Manmohan, Gilani to meet on SAARC summit margins

 

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Yousaf Raza Gilani and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Ms. Sheikh Hasina at a banquet hosted by the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Mr. Lyonchhen Jigmi Y. Thinley, at Thimphu, in Bhutan on April 28 ,2010. (Photo By PIB No.CNR-31444)
================================================                                          Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will meet his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani here Thursday on the margins of the SAARC summit, an Indian official said Wednesday, ending the suspense over the much anticipated talks between the two South Asian rivals.Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash said the two prime ministers would meet on Thursday in the Bhutanese capital after the two sides agreed through diplomatic channels to hold the dialogue.“It has been agreed through diplomatic channels that the prime ministers of India and Pakistan will hold a bilateral meeting tomorrow at Thimphu,” Prakash told reporters.There was no official word on the timing and venue of the meeting but Pakistani foreign office sources said that the two leaders would meet at 6.30 p.m. Thursday.
Peace talks between India and Pakistan were stalled after the 2008 Mumbai terror attack that left 166 people dead. India blamed terrorists based in Pakistan for the attack.This will be the first meeting between the two leaders after their talks at Sharm el-Sheikh in July 2009.The foreign secretaries of the two countries – Nirupama Rao and Salman Bashir – had met in the Indian capital in February but the talks ended in a stalemate after India insisted that the composite dialogue would resume only after Pakistan prosecutes the terrorist leaders responsible for the Mumbai carnage.
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Appointments in National Wage board for print Media

(PIB NEWS) The Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Shri Harish Rawat has denied in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today that the Finance Ministry had instructed the Ministry of Labour & Employment to make the appointments of the Staff for the National Wage Board for Working Journalists and non-journalist Newspaper Employees only on deputation basis. The Board is headed by Justice (Retired) G.R. Majithia.

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Heat wave prevails in Telangana, isolated rain in other parts

Hyderabad, Apr 28 : Heat wave conditions prevailed over Adilabad district of Telangana with the maximum temperature recorded at 45 degrees Celsius while isolated rain occurred over coastal Andhra Pradesh and other parts of Telangana.The maximum temperature fell at a few places over Rayalaseema and changed little over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. They were significantly above normal at one or two places over coastal Andhra Pradesh and remaining districts of Telangana and above normal at one or two places over Rayalaseema, the Met department said today.The weather has been dry over Rayalaseema.Tuni and Tanuku recorded 3 mm each rainfall, Bhimavaram Peddapuram, Ramannapet 2 mm each and Koyyalagudem, Polavaram and Tadepalligudem one mm each.Isolated rain or thundershowers would occur over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and may occur over Rayalaseema. With the chance of thundery development towards evening or night, maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 42 and 27 degrees respectively.
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Hyderabad on alert after warning of possible terror attacks

Hyderabad, April 28 : Police in Hyderabad Wednesday went on alert following a warning by central intelligence agencies about possible terror strikes in the city.Police personnel with the help of dog squads took up search operations at railway and bus stations, markets and some other crowded places. Security has been beefed up at places of worship, historical monuments and vital installations.Police Commissioner A.K. Khan said the alert was sounded in view of the recent bomb blasts in Bangalore and also to apprehend some suspected terror operatives believed to be hiding in the city.As the intelligence agencies warned that terrorists could strike crowded place, the dog squads searched Begumbazar, a major trade hub, whrere communal riots occurred early this month.Security personnel stopped vehicles and checked them at several points in the city.All police stations in the city have been alerted and leave of police personnel cancelled till May 18, the third anniversary of the bomb blast at historic Mecca Masjid.The police commissioner appealed to people to inform police about any person moving suspiciously or about any unclaimed object. He advised shopping malls, cinema theatres and shops to install metal detectors, CCTV cameras and deploy private security personnel to gear up security."There is no need for panic but people should be alert about their surroundings," said the police commissioner.Khan said police were trying to arrest Viquaruddin and his associates who were believed to be in city.The alert comes a few days ahead of the third anniversary of the blast at Mecca Masjid. Nine people were killed in the blast during Friday prayers at the mosque May 18, 2007.Last year on the second anniversary of the blast, unidentified persons had opened fire at policemen in the old city killing one policeman and injuring another.Police believed Viquaruddin, an alleged terror operative, was involved. In a similar attack Dec 3, 2008, two policemen were injured. The incident took place when police were trying to arrest Viquaruddin. One of the two people accompanying him opened fire on policemen. The three then managed to escape.
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TRS warns of civil war over Telangana statehood

