Ensure speedy execution of Kasab, Venkaiah urges Centre

Hyderabad, May 7 : Criticising the Centre for the 'prolonged' delay in execution of death sentence awarded to Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, Senior BJP leader and MP M Venkaiah Naidu today urged the Centre to ensure speedy execution of Pakistani gunman Ajmal Kasab sentenced to death by a special court in Mumbai.Expressing happiness over the judiciary awarding punishment to Kasab quickly and in a transparent manner yesterday, he told a press conference here that ''Kasab deserves no mercy. Political leadership should not come in the way of hanging Kasab.'' In the case of Afzal Guru, more than six years has lapsed, he noted.President Pratibha Patel was bound by advice of the Union Cabinet and it should expedite execution of the death sentence, he said, adding that it was unfortunate that religious colour was being given even to terrorist strikes.
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Biennial Election to the Council of States from the State of Andhra Pradesh

(PIB NEWS) The term of office of 6 (six) members of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) elected from the State of Andhra Pradesh, is due to expire on their retirement as detailed below :-Name of Member,Date of retirement,and Party affiliation ,

1)Shri Girish Sangi, 21.06.2010 INC
2)Shri Jesudasu Seelam, 21.06.2010- INC
3)Shri Jairam Ramesh, 21.06.2010- INC
4)Shri Penumalli Madhu, 21.06.2010 -CPI(M)
5)Dr. N.Janardhana Reddy, 21.06.2010- INC
6)Shri V.Hanumanta Rao, 21.06.2010 -INC
2. The Commission has decided to hold the biennial election to the Council of States from the State of Andhra Pradesh in accordance with the following programme:-.
Issue of Notifications 28th May, 2010 (Friday) Last date of making nominations 04th June. 2010 (Friday) Scrutiny of nominations 05th June, 2010 (Saturday) Last date for withdrawal of candidatures 07th June, 2010 (Monday) Date of poll 14th June, 2010 (Monday) Hours of poll 9.00 A.M. to 4.00 P.M Counting of Votes14th June, 2010 (Monday) at 5.00 PM Date before which election shall be completed.17th June, 2010 (Thursday)
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Smt. Ambika Soni Condles Death of TV Reporter Ajay Tiwari

(PIB NEWS) The Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Smt. Ambika Soni has condoled the tragic demise of Shri Ajay Tiwari who died while covering a major fire in the capital yesterday.In her message Smt. Soni said that in Shri Tiwari’s death Indian journalism has lost promising talent. Shri Tiwari died in the line of his duty maintaining the highest tradition of television journalism, the Minister added.
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Political pressure will not work on me, says Srikrishna

Hyderabad, May 6 : Justice B.N. Srikrishna, who heads a five-member panel formed by the central government to look into the demand for a Telangana state, Thursday said political pressure will not work on him.The former Supreme Court judge, who was here along with other members the panel for consultations with various socio-cultural groups, said this when a reporter asked him if he was under any political pressure. "In all my life nobody including my parents, let alone politicians, dared to pressure me," Srikrishna said. His remarks assume significance in the context of the civil war threat by the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) and comments by some political leaders that the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government would force the committee to give a report of its liking. TRS has warned that there would be civil war if a Telangana state was not carved out after the Srikrishna committee submits its report. The retired judge said the panel would hear the views of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) and Muslim League May 10, 11 and 12. The committee, which has heard the views of TRS, two Left parties and Praja Rajyam Party will hold consultations with the ruling Congress party May 17 and 18. He said Congress leaders from both Andhra and Telangana regions would appear before the committee to submit their arguments. The committee Thursday heard the views of socio-cultural organisations from both Andhra and Telangana regions. On the first day of their two-day visit, the committee heard the arguments by Andhra Intellectuals Forum against state's bifurcation. It also met representatives of Telangana Jagruti and Telangana Writers Association demanding a separate state.
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Child born with heart outside body dies

Hyderabad, May 6 : A child born with his heart outside his body in Andhra Pradesh's Kadapa district died at a hospital here Thursday, less than 24 hours after birth.The baby boy whose heart was atop his chest died a few hours after he was shifted to Care Hospital here for corrective surgery. Doctors said the child born with Ectopia Cordis, a condition where the heart develops outside the body. A team of doctors was preparing for the corrective surgery when he succumbed to his rare condition. The doctors said the child was brought in a critical condition from Kadapa district, about 400 km from here. He was born Wednesday and was examined at Proddatur Government Hospital before being shifted to Hyderabad. According to doctors one in 200,000 children are born with Ectopia Cordis due to genetic disorders but the diagnosis during pregnancy can help in treatment.
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Statement by US President on World Press Freedom Day

(Deccan Samachar Service) US President Barak Obama addressed several crucial issues in his World Press Freedom Day address, including the sobering number of journalists who were murdered in the past year and the unacceptable levels of impunity these crimes are confronted with.President Obama mentioned several countries where press freedom takes a especially brutal beating year in and year out, such as China, Ethiopia, Iran and Venezuela. But he also mentioned a country that this blog follows closely and that all too often gets an international pass for its blatant abuses and harassment of journalists.That country is Tunisia, and we welcome the president's bringing attention to several regimes notorious for their alarming proclivity to jailing journalists, including President Ben Ali's.Here is the full text of the statement:World Press Freedom Day is observed every year on May 3 to remind us of the critical importance of this core freedom. It is a day in which we celebrate the invaluable role played by the media in challenging abuses of power, identifying corruption, and informing all citizens about the important issues that shape our world. It is also a day for us to sound the alarm about restrictions on the media as well as the threats, violence or imprisonment of many of its members and their families because of their work.Last year was a bad one for the freedom of the press worldwide. While people gained greater access than ever before to information through the Internet, cell phones and other forms of connective technologies, governments like China, Ethiopia, Iran, and Venezuela curtailed freedom of expression by limiting full access to and use of these technologies.Moreover, more media workers were killed for their work last year than any year in recent history. The high toll was driven in large part by the election-related killings of more than 30 journalists in the Philippine province of Maguindanao, the deadliest single event for the press in history, along with murders of journalists in Russia, Somalia, Mexico and Honduras. In this year, like in other years, nearly three out of four of the journalists killed were local news-gatherers who were murdered in their own nations.Chauncey Bailey was one such local journalist. A tireless reporter who covered his own city of Oakland, California, Bailey was widely respected for his many exposés of abuse and corruption. He was gunned down 3 years ago, near his office, while taking a homeless man to breakfast. A trial of the alleged perpetrator is scheduled to begin this summer. Such accountability is critical to deterring further attacks. I note with concern that the murderers of journalists succeed in avoiding responsibility for their crimes in nearly nine out of ten cases, and urge fellow governments to address this problem.Even more journalists and bloggers find themselves imprisoned in nations around the world. Iran, following its crackdown on dissent after the last elections, now has more journalists behind bars than any other nation. Governments in Belarus, Burma, China, Cuba, Eritrea, North Korea, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, and Venezuela imprisoned journalists who wrote articles critical of government leaders and their policies.But for every media worker who has been targeted there are countless more who continue to inform their communities despite the risks of reprisal. On World Press Freedom Day, we honor those who carry out these vital tasks despite the many challenges and threats they face as well as the principle that a free and independent press is central to a vibrant and well-functioning democracy.  (Interesting Times)================================================

