ACB raids Revenue Inspector, DA over Rs 3 cr unearthed

Hyderabad, Aug 31 : Anti Corruption Bureau sleuths on Monday conducted raids on the residences of the Hyderabad Estate Office Special Revenue Inspector and unearthed assets worth over Rs 3 crore from the official.According to reports, the ACB sleuths conducted simultaneous raids on the Estate Officer Akbar Ali Khan's residence in Red Hills,Nampally and also at his office in Khairtabad.These raids were conducted simultaneously, officials recovered illegal property worth more than Rs 3 corer in their raids.A Disproportionate Assets case has been registered against the tainted official, according to ACB sources. The immovable assets include three flats, besides payments of Rs 23 lakh advance for a flat and also Rs 5 lakh advance for open plot. The basic value of these immovable properties is about Rs 85.59 lakh. The searches also unearthed cash of Rs 3.39 lakh, three cars, four motorcycles apart from gold ornaments weighing 259 grams, bank balances of Rs 26 lakh and other house hold articles worth about Rs 12 lakh. The market value of the ill-gotten gains is estimated to be much over Rs 3 crore. Searches were continuing, ACB officials said.
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Andhra CM cancels visit to New Delhi

Hyderabad, Aug 31 : Chief Minister K Rosaiah on Tuesday cancelled his visit to New Delhi.According to CM office sources, the Chief Minister was to visit the National Capital to participate in the process of filing of nominations for the elections of All India Congress Committee president. However, the Chief Minister cancelled his visit last minute as Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh is visiting state on September 1 to lay foundation stone for BHEL-NTPC joint venture project at Mannavaram in Srikalahasti in Chittoor district.Meanwhile Pradesh Congress Committee president D Srinivas left for New Delhi to participate in the nomination of AICC president post.Mr Rosaiah had already submitted the name of his nominee for the AICC president's post. Not surprisingly, the name is Sonia Gandhi.
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Gandhigiri at its best: Jagan thanks AICC for Odarpu

Hyderabad, Aug 31 : Hailing the decision of All India Congress Committee decision to console the families of those who died of shock or committed suicide following YSR's death on September 2 last year by paying them Rs 1 lakh ex-gratia as laudable, Kadapa MP Y S Jaganmohan Reddy on Tuesday thanked the Congress president Sonia Gandhi for her gesture.Talking to media persons after releasing a letter to Sonia Gandhi, Mr Jaganmohan Reddy urged the AICC to offer solace to the families of victims by permitting all MPs, MLAs and leaders without restrictions The Kadapa MP also urged the High Command to extend the package to those families who were not covered earlier.The 'Odarpu yatra' means not only extending financial support to the victims' families, it should also extend moral support to their families. Then only the purpose of the Odarpu yatra will be fulfilled," Mr Jaganmohan Reddy stated in his letter."I took up Odarpu yatra as my primary responsibility after the sudden death of former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy without any political intention," the Kadapa MP said in his letter.
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K Rosaiah puts Collectors on alert over floods

Hyderabad, Aug 31 : Chief Minister K Rosaiah on Tuesday alerted the Collectors of East and West Godavari districts to monitor the floods situation and take all precautionary measures to prevent any loss of life or property and damage to crops.

He also asked them to take care of tank and road breaches and take necessary steps. Mr Rosaiah who reviewed the latest situation in the districts following heavy rains for the last few days with top officials over phone directed them to be in constant touch with the district Collectors and Commissioner, Disaster Management regarding the measures to be initiated. Season's Total Rainfall was recorded as on Tuesday was 621.1 mm as against the normal rainfall of 481.5 mm with a deviation of (+) 29 per cent in the State. Rayalaseema region recorded 421.5 mm as against the normal rainfall of 281.8 mm with a deviation of (+) 50 per cent. Coastal Andhra region recorded 657.7 mm as against the normal rainfall of 454.4 mm, with a deviation of (+) 45 per cent. Telangana region recorded 687.8 mm as against the normal rainfall of 585.8 mm with a deviation of (+) 17 per cent. District-wise rainfall is as follows: Prakasam recorded 87.3 per cent excess rainfall, Nellore (82.5 per cent), Guntur (74.0 per cent), Hyderabad (55.5 per cent), Kurnool (53.6 per cent), Anantapur (52.1 per cent), Kadapa (50.5 per cent), Mahabubnagar (47.1 per cent),Chhittoor (46.2 per cent), Krishna (45.2 per cent), Ranga Reddy (44.1 per cent), East Godavari (42.7 per cent), Vizianagaram (36.2 per cent), Visakhapatnam (31.7 per cent), Khammam (29.1 per cent), West Godavari (29.0 per cent), Srikakulam (25.6 per cent) and Warangal (25.2 per cent). Karimagar (9.5 per cent), Adilabad (7.5 per cent), Nalgonda (7.3 per cent) and Medak (6.4 per cent).
While 768 mandals received excess rainfall, 315 mandals received normal or more than normal rainfall as on Tuesday. In Bejjur Mandal, 125.2 mm rainfall was recorded. Heavy rains lashed West Godavari District on Monday. The Chief Minister was informed by the officials that in view of the floods occurred to Tammileru, Yerra Kalava, Kovvada Kalava, Jalleru rivers, there was an unexpected inflow of around 40,000 cusecs to Tammileru river by midnight of 30-8-2010 and the maximum capacity of the river is only about 30,000 cusecs. In view of the above, 4,839 people were evacuated from the Mandals of Eluru (4,600 persons), Pedavegi (45 persons), Jangareddigudem (52 persons) and Tallapudi (142 persons), organised relief camps for the evacuated persons. One helicopter was requisitioned and kept ready for rescue operations but by Tuesday morning, the water in Tammileru river was receded and there was no further evacuation and the district administration is closely monitoring the situation. Officials explained to the Chief Minister that Irrigation officials are closely monitoring the flood situation and sufficient stock of sand bags were kept ready for strengthening the bunds wherever it is weak and also to close the breaches occurred. Revenue officials were instructed to evacuate the people from the low lying areas and organize relief camps. Necessary arrangements were made for providing food and drinking water for evacuated people. Medical camps are being organized at relief camps. Generators are made available at relief camps for lighting. Two mechanized boats are kept ready for evacuation of the people from low lying areas. Police department is requested to co-operate with Revenue officials in evacuating the people from low lying areas to safer places and to keep police men at all causeways and vulnerable points to see that nobody will cross the river. Fire Services Department was already requested to keep ready the men along with the material of ropes etc. to save the people in rescue operations. Damages so far reported include 2385 houses inundated, 51 houses damaged and 2,000 hectares of crops damaged. East Godavari District: Two Mandals were severally affected and two people died and 683 houses marooned. Officers of Revenue, Police, Irrigation and Fire departments were alerted. Medical teams are being sent to the spot. All precautionary measures are being taken to handle the situation. Guntur District: One person washed away in Kuppaganji Vagu on 30-8-2010 while washing his cycle at a culvert. An extent of 6,806 hactares of crops (Paddy - 3286 ha and Cotton - 3520 ha) were damaged due to inundation during the recent rains from 25-8-2010 to 30-8-2010 in 9 mandals of the district. Visakhapatnam: One person died due to thunderbolt on 28.8.2010 at Donkada Village of Nakkapalli Mandal. Due to heavy rains from 26th to 28th this month nearly 48 houses of Harijana Jaggayyapeta and Tungalam village of Gajuwaka Mandal were inundated and all the families were shifted to safer places. One orphanage home situated at Thungalam village was also inundated and all the 124 orphans staying in the home were shifted to one BHPV Kalyana Mandapam and food and water provided to them. The situation is under close watch and there are no casualty or damages to the public properties in the district. Due to heavy rains in the last few days, agricultural operations and transplantation of paddy in Godavari delta are in slow progress. Sowing of rain-fed crops are almost completed. The sowings under Black soils may continue till September. Early sown rain-fed crops are at vegetative to flowering Stage. Maize is at tasseling stage. Early sown Groundnut, Seasamum and bajra are at vegetative to flowering stage. Late sown Groundnut is at flowering to pod formation stage. Sugarcane is at grand growth and 2nd wrapping stage. Harvesting of early Kharif paddy is under progress in Nellore and Chittoor districts. Cotton plants are dying due to excess moisture was observed in some pockets in Khammam district. The intercultural operations and application of fertilizers are in progress under rain-fed crops where rains are not received. Anantapur district is poised to reap a bumper crop of groundnut due to good monsoon this year. Rainfall received during last fortnight softened the soil so that already sown or transplanted crops are in good condition and the early sown crops are at early vegetative to flowering stage. The recent rains are very much congenial to the standing crops. Overall the crops growth is satisfactory. The pests and diseases on crops have also been reported as low level, the officials said
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Andhra gets new police chief

Hyderabad, Aug 31 : Senior police officer K. Aravind Rao, considered an expert in tackling Maoists, Tuesday assumed office as the Andhra Pradesh police chief.