Hyderabad, April 28 : On the occasion of its ninth anniversary Wednesday, the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) once again warned of civil war if Telangana was not made a separate state soon.
Unfazed by the criticism from other parties and even demands for booking him for sedition, TRS chief K.Chandrasekhara Rao said civil war would be inevitable if Telangana state was not carved out.Addressing a gathering of hundreds of party workers here Wednesday evening, Rao dismissed speculations that the TRS would merge with the Congress party.He declared that the TRS would remain as a separate entity even after formation of Telangana state and that it would not have an alliance with any party in future."Some people are calling me traitor and demanding that the TRS be derecognized. This for raising voice against injustices to four crore people of Telangana. Are those who snatched our water resources and jobs not traitors?" asked the Mahabubnagar MP.KCR, as Rao is popularly known by initials of his name, said people would teach a lesson to the parties that want to field candidates against the TRS in assembly by-elections.Bypolls to 10 assembly seats, which fell vacant following resignations by TRS legislators over Telangana issue, are likely to be held in August this year. Earlier, TRS ideologue K. Jayashankar said war-like situation would be inevitable if the Srikrishna Committee failed to give a report in line with the aspirations of Telangana people.Addressing the anniversary celebrations of the party here, he said the panel formed by the central government to look into the issue was the last hope for people demanding a separate state of Telangana."If Telangana state is not formed even after the Srikrishna Committee submits its report, struggle will be the only option before the people. We can't say what will be the shape of this movement," said the former vice chancellor of the Kakatiya University."People will decide the nature of the movement. They have no options as despite an announcement by the central government in parliament their dream of a separate state has not been fulfilled," he said.The five-member committee formed by the central government in February is currently holding consultations with all stake holders. The panel headed by former Supreme Court Justice B.N. Srikrishna has been given time till Dec 31 to submit its report.The TRS is celebrating its formation day at a time when the Srikrishna Committee is engaged in consultations over Telangana issue. The party conclave, attended by delegates from all 10 districts of the region, including Hyderabad, also reviewed the developments of last six months.It was KCR's fast-unto-death in November-December last year which intensified the movement for Telangana state. Rao called off his fast after 11 days Dec 9 when the central government announced that the process for formation of Telangana state would be initiated.However, the statement by Union Home Minister P.Chidambaram plunged Andhra Pradesh into crisis with massive protests in Andhra and Rayalaseema regions. Mass resignations by public representatives and street protests forced the central government to backtrack and it decided to hold consultations with all the stakeholders.All 10 state legislators of TRS resigned en masse after the central government made a second statement Dec 23. However, legislators from other parties refused to follow the TRS line.TRS, which initially opposed formation of the Srikrishna Committee, later submitted a memorandum to it and also put forward its arguments in favour of a separate Telangana state.It was on this day in 2001 that KCR had quit Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and floated TRS to revive the three-decade old movement for a separate Telangana state.Over 300 people were killed in police firing during violent protests for Telangana in early 1970s.  (PHOTO BY RSJ THOMAS)
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Hunger Strike by "HYDERABAD UNION OF JOURNALISTS"(HUJ) at Press Club

In protest attacked on journalists by police one day hunger strike organised by Andhra Pradesh Union of Working journalists(APUWJ), CPM leader B.V Raghavulu atteneded the strike with senior journlists Mr K.Amarnath, Mr D. Amar, HUJ president Mr Khaleel Quadri, HUJ Executive Member Mr SSK Hussaini Iqbal, and others can be seen,                        (photo by R S J.Thomas)========================================================

Opposition shutdown hits transport in Andhra Pradesh

 The day-long shutdown called by opposition parties against price rise evoked partial response in Andhra Pradesh affecting transport services.State-owned Road Transport Corp (RTC) stopped plying buses in several places in Andhra Pradesh as opposition workers held demonstrations outside bus depots and staged road blockades, police said.Shops and business establishments in some towns were partially closed. Normal life largely remained unaffected in Hyderabad as buses plied normally while shops and business establishments were open.The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), Forward Block and Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) called for the shutdown to protest price rise.Leaders and activists of the five parties were arrested in Hyderabad and 22 other districts of the state as they tried to forcibly close shops, staged road and rail blockades, and took out rallies Mild tension prevailed at RTC cross roads here when TDP, CPI and CPI-M workers blocked vehicular traffic and police used force to disperse them. CPI state secretary K. Narayana and CPI-M state secretary B.V. Raghavulu were among the leaders who were arrested.In Uppal on the city’s outskirts, TDP leaders led by former minister T. Devender Goud took out a motorcycle rally to enforce the shutdown.Police arrested opposition activists in Ongole town in Prakasam district when they stopped RTC buses from plying. Dozens of protesters were also taken into custody in Nalgonda.Vehicular traffic came to a standstill on National Highway 9 near Vijayawada as leaders and workers of the opposition parties squatted on the road.Blaming the policies of the central and state governments for the price rise, CPI leader Narayana demanded that the government immediately reduce VAT on food items in Andhra Pradesh. ======================================================

