India set for Putin boost, to sign nuclear, Gorshkov pacts

India and Russia will Friday tighten their strategic and economic ties by signing a slew of agreements, including an umbrella civil nuclear pact and another accord fixing the cost of the refurbished aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov at $2.35 billion.Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will Friday evening holds talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, who touches down in India close to midnight Thursday for a brief visit lasting less than 24 hours.The two sides will sign an umbrella inter-governmental civil nuclear agreement, a clutch of defence deals and a visa pact after the talks, officials said.The nuclear pact was initialled during Manmohan Singh’s trip to Moscow in December last year.Building upon ongoing civil nuclear cooperation with Russia, Manmohan Singh is likely to press for an access to Russian nuclear reprocessing technology. India and the US are close to finalising a pact on reprocessing.
Setting a positive tone for Friday’s talks, India’s cabinet committee on security (CCS) cleared the $2.35 billion fresh price for the Admiral Gorshkov.

The long-delayed renegotiated pact for the carrier, renamed INS Vikramaditya, will be among the defence deals worth $4 billion that are expected to be finalised during Putin’s visit.The warship, originally purchased for $1.5 billion, is currently undergoing a refit at Russia’s Sevmash shipyard. Of this, $974 million was meant for the refit and the balance for a squadron of MiG-29K combat jets that will be deployed on the vessel.Citing additional costs for the refit, Moscow had scaled up the price to $2.9 billion. New Delhi wanted the price to be scaled back to $2.1 billion. Finally, the two sides have settled for $2.35 billion after months of intense negotiations.A slew of defence contracts like the $1.2 billion deal for 29 MiG-29K maritime fighters and the joint development of the stealth fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) are also likely to be finalised during Putin’s visit.Pacts on setting up joint pharmaceutical ventures and visa simplification are also expected to be signed during the visit, key steps that can take scale up business ties that have not matched the level of strategic partnership the two countries have enjoyed since the Soviet era, sources said.Under the visa agreement, Indian businessmen wishing to visit Russia will require a certificate from an industry body like the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) or Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) confirming their credentials.Russia’s stringent visa regime was widely considered a major obstacle by Indian businessmen wishing to travel to that country to explore business opportunities.India and Russia are aiming to more than triple their bilateral trade to $20 billion by 2015. (way2online)
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Funeral procession of Andhra student taken to assembly

The last wish of a student who committed suicide over the delay in formation of a separate Telangana state was fulfilled when his funeral procession was allowed to be taken to Gun Park near the Andhra Pradesh state assembly here.Amid tight security, the body of Sai Kumar, a second year B. Tech student of Osmania University, was brought to Gun Park Tuesday night to enable supporters of the Telangana movement to pay their last respects. Sai Kumar's body was later taken to his native village Kodad in Nalgonda district where the last rites will be performed Wednesday. The student hanged himself in his hostel room Tuesday to protest the delay in carving out a Telangana state. In his suicide note, he expressed the wish that his body be taken in a procession to the assembly. The suicide triggered fresh tension in Osmania University, the nerve centre of the ongoing Telangana movement, as students clashed with police at Gandhi Hospital when the latter did not allow them to take the body to assembly. Some students were injured when police used batons. It was late on Tuesday that the State Human Rights Commission on a petition by the Joint Action Committee of students directed police to allow the funeral procession to Gun Park at 11 p.m. The students then brought the body to Telangana Martyrs' Memorial. M.Kodandaram, convener of all-party Joint Action Committee, and leaders of pro-Telangana groups offered their respects to Sai Kumar. The students raised slogans against political parties and elected representatives. This was the third suicide for Telangana on the Osmania University campus. On Feb 20, a student of Class 12 immolated himself at the main entrance of the university to protest the delay in formation of Telangana state. He resorted to the extreme step in full public view during a protest by university students. In January, a MCA (master of computer applications) student set himself on fire in the university campus. His burnt body was found on Jan 19. Parties fighting for separate Telangana state claimed that over 300 students and youth have committed suicide in the region since protests began in November last year. However, there is no confirmation of this claim.
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First time after NTR's death son meets stepmother

N.Balakrishna, Telugu film actor and son of former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR), Wednesday sprang a surprise when he called on his step-mother Lakshmi Parvathi.For the first time after his father's death 14 years ago, Balakrishna drove to her residence in Banjara Hills here and spent more than an hour with her. Parvathi told reporters she was happy that her son came to her house. "I am very happy. I can't describe my feelings in words," she said, describing the visit as a courtesy call. "I came to see my mother and will continue to come," said the popular actor, who was once seen as the successor of his legendary father. "Balaiah (as the actor is popularly known) became emotional while recalling the last days of his father and told me that the 'past is past. Let us do something good in his memory'. I assured him of my support," Parvathi said. Balakrishna's visit has created a flutter in political circles here though Parvathi, who went into political oblivion after NTR's death, claimed that politics was not discussed. It is believed that Balakrishna discussed with Parvathi a property dispute pending between the two in a court. NTR, a popular Telugu actor, had launched Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in 1982 and created history by coming to power in the state within nine months. A few months before returning to power with a landslide majority in 1994, NTR married Parvathi, a college lecturer who came close to him while writing his biography. However, the second marriage annoyed his family which alleged that Parvathi had an overriding influence in party and government affairs. NTR's son-in-law N. Chandrababu Naidu led a revolt against him to become chief minister in August 1995. In January, 1996, NTR died a broken man. Interestingly, Balakrishna's daughter married Naidu's only son Lokesh two years ago. The actor also campaigned for TDP in last year's elections.
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Women’s bill will impact caste struggle in India: Experts

