YSR's widow, Jagan meet Sonia, seek permission for yatra in AP

New Delhi, Jun 29: Former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy's widow Y S Vijaylakshmi Reddy along with her son and Congress MP Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and daughter Sharmila today met Party President Sonia Gandhi and sought her permission to continue with the Odarpu yatra in the state.
The meeting at 1830 hrs lasted for 15 minutes after which the family left for Hyderabad. Ms Vijaylakshmi told mediapersons that her husband used to keep all the promises made to the people and her son also wanted to keep the family tradition and fulfil the promise he had made to the people to visit all the families whose members died due to shock of sudden death of Rajasekhara Reddy in a helicopter crash,She denied that there was ''arrogance'' behind Jagan's decision to continue with the yatra despite party high command's disapproval.Refuting the charge that Jagan was indulging in ''indiscipline'' in not following party high command's dictat to stop the yatra, she said the yatra was just meant to fulfil the promise made by the former and there was no politics involved. She urged the Congress President to give permission for continuing the yatra.However, after the meeting with Ms Gandhi, the three avoided interaction with media.
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Andhra remembers Narasimha Rao on 90th birth anniversary

New Delhi,June 28 : Andhra Pradesh Monday remembered its native son and late prime minister P.V.Narasimha Rao on his 90th birth anniversary, with the state's Congress government paying"heartful homage to the humanitarian beyond compare". In an advertisement published in some of the leading dailies, the K. Rosaiah government described Rao, who ruled the country from June 21, 1991 to May 16, 1996, as "the father of Indian economic reforms" and "the dynamic leader who refused to be afraid". Rao was India's 10th prime minister. Rao had initiated Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who is an acclaimed economist, into politics by appointing him as his finance minister to steer the country's economic reforms. Meanwhile, no function was organised at the Congress headquarters here to commemorate the birth anniversary of Rao, who was also its president at one time. "I have no idea about any function," said a top party functionary. When asked whether any function was organised in parliament to commemorate the birth anniversary, a parliament official said there was no photograph or portrait of Rao, who died December 2004, to pay floral tributes. Meanwhile, Rosaiah paid floral tribute to Rao in Hyderabad. Speaking at P.V. Jnana Bhoomi in the city, the chief minister said Rao was the first Telugu to become the prime minister of the country. Some party workers and Congress legislators also paid tribute to Rao.
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APCC President discusses election strategy with Venkataswamy

Hyderabad, Jun 27: In an effort to strengthen the party cadre in the ensuing byelections in the state, Andhra Pradesh Congress President D Srinivas today held discussions with Congress Working Committee member and senior leader of the party from Telangana region G Venkataswamy on strategy to be adopted during the elections.Mr Srinivas went to the residence of Mr Venkataswamy and discussed various matters and the party's efforts and strategies in the election.Mr Srinivas along with Chief Minister K Rosaiah had already held consultations with the leaders and aspirants of all the 10 Assembly constituencies to impress upon them the need to stay united and jointly address constituency level meetings.The APCC President has already written a letter to senior leaders of the party from Telangana region and sought their cooperation in the elections to strengthen the party to win majority of the seats.Senior party leaders of Telangana region held a discussion with Mr Srinivas and decided to represent their views unitedly before the Sri Krishna Committee appointed by the Central Government to look into the situation in Andhra Pradesh on Telangana issue.
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IT sector in the state was encouraging

Hyderabad, Jun 27 : The emergence of Informaton, Communicaiton and Technology(ICT) industry in Andhra Pradesh has resulted from a strong Vision of the State Government and the State's business environment being conducive to the growth and expansion of Information Technology Industry.The provisional performance of IT sector in the State during 2010 has been quite encouraging, a release here today said.During the year, new IT Multi National Corporations like JP Morgan and United Health Group came forward to set up their operations. Existing companies were significantly expanding their operations. The IT companies have started their annual recruitment and hiring plans. Further, the recession did not have any impact on the creation and filling up of office space in IT SEZs by the Infrastructure Developers, it claimed. At the recent Unit Approval Committee meeting of the Development Commissioner, AP IT SEZs,five IT companies have been accorded permission to set up their offices on a total area of 3.91 lakh sft in different IT SEZs. Prominent MNC IT companies approved were Facebook India Online Services PVT Ltd and Accenture. Now, Tier-II cities in the State like Warangal, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Vijayawada, and Tirupati are being promoted as IT Hubs in the State, the release added. Vijayawada is being preferred as an alternative Tier-II IT location in view of its strategic location. Visualizing the potential of Vijayawada as a promising IT locations, IT companies are setting up and expanding their operations there, the release added.
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CLP ask leaders not to obstruct Polavaram project

Hyderabad, Jun 27 : The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) today urged the leaders of various political parties, including the ruling Congress, not to pose ay objections to the construction of Polavaram Irrigation Project in the state.

Addressing a press conference, State Endowments Minister G Venkata Reddy and Panchayati Raj Minister B Satyanarayana said the project was very important for the state and it was not good on the part of the political parties and leaders to create obstacles. Mr Venkata Reddy said the state government had already urged the Union Government to treat Polavaram project as a national project to get more funds.Meanwhile, the Congress leaders from Telangana said they were not against the project and were only demanding a change in project design. Congress MLC Yadav Reddy said the leaders from Telangana were not objecting to the project.He said the interests of the tribals should be taken into consideration before taking a final decision on the project.
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Trimex Unlocks India's Industrial Minerals Potential, Joins the Global top-tier

Hyderabad: The Trimex Group, India's top specialty value chain provider for industrial minerals, today announced the commencement of commercial production at its Srikurmam Mineral Sands Project in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, and the shipment of high-value industrial heavy minerals.