CTAC submits report to CM on organ transplantation

Hyderabad, Apr 27 : The Cadaver Transplantation Advisory Committee (CTAC) today suggested implementation of a new scheme 'Jeevandaan' with the objective of promoting the transplantation of organs harvested from cadavers or brain dead persons.In its report, submitted to Chief Minister K Rosaiah at Secretariat here, the Committee recommended constitution of the Appropriate Authority for Cadaver Transplantation (AACT) and housing it in the premises of NIMS, establishment of a network of Non-Transplanting Organ Harvesting Centres (NTOHC) to be registered in the hospitals with specified infrastructure and manpower, a real-time information will be provided on availability of organs and allocate them to needy patients with matching requirements. A copy of the report submitted by the CTAC will be posted on the website of the AP Government, inviting comments of experts and citizens for two weeks from April 28, 2010. The Government intends to issue the required policy orders on the cadaver transplantation, taking into consideration the report of the Committee as also the suggestions to be received from experts and citizens. The Chief Minister hailed the Cadaver Transplantation Advisory Committee (CTAC) for their comprehensive report, a press release here said. Medical Education Minister P Sudarshan Reddy, Principal Secretary (Health) J Satyanarayana, Principal Secretary (Finance) L V Subramanyam and others were also present.
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Andhra Pradesh achieves 4th position in IT related exports

Visakhapatnam, Apr 27 : The Andhra Pradesh Information Technology and Communication Principal Secreatry K Ratna Prabha said the state has risen to fourth position in IT related exports in the current fiscal.Talking to the media here today she said, the state of affairs of IT industry and the basic infrastructure facilities needed to be extended with the IT company representatives and officials from Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation, Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority(VUDA), Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (EPDCL), and road transport Corporation. She further said Andhra Pradesh is aiming to achieve Rs 5000 crore from IT related exports in the next five years time. Visakhapatnam has currently two IT hubs in Madhuravada and Rushikonda. The third hub will be Gambhiram. So far more than 25 companies were provided land ranging from 2 to 15 acres for setting up their offices. However, nearly 12 companies did not make any beginning so far. The companies which have started functioning have pointed out lack of amenities such as transport services, scarcity in water supply, and power shortage and the recently clamped power holiday by the EPDCL. She also instructed the companies to make all positive initiatives to start their business activity within six months time in the respective lands allotted to them for the purpose, failing which the government would consider other companies which are evincing interest. The state government would bring forth a new IT policy. It will be implemented from next year which is under proposal stage now, she revealed.
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Train Fare Concession Increased to 100% for Cancer Patients

(PIB NEWS)As announced by the Minister of Railways, Mamata Banerjee in her Budget Speech 2010-11, the Ministry of Railways has decided to enhance the element of concession to caner patients in 3-AC and Sleeper class from existing 75 per cent to 100 per cent. The element of concession for escort in 3-AC and Sleeper remains unchanged i.e. 75 per cent. It has become effective from 20th April, 2010.Cancer patients and their escorts are given concession in railway fares for going to (and returning from) recognized hospitals for treatment and periodic checkup. The 100 per cent concession to the cancer patient is admissible only in the basic fares of Mail/Express trains and all other charges will be realized in full. The element of concession for cancer patients and their escorts in other classes i.e. 2nd, 1st Class AC, Chair-Car and 2 AC/1AC shall remain unchanged at 75 per cent and 50 per cent respectively. This concession will be admissible on tickets purchased on and after April 20, 2010. In cases of tickets already issued for travel on & after April 20, 2010, refund of difference of fares will not be admissible. There are no changes in other terms and conditions. ======================================================

Health and Wellness Clubs to be Set up in Schools: Shri Kapil Sibal National School Sanitation Iniative Launched: Aamir Khan Declared Brand Ambassador

