez of Guatemala.The presentation ceremony was attended by the members of the diplomatic community and senior officials of the ministry of external affairs.

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Judicial custody of Mecca Masjid blast accused extended

Hyderabad,June 30:A city court Wednesday extended the judicial custody of one of the two accused in the Mecca Masjid blast case by 10 days.The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is probing 2007 blast, produced Devender Gupta in the court after his CBI custody ended. On a petition by the CBI, the 14th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate extended Gupta's remand. The accused was later shifted to Cherlapally jail on the city's outskirts as he was reportedly facing threat to his life from some inmates in Chanchalguda jail. The CBI brought Gupta with another accused, Lokesh Sharma, here from Ajmer June 17. The two are also accused in the blast at the Ajmer dargah in Rajasthan. The investigators grilled Sharma during the 10-day custody to gather evidence of his involvement and of others in the blast. The court Tuesday sent Sharma to CBI custody for 10 days. The agency moved for Sharma's custody after he was identified by two witnesses during identification parade at the Chanchalguda jail last week. Nine people were killed in the blast during Friday prayers at the 17th century mosque May 18, 2007. Five people died in subsequent police firing on protestors near the mosque. Both Sharma and Gupta are members of Hindu extremist group Abhinav Bharat and are also accused in the October 2007 blast at Khwaja Moinuddin Chisthi dargah in Ajmer, which claimed one life and injured 30 others. According to the CBI, two other accused in the mosque blast are absconding.
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SCR announces new exp, passenger train timings

Vijayawada,Jun 30: The Vijayawada division of South Central Railway (SCR) today announced change in timings of three express and two passenger trains in the new time table which comes into force from tomorrow.Vijayawada Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Koganti Sambasiva Rao said the Yesvantpur-Lucknow-Yesvantapur Express was speeded up and changed to Super Fast.He said Train No.7255 Narsapur-Hyderabad Express will depart Narsapur at 1855 hrs. instead of 1845 hrs, Train No.7402A Narsapur-Tirupati Express will depart Narsapur at 1720 hrs. Instead of 1715 hrs, Train No.2710 Secunderabad-Gudur Simhapuri Express will depart Secunderabad at 2230 hrs instead of 2200 hrs.Mr Rao said Train No.D.130 Guntur-Vijayawada Passenger will depart Guntur at 2010 hrs.Instead of 2050 hrs and Vijayawada at 2115 hrs. Instead of 2150 hrs and Train No.498 Narsapur-Guntur Passenger will depart Narsapur at 1245 hrs instead of 1300 hrs.Train No.2578 Bangalore-Darbhanga, Bagmati (Weekly) Express will depart Bangalore on every Friday at 1015 hrs, arrive/depart Chennai Central at 1505/1615 hrs, Vijayawada at 2255/2305 hrs and arrive Darbhanga at 1435 hrs on every Saturday.
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Rosaiah announces Rs.25 lakh for Saina Nehwal

Hyderabad, June 30 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah Wednesday announced a cash award of Rs.25 lakh to badminton champion Saina Nehwal for winning three international titles in a row and being ranked world number three.Rosaiah announced the award when Saina called on him at his camp office here this evening. "You have done a great job. The country, particularly Andhra Pradesh, is proud of you. All my best wishes and greetings to you," the chief minister told the champion. Rosaiah, who presented a bouquet and a shawl to Saina, said he is sure that she will become world's number one player in the near future. He described Saina as a role model for upcoming young players. Saina, who returned to the country Tuesday, was accompanied by her coach Pullela Gopichand, her father and sister. Saina won the Indonesian Open Super Series Sunday to make a hat-trick of badminton titles in three weeks. She earlier won the Indian Open Grand Prix and the Singapore Open Super Series to move up to the third position in world rankings. The Haryana Badminton Association Tuesday announced a cash award of Rs.5 lakh for Hisar-born Saina while Andhra Pradesh Badminton Association presented her a cheque of Rs.1 lakh.(photo by bollywodsargam.com) 
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Election panel asked to hold by-polls in Telangana

Hyderabad, June 30: The Andhra Pradesh High Court Wednesday asked the Election Commission to hold by-elections to two assembly seats in Telangana along with 10 other seats going to polls July 27.The court passed the orders on a petition by the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) challenging the decision of the Election Commission not to hold by-polls to Sircilla and Vemulawada assembly constituencies in view of some election petitions pending in the court. The Election Commission June 21 announced an election schedule for 10 assembly seats but not in these two seats. TRS general secretary K. Yadagiri Reddy said in his petition that the Election Commission had no power to defer the by-elections. The petition pointed out to the court that the elections can be put off only if the situation is not conducive to holding them or if the general elections were scheduled within a year. He argued that once the speaker of an assembly declares a seat as vacant and conveys this to the Election Commission, it becomes the statutory duty of the election panel to conduct the polls within six months. The seats fell vacant in February after all 10 legislators of TRS and one each of the Bharatiya Janata Party and Telugu Desam Party resigned over the demand for separate statehood to Telangana region. TRS chief K.Chandrasekhara Rao's son K.Tarakarama Rao was elected from Sircilla constituency in last year's elections by a thin majority of 171 votes. A petitioner has claimed that the votes were not counted properly. In Vemulawada,Ch. Ramesh of TDP was elected but a contestant filed a petition contending that Ramesh was not a citizen of India.
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ISNA Announces Bonus Convention Event: Monday Islamic Knowledge Intensive With Shaykh Suhaib Webb and Imam Mohamed Majid

(USA)Deccan Samachar Service,DDS) June,29,2010) Greetings ISNA Convention attendees and all community members who have not yet registered! ISNA is happy to announce a new and exciting opportunity for this year's Convention attendees. In response to high public demand for additional spiritual sessions during the 2010 Annual ISNA Convention, the Programs Committee has added an additional half day Knowledge Intensive to the weekend's events. On Monday July 5th, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Shaykh Suhaib Webb and Imam Mohamed Majid will lead four fulfilling hours of spiritual education and commentary on Imam Ghazali's published work, "The Duties of Brotherhood in Islam." The session will be held in the Paris Room at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and seats are limited to this exclusive event! Shaykh Suhaib Webb received his bachelors degree in Education from the University of Central Oklahoma and is currently training to be a Mufti in Cairo, Egypt. He also received private studies in Islam and Arabic under a Senegalese Shaykh and has many years experience leading spiritual education courses in the U.S. and abroad. Imam Mohamed Majid is the current Executive Director of the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) Center in Sterling, Virginia, where he delivers regular Jummah khutbas and teaches classes in many aspects of Islamic studies. He is the son of a leading Islamic Scholar, who was an Azhar graduate and the Mufti of Sudan, and studied at the hand of his father and other notable scholars, gaining ijaza in several disciplines, including Ghazali's Ihya-Uloom-al-Deen. Mukhtar Ahmad, ISNA Programs Director, states, "Ghazali is considered by many to be one of the revivers of Islam, offering inspirational guidance that transcends time to strengthen each generation of our Ummah." Remember, only ISNA Convention registrants may attend this enlightening event. Mukhtar Ahmad, ISNA Programs Director, states, "This half day event is just one of the many enlightening sessions offered and reasons to register for the ISNA Convention today!" ISNA staff are excited to meet you in Chicago for this year's convention and have already begun traveling to the convention center for set-up of the events. To allow ISNA staff time to travel to Chicago and prepare this wonderful convention, online registration has closed at this time. Please visit us as early as 9:00 AM on the morning of Friday July 2nd to register on site. Registration booths will remain open each day until approximately 11:00 PM. Registration is fast, easy, and ISNA staff and volunteers cannot wait to welcome you! ===========================================

Chief minister,inaugurating of new TRAIN,

Hydrabad (Deccan Samachar Service,DSS )June,29,Dr.K.Rosaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister is seen inaugurating and flagging off New Train no 275 (Tirupathi to Guntakal) Passenger of new Railway Broad-Gauge Section at Rail Nilayam, Sec,bad 29.6.2010. Sri Marri Shashidhar Reddy, MLA., Smt.Banda Karthika Reddy, Mayor, GHMC, Hyderabad and others are also seen. (Photo by I&PR No.CNR-7828)
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CM-Reviewing Arrangements for celebration,

Hyderabad,(Deccan Samachar Service, DSS) JUNE,29,Dr.K.Rosaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister Reviewing Arrangements for Celebrations of “Sri Krishna Devaraya-500 years Coronation” at Secretariat on 29-06-2010. Dr.J.Geeta Reddy, Hon’ble Minister for I&PR and Tourism, Sri N. Raghuveera Reddy, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture and Higher Official & concerned are also seen. (Photo by I&PR No.CNR-9225)
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Hyderabad Police bans massage parlours

Hyderabad, June 29 : With massage centres in and around Hyderabad being used for flesh trade, Hyderabad Police has banned massage parlours where female employees massage male customers.

