Commemorating International Women’s Day 2010: A backgrounder

(PIB NEWS) The Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, is organising a series of events to commemorate the occasion of International Women’s Day that is celebrated worldwide on the 8th of March every year. In the run up to the International Women’s Day, the following events are being organised on 6th and 7th of March.
06.03.2010
Women’s Leadership Summit,The Women’s Leadership Summit is an attempt by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to showcase achievements of women who have excelled in different fields. This event, the first of its kind, will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India. Smt. Meira Kumar, the Hon’ble Speaker of the Lok Sabha will deliver a special address on this occasion. Women achievers from diverse fields like the corporate sector, banking, economics, microfinance, media, science, sports, education and law will be present and share their experiences to inspire other women and girls to take on the challenges and excel in their chosen fields. The central theme of the Summit is ‘Inclusive Growth and Empowering Women of Rural India’. This theme is a reflection and reaffirmation of the Government’s commitment to the principle of inclusion that is firmly rooted in our democratic fabric and remains an intrinsic part of our development agenda. With the objective of encouraging debate and discussion on steps required to ensure inclusive growth, two panel discussions will be organised. The panellists, who are achievers in their respective fields, will address the challenges faced by Indian women today in harnessing their potential to become leaders in every arena, be it the family, community, organisation or nation. This Leadership Summit by celebrating the exemplary achievements of women in diverse fields, will motivate women to undertake their own journeys of personal growth.
07.03.2010,
National Consultation on Access to Justice, Relief and Rehabilitation of Rape VictimsIt has been felt that the existing laws on sexual assault don’t address the true nature or deal with various types of sexual assault experienced by women in the country. A Bill aiming to address these gaps is already under consideration. Ministry of Women and Child Development welcomes this step. To take the discussion beyond the existing legislative framework and the need for reforms to other needs of victims, National Consultation on Access to Justice, Relief and Rehabilitation of Rape Victims is being organised on 7th March. The Hon'ble Chief Justice of India and the Hon'ble Minister of Law and Justice will grace the occasion as Chief Guest and Special Plenary Speaker, respectively. The Consultation would have two panel discussions. The first session would focus on 'Legal Framework relating to Sexual Assault.’ This session would be chaired by Hon’ble Justice Ms. Gita Mittal, Judge, High Court of Delhi. The panellists would comprise senior Government Officers, eminent legal practitioners as well as civil society organizations who have demonstrated commitment in ensuring gender justice and equality through activism and advocacy. The objective of the panel discussion would be to elicit opinions within the legislative domain on provisions that need reform as well as to identify new provisions that are gender specific.The second session would be a panel discussion on proposed ‘Scheme for Relief to and Rehabilitation of Victims of Rape'. Hon’ble Justice Ruma Pal, former Judge, Supreme Court of India would chair the session. The panel members would comprise eminent persons who have experience of dealing with various aspects of the issue. The proposed scheme is under formulation in the Ministry to provide relief to victims and facilitate their rehabilitation by providing assistance to overcome the physical and psychological trauma as well as economic hardship.
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‘Paid News’ issue raised in Rajya Sabha under Calling Attention Motion

(PIB NEWS) The‘Paid News’ issue was raised in Rajya Sabha today under Calling Attention Notice tabled by Shri Sitaram Yechury regarding the role of print and electronic media indulging in paid news in disguise as news. The text of Minister of Information & Broadcasting Smt. Ambika Soni’s statement made in response to the Calling Attention Notice is as follows: “The Government is committed to ensuring the right to the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under the Constitution of India. In pursuance of this objective of preserving the freedom of press and maintaining and improving the standard of newspapers in India and to inculcate the principles of self regulation among the press, the Press Council of India (PCI), an autonomous body was set up under the Press Council Act, 1978. The PCI has developed Norms of Journalistic Conduct that cover the principles and ethics regarding journalism. PCI has also laid down guidelines on reporting of specific issues of public and national importance. In 1996, it drew up a set of guidelines that are particularly applicable to financial journalism. PCI has also issued guidelines on reporting of elections. In recent months, however, there have been a number of media reports that sections of the electronic and print media have received monetary considerations for publishing or broadcasting in favour of particular individuals or organizations or corporate entities, what is essentially “advertisement” disguised as “news”. This has been commonly referred to as the “paid news syndrome”. While this is not a new phenomenon, it has attracted greater public attention of late and is being widely discussed and debated across the country. It has been reported that the owners of some media organizations have financial relationships, including share-holdings, with advertisers. Further, cases have been reported wherein identical articles with photographs and headlines have appeared in competing publications carrying bylines of different authors or sometimes even without bylines, around the same time. On the same page of specific newspapers, articles have been printed during elections, projecting rival candidates, both as winning candidates! While it is widely agreed that it is not easy to find proof for such malpractices, there exists strong circumstantial evidence. It is, however, very commendable that this issue of “paid news” has been vigorously raised by some sections of the media themselves. The Editors Guild of India has in its press note on this issue dated 23.12.2009 condemned this unethical practice and called upon all editors of the country to desist from publishing any form of advertisements which masquerade as news. They went on to say that it is imperative that news organizations clearly distinguish between news and advertisements with full and proper disclosure norms, so that no reader and viewer is tricked by any subterfuge of advertisements published and broadcast in the same format, language and style of news. The Indian Women Press Corp, a body of working women journalists from print, TV and online media are also highlighting this issue in a seminar being held in a few days from now in order to build an opinion against this malpractice. The Andhra Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (A.P.U.W.J.) conducted a detailed sample survey to highlight the manner in which newspapers had published “paid news” items. A number of senior journalists have formally complained about the phenomenon of “paid news” to the Press Council of India and the Election Commission of India. In view of all this, the PCI has constituted a Sub-Committee to consider this issue and collect evidence from stakeholders, including the Election Commission of India. The representatives of Election Commission of India in their interaction with the Sub-Committee on 16.12.2009 desired the Council to define what constituted “paid news” so that expenditure incurred by the political parties and the candidates become accountable. The Committee has also met representatives of Indian Newspapers Society (INS) and Indian Language Newspapers Association (ILNA). The Committee also held its meeting at Mumbai on 27th & 28th January 2010 to interact with the stake holders. As part of evidence gathering exercise, the Committee also visited Hyderabad on 9th & 10th February, 2010 and met stake-holders. The representatives of A.P.U.W.J. named six newspapers, carrying numerous paid news stories. The report of this Committee is likely to be placed before the Council by the end of March for further action. This phenomenon of “paid news” is therefore, a serious matter as it influences the functioning of a free press. The media, acts as a repository of public trust for conveying correct and true information to the people. However, when paid information is presented as news content, it could mislead the public and thereby hamper their judgment to form a correct opinion. Thus, there is no denying the fact that there is an urgent need to protect public’s right to correct and unbiased information. It is important that all sections of society should introspect on this issue as it has wide ranging implications for our democratic structure.”
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1.30 cr to be spent on Aurangabad Municipal polls

Aurangabad:(Syed Khaja Sohel.Correspondent) The Municipal Corporation (AMC) would be spending Rs.1.30 crore on its elections slated to be held in April ,this year.The number of voters has risen by 1.5 lakh thus time around .In 2005,there were 5.78 lakh voters in 98 wards while this time seven lakh voters are expected to exercise their of franchise from 99 wards. The Pundaliknagar was attached to the civic body after 2005.The election expenses include preparation of new voters list paying of honorarium to staff on election duty , video cameras, erection of pandals and others election works .The AMC would be spending around Rs.14 on each voter.The expenses have gone up by 30 per cent as the cost of election equipment has risen. Moreover, honorarium of the staff has increased after implementation of the sixth pay commission recommendations.Meanwhile, the AMC administration is having sleepless nights over the possible expenditure as it is already reeling under financial crises. The AMC had made a provision of Rs.50 lakh in its annual budget of 2009-10 for the elections. The remaining amount will be raised after passing vote on accounts as per the directives of the state election commission (SEC).Out of 5.78 lakh voters, a total of 3.78 lakh voters (including 197871 men) cast votes in 2005 general election. The voting percentage was 65.45 pc.
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Hyderabad to have underground power cables: CM

Hyderabad will soon have underground power cables in phases, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah informed the State Assembly today.