By encouraging women’s participation in politics, the historic bill to reserve 33 percent of seats for them in parliament and the legislatures will impact the country’s political scenario, the patriarchal system and the caste struggle in rural India, experts say.Bibhu Mahapatra, consultant of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) project on Legal Empowerment, said: “The 73rd constitutional amendment, passed in 1992, gave constitutional recognition to local self governance and reserved 33 percent seats in panchayats for women. This encouraged lakhs of women to enter public life by giving more opportunities to them.”“The Women’s Reservation Bill will have a similar impact. It will also impact the caste struggle. Today, there are questions asked about who is more marginalised within the Dalit community and that is because more women are in the forefront in politics,” Mahapatra said.The bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha after a lot of furore Tuesday. The Lok Sabha, which has seen protests on the issue for the last three days, is expected to pass the bill before it takes a three-week break beginning March 16.Said Kamal Mitra Shenoy, a sociologist at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU): “In the beginning, there may not be much impact on the caste struggle because the more dominant will field their candidates into the political arena.”“But with time, women will definitely be empowered because of the bill as it will have its effect on patriarchy and change the gender dynamics. You won’t just have the wives and daughters of political leaders being fielded,” he maintained.Shenoy said the idea of a quota within quota – that is, reservation for women from backward classes within the women’s reservation – will not do any good.“There is no reservation for other backward classes (OBCs) in parliament, yet there is a lot of OBC representation there. So, reservation within reservation is not really needed,” he explained.Mahapatra said the bill will also encourage political parties to re-invent themselves.“It will have a stimulating effect on the political parties. Parties like the Janata Dal-United (JD-U) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) have very little women’s representation, but now they will have to rope in more women,” he said.Ranjan Sharma, a Delhi-based sociologist, said: “More women would also mean that there will be a sobering effect on parliament. You will most probably not have so much hooliganism. Similarly, it will have a civilising effect on the political parties.”While Shenoy said the actual effect of the bill will be seen after 15 years, Mahapatra opined: “In the next elections, the predictions and calculations will be different because we will not just take into account the SC/ST vote banks, but may be also the inclinations of the women segment.”
(way2online)
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Sonia meets Mamata, seeks assurance on women’s bill vote

Ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi met Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee Wednesday and sought an assurance that her Trinamool Congress will vote for the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha, Congress sources said.The meeting at Gandhi’s 10 Janpath official residence that Congress sources described as “cordial and positive” comes in the wake of Trinamool Congress MPs abstaining from voting for the bill in the Rajya Sabha Tuesday.“The meeting was cordial and the outcome was positive,” a senior Congress leader, who was present at the meeting, said.Gandhi had expressed surprise at Banerjee’s last-minute objections to the bill.The Congress president said she had been told by a minister who sat next to Banerjee at the last cabinet meeting that she was very “enthusiastic” about the bill.
The Trinamool Congress, with 19 MPs in the Lok Sabha and two in the Rajya Sabha, is the largest ally of the UPA government. The party’s stand could be crucial in ensuring that the bill sails through the Lok Sabha, which is the next hurdle for the legislation to become a law.The Women’s Reservation Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha Tuesday. The bill, which seeks to set aside for women 181 of the 543 seats in the Lok Sabha and 1,370 of the 4,109 seats in the 28 state assemblies, is expected to be tabled in the Lok Sabha next week.It is being opposed by parties that mainly have their support base in the Hindi heartland of northern India, but enjoys majority support from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Left parties. (thanks to way2online)
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Lok Sabha adjourned as Yadav trio protest women’s bill

The Lok Sabha was adjourned Wednesday after Samajwadi Party’s Mulayam Singh Yadav, Janata Dal-United’s Sharad Yadav and Rashtriya Janata Dal’s Lalu Prasad staged noisy protests against the women’s reservation bill being passed in the Rajya Sabha after seven MPs were forcefully evicted.Leading other protesting MPs, the Yadav trio marched towards’s the speaker’s podium, raising slogans against the government. Speaker Meira Kumar then adjourned the house till noon.The MPs accused the government of using marshals to forcefully evict suspended seven Rajya Sabha MPs — SP’s Kamal Akhtar, Veerpal Singh Yadav, Amir Alam Khan and Nand Kishore Yadav, JD-U’s Ejaz Ali, Lok Janshakti Party’s Sabir Ali and RJD’s Subhash Prasad Yadav — to pass the women’s quota bill in the house Tuesday.The bill seeks to reserve 33 percent seats for women in parliament and state legislatures.The protesting MPs said the Lok Sabha would not be allowed to function until the Rajya Sabha revoked the suspension of their colleagues.They also raised slogans demanding quota for Muslims, Dalits and other backward castes within the reservation for women.The Trinamool Congress, the second largest constituent in the Congress-led ruling alliance that opposed the bill in the present form, however, did not join the protesters.Lok Sabha is expected to pass the bill before it takes a three-week break March 16.The divide in the Janata Dal-United (JD-U) over the women’s quota bill came to the fore once again Wednesday as only one JD-U MP Rajiv Ranjan Singh ‘Lallan’ joined Sharad Yadav in the protests.The JD-U MPs had supported the legislation in the Rajya Sabha.  (WAY2ONLINE)
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Dayanidhi Maran inaugurates Jute Festival

The Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Dayanidhi Maran inaugurating the ‘Jute Festival’, organized by the Jute Manufactures Development Council (JMDC), in New Delhi on March 10, 2010. The Minister of State for Textiles, Smt. Panabaka Lakshmi is also seen.
(Photo by No.CNR-30754)
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(PIB NEWS) With a view to increase awareness of Jute products among consumers Thiru. Dayanidhi Maran, Union Textiles Minister inaugurated a Jute Festival at the Dilli Haat, here today. The Festival is being organized by Jute Manufactures Development Council (JMDC). On the occasion, Tmt. Panabaaka Lakshmi, Minister of State for Textiles and Tmt. Rita Menon , Secretary, Textiles were also present. During the four day Festival, 20 Jute units from across India will exhibit their products. To improve the public perception of jute and change its branding among customers, a fashion show of jute apparel and accessories “Earth Couture” was organised and the renowned vocalist Ustad Rashid Khan also performed “Songs for the Earth”. The show and the festival brought home to the audience of Delhi the truth behind the message “Surprisingly Jute”.
The Ministry of Textiles under the leadership of Thiru. Dayanidhi Maran has launched a new initiative to revive the jute industry. The Jute Technology Mission addresses issues of agricultural improvements, research & development of new products, modernisation of mills, introduction of new technology and skill upgradation. At the same time, the Ministry has empowered the Jute Manufactures Development Council to promote diversified jute products that reduce the industry’s dependence on sacking and hessian. This initiative includes not only promotion of new technical applications such as jute geo-textiles and composites but also aggressive marketing of jute lifestyle products both within the country and in international markets. It is encouraging that value-added JDP account for nearly 30% of India’s jute exports (total about Rs. 1100 crore) even though they form less than 8% of jute goods production in India. In the domestic market, the banning of non-biodegradable packaging in many areas has driven the demand for eco-friendly jute. Jute, the golden fibre, is the raw material for one of India’s oldest industries. The first jute mill started production in Bengal in 1856. After more than 150 years, the jute industry is now challenged by competition from alternative materials, by the recession in the international markets and by low awareness among consumers of the versatile, eco-friendly nature of jute fabric itself. Yet this industry still provides a livelihood to more than 250,000 mill workers and more than 4 million farmers’ families. It is a golden bond with the Earth, Its use is a statement about ecological awareness as it is a fully bio-degradable and eco-friendly fibre. It comes from the earth, it helps the earth and once its life is done it merges back into the earth.

11.8% Deaths due to road accidents in Andhra Pradesh,in the year 2007,

(PIB NEWS) Driver’s fault accounted for about 75 per cent of deaths caused by road accidents in the period 2004 to 2007. As per the information made available to the Rajya Sabha during the question hour by Shri Mahadeo Singh Khandela, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, while driver’s fault was responsible for 75.2 per cent accidents deaths in 2004, it accounted for 74.0 per cent in 2005, 73.3 per cent in 2006 and 75.1 per cent in 2007.

The Minister also informed the House that about 45-49 per cent deaths caused in road accidents were due to over speeding i.e. exceeding lawful speed limit of the driver. Over-speeding was the main reason for the death of 48.7 per cent (45,106 people) killed in road accidents in 2004, 46.7 per cent (44,346 people) in 2005, 45.5 per cent (48,123) in 2006 and 48.8 per cent (55,883) in 2007. As per the data available, the maximum number of accidental deaths in the year 2007 occurred in Andhra Pradesh (11.8 per cent of the total) followed by Tamil Nadu (10.5 per cent), Uttar Pradesh (10 per cent) and Maharashtra (9.8 per cent).
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Empowerment of Minority Women,

(PIB NEWS) The Government has formulated and approved a scheme for Leadership Development of Minority women. Inputs received, inter-alia, from National Commission for Women (NCW) were also taken into account by the Ministry of Minority Affairs while formulating the scheme. Giving this information in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Shri Salman Khurshid, Minister of Minority Affairs, informed the House that NCW had envisaged a scheme which would reach out to minority women and help them to assume leadership roles in accessing services, skills and opportunities for improving their lives and livelihood. The scheme was launched this year on 27th January.
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Prime Minister’s New 15-Point Programme for the Welfare of Minorities,