Police Commissioner A.K. Khan told reporters that the ban on all such massage parlours and body massage centres would come into force from July 1. The police chief also warned the owners of the buildings who offer their shops on rent for such massage parlours that action will be taken against them.he pointed out that during last three months 123 cases were registered against massage parlours and 31 female sex workers and 19 massage parlour owners were booked under Anti-Trafficking Act. Khan said police would also take action against bar dancers indulging in dirty dancing.   (file photo by RSJ Thomas) 
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YSR's widow, Jagan meet Sonia, seek permission for yatra in AP

New Delhi, Jun 29: Former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy's widow Y S Vijaylakshmi Reddy along with her son and Congress MP Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and daughter Sharmila today met Party President Sonia Gandhi and sought her permission to continue with the Odarpu yatra in the state.
The meeting at 1830 hrs lasted for 15 minutes after which the family left for Hyderabad. Ms Vijaylakshmi told mediapersons that her husband used to keep all the promises made to the people and her son also wanted to keep the family tradition and fulfil the promise he had made to the people to visit all the families whose members died due to shock of sudden death of Rajasekhara Reddy in a helicopter crash,She denied that there was ''arrogance'' behind Jagan's decision to continue with the yatra despite party high command's disapproval.Refuting the charge that Jagan was indulging in ''indiscipline'' in not following party high command's dictat to stop the yatra, she said the yatra was just meant to fulfil the promise made by the former and there was no politics involved. She urged the Congress President to give permission for continuing the yatra.However, after the meeting with Ms Gandhi, the three avoided interaction with media.
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Andhra remembers Narasimha Rao on 90th birth anniversary

New Delhi,June 28 : Andhra Pradesh Monday remembered its native son and late prime minister P.V.Narasimha Rao on his 90th birth anniversary, with the state's Congress government paying"heartful homage to the humanitarian beyond compare". In an advertisement published in some of the leading dailies, the K. Rosaiah government described Rao, who ruled the country from June 21, 1991 to May 16, 1996, as "the father of Indian economic reforms" and "the dynamic leader who refused to be afraid". Rao was India's 10th prime minister. Rao had initiated Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who is an acclaimed economist, into politics by appointing him as his finance minister to steer the country's economic reforms. Meanwhile, no function was organised at the Congress headquarters here to commemorate the birth anniversary of Rao, who was also its president at one time. "I have no idea about any function," said a top party functionary. When asked whether any function was organised in parliament to commemorate the birth anniversary, a parliament official said there was no photograph or portrait of Rao, who died December 2004, to pay floral tributes. Meanwhile, Rosaiah paid floral tribute to Rao in Hyderabad. Speaking at P.V. Jnana Bhoomi in the city, the chief minister said Rao was the first Telugu to become the prime minister of the country. Some party workers and Congress legislators also paid tribute to Rao.
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APCC President discusses election strategy with Venkataswamy

Hyderabad, Jun 27: In an effort to strengthen the party cadre in the ensuing byelections in the state, Andhra Pradesh Congress President D Srinivas today held discussions with Congress Working Committee member and senior leader of the party from Telangana region G Venkataswamy on strategy to be adopted during the elections.Mr Srinivas went to the residence of Mr Venkataswamy and discussed various matters and the party's efforts and strategies in the election.Mr Srinivas along with Chief Minister K Rosaiah had already held consultations with the leaders and aspirants of all the 10 Assembly constituencies to impress upon them the need to stay united and jointly address constituency level meetings.The APCC President has already written a letter to senior leaders of the party from Telangana region and sought their cooperation in the elections to strengthen the party to win majority of the seats.Senior party leaders of Telangana region held a discussion with Mr Srinivas and decided to represent their views unitedly before the Sri Krishna Committee appointed by the Central Government to look into the situation in Andhra Pradesh on Telangana issue.
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IT sector in the state was encouraging

Hyderabad, Jun 27 : The emergence of Informaton, Communicaiton and Technology(ICT) industry in Andhra Pradesh has resulted from a strong Vision of the State Government and the State's business environment being conducive to the growth and expansion of Information Technology Industry.The provisional performance of IT sector in the State during 2010 has been quite encouraging, a release here today said.During the year, new IT Multi National Corporations like JP Morgan and United Health Group came forward to set up their operations. Existing companies were significantly expanding their operations. The IT companies have started their annual recruitment and hiring plans. Further, the recession did not have any impact on the creation and filling up of office space in IT SEZs by the Infrastructure Developers, it claimed. At the recent Unit Approval Committee meeting of the Development Commissioner, AP IT SEZs,five IT companies have been accorded permission to set up their offices on a total area of 3.91 lakh sft in different IT SEZs. Prominent MNC IT companies approved were Facebook India Online Services PVT Ltd and Accenture. Now, Tier-II cities in the State like Warangal, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Vijayawada, and Tirupati are being promoted as IT Hubs in the State, the release added. Vijayawada is being preferred as an alternative Tier-II IT location in view of its strategic location. Visualizing the potential of Vijayawada as a promising IT locations, IT companies are setting up and expanding their operations there, the release added.
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CLP ask leaders not to obstruct Polavaram project

Hyderabad, Jun 27 : The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) today urged the leaders of various political parties, including the ruling Congress, not to pose ay objections to the construction of Polavaram Irrigation Project in the state.

Addressing a press conference, State Endowments Minister G Venkata Reddy and Panchayati Raj Minister B Satyanarayana said the project was very important for the state and it was not good on the part of the political parties and leaders to create obstacles. Mr Venkata Reddy said the state government had already urged the Union Government to treat Polavaram project as a national project to get more funds.Meanwhile, the Congress leaders from Telangana said they were not against the project and were only demanding a change in project design. Congress MLC Yadav Reddy said the leaders from Telangana were not objecting to the project.He said the interests of the tribals should be taken into consideration before taking a final decision on the project.
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Trimex Unlocks India's Industrial Minerals Potential, Joins the Global top-tier

Hyderabad: The Trimex Group, India's top specialty value chain provider for industrial minerals, today announced the commencement of commercial production at its Srikurmam Mineral Sands Project in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, and the shipment of high-value industrial heavy minerals.

