Jagan defies Congress, to go ahead with 'yatra'

Hyderabad,June 6: Continuing to defy the Congress party leaders, former chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy's son Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy Sunday said he would go ahead with his "Odarpur yatra"."Who told you that yatra would not continue?" he shot back when reporters in Anantapur sought to know if he has called off his yatra. The Kadapa MP was asked to comment on reports that he decided to call off his controversial tour in different parts of Andhra Pradesh following a directive from the central leadership. By repeatedly asking the same question to reporters, Jagan has virtually made it clear that he would go ahead with his yatra in Srikakulam district from June 8. The yatra is aimed at consoling the family members of those who either committed suicide or died of shock following the death of his father, popularly known as YSR, in a helicopter crash last year. Jagan's attempt to defy the high command and take out the yatra in Warangal district of Telangana region on May 28 had triggered violence. The young MP was arrested on his way to Mahabubabad town in the district but firing by gunmen of his two loyal legislators in the town injured nine pro-Telangana activists, who were opposing his tour. After the incidents, Jagan visited New Delhi and met some Congress leaders to convince them that there is no politics in his yatra. After a meeting with general secretary incharge of party affairs in Andhra Pradesh, M. Veerappa Moily, he had claimed that the leadership permitted him to continue the tour. However, Moily later denied this and advised Jagan not to defy the high command. Jagan's loyalists among the state ministers have also advised him not to go against the party's directive. Last week, several legislators loyal to his father called on him and urged him not to take any hasty step. Unhappy with Jagan's attitude, the Congress leadership is not willing to allow him to undertake the yatra even in non-Telangana areas. Srikakulam is a part of north coastal Andhra and his yatra is not facing any opposition there.
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'BJP will support bill for separate Telangana state'

Hyderabad, June 6 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Nitin Gadkari Sunday said his party was ready to support a bill for the formation of a separate Telangana state if the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government brings it in parliament. Asserting that BJP was "100 percent" for separate statehood to the Telangana region, he told reporters here that the Congress party was playing with the sentiments of Telangana people. "If Congress party is sincere on Telangana issue, let them bring a bill in Parliament. BJP will support it," he said. Gadkari, who arrived here on a three-day visit -- the first since he took over as party chief, blamed the Congress for complicating the Telangana issue. "The Congress party declared that it will carve out a separate Telangana state but later backtracked. It is playing vote-bank politics on the issue," he alleged. "This is not the way to solve a problem. The Congress party is, in fact, creating more problems. The present confusion is because of its policies," Gadkari said. He also said that the Srikrishna committee formed by the central government to look into the Telangana issue was a waste of time. "This is just a time-pass," he remarked. The BJP president blamed the policies of the UPA government for the miseries of farmers in the country. He alleged that farmers' suicides were continuing due to the "anti-farmer" policies of the government. He said that the BJP, for the last four months, has been demanding a halt to future and forward trading in essential commodities. "The government is exploiting farmers. Neither the farmers are getting remunerative prices nor the consumers are being benefited," he said.
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Against Health Minister Danam for assault case

Hyderabad,Jun 5: The City police today registered case against Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Danam Nagender for allegedly assaulting the builder in the upfront Banjara Hills area on some property dispute.The Minister had reportedly objected to the builder taking some digging and drainage works in a banjarahills area plot alleging it was encroachment.Builder Rami Reddy in his complaint to the Banjara Hills police sation alleged that the Minister and his henchmen had assaulted him even though the construction works being done by him ''legal were in his plot''.Builder Reddy alleged that the local corporater Bharathi and her husband along with four or five people had tresspassed in his property along with the Minister.The minister however, had totally denied the incident claiming before the electronic media.
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Andhra Pradesh welcomes much awaited SW Monsoon

Hyderabad, Jun 5: The SouthWest Monsoon entered Andhra Pradesh today, bringing much awaited relief from the torrid summer, slated to be the hottest over the last four decades.With weathermen keeping an eye on the cyclonic storm Phet developing mid coast in Arabian Sea, residents got a relief as the South West Monsoon which had stalled, resumed its movement and entered Andhra Pradesh, bringing rains to Rayalaseema region and South Coastal Andhra Pradesh. It was likely to reach Hyderabad and Telangana region over the next 3 to 4 days, the Met Department said.The Weather bulletin issued tonight said the South West monsoon has further advanced into some parts of Rayalaseema from Kannur, Bangalore, Kadapa and some parts of South Coastal Andhra Pradesh up to Bapatla.''Conditions are favourable for further advance of the southwest monsoon into more parts of Andhra Pradesh during the next 48 hours'', the bulletin said.The Bulletin further said the chief amounts of rainfall for the last 24 hours ending at 0830 hours, were recorded at Udayagiri (6cm), Sitarampuram (6cm), Paderu (5 cm), Yerrgondapalem (4 cm), Piduguralla, Tuni and S Kota, Amalapuram 3 cm each.
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Andhra Pradesh first to launch mobile adalat

Hyderabad,The Jun 5: The Andhra Pradesh cabinet today okayed launching of mobile lok adalat at three places in the state on a pilot scheme.It happens to be the country's first mobile lok adalat to reach specifically rural poor to settle litigations at their doorstep without any cost to them.The mobile lok adalat, one in each of the region, will be initially in Ranga Reddy district (Telangana), Kadapa (Rayalaseema) and Visakahapatnam (Coastal Andhra Pradesh), state information Minister J Geetha Reddy said in a post cabinet brief here.The state cabinet also approved Rs 26 lakhs to the each of the centre to purchase vehicle and recruitment of supporting staff on a contract basis. The initiative in this regard was taken in 2007 by the then Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy, Chief Justice of State High Court and the Judge-cum-Chairman Andhra Pradesh Legal Services Committee.For the establish of mobile lok adalts, the member secretary, AP state legal services authority has requested to issue necessary orders for purchase of three maruthi vans and supprting staff.Six typist cum assistant posts, three driver posts and six attender posts.
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Andhra to seek Rs.1,357 crore for cyclone relief

Hyderabad,June 5: Andhra Pradesh Saturday decided to seek assistance of Rs.1,357.42 crore from the central government for reconstruction work in areas hit by last month's cyclone Laila.The state cabinet, which met here Saturday, decided to seek the financial assistance under the National Calamity Contingency Fund and the Calamity Relief Fund. After the meeting chaired by Chief Minister K. Rosaiah, Minister for Information and Public Relations J. Geeta Reddy told reporters that the state government would soon submit a memorandum in this regard. The cyclone in Bay of Bengal last month caused widespread destruction in the four coastal districts of Prakasam, Guntur, Krishna and Nellore. The natural calamity claimed 28 lives, damaged civic infrastructure and the crops. Geeta Reddy said the losses due to the cyclone were estimated at Rs.1,603.22 crore. The agriculture and horticulture crops suffered a damage of Rs.171.44 crore, while damage to public infrastructure was estimated at Rs.1,302.39 crore. She said the state would be seeking Rs.51.74 crore towards rescue and relief operations, Rs.399.52 crore for temporary restoration and Rs.906.16 crore for permanent restoration works.
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National Muslim and Arab American Organizations Urge President Obama to Uphold Goals of Cairo Speech on One-Year Anniversary, in response to Gaza Flotilla Incident

(Deccan Samachar Service)June 3, 2010, The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) and the Arab American Institute (AAI) sent a letter to White House yesterday requesting that President Barack Obama meet with Muslim and Arab American leaders to discuss the recent incident of violence against the humanitarian convoy traveling to Gaza. The incident occurred only days before the one-year anniversary of President Obama's address to the Muslim and Arab worlds in Cairo on June 6, 2009 and could compromise progress-at home and abroad-on goals laid out in the speech. "One year after Obama's Cairo speech, this tragic incident threatens to undermine both the president's efforts to broker peace between the Israelis and Palestinians and the confidence he sought to inspire in his address to the Muslim world," said Dr. Ingrid Mattson, President of the Islamic Society of North America. The letter asked that President Obama: "...demand an independent investigation into this violent attack and to ensure protections and rights for U.S. citizens who were a part of this humanitarian effort ... [and] to address this crisis in a manner consistent with the vision you advanced in Cairo and to exercise American leadership by calling for an end to the blockade of Gaza." ===================================================