He succeeded R.R. Girish Kumar, who retired Tuesday on attaining the age of superannuation. Rao, who was the Director General of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), took charge from Girish Kumar as the Director General of Police (DGP) at the state police headquarters here. An an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of 1977 batch, Rao has earlier served as the chief of intelligence and anti-Maoist elite force Greyhounds. As the Inspector General of Greyhounds in the 1990s, he played a key role in curbing Maoist activities. He has taken over as the DGP at a time when there are reports of the guerrillas planning to revive their activity in their former stronghold. Talking to reporters after taking charge, Rao said he would continue the present policy to deal with the Maoist problem. "The Maoist problem can't be solved in a day," he said. Hailing from Anantapur district of Rayalaseema region, Rao has earlier served as the superintendent of police in Medak, Warangal and Kadapa districts, deputy commissioner of police in Hyderabad and commissioner of police in Vijayawada. Rao will retire in June next year on reaching superannuation.
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Maoists kill six security men in Bihar gunfight

At least six security personnel were killed by Maoists in a gunfight in a forested area in Bihar’s Lakhisarai district, police said Monday.Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) P.K. Thakur said six Bihar Military Police personnel were killed in the gun battle late Sunday with over 100 rebels in the forests of Ghoghraghat Kanimoh in Lakhisarai, some 150 km from here.The gunfight lasted for hours and the guerrillas looted 30 rifles from the security personnel, police said.Those killed include Kavaiyah outpost officer incharge Bhulan Yadav. Seven seriously injured personnel were admitted to the Patna Medical College and Hospital.“More than 150 armed Maoists attacked search teams of the Bihar police that were combing the area after intelligence reports of Maoists’ presence in the forest,” a police official said.More than 12 hours after the gunfight, the bodies of the slain policemen were yet to be removed but police have launched combing operations Monday morning in Lakhisarai and adjoining areas, an official said.Thakur told that additional security forces, including a special cobra battalion and the Central Reserve POlice Force (CRPF) have been rushed to Lakhisarai for the combing operations.
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Maoists ambush security patrol in Chhattisgarh, kill five

Five security personnel were killed as over 100 Maoists ambushed a patrol in Chhattisgarh’s restive Bastar region Sunday, leading to a gunfight, police said.

“Maoists ambushed a police patrolling party drawn from the Border Security Force (BSF), district force (DF) and special police officers (SPOs) in a thickly-forested area,” Inspector General of Police (Bastar range) T.J. Longkumer said over phone from Jagdalpur, headquarters of Bastar region.He said the gun battle took place in Bhuski village in Kanker district, 250 km from capital Raipur, when Maoists ambushed the troopers. “It was a major ambush but our jawans fought bravely and fiercely…Maoists were in large numbers and estimated to be over 100,” Longkumer said.Chhattisgarh Director General of Police Vishwa Ranjan said that those killed were three BSF men, including a head constable and two constables, one belonging to the DF and an SPO.He added that a chopper was sent to the attack site for rescue operations and evacuating an injured trooper. Police claimed that some Maoists were also killed in the gunfight but none of their bodies were recovered.The attack took place just a few hours before state Forest Minister Vikram Usendi was scheduled to visit the area. The minister, who belongs to Kanker district, called off his trip after the attack.All the five dead bodies were brought to Raipur in the evening. The bodies will be sent to their next of kin after Monday after the autopsies.Condemning the incident, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh said: “The government should not hold peace talks with Maoists until they abjure violence.”In a separate incident in Bijapur district, police and Maoists fought a brief gun battle Sunday in which two senior Maoist cadres were apprehended by a joint team of DF and SPOs in a hilly area, some 450 km south of here.Bijapur Superintendent of Police R.N Das said that police recovered explosives and Maoist documents from the ultras who were estimated to number 30-35.Chhattisgarh has been the epicentre of Maoist violence in recent years. The Bastar region, spread across an about 40,000 sq km area and comprising Dantewada, Bijapur, Narayanpur, Bastar and Kanker districts, is considered the nerve centre of Maoist militants in India.Officials at the police headquarters here said that the state has witnessed 1,948 Maoist attacks in the past three years. A total of 418 civilians and 435 policemen, including 75 SPOs, have been killed in Maoist violence.
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Sec 144 imposed in Chirala over YSR statue installation

Ongole, Aug 30: Police on Monday imposed section 144 in Chirala Town in Prakasam district following the dispute over the installation of a statue of former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy on government land.According to sources, police have arrested 26 supporters of Kadapa MP Y S Jaganmohan Reddy on Sunday when they tried to install the statue on a government land in Chirala town.Chirala police also arrested one Ravi Kumar alias Jinda, a rowdy-sheeter for attempting suicide over the issue.The arrests were made as they violated the prohibitory orders in force, police said.Trouble had started in this town soon after supporters of Mr Jaganmohan Reddy put up a platform in the land belonging to the roads and Buildings Department, ahead of the 'Odarpu yatra' slated to be held in Prakasam district from September 3.The police deployed additional forces in the trouble spot within the Two Town police station limits in Chirala town to prevent untoward incidents.Condemning the police action, the main opposition Telugu Desam Party demanded that the government remove all hurdles in installation of statues of the former chief minister at the land belonging to the Roads and Buildings Department.TDP Chirala incharge J Srinivasa Rao alleged that vested elements have hatched a conspiracy to obstruct the installation of YSR statue.
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Rosaiah inaugurates Sai Baba information centre

Hyderabad, Aug 30: Chief Minister K Rosaiah on Monday inaugurated the Shirdi Sai Baba Information Centre at YMCA complex on Sardar Patel Road in Secunderabad.Talking to media persons, the Chief Minister said that the information centre would be helpful for those devotees who visit Shirdi Sai Baba temple in Maharashtra frequently. The Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan Trust, which manages the Shirdi Sai Baba temple, has launched the Information Centre to help answer queries by devotees.The Secunderabad-based Radhaswami Foundation has provided an area of 3,200 sq ft for the centre, which will have the Sansthan's publications including the holy book Sri Sai Satcharitra, Aarti's and Bhajan CDs etc.The Information Centre will provide all information related to Shirdi and Sai Baba's life to the devotees. Presiding over the function, Sansthan's chairman Jayant Sasane stated that the 60-70 percent of Andhra devotees visit Sai Baba temple per year. He said the information centre would provide online services to devotees in future.
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Quickly complete work, says PM at Nehru stadium

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday visited the remodelled and reconstructed Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and asked officials to “redouble their efforts to quickly complete” the work as people “expect a spectacular” Commonwealth Games, which are just 35 days away.“The prime minister, this morning, visited the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex where the opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games are scheduled to be held,” said a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.Accompanied by Sports Minister M.S. Gill and Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Chairperson Suresh Kalmadi, the prime minister was shown the various facilities at the complex, including the playing fields, media facilities, the VIP box, stands for spectators, security and other arrangements.“The prime minister said that it was a beautiful stadium and he urged all concerned authorities to redouble their efforts to quickly complete whatever works remained as the people were expecting a spectacular and flawless opening to the Commonwealth Games,” the statement said here.Manmohan Singh reached the refurbished stadium around noon to take stock of the venue.The prime minister intervened in the Games preparations following delays and corruption allegations in the biggest sporting event being organised in India since the 1982 Asiad.During a meeting two weeks ago, he issued clear instructions that the facilities for the Commonwealth Games should be made ready in time and meet international standards as the “eyes of the world” were on India.After the meeting, an empowered committee, headed by the cabinet secretary, has been overseeing Games preparedness, along with a group of ministers headed by Jaipal Reddy.Thereafter, 10 senior officials of joint secretary and additional secretary rank were deputed to oversee operations at specific venues. The officials were given the authority to take decisions on the spot.The Nehru stadium has been refurbished at a whopping Rs.9.6 billion (approximately $200 million) with international consultants from six countries – Germany, Switzerland, Britain, the US, Mexico and Australia – putting their heads together to construct the state-of-art facility.The deadline for completion of the venue has been changed several times since the Central Public Works Department began the construction work 32 months ago.
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Three Maoists surrender in Warangal

Warangal, Aug.29 : A Maoist couple and another rebel surrendered here on Saturday.

