CBI urges court to conduct Satyam trial by video conferencing

Hyderabad, Apr 23: With main accused in Satyam scam case B.Ramalinga Raju continuing to remain in the Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) for treatment of heart ailment and Hepatitis C since September last year, the CBI today urged the Special court judge to try the case, involving Rupees 7,800 crore financial fraud through video conferencing facility.Special court judge B V L N Chakravarti, after the CBI's plea, adjourned the hearing in the case to April 30.NIMS submitted to the Special Court Judge that Raju might contract serious infections if he was taken out of the hospital. Suspecting that Raju had been evading hearing on the pretext of health conditions, the CBI counsel pleaded the court for holding the trial through video conferencing. The main accused had held frequent meetings with friends and relatives on a regular basis while being in the hospital, the CBI contended.Raju, currently in judicial custody, has been keeping away from court on health grounds, first for heart disease and then for Hepatitis C.Meanwhile, the Special judge granted permission to the Enforcement Directorate to question four Satyam employees, named accused in the case, between April 26 and 29.
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CPI(M) presses for united Andhra Pradesh before Srikrishna panel

Hyderabad, Apr 23: A delegation of the Communist Party of India(Marxist) today appeared before the Srikrishna committee constituted by the Centre to study the 'situation' in Andhra Pradesh in the wake of strident demand for separate Telangana and pressed for keeping the state united.The delegation led by CPI(M) State Secretary B V Raghavulu argued that development would be affected in the event of bifurcation of the state. This could be very much evident when three new states were created by the then BJP-led National Democratic Front government at the Centre, he said.The party was also against redrawing the map of the country drawn on linguisitic basis in 1956. Any attempt to meddle with the present map of the country would only amount to opening of the pandora's box, Mr Raghavulu told mediapersons ahead of appearing before the Committee headed by Justice B N Srikrishna.Differing with the CPI(M), the CPI had yesterday argued for creation of separate Telangana state. The party after an elaborate discussion within the party had given up its ''Vishalandhra'' (united Andhra Pradesh) stand in favour of smaller Telangana state. It rooted for separate state to address the issue of socio-economic backwardness in the Telangana region.The panel had already started its job of eliciting the views of cross-section of the people with its members Ravinder Kaur and Abusaleh Shariff, extensively touring the Telangana and Rayalseema regions.
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US warns of terror attacks in Delhi markets,

The US embassy Wednesday warned of possible terror attacks in popular Delhi markets like Chandni Chowk and Connaught Place and asked its citizens to “maintain high level of vigilance”.

“There are increased indications that terrorists are planning attacks in New Delhi,” the embassy said in an security alert. “Terrorists have targeted places in the past where US citizens or Westerners are known to congregate or visit.“Markets such as those located in Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place, Greater Kailash, Karol Bagh, Mehrauli and Sarojini Nagar can be especially attractive targets for terrorist groups,” it said.“If you are in an area where unattended packages are spotted, you should immediately exit the area and report the packages to authorities,” it added.“Americans travelling or residing in India are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, remain aware of their surroundings, monitor local news reports, and take appropriate steps to bolster their personal security,” the advisory said.
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Action assured against Modi musclemen for attacking media men

Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan Wednesday said his government will take strict action and file cases against the security personnel of Indian Premier League (IPL) chief Lalit Modi for attacking media persons here.He was replying to an issue raised in the state assembly by Leader of Opposition Eknath Khadse who pointed out that media persons who had gone to cover Modi’s arrival from Dubai were beaten up by his security personnel.“Attacks on the media are becoming a routine matter. Despite assurances by the government in the past that such offences would be made non-bailable, nothing has been done so far,” Khadse said.Assuring action, Chavan said he also spoke to Home Minister R.R. Patil about the issue.Around half a dozen media persons sustained injuries while TV cameraman Santosh Nandi was admitted to Sion Hospital with serious injuries after a couple of private bodyguards from Modi’s entourage prevented the media from speaking to him and attacked them.
The Sahar police station has registered cases against at least two of Modi’s security personnel, but details are not yet available.

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Heat wave conditions in Telangana, rainfall at other places

Hyderabad, Apr 22: Heat wave conditions prevailed over the districts of Adilabad, Hyderabad, Mahabubnagar and Warangal of Telangana even as rain occurred at a few places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema and Telangana.At Machilipatnam and Kaikalur rainfall measuring 5 cm each was recorded while it was 4 cm at Rajampet. Bhadrachalam, Koyyalagudem, Polavaram, Tanuku, Madhira, Rapur and Vinjamur recorded 3 cm each, while at Nandigama, Tirupati, Vijayawada, Anakapalle, Bhimadole and Koderu, Mangalagiri, Srungavarapukota, Puttur, and Udayagiri it was recorded at 2 cm each, Met department said today. Khammam, Narsapur, Rentchintala, Bhimavarami, Chintalapudi, Tadepalligudem, Pamidi, Piduguralla, Salur, Seetharamapuram and Yemmiganur recroded one cm each.The maximum temperatures fell at one or two places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema and changed little over Telangana.They were significantly above normal at one or two places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, at one or two places over the remaining districts of Telangana and above normal over Rayalaseema. The highest maximum temperature of 45 degrees Celsius was recorded at Adilabad.Isolated rain/thundershowers may occur over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Rayalaseema. Heatwave conditions may prevail over the districts of Adilabad, Hyderabad, Karimnagar, Mahabubnagar, Nizamabad and Warangal of Telangana during the next two days.Thunder clouds may develop during evening/night in the city, while maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 42 and 27 degrees respectively, it added.
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TDP demands Govt. to take steps to curb contaminated diseases

Hyderabad, Apr 22: Criticising the Andhra Pradesh government for its alleged ''failure to provide quality medicare to the people'', Opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) President N.Chandrababu Naidu today demanded the government to take immediate steps to curb the contaminated diseases.In an interaction here with the party workers from Anantapur, Chittoor, Ranga Reddy and Guntur districts, he alleged that people were suffering due to lack of medicines and staff in government hospitals in the districts.He said the TDP, whether in power or not, had been striving hard to solve the problems of the people and work with commitment.He alleged that due to the unhygienic conditions in slum areas, people were prone to various diseases due to mosquito menace and the government was not taking any remedial steps. This was the reason for spread of malaria and other seasonal diseases.Mr Naidu said the TDP workers of Ranga Reddy and Hyderabad districts told him that even minimum basic facilities were not available in government hospitals in the districts.He alleged that the Congress government in the state had neglected the health sector, mainly Primary Health Centres (PHC) in villages by giving more prominence to 'Arogyasri' health insurance scheme.The TDP President also alleged that the state government had failed to provide sufficient funds for government hospitals in the state. It was diverting huge funds to corporate hospitals for the government-sponsored 'Arogyasri'.Though the TDP was not against the implementation of the ''Arogyasri'' health insurance scheme to the people, it demanded concerned the government to take measures to stop irregularities in the implementation of the scheme, he added.
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Evolve strategies to combat terrorist, cyber crimes:Governor