Sainik School in Andhra Pradesh

(PIB NEWS) The Government of Andhra Pradesh has requested for opening of a new Sainik School in the State. A proposal for establishment of the new Sainik School in Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh has received from the State Government in November 2007. The sites identified by the State Government for the purpose were inspected and not found suitable. The State Government was requested in July 2008 to identify fresh sites which meet the requirements but has not yet offered any fresh sites for the purpose. This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in written reply to Shri M.V. Mysura Reddy in Rajya Sabha today.
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Park and Ride Bus Service for Central Secretariat Complex

(PIB NEWS) Union Minister for Urban Development, Shri Jaipal Reddy today flagged off a free “Park and Ride” bus service for Central Government office complex to ease out parking problem and reduce inconvenience to visiting public and officials. On the occasion, Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Sheila Dixit and MoS Urban Development, Shri Saugata Roy were also present.Inaugurating the service Shri Reddy said it would help visitors to Government offices who find it difficult to get parking+ slot in the compounds of Government buildings besides providing comfortable transport to the Government officials to visit other offices for meeting and other official work. The service has been started by the Ministry of Urban Development in collaboration with Govt. of NCT and CPWD. Now the visitor to the Government offices can park their cars in the parking lot of C-Haxagon and take a bus ride to any of the Government building located on either side of Rajpath. Similarly employees commuting through metro can take the ride from metro station to their offices. Government officers can visit other ministries without taking their official or personal car through the low floor AC bus under the service. The service will start from C-Haxagon (India Gate) and will run to and fro various Central Government offices located on either side of Rajpath. It will have two routes P-1 and P-2 in clockwise and anti-clockwise direction respectively. Route 1 will start from Haxagon and will pass through Jamnagar House, Vigyan Bhawan, Nirman Bhawan, Vayu Bhawan, Rail Bhawan, Red Cross, Transport Bhawan, North Block to Haxagon. Route 2 from Haxagon to Andhra Bhawan, IGNCA, Shastri Bhawan, Krishi Bhawan, Udyog Bhawan, ‘G’ Block, Sena Bhawan, South Block to Haxagon.
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Andhra Pradesh seeks sister state ties with Washington

Hyderabad, May 5 : Andhra Pradesh is keen to have a sister state relationship with the state of Washington in the US in view of several perceptible similarities between the two states. Chief Minister K. Rosaiah Wednesday said his government wished to seek a sister state relationship with the state of Washington. He was speaking to a business delegation from Andhra Pradesh which is leaving for the US Wednesday night. Rosaiah hoped that it will be a win-win situation for Andhra Pradesh and Washington when the sister-state relations become a reality. The delegation led by the deputy speaker of the state assembly will showcase Andhra Pradesh in all its diversities along with its industrial incentives. There is a conducive atmosphere in the state for investment in various spheres. The investors could take advantage of the new industrial policy which offers the best incentives in the country, the chief minister said. The delegation will explore common areas of interest between the two states in various fields like trade, commerce, industry, education and culture. In a message to people of Washington, Rosaiah invited them to experience the investor and tourist friendly ambience of Andhra Pradesh. He pointed out that multinational giants like Microsoft, Dell, IBM, Deloitte, HSBC, Wells Fargo, Amazon and Google already have state-of-art facilities in Hyderabad and Facebook recently announced plans to set up its first Asian operations here.
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Gayatri Projects Limited bags Rupees 2,200 crore road project

Hyderabad, May 05 : Gayatri Projects Limited (GPL), the Hyderabad-based leading Infrastructure Company has secured a road project worth Rupees 2,200 crore that involves four laning of Hyderabad-Karimnagar-Ramagundam road under public-private partnership on BOT basis.The project has been awarded by Andhra Pradesh Road Development Corporation (APSRTC) and the construction would be completed in 30 months.The project would be executed on a design, construct, finance, operate and maintenance (toll) basis with a concession period of 25 years, including the construction period.The concessioning authority would provide an equity support of Rs 454 crore.Managing Director, Gayatri Projects Limited Mr. Sandeep Reddy, in a statement said, The order from APSRTC validates the company's core competency in the road construction sector. Gayatri Projects Limited would share its responsibility in developing the state's infrastructure.
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World telecom conference to adopt action plan

Hyderabad, May 5 : A world telecommunication development conference here later this month will assess the growth of information and communication technologies (ICT) and adopt an action plan for the next four years to bring in benefits to all communities of the world.Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to inaugurate the event being organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a United Nations agency. "A key objective is to promote international cooperation, regional initiatives and partnerships that can sustain and strengthen telecommunication infrastructure and institutions in developing countries," said a statement by the Geneva-based ITU. Beginning May 24, the event will continue till June 4. It will be attended by heads of state and government, ministers, heads of international organisations, development banks, regulatory agencies and private companies. The event would focus on issues like broadband connectivity, digital broadcasting, open source software, cyber security, E-accessibility for people with disabilities, e-applications in health care, human capacity building and emergency communications.
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Govt taking measures for women empowerment : CM

Hyderabad, May 5 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah today said the state government has initiated several measures for women empowerment and child protection.Launching the AP State Society for Protection and Empowerment of Women and Children and Integrated Child Protection scheme of the Women Development and Child Welfere department here, he said the Centre and the State government had taken effective measures for the empowerment of women and child protection. Voicing concern over incidents of women harassment and child abuse, he said the departments concerned should strictly enforce the law to punish the guilty.Expressing displeasure over the prevalence of gender discrimination, he urged the parents to treat both male and female child in an equal manner.Stating that trafficking of human beings for sexual exploitation was a heinous crime, he said the state government was committed to prevent it and take steps for the welfare and rehabilitation of the victims.
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Max temperatures soar, despite rains in AP

Hyderabad, May 5 : The maximum temperatures rose at a few places over Telangana and at one or two places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh (CAP) and Rayalaseema, despite isolated rains in several parts of CAP and Telanganna.According to Weather office here today, the maximum temperatures were above normal at a few places over CAP and normal over Telangana and Rayalaseema.Rain occurred at a few places over Rayalaseema, while isolated rain occurred over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.Rajampet recorded five cm rainfall, followed by Kollapur four cm, Pakala, Palamaner, Puttur, Venkatagiri Kota two each and Tirupathi, Alur, Yemmiganur, Chintalapudi, Kuppam, Peddapuram, Prathipadu and Udayagiri one each.The highest maximum temperature of 43 degrees Celsius was recorded at Rentachintala.The weather office predicted that isolated rain or thundershowers might occur over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema and Telangana.
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ISNA Commends Efforts of Law Enforcement, Condemns Attempted Bombing at Times Square, and Lauds Alert Citizens