They were wanted in connection with the assassination of the Andhra Pradesh Home Minister A. Madhava Reddy and police officer Umesh Chandra. They are key witnesses in the attack on then Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.They surrendered before Superintendent of Police (Rural), Shahnawaz Qasim.The rebel couple, Pasham Parvathalu alias Ganesh and his wife Pasham Swaroopa alias Kavitha, carried a reward of 200,000 rupees on their head. They were associated with the Maoists since 1994."Well, today, Pasham Parvathalu alias Ganesha and Pasham Suparna alias Kavita who were part of the Central Action Committee and remained underground since 1994 from Chintala area have surrendered. They were cadre activists," said Qasim.The duo was associated with a top Maoist leader Takkallapally Vasudeva Rao alias Ashanna, who carried out the assassination of former Home Minister A Madhava Reddy and Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Umesh Chandra in Hyderabad.The couple had also given shelter to Ashanna when he attempted an attack on the then Andhra Pradesh State Chief Chandrababu Naidu at the famed Tirupati in 2003."They (Pasham couple) were involved in the killing of Home Minister A Madhava Reddy and IPS officer Umesh Chandra at Hyderabad, having given shelter to the actual persons who executed the attack and killing. Initially, they were unaware as to whom they are sheltering. They were also witness to the attempt on the then Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. They were one of the most important key links having given shelter to the people of central action committee," Qasim added.Munigala Raji alias Prathap of Dharmasagar Mandal village was the third Maoist to surrender before the police officials. He had been arrested on several occasions but managed to escape the clutches of law every time."Another surrendered cadre is Prabhakar also known as Pratap of Bhadrakali Dharmasagar Mandal. He left the Maoists twice and again returned to their fold in January. He would do the recce (reconnaissance) for the outfit. He was active in Jalgam mandal," Qasim informed.Prathap was associated with Ashanna since 2000.The Maoists have spread into the rural pockets of 20 of India's 28 states.
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Andhra Pradesh CM lays foundation stone for temple Rajagopuram

Srikalahasti, Aug 29 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah today laid the foundation for the new Rajagopuram of Sri Kalahasteeswara Swamy Temple here today.The Chief Minister, accompanied by State Endowments Minister G VenkataReddy, Forest Minister P Ramachandra Reddy and District in-charge Minister Dharmana Prasadarao, arrived here after offering prayers at Lord Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala and laid the foundation stone by performing special 'poojas'.The 15th century Rajagopuram built by Vijayanagara King Sri Krishnadevaraya inside the temple complex had collapsed on May 27, this year.Later, speaking to mediapersons, the Chief Minister said the tower would be constructed with the financial help of CVR Group of Companies and the company would meet the entire expenditure for the Rajagopuram.The construction works would be done under the supervision of the experts and was expected to be completed in two years time, the Chief Minister added.
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TDP slams Andhra Pradesh Governor for acting as Congress partyman

Visakhapatnam, Aug 29 : The Telugu Desem Party (TDP) Polit buro member and former speaker Y Ramakrishnudu has slammed Andhra Pradesh (AP) Governor's C Narasimhan for acting as a Congress partyman in the state and Centre.Speaking to mediapersons at the city TDP office here yesterday, the TDP leader said Mr Narasimhan was acting like a Governor of the Congress and not of the state.Mr Ramakrishnudu alleged that Narasimhan's role was against the spirit of the democratic norms and constitutional duties. He even questioned the basis on which the Governor was ordering the secretaries of the other government departments. While the Governors of non-Congress states were giving reports about the corruption to the Centre, why wasn't the AP Governor doing so with regards to the mining and other malpractices, he asked. Ramakrishnudu questioned Mr Narasimhan's role as a mediator between former chief minister late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy's son Jaganmohan Reddy and Congress president Sonia Gandhi's differences. He also asked why was the Governor not giving report on the 'Jalayagnayam' corruption.Reacting to Prajarajayam Party chief Chiranjeevi's comments at the plenary that his party was not merging with the Congress, Mr Ramakrishnudu firmly said PRP will definitely merge with the Congress. ''Chiru is assuring openly that if the Congress government faces problems, the PRP will support it, which means that he is shouldering the corruption of the Congress, Yanamala alleged.
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No fresh attacks on Indian students in Australia: Sibal

No fresh attacks on Indian students have been reported from Australia recently, parliament was informed Friday.In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal said: “The number of attacks on Indian students on record in Melbourne has reduced and no case of attack on Indian students has been registered in the last three months in Melbourne.”He said that an Indian delegation had visited Australia in April this year and had held extensive discussions with Australian officials in Western Australia, New South Wales and Victoria regarding the safety and well-being of Indian students.Sibal said the Indian authorities have urged the Australian authorities to take stringent measures to stop such attacks and also to apprehend the culprits involved in attacks.He also said that the Australian government has undertaken various measures for protection and safety of Indian students, including introduction of an international students care service, deployment of additional forces, amendments in sentencing laws and empowering police forces to combat violence and antisocial behaviour.The high commissioner of India has also had several meetings in 2009 and 2010 with the concerned ministers of Australia, he added.Indian students have been at the receiving end of a spate of racially motivated attacks in the country. Various students have been injured in such attacks and some have even lost their lives.Around 100,000 Indians are studying in Australia.
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By 2030, India’s diabetes population will reach 79 mn

By the year 2030, an estimated 79.4 million people in India will be affected by diabetes – the largest in the world, the Lok Sabha was informed Friday.In a written reply, Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad agreed that international health bodies have cautioned that India may have the largest number of diabetic patients in the world by the next two decades.As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), prevalence of diabetes in India is estimated to reach 79.4 million by 2030.He said keeping in mind the rise of diabetes in India, the government has approved a National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke at an estimated outlay of Rs.1,230.90 crore for the 11th Five Year Plan.“The programme focuses on health promotions, capacity building, including human resources, early diagnosis and management and integration with the primary healthcare system,” he said.He said the increase in diabetes could be due to urbanisation, affluence and lifestyle changes, increasing prevalence of obesity and physical inactivity. Other reasons include population ageing and better availability of diagnostic facilities.Azad also said that under the Indian system of medicine, diabetes can be managed effectively through diet, medicines, yoga and exercises.
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95 swine flu deaths in Karnataka till Aug 25

A total of 95 people had died of swine flu in Karnataka till Aug 25 this year, state Health Minister B. Sriramulu said Friday.So far this year, 1,702 people had been affected by the H1N1 flu, he told reporters here after a meeting with health ministry officials to assess the preparedness of the state to tackle the flu as well chikungunya and dengue in view of the revival of the monsoon In 2009, there were 1,799 H1N1 cases in the state and 135 of the patients died, Sriramulu said.District administrations and health authorities have been told to be pro-active to prevent the spread of contagious diseases as several parts of the state have been receiving heavy rains in the last three days, he said.There were 927 chikungunya cases in the state but no death has occurred from the disease, Sriramulu said.There has been one death due to dengue while 1,294 had been affected by it, the minister said.Deputy commissioners, district surgeons, and the heads of the administration and medicare, respectively, in Karnataka’s 30 districts will be held responsible for any death from contagious diseases, Sriramulu said.Sriramulu, a close associate of the Reddy brothers, mining barons and ministers, has been under attack from the opposition that he was busy in organizing rallies in his home district of Bellary while swine flu, dengue and chikungunya cases were spreading in the state.
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Raju's bail to be challenged in SC for cancellation

New Delhi, Aug 27 : CBI sources today indicated that the Andhra Pradesh High Court order granting bail to Ramalinga Raju, former chairman of Satyam software company involved in Rs 7,000 crore corporate scam,will be challenged in the Supreme Court.Raju, who is involved in the biggest corporate scam in the country and had cheated thousands of investors of their hard earned money, stayed for almost 10 months in a five star hotel on the pretext of sickness and has been granted bail on medical grounds.With his release on bail, all the accused in the case are out on bail.According to CBI, keeping in view the criminal clout of the accused, the possibility of Raju tampering with the investigation and evidence in the case cannot be ruled out.
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Maoist sympathiser demands judicial probe into Azad's killing

Hyderabad, Aug 27 : Maoist sympathiser Varavara Rao Friday demanded a judicial probe into the killing of Maoist leader Azad in the light of his autopsy report which says he was shot from close range.The revolutionary writer said the autopsy report had rubbished the police claim that Azad was killed in an encounter. "The government should immediately order a judicial probe into the incident to bring out the facts and punish the guilty," he said. Cherukuri Rajkumar alias Azad, a top leader and spokesman of the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) was killed along with a journalist Hemchandra Pandey in Jogapur forests in Adilabad district July 2. The police claimed that they were killed in a gunfight but the Maoist party and rights groups said that police had caught them in Nagpur, Maharashtra and then shot them dead in cold blood. Varavara Rao pointed out that from day one he had been saying that it was a stage-managed encounter. "The autopsy report has vindicated our stand," he said. According to the report, the bullet which killed Azad left a one centimetre oval-shaped wound with darkening burnt edges. Experts say such darkening edges in the entry wound happens only due to burns caused by a bullet fired from very close quarters, mostly from less than a foot. Varavara Rao reiterated that Azad was caught and killed when he was working to create conducive atmosphere for talks with the Indian government. The Maoists claimed that Azad was carrying Swami Agnivesh's letter written to him suggesting three likely dates in July when the cease-fire could go into effect. The police, however, denied that they found any such letter.
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Low pressure persists, more rain in coastal AP

Visakhapatnam, Aug 26 : Yesterday's low pressure area over west-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal Andhra Pradesh with associated upper air cyclonic circulation persisted today.According to the weather office here this morning, under its influence, rain or thundershowes were likely to occur at many places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh during the next 24 hours.Heavy to very heavy rainfall may occur over coastal Andhra Pradesh during the same period.Strong winds from easterly direction in north and south coastal Andhra Pradesh with speed reaching 45 to 50 km per hour were also likely along and off the coast.The chief amounts of rainfall recorded during the last 24 hours were Bapatla 11, Narasapur 6, Machilipatnam 4, Visakhapatnam , Tuni and Nellore two each.
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Bailed Satyam founder Raju makes second appearance before Hyderabad court