In a written reply to Mr D Sudheer Reddy of Congress, he said laying of underground power cables in the city was being taken up in a phased manner under funding by the Power Finance Corporation, the Andhra Pradesh Central Power Distribution Company Limited (APCPDCL) and the Andhra Pradesh Transmission Corporation (APTRANSCO).The laying of underground cables was necessited as television, internet and broadband cables were running over electricity poles indiscriminately, causing a lot of inconvenience to department staff for climbing up the poles to attend regular maintenance works, he said.
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Chief Minister Rosaiah, expresses shock over plane crash

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah today expressed shock and anguish over the crash of a navy aircraft on the penthouse of a building during the air show at the opening of the India Aviation-2010 air show here.He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family members of the pilot and the co-pilot, who were killed in the crash.The Chief Minister asked the Air show organisers to ensure no such accidents take place during such shows, which are witnessed by a large number of people. (thanks to newkerala)
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"I LOVE MY INDIA" but country rejected me,laments Maqbul Fida Hussain,

Political leaders, intellectuals and artists in India kept silent when right-wing outfits targeted him, legendary painter M.F.Hussain says “with deep pain” in his heart.“I still love India. But India doesn’t need me. I am saying this with deep pain in heart,” Hussain told Gulf Madhyamam, Kerala-based Malayalam daily Madhyamam’s Doha edition, in an interview.“India is my motherland. I can’t hate my motherland. But India rejected me. Then why should I stay in India?” the 95-year-old painter said in his first interview after accepting Qatar citizenship.“When Sangh Parivar outfits targeted me, all kept silent. No one, including political leadership, artists or intellectuals came forward to speak for me. But I know the fact that 90 percent of the people of India love me. They are with me,” he said.“Only 10 percent of people, including some politicians, are against me,” Husain said.Husain has dozens of lawsuits against him across the country for his paintings of goddesses that some Hindus find sacrilegous. The artist has been living abroad as a fugitive since 2006.He said he was not worried as people across the world love him.“India’s continuing governments could not protect me. So, it is very difficult for me to stay in such a country. Politicians are eyeing only votes.”“Now, they are asking me to come back. I was in exile…There was no one to speak for me. No governments recalled me. Now they are asking me to return after one country offered me citizenship. How can I trust a political leadership that refused to protect me?” he said.“Is there any surety that I would be given protection in India?” Hussain asked.He stressed that the cases against him went against an artist’s self-expression, and maintained that he did not want to hurt anyone’s sentiments.“It is a move against art and the artist’s self-expression. I never intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments through the art,” he said.“I only expressed my soul’s creativity through art. Art’s language is universal language. People who love it beyond all narrow viewpoints are my strength,” he said.“I enjoy complete freedom in Qatar. Now Qatar is my place. Here no one controls my freedom of expression. I am very happy here,” he said.Hussain added that he would visit India, if he gets the opportunity.  (thanks to way2online)
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Air crash will not affect Hyderabad air show: PRAFUL PATIL

Terming the crash of a naval aircraft here during an international civil aviation exhibition as “unfortunate”, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel Wednesday said the tragedy will not affect the event in any way.“These kinds of mishaps have happened during such events in the past the world over. It is very unfortunate but I don’t think this (aircraft crash) will any way hamper or effect the event,” the minister said.According to a civil aviation ministry official, there were five such crashes during air shows in the world last year. Similarly there were four such crashes during air shows in 2008 and seven in 2007.An Indian Navy trainer aircraft crashed into a two-storied building in a congested locality during an air show here Wednesday, killing the pilot and his co-pilot who found no time to eject.Commander S.K. Maurya and Lt Commander Rahul Nair were killed when the HJT-16 Kiran Mk2 trainer, built by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, crashed in Bowenpally locality near the old Begumpet Airport in the city.  (thanks to way2online)

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One pilot ejected in Naval plane crash

One of the two pilots killed when a Naval aircraft crashed into a building in Hyderabad Wednesday had ejected but his parachute did not fully open, a top Navy official said here.“Lt. Commander Rahul Nair, who was the co-pilot of Commander S.K. Maurya, had ejected. His parachute could not be fully deployed because of the low height. Maurya went down with the plane. Both were killed in the crash,” said a Navy official.According to standard operating procedures, the co-pilot first ejects in case of any emergency. He is followed by the pilot.After the crash, the Navy has grounded its fleet of 20 HJT-16 Kiran Mk aircraft till the board of enquiry is completed and all the aircraft undergo inspection. Sources say the planes are likely to remain grounded till Friday.The Navy had inducted these trainer aircraft in 1970.Out of these 20 HJT-16 Kiran Mk aircraft, 12 are Mark 1 and the other eight are Mark 2 aircraft.“This is the first accident of Kiran aircraft in the past 10 years and first of Sagar Pawan aerobatics display team since its inception in 2003,” the official said.The last accident of Kiran in Indian Navy took place in December 1999. The plane crashed in a Goa railway yard.The aircraft which crashed Wednesday was supplied to the Indian Navy by the Hindustan Aeronautical in 1997. It was a Mark 2 aircraft.According to Navy officials, one Kiran on an average flies 700-800 hours per year. “The accident rate in the past 10 years has been one in 10,000 hours,” the official said.Sagar Pawan is one of the two Naval aerobatics teams in the world, the other being the Blue Angels of the US Navy.It has participated in over 100 air shows in the past seven years, the last one being a fortnight ago in Goa. The Sagar Pawan team has 16-17 pilots and on an average eight pilots are available for operational purposes.The Navy said Commander Maurya, who was commissioned in the Navy in 1993, has been with the Sagar Pawan team since 2004. Maurya, 39, is survived by his wife. He hailed from Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh.Nair, 34, was commissioned in the Navy 1998. He is survived by his wife and a three-year-old son. (thanks to way2online)
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Suicide bombers 'unIslamic' and going to Hell, says leading cleric