(PIB NEWS) The Government has said that the Prime Minister’s New 15- Point Programme for the Welfare of Minorities aims at enhancing opportunities for education, equitable share in economic activities and employment, improving the conditions of living of minorities and prevention and control of communal riots. Giving this information in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Shri Salman Khurshid, Minister of Minority Affairs, informed the House that the new programme envisages location of a certain proportion of development projects in minority concentration areas. It also provides that, wherever possible, 15% of targets and outlays under various schemes should be earmarked for minorities. Accordingly, State-wise and scheme-wise targets are fixed for benefits to minorities under various schemes included in the programme considered amenable to earmarking. Shri Khurshid informed the Lok Sabha that implementation of the 15- Point Programme is monitored at the State/UT and district levels by the State/ District level committees. At the Centre, the progress of implementation of the programme, monitored and reported by the various Ministries/ Departments concerned, is reviewed every quarter by the Ministry of Minority Affairs and on half yearly basis by a Committee of Secretaries and by the Cabinet.
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President of India Inaugurates ‘Exhibition of Innovations’ at President’s Estate

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil inaugurating an ‘Exhibition of Innovations’, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhion March 10, 2010. The Minister of State of Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Prof. K.V. Thomas is also seen.                                                    (Photo by PIB No:CNR-30748)  

=======================================================                                  (PIB NEWS) The President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil inaugurated an ‘Exhibition of Innovations’ in the President’s Estate of Rashtrapati Bhavan today. This is perhaps the first time ever that a Head of State anywhere, has hosted an exhibition of innovations. The showcasing of this exhibition is in consonance with the vision of the President and inspiration received by the nation, following the declaration of this decade as the ‘Decade of Innovation’. The President feels that the ‘business as usual’ approach will not do and there is a need for focusing on new ways of doing things in this decade. The event is therefore a lead taken by Rashtrapati Bhavan in this direction. The exhibition places before the public, innovations principally from grassroots innovators from unorganized sectors. The Exhibition will be open for viewing to the public from March 10 to 14 from 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs. Entry would be from Gate No. 35 of Rashtrapati Bhavan, situated near North Avenue. The President took a look at the various innovations on display and interacted with the innovators. She was keen that the exhibits should not remain merely displays, but efforts should be made to take the next steps forward. This would involve helping the innovators link-up with industry and marketing agencies to fine tune their creations and then bring their products into the market. If found necessary the President’s Secretariat would assist by asking the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, to help wherever required. The principal objective of this event is to promote the innovative spirit and knowledge, encourage grassroots innovators and follow-up the process by bringing industry and manufacturers together to make the new products available for larger number of people for the good of society. This also is in consonance with the need for inclusive growth. The principal theme of the exhibition is innovations which impact agricultural production and related fields. It is hoped that some of the innovations on display may be able, through this opportunity, to move forward on the road for learning and commercialization of the concepts and products. The exhibition has participation from 32 innovators from around the country, with 36 innovations and products showcased. These include 9 new plant varieties, 3 innovations by students, 14 related to the agriculture and farming sectors and four energy and environment related exhibits. The National Innovation Foundation (NIF) whose function the President attended in November 2009 and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) are participating in this exhibition. The Minister of State for Agriculture, Prof. K.V. Thomas was also present.
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Andhra opposition protests with lanterns

Legislators from opposition parties came to the Andhra Pradesh assembly Tuesday with lanterns to protest against a severe electricity shortage in the state.Led by former chief minister N.Chandrababu Naidu, legislators of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) staged the protest with lanterns and dummy transformers at Gun Park opposite the assembly building. They later marched to the assembly and raised the issue in the house. The Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged similar protests. Speaker N. Kirankumar Reddy, however, rejected their adjournment motions on the issue, triggering an uproar. The speaker had to adjourn the house and call a meeting of all floor leaders to find a way out. Earlier, Naidu termed the electricity situation as serious. He alleged that farmers, the domestic sector and students were badly affected by the scheduled and unscheduled electricity cuts. PRP led by its president K. Chiranjeevi staged a demonstration at Vidyut Soudha, the headquarters of AP Transco (Andhra Pradesh transmission corporation) in Somajiguda. The state is in the grip of a severe electricity crisis due to the increased demand in summer and the ongoing rabi crop season. AP Transco has imposed two-to-six hour scheduled cuts across the state. Authorities have imposed two-hour cuts every day in the state capital and major cities, five hours in towns and six hours in villages. However, people are complaining of unscheduled cuts for longer durations. The state has declared a one day weekly power holiday for industries and is planning to increase it to two days. Experts say the situation could turn worse as it was only the beginning of summer. The peak demand is 250 million units (MU) every day while there is a shortage of 25 MU.                      (thanks to newkerala.com)
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Rajya Sabha debates women’s bill,