Hyderabad, Apr 22: Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan today called upon officers of armed forces to be aware of their responsibilities in the wake of complexities and unpredictability of the issues confronting the country that has changed the security paradigm. Delivering the valedictory address of the Higher Defence Management Course-05 at the College of Defence Management (CDM) here, the Governor, expressing concern over the growing external threats, said the situation had become more difficult with factors like globalisation, convergence, networking and technological advancements, cyber crimes, state and non-state actors, criminals and terrorist linkages.He called for better understanding of the convergence of interest among state and non-state players, facilitators and criminal elements, all of whom operate with the sole aim of destabilising India. He said security agencies should build up a core team of specialists to evolve strategies to combat such problems effectively. Asserting that India needed to build up capacity to anticipate events and should be more reactive than proactive in meeting the threats, he underlined the need for drawing up strategies. On the issue of technology, he acknowledged its use by the armed forces as a force multiplier. What needed was to take it further ahead and use it to forecast threats, he added. Cautioning cyber terrorism as the major threat of the next decade, the Governor outlined the need to take such threats more seriously.He said ''preventing cyber crimes was highly questionable as we have done a little to combat this threat and in spite of general awareness, it was persisting to be a weakness in our system.'' Most of the security systems like radars and communication equipments were prone to sabotage by inimical elements, he added.
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Case registered against Shoaib, 13 others

Hyderabad, Apr 22 : Authorities of the Banjara Hills Police Station today booked a case against Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik, his wife and Indian tennis star Sania Mirza and 12 others as per the direction of the City Court for allegedly 'hurting religious feelings.' A case was registered under Section 295A of IPC and investigation into the matter was being carried out as per the court direction, police said.On a petition filed by one MD Moulim Mohsin Bin Hussain-Al Kaseri, the III Additional Metropolitican Magistrate yesterday, directed the City Police to conduct investigation for allegedly ''hurting religious feelings.' The petitioner complained that the celebrity cricketer, tennis star and their family members as also family members of Ayesha Siddiqui, his first wife, were punishable under section 295A of IPC for alleged 'deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings or any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs.'
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Kidney transplantation under Arogyasri restarts in SVIMS

Tirupati, Apr 22 : It is good news for the poor people of Andhra Pradesh that Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam's run super specialty hospital of Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciencies (SVIMS) in the temple town has actively taken up the kidney transplantation programme which would essentially benefit the most vulnerable sections of the society with very limited access to modern super specialty treatment.The Department of Urology and Nephrology comprising Dr Govndarajulu, Dr V Siva Kumar, Dr K V Dakshinamurhty, Dr A Rambabu, Dr Anil , Dr V Sai Naresh, Dr Y Manjusha and Anesthesiology headed by Dr M Hanumantha Rao of SVIMS have successfully carried out the kidney transplantation surgery on a 22-year-old P Malathi, under the Arogyasri health scheme, SVIMs Medical Superintendent Dr T Srinivasa Rao said in a release here Yesterday.Her mother donated her kidney to her.The patient was being discharged after making recovery. SVIMS was taking up another case from Chittoor district for kidney transplantation surgery shortly and intends to continue the same on a regular basis henceforth under the state sponsored scheme with the assistance of TTD, he added.
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Railways Extend Train Fare Concession to Dependent Children & Companion of Accredited Press Correspondents,

(PIB NEWS)  The Rail Travel Concession to dependent children and companion of accredited press correspondents who do not have a spouse has become effective from April 20, 2010.As announced by the Minister of Railways, Kumari Mamata Banerjee in her speech while presenting the Railway Budget 2010-11 in Parliament, the Ministry of Railways has decided to extend the Rail Fare Concession to companion of those accredited press correspondents who do not have a spouse and to dependent children up to 18 years of age of accredited press correspondents. Now accredited press correspondents can avail train fare concession for companion/children by giving an undertaking to the Chief Reservation Supervisor/Station Manager/Booking Supervisor in a revised Performa at the time of booking of ticket. The concession for companion will be extended in case of only those correspondents who do not have a spouse. This concession for the companion or dependent children is admissible only when they are traveling with the accredited press correspondent. It may be ensured that the concession to spouse/companion/children is availed only once in a financial year by the concerned press correspondent. All other terms and conditions including 50 per cent concession admissible in all classes in basic fares of Mail/Express trains and in fares of Rajdhani/Shatabdi/Jan Shatabdi trains to accredited Press Correspondents for unlimited travel on bonafide press work will remain same. The concession is also admissible to spouse of the correspondent while traveling with him/her once in a financial year. An official circular in this regard is available on Indian Railways website i.e. www.indianrailways.gov.in ( > Railway Board Directorates > Traffic Commercial > Commercial Circulars > 2010 > Circular No. CC-17)
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PM Gives Away Awards for Excellence in Public Administration,

(PIB NEWS) Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh  inaugurated the Civil Services Day, 2010 here today. Awards for Excellence in Public Administration were also presented to the winners. In his remarks, Dr. Manmohan Singh said the civil services have a major role to play in helping government fashion a suitable and adequate response to various issues that face the country. The civil servant of today should not only be alive and sensitive to the problems at hand but should also be well equipped to tackle them. He further said that Civil servants have a pivotal role in ensuring that the benefits of our programmes percolate to the farthest and remotest villages of our country. It is a daunting task that will test the endurance and mettle of our civil servants, especially that of the All-India Services. The Prime Minister urged the bureaucracy to devise innovative ways and means to harness the tools of information technology and to involve the intended beneficiaries in implementation so that complaints of leakages, complaints of corruption and complaints of lack of transparency get addressed. He said that Civil Services Day gives a unique opportunity to officers belonging to various services, and to various states, to come together to share experience and exchange views on important issues of national concern. It would not be an exaggeration to say that our civil services have lived up to this expectation, he said. ======================================================

Government Sanctions More Than 1.52 Million Houses Against the Mission Goal of Construction of 15 Lakh Houses

The Minister for Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation Kumari Selja has said that her Ministry is trying to address the issues of the urban poor, especially slum-dwellers in a comprehensive way by addressing the issues of policy, planning and programmes. Speaking at a function to give Awards for Innovations for the Urban Poor here today she said, the Government has announced Rajiv Awas Yojana with the vision of Slum-free India and the resolve to significantly improve the living conditions of the slum-dwellers. Recently, she said, the Ministry has launched the scheme of Slum-free City Planning for Rajiv Awas Yojana. This scheme is focused on Slum Survey, Development of Slum, MIS, GIS Mapping of Slums, integration of Slum MIS and GIS and preparation of Slum-free City Plans.Referring to the progress of BSUP and IHSDP components of JNNURM till March 31st this year, Kumari Selja said, the Government has sanctioned more than 1.52 million houses against the mission goal of construction of 15 lakh houses. 1422 projects of housing and basic amenities to the urban poor with an outlay of more than Rs 36,073 crores have been approved. Additional Central Assistance (Grant) of Rs. 19,920 crores are so far committed indicating more than 85% of the Mission period allocation. Cumulative release of Additional Central Assistance by the end of the financial year 2009-2010 is Rs.8,450 crores. About 2.33 lakh houses have been completed and 4.98 lakh houses are in progress as against the mid-term target of 5 lakhs units for completion or in progress. She said, while the progress of JNNURM so far is satisfactory, it is observed that there are tremendous discrepancies between States and cities. A key issue hindering the implementation of JNNURM in some States is acute capacity constraint. She said, while the challenges of urbanization are enormous, the constraint of capacity is leading to the failure of city authorities to effectively provide basic infrastructure and services to their rapidly growing urban population, especially the Aam Aadmi. Bulk of these services are lifeline services and include basic needs such as safe drinking water, sanitation, solid waste management, affordable shelter and public transportation. The Minister said, there is a dire need to address the lack of institutional and managerial capacities at city level and issues such as precarious municipal finances. There is also an issue of mindset; widespread apathy in civic officials results in deficiency in services to the urban poor. Thus, the problems of service delivery to the Aam Aadmi in urban areas have to be tackled in conjunction with reforms in municipal finances, institutional and HR capacity building and change management. Effective management of urbanization is a critical need of the hour. Kumari Selja said, urbanisation accompanies economic development. Cities in India contribute as high as 60% of the GDP. The benefits of urbanization need to be tapped to promote urban development and justice to the Aam Aadmi. In this regard, there is need to discover best practices and initiatives and promote them for wider replication. She said, on the part of her Ministry, they will strengthen their system of giving awards by Prime Minister for best-performance in the implementation of JNNURM.
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Artificial Rainfall