(Deccan Samachar Service)May,5. The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) joins the Muslim American community and the rest of our fellow citizens in expressing its appreciation of the outstanding work done by the various law enforcement agencies in investigating and apprehending the alleged perpetrator(s) of the botched attack on New York and its residents.At the same time, ISNA condemns in the strongest terms the planned attack on innocent city-dwellers of every race and creed. The attack, described by the alleged sponsors as a sort of "pay-back" or "revenge", is "inexcusable and without any justification in Islam or authentic Muslim tradition", said Dr. Ingrid Mattson, president of ISNA. "Even the murder of a single innocent person is abhorrent and in direct contradiction to the clear and unequivocal teachings of our faith (Quran Chapter 5,Verse 32), let alone the mass murder of unsuspecting innocent bystanders in a crowded square", she added. ISNA is thankful to the vigilance of alert and loyal residents of New York city including Senegalese Muslim Aliou Niasse, who first noticed and pointed out the suspicious smoke coming from the vehicle, Lance Orton, who called the police, and Officers Wayne Rhatigan and Pam Duffy for acting swiftly and courageously to contain the damage and prevent the loss of life and limb of fellow Americans.ISNA asks Muslim Americans to stay true to their faith in rejecting any ideas or actions that tolerate or attempt to justify the use of terrorism for any purpose or by any group. ISNA also calls on them to stand with their fellow Americans in securing the homeland against any terrorist acts. =========================================================

India likely to give Kasab judgment copy to Pakistan

India is likely to provide Pakistan a copy of the judgment of the Mumbai special court that held Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Amir Kasab in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. According to home ministry sources, the judgment will help the Pakistan government take action against Jamaat-ud-dawa chief Hafiz Saeed and Laskhar-e-Taiba commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, the masterminds of the Mumbai attack that left 166 people dead and 244 injured.While Lakhvi is in Pakistani custody, Saeed is still free.A special court in Mumbai Monday pronounced Kasab, the lone terrorist caught alive during the Nov 26-29 carnage, guilty while acquitting two Indian co-accused — Fahim Ansari and Sabauddin Ahmed. The quantum of punishment is likely to be announced Thursday.The court also found the involvement of 20 other Pakistanis, including Lakhvi, Saeed and Abu Hamza, in the 26/11 terror attack.India has given several dossiers to Pakistan, urging strong action against Hafiz Saeed. Pakistan has, however, claimed that the evidence provided was not strong enough to stand scrutiny in court.
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Andhra Pradesh Govt rejects CPI request on Bhargava Report

Hyderabad, May 4 : The Deputy Secretary and Public-Information Officer, Government of Andhra Pradesh, rejected the petition filed by the State Unit of Communist Party of India (CPI) Secretary K Narayana urging for the copy of 41-year-old report of Bhargava Commission, constituted by the State Government pertaining to the income and expenditure on Telangana Region.The Deputy Secretary, in a reply dated April 30 addressed to Mr Narayana,said report of the Bhargava Commission, which was constituted in 1969 by the State Government, had been examined and they were unable to provide the information in terms of orders issued by the Centre as the information sought was to 41-years old and no records had been traced out at government level.When the government rejected his plea, Mr Narayana today addressed a letter to the Chairman of the Srikrishna Commission, Mr Justice Sri Krishna, urging him to direct the Andhra Pradesh Government to submit the Bhargava Commission Report before the Commission and also give a copy to him in the interest of the justice.In the letter, Mr Narayana said Bhargava Commission report was an important document to strenghthen the reports and arguments of the party on the Telangana issue.''Since the State Government had rejected the party's plea, ''We request you to procure the report,'' CPI Secretary added in the letter.
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ACB raids residence of Ranga Reddy Joint Collector

Hyderabad, May 4 : Sleuths of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) today raided the residence of Joint Collector of Ranga Reddy District of Andhra Pradesh. According to ACB Joint Director Sampath Kumar, properties worth Rs four crore, including bank balance and cash of Rs 15 lakh were recovered during the raid from the residence Jewells recovered at Joint Collector M. Jagan Mohan's house in Hyderabad on Tuesday. Photo: Special Arrangement of Joint Collector Dr M.Jagan Mohan(IAS) here.The Joint Collector owned six residential flats, an equal number of house plots, one-and-half kg gold jewellery and LIC premiums worth Rs 15 lakh.Raids were still continuing in his residences and the relatives of the Joint Collector.Further details were awaited.        (photo by "the hindu")

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Police nab Lashkar militant in Hyderabad,

Hyderabad, May 4 : Andhra Pradesh Police arrested a Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) operative here on Tuesday.The militant has been identified as Mohammad Zia Ul Haq alias Abu Abdullah.Addressing the media persons A K Khan, Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad, said that the militant was planning to commit a major incident in the twin cities (Hyderabad and Secunderabad). "He was trying to commit a big action in Hyderabad. After an alert, and also after working out the information today he has been picked up along with the explosives and the fire arm that he had," said Khan.He further said that this militant was involved in the blast that took place at Odeon Theatre in the city during 2006.Reportedly, Zia Ul Haq was studying in Saudi Arabia where he was roped in by the LeT operatives.Two Chinese grenades, one Chinese 7.4 pistol with 6 rounds and one LG cell phone was recovered from his possession.
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Lahkar-e-Taiba operative jailed for 14 days,

Hyderabad, May 4: A city court Tuesday sent an alleged operative of Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) to judicial custody for two weeks a day after he was arrested.Mohammed Zia-ul-Haq, who was arrested by the Hyderabad police Monday, was presented before the VIIIth additional metropolitan magistrate Tuesday evening. The accused, who allegedly underwent arms training in Pakistan, was shifted to Cherlapally Jail on the city outskirts after the magistrate remanded him in judicial custody. Police claimed that 34-year-old Zia was planning attacks "to inflict maximum damage". Police Commissioner A.K. Khan, however, said he had no specific targets. Zia, a native of Adilabad district in Andhra Pradesh and residing here for the last several years, was arrested on the Andhra Pradesh-Karnataka border. His arrest came amid reported warnings by central intelligence agencies about possible terror attacks in the city. Two grenades of Chinese make, one 7.4 mm pistol with six rounds and a cell phone were recovered from him. According to the police commissioner, Zia was also involved in the grenade attack in Odeon Cinema theatre in Hyderabad in 2006. Two people were injured in the attack. Police claimed that he was trying to revive his contacts with LeT handlers. He was tasked to cause explosions in Hyderabad by using the remaining material - two grenades and a pistol.
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Top Andhra official held for corruption