The custom-built, fully-integrated, multi-mineral facility currently extracts, processes, and produces 200,000 TPA of Ilmenite, 6,000 TPA of Rutile, 6,000 TPA of Zircon, 60,000 TPA of Garnet, and 50,000 TPA of Sillimanite. The project represents a major milestone for the development of natural resources in Andhra Pradesh.The project, which will play a pivotal role in helping meet the demand for high quality heavy minerals in the supply-deficit global market, will be formally inaugurated by Dr K Rosaiah, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, on 26 June 2010.The products from this project are used in the manufacture of paints, ceramics, abrasives, insulation, cosmetics, paper, leather, glass products, artificial gems, aircraft parts, artificial human joints, and filtration media, among others. The successful initial phase of the project required an investment of INR 250 crore for pilot studies; bulk samples; extensive hydrology; extensive environmental, social and public perception studies; complete detailed engineering; and the finalization of the mining license agreement with the government and private land owners. The company has acquired the mining lease for 7.2 square kilometers in the coastline of Srikakulam for 30 years from the date of the lease award, renewable for another 30 years.The company has now firmed up plans for an INR 4,000 crore investment until fiscal 2017-18. The investment will go towards the expansion of extraction areas, increase of processing capacity, technology upgradation, and research and development of high value and premium products.
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CM inaugurated srikurmam mineral sands in Andhra Pradesh

Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, Jun 27 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah Inaugurated the Srikurmam Mineral Sands Major project in the Gara Mandalm in Vatchavalasa Village in the Backward District.Speaking after inaugurating the Mineral sands Project here yesterday, he called upon the non-recident Indian(NRI) investors to come farward to set up more Industries in state and generate more employement in the backward districts. Now Gujarat is first state for developing more industries and Andhra Pradesh was at second position in terms of developing more industries in the country.
He also said Visakhapatnam Port city would see phenominal growth in the Industrial sector. The State government had proposed to lay a gas pipeline from Kakinada to Visakhapatnam and six more Nuclear Power plants in the state.Several minister of Andhra Pradesh, Revenue, D Prasada Rao, Rural Development, V Vasath Kumar, Transport minister.S Vaijayaramaraju and Major Industries and Commerce and Export promotion Minister K.Lakshmi Narayana and MP K Kruparani, MLC, MlA, sand P Rajasekharam Zilla parishad chairman were participated in the inaugural function in a grand way.The high value heavy minerals are used across wide spectrum of industries like paints, ceramics, abrasives, aircraft parts and artificial gems. Prasad R Koneru, Group Chairman in his welcome address here, said the project got approvals from 15 agencies. The company would take up expansion for value addition to ilmenite by end of this year or early next year at a cost of Rs 1,200 crore and production should start in 30 months at Bhavanapadu through equity and debt funds in the ratio of 30:70. Overall, Rs 4,000 crore would be invested over eight years towards expansion and production of high value titanium dioxide used in paint industry and titanium metal, he said.
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Hyderabad Collector,addressing to youth

Hyderabad(Deccan Samachar Service) june,26, HYDERABAD DISTRICT COLLECTOR NATARAJAN GULZAR ADDRESSING YOUTH ON THE EVE OF INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR DRAG ABUSE & ILLICIT TRAFFCKING ON 26.06.2010 AT BADRUKA COLLEGE AUDITORIUM KACHIGUDA  (Photo by I&PR No.CNR-3)

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No option for government but to hike fuel prices: Congress

The ruling Congress party Friday supported the government’s move to decontrol petrol prices and hike rates of other fuel products, asserting that it had no other option.“However, we believe that the government must have been constrained to take these steps and ensure that the impact is minimal,” Congress spokesperson Jayanthi Natarajan told reporters here.She said the Congress is “always concerned about the welfare of common man and woman”.Natarajan, however, refused to talk about any roll-back in prices, saying it was for the government to decide.The spokesperson also did not comment on Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee’s voicing unhappiness over the move.Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni, defending the hike, said that “it is for the first time since 2002 that the prices of kerosene have been increased.”“The petroleum minister has said time and again that oil companies find it difficult to keep themselves viable unless there is some rationalisation (of fuel prices). If the government has announced a hike, you will be convinced that there was no other option,” she told reporters.The Indian government Friday freed petrol from administrative control and hiked the prices of diesel, kerosene and cooking gas in a major policy reform that is aimed to help improve its fiscal position and release funds for other programmes.Petrol will now be costlier by Rs.3.50 per litre, diesel by Rs.2 a litre, kerosene by Rs.3 a litre and cooking gas by Rs.35 per cylinder.
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Four swine flu deaths, 23 infections in Andhra

Hyderabad,june,26, Four people died of swine flu in Andhra Pradesh while 23 were found infected by H1N1 virus this year, officials said Saturday.Three deaths and a majority of the cases were reported during last 10 days. The monsoon is believed to be the main cause for the virus becoming virulent. Officials have advised people not to use preventive medicines without advice from the doctors.“People should take the medicines only under the supervision of doctors,” said P.V.Ramesh, principal secretary, health and family welfare.The authorities have urged people to contact the 104 Mobile health service and call toll free number 1056 to clear their doubts about swine flu and seek any assistance.The health department said arrangements had been made for treatment of swine flu in 17 district hospitals, 11 teaching hospitals and 28 private hospitals across the state.As many as 54 people died of swine flu in the state last year. Nearly 800 cases were reported.The first swine flu case in India was detected at Hyderabad airport May 16 last year.
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Unitedworld school of business organises interactive seminar

Hyderabad, Jun 26 : Unitedworld School of Business, an open economy focused business school which recently opened its South India centre here organised interactive seminar 'Magic of MBA' today.Industry stalwarts and students addressed the doubts and queries regarding a career in management at the seminar.Addressing a press conference here, Prof Anamitra Chatterjee, Dean, Executive Education, Unitedworld School of Business said the school would have its campuses in Kolkota, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Delhi.He said the aim of the school was to groom Indian talents for the South East economy.
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Andhra Pradesh Govt has taken measures to contain Swine Flu: Official

Hyderabad, Jun 26 : The Andhra Pradesh government has taken all measures to contain Swine Flu and rain-related diseases across the state, with strengthening of the government and private hospitals in the state for treating the Swine Flu cases.Addressing a press conference here today, Principal Secretary to Government (Medical Health and Family Welfare) P V Ramesh said so far, 23 Swine Flu cases and four deaths had been reported since January this year in the state.He said 17 district hospitals, 11 teaching hospitals and 28 private hospitals in the state were equipped with facilities, including with isolated wards, to treat the Swine Flu patients. He said the state government had utilised 60,000 Swine Flu vaccines so far out of 80,000 sent by the Centre. He appealed the people not to take Anti-Swine Flu medicines without the advice of the doctors.Mr Ramesh said the government had also taken measures to contain the rain-related diseases and steps to prevent the supply of contaminated water through the pipes.
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Dr.J.Geeta Reddy, Hon’ble I&PR Minister attend the 500 years coronation celebration

(Deccan Samachar Service) june,25, Dr.J.Geeta Reddy, Hon’bleMinister for Information and Public Relation and Tourism called on Smt. Prathiba Patil, H.E. President of India inviting her to the 500 years Coronation Celebrations of Srikrishna Devaraya at New Delhi on 24-06 2010.(Photo by I&PR No.CNR-8)

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Dr.J.Geeta Reddy, Hon’ble Minister meeting with jaipal reddy

(Deccan Samachar Service)june,25, Dr.J.Geeta Reddy, Hon’ble Minister for Information and Public Relation and Tourism called on Sri S.Jaipal Reddy, Hon’ble Union Minister of Urban Development inviting him to attend the 500 years Coronation Celebrations of Srikrishna Devaraya at New Delhi on 24-06-2010. (Photo by I&PR No.CNR-2)
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Collecter Hyderabad District,visit to slum area,

Hyderabad (Deccan Samachar Service) june,25, HYDERABAD DISTRICT COLLECTOR NATARAJAN GULZAR VISITED PHOOLBAGH SLUM AND INTERACTED WITH RESIDENTS OF THE SLUM ALONG WITH GHMC OFFICIALS ON 25.06.2010 (Photo by I&PR No.CNR-1)
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Hyderabad Collector,Visit to phool bagh

Hyderabad,(Deccan Samachar Service) june-25,HYDERABAD DISTRICT COLLECTOR NATARAJAN GULZAR VISITED PHOOLBAGH SLUM AND INTERACTED WITH RESIDENTS OF THE SLUM ALONG WITH GHMC OFFICIALS ON 25.06.2010 (Photo by PIB No.CNR-2)
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India to Release Four Pakistani Prisoners

(PIB NEWS) June,25, The Union Home Minister, Shri P.Chidambaram has approved the release of four Pakistani prisoners as a gesture of goodwill. They are currently lodged in various jails in Gujarat. These prisoners will be repatriated from the Attari border on 30th June, 2010 and handed over to Pakistan Rangers.