A prominent Muslim organisation in Britain has issued a fatwa on suicide bombings and terrorism — declaring them “un-Islamic”. Minhaj-ul-Quran, a organisation based on Sufi principles which advises the Government on how to combat radicalisation in Muslim youth, launched its 600-page religious verdict in Central London this morning, condemning the perpetrators of terrorist explosions and suicide bombings. The fatwa condemns suicide bombers saying that they are destined for Hell, countering extremist propaganda that Islamist terrorists will enter paradise after death. The document is written by Muslim scholar Dr Muhammed Tahir ul-Qadri, a former government adviser in Pakistan and friend of the former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, and the founder of the increasingly influential Minhaj-ul-Quran movement. In it, suicide bombings and terrorism are prohibited as “totally un-Islamic”. The fatwa, first launched in Pakistan in December, uses texts from the Koran and other Islamic writings to argue that attacks against innocent citizens are “absolutely against the teachings of Islam and that Islam does not permit such acts on any excuse, reason or pretext”. Although the fatwa might carry little weight among some in Britain's majority Sunni Muslim community, it will have an overall impact because of Minhaj-ul-Quran’s growing influence as a community representative body with hundreds of thousands of followers in South Asia as well as the UK. It is a strong counter to Islamic schools of thought that condemn unbelievers and call for their subjugation, and will contribute to a climate where all Muslims can speak out freely against atrocities committed in the name of their religion. Dr Tahir ul-Qadri, who is based in Canada and has written more than 400 books on Islamic law, is recognised in Pakistan as an authority on Islamic jurisprudence. A spokesman for the counter-extremist think tank Quilliam said: “This fatwa has the potential to be a highly significant step towards eradicating Islamist terrorism. “Fatwas by Wahhabi-influenced clerics and Islamist ideologues initiated modern terrorism against civilians. “Terrorist groups such as al-Qaeda continue to justify their mass killings with self-serving readings of religious scripture. Fatwas that demolish and expose such theological innovations will consign Islamist terrorism to the dustbin of history.” Shahid Mursaleen, spokesman for Minhaj-ul-Quran UK, said: “He has hit hard on the terrorists as it prevents Islamists from considering suicide bombers as ‘martyrs’. This fatwa injects doubt into the minds of potential suicide bombers. “Extremist groups based in Britain recruit youth by brainwashing them that they will — with certainty — be rewarded in the next life and Dr Qadri’s fatwa has removed this key intellectual factor from their minds.” Minhaj-ul-Quran is an organisation based in 80 countries that follows Sufi teachings of peace and moderation, gaining ground among Muslim groups eager to combat the radicalisation of young people. The group receives no government funding. The Minhaj-ul-Quaran movement runs courses in combating religious extremism in educational centres throughout Britain including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Nelson, Walsall, Glasgow and Dundee. fatwa, an edict issued by a Muslim scholar, may concern any aspect of Islamic life. It became associated with extremism after 1989 when the author Salman Rushdie was forced into hiding following a fatwa calling for his death was issued by Ayatollah Khomeni, then the Supreme Leader of Iran, on the grounds that his book, The Satanic Verses had “insulted” Islam. The Communities Minister Shahid Malik, whose Dewsbury constituency was home to the 7/7 bomber Mohammad Siddique Khan, welcomed the new fatwa. “It is incumbent on Muslims to stand up for their faith — when 7/7 occurred those four evil young men killed themselves and over 50 innocent people because they followed a twisted and perverted interpretation of Islam which told them by doing so they would go to heaven,” he said. “A clear and unequivocal message must go out that Islam teaches that these four are not martyrs going to heaven but sinners going somewhere very different indeed. “Hence, I very much welcome the work of Dr Qadri in helping reinforce this most crucial of message to Muslims and non-Muslims alike.” An Islamic scholar Shaikh Mohammed Hisham Kabbani, of the Centre for Spirituality and Cultural Advancement, also welcomed the fatwa. “This scholarship is a landmark in enabling Muslims living in the UK to be able to silence the small minority of people who think it is OK to commit violent acts in the name of Islam,” he said. “We are happy and honoured to be working with Dr Qadri and Minhaj-ul-Quran to support the UK Muslims in countering the radical Islamist rhetoric in the world.” (thanks to timesonline)
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PM- Back to Delhi,

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh interacting with the on board media, on his way back to Delhi after Saudi Arabia visit on March 01,2010.

The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Anand Sharma and the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad are also seen.
(Photo PIB No:CNR-30655)
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India to host 200 aerospace majors at Hyderabad show

Some 200 domestic and global players in the aerospace industry including big names such as Airbus, Boeing, Bell, Thales and Dassault are participating in the five-day India Aviation 2010 exposition here starting Wednesday.Hosted by the federal civil aviation ministry, France will be the partner country at the exposition, the second since 2008, which is expected to attract over 500 delegates from 17 countries.“This will be a show of the country’s aviation industry and the potential it holds for the future,” said Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel, who is scheduled to inaugurate the exposition along with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah.“The show will also act as a stimulus in providing the much needed business opportunity to the stakeholders in the industry to tide over the current recessionary times.”Industry body Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) will be the co-hosts for the event. The theme of the event India Aviation 2010 is ‘Expanding Horizons’.(thanks to way2online)

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Chidambaram holding a press conference,

The Union Home Minister, Shri P. Chidambaram holding a press conference to present the Report Card on the Ministry for the month of February, 2010, in New Delhi on March 02, 2010. The Union Home Secretary, Shri G.K. Pillai is also seen. (Photo by PIB No:CNR-30661)
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PM's address at the King Saud University

(PIB NEWS)I am greatly honoured to address this distinguished gathering at the prestigious King Saud University. I recall my days as a university professor very fondly not least because of the opportunity it gave me to interact with inspiring young minds. I wish to convey my deep appreciation to the King Saud University for conferring an Honorary Doctorate on me. I consider this as an exceptional honour bestowed on me by one of the premier centers of learning in the Arab world. The University has been in the forefront of building a knowledge society. Its contribution in promoting fundamental human values, academic freedom, learning and innovation has been second to none. The Arab world has a long intellectual and educational tradition. History tells us that the Arabs translated and preserved teachings from Greece, India and Persia. It is these texts that inspired a mass movement in the field of education during the 12th century which produced great Arab mathematicians, scientists and scholars. India’s links with Saudi Arabia and the region go back several millennia. There were regular intellectual exchanges in various fields of human study. These linkages influenced our traditions of learning. Over the years, however, these links weakened and we need to revive such exchanges. The confluence of Arab and Asian ideas and culture will help us to rediscover each other and in the process enrich human civilization. I am aware of the strong interest of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in the modernization of education infrastructure. We admire his vision for the development of human capital and for promoting a scientific temper among the youth while preserving cultural traditions. We have a similar vision for the development of education in our own country. Like Saudi Arabia, we too recognize the importance of education in social empowerment and progress. Almost 20% of the total expenditure of our current five year development Plan is earmarked for education. We are establishing 30 new Central Universities, of which half will be conceived as world-class institutions. We have laid equal emphasis on the development of our infrastructure for science and technology education. We have plans to build five more national institutes of science and more Indian Institutes of Technology and Indian Institutes of Information Technology. We are keen to build our human resources for the next generation. Every year India produces among the largest number of scientists and engineers in the world. We wish to expand India’s knowledge economy and to build world class facilities for research and cutting edge science in the country. I am happy that India and Saudi Arabia are seeking closer cooperation in the field of higher education. We signed a bilateral agreement for educational cooperation during the visit of His Majesty to India in 2006. Yesterday His Majesty and I signed the Riyadh Declaration. In this Declaration we have paid special emphasis on the increasing role and importance of youth in consolidating relations between our two countries. We also reaffirmed our common desire to forge greater cooperation in the areas of education, culture, information technology and frontier areas of science and technology. We would like to see greater number of students in our universities from Saudi Arabia. We are already receiving Saudi students under the prestigious “King Abdullah Scholarship Programme”. These kinds of programmes should be expanded and popularized. I am happy that the King Saud University has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with one of the most prestigious institutions in India, the Indian Institute of Science. I hope that this will inspire similar collaborations between other centres of excellence in both countries. I see many possibilities for cooperation in the area of human capital formation and skill development. We are both countries with young populations and our educational system should be geared to making every student employable. The knowledge economy offers many opportunities for creative young minds and we should collaborate in nurturing them. I once again thank you for conferring this honour on me. I am continually inspired by the creativity, energy and dynamism of the younger generation. I wish all the students gathered here today good luck and.continued success in the noble task of building this great country.