Hyderabad, May 4: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Andhra Pradesh Tuesday arrested a top official in Hyderabad for possessing assets disproportionate to his income.Sleuths of the ACB searched the office and residences of Ranga Reddy district Joint Collector M. Jaganmohan and recovered assets worth over a staggering Rs.20 crore. Jaganmohan, promoted from the state service to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), was arrested after series of raids on his office and residences in Hyderabad and other parts of Andhra Pradesh. ACB officials said he would be presented before a magistrate. During the raids, which began early Tuesday morning at his residence in the posh Banjara Hills, ACB officials recovered 1.5 kg gold, Rs.15 lakh in cash, documents relating to payment of Rs.10 lakh as premium of insurance policies. ACB Joint Director Sampat Kumar told reporters that Jaganmohan owns two independent houses, four flats and land at six places in and around Hyderabad. ACB officials said they were yet to open three bank lockers of the joint collector and verify his bank accounts. They said the ACB registered a case against the joint collector for having assets disproportionate to his known source of income. The raids were conducted by the ACB on a complaint that the joint collector is involved in corruption. Jaganmohan, a state cadre official who was promoted to IAS rank, is one of the top officials to be arrested for graft in recent months. In February this year, Andhra Pradesh assembly special secretary K. Gopalakrishna was arrested by the ACB for corruption and assets worth Rs.15 crore were seized from him. In 2008, the ACB arrested fisheries department executive engineer V. Suryanarayana and recovered assets worth Rs.30 crore from him.
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Kasab – how a poor Pakistani became India’s terror nightmare

From the bylanes of a village in Pakistan to a heavily guarded prison cell in Mumbai as India’s most wanted terrorist, Ajmal Amir Kasab had indeed come a long way in his 23 years. The lone Pakistani terrorist to be caught alive after the 26/11 terror attack was Monday held guilty, closing one more chapter in his troubled life.Kasab, who became the face of the 2008 Mumbai mayhem that left 166 people dead with shots of his casually striding into the Chhattrapati Shivaji Terminus with a gun and a backback captured on CCTV that has remain imprinted in public memory, was indoctrinated into the Lashkar-e-Taiba after he left home following a fight with his parents.It was Nov 26, 2008. The heavily armed Kasab, who was Monday held guilty on 83 of 86 charges by a special court, with nine other terrorists had sneaked into India’s buzzing financial and entertainment capital from Pakistan to unleash 60 hours terror that shook India. He was the only one to be arrested while the rest of his group were gunned down by security personnel.Born to poverty in Faridkot village in Okara district in Pakistan’s Punjab province in 1987, he left school because his parents couldn’t afford it.When he was barely in his teens, he shifted to Lahore and began to live with his elder brother.A fight with his parents in 2005 changed his life and a determined Kasab vowed never to return.He began working as a labourer and then took to petty crime to earn quick money. It was during these days that Kasab was indoctrinated into the LeT and underwent the terror group’s basic training, the Daura-e-Aam.He did well in the basic course and was selected for advanced combat training – the Daura-e-Khaas.Kasab was then selected with nine others to undergo special training where they would learn about commando warfare and navigation.They carefully studied the layout of Mumbai before embarking on a journey that would end in a terror strike, leading to a new low in the relations between the two nuclear armed nations.
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Muslim groups demand fresh probe into"Mecca Masjid blast"

Hyderabad, May 3: Muslim groups in Hyderabad have demanded a fresh probe into the 2007 bomb blast at Mecca Masjid in view of the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) revelation that the 2007 blasts at the historic mosque and the Ajmer shrine were linked.The CBI and Rajasthan's Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) believe that the  blast at the Hyderabad mosque and the Khwaja Moinuddin Chisthi dargah in Ajmer are the handiwork of same group. The CBI, which is probing the Mecca Masjid blast, reportedly got some leads after the Rajasthan ATS arrested Devender Gupta and Chandrasekhar Patidar of the Hindu group Abhinav Bharat in connection with the Oct 11, 2007 blast at the Ajmer dargah that killed three and injured 30 people. The Mecca Masjid blast May 18 the same year had claimed claimed nine lives. Five people had died in subsequent police firing on protestors near the mosque. Muslim groups are now demanding that the CBI reopen the mosque blast case and probe the involvement of Hindu activists, including Col P.S. Purohit and Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, who also belong to Abhinav Bharat and are accused in a 2008 bombing in Malegaon in Maharashtra that killed six people. The Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM), the key Muslim political party here, has called for a "thorough probe" to unravel the truth. MIM leaders alleged investigating authorities were going soft on the real culprits and hence no progress could be made for three years. They pointed out that no sincere efforts were made to probe the involvement of Hindu terrorist groups and interrogate Sadhavi, Purohit and other accused in the Malegaon blast. Tameer-e-Millat, a Muslim socio-religious organization, has urged the government to reopen the case. It regretted that five minutes after the blast the police, without even initial probe, blamed the Harkatul Jihad-e-Islami (HuJI) and other organisations belonging to some Muslim countries. "It appears some police officials did not want the investigations into the involvement of Hindu outfits," the group said in a statement. Home Minister P. Chidambaram had said during his visit to Hyderabad last year that the Mecca Masjid blast case had turned "cold" as the two primary suspects were dead. Police claimed that Shahid Bilal, a key suspect in the case, was killed in a shootout in Pakistan a few weeks after the mosque blast. Shahid, a native of the city, was allegedly working for the HuJI. Another suspect was also presumed dead. Immediately after the blast in the 17th century mosque, the police blamed Bilal, who was also considered the mastermind behind the terror attacks in other parts of south India during last few years. The Tameer-e-Millat also alleged that police concocted a story that the blasts in Lumbini Pak and Gokul Chat were carried out to avenge the blast at Mecca Masjid. The near simultaneous blasts at Lumbini Park and a popular eatery Gokul Chat in Hyderabad Aug 25, 2007 had killed 43 people. "It is surprising that the alleged accused in the twin blasts were arrested but the culprits in Mecca Masjid blast are still at large," it said. Muslim groups have also demanded action against police officials who blamed Muslim youths for the Mecca Masjid blast, arrested and tortured them. They pointed out that the police also conducted narco analysis test on some innocent Muslim youths and demanded their immediate release.
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Temp soar at many places in coastal Andhra Pradesh

Hyderabad, May 3 : The temperatures rose at many places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, at a few places over Rayalaseema and one or two places over Telangana.According to Met office here maximum temperature was above normal at one or two places over coastal AP and normal over Telangana and Rayalaseema.Isolated rain occurred over Telangana and Rayalaseema. Weather has been dry over the coastal Andhra Pradesh.Rainfall recorded in cm: Rayadurg 3, Hakimpet, Kadiri, Pulivendala and Vikarabad 2 each and Dummagudem, Kalyandurg and Tandur one each.The highest maximum temperature of 43 degrees Celsius was recorded at Rentachintala. The weather office said isolated rain or thundershowers would occur over Telangana, Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra Pradesh.
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Confer Nat status for Polavam, Pranhita-Chevella projects:TDP