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Satyam scam accused allowed to use computer in jail

Hyderabad, June 25 : A city court Friday allowed an accused in the Rs.14,000 crore Satyam scam to use a computer in jail to prepare for his defence, while the Andhra Pradesh High Court granted bail to two accused in the accounting fraud.Magistrate B.V.L.N.Chakravarti directed Chanchalguda jail authorities to provide a computer to G.Ramakrishna, former vice president, finance of Satyam Computer Services. He has been allowed to use a desktop computer to read, write and edit text documents. The system will also have the facility to read CDs and DVDs supplied by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the case. However, the use of the computer by the accused will be subject to certain conditions, the court said. The court directed that the computer be used only for storing, retrieving and accessing the case records. The accused would have to bear the cost of procuring and installing the computer and the electricity charges. The place of installation and the timing of the use will be decided by jail superintendent. The magistrate made it clear that the accused would have no access to internet or pen drives. The court adjourned to June 29 the hearing on CBI's petition for allowing it to examine main accused Ramalinga Raju through video conference. The founder and disgraced chairman of Satyam is currently undergoing treatment for Hepatitis C at Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS). Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh High Court granted conditional bail to former senior partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) S. Gopalakrishnan and former internal auditor of Satyam V.S. Prabhakar Gupta on health grounds. The two have been asked not to leave India. The Supreme Court in February granted bail to another PwC auditor Talluri Srinivas. Gopalakrishnan and Srinivas were arrested in January last year a few days after Raju admitted to a massive accounting fraud in the IT bellwether. The two were charged with doctoring the accounts in collusion with Raju and others. The CBI later arrested Gupta and two other Satyam employees on similar charges.
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Reply to plea on contempt proceedings, Andhra told

New Delhi,June 25: The Supreme Court Friday asked Andhra Pradesh to file a reply on a petition seeking to initiate contempt proceedings against the state government for breaching the court's interim order in the appointment of secondary grade teachers.The vacation bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justice R.M. Lodha and Justice A.K.Patnaik gave the state government four weeks to file the reply. Even as the state government's counsel D.Bharthi Reddy denied any breach of the court's interim order, Justice Lodha said: "Prima facie there is something that needs to be stated in writing that under what circumstances the GO (government order) was issued."
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CM-held a review meeting on polavaram,

Hyderabad (Deccan Samachar Service) june,24, Dr. K.Rosaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister held a review meeting on Polavaram, Bablee and Pranahita-Chevella with Telangana MPs and Officials of Irrigation Department at Camp Office, Hyderabad on 24-06-2010. (Photo by I&PR No.CNR-9125)
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Sri GULZAR,addressing a meeting at collectorate,

Hyderabad (Deccan Samachar Service) june,24, Hyderabad District Collector Sri Natarajan Gulzar addressing Asst.Welfare officer review meeting on 24-6-2010 at Collectorate Conferance Hall. Addl JC Satyanand, DD Social Welfare Vijay kumar also in the picture.

(Photo by I&PR No:CNR-1)
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Agriculture Minister Relesing the publicity matarial today,

Hyderabad (Deccan Samachar Service) june,24, Sri N.Raghuveera Reddy, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture, Agriculture Technology Mission, Horticulture, Sericulture and Rain Shadow Area Development is seen releasing the publicity material and addressing the “Samachara Sravanthi” Press meet at Secretariat on 24-06-2010. Sri C.Parthasarathi(IAS) Special Commissioner,Information and Public Relation Department is also seen. (Photo by I&PR No.CNR-64)
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28 Apartment Buildings in GHMC Jurisdication have been cield,

Hyderabad (Deccan Samachar Service)june,24, The Additional Commissioner, Planning,GHMC Sri Dhanunjaya Reddy said in a note here today that about 28 apartment buildings in GHMC jurisdiction have been ceiled today who have not paid their dues under BPS scheme. All these apartments have been served earlier with red notices with instructions to pay their dues early. The Additional Commissioner said the ceiling of premises of apartments in the city would continue till the end of this month and he appealed to the applicants who have already submitted their applications under BPS to pay their dues early and get the clearance certificate. The last date for payment of dues under this scheme is the June 30, 2010 and it would not be further extended, he said. CPRO GHMC

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PAIGAH PALACE PLAQUE INAUGURATED (PRESENTLY U.S. CONSULATE OFFICE)

Hyderabad (Deccan Samachar Service) June,24, On the eve of World Heritage Day on 18th April, 2010, the HMDA inaugurated two Plaques one at Greenlands Guest House and the second at Sardar Mahal highlighting the important features of these buildings. On that occasion, it was decided to place Plaques on Heritage Precincts. Today i.e. on 24-06-2010, a plaque highlighting the historical importance of Paigah Palace (presently office of the U.S. Consulate), is inaugurated by Consul General, Mr. Cornelis M. Keur. This building is listed as a Heritage Building, vide G.O. Ms. No.102, M.A. Dept., dt.23-03-1998. It was constructed in 1896 by Nawab Iqbal-ud-Doula (Sir Vicar-ul-Umra II), one of the Paigah nobles and Prime Minster during the reign of the sixth Nizam Mir Mohboob Ali Khan. The building became the office of the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority in 1982. This programme is attended by Sri A.V. Bhide,Member Urban Planner, Sri V.Madhwaraja, Chief Engineer,and Sri Syed Ziauddin, Chief Planning Officer, HMDA, Sri Sajjad Shahid, Sri Sanjay Torvi, Sri Ramesh Kamajosyula, Member of Heritage Conservation Committee and officials of U.S.Consulate. COMPLETED Issued by the Public Relations Officer,Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), ‘C’ Block, District Commercial Complex, Tarnaka, Hyderabad – 500 007. Mobile: 9849909799, e-mail: ramakrishnapro@gmail.com PRO,(Photo by RSJ Thomas) =============================================================

Mamata Banerjee Flags off ‘Commonwealth Express’ Exhibition Train

The Union Minister for Railways, Kumari Mamata Banerjee flagging off the ‘Commonwealth Express’ Train, in New Delhi on June 24, 2010.The Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Sheila Dikshit and the Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology, Shri Sachin Pilot are also seen. (Photo by PIB No.CNR-32199)
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(PIB NEWS) June,24,The Minister of Railways, Mamata Banerjee flagged off Commonwealth Express Train, a special exhibition train to spread awareness about sports and Information Technology especially among the youth and among the masses in general, from here today. The first stop of this train will be at Amritsar on 25th to coincide with event of arrival of Queen’s Baton of Commonwealth Games. After covering major cities in the country, this exhibition train will conclude its journey in Delhi on 1st October 2010. It will be available for public viewing on 1st & 2nd October 2010 at Safdarjung Railway station.This train consists of 11 coaches out of which five coaches have been allocated to Railway Sports Promotion Board to showcase the history of Commonwealth Games, details of the venues of the events to be held in the month of October, 2010 in Delhi, to spread general awareness about different sports and to give wide publicity to the sports icons of India who have brought laurels to the country with their stupendous feats. Besides, one coach is exclusively dedicated to the Railway Sports Promotion Board to showcase their history, activities as well as achievements Railway sports persons at national and international level.
In this exhibition train, Department of Information & Technology will showcase the capacity and the work done in the country in the area of Information and Communication technology and the initiatives carried out by the Department of Information Technology and its affiliated entities in the fields of e-governance, infrastructure, technology relevant to rural India, language interfacing technology etc. The ‘IT Story of India’ will be told through the six coaches by way of backlit translites, front-lit digitally printed posters, short informational films etc. To reach out to the common man in as effective manner as possible, the content of the backlit translites will be made available in regional languages in addition to English, and the language changeover will happen in ten languages (as and when the train enters such a State). Also present on the occasion were Smt. Sheila Dikshit, the Chief Minister of Delhi, Shri K.H. Muniyappa, the Union Minister of State for Railways, Shri Sachin Pilot, the Union Minister of State for Communication & Information Technology, Shri Vivek Sahai, Chairman, Railway Board, board members and other senior official from the Ministry of Railways and Ministry Communication & Information Technology.
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Vice President Presents IAYP (India) Gold Awards