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Hyderabad Metro Rail to create 50,000 jobs

Hyderabad Metro Rail is expected to trigger mammoth economic activity in and around the city and provide employment to about 50,000 people, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah said Monday.The chief minister, who reviewed the Rs.12,132-crore project at a meeting here, said it would provide employment for about 5,000 engineers and about 45,000 skilled and unskilled workers.He also hoped that with a requirement of about 26 lakh tonnes of cement, two lakh tonnes of steel and 58 lakh cubic metres of concrete, the project will help set up many ancillary industries and machinery manufacturing and servicing units around Hyderabad. This would give fillip to developmental activities in various parts of Telangana, he added.The Telangana region, which comprises 10 districts including Hyderabad, is currently witnessing movement for separate statehood.Noting that Hyderabad Metro Rail project is back on track, he asked the officials to speed up the process to finalise works with a firm deadline.All eight companies/consortia that filed pre-qualification bids have qualified to participate in financial bids which will be finalised in April.The new concessionaire is expected to be in place by May.The ground work for the project will be launched in November and most of the sections will be thrown open for public travel in four years, while the whole project is expected to be completed in five years.The companies/consortia qualified to participate in financial bids are: Transstroy-OJSC Transstroy (Russia)-CR18G (China)-BEML consortium; Reliance Infra-Reliance Infocomm consortium (ADAG); Lanco Infra-OHL Concesiones (Spain) consortium; Essar-Leighton (Australia)-Gayatri-VNR consortium; GMR Infra; GVK-Samsung (South Korea) consortium; Soma-Strabag AG (Austria) consortium and Larsen & Toubro.                       (thanks to way2online)
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Obama names Indian American on arts body

President Barack Obama has picked up an Indian American to serve on the US President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts for the prestigious John F. Kennedy Centre for Performing Arts.Announcing the appointment of eminent Indian American attorney, Amy K. Singh, based in Obama’s home town of Chicago, the White House Monday noted she works to support the arts and youth, which develops civic leadership in the city’s high school youth.Singh practises in areas of entertainment, advertising and marketing, and provides counsel to clients on event production and promotion, television production, talent and other matters.Before starting her own practice, she held several positions, including as general counsel/senior vice president of DDB Chicago Inc, and as an associate in the Chicago office of the firm now known as Sidley Austin LLP.Singh was a member of the Junior Board of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and is currently on the Board of the Mikva Challenge, an organisation that prioritises the development of civic leadership in underserved Chicago high school youth.     (thanks to way2online)========================================================================

Pakistan must act against terrorism, says PM

 Pakistan needs to “act decisively against terrorism” if it seeks to benefit from trade and commerce with India, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Monday.“If there is cooperation between India and Pakistan, vast opportunities will open up for trade, travel and development that will create prosperity in both countries and in South Asia,” he told the Majlis-ash-Shura, the Saudi parliament.But for this, he said, Pakistan needs to “act decisively against terrorism”. He added that India’s desire for cooperative relations with Pakistan was aimed at seeking permanent peace in South Asia.Manmohan Singh said the challenge of terrorism was immense in Afghanistan, where a Taliban suicide attack Friday in Kabul left 17 people dead, including nine Indians.“The people of Afghanistan have suffered for far too long. They deserve an atmosphere of peace and the opportunity to pursue a life of dignity and hope,” he said.Manmohan Singh said the international community should support all sections of Afghan society and work towards the emergence of Afghanistan as a modern, stable and sovereign nation.  (thanks to way2online)

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MILAD UN NABI(SWS) PROCESSION IN HYDERABAD,

Devotees take out a procession in old city on the occasion of "EID-E-MILAD UN NABI(SWS)" IN HYDERABAD ON SATURDAY, =======================================================

Saudi Arabia can be an interlocutor with Pakistan: Tharoor

Saudi Arabia,with its close ties with Islamabad, could be a “valuable interlocutor” in improving India’s ties with Pakistan, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor said here Sunday.“We feel Saudi Arabia has a long and close relationship with Pakistan and that makes Saudi a more valuable interlocutor to us,” Tharoor told Indian journalists here.He was responding to a question on whether India will seek Saudi Arabia’s support to influence Pakistan to address India’s concerns over terrorism emanating from Pakistani territory.Tharoor added that Saudi Arabia has its own issues with Al Qaeda.“We expect to have a constructive conversation on the issue. The tentacles of terror have already spread from Afghanistan to Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine, and latest is Yemen,” he added.Saudi Arabia, the Gulf’s most influential country, was the first to recognise the then Taliban regime in Kabul in the mid-nineties and enjoys enormous leverage with Pakistan.Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is currently on a three-day trip to Riyadh, a path-breaking visit that is likely to see the signing of an extradition treaty paving the way for greater counter-terror cooperation between the two countries.
(thanks to way2online)
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With growth back,India budgets income tax relief, higher excise