Road map set for global development of telecom and ICT

Hyderabad,Jun 4: The Hyderabad Action Plan adopted today by the ITU World Telecommunication Development Conference outlined a road map to foster the global development of information and communication technology (ICT) networks and services over the next four-year cycle.The roll out of next-generation networks (NGN) and increased access to broadband services, wireless technologies and the Internet were recognized as catalysts to achieve the broader development goals.The Hyderabad Declaration states: ''Broad access to telecommunications and ICTs is essential for the world's collective economic, social and cultural development, and the building of a global Information Society. This access brings new opportunities for interaction amongst people, for sharing of the world's knowledge resources and expertise, for transforming people's lives, and for contributing to the global development agenda.'' The fifth World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-10), which concluded today, attracted 924 participants ''The increasing role of ICT in the life of the common man cannot be overemphasised. Keeping in view the latest technological developments in ICT, the Hyderabad declaration adopted by WTDC-10 will play a decisive role in the development of the ICT sector across the world, especially in developing countries,'' Mr P J Thomas, Secretary in the Department of Telecommunications of the Government of India, who was elected Chairman of the Conference, said. (photo by RSJ Thomas)
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World telecom meet lays roadmap for growth

Hyderabad, June 4 : The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Friday adopted the Hyderabad Action Plan, outlining a road map to foster the global development of information and communication technology (ICT) networks and services over the next four years.The roll-out of next-generation networks and increased access to broadband services, wireless technologies and the Internet were recognised by the UN agency's fifth World Telecommunication Development Conference as catalysts to achieve the broader development goals. "Broad access to telecommunications and ICTs is essential for the world's collective economic, social and cultural development, and the building of a global information society," the Hyderabad declaration said. The fifth World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-10), May 24-June 4, was attended by 924 participants, including 758 government delegates from 138 countries. Policy-makers and regulators pledged to promote affordable access to telecommunications and ICTs aimed at fostering sustainable development worldwide, with attention given to least developed countries (LDCs) and countries with special needs. New opportunities arising from the widespread use of ICTs were also cited in improving e-government services such as healthcare and education and to step up the drive to alleviate poverty and create jobs, especially among poor and marginalised populations, including women, children, indigenous peoples and people with disabilities. "Mobile telephony has grown phenomenally, and as we approach the five billion-mark for mobile subscriptions later this year, it is considered to be the most rapidly adopted technology in history," ITU Secretary-General Hamadoun Toure while addressing the closing session of WTDC-10. "Yet, the digital divide remains, particularly where accessibility to broadband services and the Internet is concerned. This broadband divide must be addressed by governments and industry as a priority if we are to fully utilise the capacity of ICTs to meet the Millennium Development Goals," he said. The conference noted that digital divide is compounded by disparities in broadband access and infrastructure between and within countries, in particular between urban and rural areas. Public and private partnerships need to be strengthened, in order to explore and further develop new and innovative ways of financing development projects, in close collaboration with international, regional and national financing and investment institutions, the declaration said. (Photo by RSJ Thomas)
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Seven held for hacking online passport software

Hyderabad, June 4 : Seven people were arrested here for hacking the online passport application software of the Hyderabad regional passport office, police said Friday.Police Commissioner A.K. Khan told reporters that seven people, who included passport agents, were arrested and search was on for two others involved in the racket.The accused, who hacked the online software a week ago, were using it to book slots for registration of passport applications. The passport officials, who grew suspicious at some agents managing to get many slots, informed the police. The police commissioner's Task Force took up the inquiry. Police arrested main accused Latadhar Rao in Guntur. Several computers and hard disks have been seized from the accused. The police chief said they were on the lookout for two other accused. The gang was busted a day after the police commissioner announced setting up of a special police station to deal with cyber crimes. Over 100,000 applications are pending in the passport office here. There have been allegations of corruption with alleged collusion between employees and agents leading to inordinate delays in getting the passports. Last month, the passport office authorised 96 agents to receive applications for police clearance certificate and other miscellaneous services offered by it. Each agent was allowed to receive four applications for police clearance certificate and miscellaneous services and five applications for fresh passports and renewals every day.(photo by RSJ Thomas) 

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Connecting Rural Roads in Andhra Pradesh

(PIB NEWS) June,03,The Ministry of Rural Development has released grant in aid worth Rs. 80,00,00,000/- (Rs. Eighty crore only) as part payment of 2nd installment of Phase VI for construction of rural roads in Andhra Pradesh under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). The sum is from the special window created in NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development) under RIDF as grants in aid to the Andhra Pradesh State Rural Roads Development Agency (APSRRDA). APSRRDA is the agency executing the works taken up under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in the state. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana is a 100 % centrally sponsored scheme to provide road connectivity in the rural areas of the country. PMGSY envisages connectivity to all habitations with a population of 500 persons and above in the rural areas and about 250 persons and above in respect of the hilly states, tribal areas and desert areas through good and all weather roads.
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Government Appoints Court of Inquiry into Mangalore Air Crash

(PIB NEWS) June,03,The Government today has appointed a Court of Inquiry into air crash of the Air India Express Boeing 737-800 aircraft VT-AXV which occurred near the Bajpe Airport, Mangalore on 22 May, 2010 while operating a scheduled flight IX-812 from Dubai to Mangalore resulting in the death of 158 passengers.Finding it expedient to hold an inquiry into the circumstances of the accident, the Government has appointed Air Marshal (Retd.) Bhushan Nilkanth Gokhale to hold the investigation. Capt. Ron Nagar, Shri S.S. Nat, Shri Babu Peter, Shri Gurcharan Bhatura will be the assessors to the investigation. The Government has also appointed Shri S.N. Dwivedi, Director Airworthiness as Secretary to the Court. The Headquarters of the Court will be at New Delhi. The Court will complete its investigation and submit the report to the Government by 31 August 2010.
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Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee Arrives in Busan to Attend G-20 Finance Ministers’ Meeting

(PIB NEWS)June,03, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee arrived today in Busan, South Korea on a three days visit to attend G-20 Finance Ministers Meeting scheduled to be held on 4th and 5th June,2010. Official delegation led by Shri Mukherjee includes Shri Ashok Chawla, Finance Secretary among others. G- 20 Central Bank Governors’ Meeting will also be held during this period in Busan.During his stay in Busan, Shri Mukherjee will also hold bilateral talks with UK Chancellor of Exchequer and Ex-Finance Minister of South Korea who will be Chairing the G-20 Finance Ministers’ Meet. Before participating in the deliberations of G-20 Finance Ministers Meet starting on 4th June,2010 evening, Shri Mukherjee will also attend four nation Finance Ministers Meet of BRIC countries which will be held on the sidelines of the G-20 Finance Ministers’ Meet. Major issues which are likely to dominate the G-20 Finance Ministers’ Meet include current Global Economic situation, problem of rising fiscal deficits going upto 9 percent of GDP and high debt/GDP ratios in advanced economies and an action plan to tackle them. Beside, a review will be done of actions taken so far for building a framework for strong, sustainable and balanced growth to correct various global imbalances as decided in Pittsburgh Summit. This mainly includes need for fiscal contraction, promoting sound fiscal and monetary policy frameworks, building sound financial sector and adoption of collective policy options as a common strand across all group of countries for moving towards a more balanced economy. Beside above, Busan Ministerial Meet will be a stock taking exercise on the progress of regulatory reforms in financial sector which mainly include international rules on capital, leverage and liquidity, compensation reforms, OTC Derivatives and High Standard Accounting Standards and Non Cooperative Jurisdictions. There will be stress for completing the regulatory reforms as per the committed timelines. Other issues to be deliberated during G-20 Finance Ministers Meet include reform of International Financial Institutions(IFIs) which has always been part of G-20 AGENDA over the past Summits. While operational level reforms in IFIs have been achieved including increased lending capacity, creation of flexible lending facilities and liquidity provision to emerging economies. However the Strategic Reforms like governance reforms to enhance legitimacy, credibility and effectiveness of the IFIs are still under consideration of IMF. Other issues to come up before the G-20 Finance Ministers Meet include strengthening of Financial Safety Nets(FSNs) to cope with financial volatility, reducing the economic disruption from sudden swings in capital flows and perceived need for excessive reserve accumulation. Issues of energy and fossil fuel subsidies, financial inclusion and global food security are also likely to dominate the Meet.
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Shri Kapil Sibal Meets Secretary Clinton - Discusses Formation of India - US Education Council