Hyderabad, Aug.26 : B.Ramalinga Raju, the key accused in the Satyam fraud case, made a second appearance before a court here on Thursday after being granted bail by the Andhra Pradesh High Court.Raju, who has been diagnosed with Hepatitis-C, said he was fine for the time being. "I m fine now , procedure unduly extended. I''m recovering now. Bail is a good relief," said Raju.Raju was granted bail on August 18 on health grounds, with the high court saying he should not be discharged from the hospital.Raju has been hospitalised at the Nizam''s Institute of Medical Sciences in Hyderabad since September 2009."Raju has been given bail on the condition that he will remain in Hyderabad till further orders and will have to give two securities of Rs 20 lakh each. He will have to depose before the investigating officer every day once he has been discharged from NIMS," Raju''s lawyer Bharat Kumar said.The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has been investigating the case, has decided to approach the Supreme Court against Raju''s bail order.It has alleged that doctors have been prolonging Raju''s treatment to delay his trial in connection with the Satyam case.Raju has been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code including Section 120B for criminal conspiracy, under Section 409 for breach of trust, under Section 420 for cheating, and under Section 468 and Section 471 for forgery.Raju, Satyam founder and former chairman, resigned from the company after confessing to country''s biggest financial fraud of Rs 14,000 crore and disclosing massive financial irregularities in January 2009. Raju and his brother Rama Raju were arrested by the Andhra police on January 9, 2010. Nine other accused, including top company officials and auditors, were also arrested in the case.
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Andhra Pradesh CM holds meet on PM's visit

Tirupati, Aug 25 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah today instructed officials concerned to take necessary steps for successful conduct of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to this temple town on August 31.He made these comments during a review meeting with Ministers and officials here to discuss the arrangements for the PM's visit.Mr Roasiah said the exact details of the PM's schedule, which included laying the foundation stone for BHEL Power Equipment Plant and an international airport here, were yet to be recieved.Later, speaking to the press, Mr Rosaiah emphasised the power equipment plant, a joint venture between NTPC and BHEL, would come up only in Andhra Pradesh.The Brahmostavams of Sri Venkateswara Temple at Tirumala, scheduled to begin on September 11, would be held in grand manner under the Specified Authority appointed last night in the place of the TTD Trust Board, he said.Later, he proceeded on an unscheduled visit to Tirumala Hills skipping Nellore District due to bad weather and offered prayers at Sri Venkateswara Temple.He also offered prayers at Goddess Padmavathi Temple in Tiruchanur and left for Hyderabad by flight in the afternoon.
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Five Andhra judges suspended for copying in examination

Hyderabad, Aug 25 : The Andhra Pradesh High Court Wednesday suspended five judges for bringing disrepute to the judiciary by copying in a law examination.The High Court took serious note of the incident in which five judges were caught red-handed while copying during the LLM examination at the Arts and Science College in Hanamkonda, Warangal district Tuesday. A squad of invigilators had caught the judges while copying during the examination conducted by the Distance Education Centre of Kakatiya University. The judges wrote the examination for promotions. The High Court has also ordered Kakatiya University to take action against the judges and submit a detailed report on the incident. The judges suspended by the High Court are Ranga Reddy Senior Civil Judge K Ajit Simharao, Second additional district judge Vijayanand, Bapatla senior civil judge Srinivasa Chary, Anantapur senior civil judge M Kishtappa and Warangal junior civil judge Hanumantha Rao. The court also directed the state government to initiate disciplinary action against all judges as they brought disrepute to the law profession. Four advocates were also caught along with the judges while copying. The university has barred all of them from writing the remaining two papers.
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Smt. Ambika Soni Constitutes Committee to Study Feasibility of Granting Accreditation to Outstation Journalists

New Delhi,(PIB NEWS)Aug,24, In response to requests received from media persons, Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Smt. Ambika Soni has constituted a committee to study the feasibility of granting accreditation to outstation journalists (Outside Delhi). The committee duly constituted, shall also look into the processes likely to be involved for considering the matter.Under the Terms of Reference, the constituted committee shall give its recommendations within a period of six months from the date of its constitution i.e. 20 Aug. 2010. Principal Director General (M&C): Press Information Bureau shall convene the meetings of the committee. The constituted committee has been mandated to give its recommendations to Secretary, I&B within the stipulated time frame of six months. The members of the constituted committee are as follows:
• Shri Raj Chengappa, Editor-in-Chief, (Tribune)
• Ms. Navika Kumar, Political & Economic Editor, (Times Now)
• Shri Asad Raza, Chief of Bureau,( Rozana Rashtriya Sahara)
• Shri Sachidananda Murthy, Resident Editor,(Delhi Malayala Manorama)
• Shri Dinkar Raikar, Group Editor, (Lok Mat, Mumbai)
• Shri Aditya Sinha, Editor-in-Chief,( New Indian Express,Chennai)
• Shri Asim Ali Khan, Editor, (Siasat, Hyderabad)
• Shri Kanaksen Deka, Editor,( Dainik Agradoot,Guwahati)
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Abu Dhabi to raise funds for flood-hit Pakistan

Abu Dhabi, Aug 24 : Abu Dhabi authority will begin a nationwide campaign Wednesday seeking donations from its people to help flood-affected people in Pakistan.As per directives from President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Red Crescent Authority (RCA) will launch a campaign to raise funds in order to provide relief for the flood victims in Pakistan. A meeting held Tuesday at the National Media Council was attended by the directors of television channels, who discussed a unified mechanism for conducting the three-day campaign. Donations will be received at various branches of the RCA, shopping centres as well as through messages sent from mobile phones and pledges registered via call centres.
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Satyam fraud case: Sick Raju makes dramatic appearance in court

Hyderabad, Aug.24 : The tainted founder of Satyam Computer, B Ramalinga Raju, appeared before a local court here today, after avoiding appearance since September last year on health grounds.Raju is being tried for corporate fraud worth between Rs.7, 100 crore and Rs.14, 000 crore.His doctor accompanied Raju, who was granted bail by the Andhra Pradesh High Court last week. The former Satyam chairman, who was arrested on January 9 last year and is currently undergoing treatment for liver infection in the state-run Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences here, was ordered by the court to appear before the trial court once he's discharged.Earlier on July 23, a local court had adjourned the case of examination of Raju through a questionnaire and nine other accused in connection with the scam to July 26. The Andhra Pradesh High Court had on January 20 granted bail to five accused including Raju''s bother B Rama Raju and former CFO of Satyam Computers Vadlamani Srinivas in the case.Raju, resigned as Satyam Computer Services Ltd. Chairman after being charged with corruption and fraud.
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Andhra Pradesh Governor, CM greet people on Raksha Bandhan

Hyderabad, Aug 23 : Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan and Chief Minister K Rosaiah today greeted the people of the state on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan In his message, the Governor conveyed his warm and cordial greetings to the people of Andhra Pradesh on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, a celebration of emotions and the most sacred relationship between brothers and sisters.''India is known worldwide for its strong family based system at micro level. This festival of Rakhi is a way of expressing care and concern for siblings in the family. On a macro level, this festival fosters the spirit of brotherhood of mankind and unity in diversity. Raksha Bandhan fortifies this relationship,'' the Governor said.Chief Minister K Raosaiah, in his message, greeted Telugu people, specially women and children, in the state and world wide on the occasion of 'Sravana Pournima.' ''Traditionally it symbolises the bondage and love towards the sister and more so the women,'' the Chief Minister added.
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CM to lay foundation for new Kalahasti Temple Rajagopuram

Hyderabad, Aug 23 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Dr K Rosaiah will lay foundation for the new Rajagopuram of the Sri Kalahasteeswara Swamy Temple at Sri Kalahasthi on August 29 or 30.The Chief Minister held a review meeting on the subject with the Minister for Endowments and senior officials here today.The CVR Group of Companies have volunteered to reconstruct the Rajagopuram, meeting the entire expenditure. Principal Secretary, Revenue, K V Ramanachary showed the designs and blueprints for the new Rajagopuram prepared by the department, to the Chief Minister.He said the new temple tower would be constructed based on the designs of the old structure as per the ''Agama Sastras.'' The construction works would be done under the supervision of the experts and the government, he said. The reconstruction of the Rajagopuram was expected to be completed in two years time, by the end of 2012.
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LSP asks govt to celebrate Telangana Liberation Day on Sept 17