(PIB NEWS) A number of cloud seeding programmes have been carried out by commercial firms working under contract with a variety of sponsors both from the Government covering large areas as well as by Private Trusts at a local scale. The States of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh have undertaken cloud seeding operations till last year by hiring private firms and these operations were funded by the respective State Governments. Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) Pune, is conducting a National multi-year program viz. “Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment (CAIPEEX)” during 2008-2012. It is proposed to carry out cloud seeding experiment for producing artificial rainfall during July-August 2010 in the research mode over the rain-shadow regions of peninsular India, consisting the parts of the States of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. However, there are no plans under this programme for conducting this over Mumbai area. This was stated by Shri Prithviraj Chavan, Minister of State (I/C) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences in the Lok Sabha today.
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Use new technologies to fight corruption: PM to civil servants

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday asked civil servants to use information technology (IT) to fight corruption and ensure that the poor get equitable benefits of the government’s developmental schemes.“It is incumbent upon us to ensure that no area of our country is denied the benefits of our ambitious developmental programmes,” Manmohan Singh said, addressing a function here on the occasion of Civil Services Day.He asked civil servants to use technology tools to address the complaints of corruption and lack of transparency.“It is up to you to devise innovative ways and means, to harness the tools of IT and to involve the intended beneficiaries in implementation so that complaints of corruption and complaints of lack of transparency get addressed.“Every effort must be made to make full use of the potentialities of the Panchayati Raj System for effective decentralized and socially just development,” the prime minister said.India, according to global corruption watchdog Transparency International’s latest survey, is perceived as a highly corrupt nation in the world ranked 84 among 180 countries on the integrity score. The ranking means that 83 other countries are less corrupt than India.

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Need to monitor welfare schemes: Khurshid

Government-sponsored welfare schemes need to be monitored so that the benefits reach the targeted sections effectively, Minority Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said Tuesday. “Wherever there are schemes for the welfare of people, especially for the poorer sections of the society, their implementation needs to be monitored so as to ensure that the benefits actually reach the people in an effective way,” Khurshid said.He was inaugurating an orientation-cum-training programme organised for monitoring of the implementation of various schemes of the minority affairs ministry and its allied organizations.The programme was held for National Level Monitors (NLMs) appointed by the ministry. Khurshid said the role of NLMs becomes more important as “they will have to monitor not only the quantity, but also the quality of the schemes ”.Secretary Vivek Mehrotra said the minority affairs ministry was one of the very few to have independent monitoring of its programmes.The reports of NLMs would provide information and data enabling mid-course corrective measures to ensure effective implementation of the schemes, he said.In order to implement the mechanism of appointing NLMs effectively, the ministry signed an agreement with National Productivity Council of India, a society under the aegis of the commerce and industry ministry, in December last year.The tasks of advertising, selection, training and deployment of NLMs and making analyzed presentations on their findings to the ministry are being carried out by the NPC.The NPC will engage 223 NLMs for the purpose.
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‘Over 2,400 corruption cases against officials since 2007′

Over 2,400 corruption cases have been registered against public servants since 2007, parliament was informed Wednesday.“The CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) has registered 2,439 cases under the PC Act (Prevention of Corruption Act) against public servants, including senior officers, during the last three years – 2007,2008, 2009 and the current year (up to March 2010),” Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Prithviraj Chavan told the Lok Sabha Wednesday.Chavan was responding to a query by Pratap Narayanrao Sonawane on wheteher the government was aware of public servants and senior officers indulging in corrupt practices and the action taken against erring officials.“Whether a person is guilty or otherwise can only be decided by court after trial. However, in CBI cases under PC Act,732 cases have ended in conviction during the last three years and the current year,” Chavan said.“The government is fully committed to implement its policy of zero tolerance against corruption and is moving progressively to eradicate corruption from all spheres of life by improving transparency and accountability,” Chavan  said.   ======================================================

Swami Nityananda arrested from Himachal village

Swami Nityananda, who faces charges of rape, criminal intimidation and cheating and has been on the run for over a month, was Wednesday arrested along with four others from a Himachal Pradesh village, police said.The Karnataka-based Nityananda has been on the run since March 23 when the Karnataka High Court rejected his plea for anticipatory bail and quashing of criminal cases against him.He was nabbed from a village near Arki town in Solan district, about 50 km from here.“Swami Nityananda was arrested by a joint team of the Himachal Pradesh and Bangalore police from a village near Arki in Solan district. He was staying in a house for the past few days,” Additional Director General of Police I.D. Bhandari told Two of the arrested people belong to Delhi.“Himachal police got a fax from the Karnataka police April 17 that they had information that Nityananda was hiding in Himachal Pradesh. Subsequently two deputy superintendents of police reached Shimla for investigation,” Bhandari said.“The Karnataka police came to know about Nityananda’s whereabouts through a mobile call he had made,” he added.“The accused might be taken back to Karnataka Thursday morning,” Bhandari added.More than five mobile phones were recovered from the possession of the five arrested people.Video footage telecast in early March showed Nityananda in bed with two women. He denied any wrongdoing and has not been seen in public since then.After the Karnataka High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea, Nityananda had quit as head of his ashram, Dhyanapeetam, located about 35 km from Bangalore.In a related development, the Karnataka Crime Investigation Department (CID) has sought information from all those affected by Nityananda’s actions.
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Heatwave conditions prevail in Andhra Pradesh,

Hyderabad, Apr 21: Heatwave conditions prevailed over Adilabad and Mahabubnagar Districts of Telangana, with the highest maximum temperature of 44 degrees Celsius being recorded at Adilabad.The maximum temperatures rose at a few places over Rayalaseema, at one or two places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and changed little over Telangana. They were significantly above normal at a few places over remaining districts of Telangana and at one or two places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema, the Met department said today. Isolated rain/thundershowers may occur over Rayalaseema while mainly dry weather would prevail over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Maximum and Minimum temperatures in and around Hyderabad would be 42 and 28 Degrees Celsius respectively.
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Three govt officials convicted in ACB cases