(PIB NEWS)June,03, Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Kapil Sibal met the U.S. Secretary of State Ms. Hillary Clinton today and discussed wide ranging issues relating to bilateral cooperation in the field of education. Shri Sibal recalled that 50 years ago India and USA had come together to establish world class institutions like IIT Kanpur. The nature of cooperation has now changed with development of India but there is great opportunity for the two countries to work together to create centres of excellence.Shri Kapil Sibal mentioned some of the major reform measures undertaken by him and said that his aim is to increase GER in Higher Education to 30% by the year 2020 which means almost tripling the enrolment from the present 14 million to about 40 million. This effort would require setting up of at least 600-700 new universities and another 35,000 colleges. Welcoming the Singh-Obama knowledge Initiative, Shri Kapil Sibal said that we need to establish a bi-national India-US Education Council having academics, entrepreneurs and government representatives as members. This Council will give further impetus to the sustained efforts being made by both sides to increase education cooperation. Shri Sibal also mentioned the 14 Innovation Universities being set up in India and said that the two sides could partner in setting some of these Innovation universities, one of which could be announced during the proposed visit of President Obama to India later this year. The two leaders also discussed the use of ICT in enhancing the Teaching- learning capabilities, research collaboration Biosciences, nano-sciences and other spheres. they also discussed the interest shown by US universities in establishing institutions in India. Secretary Clinton, who was well informed about the education developments in India, expressed keen interest in India's vision of building an educated and skilled society and suggested collaboration in areas of skill development as well, particularly through community colleges. Secretary Clinton also welcomed the proposal of India-US Education Council. Earlier during the day, Shri Sibal met Arne Duncan, Secretary Education. Shri Sibal shared his vision of education particularly reforms in education sector. The photograph of Shri Sibal with Secretary Clinton and Education Secretary Arne Duncan is available on Indian Embassy website (www.indianembassy.org.) and can be downloaded from there.
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Chidambaram inaugurates housing complex for the poor in Andhra Pradesh

Kalkiri/ Tirumala, June 3 : Union Home Minister P Chidambaram inaugurated 'Indiramma', a housing complex constructed specially for the impoverished families under a programme of the State government here on Wednesday.The complex, which has 1,600 houses, has been built in the State''s Chittoor district with support of the Central Government.Chidambaram said that the Central Government would continue to support such public welfare programmes liberally."As long as we have the wise leadership of Dr. Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi, we will continue to grow at a very fast rate and if we continue to grow at a very fast rate, money will not be a problem for implementing programmes," said Chidambaram. The housing colony constructed for the poor was inaugurated along with the other welfare programmes."We are spending nearly six crore of rupees on the ''Indiramma'' houses that have been completed today," said Chidambaram.The Home Minister later visited the famous Tirumala temple to offer prayers to Lord Venkateswara.
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HMWSSB is bursted the pressure of water flows fr 2 to 4 meter height

Hyderabad,(Deccan Samachar Service) June,1, As Summer is on peak. people are in trouble to get safe drinking water , here the picture shows of main line of HMWSSB is bursted the pressure of water flows fr 2 to 4 meter height  (PHOTO BY RSJ THOMAS)==============================================

Right to education historic, will work to make it reality: PM

Describing the Right to Education Act a “historic step”, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday said his government will work in tandem with the states to make it a reality.“The Right to Education Act is a historic step that will give every Indian child the means to become productive, responsible and active citizen of the country. We will work in cooperation and partnership with state governments and other stakeholders to make the fundamental right to education a reality,” the prime minister said after releasing the UPA-II’s report card to mark one year in office.The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory education (RTE) Act, which came into force from April 1 this year, provides for free education to all children till Class 8. The act has been highlighted as the most prominent achievement of the human resource development (HRD) ministry.“Nothing can be more precious to us than the future of our children. It is they who will fulfil our dreams, hopes and aspirations for a better tomorrow,” the prime minister said.Stating that a number of steps have been taken in the field of higher education, Manmohan Singh said that reforms will soon be introduced in medical education as well.“We have already taken several initiatives in the field of higher education. In the coming year, we will work on reforming the system of medical studies,” he said.A tussle is on between the HRD and health ministries for keeping Medical education under their ambit. While the HRD ministry wants to include medical education under the proposed National Commission for Higher Education and Research, health ministry proposes the formation of a separate National Council for Human Resource in Health.In the field of higher education, the report card mentions the establishment of 16 central universities and six new Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) across the country.Establishing over 19,000 primary and upper primary schools, mid-day meal scheme, introduction of grading system in schools and interest subsidy on education loans to poor students with parental income less than Rs.4.5 lakh per annum are the other prominent steps mentioned in the report card.The report also includes a scheme for the establishment and management of girls’ hostels launched last year.
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CID enquiry over EAMCET leakage: Minister

Tirupati, Jun 2: State Minister for Technical Education and Law Mopidevi Venkata Raman today clarified that there is no EAMCET -2010 question paper leakage as the authorities acted timely to prevent the leakage.Briefing the press persons, Mr Raman, who arrived here to pay obeissance to Lord Venkateswara Swamy, said, ''we would conduct CID enquiry over the cheating with the aid of bluetooth-enabled microphones at Kadapa and Kurnool district during the EAMCET examinations. The guilty would be punished severely, he added.The Minister also said the fee reimbursement would be streamlined shortly as a committee had already been formed for it.
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Bomb threat stops Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam Garibrath

Hyderabad, Jun 2 : The Visakhapatnam-bound Garibrath from Secunderabad was stopped at Bibinagar tonight following a bomb threat.The train, which had left Secunderabad at 2100 hrs, had hardly run for less than 30 minutes when it was stopped at Bibinagar railway station on the South Central Railways, police sources said.Soon after the Garibrath had left Secunderabad, an anonymous call was received by the railway officials that said a bomb was planted in the train. The information was immediately passed on to police who stopped the train at Bibinagar in Nalgonda district.A dog squad has been rushed to the spot even as search was on compartment by compartment for the 'bomb'. The train has already been detained at Bibinagar for nearly 30 minutes and the search was on, sources said.
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NRI IT Businessmen to invest over Rs 1500 cr in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Jun 2 : The NRI-owned Small and Medium Enterprise businesses have come forward to invest over Rs 1,500 crore in Hyderabad in three phases, Small and Medium Enterprise Consortium Chairman Mahender Musuku announced today.At a breakfast meeting held in USA with the CEOs of SME companies, State Information Technology and Communications Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy appealed to the NRI businesses to consolidate their voerseas operations in Hyderabad, India, and make it as their destination city for IT and ITES needs.In response, the businesses have expressed interest in making Hyderabad as their first choice for operations, provided the companies get equal playing field, good incentives in taxation and infrastructure support.Several proposals were discussed during the meeting, including setting up an incubation center with immediate effect followed by developing a self-sustaining campus. The Minister assured full support from the state government to enable these companies to start the operations immediately.Responding to the request of some of the companies to have immediate space available, the Minister offered to lease the currently available built-up space in the Madhapur area that is owned by the department at a reasonable price pending the approval from the Government.SMEs have proposed to setup an incupation center in the heart of the city of Hyderabad for administrative and front offices with an estimaed employment for over 2,000 people in the next two years.This would be followed by the campus in the vicinity of Hyderabad where in there would be a direct employment for around 10,000 people and indirect employment for around 40,000 people with an investment of over 1500 crore. The campus would be built in three phases with the 1st phase to be completed within two years of the approvals, if any.Mr Musuku mentioned that a similar proposal was pending with the government for more than two years and requested the Minister to look into the matter favaouably. The SMEs in USA had sustained operations in India and irrespective of the recession, had been' investing in future growth plans in India. The minister assured to take up the matter immediately with the Chief Minister and respond within 30 days.
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Name party workers, not moneybags, for Rajya sabha, Naidu told

Hyderabad, June 2 : Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N. Chandrababu Naidu's brother-in-law N. Harikrishna has warned him against ignoring party leaders and nominating the rich industrialists for the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls.Harikrishna, who is also a member of upper house of parliament, Wednesday asked Naidu to field only those who were working hard for the party. Harikrishna, son of TDP founder and former chief minister N.T. Rama Rao, met Naidu and urged him to ignore industrialists and businessmen lobbying for Rajya Sabha tickets. His remarks assumed significance in the wake of reports that Naidu was considering the names of Sujana Chowdary of Sujana Group of companies, C.M. Ramesh of Rithvik Projects, and Garikapati Mohan Rao, a contractor. NTR's son told Naidu that fielding any of them would harm the party's image and cause heartburn among those working sincerely for the party. Naidu is already under pressure from strong contenders like former central ministers K. Yerran Naidu, Ummareddy Venkateswarlu, former state ministers Yanamala Ramakrishnudu and P. Chandrasekhar and party vice president Lal Jan Basha. Naidu held a meeting with senior party leaders to decide the party's candidates for June 14 elections. Going by its strength in the assembly, TDP can win two out of six Rajya Sabha seats from the state. Ruling Congress party can win four seats with the support from its ally Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) and Praja Rajyam Party (PRP), which has decided not to field a candidate following a request from Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Five Congress members, Union Minister of State for Environment Jairam Ramesh, J.D. Seelam, V. Hanumantha Rao, Girish Sanghi and Nedurumalli Janardhana Reddy and one Communist Party of India-Marxist member Penuballi Madhu are retiring from the Rajya Sabha. The Congress is yet to announce its candidates for the biennial polls to the upper house.
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Free medicines for one year to Aroygyasri patients