Hyderabad, Aug 23 : The Lok Satta Party (LSP) today demanded that the Government must celebrate Telangana Liberation Day officially on September 17 since integration of Telangana with the Indian Union was a continuation of the country's freedom movement.Addressing a media conference, party leaders Katari Srinivasa Rao and Eeda Chennaiah recalled that both Maharashtra and Karnataka celebrate September 17 as the Liberation Day in the districts, which were under Nizam's rule earlier and became part of those states following the states' reorganisation. ''None should ignore that September 17 was the day when the country was actually united,'' they said.''September 17 should be an occasion to introspect to what extent the present day leaders sought to realise the dreams of those who fought for the Nizam state's liberation and union with India. We don't know what happened to the children of Sardar Patel who integrated the princely states with the Indian Union. ''We do not know the inheritors of K M Munshi and Vellodi who served as Governors of the Hyderabad state. The children of Burgula Ramakrishna Rao, the first Chief Minister of Hyderabad, did not live off their father's reputation. Even the children of Mahatma never ran after office. Raj Mohan Gandhi became an MP in his own right and not as a Mahatma Gandhi's scion. In contrast, present day politicians viewed politics as a means to enrich themselves and further the growth of their children and grandchildren and not to serve the public. It is such politicians who are mortgaging the country's freedom and not left wing extremists or terrorists. The Telangana Liberation Day should inspire every one to work for uprooting the politics of loot and plunder and dynastic rule and ushering in people-oriented politics,'' they said.The party leaders announced that LSP President Dr Jayaprakash Narayan would take part in a sit-in at the municipal office in Ongole as part of the party's programme to organise demonstrations at all municipal offices on August 25 demanding elections to urban civic bodies on time. The party's demands include direct election to the positions of municipal chairpersons and Mayors, elected ward governments, and corruption-free rule.
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YSR's son defies Congress leadership, resumes his yatra

Hyderabad, Aug 23: Defying the Congress leadership again, parliament member Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy Monday launched the third leg of his "Odarpu (consolation) yatra" in his native Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh.The young MP began his road shows in Pulivendula constituency after paying floral tributes at the grave of his father, the late chief minister Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy (popularly known as YSR), at their Idupulapaya family estate. YSR, a practising Christian, was laid to rest at his family estate after he was killed in a helicopter crash last year. Jagan held back from making any attacks on Chief Minister K. Rosaiah or party leadership. "You all know what is happening in the state today," was all that he said while addressing the gathering in Pulivendula town. Jagan unveiled statues of YSR, addressed ac few road shows and consoled the families of those who died of shock following the death of his father in the helicopter crash. During the two-day yatra, the Kadapa MP would visit parts of the assembly constituency which is being currently represented by his mother Vijayalakshmi. The mini yatra is seen as a prelude to the main yatra Jagan will be launching in Prakasam district Sep 3. A day before that, he will address a public meeting at the temple town of Tirupati to mark the first death anniversary of his father. The Jagan camp is unfazed by the warning of the party's central leadership to either call off the yatra or face disciplinary action. Party sources said the central leadership could take some action against YSR's son after Sep 2. Jagan loyalist and state Mines Minister B.Srinivas Reddy and six of the eight Congress legislators in Prakasam district have announced that they would participate in the yatra despite the warning by the party leadership. Meanwhile, Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammed Ahmedullah Monday said he too would accompany Jagan during the yatra. Social Welfare Minister P.Subhash Chandrabose and two dozen legislators participated in Jagan's yatra in East Godavari district last month. The Congress leadership sees Jagan's yatra as an attempt to mobilise support from both the party and public to destabilise the Rosaiah government.
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Telugu film actresses arrested for prostitution in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Aug 23 : Hyderabad Police on Monday busted a prostitution racket and took Telugu film actresses Saira Banu and Jyoti into its custody along with a host of other girls.The two actresses were arrested along with a woman from Uzbekistan and their customers from an apartment in the posh Kundan Bagh locality here.The identity of the others, who have been arrested on the same charges has, however, not been revealed.Earlier in 2009, another Telugu film actress was arrested for prostitution in Hyderabad.
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Telangana formation matter of politics: SC

New Delhi, Aug 21 : Saying Telangana state formation is a matter of politics rather than judiciary at this stage the Supreme Court has refused to entertain a petition seeking direction to the Centre to stop bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh to create the new state.A bench headed by Chief Justice S H Kapadia yesterday told the petitioner, ''This is a political problem which calls for a political solution by the Government. At this stage this Court cannot interfare in the matter.'' The apex court, however, granted liberty to the petitioner to approach the Supreme Court once the new state is created. Only then this court can examine the validity of the government notification, the bench noted.A commission headed by retired Supreme Court Judge Justice B N Srikrishna is examining all possibilities to create the new state and is going to submit its report to the Central government, latest by December 31, 2010.
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Special Interest rates on housing loans

Hyderabad, Aug 21 : Recognising housing sector plays a very vital role in the development of nation,public sector Andhra Bank has introduced a special interest rate for Housing Loans in view of ensuing festival seasons.The Housing Loan compaign is effective from August 23 to January 15 nextxt year.The Bank is offering interest rate @ 8.50 per cent fixed for the first year during this period With no processing charges during the campaign period , the bank said take over accounts are also eligible for special offer during the campaign period.'' This offer is valid irrespective of the Housing Loan Limit'', the bank said in a release here today.
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Andhra gives Rs.1 lakh to Indian Idol Sreeram

Hyderabad, Aug 21 : The Andhra Pradesh government Saturday announced Rs.1 lakh prize money for local lad M. Sreeram Chandra for winning the Indian Idol 5 title. Sreeram, who returned to his hometown Friday night to a rousing reception by his fans, met Chief Minister K. Rosaiah at his office Saturday. The chief minister lauded Sreeram for bringing laurels to Andhra Pradesh and wished him success in his future endeavours. Later, addressing a press conference at Ravindra Bharati, the singing sensation from Bowenpally said he won the title because of the support and affection of his family, friends and admirers. He also said he would work hard to bring more glory for Telugus. Sreeram recalled that it was at Ravindra Bharati that he first sang Vande Mataram (the national song of India).
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Telangana political issue: Apex court

New Delhi, Aug 20 : The Supreme Court Friday declined to interfere with the Telangana imbroglio saying that it was a political issue and was better left to the political bosses.

"Why should this court entertain the PIL at this stage? It is a political question. No decision has been taken so far. Why should we pre-empt it," said Chief Justice S.H. Kapadia. The apex court bench of Chief Justice Kapadia and Justice K.S. Radhakrishnan said the court could step in only after the law carving out a separate state of Telangana was put in place and the same was challenged before it. The court said that when such a law was made it would be open to the petitioner to move the court. The court made these observations in the wake of the hearing of a PIL seeking to restrain the Justice Srikrishna Committee from going ahead with its task of examining the request for a separate state of Telangana. The petitioner Bondada Purushottam Yadav told the court that when the state of Telangana would be created it would violate the unity and integrity of Andhra Pradesh. The Srikrishna committee is engaged in seeking the opinions of political parties, organizations, individuals and groups on the demand for a separate state of Telangana. Disposing of the PIL, Chief Justice Kapadia said that the stage for the court to step in had not come. "We don't know what would be the recommendation of the Justice Srikrishna Committee and what would be its paradigms." Senior counsel Harish Salve who appeared for another petitioner Srinivas Reddy wondered on what "principles states are formed". "Should there not be some parameters. Can it be done on politicians' and public demand," he said. Salve said that when the Srikrishna committee was set up there were no proper terms of reference. The senior counsel asked how could the demand for Telangana be justified on "linguistic and administrative basis".
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New Vice-Chancellor of NTR University takes charge

Vijayawada, Aug 20 : Newly appointed Vice-chancellor Dr I V Rao here today assumed charge of NTR Health University from outgoing Vice-chancellor Krishnam Raju.Talking to reporters, Mr Rao said the staff in the NTR Health University was disproportionate to the work load and he would strive to augment the staff.He said 360 institutions are affiliated to the NTR University and the workload had increased considerably.The Vice-Chancellor said he would approach the government for permission to shift the Health University, at present located in the premises of the Goverment General Hospital and affiliated institutions to one campus. He said he would appeal the government to allot 25 acres of land for this purpose.
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12-yr-old girl set to enter Guinness Book

Vijayawada, Aug 20 : Twelve-year-old M Saichandrika is all set to enter the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest solo performance of 'Kuchipudi' dance at the Rotary Club Auditorium here today.One of the organisers and Nataraj Samskrutika Kalapeetham Founder M Surya Prakash told UNI here the Guinness Management had already been informed about the performance.Saichandrika started dancing at 0900 hrs this morning and wound up after performing non-stop for three hours, six minutes and 43 seconds, claimed to be a record for a solo performance.Senior Journalist Turlapati Kutumba Rao, who holds the Guinness record for delivering the most number of public speeches (number over 10,000) witnessed the entire fete of the lass.Andhra Pradesh Animal Husbandry Minister P Parthasarathi, Vijayawada (C) MLA Malladi Vishnu and City Congress President P Sominaidu were present.Congratulating the girl, the Minister said, ''even after dancing for over three hours, the little girl did not appear tired and seemed raring to go for another three hours.'' The Minister hoped that Saichandrika would find an entry into the coveted Guinness Book of World Record.The organisers said they would be sending the video clippings and other material to the Guinness Management.
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Telugu actor's kin held for buying drugs