After frenzied opposition and repeated disruptions, the Rajya Sabha Tuesday evening finally debated the historic women’s reservation bill in the run up to a vote on the legislation reserving one-third seats for women in parliament and state legislatures.Amongst those who spoke were Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Arun Jaitley, Communist Party of India-Marxist’s (CPI-M) Brinda Karat, Bahujan Samaj Party’s (BSP) Satish Mishra and Jayanthi Natarajan of Congress.Opening the debate was Jaitley, who said his party “unequivocally” supported the women’s bill but added that the privilege of supporting it had been diluted by “some of the most shameful incidents in India’s parliamentary history”.The leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha, who spoke after the constitution amendment bill was put to vote by Chairman Hamid Ansari, said he had a feeling of being a party to history in the making when he came to the house.Karat, a vocal supporter of the bill, said women’s reservation in parliament and state legislatures would change the “culture of the country because women today are still caught in a culture prison. In the name of tradition, stereotypes are imposed and we have to fight these every day”.These stereotypes will also be broken by the bill, said Karat, who believes the entry of a larger number of women in legislatures would make for “more sensitive politics”.“The women’s reservation bill will ensure that women of Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Other Backward Classes, poor women and Muslim women would benefit from it,” Karat said, addressing concerns that the bill would benefit only some sections.Congress leader and spokesperson Jayanti Natarajan also refuted critics demanding a special quota for Dalit women, saying Dalits and tribals would continue to get reservation under the bill.A triumphant Natarajan said no other party “had the courage to deliver the promise (of reservation for women) to the people of India”. She said Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had not lagged behind in supporting measures for women’s empowerment.However, Bahujan Samaj Party’s Satish Mishra said his party would not be able to support the proposed legislation in the current form. He wanted the prime minister to reserve 50 percent of all seats in legislatures for women in line with their population ratio.Shivanand Tiwari of the Janata Dal-United (JD-U) created a minor stir in the house by speaking in favour of the bill, which has been opposed vocally by a section of his colleagues led by party president Sharad Yadav.The AIADMK’s V. Maitreyan pointed out that the bill was a great tribute to the Indian housewife who he said had proved to be better financial managers of the household “than all the finance ministers of India”.(thanks to way2online)
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Osmania University student commits suicide for Telangana,

Desperate over the delay in formation of a Telangana state, another student of the Osmania University committed suicide Tuesday.Sai Kumar, a second year B. Tech student, ended his life by hanging in his hostel room in the campus. A suicide note purported to have been written by him said he was taking the extreme step as he was upset over the delay.Police said some hostel inmates saw Sai Kumar hanging from the ceiling fan. Kumar, who hailed from Nalgonda district, was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead.The incident triggered fresh tension in the university, the nerve centre of the Telangana agitation. Students gathered in large numbers and raised slogans of ‘Jai Telangana’.In view of the tense situation, the university authorities have postponed the exams scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday.This is the latest in a series of suicides by Telangana students in support of the demand for separate statehood to the backward region, which comprises Hyderabad and nine other districts.A student of Class 12 had immolated himself Feb 20 at the main entrance of Osmania University to protest the delay in formation of Telangana state. He resorted to the extreme step in full public view during a protest by university students.AMCA student self-immolated on Osmania University campus and his body was found on the campus Jan 19.Parties fighting for separate Telangana state claim that more than 300 students and youth have committed suicide in the region since protests began in November. There is no independent confirmation of this number.                                                                             (thanks to way2online)
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PRESIDENT PRESENTS "STREE SHAKTI PURUSKAR 2008-09"

(PIB NEWS) Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil gave away Stree Shakti Puruskar for year 2008 and 2009 to eminent personalities drawn from diverse fields and launched the National Mission for Empowermewnt of Women. The President struck a personal note when she said that the launch of the Mission gave her the happiness of fulfilment of a dream. She thanked the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh for his support for the Mission and acceding to her desire for the Prime Minister to Chair the Mission. Smt Patil said this is a gift to women on the occasion of Women’s Day.The President said that all round development of women require that both economic and social empowerment is taken care of. She said that for meaningful participation of women in the economic process they should have access to credit at low rates.Deputy Chairperson of Planning Commission Shri Montek Singh Pointed out that gender perspective is integral part of the 11th plan and launch of the mission will lead to better implementation of the gender specific programmes. Minister of State (independent Charge) Smt Krishna Tirath thanked the president for envisioning the Mission and providing unflinching support for it. The Minister said that the winners of the Stree Shakti Puruskars are a source of inspiration for us and it is important that thir example should be made known more widely.On the occasion of International Women’s Day on 8th of March, the Government of India presents national awards called the Stree Shakti Puraskars as a measure of recognition of achievements of individual women in the field of social development. The awardees have been nominated by state governments and selected by a national level Screening Committee.There are six awards instituted in the name of eminent women personalities of Indian history like Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar, Kanngi, Mata Jijabai, Rani Gaidenlou Zeliang, Rani Laxmibai and Rani Rudramma Devi. Each award carries a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakh and citation and is awarded to a woman who has excelled in providing support and rehabilitation to women and children, upliftment of women in tribal areas, empowering women to enable them to participate in political life, has worked with women in distress or has shown an exemplary courage in her life.
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PRESIDENT OF INDIA, presenting the "Stree Shakti Puruskar 2008" to Hyderabadi Women Mrs. Mahjabeen,

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil presenting the Stree Shakti Puruskar 2008 to Mrs. Mahjabeen (Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh), in New Delhi on March 08, 2010.The Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Women and Child Development, Smt. Krishna Tirath, the Minister of State of External Affairs, Smt. Preneet Kaur and the Chairperson, National Commission for Women, Dr. (Miss) Girija Vyas are also seen.
(Photo by No:CNR-30728)
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Women’s quota bill ‘anti-Muslim’,'anti-Dalit’: Mulayam

Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh Yadav Sunday termed the women’s reservation bill “anti-Muslim” and “anti-Dalit”, and said it will restrict chances of members of these communities getting elected to legislatures.“When states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharastra, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi or Orissa rarely elect even a single Muslim, the reservation for women will further minimise the chance of a Muslim ever getting elected from these places,” he said at a press conference here.Opposing the reservation bill in its present form, he contended that the quota for Dalit women will actually eat into the quota for Dalits, “depriving Dalit men”.Slamming the stand of Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) who are supporting the bill, Mulayam Singh said: “Their stand clearly reflects that they are hand in glove and their real intent is to harm the larger interests of Muslims, Dalits as well as backwards”.In a reference to the Congress and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), he remarked: “There are certain political parties in the country which are dominated by women whose word is law in their respective parties but did they ever care to allocate 30 per cent tickets to women? If they wanted, they could have even given away 50 per cent or even 100 per cent seats to women, but they never did so”.                     (thanks to way2online)

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Telangana lawyers boycott courts

Hyderabad,8.Mar, Lawyers in Andhra Pradesh’s Telangana region Monday boycotted the courts to protest attacks on them by activists of the Telugu Desam Party(TDP).Acting on an appeal by the Telangana lawyers’ Joint Action Committee, the lawyers did not attend work in the High Court and other courts, demanding the arrest of TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu and TDP activists involved in theattack.Raising anti-TDP slogans, the lawyers staged a protest on the road outside the High Court, leading to a traffic jam. They also demanded that Naidu tender an apology to the lawyers.Similar protests were held in other courts here and in nine other Telangana districts.Seven lawyers were injured when TDP workers attacked them for disrupting Naidu’s speech at a protest programme organised against price rise by TDP and Left parties at Indira Park here Saturday.The pro-Telangana lawyers were demanding that Naidu make his stand clear on the issue of a separate Telangana state. Naidu rejected the demand for an apology. His party alleged that the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) had instigated the lawyers against Naidu.Police registered cases against Naidu and TDP workers but did not arrest anybody.Security was tightened at the NTR Trust Bhavan, the headquarters of TDP here and at all TDP offices in the region, in view of the threat by lawyers to lay siege to the party offices.“We are demanding the arrest of Chandrababu Naidu and his party workers for the attack on lawyers,” G. Rajverdhan Reddy, a leader of Telangana lawyers’ JAC, told reporters.

(thanks to way2online)
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Terrorists may attack airports during peak hours: CISF

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Monday said that terrorists may attack airports during peak hours to cause maximum damage.“There is a view that chances of hijack by terrorists are very few. So they can attack the airports from the city side during peak hours to cause maximum damage,” CISF Additional Director General M.S. Bali told reporters here.“We have taken preventive measures. We have deployed personnel at the city side at the Delhi and Mumbai airports,” he said. Similar measures could be taken in other airports too.The central paramilitary force guards 57 airports, Delhi Metro and other vital installations. It has more than 120,000 personnel.                                                      (thanks to way2online)
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Unbearable pain for family of Indian boy who died in Australia

The family of three-year-old Gurshan Singh Channa is dealing with “unbearable pain” over his death, a councillor said Monday while paying respects to the boy whose body was found far from his home in this Australian city.Gurshan’s body was found on Wildwood Road Thursday night after a massive search following a complaint by his parents who were staying in Lalor, over 20 km away.Darebin councillor Tim Singh Laurence said charges laid Sunday night against part-time taxi driver Gursewak Dhillon had helped ease the family’s pain.Dhillon is alleged to have placed the child in the boot of his car unconscious, but still alive, Thursday. He lived in the same house as the boy and his parents and several other people.“Obviously they (Gurshan’s parents) were dealing not only with the unbearable pain of losing a three-year old toddler, but dealing with the anxiety of not knowing what had happened to their child.“With the police announcing progress in the case it gives some relief to them but the pain of losing a child remains,” Australian news agency AAP quoted Laurence as saying.It was still unclear as to how the boy was rendered unconscious; an autopsy has failed to determine a cause of death.Gurshan arrived in Australia in January with his parents. The family was due to return to India as his father Harjit Singh Channa failed to find work in Melbourne.Singh and his wife Harpreet Singh Channa gave statements to police Friday but officials say they are not suspects.Gurshan’s death had caused an uproar in India, with New Delhi Friday describing the incident as “most unfortunate”.There have been a string of attacks on Indians in Australia, with one of them proving fatal. Nitin Garg was fatally stabbed Jan 2 while on his way to work in this city.   (thanks to way2online)
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UK visa offices closed for upgrade,

If you're travelling to the UK in the first week of April from India, you must read this. The British high commission offices in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kochi will be closed between March-end and first week of April for an IT system upgrade. While the Hyderabad, Kochi and Bangalore offices are closed between March 31 and April 5, the Chennai office will be closed from April 1 to 5. The last date on which Visa Facilitation Service (VFS) will accept new applications in Hyderabad, Kochi and Bangalore is March 30. In Chennai, the last date is March 31. These centres will reopen on April 6. During the closure, applicants can collect their passports from the centres between 9 am and 10 am only.
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Andhra Pradesh Tourism Bags 6 National Awards,

The National Tourism Awards for 2008-2009 were presented at a function held on Saturday at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi by Hamid Ansari, the Vice President of India.