Hyderabad, Apr 21: Special Judge for ACB Cases,Visakhapatnam, has sentenced Senior Assistant in the office of Vizianagaram District Educational Officer Manem Ramam to one-year rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rupees 1,000 for the offences under section 13(2) r/w 13(1)(d) of the P.C. Act, 1988.In case of default in payment of fine, the accused would have to undergo simple imprisonment for four months. The judge also ordered a six-month rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 500 and in default of payment of fine to suffer simple imprisonment for 2 months under section 7 of The P.C.Act, 1988. Both the sentences were ordered to run concurrently, a press release here said. Earlier, the accused was trapped by ACB officials on December 3, 2004 when he accepted bribe of Rs 8,000 from a Secondary Grade Teacher of Purryavalasa Village, Cheepurupalli Mandal,Vizianagaram District for regularization of the suspension period of the complainant. Meanwhile, the Special Judge for SPE and ACB Cases at Vijayawada sentenced Former Gorantla Village Panchayat Secretary K Subba Reddy and Village Sarpanch B.China Sivaiah to undergo simple imprisonment for one year and fine of Rs 2,000/- each u/s 13(1) r/w 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The judge also ordered simple imprisonment for six months and to pay a fine of Rs. 1,000/- each under section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Earlier, they were trapped by ACB officials on February 26, 2005 when they accepted bribe of Rs 7,000 from the complainant.
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Why is BJP silent on Reddy brothers, asks Congress

Attacking the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a day after Shashi Tharoor resigned from the government over the IPL row, the Congress Monday quesioned the “eloquent silence” of the opposition party on the allegations of corruption against the Reddy brothers, mining barons who are ministers in the BJP government in Karnataka.“The cabinet ministers in the BJP-led government in Karnataka are creating headlines for the wrong reasons and continuing corrupt practices in the Bellary issue. News reports based on facts, figures and investigations say it is day-light robbery,” Congress spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi said here.He said BJP president Nitin Gadkari and senior leader L.K. Advani were maintaining “golden, eloquent silence” on the allegations against the Reddy brothers.Seeking to take a moral high ground on Tharoor’s resignation as minister of state for external affairs over allegations of corruption in allocation of sweat equity to his friend Sunanda Pushkar in the IPL Kochi franchise, Singhvi said the party had made no attempt to “avoid the issue or brush it under the carpet”.“There was no knee-jerk reaction. It was a considered and reasoned process… the Congress has not taken refuge in the adjudicatory judicial process,” he said.Asked if Tharoor’s resignation meant he was guilty, Singhvi said the decision to ask him to step down was taken based on prima facie view. He said the party had taken a larger view of the matter, and lauded the minister for submitting his resignation.Tharoor resigned Sunday after the Congress core group decided that he should not continue in office over allegations that he misused office to favour Pushkar.
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Chief Minister orders reduction of power cut to small and medium industries

Hyderabad, Apr 20 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah today directed the Energy Department and Power Utilities to immediately reduce the power cut for small and medium scale industries, including rice mills, keeping in view the marginal reduction in power demand in agriculture sector.

While reviewing the power supply position, in particular the gap between demand and supply with officials concerned, the Chief Minister emphasised the need to prevent hardships for the lakhs of industrial labour, particularly in small and medium scale industries.Recently as per the direction of the Chief Minister, the power utilities had reduced the power cuts from two to one-and-a half days to facilitate the industries.Mr Rosaiah had ordered further reduction of power cut from the present one-and-a half days to small and medium scale industries.Principal Secretary, Energy Department, Suthirtha Bhattacharya assured the Chief Minister that the direction would be implemented from today itself.The officials informed the Chief Minister that as far as Hyderabad Metropolitan city was concerned, the present peak demand of Greater Hyderabad was about 1,500 MW. As per the preliminary estimates, the planned demand of 5,000 MW upto 2019-20 in the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority area includes industries loads projected by the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation for their industrial clusters at Hardware park, Mamidipally and IT Special Economic Zones at Manikonda and Rayadurg.The Chief Minister directed the Energy department and AP Power Utilities to come out with future demand for power well in advance even for industrial sector.He also reviewed power supply position for the domestic sector, reiterated that special efforts should continue to ensure that there were no interruptions, whatsoever, from 1800 hours to 0600 hours for domestic category consumers so as to help the students who were still writing examinations.
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Chandrababu Naidu turns 60,

Hyderabad, April 20: Telugu Desam Party (TDP) activists Tuesday organised blood donation camps and fed the poor in several places across Andhra Pradesh to mark the 60th birthday of party chief N. Chandrababu Naidu.Apart from these programmes, Naidu spent some time at Krushi Street children's home in Medchal block of Ranga Reddy district near here. The former chief minister inquired about the facilities available to the street children and deposited Rs.10,000 for each of the orphans. Speaking on the occasion, Naidu said he wished to see in his lifetime a society free of poverty. Mild tension prevailed during Naidu's visit to Medchal as some pro-Telangana activists tried to stop his convoy, demanding that he take a clear stand on the Telangana issue. Naidu, who comes from Chittoor district in Rayalaseema region, has not taken a clear stand either in support of or against separate statehood to Telangana region but has allowed party leaders from the region to air their views in favour of a separate state. A large number of party leaders and activists, meanwhile, reached his residence in Jubilee Hills here to greet Naidu. He cut a cake to celebrate the occasion with his followers and well-wishers. Naidu's brother-in-law N. Harikrishna, N. Balakrishna and other members of TDP founder N.T. Rama Rao's family greeted him. Naidu, who served as the chief minister for nearly a decade (1995-2004), began his political career in the Congress party and served as a minister in early 1980s and married thespian N.T. Rama Rao's daughter. He later joined the TDP floated by his legendary father-in-law in 1982. Unhappy with the interference of NTR's second wife Lakshmi Parvathi in party and government affairs, Naidu unseated him from power in August 1995 and became the chief minister. NTR, who had accused Naidu of back-stabbing him, died in January 1996. Naidu later firmed up his position, and came to be known as the CEO of Andhra Pradesh for introducing reforms in administration and for his pro-industry image.
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Srikrishna committee interacts with people on Telangana

Hyderabad, April 20: Two members of the Justice Srikrishna committee Tuesday interacted with a cross-section of the people in some villages of Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district to elicit their opinion on the demand for separate statehood to Telangana region.On the second day of their field visit, Abu Saleh Shareef and Ravinder Kaur visited remote villages in Kurnool district of Rayalaseema region. They interacted with farmers, women self-help groups and youth to know their views on the Telangana issue. Assisted by translators, the two members of the committee posed various questions to the people to elicit their opinion. They had Monday visited some villages in Mahabubnagar district of Telangana and interacted with the people. While an overwhelming majority of the people they interacted in Mahabubnagar district wanted a separate Telangana, the opinion in Kurnool district was divided. Shareef, an authority in food security at the International Food Policy Research Institute, and Kaur, a professor of humanities at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, visited some houses in Veldurti Mandal of Kurnool district to meet women and sought their views. In both the districts, they went around the villages, received representations and wanted to know how a separate Telangana state would impact their lives. Unlike in Mahabubnagar district where the committee members were greeted with protests by some pro-Telangana groups, their visit to Kurnool district was a smooth affair. At Kollampally hamlet, the tribals welcomed them in their traditional way. This was the first field visit by the Srikrishna committee, constituted by the central government in February this year to look into the demands for and against separate statehood to Telangana. Kaur told reporters that the committee would visit all parts of the state over the next three months to elicit people's opinion and study their problems. The five-member panel, headed by retired judge of the Supreme Court, Justice B.N. Srikrishna, has so far received over 60,000 representations from various political and non-political groups from all three regions -- Telangana, Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra. The committee last week began consultations with political parties. The Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) was the first to present its arguments in favour of a separate Telangana state. Actor-turned-politician K. Chiranjeevi's Praja Rajyam Party (PRP), which is opposing the demand, will make its presentation before the committee here Thursday. Though the central government has asked the committee to submit its report by the year-end, the panel is hopeful of completing the process of consultations by the end of July and submit its report before its term ends. The panel was constituted after Andhra Pradesh was rocked by a series of protests for and against a Telangana state following the Dec 9 statement by Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram that the process for formation of Telangana state would be initiated. He had made the statement after an 11-day fast by TRS chief K. Chandrasekhara Rao.
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Shoaib Malik given back his passport by Hyderabad Police