Hyderabad, Aug 20 : A day after two brothers of Telugu film actor Ravi Teja were arrested while buying drugs from a Nigerian national, Hyderabad police were Friday keeping an eye on at least 60 other suspects, including people from the film industry, politics and the high society.The police Thursday night arrested two brothers of actor Ravi Teja and their associate Naresh in the posh Banjara Hills neighbourhood when they were allegedly buying cocaine from a Nigerian national, Cheema Claymen. Police seized 51 grams of cocaine from the foreigner and eight grams from the actor's brothers and their associate. A car and an electronic weighing machine were also seized. Teja's brothers, B. Raghunath Raju alias Raghu Babu and Bharat Raju, and the two other accused were brought before the media Friday. The four were slapped with cases under the Narcotics, Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and will be presented before a magistrate's court later. Police Commissioner A.K. Khan told reporters that the police would set up an anti-drug cell and deal firmly with the menace. The names of some actresses had also cropped up during the questioning and investigations were on, he said. "We will not only deal firmly with people who are selling drugs but also those who are consuming it," Khan said. The police are keeping an eye on about 60 people from rich and famous families, he added. The police commissioner said at least four gangs were operating in the city and were smuggling drugs through Mumbai. He has already written to his Mumbai counterpart seeking cooperation to nab the peddlers. Khan said the pub culture was promoting the use of drugs. "People in pubs may also consume drugs without even knowing it," he said, and appealed to parents to control their daughters and sons from falling prey to the drug menace. Since a large number of foreigners are staying in Hyderabad, the police have decided to keep a close watch on their activities. The Nigerian who was arrested for selling drugs was overstaying in the counrty, he said. The police have also asked universities to provide details of foreign students on their campuses. Police were keeping an eye on the actor's brothers ever since the arrest of a Nigerian early this month when he was found selling drugs. The foreigner had given the names of some of his customers coming from the elite sections of society.
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Monsoon boosts groundnut, crop cultivation area expands: Collector

Tirupati, Chittoor, Aug 20 : In view of good monsoons this season, groundnut crop cultivation increased to 1.47 hectares as against 1.40 last year, District Collector V Seshadri said.Addressing a meet-the-press programme here yesterday, he said 66 mandals in the district were badly affected due to drought last year, but rainfall was above normal this year.For the first time, Rs 831 crore crop loans were disbursed to 35,498 farmers in the district against a target of Rs 793 crore, he stated.Out of 760 joint liability groups of tenant farmers, crop loans were provided to 175 groups.Referring to dairy, 16.2 lakh litre per day of milk was produced by 11.15 lakh cattle in the district, while three lakh litre was procured by 54 bulk milk procuring centers, he said.Mr Seshadri added to overcome the fodder scarcity, innovative methods in preserving of fodder were developed with the help of agriculture research experts.
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Tributes paid to Rajiv Gandhi on 66th birth anniversary

Vijayawada Aug 20 : Floral tributes were paid to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on the occasion of his 66th birth anniversary, here today.Several Congress leaders garlanded his portrait at the Congress office and recalled their intimacy with him.Andhra Pradesh Animal Husbandry Minister P Parthasarathi, participating in a programme held at Gandhi Nagar, recalled Rajiv Gandhi's efforts in curbing terrorism. He said Rajiv Gandhi sacrificed his life in battling against terrorism.He praised him for his foresight in developing the country technologically and attributed the development of the country to the vision of the former Prime Minister. Mr Parthasarathi exhorted people to strive to make the dreams of Rajiv Gandhi true.The Minister, on the occasion, inaugurated blood donation programme. Later, he distributed sarees to poor women.Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee Secretary Kolanukonda Shivaje, Vijayawada (C) Malladi Vishnu, City Congress President Pyla Sominaidu also took part in the programme.
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President Pratibha Patil reaches Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Aug 18 : President Pratibha Patil arrived here tonight by a Special Indian Air Craft for a 24-hour stay in the city.Governor ESL Narasimham, Chief Mininster K Rosaiah, Cabinet Ministers, Civil police and Army officials were at the Begumpet Airport to receive the President.Ms Patil will inaugurate the 4th International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM), the largest congregation of mathematicians from across the globe, for the first time in India, tomorrow.After overnight stay at Rajbhavan, she will return to New Delhi tomorrow evening.
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Bomb threat in Andhra Pradesh secretariat turns 'hoax'

Hyderabad, Aug 18 : Security in and around Andhra Pradesh Secretariat was beefed up after five anonymous calls threatened a bomb blast inside the building on Wednesday, said reports.Share This Article:However, the threat was declared as 'hoax' after security personnel and bomb disposal squad concluded a thorough search in and around the entire secretariat that houses Chief Minister's Office (CMO).According to reports, the calls were made to the CMO between 11.30am and 12.32pm.high security, Chief Minister K Rosaiah arrived in his office at around 12.40 pm.This is the first time the AP secretariat received a bomb threat
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Former Satyam chief Raju gets bail

Hyderabad, Aug 18 : Andhra Pradesh High Court Wednesday granted bail to B. Ramalinga Raju, the prime accused in the multi-crore Satyam fraud case.Share This Article:Justice Raja Elango, who had reserved the orders Monday after hearing the arguments from Raju's counsel and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), pronounced the same Wednesday. Raju's lawyer Bharat Kumar said the court had granted conditional bail, asking Raju to make himself available to CBI for any investigations. The 56-year-old Raju has been in jail since January last year when he admitted to a Rs.7,800 crore accounting fraud in Satyam Computer Services Limited, which he had founded. Raju has been undergoing treatment for Hepatitis C in the government-run Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) here for the last nine months. With Raju getting the bail, all 10 accused in the case are now out of jail. The court asked Raju not to leave the country and to cooperate with the investigations and trial. "The court has directed Mr. Raju to appear before the investigating agency after his discharge from the hospital," Bharat Kumar told reporters. The disgraced former chairman of Satyam has also been asked to deposit two sureties of Rs.20 lakh each. It was immediately not clear on what grounds the court granted Raju bail but during the hearing Monday, the judge had made it clear that the accused would not get bail on health grounds. Long period of incarceration, delay in trial and parity with other accused were the other grounds on which Raju's lawyers had sought the bail. Terming Raju an "economic terrorist", the CBI had opposed the bail saying the accused might destroy evidence, especially with regard to the money he diverted to other countries. Additional Solicitor General H.P. Rawal had blamed Raju for delaying the trial by avoiding the trial court on the pretext of his illness. He had also raised doubts about the report submitted by NIMS doctors about his health condition. The prosecution had also told the court that the trial could be completed in six months but the judge did not agree with him. Raju had shocked the corporate India in January last year admitting to a Rs.7,800 crore accounting fraud in the IT major. The CBI, however, told the court in November last year that the scam is of over Rs.14,000 crore. The Andhra Pradesh High Court July 20 had granted bail to five accused including Raju's brother and former managing director of Satyam, B. Rama Raju and former chief financial officer Vadlamani Srinivas. The courts had earlier granted bail to three accused while Raju's another brother B. Surayanarayana Raju had obtained anticipatory bail last year. All the accused are facing charges of criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, cheating, forgery and falsification of accounts.
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Committee formed for violation of programme code

Hyderabad, Aug 18 : A district-level monitoring committee headed by Hyderabad Commissioner of Police, has been constituted to look into the violation of programme code of Cable TV Network (Regulation) Act, 1955 in the city.The Andhra Pradesh High Court has ordered that a committee be constituted as per the guidelines of Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry, an official statement said here yesterday.''All the citizens of Hyderabad and Secunderabad are requested to inform the Committee about any violation of programme code of Cable TV Network (Regulation) Act 1995 in the form of a complaint,'' the statement added.
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PM's statement to Media at Leh

(PIB NEWS) Aug,17, Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s statement to the Media at Leh today: “I was shocked to hear about the tragic loss of lives and extensive damage to property caused by the sudden cloudburst on the night of August 5-6, 2010. My heart goes out to all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray to God to give them strength in their hour of bereavement. I also wish the injured persons speedy recovery. I wanted to come earlier. But, I felt that my visit earlier could have hampered the rescue and relief executions. My Cabinet colleagues Dr. Abdullah, Shri G. N. Azad and Prithviraj Chavan, have already visited Leh, supervised the rescue operations and briefed me. I gather that 179 persons including 6 foreign nationals have lost their lives and approximately 400 persons have been injured. Reports indicate that a number of people including foreign nationals are also missing. There has also been extensive damage to the civil hospital, airport, telecom, drinking water supply works, National Highways connecting Leh-Manali, Leh-Kargil and also to private properties. I congratulate the brave personnel of the Army, the Air Force, BRO, ITBP and the NDRF on their courage, tireless efforts and deep concern for their fellow citizens in distress. The State and the Central Government worked hand in hand and ensured that emergency supplies like tents, blankets, turpentine, food and water urgently dispatched and distributed. The doctors and nurses have also done a very good job. I must congratulate the Leh Council, the Deputy Commissioner and his team and the senior officers of the State Government, for their prompt response. All together, it has been a fine example of prompt and coordinated action in the face of nature's fury. The focus should now shift to restoration of public services and rehabilitation. I would like to assure you that no efforts would be spared by the Central Government in this regard. I urge the Chief Minister to quickly send the memorandum to the Ministry of Home Affairs so that a Central team is sent at the earliest. I had already announced ex-gratia assistance of Rs 1,00,000/- each to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000/- per head for seriously injured persons. I have made a public appeal requesting people to donate generously to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund to help those affected in Leh. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Sources is sending 1000 number of solar lanterns for the affected houses in Leh. These lanterns will provide light in the night and can be charged during the day with solar energy. We will fund a special package amounting to a sum of around Rs 125 crore for the Ladkah region from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). This will cover the restoration of drinking water supply, renovation of the power supply system including DG sets, repairs to the SNM Hospital and replacement of the C.T. Scan machine, in Leh. It will also cover the restoration of the water supply system and the supply of DG set(s) of appropriate capacity to Kargil. In addition, untied grant of Rs 5 crore each will be provided to the Leh & Kargil Autonomous Hill Development Councils under the Special PMNRF package, to meet emergent requirements. Keeping the special locational disadvantages of the Ladakh area, enhanced assistance will also provided for housing. The State Government will set up a Project Monitoring and Implementation Unit under the Chief Secretary to ensure time bound implementation of the relief and rehabilitation projects. My office will render all possible assistance. Additional financial assistance for the restoration of infrastructure and other items, will be provided on the basis of the memorandum of the State Government and the recommendations of the Central team.”
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PM-assures to take necessary actions,