The Minister of Tourism & Housing & Poverty Alleviation, Kumari Selja, presided over the function, and Sultan Ahmed, Minister of State for Tourism was the Guest of Honour. This year, Andhra Pradesh Tourism bagged 6 National Tourism Awards for the year 2008-09, in the categories of Best State For Development Of Tourism Infrastructure, Special Award For Best Civic Management, Most Innovative Adventure Activity, Best Tourism Friendly Golf Course, Best Tourism Film Award and Best Convention Centre.The awards were received by J Geeta Reddy, Minister for I&PR, Cinematography, FDC & Tourism, Culture, Archealogy & Museums, Archives; Jayesh Ranjan, Secretary Tourism; Sridhar, Vice Chairman, VUDA; Swarnjeet Sen, Chairman, APTDC; B Venkatesham, MD., APTDC.
The Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority received a special award for Best Civic Management. The Innovative Adventure Activity special award was received for the tourism department's promotion of adventures sports, including rock climbing, rappelling, zorb ball, bungee, trampoline and archery. The award for the Best Tourism Friendly Golf Course was for the one being developed by Andhra Pradesh Tourism in partnership with Golf Association - a golf course with 18 holes in 200 acres of land near the Golconda and Qutub Shahi Tombs in Hyderabad.
The Best Tourism Film Award was received for a 30 second promotional films produced by the Department and developed by Mani Shankar for PATA, an event held in 2008 September at Hyderabad. Lastly, HICC received the award for the Best Convention Centre Category. (thanks to fullhyderabad)=========================================================================

National Consultation on Access to Justice,Relief and Rehabilitation of Rape Victims

(PIB NEWS) A National Consultation on Access to Justice, Relief and Rehabilitation of Rape Victims was convened on 7th March 2010 in Vigyan Bhavan by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. This was part of a series of events held by the Ministry on the occasion of centenary of International Women’s Day on 8th March. The event was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, Shri K.G. Balakrishnan in the presence of Hon’ble Minister of Law and Justice, Dr. Veerappa Moily, the Hon’ble Minister of State (IC), Smt. Krishna Tirath, and the Home Secretary, Shri G.K. Pillai. It was attended by Hon’ble Chief Justices and Judges of High Court, members of National and State Legal Services Authorities, State Ministers of WCD, senior Government officials and representatives of NGOs. In her opening address, Smt. Krishna Tirath reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to ensure effective delivery of justice to women, in all spheres. She also referred to the need for fast track courts for women, effective legal aid, and better representation of women in the judiciary. Addressing this august gathering, the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India emphasised on the need for decisive steps to deter sex offenders by investigating and prosecuting cases of sexual violence expeditiously. He welcomed the initiative taken by the Ministry of Women & Child Development in developing a comprehensive Scheme for relief and rehabilitation of rape victims. Dr. Veerappa Moily in his Special Plenary address, stated that victims of rape are given a secondary status in our criminal justice system as the entire focus of the law is on the offender. He therefore, appreciated the Ministry’s effort in drafting this scheme which achieves this goal of shifting the focus from the offender to the victim. Two panel discussions were also held on the proposed Sexual Assault Bill and the Draft Scheme for Relief and Rehabilitation of Victims of Rape as part of this Consultation. In the first Session, the Sexual Assault Bill was discussed. There was a consensus that the definition of ‘rape’ needs to be expanded to take into account forms of sexual assaults not covered in the existing definition under the IPC. It was felt that there is a need for a paradigm shift in the approach to this issue by looking at sexual assault from the women’s perspective and as a violation of her dignity, physical integrity and sexual autonomy. The proposed Bill recognises ‘marital’ rape as an offence and also incorporates a specific provision on sexual assault by a relative or a person in position of trust or authority or in a position of social, economic or political dominance. During the discussions on the proposed Scheme for rape victims, the delegates expressed the view that the Scheme needs to be made more contemporary and responsive to needs of women. There was also a view that the scheme needs to emphasise more on restoration rather than ‘compensation’. Despite the fact that the proposed amendments seek to redefine rape as sexual assault, the draft Scheme for Relief to and Rehabilitation of Rape Victims would confine itself to the present definition of rape. It was also emphasised that the proposed Scheme should have a legislative backing for better enforcement. This National Consultation was attended by more than a thousand delegates, and witnessed active participation from the members of the judiciary and civil society.
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Indian military doctrine dangerous, ours defensive: Pakistan

Pakistan has said its military doctrine was “purely defensive in nature” and termed India’s “massive militarisation as dangerous” for peace and stability of South Asia.Brushing aside India’s criticism of Pakistan for acquiring modern weapons from the US, foreign office spokesperson Abdul Basit Saturday said: “Our military doctrine is purely defensive in nature”.“It is India’s dangerous military doctrines and massive militarisation that are matters of huge concern for regional stability whereas Pakistan has always acted to protect its legitimate security interests,” The News quoted Basit as saying.He was responding to Indian Defence Minister A.K. Antony’s remarks that New Delhi was not convinced with the US explanation that it was supplying sophisticated arms to Pakistan army to take on the Taliban and Al Qaeda.According to reports, the US has cleared the supply of sophisticated laser-guided bomb kits, 12 surveillance drones and 18 F-16 fighters to enhance Pakistan military’s capability against Taliban and Al Qaeda in restive tribal areas along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.  (thanks to way2online)

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Pro-Telangana lawyers clash with TDP activists