(PIB NEWS) The Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Kapil Sibal has said that Health and Wellness Clubs will be set up in schools. These clubs will instill among children values of good health and sanitation. He was speaking at the launch of the National School Sanitation Initiative, being undertaken by the Union Ministry for Human Resource Development, Union Ministry of Urban Development, CBSE and GTZ, here today. Shri Sibal underlined that partnership with children is required as they are the future. He exhorted the children to take the lead and inspire all towards high standards of sanitation. He pointed out that what we have got from mother nature must be preserved.Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister for Urban Development, Shri Jaipal Reddy stated that it was required to sensitise people about the issues of sanitation, energy efficiency and conservation of natural resources. He talked about the National Urban Sanitation Policy and how this new initiative could play a large role in improving sanitation levels in the country. A School Sanitation Manual was released by Shri Sibal which will be part of the CBSE curriculum. A Bio-dynamic waste Segregation Programme was launched by Shri Reddy which seeks to educate children about use of waste as a resource. Smt. D. Purandeswari, Minister of State for Human Resource Development released the School Sanitation Report on the occasion. Shri Saugata Roy, Minister of State for Urban Development, released a number of colourful posters focusing on the theme of sanitation. Noted film actor, Aamir Khan was declared the Brand Ambassador for the initiative. He congratulated the two ministers on this important initiative and stated that it was now up to the citizens and children to take this forward. He, along with Shri Sibal and Shri Reddy, interacted and took questions from a large number of school students present on the occasion.
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Togadia fails to appear before SIT

Summoned by the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the 2002 post-Godhra communal riots, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) international general secretary Pravin Togadia struck a defiant note when he sent in his proxy with a set of queries. The SIT turned down the plea and refused to accept the proxy appearance.Named in the petition submitted to the Supreme Court by Zakia Jaffri, widow of former congress MP Ehsan Jaffri who died in the communal killings at the Gulberg society in Ahmedabad, Togadia was summoned by the SIT to appear before it through a letter faxed to his office on April 19.On Saturday, instead of appearing in person Togadia sent his lawyers to the SIT office to enquire under what rule he had been summoned and what was the focus of the questioning he would have to submit to.Togadia’s advocate, Deepak Shukla, said Monday that he had sent two of his lawyer colleagues to the SIT office with Togadia’s letter raising the issues. But the SIT official did not accept the letterShukla charged that the SIT official had also insulted the two lawyers who had gone to the office.The petition filed by Zakia Jaffri names the chief minister, Narendra Modi, and 62 others as accused. The SIT refused to entertain Togadia’s lawyers and demanded that the VHP leader appear in person. The SIT also refused to accept from the lawyers some documents sent by Togadia.Shukla said that the SIT officer pointed out to the lawyers that even the chief minister had responded positively to the SIT summons and answered its questions for nearly nine hours in two sessions last month, and wondered why was Togadia reluctant to appear before it.Meanwhile, SIT chairman, R.K. Raghavan, arrived here Monday. He is due to submit the final report of the investigation before the apex court April 30.
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Congress not in favour of JPC probe into phone taps

The Congress Monday indicated it was not in favour of a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe into allegations of phone tapping of senior political leaders.“It (JPC) does not have coercive powers possessed by regulatory agencies…. (The) history of JPC in terms of penal outcomes is not very encouraging,” Congress spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi said.Singhvi said it was possible a JPC may inhibit ongoing investigations.“A final decision on JPC will be taken by the government,” Singhvi said while appealing to the opposition not to disrupt proceedings of parliament on the issue.The phone tapping issue rocked parliament Monday following a report in a newsmagazine that the government had tapped telephones of Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Prakash Karat and Congress leader Digvijay Singh.The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and some other opposition parties have demanded a JPC to look into issues concerning the Indian Premier League and the phone tapping row.The CPI-M has sought an independent inquiry into the phone tapping allegations.With the demands of grants of several ministries scheduled to be taken up in the Lok Sabha Tuesday, Singhvi appealed to the opposition allow parliament to function.“It is not necessary to disrupt parliament on demand for JPC,” he said. Referring to Home Minister P. Chidambaram’s statement in parliament refuting allegations about the government involvement in phone tapping, Singhvi said the remarks were “fair, balanced and pointed”.
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PM’s Statement to the Media at the Joint Press Meet With President Hamid Karzai

(PIB NEWS)Following is the statement of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh at the joint press meet with the President of Afghanistan, Mr. Hamid Karzai:“It is a great honour for me to welcome His Excellency President Hamid Karzai to India on his first visit to India after his re-election as President. I have had extremely productive discussions with President Karzai. We discussed a broad range of bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest. We exchanged views on regional cooperation in the context of forthcoming SAARC Summit and our common vision of freer and more unfettered regional trade and transit. Greater economic integration has the potential of transforming our region. India and Afghanistan enjoy a strategic partnership based on unique historical and civilizational bonds and shared goals. I conveyed to President Karzai our deep admiration for his courageous leadership in difficult times, and our support to the Government and people of Afghanistan as they build a strong, peaceful, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan. India believes that this process should be led and owned by the Afghan people. We reviewed the development partnership between our two countries. India remains committed to assisting the Government and people of Afghanistan in their efforts towards the reconstruction and development of their country. I conveyed to the President that India is ready to augment its assistance for capacity building and for skill and human resources development to help strengthen public institutions in Afghanistan. We discussed the issue of terrorism, which threatens our region. President Karzai assured me that the Government of Afghanistan will take all possible measures for the security of Indians in Afghanistan. We were of the view that the attacks of February 26, 2010 in Kabul were the handiwork of those who do not wish to see the emergence of a strong, independent and pluralistic Afghanistan. I conveyed to President Karzai that the perpetrators of such attacks will not succeed in undermining India’s commitment to assist the Afghan people. I look forward to continuing to work together with President Karzai for further enhancing our close cooperation. This is in the interest of our two peoples and peace and stability in the region and beyond.”
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Three language formula for Linguistic Minorities