Kakinada, Jun 2: Patients who undergone surgeries under Arogyasri for various ailments, numbering 121, specified in the scheme could avail medicines free of cost for a period of one year, according to Dr Krishna kumar, Arogya Sri District coordinator.In a press release here today, he advised the Arogyasri patients to utilise the facility. He said special medical camps would be conducted all over the district from June 6 to June 29 where regular patients would be examined besides screening new patients for selection for treatment under the Arogyasri scheme.
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Child Development Project Officer in ACB net

Hyderabad, Jun 2: Allagadda Child Development Project Officer Y V Ramanamma was caught red-handed in her office in Kurnool district when she accepted Rs 4,600 from the complainant for issuing a cheque for Rs 13,800 towards rent of 23 Anganwadi centres in Sirivella section.After receiving the amount from the complainant yesterday, the accused gave the amount to office sub-ordinate M Mastan Rao. Both the accused were arrested. They will be produced before Additional Special Judge for SPE and ACB cases, Hyderabad, a press release here said.The case is under investigation.
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Heat wave prevails in AP despite isolated rain

Hyderabad,Jun 2: Heat wave conditions prevailed over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana while isolated rain occurred in some parts of Telangana and Rayalaseema.The maximum temperatures rose at one or two places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and changed little over Rayalaseema.They were significantly above normal at a few places over Rayalaseema. The highest maximum temperature of 46 degrees Celsius was recorded at Khammam, the Met department said today. Alur in Kurnool district recorded a heavy rainfall of eight cm. The other chief amounts of rainfall recorded in cm are Hyderabad, and Holagunda (Kurnool district) two each and Golkonda (Hyderabad district), Palamaner (Chittoor district), Pamidi (Anantapur district), Pathikonda (Kurnool district) and Tandur (Rangareddy district) one each.Heat wave conditions may continue to prevail over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana during the next two days even as isolated rain or thundershowers are likely to occur over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Rayalaseema. A spell of rain/thundershowers may occur in parts of city.Maximum and Minimum temperatures may be around 39 and 25 degrees Celsius respectively.
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ISNA Condemns Israeli Massacre On Board of Gaza Freedom Flotilla, Calls for End of Illegal Blockade

(DECCAN SAMACHAR SERVICE) June,01, The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) condemns the unwarranted deadly use of force by the Israeli military against unarmed humanitarian ships in international waters. The ships, Gaza Freedom Flotilla, were bringing badly needed supplies to the people of Gaza who have been under a choking and illegal blockade by Israel for the last three years. Over 700 peace activists of all faiths, from America and around the globe including academicians, law makers, and Nobel Prize winners were aboard 6 ships carrying over10, 000 tons of humanitarian supplies to the people of Gaza. Turkish customs, who inspected the ships prior to departure from Turkish ports, assert that no weapons were on the ships.The international community and the United Nations have condemned the irresponsible actions of Israeli commandos and the flagrant violation of international humanitarian law by Israel. However, many rights groups assert that the lack of any real consequences for the continuous violation of international law has given Israel a sense of impunity and has made any progress towards peace and justice in the Middle East more distant. ISNA calls on president Obama and Congress to demand an end to the illegal and inhumane blockade of Gaza and to launch an investigation into the massacre in order to hold those responsible accountable for the murder of at least 19 (according to many media outlets) and the injury of over 60 civilian peace activists. ==============================================

India cheers as monsoon arrives in Kerala

june,1, Southwest monsoon, often called one of the most dramatic wind movements on earth that brings over two-thirds of India’s rainfall and accounts for over half of its farm sector’s water needs, has arrived in Kerala.After some highly technical and hard-to-understand jargon, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its much-awaited statement Monday that it was satisfied to declare that the monsoon had finally arrived in India, albeit a week later than last year.In the mainland, monsoon is generally expected to hit Kochi June 1.“Conditions are favourable for further advance (of) monsoon into some parts of central Arabian Sea, coastal and south interior Karnataka and Goa during the next 48 hours,” said the department.It expects the rainfall to be 98 percent of the 50-year long-term average this year.So over the next four-and-a-half months this annual phenomenon will travel northward along the Western Ghats and then spread over to the northeast and finally retreat towards south India before disappearing into the Bay of Bengal.In the process, Indians will hope it brings enough rainfall to refill reservoirs, irrigate the fields and lift the underground water beds, and at the same time pray it does not result in floods, which are known to claim lives, uproot trees and destruct entire villages.In fact, the weather department has already warned of an impending cyclone off the coast of Gujarat from Wednesday or so and asked fishermen not to venture into the Arabian Sea.A failure of monsoon last year – which saw the worth precipitation since 1972 — resulted in a sharp drop in India’s food output that sent prices of grain, lentils, fruits and vegetables soaring – the effects of which people face even today.For the tourism industry in Kerala, monsoon is big business. Ayurvedic centres are overjoyed – since practitioners believe the therapy is most effective during this season as it boosts the immunity.At a broader level, the Indian government has predicted a higher growth of 8.5 percent for this fiscal as opposed to 7.4 percent for the previous year, mainly on the hope that monsoon rains would be normal.“The agricultural output for next year is likely to be better given the positive forecast of the IMD with respect to this year’s monsoon,” said Shanto Ghosh, principal economist with consultancy firm Deloitte.The farm output last fiscal grew a mere 0.2 percent.Little wonder Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee says monsoon is the real finance minister of the country and not he, while Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said his prediction of a 8.5 percent economic growth for this fiscal depended on good monsoon.
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Andhra Pradesh CM refuses to comment on Jagan's charge;Ministers back CM

Hyderabad, Jun 1 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K.Rosaiah today refrained from commenting on Mr Jaganmohan Reddy's allegation that he was responsible for the aborted ''Odarpu Yatra' even as the entire Cabinet came out in the open, backing him against the Kadapa Lok Sabha MP.After inaugurating the Rs 600-crore US-based Wave Rock Complex at the IT SEZ here, the Chief Minister said peace was necessary for bringing investments to the State. He did not react to Mr Jagan's allegations that he (Rosaiah) was responsible for the May 28 Mahbubabad Firing.Elsewhere, the entire Cabinet came out in support of the Rosaiah Administration, denouncing Mr Jaganmohan Reddy's charge.At a joint press conference here, Information and Public Relations Minister J Geetha Reddy, talking on behalf of the Cabinet Ministers, ridiculed Mr Jagan for making ''wild and baseless allegations''.Asserting there was no groupism in the Congress and the Ministers will go by the advise of the Congress high command, they maintained Mr Jaganmohan Reddy was unnecessarily levelling charges against the Chief Minister for Mahbubabad Firing.Home Minister P Sabitha Indra Reddy said action will be taken against erring policemen if the CID investigation into the firing revealed any wrongdoing on their part.
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Indian-American SMEs plan Rs.1,500 crore IT facility

Hyderabad,June 1: Small and medium enterprises owned by Indian-Americans plan to set up an IT incubation facility here with an investment of Rs.1,500 crore.Small and Medium Enterprises Consortium (SMEC) made the announcement when Andhra Pradesh Minister for IT K. Venkat Reddy, currently on a visit to the US, met CEOs of SMEs. According to an official statement issued here Tuesday, SMEC chairman Mahender Musuku told the minister that SMEs would invest Rs.1,500 crore in three phases. The CEOs expressed keen interest in making Hyderabad the first choice for their operations provided they get equal playing field, incentives in taxation and infrastructure. An incubation centre, to be set up in two years for administrative and front offices, is expected to provide employment to 2,000 people. While the centre will be set up in a leased facility in Hitec City, a permanent campus would be set up later with an investment of Rs.1,500 crore. This is expected to provide direct employment to 10,000 people and indirect employment to 40,000 people.
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Andhra ministers back Rosaiah after Jagan's attack

Hyderabad,June 1: A day after Congress MP Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy blamed Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah for last week's violence in Warangal district, state ministers Tuesday came together to defend the chief minister.