India Friday proposed a sizeable tax relief for individuals but hiked excise rates and minimum alternate tax in the Rs.11,08,749-crore ($221.75 billion) budget for 2010-11 that steps up outlays for welfare schemes and assures high, inclusive growth.Individuals stand to gain on account of a revision in tax slabs. But they will have to pay more for cars, cigarettes, petrol, diesel, cement, jewellery and a host of consumer goods, even as they have to shoulder higher airfare due to service tax on such travel.Presenting the budget in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of parliament, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee also estimated a lower fiscal deficit of 5.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), against the revised estimates of 6.7 percent for this fiscal.He said 46 percent of the plan allocation will be set aside for infrastructure alone and 37 percent for social welfare programmes, while substantially hiking outlays for rural and urban development schemes, as also for education and healthcare.“Today, as I stand before you, I can say with some confidence that we have weathered the crisis well,” Mukherjee said in his 100-minute speech, recalling the hard days faced by the economy in the past two years, while rolling back some purse-loosening measures.“That is not to say the challenges today are any less than they were nine months ago, when the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) was voted back to power under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.”
Mukherjee proposed the following tax slabs for individuals: No tax for an annual income of up to Rs.160,000, a rate of 10 percent for up to Rs.500,000, then 20 percent for up to Rs.800,000 and finally 30 percent on anything higher. (Rs.50 approximately equals $1)At the peak rate this will entail a saving of up to Rs.50,000, and an overall hit of Rs.26,000 crore ($5.2 billion) for the exchequer. “The proposal to reduce the tax slab will benefit 60 percent of all tax payers,” said Mukherjee, bringing cheer to people.But he also sought to hike the minimum alternate tax to 18 percent of book profits from the present 15 percent, though he lowered the surcharge from 10 percent to 7.5 percent, which will have a direct impact on the bottomlines of large companies.The finance minister was interrupted several times, led by an eventual walkout by most opposition members, when he sought to restore the 5 percent basic duty on oil and 7.5 percent each on petrol and diesel, and imposed a Rs.1 excise on these two fuels.“The customs duty was withdrawn when the prices of the petroleum crude reached as high as $122 per barrel. When it is much softer, there is no reason to continue the same concession,” he told reporters later, setting the stage for higher fuel prices.On augmenting resources, Mukherjee said Rs.25,000 crore ($5 billion) was raised by way of divestment in state-run companies during the current fiscal, adding that he was budgeting for Rs.40,000 crore ($8 billion) for the ensuing year.The finance minister also promised to implement the direct tax code from April next year and assured a simplified foreign investment policy soon, even as excise rates were hiked across the board by 200 basis points.Those in the packed house presided over by Speaker Meira Kumar included Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj.This was Mukherjee’s fourth budget of his career as finance minister and the second for the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in its second straight term after being voted back to office in May last year.“The finance minister has done a right mix of estimating the growth requirements and at the same time building in it a certain amount of moderation on the price front,” said Manmohan Singh, who has himself presented five budgets in the past.“He has done a commendable job.”Stock markets also gave thumbs up to the budget, which resulted in the sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange closing with a gain of over 175 points, or 1.08 percent, while industry hailed the proposals as pragmatic and growth oriented.During his speech, Mukherjee said three challenges remained for the economy – to quickly revert to high growth of 9 percent and cross to double-digit expansion; make growth more inclusive and develop infrastructure; and strengthen food security.“We hope to breach the 10 percent growth mark in not-too-distant future.”                                 (thanks to way2online)
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PROCESSTION OF "MILAD-UN-NABI"(SWS) IN OLD CITY, HYDERABAD

(PHOTOS BY RSJ THOMAS Sr PHOTO JOURNALIST)

Author, two others held for hurting Muslim sentiments

Two men N.Innaiah and Subba Rao were Friday arrested in Andhra Pradesh's Khammam town for helping an author in writing a book that reportedly hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims, police said.Police Thursday arrested Macha Laxmaiah alias Krantikar, author of "Crescent over the world - is a boon or the silent Holocaust" containing blasphemous comments about Islam, the Prophet and the Quran. A case was booked against him for hurting the religious sentiments of the community. The arrests followed massive protests by Muslims in Khammam, around 250 km from Hyderabad. They took out a rally, demanding action against the author and those who helped him. Muslims alleged that the book contained articles from banned books "Satanic Verses" by Salman Rushdie and "Lajja" by Tasleema Nasreen, along with a blasphemous cartoon published in a Danish magazine. Police said they seized 380 books of the first volume and 410 books of the second volume of the publication in different parts of Khammam district. Khammam superintendent of police Anil Kumar said efforts were being made to seize all books despatched to other areas. Chief Minister K. Rosaiah told the state assembly that the police arrested the author and seized the books. He said stern action would be taken against anyone disrupting peace and communal harmony of the state. His assurance came after Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) raised the issue and demanded action against the guilty. Police sounded an alert in Hyderabad, Khammam and other places to prevent any untoward incident. Additional police forces were deployed in the old city of Hyderabad where 'imams' or clerics, during their Friday sermons, condemned the author and those who supported him. ==========================================================

President’s Milad-Un-Nabi greetings

(PIB NEWS) The President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil in her message on the occasion of Milad-un-Nabi, which is being observed tomorrow, has said: - “On the occasion of the Milad-Un-Nabi, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens. May the message of compassion, tolerance and service to humanity preached by the Holy Prophet inspire and guide us to follow the path of kindness and universal brotherhood.”
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Vice President Shri Hamid Ansari greets people on Milad-un-Nabi

(PIB NEWS)The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari has greeted the people of our country on the auspicious occasion of Milad-Un-Nabi which is celebrated to mark the birth of Prophet Mohammad. In his message he has said that Prophet Mohammad showed mankind the path of compassion, tolerance, love, brotherhood and righteousness. His message has the power to lift the human race from ignorance, violence and moral decay to a life of peace, virtue and spiritual fulfilment. Following is the text of the Vice President’s message : “I extend my greetings and good wishes to the people of our country on the auspicious occasion of Milad-Un-Nabi which is celebrated to mark the birth of Prophet Mohammad. Prophet Mohammad showed mankind the path of compassion, tolerance, love, brotherhood and righteousness. His message has the power to lift the human race from ignorance, violence and moral decay to a life of peace, virtue and spiritual fulfilment. May the enlightened message of the Prophet unite us all and guide us on the path of peace and harmony.”
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PM greets nation on Milad-un-Nabi

(PIB NEWS) The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh has greeted the nation on the auspicious occasion of Milad-un–Nabi, the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammed. In a message, the Prime Minister said that the universal teachings of love and compassion of Hazrat Mohammad inspire us to work for universal peace and brotherhood.

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Instructions given to pay salaries to eSeva staff regularly

Andhra Pradesh Minister for Information Technology K.Venkata Reddy today said necessary instructions were issued to the contract service providers to pay the salaries to the employees working in e-seva centres regularly.Replying  to the question raised by J Prabhakara Rao (Congress) during Question Hour in the Legislative Council, the Minister said instructions were given to the contract service providers to pay salaries to the employees as the government was releasing the funds to them from time to time.He said salaries to the employees have been paid upto December 2009 in all eSeva centres in the state by the service providers.aHe instructed that salary for the month of January be released.Mr Reddy said in all,1579 employees were working in eSeva centres across the state. ===================================================

TDP members stage walk out from Andhra Pradesh Council

The Opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) members today staged a walk out from the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council during Question Hour, alleging that the Minister had not properly replied to their question on reduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) on gold.Dissatisfied with the reply of State Minister for Roads and Building G Aruna Kumari on the question raised by TDP members Y V B Rajendra Prasad and Ch Varaprasad, the TDP members walked out of the House, protesting that the Chairman had not allowed them to raise supplementary questions.Earlier, the Minister said the rate of VAT had been enhanced with effect from January 15 this year from 12.5 per cent to 14.5 per cent on items like motor vehicle (except tractors) tyres and tubes, engine oil, lubricants, white goods, cement and cement products, cosmetics, cigarettes, gutka and furniture.She said an amount of Rs 19,814 crore had been realised during the current financial year till January 31, 2010, and there was no proposal to enhance the tax on any other item.
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Sops for Andhra, especially Telangana, in rail budget