The Government has informed the Rajya Sabha that the report of National Commission for Religious & Linguistic Minorities( NCRLM), inter alia, states that a three-language formula should be implemented everywhere in the country making it compulsory for the authorities to include in it the mother tongue of every child – including especially, Urdu and Punjabi. Giving this information in written reply to a question the Minister for Minority Affairs, Shri Salman Khurshid, informed the House that the report of NCRLM says that all necessary facilities, financial and logistic, should be provided by the State for education in accordance with the dispensation suggested by it.The Minister said that the recommendations of NCRLM are under consideration of the Government.
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Women Beggars and Prostitutes,

(PIB NEWS)The number of women beggars hauled up in NCT of Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata during the last three years is 319, 1818 and 19 respectively.A study on Girls and Women in Prostitution in India conducted between 2002-04 with the support of the Ministry of Women and Child Development had estimated that there were about 1,50,000 to 2,00,000 prostitutes in 6 metro cities of Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai. The Government is already taking a number of measurers for economic empowerment of women which help in prevention of such destitution. A scheme ‘Ujjawala’ is being implemented for prevention of trafficking for sexual exploitation and also for rescue and rehabilitation of victims. In addition, Swadhar Shelter Homes provide shelter and other facilities such as food, health care etc. to women in difficult circumstances including trafficked victims. The States also have their own schemes and programmes to prevent such destitution. This information was given by Smt. Krishna Tirath, Minister of State(Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Women and Child Development in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
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PM’s Statement to the Media at the Joint Press Meet With President Hamid Karzai

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and the President of the Republic of Afghanistan, Mr. Hamid Karzai, at the joint press conference, in New Delhi on April 26, 2010.                          (Photo by PIB No.CNR -31404)
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(PIB NEWS)Following is the statement of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh at the joint press meet with the President of Afghanistan, Mr. Hamid Karzai:“It is a great honour for me to welcome His Excellency President Hamid Karzai to India on his first visit to India after his re-election as President. I have had extremely productive discussions with President Karzai. We discussed a broad range of bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest. We exchanged views on regional cooperation in the context of forthcoming SAARC Summit and our common vision of freer and more unfettered regional trade and transit. Greater economic integration has the potential of transforming our region. India and Afghanistan enjoy a strategic partnership based on unique historical and civilizational bonds and shared goals. I conveyed to President Karzai our deep admiration for his courageous leadership in difficult times, and our support to the Government and people of Afghanistan as they build a strong, peaceful, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan. India believes that this process should be led and owned by the Afghan people. We reviewed the development partnership between our two countries. India remains committed to assisting the Government and people of Afghanistan in their efforts towards the reconstruction and development of their country. I conveyed to the President that India is ready to augment its assistance for capacity building and for skill and human resources development to help strengthen public institutions in Afghanistan. We discussed the issue of terrorism, which threatens our region. President Karzai assured me that the Government of Afghanistan will take all possible measures for the security of Indians in Afghanistan. We were of the view that the attacks of February 26, 2010 in Kabul were the handiwork of those who do not wish to see the emergence of a strong, independent and pluralistic Afghanistan. I conveyed to President Karzai that the perpetrators of such attacks will not succeed in undermining India’s commitment to assist the Afghan people. I look forward to continuing to work together with President Karzai for further enhancing our close cooperation. This is in the interest of our two peoples and peace and stability in the region and beyond.”
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No statement by PM as Lok Sabha adjourned for day

The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day Monday as the opposition continued its protests over reports that politicians’ phones were tapped by government agencies. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was supposed to speak in the Lok Sabha over the allegations at 3.30 p.m.When the house reassembled after the lunch at 2 p.m., opposition MPs from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Samajwadi Party (SP) shouted slogans against the goverment and gathered near the speaker’s podium. They were supported by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Left party MPs.Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Raghuvansh Prasad Singh also raised the issue of the Indian Premier League (IPL) controversy.As the opposition continued its protest, Deputy Speaker Karia Munda adjourned the house for the day.Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee had earlier told the house amid furious protests by opposition MPs: “PM is ready to speak in the house at 3.30 pm.”