Hyderabad, Apr.20 : A day after the Andhra Pradesh High Court directed the concerned agencies to return Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik's passport, the all rounder finally received his travel document back on Tuesday (April 20.)According to Malik's lawyer Muhammed Javed, his client has received his passport back, and would return to Pakistan soon with his newly married wife Sania Mirza.On Monday, the Andhra Pradesh High Court dismissed all cases against Shoaib, and ordered the police to return his passport.The court also said that Shoaib and Sania are free to visit Pakistan whenever they want.Earlier on April 5, Shoaib had handed over his passport and mobile phone to the Hyderabad Police, after an investigation team questioned him on a complaint filed by his first wife Ayesha Siddiqui's father Mohammed Siddiqui.Acting on Siddiqui's complaint, police had asked Shoaib not to leave the city without their permission, and also alerted immigration officials.The decision to dismiss all cases comes after Shoaib divorced Ayesha on April 7.After the divorce, Shoaib and Sania finally exchanged the marital vows on April 12.
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DIRECTOR AP ARCHYALOGY ADDRESSING TO MEDIA,

Prof Chenna Reddy, director of AP state Archeroliogy department addressing newsmen at C S I St Georges Church Compound Abids,St Georges Pastorate Committee along with its president Mr Paull S David,                              (PHOTO BY R S J THOMAS) ===================================================================================

R,NARAYANA MURTHY ADDRESS TO BSEF MEETING,

Bhahujan Samaj Employee Fedaration Meeting R Narayana Murthy's, (The famous film actor and Director) speech while Bhahujan Samaj Employee Fedaration Meeting,(PHOTO BY RSJ.THOMAS)=============================================================================================================

BRIC COUNTRIES LEADERS MEETING IN BRASILIA,BRAZIL,

The Leaders of BRIC countries, the President of Brazil, Mr. Lula da Silva, the President of Russia, Mr. Dmitry A. Medvedev, the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh and the President of China, Mr. Hu Jintao in a meeting, in Brasilia, Brazil on April 15, 2010.

(Photo by PIB No.CNR-31298)

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Chief Minister K.Rosaiah meeting with Ahluwalia,

The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri K. Rosaiah meeting the Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia to finalize Annual Plan 2010-11 of the State, in New Delhi on April 16, 2010.

(Photo by PIB No:CNR-31307)

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Identification of Minority Concentration Districts

Minority Concentration Districts (MCDs) have been identified on the basis of substantial minority population and relative backwardness in terms of selected socio-economic and basic amenities parameters based on data of 2001 Census. There are 90 such districts in the country. Giving this information in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha , the Minister for Minority Affairs, Shri Salman Khurshid, said that there is no proposal to review/upgrade the list of already identified MCDs at this stage.

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Rajya Sabha adjourned till Monday

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned till Monday with angry opposition MPs, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), creating a furore demanding a discussion on the IPL row involving Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor.The upper house of parliament will reconvene at 11 a.m. Monday.The problem started Friday as soon as the house assembled at 11 a.m. and BJP members, S.S. Ahluwalia and Ravi Shankar Prasad, were on their feet demanding a debate on the issue. They were joined by MPs from the Samajwadi Party, Janata Dal-United (JD-U) and Asom Gana Parishad (AGP). The house was adjourned till noon.But the din continued when the house reassembled. Amid the din, Deputy Chairman K. Rahman Khan called for the official papers to be laid in the house.As opposition members continued to raise procedural issues, Home Minister P. Chidambaram stood up to read two paras from a statement laid by Tharoor in the Lok Sabha.In spite of an appeal to members to allow the house to function, the din continued and the Rajya Sabha was adjourned till Monday.======================================================

PM meeting with Brazil President,

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh meeting the President of Brazil, Mr. Lula da Silva on the sidelines of BRIC and IBSA Summits, in Brasilia, Brazil on April 15, 2010. ( photo by PIB)

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Of six GSLV launches, only two were successes

The GSLV rocket mission that failed Thursday was the sixth launched by India. Of the six, only two were successes and one a partial success. The rest could not accomplish their missions.The two successful launches by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) were in 2003 and 2004 – and put into space GSAT-2 and Edusat, an educational satellite.The rocket’s maiden flight in 2001 could not attain success as it was not able to sling GSAT-1 into the intended orbit. The satellite could not be raised to the intended orbit.The 2006 flight was historic for a dubious reason – for the first time ISRO destroyed the rocket mid-air soon after the take-off as it started backing up.The last flight of GSLV was in 2007, which is considered a partial success.In Thursday’s mission, the main indigenous cryogenic engine ignited when it was activated 300 seconds after the rocket blasted off, but two side Verinier cryogenic engines failed to igniteThe mission, costing Rs.350-crore mission, was not insured. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-Development 3 (GSLV-D3) rocket deviated from its path minutes after the rocket blasted off around 5 p.m.ISRO chairman K.Radhakrishnan said: “The vehicle started tumbling and started losing altitude because two engines would not have ignited.”The GSLV D3 blasted off with a GSAT 4 satellite but stopped emitting signals within minutes, after the rocket attained 60-km altitude.The data from the rocket stopped coming after 505 seconds.“The cryogenic state ignition order was issued by onboard computers as planned. Indication of cryogenic engine getting ignited was also obtained.”“The cryogenic engine has two more Verinier engines, It seems they did not get ignited,” he said, adding a “detailed analysis will be done”.Radhakrishnan said the next GSLV launch with an Indian made cryogenic engine will be launched within a year.This is the first launch for Radhakrishnan after becoming ISRO chairman, (way2online) =======================================================

Hyderabad U.S Consul General address press conference,

A memorandum of understanding signed between Curves International, Inc and Q-Mart Retail Ventures Pvt. Ltd. in a press conference at Taj Deccan, Hyderabad. U.S. Consul General Hyderabad. U.S. based Curves International, Inc is the world’s largest women’s fitness club
franchisor with more than 10,000 locations in over 50 countries worldwide and has brought fitness to more than four million women.U.S.Consul General Cornelis M.Keur presided over the signing ceremony. The press conference is addressed by Curves India CEO David Ramadan and Q-Mart Retail Ventures Pvt. Ltd Director BVK Raju.  (photo by RSJ THOMAS)================================================================================