Hyderabad, May 3: Telugu Desam Party President N Chandrababu Naidu today urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to confer 'National Project' status to Pranahita-Chevella and Polavaram projects.In a letter to Prime Minister, copy of which was made available to the press here, Mr Naidu urged him to help the people of the state in fulfilling the long pending demands for conferring National Project status to the two projects.'I wish to impress upon you the need to confer the status of ''National project'' to Indira Sagar Irrigation Projct (Polavaram Project) and the B R Ambedkar Pranahita-Chevella Sujala Ssravanthi (Pranahita-Chevella project) of Andhra Pradesh as a special case.' Both these projects were very crucial and unless the Union Government supports by treating them as National projects, it would be very difficult for the state government to complete these two projects in the near future, he said.The Polavaram project, which has been pending for long, caters to the needs of people in number of districts providing irrigation to nearly 7 lakh acres in the state and power generation. Similarly, Prajanihta-Chevella project was aimed at providing irrigation to 16.40 lakh acres in seven drought-prone districts of the state apart from drinking water supply to capital city.'In the name of 'Jalayanam', the state government has so far spent Rs 51,000 crore during the last five years without expansion of irrigation facilities which was pointed by the Planning Commission also. It is estimated that another Rs two lakh crore are needed to complete all these projects,''Mr Naidu pointed out.Under these circumastances, the state government could not complete these priority projects on its own, he added.
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3 killed, 2 injured in road accident,

Hyderabad, May 3: Three people were killed and two injured when the car in which they were travelling was hit by a lorry at Gunagalla-Nagarjuna Sagar road at Yacharam in Ranga Reddy district today.According to police, five persons were travelling in a car to Brahmanapalli in Mahaboobnagar district to attend a marriage function when the lorry coming from the opposite direction dashed against the car killing two persons on the spot. Another person succumed to injuries while being shifted to hospital.The other two injured were admitted to local hospital, police added.
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Judgement Day for 26/11 terrorist

Almost one-and-a-half years after 10 Pakistani terrorists struck in the heart of India’s financial and entertainment capital, the country is waiting anxiously for the verdict Monday on Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone gunman captured alive in the bloody 60-hour siege whose live TV coverage had much of the world in thrall.Mumbai Special Judge M.L.Tahilyani  will deliver his judgement  in the case that has seen as many as 653 witnesses being examined, a 675-page written submission being filed and several ups and downs – even as Kasab stayed in a high security cell.On Monday, Kasab will be pronounced guilty or otherwise. Then the quantum of sentence will be argued before the court and the actual punishment will be awarded. The maximum punishment Kasab can get is death penalty.The case may or may not go into the higher courts depending on the judgement.The audacious attack Nov 26, 2008, targeted sites like the World Heritage building of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel, Hotel Oberoi-Trident, the Cama Hospital and the Chabad House, a Jewish prayer centre, and the favourite haunt of foreigners, Leopold Café.
The assault and the massacre that followed stunned the world and left 166 people dead and 244 injured.Kasab’s trial, which started April 15, 2009, was completed March 31 this year, after nearly seven months of hearing, excluding breaks and vacations. The prosecution case was led by Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.The witnesses included many survivors of the terror attacks, eyewitnesses, family members of the victims, police officials, several foreign nationals, Indian security officials and officials from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).The high-profile trial revolved around Kasab and two Indian co-accused, Fahim Ansari and Sabahuddin Ahmed.Kasab has been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including waging war against the nation. Besides, he faces charges under the Explosives Act, the Arms Act, the Passport Act, the Prevention of Damage to Public Properties Act, the Customs Act, the Explosive Substances Act, the Bombay Police Act, the Foreigners Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.The two Indian co-accused have been charged with conspiracy in the terror attacks – preparing maps of the targeted locations and handing these to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives.The trio was lodged in Arthur Road Central Jail premises in south Mumbai where an air-conditioned Special Court was also set up for the trial, as part of security measures.Kasab was lodged in a solitary ‘anda’ (oval) cell which was reinforced with layers of cement and steel capable of thwarting any major attacks or bomb blast.Several roads outside the jail were made out of bounds for the general public or limited access was granted to vehicles after a thorough security check even before the trial as Kasab and his cohorts were lodged there.A small section of the ongoing Mumbai metro railway project was also held up as it was close to the jail premises.Kasab had come to Mumbai via the Arabian Sea route with nine other associates, all of whom were killed during the 60-hour operation by combined security forces. Their bodies were preserved in the morgue of Sir J.J. Hospital, barely a couple of kilometres away from Arthur Road Central Jail.The Maharashtra government quietly disposed of the bodies in January this year. So far details of how and where the bodies were disposed of continue to elude the media.Kasab seemed to enjoy the trial. At various times, he was seen laughing and giggling in court. He also complained of bad food, illness and attempts to poison him.He made demands for things like perfumes, soaps, newspapers, permission to offer ‘namaz’ and new clothes – many of them rejected by the Special Court. All this prompted Nikam to call Kasab “an actor par excellence” several times.The accused showed all his moods – sombre at times, jovial and cheerful often, crying at times, shocked and awed when shown some of the evidence or by the accounts of witnesses.In July last year, Kasab grabbed headlines by ‘confessing’ to his crimes in the 26/11 attacks.“Hang me, please,” Kasab pleaded two days after he made a dramatic confession and gave a chilling blow-by-blow account of his part in the attacks.“I have committed the crimes on this earth and the people of the world should punish me. I don’t want god’s punishment. But, if somebody feels that I have confessed to escape the death penalty, the court can definitely hang me,” Kasab pleaded.Later, he demanded a trial in an international court of justice, saying he had no faith in the Indian courts, while co-accused Ansari demanded video-recording of the entire trial.The special judge promptly dismissed the pleas on grounds that they were “mischievous” and intended to “delay the proceedings”.Besides Nikam, the defence lawyers, including Kasab’s lawyer K.P. Pawar, Ansari’s lawyer R.B. Mokashi and Ahmed’s lawyer Ejaz Naqvi, were involved when the final arguments were completed.While one lawyer – S.G. Abbas Kazmi – was removed, another representing Fahim, lawyer Shahid Azmi, was killed during the trial in early February. ======================================================

City police on tenterhooks following terror threat

Hyderabad, May 1 : The city police continued their relentless anti-sabotage checks and anti-terror vigil in the wake of central intelligence inputs that extremists were hatching a plot to target commercially-thriving cities in the country, including Hyderabad.The Intelligence Bureau alerts followed the bomb blasts in Bangalore and Pune recently.The City Security Wing Police conducted a mock drill to test the preparedness in shopping malls to tackle any terrorist strike.The security also issued notices to those shopping malls which were found wanting in security systems, police sources said.Public address systems have been installed in vantage positions in shopping complexes, busy market places and places of worship.People have been alerted to take precautionary steps and inform the police about any bomb-like objects and persons moving under suspicious circustances. The City Security Wing Police frisked passersby, particulary those aged between 18 and 35 years in arterial roads. The City Police had directed private shopping malls to frisk all visitors before allowing them inside.
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Minister announces 25,000 new pensions schemes