The ruling Congress party in Andhra Pradesh Wednesday welcomed Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee’s budget that offered many sops to the state and gave special attention to the Telangana region.For the first time in recent years, the state did not get a raw deal with the 2010-11 budget offering a railway wagon factory, a sports academy, 22 new railway lines and 14 new trains.
The wagon factory and sports academy will come up in Secunderabad, the twin city of Hyderabad. The new trains include Secunderabad-Mumbai, Hyderabad-Ajmer, Madurai-Hyderabad-Pune, Secunderabad-Tirupati and five other trains from Tirupati to Secunderabad, Coimbatore, Madurai, Kanchi and Goa.
A special MMTS train will be operated between Falaknuma and Lingampally stations in Hyderabad. The running of two long-distance trains has also been extended.Telangana, which is witnessing a mass movement for statehood, got special attention in the railway budget, with the region accounting for more than half of the proposed railway lines for the state.Four of the 22 new railway lines will be laid with assistance from the state government.Congress MP Ponnam Prabhakar said it was a welcome railway budget. He claimed that due to sustained lobbying by MPs, Banerjee agreed to sanction several new trains and railway lines for the state.The opposition, however, criticised the budget. Leader of opposition and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N. Chandrababu Naidu said the minister had disappointed people of the state. He said the allocation for the state was not sufficient to complete pending projects.Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) leader and former legislator Harish Rao said for the first time since the formation of Andhra Pradesh, so many new railway lines were sanctioned for the Telangana region.  (thanks to way2online)
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PRANAB MUKHERJEE,GIVING FINAL TOUCHES BUDGET-2010

The Union Finance Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee giving final touches to the General Budget 2010-11, in New Delhi on February 25, 2010. The Minister of State (Revenue), Shri. S.S. Palanimanickam, the Minister of State (E,B&I), Shri Namo Narain Meena and the Secretaries of the Ministry are also seen.
(Photo by PIB No:CNR-30576)
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State Level Urdu Convention conclude with enthusiasm at Aurangabad

Aurangabad: (Syed Khaja Sohel) State level Urdu Convention began on 19 Feb come to conclude with enthusiasm .The last day seminar on literature in the morning session, while noted poet Bashar Nawaz would be presented with Ifteqar-e-Adab award .Poet from all over india present on this occasion nated poet Munnawar Rana (Lucknow) Mumtaz Rashid (Delhi) Deepti Mishra (Noida) Mumtaz Pir Boy and Habib Hashmi make event colorful . On this day Wakf Minister and chairman of the reception committee Aref Naseem Khan conclude the session and vote of thanks.  first left in the picture syed khaja sohel, correspondent  (DECCAN SAMACHAR DAILY)and Hon'ble Minister are also seen,
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INTERNATIONAL Civil Aviation Exhibition in Hyderabad from March.3-7

An estimated 200 companies from the civil aviation sector will participate and 40 different types of aircraft will be on display in the 5-day second edition of international exhibition and conference on civil aviation that will kick off in Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh from March 3.''From India, there will be 75 companies and the rest will be foreign ones that will participate in the event. The partner country will be France and the focus country in the event will be the United States,'' Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel told a news conference here today.He said the Indian aviation industry has been growing from strength to strength and today it stands on the ninth rung globally, a fact the country takes pride in.The Ministry of Civil Aviation will organise the exhibition jointly with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.''Twenty countries will be participating and more than 500 delegates from over ten countries will attend the conference,'' Mr Patel informed.He said when the event was held in the year 2008 the gross area was 10,000 sqm but this time it would be 12,000 sqm, a testimony of the growing stature of the event.Asked whether there were security concerns for the event due to the ongoing Telangana agitation in the southern state, he answered: '' The state government is on board with us regarding the issue and it has assured us all support for making the event a big success.So, there is nothing to be worried about.''
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R A I L B U D G E T - 2 0 1 0 -1 1

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HIGHEST EVER PLAN INVESTMENT OF RS. 41,426 CRORE IN THE ANNUAL PLAN OUTLAY

The Union Minister for Railways, Km. Mamata Banerjee departs from Rail Bhavan to Parliament House along with her deputies, Shri E. Ahamed and Shri K.H. Muniyappa to present the Rail Budget 2010-11, in New Delhi on February 24, 2010. (Photo by PIB No:CNR-30548)

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(PIB NEWS) The Annual Plan outlay for the year 2010-11 has been proposed at Rs. 41,426 crore, which is the highest even plan investment. Presenting the Railway Budget for the year 2010-11 in the Lok Sabha today, the Minister of Railways, Kumari Mamata Banerjee said that the plan would be finance through Gross Budgetary Support of Rs.15,875 crore, Diesel Cess of Rs. 877 crore, internal resources of Rs. 14,523 crore and Extra Budgetary Resources (EBR) of Rs. 10,151 crore including market borrowing through Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) of Rs. 9,120 crore. The Railway Minister said that within the limited resources available, thrust is being given to expansion of the network. She said that to achieve the target of 1,000 kms of new line set for year, the allocation has been increased substantially from Rs. 2,848 crore to Rs. 4,411 crore. Kumari Mamata Banerjee made an allocation of Rs. 1,302 crore for improving passenger amenities as compared to Rs. 923 crore in the previous Railway Budget. Presenting the Budget Estimates for 2010-11, the Railway Minister said that the target for freight loading for the ensuing financial year has been kept at 944 MT, an increase of 54 MT over RE 2009-10. She said that Budget Estimates for freight, passenger, sundry other earnings and other coaching earnings have been kept at Rs. 62,489 crore, Rs. 26,127 crore, Rs. 3,171 crore and Rs. 2,778 crore respectively. A sum of Rs. 200 crore has been kept apart for clearing the outstanding dues of the Railways with an intention to initiate special efforts to clear such dues. The Gross Traffic Receipts have been projected at Rs. 94,765 crore by the Railway Miister.The provision for Ordinary Working Expenses for 2010-11 has been kept at Rs. 65,000 crore which is Rs. 500 crore lower than the Revised Estimates for the previous year. Appropriation to Depreciation Reserve Fund has been kept at Rs. 7,600 crore and Appropriation to Pension Fund at Rs. 14,500 crore in 2010-11. The Total Working Expenses will be Rs. 87,100 crore and Net Revenue Rs. 9,782 crore. After meeting the estimated Dividend liability of Rs. 6,609 crore, the projected ‘Excess’ is Rs. 3,173 crore with the targeted Operating Ratio of 92.3% and the Excess is proposed to be appropriated to Development Fund (Rs. 2,800 crore) and Capital Fund (Rs. 373 crore).
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No increase in passenger fares or freight tariffs,MAMATA

(PIB NEWS) There will not be any increase in the passenger fares of any class or category of trains. Similarly, there will not be any increase freight tariffs. Presenting the Railway Budget for the year 2010-11 in the Lok Sabha today, the Minister of Railways, Kumari Mamata Banerjee said that in the present economic situation, when the country is about to return on a high growth path, she did not wish to impose any burden on the citizens.
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Concessions for,PRESS CORRESPONDENTS,film technicians and cancer patients

(PIB NEWS) The Minister of Railways, Kumari Mamata Banerjee today proposed to enhance the concession to cancer patients upto 100% in 3 AC and Sleeper Class. Presenting the Railway Budget 2010-11 in Parliament, the Minister said at present Railways grant a concession of 75% in 3 AC and Sleeper Class to cancer patients going for treatment, together with an escort. She also proposed that technicians of regional film industry when traveling for film production related work will be eligible for 75% concession in Second Sleeper, 50% concession in First Class, AC Chair Car, AC 3 tier, AC 2 tier in all trains including Rajdhani/Shatabdi and Jan Shatabdis. Kumari Mamata Banerjee said that Press Correspondents are currently given a concession of 50% for their travel along with spouse, once a year. It is now proposed to extend this concession to companion of those correspondents who do not have a spouse, and dependent children up to 18 years, once a year.
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Archaeological Excavation in Andhra Pradesh