(PIB NEWS) June,24, The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari presented the International Awards for Young People (IAYP) – India Gold Awards to the young awardees at a function here today. He presented 44 Gold Awards in 4 categories i.e Service, Adventurous Journey, Skills and Physical Recreation. The young awardees include 8 from East Zone, 11 from West Zone, 13 from North Zone and 12 from South Zone. Addressing the young awardees the Vice President said that ours is a huge country and every young person should prove that he is a better citizen of our country. Amongst us the utility bond is that of common citizenship. We must enjoy our rights and do our duties of citizenship to the fullest. Describing the young awardees as the role models in their grouping, he wished them all the success in their endeavors. The International Awards for Young People (IAYP) is an exciting self-development programme for all young people aged between 14 and 25 years worldwide. It equips them with like skills, builds their confidence and engages them with their communities. There are three Award Levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold, each requiring increasing commitment and effort. Bronze usually takes 6-12 months to complete, Silver 12-18 months and Gold 18-24 months. The Award Programme comprises four Sections: Service develops a sense of community and social responsibility; the Adventurous Journey cultivates a spirit of adventure and an understanding of the environment; the Skills Section develops cultural, vocational and practical skills; and Physical Recreation encourages improved performance and fitness.
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Govt to release Rs 1000 cr for fee reimbursement in two days

Hyderabad,Jun 24: Refuting allegations of the opposition, including the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K.Rosaiah was ''anti-backward classes'', a group of state ministers today said the Government had decided to release Rs 1500 crores for the fee reimbursement and would release Rs 1000 crores in two days.Addressing a press conference here, BC Welfare Minister P Subhas Chandra Bose, Backward Classes Minister M. Mukesh Goud, Panchayat Raj Minister B Satyanarayana and Animal Husbandry Minister K.Parthasarathi asserted that the Congress government was committed for the welfare of the backward classes in the state.They appealed to Backward Classes Welfare Association State President R Krishnaiah to withdraw his proposed hunger strike from tomorrow, demanding fee reimbursement of the BC students. Stating that the Chief Minister was not against the interests of the backward classe, the Ministers said the government was committed to the implementation of the fee reimbursement scheme in the state though it was facing a fund crunch. Mr Bose said the sub-committee appointed by the government to look into fee reimbursement would meet again on June 29.
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July 27 by-elections not T Referendum: Praja Rajyam Party,

Hyderabad,Jun 24: Ahead of the July 27 by-elections, Actor K Chiranjeevi founded Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) today asserted the bypoll next month was not a referendum on Telangana and so the PRP had decided not to contest it.After the party's Political Affairs Committee Meeting with Mr Chiranjeevi where the party decided not to contest byelections in the ten Assembly Constituencies in Telangana Region, the party charged the Telangana Rashtriya Samithi (TRS) for forcing the by-elections to drive political mileage and to arouse the sentiment of the region with an ulterior motive.The party felt this was not the first time that the TRS had resorted to the resignations forcing by-elections ''only to keep alive the depleting party' and there was no 'ideological issue involved in the by-poll'.PRP also alleged the atmosphere for free and fair electioneering and campaigning in these elections had been vitiated by the alleged threat flung around by the TRS to attack the contestants and as such the PRP had decided to stay away from the next month by-poll
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Arabian food festival in Hyderabad

Hyderabad,June 24: A two-week food festival showcasing exotic Arabian food items is underway in Hyderabad.The festival,which began on Saturday, has been organised by 'Novotel Group ' at Hotel Novotel.
Indigenous food items have been put on display, like mansaf, knafeh, baklawa, basbousa, and many more Arabian dishes."We are staying here out of pleasure.We are enjoying everyday the qualities of food. So Arabian is quite nice for us," said Alina, a tourist from Canada.The ambience has been set as simply Arabic, right from the decoration to utensils. Arabic music is also played.The staff of the restaurant is also attired in Arabic tradition."We have the whole restaurant-in terms of ambience-completely set up like an Arabic restaurant. We have the dresses, which are very traditional to Arabic countries... Morocco or a Turkish cap things like that. We have a chef who has flown in from Morocco, who is working in Qatar just for the food festival," said Bhargav Kumar, chef-in-charge of Hotel Novotel.The fair will conclude on June 27.
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Railway Recruitment Board chairman sent to jail

Hyderabad, June 24 : The special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court here Thursday sent suspended Mumbai Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) chairman S.M. Sharma and another official to judicial custody till July 1 in the railways job scam.Along with Sharma, G. Sethi, the senior divisional personnel officer (SDPO) at Raipur was also sent to judicial custody. The CBI, which arrested the two officials Wednesday, moved a petition for their custody for further interrogation. The hearing on the petition was adjourned to Friday. Sharma and Sethi were later shifted to Chanchalguda Central Jail. Public prosecutor Venkatramana told reporters that CBI named Sharma and Sethi as accused number 16 and 17 in the cash-for-job scandal. So far, 10 accused have been arrested by the CBI and search is on for seven other accused in different parts of the country. The CBI court Wednesday remanded eight accused including Sharma's son Vivek Bhardwaj to CBI custody for three days. Others included A.K. Jagannathan, a former additional divisional railways manager (ADRM) at Raipur and his son Srujan. The investigating agency had last week unearthed the racket, involving railway officials and agents. They allegedly charged nearly Rs.3.5 lakh from each candidate for recruitment tests for assistant loco pilots and assistant station masters held early this month. The investigations revealed that at least 444 candidates were supplied question papers. Sharma, Bhardwaj and their accomplices are believed to have pocketed over Rs.15.5 crore in these deals. The CBI suspects that the accused were running the well-organised racket for the last 10 years. The interrogation of Sharma and other accused is expected to bring out the role of several others involved.
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Rain in AP

Hyderabad, Jun 24 : Rain occurred at a few places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema while isolated rainfall occurred over Telangana.The chief amounts of rainfall recorded in cm are Kalingapatnam and Sompeta 5 each, Mandasa, Mantralayam and Parkal 4 each.Moderate to rather heavy rain/thundershowers would occur at many places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh.Light to moderate rain or thundershowers may occur at a few places over Telangana and Rayalaseema.A spell of rain/thundershowers may occur in parts of city.Maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 33 and 24 Degrees Celsius respectively.
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Lok Satta President wants hospitals rated

Hyderabad, Jun 23 : Lok Satta Party President Jayaprakash Narayan today stressed the need for establishment of an independent agency to rate healthcare providers on the quality of their services.Launching'manahealthcare.com,' a portal giving details of healthcare facilities in Hyderabad, to begin with, he said public, private and voluntary institutions have to work together to make quality healthcare available to all. He pointed out that 85 per cent of healthcare providers in USA were 'no-profit' entities. Mere provision of healthcare services would not guarantee healthcare, he said and referred to supply of contaminated drinking water even in upmarket localities like Banajara Hills and Jubilee Hills.
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Two officials sentenced to RI in trap cases