Kakinada, May 1: Andhra Pradesh Social Welfare minister Pilli Subhash Chandra Bose today announced 25,000 new pensions schemes for the east Godavari district by this June.Addressing the series of gram sabhas as a part of the Praja Patham in Manjeru, Seela, Cheduvada, Kajuluru and Ontithada villages of Kajuluru mandal, he said, the list of the beneficiaries of the new pensions schemes would be finalised by this month end. In order to solve the drinking water problem in Kajuluru permanently, he said, the government had sanctioned a second overhead service reservoir at a cost of Rs 25 lakhs and work would commence soon. He said government had released adequate funds to the collectors to solve drinking water problem in all the villages.
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Rosaiah ask school education depts to work with coordination

Hyderabad, May 1 : Chief Minister K Rosaiah has asked the School Education Department, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and other departments concerned to work in close coordination to access and utilise maximum funds from SSA.''I am really concerned about this. When such huge funds are available for the state from the SSA, why cant we access it? Why are we failing to get the funds? Why there are no proper coordination among the departments? I want this to be solved immediately. I want all the departments concerned to work in tandem and get the maximum funds available under SSA for our schools'', the Chief Minister yesterday said.Rosaiah held a review meeting on the school education with ministers and officials and directed that all the text books should be available on the day of re-opening of the schools. Dr Rosaiah was informed that text book were getting ready and 75 per cent of them were printed. He congratulated the Board of Intermediate Education for the smooth conduct of the Inter Examinations and timely publication of the results. The Chief Minister was also concerned about the large number of school drop-outs in the state in spite of spending such huge funds and having highest number of schools and teachers. He said efforts should be made for rationalisation of schools and teachers throughout the State.The Chief Minister also discussed the mid-day meals scheme in the schools and wanted to tone up the scheme from this academic year. He said he wanted quality food to be served to the students. Rosaiah also discussed the Right To Education Act. He wanted maximum infrastructure to be created in all government schools availing funds also from RIDF, Nabard and SSA.
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ABHIPRAAY- Press Conference at Press Club,

(PRESS RELEASE)ABHIPRAAY is 12 years old NGO involved in Nation Building and opinion making and also strives for the all round empowerment of our society and the Nation. The Abhipraay has highlighted various socially relevant burning issues.In this connection “ABIPRAAY “ took up cudgels against “BEGGING” issue about 11 years back because it isolates human dignity. We filed petition before High Court of A.P., vide Writ Petition No.4356 of 2000. A professional beggory is a hazard to Society and the sight of pestering beggars is embarrassing to city as tourists both domestic and international visit our State. Begging must be eradicated from the Society from the point of view of dignity of individual and reputation of the city and State. A socio economic survey of beggars had been conducted by P.G.College of Social Work during 1993-1994 and revealed that, there are as many as 3,16,199 beggars in the state of A.P. The Hon’ble High court gave verdict in favour of Abipraay in its writ petition and ordered to take necessary steps for rehabilitation of beggars by the State Govt. It also ordered that the Govt. should establish and maintain morework Houses or special Homes where they find fit or may certify such institution or special House runs by other than Govt. A separate accommodation for Male and female should be provided . The Hon’ble High court also expressed thatState being a Welfare State, statutory obligation is cast upon the Govt. toimplement the provisions of the Act. The Act provides for two fold duties to be discharged by the State. First : To end the means of begging and for that purpose it can take recourse to even prosecuting the persons indulging in the acts of begging.Second: Rehabilitate the persons indulging in the acts of begging.The state must provide sustenance to physically inform , old, sick and abandoned persons who are forced to begging. At the same time the state should prosecute and eliminate professional beggory. The racket of beggoryinto which children both male and female are forced , must be stopped. Our continuous efforts and persuasion with Social Welfare Department, High court, intelligentsia, media and people brought their act into reality after about 11 years of struggle. In this connection, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has notified the prevention of Begging Rules, 2010,to implement the prevention of Begging Act. According to the rules begging, at public places such as streets, traffic junctions, bus station, railway stations including public transport like buses, railway etc, an offence and any authorized person can arrest without warrant. As per rules, if the beggar is an able bodied adult and staying with his family, the anti-beggar regulations will be enforced strictly and severely. The rules provides medical check-up by the doctor not below the rank of an assistant civil surgeon for determination of age, sex, physical fitness of the beggar. If the beggar is found guilty of the offence under Act and physically capable of doing ordinary manual labour, the court would order his detention in a work house for a specified period not exceeding three years. After completion of the term, the person has to given undertaking in writing that he would not commit such an offence under the Act. The Govt. directly or with help of recognized NGOs, would provide elementary education and training in arts and crafts, agriculture and poultry. The Govt. will also provide fixed quantity of coconut oil, soap, toothbrush and powder along with two sets of cloths and bedding. The district administration and local advisory committee will be responsible for the implementation of Begging Act. We “ABHIPRAAY” appreciate the Govt of A.P., to take this progressive state but our aim is not achieved unless all genuine beggars are rehabilitated and professional racket of beggary is eliminated.We expect the co-operation of people and media in this marathon task, Mr Mihir Shah General Secretary,Mr Suresh Pandit. Co-Ordinator,& Bhaskar Polumi,Advocate. also seen in the picture,(photo by RSJ Thomas)
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Rosaiah participated in 'yagam' to overcome problems

Hyderabad, May 1 : To overcome a series of crises he has been facing, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah Saturday participated in a special 'yagam' here.Accompanied by his family members, the veteran Congress took part in the 'maha rudra yagam' at Sainathpuram in Malkajgiri area. Rosaiah's relatives and well wishers had organised the week-long 'yagam' to pray for the removal of hurdles in his governance. About 150 priests participated in the event. Amid the chanting of vedic hymns, Rosaiah and his family participated in the rituals. Saturday was the last of the 'yagam'. Ever since he took over as chief minister following the death of Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Sep 2 last year, Rosaiah has faced a series of crises. It started with a campaign by the loyalists of the late leader who wanted to see his son Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy as the chief minister. This was followed by unprecedented floods in the Krishna river. And just as the 78-year-old leader was trying to have a grip over his administration, the Telangana movement posed the biggest challenge to the government. For three months, protests for and against statehood to Telangana region engulfed the state. As the central government bailed out the state government by setting up the Srikrishna committee, Rosaiah, who also holds the finance portfolio, faced a new problem arising out of financial crunch. Falling revenues hit hard the welfare and development schemes. Rosaiah's attempts to convince the Congress leadership to allow him to reshuffle the cabinet has also failed. He continues with a team formed by his predecessor.
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Muaythai Championship -2010 -Inangaration Function,at LB Stadium Hyderabad

Andhra Pradesh State Junior and Sub Junior Muaythai Championship will be held from April 30 to may 2nd at Boxing hall of Lal Bahadur Stadium in Hyderabad. Addressing the Inangaration Function,Hon'ble chief guest Mr.Abid Rasool Khan.Secretary(APCC) Mr.M.H Abid,President of  Muaythai India(PMI)Mr.P.Mallareddy, Joint Sec(APOA)Mr. Mohammed Salahuddin Jaweed,president Andhra Pradesh Muaythai Association, Mr.Mohd.Murtuza .Editor CNI,Technical Members of Muay Thai, Mr. Zaheeruddin and Mr mohammed Nazeer Ahmed also be seen.*       (PHOTO BY RSJ THOMAS)=======================================================