(PIB NEWS) Minister of State for Planning and Parliamentary Affairs Shri V. Narayanasamy has said that Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is working to strengthen the archaeological excavation work in the State of Andhra Pradesh. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today he said, during the last three years, ASI carried out excavation / scientific clearance works in Andhra Pradesh at (1) Ancient Buddhist Mound, Alluru, District Krishna. (2) Ancient Buddhist Mound, Kotturu, District Visakhapatnam (3) Buddhist Mound, Kodavali, District East Godavari (4) Buddhist Mound, Ghantasala, District Krishna (5) Ancient Mound, Kantamanenivari gudem, District West Godavari and (6) Ancient Mound, Kondapur, District Medak.
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Ministry of I&B calls for caution in coverage of incidents of terrorist attacks

(PIB NEWS) The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India has advised electronic media to exercise caution while providing coverage to the incidents of terrorist attacks. The text of the fresh advisory is as follows: “This is in continuation of the directives issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on 27th November 2008 and 3rd December 2008, regarding the coverage of incidents by electronic media during terrorist attacks in Mumbai. In the said directive, TV channels were asked to exercise caution while providing coverage to the incidents to avoid any adverse consequences on the rescue operations. It has also been noted that in the past some TV channels arranged and telecast interviews with terrorists/terrorist groups. In a particular case, a prominent TV channel telecast a phone interview with a dreaded terrorist who tried to internationalize the Kashmir issue using the electronic mass media. This kind of coverage can cause confusion amongst domestic and international audiences. The interviews with terrorists have also provided a platform to them to justify their nefarious activities and obtain coverage on prominent channels which is seen as a major achievement and enabling them to put forward their distorted views to a wide audience. Such undue coverage to terrorists and allowing them to air their views freely can jeopardize national security as well. This matter has been under examination in this Ministry and in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Government has taken a very serious view regarding airing of interviews with terrorists/terrorist groups by TV Channels. While the media has generally played a very constructive role in bringing out relevant issues regarding terrorism and has condemned terrorists for their brutal and ruthless ways, it must, however, be again emphasized that media must continue to cover terrorism and terrorist related issues with great responsibility and sensitivity. In the interests of national security and on the advice of Ministry of Home Affairs, the media is hereby advised to avoid giving undue coverage to terrorists and terrorist groups which may help them to advance their political agenda. Such coverage would amount to gross violation of the provisions of the Programme Code contained in the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995 and Rules framed thereunder.”
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Coaching to Minority Students

(PIB NEWS) The University Grants Commission (UGC) has provided coaching under (i) ‘Remedial coaching at Undergraduate and Post-graduate levels’, (ii) Coaching for Entry in services and (iii) Coaching to prepare for National Eligibility Test (NET) or State Eligibility Test (SET) for lectureship’, during the Xth Plan for beneficiaries belonging to the minority communities in the country. From the XIth Plan onwards the UGC coaching schemes for minorities have been merged under the scheme of Development grants. In addition, UGC has provided assistance to Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow and Aligarh Muslim University for setting up of ‘Residential Coaching Academies for Minorities/SCs/STs and Women’. This information was given by the Minister of State for Human Resource Development Smt. D. Purandeswari, in a written reply to a question, in the Lok Sabha today.
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Show proof of Maoist link to Telangana stir, says apex court

The Supreme Court Tuesday asked the Andhra Pradesh government to substantiate its claim that Maoists have infiltrated the student ranks of Osmania University, which is spearheading the movement for a new Telangana state.“Where is the input of the infiltration inside the campus? What is the proof available? We would like to have it,” a bench of Justice G.S. Singhvi and Justice Asok Kumar Ganguly said as senior counsel Harish Salve, appearing for the Andhra Pradesh government, made the claim.As the state government’s lawsuit challenging an Andhra Pradesh High court ruling for removal of paramilitary forces from the Osmania University campus came up, Salve said the troopers are indispensable and could not be shifted.He said the state has intelligence inputs suggesting that the university has been infiltrated by Maoists who are trying to take control of the movement for a new state.The bench then sought intelligence inputs to back the claim and adjourned the matter for further hearing Feb 25, as Salve agreed to furnish the intelligence to the court by Wednesday.The bench also extended till Thursday its earlier order suspending the state high court’s Feb 16 order to the Andhra government to pull out the paramilitary forces from the Osmania campus.The state government challenged the high court order, saying the court cannot order the removal of paramilitary forces from the campus which is a hotbed of the Telangana agitation. (thanks to way2online)======================================================

AP assembly urges pro-Telangana youth not to commit suicide,

The Andhra Pradesh legislative assembly Tuesday appealed to the youths and students of Telangana not to commit suicide over the issue of statehood to the region even as three more youngsters ended their lives since Monday.Speaker N.Kirankumar Reddy made the appeal on behalf of the entire house after Chief Minister K. Rosaiah made a statement, urging youths not to resort to the extreme step.“Your lives are precious. The state needs your lives. I, on behalf of the entire house, appeal to you not to commit suicide,” the speaker said.Leader of Opposition and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N. Chandrababu Naidu also made a similar appeal while voicing his concern over the spate of suicides.Earlier, Rosaiah urged the youths and students not to commit suicide and express their opinion in a peaceful and democratic manner. He welcomed the Osmania University students’ Joint Action Committee (JAC) decision not to resort to violence and its appeal to students not to end their lives.The chief minister told the house that the issue was sensitive and everybody has his opinion. “But this opinion should be expressed in a peaceful manner without causing inconvenience to people,” he said.He advised them to convey their views to the Srikrishna Committee formed by the central government to look into the statehood issue. Stating that all regions were equal for him, Rosaiah assured the house that he would abide by the central government’s decision.Naidu said all should exercise restraint. “This is a sensitive issue. The youths are taking their lives in emotion. The government should advise police to act with patience while tackling protests by students and youths,” he said while condemning police baton charge on Telangana advocates in New Delhi Monday.Meanwhile, desperate over the delay in formation of a separate state, three more youngsters committed suicide in Telangana since Monday. One person each committed suicide in Ranga Reddy, Medak and Warangal districts.They included 18-year-old girl student who committed suicide by hanging at Moinabad in Ranga Reddy district. In her suicide note, Sarita, a Class 12 student, blamed Rosaiah.and Chandrababu Naidu for being hurdles in formation of the Telangana state.Last week, a 19-year-old student had immolated himself in full public view during a protest at Osmania University in Hyderabad city.Pro-Telangana parties claim that more than 300 people have committed suicides for Telangana during last three months.  (thanks to way2online)
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UNION MINISTER SHRI DAYANIDHI,INAUGURATING EXPO

The Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Dayanidhi Maran inaugurating the 16th India Carpet Expo organised by the Carpet Export Promotion Council, in New Delhi on February 23, 2010. The Minister of State of Textiles, Smt. Panabaka Lakshmi and the Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Smt. Rita Menon are also seen.
(Photo by PIB No:CNR-30533)
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FINISHING TOUCHES TO RAILWAY BUDGET,MAMATA