Hyderabad,Jun 23: The Additional Special Judge for ACB cases, Hyderabad convicted and sentenced K Srinivasappa, former Project Director, National Child Labour Project (NCLP), Kurnool to undergo rigorous imprisonment for three years under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.The judge also imposed a fine of Rs 2,000 on him. Earlier, he was trapped by ACB sleuths in March 2006 when he demanded and accepted a bribe of Rs 10,000 from the complainant to do an official favour. In another case, M Kallesham, Junior Assistant APSRTC, Karimnagar was convicted and sentenced by the Principal Special Judge for ACB cases here to undergo rigorous imprisonment for six months and a fine of Rs 500 for the offence under the PCA, and in default to suffer simple imprisonment for one month. He was trapped by the officials of the ACB in September 2003 when he demanded and accepted a bribe of Rs 1,000 from the complainant to do an official favour, a release said here today.
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Collecter Hyderabad District,inspecting records,

Hyderabad,(Deccan Samachar Service)June,23, Hyderabad District Collector Natarajan Gulzar inspecting records of Goshamahal Unani Dispencary, Hyd. (Photo by I&PR No.CNR-2)
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Sri Natarajan Gulzar, to visit nampally schools,

Hyderabad,(Deccan Samachar Service)June,23, Hyderabad District Collector Natarajan Gulzar speaking with interacting with students of Nampally Schools(5 schools in one building)

(Photo by I&PR No.CNR-1)
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PM’s Homage to Air India 182 Victims

(PIB NEWS) JUNE,23, The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has paid homage to Air India Flight No.182 crash victims who lost their lives in the air tragedy 25 years ago on the same day. Following is the text of the Prime Minister’s message:“This year marks the 25th anniversary of the crash of Air India Flight 182 that led to the loss of 329 innocent lives. This was a horrific incident which shook the world's conscience. It is with a sense of deep pain and sorrow that I join the families and friends in paying my homage to all those who fell victim to this most barbarious act of terrorism. No religion, faith or cause can justify such violence or inhumanity. On this solemn occasion, we must rededicate ourselves to fighting and eliminating terrorism with determination and joint action.”
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Hyderabad blast: CBI announces cash reward for accused

NewDelhi, June 22 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has announced a cash reward of Rs. 10 lakh to any person providing information leading to the arrest of each of the two absconding accused in investigation the Mecca Masjid bomb blast at Hyderabad, said a top official."We have announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh if anyone can give us any information on Sandeep Dange @ Parmanand and Ramchandra Kalsangra @ Ramji @ Vishnu Patel (both residents of Indore, Madhya Pradesh). They are wanted in the Hyderabad mosque blast case that took place on May 18, 2007," said ADG (M and C) and CBI spokesperson Harsh Bhal on Tuesday.Bhal said the information may be given either to Ashok Tewari, DIG, SC-II, CBI; or, T. Rajahbalaji Addl. Supdt. Of Police, CBI; or and Duty Officer CBI; or any nearest branch of CBI. "The name of the informant shall be kept secret," he said.The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered this case on 09.06.2007 after receipt of request from Andhra Pradesh Government and directions from Government of India. During investigation of the case, CBI has taken over the custody of two accused persons who are also, accused in Ajmer Dargarh Blast Case. Both these accused were earlier arrested by ATS Rajasthan in the said blast case. At present, one accused - Devender Gupta -is in CBI Custody up to June 30 and other- Lokesh Sharma- in Judicial Custody.During further investigation, names of two more accused persons, namely Sandeep Dange @ Parmanand and Ramachandra @ Kalsangra @ Ramji @ Vishnu Patel have also figured. Since both these accused persons are absconding, CBI has announced a cash reward of Rs.10 lakh for information leading to the arrest, said the CBI spokesperson. (thanks to IBNS)
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Diverse society requires social harmony, scientific temper:VP

Hyderabad, Jun 22 : Vice-President Hamid Ansari today said a diverse and stratified society like India required social harmony for its cohesion and a scientific spirit and excellence to seek and attain all-round development. Delivering his address at the 12th Convocation of the University of Hyderabad on the outskirts of the city, he said to promote and attain these was among the principle duties of the citizens and to be undertaken proactively rather than passively with a spirit of seeking justice and achieving fraternity.He called upon highly educated citizens to bear a special responsibility for promotion of harmony and spirit of common brotherhood, development of a scientific temper, humanism and spirit of inquiry and reform, and striving for excellence in all levels of individual and collective activity. ''As you leave the sanctuary of the university and step into the world beyond it, it is appropriate to remind you of this compendium of rights and duties, and of the need to reiterate your commitment to them''. He said educational institutions, including those of higher learning, can play a major role in this national effort of shaping the citizens. He said, ''Technology and globalisation have ensured that isolation is no longer an option and that we have to live in the world and with the world. This necessitates an acceptance of global standards, rules and norms of behaviour but without sacrificing our identity and values.''
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Govt taking measures to prevent diseases: Health Min

Hyderabad, Jun 22 : The Andhra Pradesh government is taking all possible measures to prevent, contain and manage diseases like H1N1, Gastroenteritis and Malaria, state Health Minister D Nagender said today here.Addressing a press conference here today Mr Nagender said weekly reviews are being conducted to monitor the situation and to take measures to strengthen Disease Surveillance Prevention and Management.He said sufficient drugs and disinfectants are made available in districts. Stating that Rapid Response Team (RPT) are active in every district, he said district collectors have been holding weekly meetings coordinating with all departments responsible for disease prevention, specially Rural Water Supply, Panchayat Raj and Municipal Administration for periodic disinfection, regular chlorination of drinking water.The Department of Institute of Preventive Medicine is collecting water, food samples regularly and monitoring the quality of food and water. These reports are being shared daily with the agencies responsible for enforcement of safety standards, he added.A massive campaign has been launched across the state with specific focus in ITDA districts where malaria prevalence is high by making paramedical and medical personnel responsible for every village and habitation.All fever cases are being screened and are administered for medical treatment for malaria. Adequate insecticide material is positioned in all districts for spraying operations, he said.Nagender said there have been reports of two fatalities from H1N1 virus during the month of June. However government is taking all possible measures to not only contain but also to manage even the worst case situation. We have taken the following measures in this regard, he added. He said a round the clock cell has been established and is functioning in the Directorate of Public Health and all the DMHCs offices.All district hospitals and medical institutes along with six area hospitals in Hyderabad city and 27 private hospitals across the state are fully geared up to receive and manage any case of H1N1 influenza, he added.All these facilities are fully equipped with necessary infrastructure and trained professionals.The health professional who were likely come into contact with H1N1 patients, have been immunized with vaccination and the process is on going.Prevention of H1N1 virus infection should be undertaken by the individual themselves. The citizens are informed that influenza infection with specific fever and cough is not uncommon during the monsoon season however only very few cases of influenza are caused by H1N1, he added. (photo by RSJ Thomas)
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Police seize highly explosive material in AP dist

Nizamabad,Jun 22 : The police on a tip off recovered highly expolsive material from a house at Ramadugu village in the Dharpally mandal of the district today.According to police, over five quintals of explosive material stocked in several bags in the house was recovered.Police were interrogating the owner of the house, Rajanna, who reportedly told the police that he had given the house on rent three years back to a person.Investigation was going on, police added.
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17 killed, 39 injured in lorry tractor collision