Moulana Israr Ahmed's death shocks Muslims,

Hyderabad, April 14: The demise of renowned Islamic scholar Moulana Israr Ahmed sent shock waves among Muslim community in this Indian city.Muslim organisations and leaders expressed their shock the death of Moulana Israr Ahmed,the founder of Tanzeem-e-Islami who passed away in Pakistani city of Lahore early Wednesday. Hundreds of Muslims offered 'Ghaibana Namaz-e-Janaza' (or funeral prayers in the absence of body) at Azizia Masjid, one of the biggest mosques in the city, after Maghrib prayers Wednesday evening. Sheikh Imaduddin, the imam of the mosque, led the prayers. Addressing the gathering, he termed Moulana Israr's death as the biggest loss for the Islamic world. He recalled that the 'dars-e-Quran' (or translation and interpretation of the Quran) by the scholar and his soul-stirring lectures on the message of the Quran created an awakening in the Muslim 'ummah' and reconnected people, especially the youth, to the holy book. Moulana Israr, who died at the age of 78, was a familiar face for Muslims here and in other Indian cities through his daily discourses on Peace TV and QTV. The CDs of his lectures and speeches are also popular here. Moulana Israr, who headed the Quran Academy, had also visited Hyderabad four years ago to deliver a series of lectures. He was popular in the Indian sub-continent, Middle East and North America for his thought-provoking lectures on the Quran.
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Parliament adjourned over demands for debate on Dantewada

The Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were adjourned till 12 noon amid noisy scenes by National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and other opposition parties demanding the suspension of question hour for a debate on Dantewada massacre.In the Lok Sabha, Bharatiya Janata Party leaders M.M. Joshi and Rajnath Singh raised the demand first and were soon joined by members from the Samajwadi Party, the Rashtriya Janata Dal, and the Janata Dal-United.Parliamentary Affairs Minister P. K. Bansal tried to pacify the protesting parliamentarians and informed them that Home Minister P. Chidambaram would make a statement on the issue at 1 p.m.But the protesting MPs continued with their demand, forcing Speaker Meira Kumar to adjourn the house.The Rajya Sabha also resumed work with at least 19 members who were re-elected and elected to the upper house of the Indian parliament taking oath. All the members of the Rajya Sabha also paid tribute to the late Polish president Lech Kaczynski, who died in a plane crash last week.Soon after that, however, the house had to be adjourned following noisy demands for a debate on the massacre in the April 6 masscre of 76 security personnel in the forests of Dantewada in Chhattisgarh.
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17,842 acres of land distributed to poor in AP dist

Tirupati, Apr 14: As many as 17,842 acres of land was distributed to the poor landless beneficiaries in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh which under the fifth phase of land distribution programme held on Ambedkar 'Jayanthi' today.In Tirupati division, Andhra Pradesh Minister for Roads and Buildings Galla Arunaka Kumari launched the fifth phase of land distribution programme at Srinivasa Auditorium in S V University campus where 3,612 beneficiaries from three constituencies were given land rights. Chittoor TDP MP Siva Prasad handed over land pattas to the beneficiaries on the occasion.After participating in Dr B R Ambedkar Birth Anniversary celebrations at Chittoor district headquarters, Ms Kumari also unveiled the prestigious land distribution programme at Market Yard in Chittoor division where 3,118 landless poor were given land pattas. In Madanapalle division, State Forest Minister P Ramachandra Reddy launched the fifth phase of land distribution programme after garlanding the statue of Dr B R Ambedkar.The district administration had made elaborate arrangements for the prestigious programme.
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Pakistan minister to represent country at Sania-Shoaib reception

Pakistan Population Welfare Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan, cricketer Sohail Tanvir and singer Waris Baig have arrived here to attend the wedding reception of Shoaib Malik and Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza Thursday evening.Awan, who landed in Hyderabad Wednesday night, hoped that the marriage of the two celebrities would help strengthen the ties between India and Pakistan.“I am here to attend the wedding reception and I am confident that this marriage will help in the peace process,” she told reporters at the airport.The minister, who would represent the Pakistani government at the reception Thursday, said she would present a gold crown to Sania as a special gift from the people of Sialkot, Shoaib’s home town. The minister also comes from the same town.Awan, who is on a five-day visit to India at the invitation of union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, will also hand over gifts from Pakistan President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to the coupleThe minister reiterated that the newly-wed couple would be brand ambassadors of Pakistan population welfare ministry.“We are aware of the legal process in India and the issue of passport will be resolved very soon,” she said when asked about Shoaib’s passport, which is still with a city court.The Hyderabad Police have said it could take a week for the former Pakistan skipper to get back his passport as he would have to complete legal formalities with regard to the closure of the case filed against him by his first wife Ayesha Siddiqui.Ayesha withdrew her complaint against Shoaib after the latter divorced her. But the cricketer’s passport, seized by the police after grilling him April 5, is still with the court.The Pakistani cricketer married the Indian tennis ace Monday.Meanwhile, the stage is set for the gala wedding reception at hotel Taj Krishna in Hyderabad. Sania’s family has invited about 1,000 guests, including film personalities and sportspersonsActors Salman Khan and Shahid Kapoor, tennis stars Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupati, and ace shuttler Pullela Gopichand are among some of the celebrities expected to attend the reception.(way2online)

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Notification issued for Council polls for 3 seats

Hyderabad, Apr 13 : The Election Commission of India today issued notification for conducting Legislative Council Elections in Andhra Pradesh to fill up three seats from Hyderabad Local Authorities Constituency (two members) and Hyderabad Local Authorities Constituency(one member).Informing this to reporters here, State Chief Electoral Officer I V Subba Rao said the last date for filing of nominations would be April 20.Scrutiny of nominations would be taken up on April 21 and the last date for withdrawals is April 23.The elections would be held on May 7 and counting of votes polled on May 10, he said, adding Model Code of Conduct had already come into force from April 6.As many as 223 voters-- 150 corporators and 65 ex-officio members--were eligible to exercise their preferential vote from Hyderabad and 592 voters including an MP and six MLAs could vote from Rangareddy Local Authorities Constituency, he added.
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Chief Minister Dr.K.Rosaiah, launches land distribution prog

Hyderabad, Apr 14 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah today launched the fifth phase of the land distribution to landless poor by handing over the title deeds to women at Shadnagar in Mahaboobnagar district, coinciding with the 119th birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar.Later, addressing the gathering, he said the government, which was committed to the welfare of the poor had decided to distribute land to the landless poor for their empowerment.He urged the opposition parties to extend their help and offer suggestions for the implementaton of the land distribution scheme instead of criticising the state government.It was the duty and responsibility of the opposition parties to offer their constructive suggestions for its implementation in the interest of the landless poor, he added. He said an extent of 1,00,615 acres had been identified for distribution to over 69,506 beneficiaries in 22 districts in the state.''Our government aims to fulfil the mission of Dr Ambedkar for uplift of the weaker sections, particularly the SC/ST's by empowering them with land to achieve sustainable livelihood,'' he said.Each family was given land 2.50 acres of wet land or 5 acres of dry land, including the land originally held by the family.Revenue Minister Dharmana Prasada Rao said the state government had taken up the land distribution programme in a big way.He said the state government has already distributed surplus land to the landless poor in four phases to an extent of 6,03,809 acres.
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Two unknown ladies go missing after stealing new born

Hyderabad, Apr 13 : Two unknown burqa clad ladies came to Imtiyaz Hospital and took away a new born baby from the hospital in the city.According to police, yesterday, two un-known ladies wearing expensive Burqa came to Imtiyaz Hospital and started conversing with the mother of a 6-day-old baby girl and her attendant. After sometime, the lady attendant went down to settle the hospital bills for discharging the baby and the mother's. Meanwhile, one of the ladies asked the babys mother to bring the baby girl to cash counter for conducting a test.Believing them, the mother handed over the baby girl to the lady.Immediately, the said ladies sped away with the baby girl.Search was on to trace the culprits, police said. (thanks to newkrala.com)
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Ceremonies begin at Sania Mirza's house