(PIB NEWS) Aug,17, The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh assures to take necessary actions to expedite relief operations to rehabilitate the flash flood victim at the relief camp, in Choglamsar, Leh, Jammu & Kashmir on August 17, 2010.The Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad and the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Omar Abdullah are also seen. (Photo by PIB No.CNR-32909)
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journalism students meets the speaker lok sabha,

(PIB NEWS) Aug,17, A Group of Students from the Department of Journalism of Lady Shri Ram College for Women, New Delhi meets the Speaker, Lok Sabha, Smt. Meira Kumar, in New Delhi on August 17, 2010. (Photo by PIB No.CNR-32919)
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Sonia expected to be re-elected Congress chief

Aug,17, Congress president Sonia Gandhi is Sep 21 expected to be formally elected for another term in office.The Congress Working Committee (CWC) met Monday and decided the election schedule for the election of the Congress chief and the state party chiefs.Congress general secretary Janardhan Dwivedi said after the meeting that according to the election schedule, the election would be notified Aug 27 and the last date of filing nominations is Sep 2.The date of polling, if necessary, is Sep 17 and the counting of votes and declaration of results will take place Sep 21.Sonia Gandhi first became the Congress president in 1998.
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Big B spins charkha at Sabarmati Ashram

Aug,17, Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan walked barefoot and spun the charkha (spinning wheel) at Mahatma Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad where he is shooting for the second phase of advertisements for Gujarat Tourism.The 67-year-old megastar felt that “serenity and peace descended” upon him and his team as they entered the Ashram where Mahatma Gandhi lived and “from where was born the idea of his struggle for the freedom of our country – of sacrifice, non violence and resolve”.A few scenes for the advertisement for Gujarat Tourism required him to walk around the region in a contemplative mood and he duly did so by removing his shoes.“I removed my shoes by the road and walked about barefoot, even though all others do not. It is not required that they do so but I could not somehow make myself to not go barefoot. The sanctity and the purity of the premises just prompted me to do it,” Bachchan posted on his blog.He even spun the charkha.“I sat with the lone figure of an inmate of the trust that runs the ashram as he spun the ‘charkha’ and produced the fibre for khadi. I tried my hand at it. It is a simple yet intricate procedure of weaving the thread and the extreme joy of having been so close to that most identifiable element of the Mahatma, overpowered all other thoughts,” added Big B, who is the brand ambassador for Gujarat.
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Infant stolen from government hospital in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Aug 17 : In yet another incident of its kind in Andhra Pradesh, a month-old infant boy has been stolen from the state-run Niloufer Hospital here. The government has formed five special teams to track the baby.Share This Article:The parents, who belong to Godavarikhani in Karimnagar district, had admitted their infant son to the hospital for treatment of an ailment 12 days ago. The mother told police that she was sleeping Tuesday morning and found the baby missing when she woke up after some time. In January, a three-day-old girl was kidnapped from the same hospital by a woman who had befriended the baby's mother. In May, a new-born was stolen from a government-run hospital in Kakinada town in East Godavari district. However, the woman was identified with the help of the closed circuit television cameras in the hospital and the infant boy was rescued a few days later. A 20-day-old girl went missing from the neo-natal ward of the Niloufer Hospital in 2006. The health authorities are planning to install CCTVs in all government-run hospitals to check such incidents.
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Criminal shot dead in court premises

Hyderabad, Aug 17 : Unidentified attackers opened fire and shot dead a criminal in the premises of a court in Eluru town of West Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh.Share This Article:Police said P.Ravi, a rowdy, was killed when two motor-cycle borne assailants fired at him in the district court premises. The assailants fled after throwing away the revolver on the ground. Later, police said one of the suepcets has been taken into custody. Ravi had come to the court in his car when the assailants fired at him in public view. The rowdy was involved in 32 cases, including 11 of murder. Police suspect that Ravi's rivals may have eliminated him to take revenge.
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Heavy rains to continue in AP

Hyderabad, Aug 17 : With an upper circulation extending along the Bay Coast from Orissa to Tamil Nadu, the Weather officials here today said moderate to rather heavy rain thundershowers would occur at many places over Rayalaseema and in the districts of Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam and Nellore of Coastal Andhra Pradesh.Share This Article:For next two days light to moderate rain/thundershowers may occur at a few places over Telangana and in the remaining districts of Coastal Andhra Pradesh.No large change was expected for subsequent two days.Sky condition over Hyderabad City and neighbourhood would be generally cloudy with a few spells of rain or thundershowers occurring in parts of Hyderabad city. Maximum and Minimum temperatures would be around 33 and 23 degrees Celsius respectively.The bulletin at 0830 hours today said Southwest monsoon has been active over Rayalaseema. Rain occurred at many places over Rayalaseema and at a few places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.The following stations recorded heavy rainfall in cm: Atmakur (Nellore district) 8, Amalapuram (East Godavari dist), Atmakur (Kurnool dist), Narayanakhed (Medak dist), Nizamsagar (Nizamabad dist) 7 each. The other chief amounts of rainfall recorded in cm were Banswada (Nizamabad dist), Chintalapudi (West Godavari dist), Huzurabad (Karimnagar dist), Kaikalur (Krishna dist), Medchal (Rangareddy dist), Mudhol (Adilabad dist), Ramayampet (Medak dist), Seetharamapuram (Nellore dist) 5 each, Cuddapah, Bobbili and Srungavarapukota (both Vizianagaram dist), Eluru (West Godavari dist), Muddanur (Cuddapah dist), Sirpur (Adilabad dist) 4 each, Machilipatnam, Badvel (Cuddapah dist), Kadiri (Anantapur dist), Kalakada (Chittoor dist), Kamareddy (Nizamabad dist), Paleru Bridge (Krishna dist), Polavaram (West Godavari dist), Rapur (Nellore dist), Suryapet (Nalgonda dist) 3 each, Arogyavaram, Nandyal, Allagadda and Koilkuntla (both Kurnool dist), Amarapuram and Chilamattur (both Anantapur dist), Chintapalli (Visakhapatnam dist), Jammalamadugu and Porumamilla (both Cuddapah dist), Karimnagar and Sircilla (both Karimnagar dist), Tiruvuru (Krishna dist), Venkatapuram (Khammam dist) 2 each and Chittoor, Hakimpet AP, Kalingapatnam, Kavali, Khammam, Narsapur, Ramagundam, Rentachintala, Addanki, Kandukur and Podili (all Prakasam dist), Asifabad (Adilabad dist), Bhimadole and Tadepalligudem (both West Godavari dist), Chodavaram (Visakhapatnam dist), Gudivada (Krishna dist), Hindupur and Madakasira (both Anantapur dist), Madnoor (Nizamabad dist), Manthani (Karimnagar dist), Prathipadu (East Godavari dist), Rajampet, Rayachoty and Vempalli (all Cuddapah dist), Salur (Vizianagaram dist), Satyavedu and Thambalapalle (both Chittoor dist), Vinjamur (Nellore dist) one each.
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AP CM to attend SBM 2012

Hyderabad, Aug 17 : 'The Saakshar Bharat Mission (SBM) 2012' will be celebrated at Hyderabad by the Union Human Resource Development Ministry at a national-level function on the International Literacy Day on September 8.Chief Minister K Rosaih, Union HRD Minister Kapil Sibal and Minister of State for HRD Purandareswari will attend the function.This was decided at a review meeting the Chief Minister had with Ministers and officials at Secretariat on School and Intermediate Education, a release from Chief Minister's office said yesterday.The Chief Minister asked the Finance Department to release the state share in all the Centre-sponsored schemes so that Central assistance could be availed. He asked the Finance department to release the funds on top priority basis.Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had launched 'Saakshar Bharat Mission 2012' on September 8, 2009. 'Saakshar Bharat', a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, with sharing pattern of 75:25 between the Centre and the States came into operation from October 1, 2009. The Gram Panchayat is the main implementing agency at the operational level. In the first phase, it is proposed to cover districts with Adult Female Literacy rate (15+ age group) of 50 per cent and below by 2012.The scheme is to impart functional literacy and numeracy to non-literate and non-numerate adult. It will enable the neo-literate adults to continue their learning beyond basic literacy and acquire equivalency to formal educational system, impart non and neo-literates relevent skill development programmes to improve their earning and living conditions and to promote a learning society by providing opportunities to neo-literate adults for continuing education.
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Speaker inaugurates water scheme in AP