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Bill on punishment for torture introduced in Lok Sabha

A bill proposing punishment for torture inflicted by public servants or torture inflicted by someone with the consent of public servants was introduced in the Lok Sabha Monday. Introducing the Prevention of Torture Bill, 2010, Home Minister P. Chidambaram said: “The proposed legislation, inter alia, defines the expression ‘torture’, provides for punishment to those involved in the incidents of torture and specifies the time limit for taking cognizance of the offence.”
He said an amendment of the existing laws such as Indian Penal Code (IPC) or bringing in a new legislation was necessary for India to ratify the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment adopted by the United Nations General Assembly Dec 9, 1975.
“Ratification of the Convention requires enabling legislation to reflect the definition and punishment for ‘torture’. Although some provisions relating to the matter are existing in the IPC, yet they neither define ‘torture’ as clearly as in Article I of the Convention nor make it a criminal offence as called for by Article 4 of the Convention,” the home minister said.Chidambaram said the matter was examined “at length in consultation with the Law Commission of India and the Attorney General of India”.“After considerable deliberations on the issue, it was decided to bring in a standalone legislation so that the Convention can be ratified,” the minister said. =======================================================

Heatwave in Telangana, rain in coastal AP, Rayalaseema

Hyderabad, Apr 26 : Heat wave conditions prevailed over the districts of Adilabad, Karimnagar and Warangal of Telangana, while isolated rain was reported in coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema.The maximum temperatures changed little over the state. They were significantly above normal at a few places over the remaining districts of Telangana and above normal at a few places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema. The highest maximum temperature of 45 degrees Celsius was recorded at Ramagundam, Met department said today.Heat wave conditions may prevail over the districts of Adilabad, Karimnagar, Nizamabad and Warangal of Telangana during next two days. Isolated rain/thundershowers would occur over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Rayalaseema. Kalakada in Chittoor District recorded a rainfall of one cm.Thunder clouds would develop towards evening/night in the city.The maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 41 and 26 degrees respectively, it added.
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AP Governor launches Census 2011 in AP

Hyderabad, Apr 26 : Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan today launched the commencement of house-listing operations of census of India 2011 by providing details at Raj Bhavan here.A team of officials visited the Governor's bungalow and obtained the details from him. Later, the Governor called upon the people to extend their cooperation by providing all the details sought by enumerators as this was very much needed for implementing the welfare schemes effectively for the benefit of the poor people.''Census of India is perhaps the largest administrative exercise in the entire world and has an enviable tradition of achievement and competence. The first Census was taken way back in 1872, in the then British India, and the first Census in Independent India was conducted in 1951,'' he said.''The decennial Census is a landmark event in the socio-economic history of our country. The data will provide the basis for the formulation of sound socio-economic policies at all levels,'' he said.Director of Census operations in State Y V Anuradha said the exercise would be carried out in two phases-- house-listing and housing census Operations -- from today till June 10, this year and population enumeration from February 9 to 28, next year. She said the details collected would be the foundation for all developmental programmes in the state. About 1.6 lakh enumerators and 26,000 supervisors were engaged in the exercise and each enumerator would cover 120 to 150 households.State Ministers of respective districts too launched the programme in the districts.
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Cartoonist Subhani Shaik to receive Yudhvir Memorial award

Hyderabad, Apr 26 : Noted cartoonist Subhani Shaik has been selected for the 19th Yudhvir Memorial Foundation Award for his contribution in the field of cartoon journalism.The award, comprising a citation and a purse of Rs 50,000, would be given to him by Andhra Pradesh Information Minister J Geeta Reddy at an impressive function here on April 30.Awards won by Mr Subhani, now serving as Cartoon Editor in Deccan Chronicle, included ''Award of Success'' in the second FCW International Cartoon Festival, China in 2004 and Special prize in the Leng Mu International Cartoon Festival in China.Previous recipients of the Yudhvir award, instituted in memory of eminent freedom fighter, journalist and founder of daily Hindi Milap, included Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, classical musician Pandit Jasraj, Space scientist U R Rao and eminent filmmaker Shyam Benegal.
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Muaythai Championship - from April 30th to may 2nd at LB Stadium Hyderabad,