Hyderabad, April 13: A day after Sania Mirza's marriage with Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik, wedding ceremonies began at the residence of the Indian tennis ace here.The bride and her bride-groom arrived at her residence in Jubliee Hills Tuesday, formally kicking up series of ceremonies. The couple stayed at Taj Krishna hotel after their 'nikah' Monday afternoon. Since Sania and her husband were paying first visit to the house after the marriage, they were given a traditional and warm welcome by her parents. Imran Mirza and his wife Naseema along with other family members came out of the house to receive the newly-wed couple. 'Mehendi', a pre-wedding ceremony, began Tuesday with the arrival of relatives and close friends of Sania and family members of Shoaib at Sania's house, which has been decked up and illuminated for the occasion. 'Sangeet', a ceremony with musical programme, is scheduled to be held Wednesday while Sania's family will host a gala wedding reception at the hotel. The bride's uncle and Gazal singer Talat Aziz is set to perform at 'Sangeet'. Sources close to the family said since the two families advanced the 'nikah', the pre-wedding ceremonies like 'mehendi' were being held after the wedding. Sources said the 'nikah' was advanced to avoid further controversies. Islamic scholars Sunday issued a 'fatwa' terming as un-Islamic the proximity between Sania and Shoaib before the marriage. Sania's family earlier stated that 'nikah' would take place April 15. Shoaib, 28, wed the 23-year-old Sania at a brief and simple ceremony held at the hotel. Under 'nikahnama' or marriage contract, the former Pakistani skipper agreed to pay Rs.61 lakh as 'mehr' to Sania. The Pakistani batsman last week divorced his first wife Ayesha Siddiqui after a bitter row surrounded the three families for a fortnight.
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OBAMA WELCOMES TO Dr. MANMOHAN SINGH.

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh with the US President, Mr. Barack Obama, at the official welcome for the Nuclear Security Summit, in Washington on April 12, 2010.

(Photo by No.CNR-31221)
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MANMOHAN SINGH, MEETS TO GILANI,

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh exchanging pleasantries with his Pakistani Counterpart, Mr. Yousaf Raza Gilani, during the official reception for the leaders, at the Nuclear Security Summit, in Washington on April 12, 2010. (Photo by No.CNR-31216)
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Dr.J.Geeta Reddy to attend of "convergence for development of tourist destination" meeting in New Delhi,

The Union Minister of Tourism & Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Kum. Selja chairing a meeting of convergence for development of tourist destinations, in New Delhi on April 13, 2010.The Minister of Tourism, Andhra Pradesh, Dr. J.Geetha Reddy and the Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Shri Sujit Banerjee are also seen. (Photo by No.CNR-31229)
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PM Singh, meeting with PM Canada,

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh in a meeting with the Prime Minister of Canada, Mr. Stephen Harper, on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit, in Washington on April 12, 2010.(photo by PIB)

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FUJIFILM’S MANAGING DIRECTOR MR.KENICHI TANAKA LAUNCHES ALL NEW RANGE OF FUJIFILM CAMERAS

FUJIFILM India Pvt Ltd., the wholly owned subsidiary of FUJIFILM Corporation Japan, the pioneer in 3D photographic technology solutions has officially announced the launch and availability of 14 next-gen digital cameras into the Hyderabad Photography market at Byas Foto World, Himayath Nagar. FUJI Film’s M.D. Shri Kenichi Tanaka has launched new series of Fuji Film cameras at Byas Foto World. New models introduced are 'A series' compact value models (AV100, AV150, AX 200, and AX250) targeted on budget conscious casual users featuring high-definition (HD) image and video capture. Four sleek and stylish models under the 'J series' family (JV100, JV150, JX200, JX250) that come with sculpted and innovative looks. These cameras are equipped with state-of-the-art technological features like High-Definition photo and video capture, razor sharp picture clarity with Fujinon zoom lenses, Scene Recognition Auto, Panorama Shooting Mode, Movie Mode with Sound, Picture Search etc. One of the more technologically advanced cameras launched by FUJIFILM amidst the new next-gen camera releases is the FinePix HS10, which is an extreme long zoom camera with high-speed aperture targeted on the needs of professional photographers. It promises to best fit the 'all-in-one' camera's category with an assortment of features which include: world's first 30x optical zoom with manual zoom enabled, advanced photographic features as in performance hungry SLR system and full HD movie capture. It combines 24-720mm (30x) zoom lens with advanced photographic controls and is rated to deliver advanced functionality and SLR-like handling in a single compact, affordable unit.The outlet, Byas Foto World, a division of Byas Foto Retail Private Ltd, is one of the oldest in the city. It was one of the official photographers to the Nizam of Hyderabad and has been in the business for 90 years. Spread over 4500 square feet, Byas Foto World is probably the BIGGEST PHOTOGRAPHY STORE in A.P. dedicated exclusively to photography products like digital cameras of all brands like Fuji Film, Nikon, Canon, Sony, Olympus, Samsung, Panasonic, digital printing where in you can get from passport size photo to a blow up size print up to 40”x60” in minutes, printing on cups, mugs, t-shirts, portrait studios, digital and normal display frames, passport and visa photos. All A to Z services in photography would be present under one roof,      (photo by RSJ THOMAS)======================================================

Sania,Shoaib get married

Hyderabad, April 12 : Indian tennis star Sania Mirza tied the knot with Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik at a hotel here Monday after getting a no-objection certificate from the city police."The Nikah has been completed. Please pray for the couple," Sania's spokesperson Rucha Naik told media persons outside hotel Taj Krishna, adjacent to Taj Deccan. Sania, 23, and Shoaib, 28, signed the 'nikahnama' and said "qabool hai" in the presence of a qazi and two witnesses from each side, sources said. About 70 people, including close relatives and friends from both sides, attended the much-hyped and controversial marriage ceremony. After the 'nikah', the guests offered 'zuhar namaz'. It was followed by lunch, where they were treated with traditional delicacies, including the famous 'Hyderabadi biryani'. Since the Qazi had refused to perform the 'nikah' Friday in the absence of Shoaib's passport, sources said Sania's family got a no-objection certificate from the Hyderabad police. Shoaib's passport, seized last week in connection with a case filed by his first wife Ayesha Siddiqui, is still with the police. Earlier, clad in red traditional bridal wear, which her mother wore on her wedding 25 years ago, Sania left her residence in Jubliee Hills amid drum beats and reached hotel Taj Deccan shortly after noon. From there they went to the adjoining Taj Krishna, where Shoaib and his relatives are staying. She was accompanied by her father Imran Mirza, mother Naseema, younger sister Anam and a few close relatives. Shoaib, who divorced Ayesha last week, wore a black 'sherwani'. His mother, sisters and some close relatives attended the wedding. Security has been tightened at the hotel and the media was not allowed inside. Earlier, Naik told reporters outside Sania's residence that there would be a 'mehendi' ceremony Tuesday. The 'sangeet' would be held the next day while Sania's family would hold the wedding reception April 15. The high-profile marriage was surrounded by controversies ever since it was announced March 29. It is learnt that the two families decided to solemnise the marriage Monday to avoid further controversies, especially in the light of Sunday's 'fatwa' issued by Islamic religious scholars against Sania and Shoaib living together before their wedding. Sania's media manager Sunday night clarified that Shoaib moved out of Sania's house a few days ago. The Sunni Ulema Board, a group of religious scholars, had declared that the act of Sania and Shoaib living together was against Islamic Shariat. It asked Muslims not to attend such marriages where men and women come together in close proximity in violation of Islamic rules. Additional Commissioner of Police N. Narasimha Reddy said it may take a week for Shoaib to get back his passport from a court as some formalities with regard to closure of the case would have to be completed. Ayesha withdrew the case Wednesday after Shoaib divorced her.
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India needs educated citizens in knowledge century: President