Position of India in Gold Market ,

(PIB NEWS) According to the World Gold Council, India ranked 13th in the world in terms of official gold holding in March 2008 and 2009. However, with the purchase of 200 metric tonnes of gold by the Reserve Bank of India from the International Monetary Fund under the IMF’s limited gold sales program, India’s rank increased to 10th position in March 2010, with official gold holding of 557.7 metric tonnes. The purchase was part of the Reserve Bank’s foreign exchange reserves management operations.This information was given by the Minister of State for Finance, Shri Namo Narain Meena in written reply to a question raised in Lok Sabha today.
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Supreme Court Judges Appointed,

In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (2) of article 124 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint (1) Shri Justice Hemant Laxman Gokhale, Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, (2) Smt. Justice Gyan Sudha Misra, Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court, and (3) Shri Justice Anil Ramesh Dave, Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court in that order of seniority, to be the Judges of the Supreme Court of India with effect from the dates they assume charge of their offices. =======================================================

Meeting Held With Mps From Naxal-Affected Districts Chidambaram Calls for Better Utilization of Funds

(PIB NEWS) The Union Home Minister, Shri P.Chidambaram has called for better utilization of funds, provided by the Centre for development of the districts, worst affected by Left Wing Extremism(LWE). He was chairing here today a meeting held with the Members of Parliament, representing 34 such districts and West Medinipur district of West Bengal. The purpose of the meeting was to assess the present trends and review the steps needed for integrated development of these districts. Citing statistics, the Home Minister said that as on 25th April, 2010, utilization of the funds released for these districts under major development schemes varied from scheme to scheme. The utilization was 46.23 per cent under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, 62.83 per cent under the National Rural Health Mission,72.92 per cent under the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana, 85.81 per cent under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, 80.35 per cent under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 86.37 percent under Drinking Water Supply, 86.70 per cent under Integated Child Development Services , 71.52 per cent under Indira Awas Yojana, 5.86 per cent for Ashram Schools and 66.01 per cent under the Forest Rights Act. The Minister said that there was a need to improve the financial and physical performance of major developmental schemes in the worst-affect districts. Taking part in the discussions, MPs welcomed the Home Minister’s initiative to call the first ever meeting of Members of Parliament representing the Districts, worst affected by LWE. Members said that MPs and MLAs from these districts must have a role to play in monitoring implementation of the major developmental schemes. Suggestions which came up at the meeting included setting up of a major Vocational Centre in each block, relaxation of norms for setting up schools and building roads, etc. in the worst-affected districts, imparting knowledge of local dialects to security force personnel working in the LWE- affected areas, involving local tribals in implementation of various developmental schemes and providing employment to local tribals in security forces, etc. Some members pointed out that Naxal leaders have amassed huge wealth through extortion. In his concluding remarks, the Union Home Minister said that a plan would be worked out on the basis of concrete suggestions, received from the MPs and would be presented to the Chief Ministers. The discussion remained inconclusive and another meeting would be held in the second half of next month to enable more Members to participate. Those present at today’s meeting included the Ministers of State for Home S/Shri Mullappally Ramachandran and Ajay Maken and senior officers from the concerned Ministries/ Departments of the Central Government. The Districts worst affected by Left Wing Extremism include Khammam in Andhra Pradesh, Jehanabad, Aurangabad, Jamui, Arwal, Gaya and Rohtas in Bihar, Dantewada, Bastar, Bijapur, Narayanpur, Kanker, Rajnandgaon and Sarguja from Chhattisgarh, Gadchiroli and Gondia from Maharashtra, East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, Lohardaga, Gumla, Chatra, Hazaribagh, Ramgarh, Bokaro, Garhwa, Lathehar and Palamau from Jharkhand, Balaghat from Madhya Pradesh , Gajapati, Rayagada, Devogarh, Malkangiri and Sambalpur from Orissa, Sonebhadra from Uttar Pradesh and West Medinipur from West Bengal.
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Sarosh Homi Kapadia to be India’s new chief justice

Supreme Court Justice Sarosh Homi Kapadia has been appointed the new chief justice of India. Kapadia will assume charge May 12.Kapadia takes over from Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, India’s first Dalit chief justice.A press release from the ministry of law and justice stated: “In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Justice Sarosh Homi Kapadia, judge of the Supreme Court, to be the Chief Justice of India with effect from May 12, 2010.”
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Armed policemen maintain tight vigil in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, April 30: Gun-totting policemen kept a tight vigil in Hyderabad for the third consecutive day Friday in view of warnings by intelligence agencies of possible terror attacks. Police also cracked the whip on some shopping malls for poor security measures.Police continued large-scale searches in the city amid warning of possible terror attacks. Armed security personnel maintained a tight vigil at busy traffic intersections and around major shopping malls, hotels and public places. Dozens of policemen were searching vehicles and frisking people near the City Centre, a shopping mall which also houses popular family restaurant McDonalds, in the upmarket Banjara Hills. Security has been further tightened around popular food joints, hotels, bus and railway stations, places of worship and key installations. Police also sealed three shopping malls and an entertainment centre after security agencies detected major loopholes in their security systems. Despite instructions by police to beef up security, they failed to take adequate steps. The malls were sealed after security personnel managed to enter them with dummy bombs while checking the establishments' security system. The private security personnel deployed at these malls and metal detectors failed to detect the "explosives". The malls, however, reopened after a couple of hours following an assurance by the managements to take corrective measures. Police are on high alert in the city in view of reported warnings by central intelligence agencies of possible terror strikes. Police Commissioner A.K. Khan said they were not taking any chances as the city is heading for third anniversary of the bomb blast at historic Mecca Masjid. Nine persons were killed in the blast during Friday prayers on May 18, 2007. Five protestors diedin the subsequent police firing on a mob near the mosque. Two near simultaneous blasts at Lumbini Park near the state secretariat and at Gokul Chat, a popular eatery, had killed 43 people on Aug 25 the same year.        (photo by R S J.Thomas)
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Hyderabad police crack 'Nigerian fraud', one arrested