Hyderabad,April-26, Muaythai Association of Andhra Pradesh an Affiliate of Muaythai India(MTI)National Federation(recognized by Indian Olympic Association)is organizing its Andhra Pradesh State Junior and Sub Junior Muaythai Championship will be held from April 30th to may2nd at Boxing hall of Lal Bahadur Stadium in Hyderabad. Mr M.H.Abid,National President(MTI) Addressing the media at Hotel Grand Plaza Nampally today,Hafiz Mohammed Salahuddin Jaweed,State president Muay Thai Association of Andhra Pradesh, (MTA-AP),Mr Aziz Ahmed (Bangalore) also be seen.(PHOTO BY R S J THOMAS)***********************************************************************************

India calls for ‘future-oriented’ SAARC summit declaration

Ahead of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit in Bhutan next week, foreign secretaries of the regional grouping’s eight member-states met Sunday with India pitching for a “visionary and future-oriented” summit declaration that spurs greater intra-regional cooperation.“Each of the areas of cooperation under SAARC has a direct bearing on the lives and livelihoods of the people of our region. Our leaders have correctly identified the focus of SAARC as being development oriented,” Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said at the standing committee meeting of SAARC.“In this 25th year of SAARC, we can take satisfaction from the fact that SAARC has evolved into a service provider for the economic and development needs of the people of the region,” she said.Rao stressed that it was “an opportunity to introspect on the experience of the last 25 years and the course we need to chart in the future not only to maintain, but to accelerate, the momentum SAARC has achieved in the recent past.”She lauded Bhutan, the chair and host of the 16th SAARC summit, for taking the lead to put climate change at the centre of the SAARC agenda. “Bhutan has led the way among all of us in enshrining respect and sensitivity for environmental concerns and the preservation of our precious environmental space,” Rao said.“Let us derive impetus from this to work towards a Summit Declaration that is focused, incisive, visionary, and future-oriented as a lasting outcome of our summit,” she said.Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will join other leaders of South Asian countries in Thimphu April 28, the first time Bhutan is hosting a summit of SAARC countries that account for nearly one-fourth of the world’s humanity.The April-29 summit is expected to culminate in a joint declaration entitled “Towards a Green and Happy South Asia” and will see the signing of two pacts on environment and trade in services. A separate Ministerial Declaration on Climate Change will also be issued at the end of the summit.At the summit, India will focus on improving regional connectivity through the development of new trade, transport and telecommunication links, Rao said days ahead of the summit.   (way2online)

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CPM, TDP to press for JPC to probe 'IPL-Gate'

Siliguri / Hyderabad, Apr 25 : The Communist Party of India (Marxist), has reiterated its demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to probe into alleged financial irregularities in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Addressing media on Saturday in West Bengal's Siliguri, CPM politburo member Brinda Karat asked for a probe by the parliamentary panel."All the names that have come up, the reports that are coming, so the probe is very essential...it is the violation of government's rules and regulations, so we demand a joint paramilitary committee on this," said Karat.In Hyderabad, former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president Chandrababu Naidu also echoed Karat's view. "This is a national shame and all of us have to take the responsibility. Even country has to face the guilt all over the world; everybody is thinking what is happening in India. On one side we are talking that India will become a developed nation and it will be among top three nations," Naidu said. "India will become one of the biggest and efficient democracies of the world. We are facing this type of problem, so the government of India has to come out," he added.Meanwhile, IPL commissioner Lalit Modi, who is under pressure to resign following controversy, has tweeted that he won't quit."People pressurising me to resign - I can tell you will not happen. Let them remove me then," Modi put out his message on Twitter.Income tax officials continued their searches in offices of IPL franchisees, following allegations of corruption in the world's richest cricket tournament.
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IISc campus likely to come up in Anantapur

The second campus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, is likely to come up in Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur district.Union Minister for Human Resources Development Kapil Sibal in a letter to Chief Minister K. Rosaiah Saturday said the central government was examining a proposal of Andhra Pradesh in this regard and had discussed the idea with IISc, Bangalore. The IISc, Bangalore, has informed that internal discussions have been held and initial proposals were to create an advanced research centre, a science park and an incubation centre, said a statement from the chief minister’s office.Sibal wrote that a Memorandum of Understanding for the sale of land, the time frame for making available the basic infrastructure, among other things, was under preparation and further developments would be communicated on receipt of fresh inputs from IISc, Bangalore.
Rosaiah thanked United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Sibal and IISc, Bangalore, for the move to establish the second campus of IISc in the state. He said it would be a boon for the backward district of Anantapur.The chief minister said the entire credit for this goes to former chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, who made efforts to get the IISc campus.YSR, as the late chief minister was popularly known, had even identified 1,000 acres of land in Anantapur district, about 70 km from Bangalore International Airport
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Panel report on schedule: Srikrishna