The ministers said they were with the chief minister and condemned the allegations made against the government. "We are with the chief minister, the Congress high command and party president Sonia Gandhi," Information and Public Relations Minister J. Geeta Reddy told reporters in the presence of almost all the ministers. They denied the allegations that the government failed to deal with the situation and defended the action taken by it. Geeta Reddy said there were no differences among ministers over the issue. Jagan, son of former chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, Monday blamed Rosaiah for the violence at Mahabubabad town in Warangal district May 29. Nine people were injured when gunmen of two Congress legislators loyal to Jagan opened fire on pro-Telangana activists protesting against his visit. The same day police arrested Jagan in Nalgonda district when he was on his way to Mahabubabad as part of his yatra to console families of those who died of shock or committed suicide after his father's death last year. The MP from Kadapa is currently in Delhi to convince the party's central leadership that his yatra was not political. He told reporters in the capital that the government allowed people to attack Congress leaders who had taken refuge in waiting room of Mahabubabad railway station. Sounding defiant, the young leader said he would continue his yatra as it was personal and had no political motives. Meanwhile, Home Minister P. Sabita Indra Reddy announced a probe by the Crime Investigation Department (CID) into the violence and firing. "We will take action if any policeman is found guilty during the inquiry." A majority of the ministers loyal to YSR wanted Jagan as the chief minister following YSR's death in helicopter crash Sep 2. They gave up the demand after the Congress leadership turned it down.
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Heat wave prevails in Telangana despite isolated rain

Hyderabad,Jun 1: Heat wave conditions prevailed over Telangana today even as isolated rain occurred over Telangana and Rayalaseema.The maximum temperatures changed little over the state. They were significantly above normal at a few places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema. The highest maximum temperature of 47 degrees Celsius was recorded at Rentachintala, Met Department said today.The chief amounts of rainfall recorded in cm are Punganur (Chittoor district) five, Kuppam and Venkatagiri Kota (both Chittoor districts) two each and Chilamattur (Anantapur district) one.Heat wave conditions would continue to prevail over Telangana during the next two days. Isolated rain/thundershowers may occur over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema, the Met Department said.Sky condition may be partly cloudy in the city. Maximum and Minimum temperatures would be around 43 and 28 degrees, respectively.
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Tishman Speyer opens its first IT park in India

Hyderabad,June 1: Tishman Speyer, one of the world's leading developers of real estate, Tuesday unveiled its first property in Asia, commissioning the first phase of the Waverock IT Park here.The US-based developer also launched the second phase of the project, a joint venture between Tishman and ICICI Ventures, which has come up at a special economic zone at Nanakramguda, Gachibowli, an IT district on the city's outskirts. Comprising two phases, Waverock has come up on 12 acres of land for providing 2.46 million square feet IT office space to provide employment opportunity to 25,000 people. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah commissioned the first phase, comprising 700,000 square feet with 10 floors to seat 7,000 professionals. The first phase, built at a cost of Rs.600 crore, began partial operations in February. Waverock phase II is estimated to cost Rs.700 crore. When completed, it will provide 1.65 million square feet office space. It will be developed in three sub-phases and will be 15-19 storey-high with a total area of 650,000 square feet each. TCS has begun its operations in Waverock while Accenture and Invesco will start their offices shortly. Tishman had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Andhra Pradesh government in 2006 to build the facility. ICICI Ventures is 50 percent partner in the joint venture. Company officials said 80 percent of the phase I capacity at Waverock was committed. "This is the first building our company has finished in Asia," said Jerry Speyer, chairman and co-chief executive, Tishman Speyer. India is the 11th country where Tishaman has launched operations. Tishman, which raises and manages private equity funds for real estate across the world, currently has USD 50 billion of assets under management. Rosaiah said Hyderabad had made a mark in the world IT map with manpower and world-class IT infrastructure. He said the state aimed to achieve IT export turnover of Rs.70,000 crore and additional direct IT employment generation of 125,000 by 2015. The IT export turnover from the state in 2009 was Rs.32,500 crore. There are over 1,200 companies providing employment to 251,786 people.
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Jaganmohan says Congress has allowed him to continue Telangana yatra

New Delhi,June 1: Congress MP and the son of late Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YSR Reddy, Jaganmohan Reddy met Law Minister Veerappa Moily on Tuesday and said all issues regarding his ongoing state tour (yatra) had been sorted out.Talking to reporters after the meeting, Reddy said: "My tour was widely appreciated, and I have been given a clear indication to go ahead and do what I was doing. If at all, you can call it a misunderstanding, I would say things have been cleared,"He claims that Moily expressed appreciation for his tour and permitted the tour to resume. He said he had told Moily that the yatra purely personal and not political motive aimed at visiting the families of those who had died of shock or had allegedly committed suicide after hearing the news of his father''s deathCongress sources say the permission comes with some basic guidelines, including staying away from the politically-sensitive Telangana region.On Monday, Reddy had said he was ready to quit as Kadapa MP if it was proved that he had politicised the visit even as he insisted on continuing with the yatra.He had defied the party high command''s directive and gone ahead with his yatra of the sensitive Telangana region on last Friday. However, he was forced to abandon the yatra after violence erupted in Mahaboobabad town in Warangal district.
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No question of leaving Cong: Reddy

New Delhi, May 31: Congress MP YS Jaganmohan Reddy, who was recently detained for his controversial 'yatra' (rally), said he will not leave the party but is ready to quit from his Lok Sabha post."There is no reason why I should leave my party (Congress). If I had to leave, I would have done that immediately after my father (late Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy) died; at that time I also had sympathy of 135 MLAs," Reddy told reporters on Monday here.Reddy, who is in the Capital to meet Congress top brass over the 'yatra' controversy, said: "I respect madam (party supremo Sonia Gandhi) a lot, and have full faith in her. My intensions are clear, my mind is guilt-free, I have not done anything wrong."I am here (Delhi) to request the Congress to allow me continue my Odarpu Yatra. I will explain my stand behind this apolitical rally. The 'yatra' cannot be stopped...it's my moral responsibility and duty to carry on with it. "Asked if there are chances that Congress will take action against him over this issue, Reddy said: "I don't think the party will take action against me. Why should they? I have done no wrong."On May 28, Reddy was taken into preventive custody by the Andhra Pradesh police, apprehending violent clashes after he refused to call off his controversial yatra (rally).Reddy was arrested from a train at Vangapalli in Nalgonda district while he was on way to Warangal to console the family members of those who died of shock or committed suicide after his father's death in a helicopter crash last year.Reddy was on a yatra to meet the bereaved family members and even after his arrest, he has reportedly stated of resuming his travel at a later date.His yatra was seen as a move to give air to the anti-Telangana lobby, of which Reddy and his late father were supporters.Like the late chief minister, the younger Reddy is also against the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and he had, along with MPs from Rayalaseema and Andhra regions, voiced their opposition to formation of Telangana state in the Parliament.The yatra could have fuelled clashes between Reddy's supports and pro-Telangana activists.The Joint Action Committee (JAC), Telangana Rashtra Samiti, other pro-Telangana groups, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had announced their plans to stall the yatra.Some Congress leaders were also against Reddy's yatra and had even reportedly got Congress chief Sonia Gandhi to ask Reddy to stop his rally.But Reddy had decided to go ahead with the yatra, which he has now stated of resuming at a later time.He has maintained that the yatra was not a political statement, and his detractors were trying to defame him.
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HIV woman refused admission, gives birth by roadside

Hyderabad,May 31: An HIV-positive woman was forced to give birth to her baby by the roadside after a government-run hospital allegedly refused her admission.The shocking incident took place Sunday evening in Suryapet town of Nalgonda district, about 170 km from here. According to delayed reports reaching the state capital, some women in the town helped deliver the baby after the pregnant woman collapsed by the roadside. Alivelu, wife of a daily wage labourer from Kesaram village in Nalgonda, reached Government Area Hospital in Suryapet. After the blood examination, she was found HIV-positive and the staff on duty allegedly refused her admission saying the doctors were not available. The 28-year-old was asked to come to the hospital the next day. Some relatives accompanying her tried to get her admitted to a private hospital but could not arrange the money. In the meantime, she developed labour pains and some local women came forward to help her. Shocked by the incident, Health Minister D. Nagender announced a probe. "We will take action against those who refused to admit the woman," the minister told reporters. Alivelu, who had returned to the village with the new-born Sunday night, was brought to the town and admitted to the hospital by health officials. R.V. Chandravadan, director, Andhra Pradesh AIDS Control Society, said there was no reason for a government hospital to deny admission to any HIV-infected person. "Action will definitely be taken against those found guilty," he said.
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Heat wave prevails in coastal AP, Telangana despite rain

Hyderabad,May 31: Heat wave conditions prevailed over Telangana and over the districts of Krishna, Guntur and Prakasam of Coastal Andhra Pradesh despite isolated rain occurring over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Rayalaseema.The maximum temperatures changed little over Telangana and Rayalaseema and fell at one or two places over coastal Andhra Pradesh. They were significantly above normal over Rayalaseema and at one or two places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh. The highest maximum temperature of 46 degrees Celsius was recorded at Adilabad, Met Department said today.Srungavarapukota (Vizianagaram district) recorded a heavy rainfall measuring nine cm. Palamaner and Punganur (both Chittoor districts) received three cm each rainfall, Kuppam (Chittoor district) 2 cm and Mahabubnagar, Araku Valley (Visakhapatnam district) and Vizianagaram (Vizianagaram district) recorded one cm each rainfall.Heat wave conditions would continue to prevail over Telangana and may continue to prevail over the districts of Krishna, Guntur and Prakasam of Coastal Andhra Pradesh during the next two days.Isolated rain/thundershowers would occur over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Rayalaseema.There is a chance of rain/thundershowers in parts of the city while maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 43 and 28 degrees Celsius respectively.
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Hyderabad gets an eco-friendly ice skating rink