Warangal, Jun 22 : At least 17 people, including a bridegroom, were killed and 39 others injured when a bamboo laden lorry rammed from behind into two tractor trollies with a marriage party of tribals at Birsettigudem, about 100 km from here in the wee hours today.The bridegroom, identified as Nagesh, died at the hospital less than 24-hours after he tied the nuptial knot to Sunitha, who was battling with her life at Mahbubabad Area Hospital, police said.The marriage party in two tractor trolly had just stopped less than 100 metres from their residence to offer ritual prayers at the village temple before entering the tribal hamlet in a procession, accompanied by band and instrument.The lorry in high speed which was carrying wood for a Rayon factory dashed the tractor trollies from the rear and mowed over the marriage party, killing 12 on the spot, including the five band group, who accmpanied the bride from the neighbouring Khammam district.The injured, including the couple, were shifted to the Mahbubabad Area Hospital where the bridegroom died.The condition of five of them was critical and they were brought to MGM hospital here for critical medical care.Police have sent parties for the driver who fled the scene reportedly under drunken condition.
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Vice President Presents G.D.Birla International Awrds

The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari with the awardees and the trustees of the award after presenting G.D. Birla International Award – 2008, in New Delhi on June 21, 2010.       (Photo by PIB No.CNR-32144)
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(PIB NEWS) June,21,The Vice-President of India Shri M.Hamid Ansari presented the G.D.Birla International Awards in the presence of distinguished gathering at a function here today. Describing the awardees as role models and worth emulating, the Vice President applauded the Birla Academy of Art and Culture for instituting these awards and for recognizing the outstanding work of the awardees. This Award is a source of inspiration to those who make earnest efforts, benefiting masses with their contributions to Humanity, Rural Upliftment and associate themselves not only in preserving but also spreading the rich Cultural Heritage of India.The Award for Humanism was given to Mrs. Zokhumi Vankung , an eminent social activist from North East who made significant contribution for the benefit of Spastic, handicapped children and empowerment of women by helping in creation of an institution called “Gilead Special School ” and working for betterment of those needing humanitarian assistance. The Award for Preservation of India’s Cultural Heritage was conferred on Mr. P V Dhanjayans and Mrs. Shanta Dhanjayans, a famous couple known propagating Indian Dances and while maintaining their identity,collaborating them with International form of dances bring fresh wave of innovations. In the category of Rural Upliftment, the Award was presented to Dr. Percy Barnevik, a Swedish National who after retirement from a MNC devoted his life and retirement funds in transforming the socio-economic environment in rural and remote areas of Distt. Kanchipuram in Tamilnadu and achieving the success, replicating in other part of India and world. Smt. Sarala Birla, Chairperson of Birla Academy of Art & Culture which has instituted these Awards also appreciated and welcomed the contributions made to various segments of the society and invited all to join hands to make a better India.
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By-polls to 10 assembly seats in Telangana July 27

Hyderabad, June 21 : By-elections to 10 Assembly seats in the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh will be held on July 27, while the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) has decided to challenge in court the Election Commission's decision against conducting polls in two other constituencies.The Election Commission Monday announced that by-polls will be held to Sirpur, Chennur (SC), Mancherial, Yellareddy, Nizamabad (Urban), Koratla, Dharmapuri (SC), Huzurabad, Siddipet and Warangal West Assembly constituencies. It decided aggainst holding the by-polls for two assembly seats - Vemulawada and Sircilla - as the election petitions against the winning candidates in last year's elections were still pending in court. The bye-elections were necessitated by the resignations of all 10 legislators of TRS and one each of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in February in support of the demand for a separate Telangana state. Chief Electoral Officer I.V.Subba Rao told reporters here that the poll notification would be issued on July 2. The last date for filing nominations would be July 9, while the scrutiny would take place the next day. He said July 12 would be the last date for withdrawal of nominations. According to the poll schedule, counting of votes would take place July 30. Subba Rao said the model code comes into force with immediate effect in the districts in which the constituencies fall. TRS chief K.Chandrasekhara Rao reacted strongly to the decision against holding polls in two constituencies. Terming it a "political conspiracy", he said he would challenge it in court. "This is an undemocratic move and we will challenge it in high court," he said. The TRS leader's son, K.Tarakarama Rao, was elected from Sircilla constituency in last year's elections by a thin majority of 171 votes. A petitioner has claimed that the votes were not counted properly. In Vemulawada, Ch. Ramesh of TDP was elected but a contestant filed a petition contending that Ramesh is not a citizen of India.
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Andhra Pradesh by-elections July 27

New Delhi, June 21 : The Election Commission Monday announced by-elections for 10 assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh July 27.While the date of issue of notification is July 2, the last date of making nominations is July 9. The nominations will be scrutinised the next day, while the last date for withdrawal of candidature is July 12. Polls to the 10 assembly constituencies will be held July 27 and will be held between 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Votes will be counted July 30, the poll panel said. According to the commission, the model code of conduct will come into force with the announcement. Electronic voting machines (EVMs) will be used during the by-elections. "Adequate numbers of EVMs have been made available and all steps have been taken to ensure that the poll is conducted smoothly with the help of these machines," the commission said in a statement here. Elections were scheduled to take place in 12 constituencies. But as petitions have been filed in two, the commission is holding polls for 10 assembly seats, the poll panel said. It said in the assembly constituencies of Vemulawada and Sircilla, election petitions are pending as petitioners have sought to be declared elected. Elections will be held in Sirpur, Chennur, Mancherial, Yellareddy, Nizamabad (Urban), Koratla, Dharmapuri, Huzurabad, Siddipet and Warangal West.
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GVK signs contract with Hyundai, L and T

Hyderabad, Jun 21 : GVKPIL, which owns and operates 915 MW gas-based Combined Cycle Power Plants in Andhra Pradesh located close to K-G basin gas sources is planning to substantially augment its generation capacity over the next five years.As part of the expansion program, it will be installing an 800MW (2x392.24MW) gas-based Combined Cycle Power Plant at its Gautami plant site at a cost of Rs 3,200 crore.GVK has signed EPC agreements with the Consortium of Hyundai Engineering Company Limited, Korea and Larsen and Toubro, Chennai.The implementation of the 2x392.24MW Power Project on Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) basis envisages nstallation of advanced class Siemens single shaft gas turbine generators, unfired triple pressure HRSGs with reheat and state-of-the-art plant controls.The first unit of the project is scheduled to go into commercial operation in the first quarter of 2013.GVK Chairman GVK Reddy, in a statement said the company plans to further increase the installed capacity by adding a third unit of about 400 MW in Gautami at a later date.
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Andhra seeks 80 companies of paramilitary forces for by-polls

Hyderabad, June 21 : Andhra Pradesh has sought 80 companies of paramilitary forces, or nearly 8,000 troopers, from the central government for by-elections to 12 assembly seats in Telangana region, an official said Monday.State police chief R.R.Girish Kumar told reporters in Karimnagar town that the state needed the additional troopers for smooth and peaceful conduct of the polls. Seeking cooperation from all for the polls, the director general of police warned of strict action against those creating trouble. "In a democracy everybody has a right to campaign. If anybody tries to create trouble, we will take action as per the law," he said. His warning was an obvious reference to the threats by Telangana Joint Action Committee (JAC) and other pro-Telangana groups to stop both the ruling Congress and the main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) from contesting the by-elections, likely to be held in July-August. JAC is pressurising Congress and TDP not to field candidates to allow unanimous election of those who resigned in February this year to demand separate Telangana state. All 10 legislators of Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) and one each of the TDP and the Bharatiya Janata Party had quit to press the demand for separate Telangana state to be carved out of Andhra Pradesh. Some pro-Telangana student groups Sunday threatened to stall Chief Minister K.Rosaiah's visit to Nizamabad district where by-election is scheduled for one assembly seat. The Election Commission is likely to issue poll notification this week. Meanwhile, TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu held a meeting with senior party leaders to discuss the strategy for the by-elections.
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Expert rues lack of steps on heart disease prevention