The Union Minister for Railways, Kumari Mamata Banerjee will be giving finishing touches to the Railway Budget 2010-11, in New Delhi on February 23, 2010.
Ministers of State for Railways, Shri E. Ahamed and Shri K. H. Muniyappa, the Chairman, Railway Board, Shri S. S. Khurana and other Board Members are also seen.  (Photo by PIB No:CNR-30537)
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Performance of PSUs in Andhra Pradesh

(PIB NEWS)As per registered offices, there were nine Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) functioning in the state of Andhra Pradesh as on 31st March 2009. In addition, there were 93 other CPSEs which had their presence in the state. The expenditure, in terms of real investment (gross block), in these 102 CPSEs amounted to Rs. 66260.94 crore as on 31st March 2009 (i.e. the second year of 11th Five year Plan. This information was given by Shri Arun Yadav, Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today. =======================================================

Steps taken to promote Unani Medicine in the Country

(PIB NEWS) I. National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM)

In order to promote the formal study of Unani system of medicine the Government of India has set up the National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM) at Bangalore in the year 1984. NIUM has a strength of 74 PG students. In addition to the 5 PG courses currently being offered it plans to commence 8 new PG Degree courses in two phases. NIUM also plans to commence PG Diploma Courses in Unani Medicine in Regimental Therapy, Pharmacy and Skin Disorders. In addition collaborative clinical studies on major diseases with other scientific organisations/industries are being undertaken.
II.Central Council of Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM)
i.The CCRUM is being developed as a Nodal Centre for Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Reorientation of Training Programme (ROTP) for teaching faculty in Unani medicine and private practitioners in Unani medicine.
ii.Unani drugs developed by the CCRUM are being introduced in NRHM programme.
iii.New centres in the states/Union territory where Unani infrastructure is presently not available are being set up.
iv. C.C.R.U.M. is also being developed as a Nodal centre for Research Registry in Unani System of Medicine.
v.Organisation of Health Camps on large scale particularly in Western Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh has been done under Public Health Intervention.
vi. Standards of 150 single/compound drugs have been finalized.
vii. Extra Mural Research Projects (EMR) are being taken up.
III. Other central sector scheme
The other central sector schemes of the Department of AYUSH under which it is planned to promote Unani system of medicine are:
(A) Under the Centers of Excellence Scheme the Department of AYUSH has identified and granted financial assistance for following projects:
i. Naimat Science Academy, Chennai for upgrading into Center of Excellence for Unani Regimental Therapy, at a cost of Rs. 250 lakhs.
ii. Sahara Foundation, Hyderabad for upgrading and establishing “Dr. Ahmed Ashraf Memorial Unani Specialty Treatment Center for Paralysis (Falij)” at a cost of Rs. 250.56 lakhs.
iii. Ibn-e-sina Academy, Aligarh at a cost of Rs. 100 lakhs.
(B) Various Unani institutes/NGOs are being supported under different schemes of the department like Public Health Initiatives, Acquisition, Cataloging, Digitization & Publication of text books etc.
(C) Two state level Government Unani Colleges (Government Nizamia Tibbia College, Hyderabad, A.P. and Government Ayurvedic & Unani College, Karol Bagh, Delhi) have been identified for upgrading as National Institutes at a cost of Rs. 50 crore each. This information was given by Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri S. Gandhiselvan in written reply to a question raised in Rajya Sabha today.
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Pricing of Natural Gas ,

(PIB NEWS) The Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas Shri Murli Deora informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply today that the National Oil Companies, viz., ONGC and OIL, have reported a loss on account of APM gas production, which leads to lack of investment for Exploration and Production activities. Views of the concerned Ministries, Departments and Planning Commission have been sought on the proposal to revise the APM price. The issue would be decided after taking all the views into consideration. Shri Deora added that the price of gas under the Administered Price Mechanism (APM) was last revised on ad-hoc basis in 2005. The Minister also said that the actual impact on cost of generation from the existing gas-based plants can be assessed once the decision with regard to increase in APM prices of natural gas is taken. Further, additional inflow to the Government by way of royalty, VAT, corporate tax, dividend and dividend distribution tax would also have to be considered. ======================================================

Reactions to President's Address on expected lines

Political parties came out with reactions to the President's Address to the Joint Session of Parliament today on expected lines with the ruling party hailing it as an' indicator of nation's progress' and the Opposition rubbishing it as 'directionless and devoid any vision.' Senior Congress leader and Minorities Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said the facts and figures contained in the Address signalled towards great progress the country had achieved." It reflects the government's resolve and vision to take the nation to greater heights by way of economic prosperity, social justice and equal opportunities for all," Mr Khurshid said adding that the government was also committed towards the welfare of the minorities.On price rise, he said," mehngai to NDA ke zamane bhi thee( Price rise was there during the NDA regime too)." BJP senior leader M M Joshi said the President's Address was a " mere list of government programmes and had brought down its prestige. It has no vision, no direction and goals." On the government's failure to contain price rise, Dr Joshi said the Manmohan Singh government had evolved " no price and wage policy" with the result that now the aam aadmi had borne the brunt of the unprecedented rise in prices of essential commodities." When you leave the issue to the commmodity exchanges, adopt the consumerist model of development and not review the disastrous economic policies, price rise is bound to raise its ugly head again and again," the BJP leader said.He also came down heavily on the government for adopting what he called as "faulty" Wholesale Price Index and the Consumer Price Index.''The government has been saying for ten years that it want to change them but of no use." Labour and Employment Minister Mallikarjun Kharge said the Address emphasised that the promises made by the government last year had been implemented." It indicates towards great mass response to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Scheme, high GDP, agricultural production and rural connectivity and welfare measures for the unorganised sector... all this shows as to how the country is making strides in the right direction." Senior Congress leader and Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy endorsed the views of his Cabinet collegues.However, Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi, Home Minister P Chidambaram and Railway Minister Mamta Banerjee chose not to speak to the press when they were asked to give their reactions.
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Andhra pradesh Disabled free from now' campaign from Feb 26

A.P-Chief Minister, will launch a state-wide campaign to make 'AP Disabled Free from Now' here on February 26, according to State Disabled Welfare Principal Secretary Chaya Ratan.Addressing a press conference here today, Ms Ratan said a study conducted by the state had found that 14 lakh people (about two per cent of the state population) were suffering from disabilities and a majority of them could be prevented if intervened at right time with some behavioural changes.The Chief Minister would flag off the rally from the Secretariat to People's Plaza to sensitise people on preventive steps, she said, adding the campaign would be taken across the state to highlight the need for stopping marriages among close blood relations, child marriages and pregnancy before 18 years.''We need to propagate pregnancy as a special lifetime event and treat expectant mother with care and protection -- ensuring good nutrition, proper healthcare, stress-free environment, 100 iron and folic acid tablets and a safe institutional delivery,'' she said.She stressed the need for timely immunisation of both mother and child, adequate nutrition with stimulating environment for children, especially colostrum at birth and exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months, Vitamin A supplements for children, safe drinking water and iodised salt consumption daily by family. ======================================================