Hyderabad,May 31: Hyderabad got its first eco-friendly ice-skating rink with a synthetic surface on Sunday.The rink has been introduced by Sparq Concepts in conjunction with Spanish company, XTRAICE.Spanning an area of 1,300 square feet, the sporting arena is all set to woo ice skating enthusiasts."The rink here is artificial ice rink. This is not ice but it is 97 percent close to ice-skating. It is a fibre-plastic on which we put solution and we skate. We get 97 percent similarity of ice skating," said Anup Kumar Yaman, an Asian Games medallist in figure skating.With zero electricity consumption, the rink can accommodate 25 skaters at a time and has a viewer gallery, which can accommodate double the number of visitors overlooking the skating rink."It''s a remarkable technology and the same product is being used in US and Canada where the ice hockey teams called Florida Panthers and ..., they are using the same product in their training centers," said Afroz Khan, Associate Manager, Sparq Concepts.Similar kind of artificial ice rinks are present at Disneyland in Paris, Toki No Sumik in Japan, the Danish and Spanish ice hockey Associations, and the Bastad Stadium in Sweden.
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Jagan leaves for Delhi to meet Cong high command

Hyderabad,May 30: Reprimanded by the Congress high-command for defying its advice against the 'Odarpu Yatra', which was aborted amid firing and escalating law and order probelms, Congress MP from Kadapa Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy left for New Delhi this evening to put forward his side of the story to the party.After Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee advised to cut-off 'Odarpu Yatra', Jagan had called on Andhra Pradesh Governor E S L Narasimham at Rajbhavan yesterday bypassing Chief Minister Rosaiah.He had reportedly compalined to the Governor that the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) had deliberately stoked the Mahaboobabad firing incident on May 28 'by attacking the Congress leaders there'.The Mahaboobabad firing incident triggered a bandh in Telangana where the government was able to bring back peace after more than 5 months turmoil with the appointment of the Justice Srikrishna Committee. The political temperature in Telangana went up with the yatra. Jagan who is member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance which is meeting in New Delhi tomorrow is likely to use opportunity with the visit to meet party high command including Union Law Minister M Veerappa Moily who is incharge of Andhra Pradesh affairs.Jagan's visit also come at a time amid reports of businessmen known to him had reporterdy approached the Bharatiya Janata Party for a look into the new situation in Andhra Pradesh. Jagan's business links with the 'Gali brothers', the BJP minister of Karnataka is no secret.
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Chiranjeevi's party to support Cong. in RS polls

New Delhi, May 30: South Indian superstar Chiranjeevi's Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) has pledged its support to the ruling Congress in the coming Rajya Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh as the national party fell short by six votes to get its fourth candidate elected to the Upper House.The agreement between the Congress and PRP was reached at a meeting between Congress president Sonia Gandhi and PRP chief Chiranjeevi at Gandhi's 10 Janpath residence here Saturday. Gandhi's political secretary Ahmed Patel, Union Minister for Law and party in-charge of Andhra Pradesh Veerappa Moily and PRP leader C Ramchandraiah were also present. The PRP has decided to withdraw its candidate for the Rajya Sabha election and its 18 MLAs in the state Assembly shall now vote in favour of Congress candidate, Ramchandriah said. With this, Congress' candidates victory in four seats has been ensured, for which it required 164 votes but, prior to the understanding with the PRP, was falling short by six votes. The PRP leader maintained that no favour has been sought from the Congress in return, though he added that Gandhi's support was asked for getting two irrigation schemes in the state declared as national projects. The arrangement with PRP will spell double benefit for the Congress as the party was facing prospects of revolt by former chief minister late YSR Reddy's son Jagan Mohan and his loyalists. Reddy's lobby has support of about 18 MLAs and if they leave the Congress, Rosaiah's government would have been reduced to majority. The PRP's support in such a scenario could come handy for the ruling party.
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Four of a family murdered in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, May 30: In a gruesome incident here, four members of a family were murdered by their son-in-law and his relatives early Sunday, police said.

Six assailants hacked to death four people in a house at Premnagar in Amberpet neighbourhood. Another person sustained serious injuries and is battling for life in hospital, police said. Qamruddin, his wife Sajida Begum and two other family members Abdullah Begani and Abdullah Kirmani were killed in the attack. Qamruddin's daughter Afreen, wife of the main accused, is in critical condition. Police said while one person died on the spot, three others succumbed to the their injuries in hospital. After the murders, Jehangir, son-in-law of Qamruddin, and his brother went to the police station where they surrendered. Police also arrested their four other relatives who helped them in committing the crime. Jehangir, who separated from his wife following a marital dispute, said he committed the crime to take revenge for a dowry harassment case filed by Afreen against him. Police are investigating.
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Telangana observes shutdown after Friday's violence

Hyderabad,May 29: Normal life was affected in the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh on Saturday in wake of a general shutdown called by Telangana-Joint Action Committee (T-JAC) to protest violence in Mahbubabad town during the tour of Congress MP and son of former chief minister late Y.S.R. Reddy, Y.S.Jagan Mohan Reddy, that left 24 people injured.Business establishments and educational institutions remained closed in Warangal, Medak, Mahbubnagar, Karimnagar, Nalgonda and Nizamabad districts. Several T-JAC leaders were taken into preventive custody at Kazipet, Narayankhed and Siddipet towns, police said. The pro-Telangana activists had called for the shutdown, blaming Jagan Mohan Reddy responsible for Friday's violence. Nine people were injured when police fired to quell protesters while seven others were injured in clashes, police said. Eight policemen were also hurt in the violence that broke out in protest against his yatra (rally) to meet families of people who committed suicide or died of shock after his father's death in a helicopter crash last year. Reddy was finally taken into preventive custody by the police on Friday from a train while on way to Warangal. The Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS), Osmania University JAC, Kakatiya University JAC and Bharatiya Janata Party have supported the shutdown. According to media reports, lawyers blocked roads near L B Nagar in Ranga Reddy district, while Telangana activists took out motor-bike rallies in Warangal, Karimnagar and other Telangana districts shouting anti-Jagan slogans. Tight security arrangements have been made in Telangana and additional forces were deployed near Osmania University, considered the nerve centre of the statehood movement.
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No merger with Congress in future: Chiranjeevi

New Delhi,May 29: Telugu cine star and Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) President Chiranjeevi on Saturday ruled out any merger with the Congress party in the future."The Congress has asked PRP to withdraw from Rajya Sabha polls," said Chiranjeevi after his meeting with Congress President Sonia Gandhi at 10, Janpath."The PRP has allied with Congress only for Rajya Sabha polls," he added The meeting gained significance after Congress MP and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Rajshekhar Reddy's son Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy defied the party orders and decided to go ahead with his planned 'Odarpu Yatra,' which caused a lot of violence in the Telangana region. The Praja Rajyam Party, which has 18 MLAs in the 295-member Andhra Pradesh Assembly, is keen on contesting the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. The actor-turned politician was asked by the Congress High Command to come here for discussions to reach an understanding on the biennial Rajya Sabha polls, after he announced that his party would contest the election.
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Telangana shutdown: Andhra Govt. asks police to ensure security

Hyderabad,May 29: The Andhra Pradesh Government has instructed the state police to prevent untoward incidents during a shutdown call given by the opposition Telangana Joint Action Committee (TJAC) on Saturday.The Telangana Joint Action Committee (T-JAC) is observing the shutdown in the Telangana region against the 'Odarpu Yatra' that was being led led by former Chief Minister Y S Rajshekhar Reddy's son and Kadapa MP Y S Jaganmohan Reddy. Police said all preventive measures have been put in place to avoid any untoward incident in the region, including taking Reddy into custody. The Director General of the Andhra Pradesh Police, R R Girish Kumar, said security forces have been asked to take stern action against those indulging in violence during the shutdown. On Friday, 24 people, including eight policemen, were injured in violence that broke out during Reddy's Yatra in Telangana.Reddy has said he will continue with his week-long 'Odarpu Yatra.'The Yatra was to begin from Mahbubabad in Warangal District on Friday, but opposition activists resisted Reddy's plan.Holding Reddy responsible for the violence in Warangal, the Telangana Joint Action Committee (T-JAC) has called for a shutdown in ten districts of the region. Meanwhile, incidents of pro-Telangana activists resorting to road blockades and stone pelting have been reported from Warangal and Nalgonda and Hyderabad.Reddy's followers created road blockades in Tirupati and set two bogies of Padmavathi Express on fire in Kadapa. They have also given a call for a shutdown in Kadapa District in protest against his arrest.
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87th birth anniversary of NTR observed in Andhra Pradesh