Tension prevailed here Saturday as lawyers supporting the demand for statehood to Telangana clashed with activists of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)Some members of Telangana Lawyers Forum were injured in the clash which took place in the Indira Park area when lawyers tried to disrupt TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu’s speech demanding that he spell out his party’s stand on the Telangana issue. The leader of opposition was addressing TDP, CPI and CPI-M workers at a joint demonstration against the hike in fuel prices.Raising slogans of “Jai Telangana”, the lawyers disrupted Naidu’s speech, evoking a strong reaction from his supporters. Some lawyers sustained bleeding injuries when TDP workers assaulted them.Police arrested the protesting lawyers. Naidu and other leaders were also taken into custody for staging the sit-in.The alleged attack by TDP workers on lawyers triggered protests in other parts of Telangana. In Nizamabad district, lawyers and pro-Telangana activists attacked the TDP office. A similar incident was also reported from Mahabubnagar district.Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) chief K. Chandrasekhara Rao and Telangana Joint Action Committee (JAC) convenor M. Kodanda Ram condemned the attack on lawyers.“TDP leaders in Telangana should now decide whether they want to be with the people of Telangana or Chandrababu Naidu,” said Kodanda Ram blaming Naidu for the attack on lawyers.TDP leader from Telangana and former minister Kadiam Srihari apologised to lawyers for the attack but Naidu said there was no need for it as TDP workers did not resort to violence.Without naming the TRS, the former chief minister regretted that a party was instigating lawyers and preventing other parties from voicing their opinion in a democratic manner.Naidu, who hails from the Ralayalaseema region of the state, continued his silence on Telangana issue while his party leaders stand divided on regional lines.Meanwhile, the issue of price rise rocked the Andhra Pradesh state assembly, which could not transact any business Saturday. Speaker Kirankumar Reddy had to adjourn the house for the day as opposition parties stalled the proceedings demanding an immediate debate on rising prices.              (thanks to way2online)
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PM-INAUGURATE THE WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2010

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh lighting the lamp to inaugurate the Women’s Leadership Summit 2010 on Inclusive Growth and Empowering Women of Rural India, in New Delhi on March 06, 2010.
The Speaker, Lok Sabha, Smt. Meira Kumar and Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Women and Child Development, Smt. Krishna Tirath are also seen.
(Photo by PIB No:CNR-30705)
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Srikrishna panel on Telangana begins work in Hyderabad

On its maiden visit to Hyderabad, the Srikrishna Committee, looking into demands for and views against a separate Telangana state, faced protests by pro-Telangana groups but promised to take all groups along.The five-member committee headed by Justice B.N. Srikrishna began its work Thursday evening with an informal discussion with leaders of recognised political parties at a dinner hosted by Andhra Pradesh Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan.Chief Minister K. Rosaiah, Leader of Opposition N. Chandrababu Naidu of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), ruling Congress party’s state president D.Srinivas and Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) chief K. Chandrasekhara Rao were among the key leaders who attended the dinner.Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president Bandaru Dattatreya, Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) chief K. Chiranjeevi, Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi, Communist Party of India (CPI) state secretary K. Narayana and Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader B.V. Raghavulu were also presen.Earlier, Srikrishna told reporters that it was only an informal meeting. The two-day visit by a five-member committee is aimed to review the arrangements for consultations with political parties and other groups here.Srikrishna, who had to face protests by pro-Telangana lawyers and activists on his arrival at the airport and also at the Lake View guest house, assured to take every party and group along. “I hope that those who are opposing us today will come to us tomorrow to express their opinion,” he said, adding that nobody should doubt the committee’s sincerity and impartiality.His remarks came a day after the TRS, whose legislators resigned last month to protest terms of reference of the committee, decided to make a representation to the panel.The retired Supreme Court justice said the committee was keen to take the common man’s view in Telangana and other regions of the state. It hopes to complete the process of consultations with political parties and various groups by July 31 and submit its report before Dec 31, the term fixed by the central government, he said.When pointed out that major parties were divided on the issue along regional lines and had more than one opinion on the issue, Srikrishna said the committee was ready to hear any number of opinions from each party.The committee’s member secretary V.K. Duggal said they were receiving an average of 50 memorandums from individuals and groups every day. (thanks to way2online)
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Anand Sharma invites Malaysian Investments in Infrastructure, Power and Housing Sectors

(PIB NEWS) Shri Anand Sharma, Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, during a bilateral meeting with Mr. Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of International Trade & Industry, Malaysia here today has invited Malaysian investments into India in sectors such as infrastructure, power, housing, etc. Both the Ministers discussed ways to enhance India-Malaysia trade and investment. They noted that bilateral trade has grown robustly at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate of 29 % during the last five years and has crossed the US $ 10 billion mark in 2008-09. During his interaction, Shri Sharma urged the Malaysian Minister to facilitate the conclusion of India-ASEAN Services & Investment Agreement negotiations. The Ministers also discussed the state of play of the Doha Round negotiations at the WTO. Both sides reviewed the status of India-Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) negotiations and noted that two rounds of negotiations have taken place so far. They mandated officials to conclude the CECA negotiations by the end of 2010. The Malaysian Minister invited Shri Sharma to visit Malaysia in June 2010 along with a business delegation, ============================================================

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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