Tirupati,Jun 21 : 'We have advanced technology in India compared to other countries but we are lagging in taking preventive steps against heart attacks in the country,' Apollo Hospitals (Chennai) Senior Cardiologist Dr Y Y C Reddy said here.Addressing the press last evening, Dr Reddy, who visited the temple town to brief on the steps taken to help people better understand risk for cardiovascular disease, said though advanced technology could save life, awareness should be created among youngsters, especially those between 30-35 years, on prevention of heart attacks.Apollo had embarked on a campaign titled 'billion heart beatings' for creating awareness among youngsters on prevention of heart diseases roping in NGOs.As per medical studies, heart attacks can be predicted from hypertension, diabetes and cholesterol levels.Consumption of five varieties of vegetables, lifestyle alteration and use of olive oil were most beneficial for health.
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CLP urges JAC not to obstruct CM tour in Telangana

Hyderabad, Jun 20 : The Congress Legislature Party today urged the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Students of Osmania University not to obstruct the tour programme of Chief Minister K Rosaiah in Telangana region as it would hamper development activities.Addressing a press conference, Information and Public Relations Minister J Geeta Reddy in the presence of Endowments Minister G Venkata Reddy, said it was wrong on the part of the JAC students to disturb the tour of Chief Minister.She said agitation and separate Telangana state demand was different from development.'We need developemnt of Telangana. Obstruction to the Chief Minister tour amounted to stalling the development of the region,' she said.She appealed the JAC students to allow the Chief Minister to tour Telangana as the developmental activities which were going on in the region would further improve for the benefit of the people of Telangana. She said though revenue collections had come down last year due to agitations and disturbances, the state government continued the welfare schemes and developmental activities launched by former Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy. Mr Venkata Reddy said despite financial crunch, the goverrment had not taken any overdraft for the last six years whereas the TDP during its tenure depended only on overdraft.''As the government maintained the fiscal management in a perfect manner, the government has not crossed the FRBM limits so far,' he added.Stating that there was 25 per cent difference of revenue collections in the state between 2009 and 2010, he said inspite of global recession, the state had managed to implement the welfare schemes for the benefit of the people.
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Tension between BJP, JD-U ‘a drama’: Lalu Prasad

Terming reports of the growing rift between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ally, Janata Dal-United (JD-U) “nautanki (drama)”, Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Sunday dared the BJP to snap ties and contest the coming Bihar polls on its own.“Both of them are playing a drama. They will go together,” Lalu Prasad said at a press conference here, claiming that the BJP-JD(U) alliance was an outcome of their “Laluphobia” over a decade ago.“The BJP should snap ties with JD-U and withdraw support from Nitish Kumar government to prove that it has self-respect,” he said.He also said it was time Nitish Kumar should sever ties with BJP. “No more drama over advertisements featuring him and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi… he realised the danger of Modi and BJP after running the government for four and half years with the BJP,” Lalu Prasad said.Referring to Nitish Kumar’s decision to return the Rs.5 crore aid given by the Gujarat government during Kosi floods in 2008, Lalu Prasad said that it was wrong. “The assistance provided by Gujarat government during floods in 2008 was not the personal money of Narendra Modi but that of people of Gujarat,” he said.The RJD chief also said he wanted to know from the Bihar government about the huge amount of relief materials sent by Gujarat government.“Two trains full of relief materials were sent by Gujarat government. Were they distributed among flood victims or not?” he asked, demanding Nitish Kumar make public all details of relief assistance provided by various state governments, public agencies and others.The rift between JD-U and the BJP widened Sunday, with Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi boycotting a joint march in rural Patna and the chief minister quickly hitting back by cancelling a similar event here later in the day.The Sushil Modi-Nitish Kumar face-off came even as top leaders of the two parties flexed their muscles over differences that seem to threaten their alliance ahead of assembly elections in October this year.Sushil Modi stayed away from the Sunday morning ‘Vishwas Yatra’ (Confidence March) at Paliganj in rural Patna, a day after the chief minister returned the Rs.5 crore aid money given by the Gujarat government during the Bihar floods in 2008.Nitish Kumar has justified his decision, saying the Gujarat government and Narendra Modi erred by talking about their aid to Bihar. “What they did was against the principles of our culture,” he said.
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Minor married to 45-year-old man in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, June 20 : In the third incident of its kind in four days, a 16-year-old girl was forcibly married to a 45-year-old man here Sunday. After the wedding, the girl managed to contact the police and lodged a complaint.Kamakshi, in her complaint at Panjagutta police station, claimed that she was married against her wish. She also told the police that she was a minor. Her parents, however, claimed that she was 19-years-old and was earlier married to a man from Vijayawada. She got divorced a few months ago, they said. The girl's father, M. Prasad, told reporters that the second marriage took place with her consent and with the hope that she would live happily. Police said they had sent the girl for medical examination to determine her age. "Any action will be taken after determining her age," Sub-inspector of Police Ravi Kumar said. This is the third incident of its kind in Andhra Pradesh in the last four days. Police arrested a 58-year-old man in Rajahmundry town June 17 after he married a 14-year-old girl. On Saturday, a 57-year-old man, a native of Rajasthan, was arrested in Rajendernagar near Hyderabad for allegedly marrying a minor.
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Infant murdered in Hyderabad, parents suspected

Hyderabad, June 20: A one-and-half-month-old infant was allegedly murdered at her house here Sunday. Police suspect the involvement of her parents.The girl's mother Sujata told police that three people barged into her house in Raghuvendra Society in Kukatpally area early Sunday and killed her child by drowning her in a bucket full of water. The woman claimed that she was tied by the attackers before they killed the child. They caused no harm to her elder daughter, who is two years old. Sujata said her husband was away when the incident took place. However, contradictory statements given to the police by Sujata and her husband created doubt. Police said they had not yet found any proof of attackers forcing their way into the house and committing the crime. The parents were being questioned with the police suspecting that they killed the infant as they were reportedly depressed over the birth of a second girl child.
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Swine flu returns to Andhra, two fresh cases in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, June 19 : Swine flu has returned to haunt Andhra Pradesh with two fresh cases reported in Hyderabad Saturday, health officials said.One person was admitted to Government Chest Hospital and the other to Gandhi Hospital with symptoms of swine flu. The officials have not given the details of the patients. The fresh cases were reported a day after a 32-year-old man, undergoing treatment since June 14 at a private hospital, died of swine flu in the port city of Visakhapatnam Friday. Relatives of the deceased said he had gone to East Godavari district for a function last week, where he developed swine flu symptoms. This is the first swine flu death in the state this year. The first case of swine flu this year was reported last week, when a 21-year-old pregnant woman from Medak district tested positive. Following the fresh cases, health authorities in the state have gone on alert to take precautionary measures to check swine flu. As many as 54 people died of swine flu in the state last year. Nearly 800 cases were reported. The first swine flu case in India was detected at Hyderabad airport on May 16 last year. Most of the deaths were reported in September-October. Health officials and doctors have sounded an alert as the onset of monsoon is believed to be the reason for fresh cases. The authorities are on high alert in areas bordering Karnataka and Maharashtra, where several swine flu cases were reported during the last few days. K.Subhakar, chief coordinator of the Government Chest Hospital said the cold climate offers the perfect conditions for H1N1 virus to multiply rapidly.
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First swine flu death in city

Visakhapatnam, Jun 18 : Swine flue claimed the first victim in this city when a youth died today.According to District nodal Officer Dr S Devi, a railway employee's son Appanna (30) died this evening at Care hospital.Appanna tested positive after he was admitted to the Private Corporate Care hospital on June 14.The samples were sent to Mumbai for testing. Dr Devi also told that the youth residing at Dondaparthy Junction near the railway quarters was put on ventilator. The treatment was being given to him since last four days.
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