Hyderabad,May 28: The 87th birth anniversary of matinee-idol, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) founder-president and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N T Rama Rao was observed by his family members by paying floral tributes at 'NTR Ghat' here today.Former AP Chief Minister and NTR's son-in-law N Chandrababu Naidu and his wife Bhuvaneswari, daughter Union Minister for Human Resources Daggubati Purandeswari,son and Rajya Sabha member Harikrishna, another son and actor Balakrishna, his grandsons and others laid wreaths at the NTR Ghat.While remembering her father, Ms Purandeswari said he had secured a place in the hearts of people, who were affectionate to him even now. NTR, who strived hard for the welfare of the people in the state, had launched several welfare programmes for the poor and downtrodden, she said. A doyen of Telugu film industry, Rao was also responsible for safeguarding the self-respect of Telugu people, she said.Meanwhile, NTR's elder son-in-law and Congress MLA Daggubati Venkateswara Rao unveiled the statue of NTR in Karamchedu in Prakasam district where all his family members were present.Dr Venkateswara Rao, husband of Ms Purandeswari, said he has been making arrangements for unveiling the statue since the last six months. All family members of NTR, irrespective of their political affiliation, were invited for the programme.As a mark of respect to the founder-president of the party, the leaders of the TDP had been organising three-day 'Mahanadu' every year, coinciding with the birthday of NTR. This year the 'Mahanadu' began yesterday where the party would pass a number of resolutions.
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Rupees 605 crore under 'Pavalaa Vadee' scheme loans to SHGs

Kakinada, May 29: Andhra Pradesh government has fixed Rupees 605 crore as the target for extending loans under the Pavalaa vadee scheme to the SHGs in East Godavari district during the current year, district collector M Ravichandra has said.Presiding over the bankers' district level advisory committee meeting here yesterday he assured the bankers that the administration would extend all assistance to them for total recovery of the loans.A community based recovery mechanism had already been introduced for this purpose. He advised the bankers to ensure that each branch adopts one village and extends assistance to villagers for their economic uplift, formulating suitable plans. NABARD assistant General Manager Somayajulu said the banks would face difficulties in sanctioning loans to SHGs unless the recovery mechanism was improved and sought the cooperation of the district administration to lay more stress on this aspect.
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Prime Minister discusses wide range of issues with President Obama

(PIB NEWS) The Prime Minister spoke this evening with United States President Barack Obama. The two leaders discussed the forthcoming Strategic Dialogue between the two countries scheduled next week in Washington. Both sides attach great priority to the dialogue as a means to strengthen bilateral engagement on a wide range of issues including high technology trade, science & technology, civil nuclear cooperation, agriculture, human resource development, security and other strategic issues. The two leaders took the opportunity to discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest. President Obama conveyed condolences on the loss of lives resulting from the air crash in Mangalore last week. The Prime Minister said that a warm welcome awaited the President and his family when they visit India.

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PM’S COUNCIL ON CLIMATE CHANGE MEETS

(PIB NEWS) The Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change, which met today approved in principle the National Water Mission and suggested that its basic approach should be to make water conservation a peoples’ movement in India. For this it is essential to make available all data on water in the public domain to be able to mobilise citizens, local and State Governments for focused action on water conservation and augmentation. The Prime Minister chairing the Council highlighted the need to create a general consciousness of the need to use water in the most sustainable manner. Given the fact that there are multiple uses for water and an integrated approach based on basin development planning needs to be evolved, he said that political leadership at the local body level, state level and civil society organizations need to be involved in activities of the Water Mission. Ministers and other members of the Council endorsed these views. It was stated that the first step in this direction would be to prepare a comprehensive water data base in the public domain and assessing the impact of climate change on water. Action needs to be focused on vulnerable areas, where ground water is overexploited. It was also decided that water use efficiency should be raised by 20% through the promotion of water- positive and water- neutral technologies. Members felt that a structure of incentives should be created for using water in a sustainable manner. It was also felt that the Research and Development requirements of the Mission should be focused upon. Many Members stressed the need to use the opportunities from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, which already prioritizes community-level water security as the first charge in MGNREGA which is being led by panchayats and offers an opportunity to convert water conservation into a peoples movement. The Ministers of Finance, Power, Water Resources, Non- Conventional and Renewable Energy Resources, Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and Minister (Independent Charge) Environment and Forest and Members of the Council were present in the meeting.
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Heatwave in Port City continues,

Visakhapatnam, May 28 : The heat wave conditions which started in the aftermath of Cyclone Laila a week ago continues to torment people of this Port City with the mercury touching 42.6 Deg Celsius.The cyclone Warning Centre (CWC) Officials here today attributed rise in temperatures to the presence of north Westerly Winds over the coast. Dry winds were hitting the coast obstructing sea breeze due to which there is no moisture build up. The conditions are not favourable for the seasonal thunderstorms, though in the nighttime there may be some cloud formation Strong dry winds were likely to prevail and the heatwave conditions would continue for the next 24 hours.
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Despite High Command's nay, Jagan begins yatra

Hyderabad, May 29 : Despite Congress High Command's refusal and obstruction by the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), JAC of Osmania Students Union and several other organisations in Telangana, Congress MP YS Jagan Mohan Reddy started his 'Odarpu Yatra' in Warangal amid high tension. According to party sources here today, Mr Jagan did not heed the advise of the Congress leaders in the state against the tour.The Congress High Command had not given persmission for the 'yatra' and Union Law Minister and Incharge of Party affairs in Andhra Pradesh M Veerappa Moily had conveyed this to Mr Jagan.Chief Minister K Rosaiah held an emergency high-level meeting with Ministers last night to discuss the issue and deputed Ministers N Raghuveera Reddy and P Sabita Indra Reddy to Mr Jagan's residence last evening to advise him to postpone the tour. But he was eluctant.Mr Jagan and his supporters left for Mahbubabad by train this morning amid protests from Telangana people and organisations.
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YS Reddy arrested after refusing to call of yatra

Hyderabad, May 28 : Congress MP YS Jaganmohan Reddy, son of late Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy, was on Friday taken into preventive custody by the Andhra Pradesh police, apprehending violent clashes after he refused to call off a controversial yatra (rally).Reddy was arrested from a train at Vangapalli in Nalgonda district while he was on way to Warangal to console the family members of those who died of shock or committed suicide after his father's death in a helicopter crash last year.He is being brought to Hyderabad.Reddy was on a yatra to meet the bereaved family members and even after his arrest, he has reportedly stated of resuming his travel at a later date.His yatra was seen as a move to give air to the anti-Telangana lobby, of which Reddy and his late father were supporters.Like the late chief minister, the younger Reddy is also against the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and he had, along with MPs from Rayalaseema and Andhra regions, voiced their opposition to formation of Telangana state in the Parliament.The yatra could have fuelled clashes between Reddy's supports and pro-Telangana activists.The Joint Action Committee (JAC), Telangana Rashtra Samiti, other pro-Telangana groups, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had announced their plans to stall the yatra.Some Congress leaders were also against Reddy's yatra and had even reportedly got Congress chief Sonia Gandhi to ask Reddy to stop his rally.But Reddy had decided to go ahead with the yatra, which he has now stated of resuming at a later time.He has maintained that the yatra was not a political statement, and his detractors were trying to defame him.
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Jagan supporters, Telangana activists call for shutdowns

Hyderabad, May 28: Andhra Pradesh will see two shut downs Saturday, one by supporters of Congress MP Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy over his detention Friday and another to condemn the death of a Telangana activist.The shutdown by Reddy's supporters has been called in Kadapa district over their leader being taken into preventive custody while he was on his way to a rally in Warangal in the Telangana regions. The planned rally led to widespread violence in Warangal district as Reddy's supporters clashed with those supporting the demand for statehood to Telangana. Reddy is opposed to the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. A Telangana activist was killed near Mahbubabad railway station in Warangal district when Reddy's supporters allegedly fired at the crowd gathered to prevent the Congress MP's entry. Police also fired to quell the violence. To condemn the killing of the supporter, the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) have called for a Telangana shutdown. Reddy has planned a state-wide tour to console the families of those who committed suicide or died of shock following the death of his chief minister father Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy in a helicopter crash last year. While Reddy has been escorted back to Hyderabad by police, the Kadapa shutdown is being organised by the district Congress committee. Visakhapatnam, Krishna, Guntur, Anantapur, Chittoor and Kadapa districts in Andhra region of the state Friday saw widespread protests by Reddy's followers following his detention. Telangana political parties joint action committee convener M. Kodandaram said the Telangana bandh Saturday was against the killing of the Telangana activist. Students' Joint Action Committees of Osmania University and Kakatiya University, which are in the Telangana region, have extended support to the shutdown. Telangana activists also held demonstrations and burnt Reddy in effigy at Osmania University and in Karimnagar, Warangal, Nalgonda and Nizamabad districts in Telangana.
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Jagan plays Telangana card, one injured in firing