Hyderabad, Apr 24 : Expressing happiness over interaction with three major political parties since yesterday, Justice B N Srikrishna today said interactions were going on as per schedule and its report would be submitted by December-end without any delay.Talking to reporters after interacting with a delegation of CPI(M) Leaders, he said, ''we have interacted with three parties -- PRP, CPI and CPI(M). ''They have given very useful inputs though they look at the issue in their own way. ''We will analyse their inputs and arrive at our conclusion at the end of our journey.''Our interactions are going on smoothly and on time. We will be able to complete our job as per schedule,'' he added.''We will interact with four more parties once the Budget session of Parliament is over. ''Thereafter, we will hold wider consultations with all concerned for the rest of May and also in June,'' he said.
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Dr.Akkineni Nageswara Rao is releasing the Book "Vuhala Vasantham"

Dada Saheb Phalke Awaardee Dr.Akkineni Nageshwara Rao is releasing the Book of "Vuhala Vasantham" written by Smt. Kethavarapu Rajya Laxmi in Ravindra BharaMr.P.Vijaya Babu, Editor-Andhra Prabha, Dr. O.SrinivasaReddy,Chairman-Jagruthi Educational Institutions,
Dr.M.Sulochana,HOD,Commerce,OU,Dr.B.EeswarReddy,Dr.P.S.Murthy,Sri.PV.Subba Rao,Sri.Pedduri Venkata Das,SriMallela Sudhakar also seen in photos.thi mini hall in Hyderabad.  (photo by RSJ.THOMAS)=======================================================

State Bank of Hyderabad(SBH) Finacial Highlights March-2009-10,

Managing Director SBH, Ms.Renu Challu Addressing the"Annual Press Meet" Finacial Highlights-March 31,2010,Mr N,K Padhi.Also seen,(photo by RSJ THOMAS)=======================================================

South-West Monsoon this year likely to be Normal

IMD’s long range forecast for the 2010 south-west monsoon season (June to September) is that the rainfall for the country as a whole is likely to be Normal.

Quantitatively, monsoon season rainfall is likely to be 98% of the long period average with a model error of ± 5%. The Long period average rainfall over the country as a whole for the period 1941-1990 is 89 cm. IMD will update the above forecast in June 2010 as a part of the second stage forecast. Separate forecasts for the monthly (July and August) rainfall over the country as a whole and seasonal (June-September) rainfall over the four geographical regions of India will also be issued. The El Nino conditions over equatorial Pacific that remained weak during mid June to October of 2009 started strengthening from late October and peaked in the 3rd week of December. From late December, the El Nino conditions have started weakening. The latest forecasts from a majority of the dynamical and statistical models indicate high probability for the present El Nino conditions to maintain till early part of the monsoon season and then weaken to become near neutral during the subsequent months. However, a few models indicate development of weak La Niña conditions by July-August 2010. It may be mentioned that as the lead time of the forecast increases there is considerable spread and uncertainty in the ENSO forecasts. IMD has an experimental dynamical forecast system. The experimental ensemble dynamical forecast for the 2010 south-west monsoon rainfall was computed as the ensemble average of 10 member forecasts with forecasted sea surface temperatures (SST) as boundary SST forcing. In addition, IMD has taken into account the experimental forecasts prepared by the national institutes like Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad, National Aerospace Laboratories, Bangalore, Centre for Mathematical Modelling and Computer Simulation, Bangalore and National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting, Noida. Operational/experimental forecasts prepared by international institutes like the National Centers for Environmental Prediction, USA, International Research Institute for Climate and Society, USA, Meteorological Office, UK, the European Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasts, UK , the Experimental Climate Prediction Center, USA, and World Meteorological Organization’s Lead Centre for Long Range Forecasting - Multi-Model Ensemble were also taken into account.
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Heatwave in Telangana, isolated rain in Rayalaseema

Hyderabad, Apr 23: Heatwave conditions prevailed over the districts of Adilabad, Hyderabad, Karimnagar, Mahabubnagar and Warangal of Telangana, while isolated rain occurred over Rayalaseema.Punganur and Thambalapalle in Chittoor district recorded rainfall of 5 and one cm each, the Met department said.The maximum temperatures fell at a few places in Rayalaseema and at one or two places in Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. They were significantly above normal at one or two places in the remaining districts of Telangana and above normal at a few places in Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema. The highest maximum temperature of 45 degrees Celsius was recorded at Ramagundam.Isolated rain/thundershowers may occur over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Rayalaseema. Heatwave conditions would prevail over the districts of Adilabad, Hyderabad, Karimnagar, Mahabubnagar, Nizamabad and Warangal of Telangana during next 24 hours.Thunder clouds could develop during evening/night in the city while maximum and minimum temperatures would hover around 43 and 29 degrees Celsius respectively.
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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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