Visakhapatnam, Aug 17 : Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker N Kiran Kumar Reddy has inaugurated a new Protected Water scheme in Indiranagar here.The scheme, executed at a cost of Rs 1.2 crore, was launched in the 68th ward of Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation yesterday. Later, Mr Kumar refused to make any comment on the present political situation, saying that being a Speaker was not supposed to make any political comments.Minister P Balaraju, MLAs T Vijaya Kumar, G Babu Rao, and M Vijaya Prasad, Mayor P Janardhana Rao, District Congress president T Nagesh, PCC Secretary Y Mariadas and several corporators and Congress leaders were also participated in the function.
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9 die due to diarrhoea; CM directs awarness campaign

Hyderabad, Aug 16 : In the wake of nine diarrhoea deaths in the state, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah has directed the officials of Panchayat Raj and Rural Water Supply to take up a week-long campaign to bring awareness among the public about sanitation and to contain water-borne diseases in the State.The Chief Minister will hold video conferencing with district collectors with special focus on sanitation on August 18, a release from Chief Minister's office said here today.He was reviewing on issues pertaining to water-borne diseases and sanitation with Minister of Panchayat Raj Botsa Satyanarayana, Minister for Rural Water Supply P Viswarup and senior officials concerned.Noting that nine deaths were reported due to diarrhoea in 13 districts, the Chief Minister said in spite of making available required funds, sanitation conditions were not improving, especially in rural areas. ''Prevention is better than cure. The departments concerned should act more proactively in advance of every monsoon season to prevent recurrence of water-borne diseases and prevent water pollution by taking an intensive drive,'' the Chief Minister asserted. He wanted that the awareness campaign should be conducted not in a routine manner but be done in a focused manner.
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Rosaiah to look into teachers' demands

Hyderabad, Aug 16 : Andhra Pradeh Chief Minister K Rosaiah today assured to positively consider few genuine demands of the Teacher MLCs.After Rosaiah held a meeting on the demands of the Teacher MLCs with ministers and officials and the Teacher MLCs at the Secretariat, he asked the department to examine the possibility of extending the benefit of GoMs 330 to the Grade II Language Pandits who were appointed and acquired Grade I qualifications prior to 1982. The Chief Minister also agreed to positively consider regularisation of contract teachers in A P Residential Schools.Dr Rosaiah also agreed to examine granting two notional increments to apprentice teachers in Municipal Schools. He also agreed to look into other demands of the teacher MLCs positively. The Chief Minister said was always sympathetic to the genuine demands of the teachers but had to look into the financial implications of each demand since he would like to implement the assurances immediately as per his promise.Minister for Secondary Education, Manikya Vara Prasad, Minister for School Education, Ahmadullah, Adviser to Chief Minister, P K Agarwal, Principal Secretary, Finance, L V Subramaniam, Secretary, School Education, Sambasiva Rao, Teacher MLCs: Subba Reddy, Mohan Reddy, Sudhakar Reddy, Ram Reddy, Satyanarayana Raju, Srinivasulu Naidu, Chukka Ramaiah and Laxman Rao and other officials attended the meeting, a release from Chief Minister's office here said.
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Appointment of Auditors of Government Owned Companies

(PIB NEWS) Aug,16, The Government has said statutory auditors for Government Companies are appointed by the Comptroller & Auditor General of India (C&AG) in exercise of the powers conferred under section 619(2) of the Companies Act, 1956 as amended vide Companies (Amendment) Act, 2000. For this purpose, a panel of firms of Chartered Accountants is maintained by the C&AG by inviting applications ‘on line’ every year from the eligible firms of Chartered Accountants. Giving this information in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today Shri Salman Khurshid, Minister of Corporate Affairs, said that the eligibility criteria determined is displayed on the website of the C&AG of India i.e. www.cag.gov.in. The panel so formed is used for selection of statutory auditors of public sector undertakings for the ensuing financial year.Shri Khurshid further informed the House that selection of the statutory auditors for appointment is made by correlating the point score (calculated on the basis of the criteria for empanelment) earned by each firm of Chartered Accountants that applies for empanelment with the size of the audit assignment. The point score is based upon the experience of the firm, number of partners and their association with the firm, number of Chartered Accountant employees etc. for assessing that the antecedents of the firm are well established and the firm has capacity to handle the allotted audits. This system ensures that allotment of audit to Chartered Accountants’ firms is done objectively based on merit and competence.
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Railways to accept bank credit card as proof of identity for travelling on e-tickets

(PIB NEWS)Aug,16,  In an yet another passenger friendly move, the Ministry of Railways has decided to accept credit cards issued by banks with laminated photograph as proof of identity for traveling on e-tickets. The new provision has come into effect from 6th August, 2010.The bank credit card is in addition to the existing seven proofs of identity for undertaking journey on e-tickets namely; a) Voter Identity Card, b) Passport, c) PAN Card, d) Driving License, e) Photo Identity Card issued by Central/State Government. f) Student Identity Card with photograph issued by recognised School/College for their students and g) Nationalised Bank Passbook with photograph. There will be no concession including student concession admissible to the persons booking e-tickets except concession for senior citizens. Ministry of Railways has asked all Zonal Railways to issue necessary instruction to all concerned particularly ticket checking staff so as to educate them about this modified provision and to avoid inconvenience to the passengers.
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Pappu Yadav arrested by CBI

Aug,16, Following a Supreme Court order, former Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) from a hospital in Haryana’s Gurgaon district, officials said Monday.“He was admitted in Artemis Hospital in Gurgaon from Saturday. The CBI team reached the hospital on Monday morning and after taking clearance from hospital (authorities) he was brought out of the hospital at around 3 p.m.,” a CBI source said.“I wanted to surrender and informed the DIG (deputy inspector general of police), Bihar, about my presence in hospital. My operation was due on Monday,” Pappu Yadav told reporters while coming out from hospital.“I will take court permission for the operation now,” Yadav added.Yadav’s father is admitted in Sir Ganga Ram hospital in Delhi. He is reported to be critical.Officials said Yadav will be produced before a Gurgaon court.CBI officials said the court issued a non-bailable warrant against him two weeks ago.
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Court reserves verdict on Raju's bail plea

Hyderabad,Aug 16:Andhra Pradesh High Court Monday reserved its order on the bail petition of B. Ramalinga Raju, the prime accused in the multi-crore Satyam fraud case.Justice Raja Elango reserved the order after hearing the arguments from Raju's counsel and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Opposing the bail plea, Additional Solicitor General H.P. Rawal argued that if granted bail the accused could destroy evidence, especially with regard to the money diverted and sent abroad. He told the court that long period of incarceration, delay in trial and Raju's ailment could not be the grounds for granting the bail. Terming the bail plea as delaying tactics, the prosecution informed the court that the trial could be completed in six months. Stating that the accused was involved in economic terrorism and claiming that the crime caused a loss of Rs.24,000 crore to investors, Rawal contended that Raju could not claim parity with other accused granted bail by the high court and the Supreme Court. "In this case there is higher degree of seriousness (of charges)," said Rawal and also informed the court that the prosecution would challenge even the bail granted to other accused. Submitting a list of visitors who called on Raju undergoing treatment for Hepatitis C at government-run Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) here for nine months, the prosecution disputed the claim that he was seriously ill and hence was unable to appear before the trial court. Stating that as a citizen he was unable to understand the case, the judge wondered why there was no hue and cry from investors if the inflating profits of the company had caused them huge losses. Raju's senior counsel M. Natrajan said the trial might take six years and not six months as claimed by the prosecution. He said sending letters of rogatory to six countries (where the Satyam money was allegedly diverted) seeking judicial assistance alone would take two years. He told the court that Hepatitis C was affecting Raju's breathing, liver and heart. "He may suffer internal bleeding and a heart attack," he said. "But the offence committed by you has spread virus to people," remarked the judge. The former chairman of Satyam Computer Services Limited remains the only accused in judicial custody as courts have granted bail to the other accused in the case. The court on July 20 had granted bail to five accused including Ramalinga Raju's brother and former managing director of Satyam, B. Rama Raju and former chief financial officer Vadlamani Srinivas. The courts had earlier granted bail to three accused while Ramalinga Raju's another brother B. Surayanarayana Raju had obtained anticipatory bail last year. Ramalinga Raju had shocked the corporate India in January last year by admitting Rs.7,800 crore accounting fraud in the IT major. The CBI, however, told the court in November last year that the scam is of over Rs.14,000 crore. All the accused are facing charges of criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, cheating, forgery and falsification of accounts.
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