Hyderabad, May 28: One man was critically injured in Andhra Pradesh Friday when violence broke out between supporters and opponents of Congress parliamentarian Y.S.Jaganmohan Reddy as he was taken into preventive custody while on his way to a controversial rally in Warangal in the state's Telengana region.Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police R.R.Girish Kumar said that Prabhu, a student and activist of the Ambedkar Students' Federation, was in critical condition after sustaining two bullet injuries in firing by Jagan's supporters at Mahbubabad in Warangal district. "We mistook him to have succumbed to the injuries. But, his condition is critical," Girish Kumar told reporters here. Earlier, Home Minister P.Sabita Indra Reddy declared that Prabhu died in firing by gunmen of Jagan's staunch followers, Konda Murali and former minister Surekha, and not in police firing. Girish Kumar said that the gunmen and police opened fire only after the agitators threw stones at the guest room at Mahbubabad railway station where the couple, both legislators, was waiting to receive Jagan. He said a total of nine people, including Prabhu, were injured in the firing and all were being treated at different hospitals. A total of seven cases have been registered and 129 people protesting Jagan's visit to Warangal taken into custody, he added. Jagan was taken into preventive custody at Vangapalli in Nalgonda district, was taken to Hyderabad and set free on a personal bond, the police chief said. The rally was part of a state-wide tour planned by Jagan to console family members of those who committed suicide or died of shock following the death of his father, then chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, in a helicopter crash last year. Supporters of Jagan and Telengana statehood have called for separate shutdowns Saturday. The Kadapa district Congress Committee is also organising a shutdown to protest Jagan's detention. The Telangana political parties joint action committee plans a shutdown in entire Telengana region of the state to condemn the firing against its supporters. Students' Joint Action Committees of Osmania University and Kakatiya University, both of which are in Telengana region, extended support to the protest. Meanwhile, Visakhapatnam, Krishna, Guntur, Anantapur, Chittoor and Kadapa districts in Andhra region of the state saw widespread protests by Jagan's fsupporters following his detention. Telangana activists also held demonstrations and burnt Jagan's effigy at Osmania University as well as in Karimnagar, Warangal, Nalgonda and Nizamabad districts in Telengana region. To prevent Jagan from reaching Warangal by train, Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) activists and others seeking a separate Telangana state had blocked railway tracks. This forced the railway authorities to stop the train. Several other trains were also held up. Like his father, Jagan is also opposed to the demand for bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh while the TRS is fighting for a separate Telangana state. Jagan was stranded at Vangapalli for three hours while his supporters waiting at nearby Mahbubabad station clashed with Telangana supporters, police said. High drama preceded Jagan's detention. As soon as he began the train journey to Mahbubabad in Warangal district, TRS activists and various other Telangana forums came onto the streets to protest his entry. A group calling itself Telangana Liberation Army came into existence Thursday and issued a statement that it had planted seven bombs on the railway tracks on Jagan's route. However, police dismissed the claim. With violence erupting in Mahbubabad, Chief Minister K. Rosaiah met the home minister and the police chief, where it was decided to take Jagan into custody. Within minutes of Jagan's detention, Konda Surekha swallowed what she said were sleeping pills in front of the media at Mahbubabad. She was shifted to a nearby hospital. Another Jagan supporter and legislative council member P. Padmavathi fainted. She too was admitted to hospital. Jagan told reporters at the Vangapalli railway station that TRS leaders deliberately instigated violence at Mahbubabad to spoil his programme. He said he would return to Warangal to meet members of the bereaved families. "They died after coming to know about YSR's death. It's my duty to pay them tribute," he said as police escorted him back to Hyderabad.
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SCR cancels two trains, partially cancels 10 trains

Hyderabad, May 28 : The South Central Railways today cancelled two trains and partially cancelled ten trains due to tense situation in Telangana Area following Congress MP Y Jagan Mohan Reddys insistence on visiting Warangal as part of his Odarpu Yatra despite strong protests by pro-Telangana agitators.The trains that have been fully cancelled are Train No 338 Vijayawada-Kazipet passenger and Train No 322 Sirpur Town-Kazipet passenger, a press release here said.The trains that were partially cancelled include Train No:2706 Secunderabad-Guntur express, which will run up to Kazipet and return as Train No:2705; Train No:7406 Adilabad-Tirupati Krishna Express that will run up to Kazipet and return as Train No:7405; Train No:7035 Secunderabad-Sirpur Khagnagar express that will run up to Kazipet and return as Train No:7036; Train No:0752 Secunderabad- Manchiryal special that will run up to Kazipet and return as Empty rake; Train No:323 Bhadrachalam-Sirpur Khagnagar passenger that will be terminated at Yelgur and rake will be moved to Kazipet; Train No:2713 Vijayawada-Secunderabad Satavahana express will return from Kesamudram to Vijawayada as Train No:2714; Train No:7201 Guntur-Secunderabad Golconda express will return from Dornakal to Guntur as Train No:7202; Train No:357 Bhadrachallem-Kazipet will return from Chimalpahad; Train No:7234 Sirpur Khagnagar-Secunderabad Bhagyanagar express will run up to Kazipet and return as Train No:7233; and Train No:7405 Tirupati-Adilabad Krishna express will run up to Vijayawada and return as Train No 7406 from Vijayawada-Tirupati.
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Jaganmohan Reddy detained ahead of controversial yatra

Hyderabad, May 28: Police Friday arrested Congress MP Y.S.Jaganmohan Reddy to prevent a showdown between his supporters and opponents as he went ahead with his planned yatra in the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh.

Reddy, the son of late chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, was held at Vangapalli in Nalgonda district while he was on his way to Warangal by train to console the family members of those who died of shock or committed suicide following his father's death in a helicopter crash last year. The industrialist-turned-politician told reporters after his detention Friday that he would try to visit Warangal again. He is being brought to Hyderabad.
Reddy had refused to drop the yatra despite threats by Telangana activists to stop it at any cost. Like his father, Jagan is also opposed to the demand for bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. He, along with other MPs from Rayalaseema and Andhra regions, had voiced opposition to the demand for Telangana state in the Lok Sabha. Alleging that the yatra is aimed at campaigning against the movement for separate statehood to Telangana, the Joint Action Committee (JAC), Telangana Rashtra Samiti and other pro-Telangana groups have decided to stop his tour. Leaders of the opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Bharatiya Janata Party had also announced their plans to stall the yatra. A section of pro-Telangana leaders within the ruling Congress are also opposed to the yatra and they have appealed to party president Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi to stop Jagan. Jagan has termed as unfair objections to his yatra on political grounds. "There were no political statements nor any issue was politicised by me," he said in a statement.
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Police-agitators clash before Jagan's 'Yatra'

Mahbubabad, Andhra Pradesh, May 28 : Police fired rubber bullets to quell stone-pelting Telangana protestors attacking former Congress Minister Konda Surekha when she arrived at the Mahbubabad railway station just hours before YS Jagan Mohan Reddy was to step down here to start his 'Odarpu Yatra' in Warangal district today leaving at least four injured.A large number of pro-Telangana protestors descended at the railway station this morning, raising slogans and holding demonstrations against Jagan's arrival at Warangal on a six-day tour to console the families who have lost their kins in the wake of Former Chief Minister YSR Reddy's death in a helicopter crash on September 2 last year.Agitating protestors turned furious seeing Konda Surekha and her husband Murali at the Railway Station.
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Train movement between Hyd-Warangal badly affected

Hyderabad, May 28 : The movement of various trains was badly effected between Hyderabad-Warangal in the South Central Railway (SCR) Division due to the disturbance on this route by Telanganaites protesting against Kadapa MP YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's 'Odarpu Yatra' in Warangal which began here today.Accoding to the SCR sources several trains in this section were stopped at various places for hours together in view of the reports of removing fish plates and placing tree branches on track and also squatting by the agitators between Warangal-Hyderabad. Reports as many as 20 express trains including Bhagyanagar, A P Express, Krishna Express, Satavahana and Trivandrum Express were stopped at various places giving much inconvenience to passengers.Reports also said that the agitators removed the fish plates at Ghanapur and Raghunathpally and at Mahbubabad and Jangaon and Nalgonda-Warangal Section and stopped movement of trains in the division.
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