President Pratibha Devisingh Patil Monday exhorted students to contribute to nation-building through their talent and knowledge, saying India will certainly emerge a stronger country when the youth determinedly work for it.“When the 540 million youth of the country are educated and they determinedly work for the country, India will certainly emerge as a stronger country,” she said, addressing the golden jubilee celebrations of the Punjab Public School here.The president said that India needed educated citizens who have in them the ability to innovate and invent, particularly in the 21st century, where the progress of the nation would be driven by the knowledge base of its population.Urging students to utilise their time at school in the best possible manner, the president said they must study hard and “for true learning and understanding”.“Therefore, approach your studies with a sense of enquiry. Think independently and creatively. Be disciplined and methodical in your daily lives. Inculcate values like compassion, tolerance and harmony that will instil a feeling of welfare for humanity.”“Promote a feeling of national harmony so necessary for keeping together our country which has diverse religions, faiths, languages, castes, communities and also vast geographical distances. What we need is unity in diversity to keep our great country together.”She also asked students to participate in sports and other extra-curricular activities because it was sports that could teach them to put in their best and to accept both victory and defeat in the true spirit of a sportsperson.Dwelling on the role of teachers in today’s fast changing society, the president said that teachers have a greater responsibility in interpreting developments in the world to students in the proper perspective.She conferred the school’s roll of honour for 2009 on its ex-student, Lt. Gen. Bikram Singh, general officer commanding-in-chief (GOC-in-C) of the army’s eastern command.Punjab Governor Shivraj Patil and Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal were also present on the occasion.   (way2online)======================================================

Obama asks Pakistan to punish Mumbai attackers

Hours after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed concern over Pakistan’s will to punish those responsible for the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, President Barack Obama asked Islamabad to move against the perpeterators.A couple of hours after meeting Manmohan Singh, Obama Sunday told Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani that the Indian leader was sincere in improving ties with Islamabad, but wants Pakistan to take action against those responsible for the Mumbai attacks.Obama, according to diplomatic sources, told Gilani at their 40-minute meeting that he also personally believes that Pakistan taking action against those responsible for the Mumbai terrorist attack “would be a positive thing”.The US president also made no commitment on the issue of an India-type civil nuclear deal to meet Pakistan’s acute energy needs saying there is need to have a proper balance between progress and security concerns.Voicing his desire for an improved India-Pakistan relationship, Obama said he believes that this would be not only beneficial to the South Asian neighbours, but would also have a positive impact on the overall situation in the region.“Obama began by noting that he is very fond of Pakistan, having visited the country during college,” the White House said in a statement later.“The President discussed with the Prime Minister (Gilani) the bilateral progress made during the March 24-25 Strategic Dialogue and reiterated the US pledge to work with Pakistan to address issues of mutual concern in the long-term relationship,” it said.“The Prime Minister (Gilani) also indicated his approval of the progress made during the Strategic Dialogue and his hope that the working groups that have been established to address various aspects of the relationship would yield progress in advance of the next Strategic Dialogue meeting, scheduled for late 2010 in Islamabad,” it said.According to the White House, Gilani indicated his assurance that Pakistan takes nuclear security seriously and has appropriate safeguards in place.The Pakistani officials later said that the US president told them that he is satisfied with the measures taken by Islamabad for the safety and security of its nuclear weapons.Gilani not only sought an India type nuclear deal saying it was fully qualified, but also lobbied hard for international acceptance as a responsible nuclear state soon after his arrival.“The prime minister is arguing for Pakistan’s acceptance as a responsible nuclear state at every opportunity he gets, from his meeting with Mr Obama to his speech at the summit,” a Pakistani official said.
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BJP announces state executive commiteee

Hyderabad, Apr 12 : Andhra Pradesh BJP president G Kishan Reddy today announced the office-bearers and the state executive members of the party with nine vice-presidents and four general secretaries.He also announced nine secretaries to the state party, according to a release here.The president announced the State Executive with 83 members in it.He said youth and women have been given special priority in the current list, which was a ''judicious mix of youth and experience''.He said a large number of women had been given opportunity in consonance with the party policy of inducting one-third of its office-bearers and executive members with women.In the office-bearers, there were six BCs, two SCs and one ST with seven women while in the executive there were 12 SCs, 3 STs, 53 BCs and 26 women. There were 58 young leaders who got first opportunity to work at the state-level.
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Govt will take all safety measures to protect dams: Minister

Hyderabad, Apr 12 : Andhra Pradesh Major Irrigation Minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah today said the State Government would take all safety measures to protect canals and dams during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon floods.

Addressing the press here, he said the government had sanctioned Rs 212 crore for taking up permanent and temporary works at the dams and canals and directed the officials concerned to complete the works before the start of the rainy season.He said the committee appointed by the government had given its report with suggestions on safety measures to protect dams and canals during floods. He said the government would consider the suggestions and take all measures to protect the 17 major projects in the State.
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Heatwave prevails in several districts of AP

Hyderabad, Apr 12 : Heatwave conditions prevailed in the districts of Adilabad, Hyderabad, Karimnagar and Mahabubnagar of Telangana region, with the highest maximum temperature of 45 degrees Celsius being recorded at Adilabad.The maximum temperatures rose at one or two places over Telangana and changed little over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema. They were significantly above normal over remaining districts of Telangana and at one or two places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema. Mainly dry weather was likely to prevail over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Rayalaseema. Heatwave conditions were likely to prevail over Telangana and isolated parts of Rayalaseema during next 48 hours.Maximum and Minimum temperatures in and around Hyderabad would be 42 and 28 degrees Celsius respectively.
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Sania Mirza to marry Shoaib Malik today

Hyderabad, Apr 12 : Despite the interference of community leaders and controversy surrounding their marriage, ace tennis star Sania Mirza is expected to tie the nuptial knot with Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik on April 12.

"Sania''s nikah with Shoaib will take place shortly," said Sania''s PRO, adding that the reception will take place on April 15.However, due to security concerns the exact location of the wedding was not disclosed.The Sunni Ulema Board had issued a fatwa on Sunday, thereby further adding to Sania''s pre-marital woes.The fatwa claimed that it''s un-Islamic for a man and woman to live under the same roof before ''nikah'', and lashed out at the tennis star and her groom-to-be Shoaib Malik, who has been reportedly staying at the Mirza residence for over a week.''''It''s un-Islamic for a man and woman to see each other during the ceremonies before the ''nikah''. Therefore, what they (Sania and Shoaib) are doing is not correct,'''' said Sunni Ulema Board General Secretary Hasibul Hassan. Sania''s father Imran Mirza had earlier on Friday said the pre-wedding ceremonies would start off from April 13.Pakistan''s Interior Minister Rehman Malik had on Sunday asked Pakistan''s High Commissioner to India Shahid Malik to request the Indian authorities to return Shoaib''s passport, which was seized after Ayesha Siddiqui claimed to be his wife and filed a police complaint against him.The two sports personalities are expected to settle in Dubai after their marriage.
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