Hyderabad, April 30: Cyber crime sleuths here Friday claimed to have cracked a case of 'Nigerian fraud' with the arrest of one person in Maharashtra for duping a resident of Hyderabad.Alok Raj Saxena, a resident of Hussaini Alam in the Old City of Hyderabad, was duped to the tune of Rs.10.7 lakh by internet fraudsters on the pretext of providing a job in the Emirates Airlines in Britain. Rahul Koshte was arrested in Badlapur in Thane district of Maharashtra two days ago and remanded to judicial custody. Three others, including two residents of Mumbai and a Nigerian, are absconding. 'Nigerian fraud' is referred to the online fraud wherein internet fraudsters lure people through promises of jobs and claims of winning lotteries. Crime Investigation Department (CID) officials said the amount which the complainant sent was traced to three ICICI bank accounts of Mumbai. One of the accounts was in the name of Dyaneswar Bhimrao Thupe. He was lured with a promise of commission by Rahus Koshti, who had taken 25 cheques and an ICICI ATM card from Thupe and made transactions on his behalf. Two other accused, Sanjeev Bose and Om Chand Choudhary, had contacts with Nigerian fraudsters, and they used Thupe's current account to receive the money. The police had detected a similar fraud early this year and arrested a travel agent from Delhi, Mukesh Munjal, for duping a priest to the tune of Rs.43.26 lakh. The money sent by Anthony Sneharaj, a priest from Vijayawada, was deposited into Mukesh's bank account. Mukesh was working for his Nigerian bosses for commission. The priest was lured by Ben Jean James, who claimed herself to be a Catholic widow suffering from cancer. Ben Jean James said her husband left USD 2.8 million, which she intended to donate for the service of orphans and the less privileged. Priest, who took interest in running the orphanage, was asked to send money to claim the entire amount. (newkerala.com)
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Hunt to nab medico for attemting to molest girl student

Hyderabad, Apr 30 : The Cyberabad police are on the look out to nab a fourth-year MBBS student of a medical college at Elkapally on the city outskirts who allegedly tried to sexually molest a junior girl student of the same college recently.According to police, a case under section 376 (rape) read with 511 (attempt) of IPC has been registered by the Moinabad police against the accused D Satish, who has been suspended from the college following a complaint from the parents of the girl student.The accused had been harassing the third year student and pestering her to speak with him. Worried over his threats, she spoke to Satish a couple of times but stopped interacting with him as he continued to intimidate her, police said.He followed her and went inside the room meant for girls on April 24 and when she was alone, Satish allegedly tried to 'sexually molest' her but fled after the she raised an alarm.The parents of the girl approached the college Principal, who suspended Satish after an inquiry, police added.
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Corporation tax collection achieves target in AP

Visakhapatnam, Apr 30: The Visakhapatnam region has achieved a Corporation Tax collection targets of Rupees 1,285 crore during the 2009-10 financial year.Addressing a press conference here yesterday, the Regional Income Tax Chief Commissioner K V Chowdary said, the five districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari and West Godavari districts in the region collected Rs 920 crore of Corporation Tax, Rs 704.80 crore of Income Tax and Rs 12.1 crore of other taxes with total of Rs 1636.90 crore, showing an overall growth of 0.2 per cent compared to previous financial year's (2008-09) collection of Rs 1634.60 crore.The target was to collect Rs 1,285 crore Corporation Tax, Rs 614 crore Income Tax and Rs 2.54 crore other taxex, with total of Rs 1,901.54 crore during the financial year 2009-10.He said the Corporation Tax collections are under the shortfall mainly on account of one large tax payer paying an amount of Rs 430 crore only during this year as against Rs 750 crore in the preceeding year. However, excluding the contributions by the said large tax payer, the region collected an amount of Rs 488 crore under the head CT against the corresponding payment by others of Rs 312.70 crore in the last year showing a healthy growth rate of 56.06 Per Cent. The growth of Income Tax collections is 24.14 per cent. ======================================================

India’s voting machines are open to fraud, says group

The electronic voting machines (EVMs) used in India are vulnerable to fraud, and it is important for votes to be counted in a manner that can be seen and verified, a group of experts said Thursday.In a collaborative study, a team of Indian and international experts has revealed that even brief access to the voting machines can allow criminals to alter election results.As details of the machines’ design have never been publicly disclosed, and they have not been subjected to a rigorous, independent security analysis, the experts said in a statement that their research findings acquire vital significance.These findings, they said, were at odds with the Election Commission claims that weaknesses found in other EVMs around the world do not apply to the Indian product.But the statement said the findings of this group’s research “clearly show that India’s EVMs are far from being perfect and suffer from serious security vulnerabilities”.
This collaborative study was performed by a team of researchers from NetIndia Ltd, based in Hyderabad, the University of Michigan in the US and a non-profit organisation in the Netherlands specialising in electronic voting related issues.India has around 1.4 million EVMs, which record votes only for internal memory and provide no paper records for later inspection or recount. Here, trust is placed in the hardware and software of the voting machines.The researchers said they had shown that the EVMs can be attacked, either by replacing a small part of the machine with an identical component that can be silently instructed to steal a percentage of the votes in favor of a chosen candidate.These instructions can even be sent from a mobile phone.Another attack would involve the use of a pocket-sized device to change the votes stored in the EVM between the day of polling and when the votes get counted.“The simple design of the EVMs lends itself for such attacks. Our study has demonstrated two attacks on the EVMs. More such attacks are possible. These attacks are possible despite the existence of procedural checks and safeguards that the Election Commission has introduced,” said Hari Prasad, a computer engineer from Hyderabad who organised the study.The design of EVMs relies entirely on physical security of machines and the integrity of election insiders, including private technicians hired by the EVM manufacturers.The EVMs have no provisions for storing secrets to prevent manipulations by attackers having physical access to the machines.Rop Gonggrijp, a security researcher from the Netherlands, said: “Such machines have already been abandoned in Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, Florida (US) and many other places. India should follow suit.”Gonggrijp added: “Computers can be programmed to count votes honestly. But since nobody can watch them, they might just as easily be programmed to count dishonestly.”Political analyst G.V.L. Narasimha Rao said the distrust among political leaders of all hues on voting machines was high. “It is about time India shunned paperless voting to make its election outcomes credible and verifiable.”
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Weather has been dry over CAP: Adilabad recorded highest 45 C

Hyderabad, Apr 29 : With the maximum temperatures rising at one or two places over Telangana and Rayalaseema and falling at one or two places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh(CAP), the weather has been dry over Coastal Andhra Pradesh today.According to the MET office here, isolated rain occurred over Telangana and Rayalaseema, while the weather has been dry over Coastal Andhra Pradesh.The chief amounts of rainfall recorded at Hakimpet(AP), Rayadurg (Anantapur dist) 2 each and Lakkireddipalli (Cuddapah dist) one cm.The temperatures were significantly above normal at one or two places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and above normal at a few places over Rayalaseema. The highest maximum temperature of 45 degrees Celsius was recorded at Adilabad.The weather office predicted that isolated rain or thundershowers would occur over Telangana and Rayalaseema and over Coastal Andhra Pradesh durng the next 48 hours. The maximum and Minimum temperatures would be around 40 and 25 degrees Celsius, respectively.
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Amendment in Right To Information Act ,

(PIB NEWS) The Right to Information Act, 2005 provides that the State Information Commission shall consist of the State Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners, not exceeding ten, as may be deemed necessary. No amendment of this provision is under consideration The Act has an inbuilt system of monitoring of the implementation of the Act. It provides that the Central Information Commission and the State Information Commissions shall prepare reports on the implementation of the provisions of the Act each year which are to be laid before each House of the Parliament or each House of Legislature, as the case may be. This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Shri Prithviraj Chavan in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.
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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)========================================================