The custom-built, fully-integrated, multi-mineral facility currently extracts, processes, and produces 200,000 TPA of Ilmenite, 6,000 TPA of Rutile, 6,000 TPA of Zircon, 60,000 TPA of Garnet, and 50,000 TPA of Sillimanite. The project represents a major milestone for the development of natural resources in Andhra Pradesh.The project, which will play a pivotal role in helping meet the demand for high quality heavy minerals in the supply-deficit global market, will be formally inaugurated by Dr K Rosaiah, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, on 26 June 2010.The products from this project are used in the manufacture of paints, ceramics, abrasives, insulation, cosmetics, paper, leather, glass products, artificial gems, aircraft parts, artificial human joints, and filtration media, among others. The successful initial phase of the project required an investment of INR 250 crore for pilot studies; bulk samples; extensive hydrology; extensive environmental, social and public perception studies; complete detailed engineering; and the finalization of the mining license agreement with the government and private land owners. The company has acquired the mining lease for 7.2 square kilometers in the coastline of Srikakulam for 30 years from the date of the lease award, renewable for another 30 years.The company has now firmed up plans for an INR 4,000 crore investment until fiscal 2017-18. The investment will go towards the expansion of extraction areas, increase of processing capacity, technology upgradation, and research and development of high value and premium products.
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CM inaugurated srikurmam mineral sands in Andhra Pradesh

Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, Jun 27 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah Inaugurated the Srikurmam Mineral Sands Major project in the Gara Mandalm in Vatchavalasa Village in the Backward District.Speaking after inaugurating the Mineral sands Project here yesterday, he called upon the non-recident Indian(NRI) investors to come farward to set up more Industries in state and generate more employement in the backward districts. Now Gujarat is first state for developing more industries and Andhra Pradesh was at second position in terms of developing more industries in the country.
He also said Visakhapatnam Port city would see phenominal growth in the Industrial sector. The State government had proposed to lay a gas pipeline from Kakinada to Visakhapatnam and six more Nuclear Power plants in the state.Several minister of Andhra Pradesh, Revenue, D Prasada Rao, Rural Development, V Vasath Kumar, Transport minister.S Vaijayaramaraju and Major Industries and Commerce and Export promotion Minister K.Lakshmi Narayana and MP K Kruparani, MLC, MlA, sand P Rajasekharam Zilla parishad chairman were participated in the inaugural function in a grand way.The high value heavy minerals are used across wide spectrum of industries like paints, ceramics, abrasives, aircraft parts and artificial gems. Prasad R Koneru, Group Chairman in his welcome address here, said the project got approvals from 15 agencies. The company would take up expansion for value addition to ilmenite by end of this year or early next year at a cost of Rs 1,200 crore and production should start in 30 months at Bhavanapadu through equity and debt funds in the ratio of 30:70. Overall, Rs 4,000 crore would be invested over eight years towards expansion and production of high value titanium dioxide used in paint industry and titanium metal, he said.
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Hyderabad Collector,addressing to youth

Hyderabad(Deccan Samachar Service) june,26, HYDERABAD DISTRICT COLLECTOR NATARAJAN GULZAR ADDRESSING YOUTH ON THE EVE OF INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR DRAG ABUSE & ILLICIT TRAFFCKING ON 26.06.2010 AT BADRUKA COLLEGE AUDITORIUM KACHIGUDA  (Photo by I&PR No.CNR-3)

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No option for government but to hike fuel prices: Congress

The ruling Congress party Friday supported the government’s move to decontrol petrol prices and hike rates of other fuel products, asserting that it had no other option.“However, we believe that the government must have been constrained to take these steps and ensure that the impact is minimal,” Congress spokesperson Jayanthi Natarajan told reporters here.She said the Congress is “always concerned about the welfare of common man and woman”.Natarajan, however, refused to talk about any roll-back in prices, saying it was for the government to decide.The spokesperson also did not comment on Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee’s voicing unhappiness over the move.Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni, defending the hike, said that “it is for the first time since 2002 that the prices of kerosene have been increased.”“The petroleum minister has said time and again that oil companies find it difficult to keep themselves viable unless there is some rationalisation (of fuel prices). If the government has announced a hike, you will be convinced that there was no other option,” she told reporters.The Indian government Friday freed petrol from administrative control and hiked the prices of diesel, kerosene and cooking gas in a major policy reform that is aimed to help improve its fiscal position and release funds for other programmes.Petrol will now be costlier by Rs.3.50 per litre, diesel by Rs.2 a litre, kerosene by Rs.3 a litre and cooking gas by Rs.35 per cylinder.
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Four swine flu deaths, 23 infections in Andhra

Hyderabad,june,26, Four people died of swine flu in Andhra Pradesh while 23 were found infected by H1N1 virus this year, officials said Saturday.Three deaths and a majority of the cases were reported during last 10 days. The monsoon is believed to be the main cause for the virus becoming virulent. Officials have advised people not to use preventive medicines without advice from the doctors.“People should take the medicines only under the supervision of doctors,” said P.V.Ramesh, principal secretary, health and family welfare.The authorities have urged people to contact the 104 Mobile health service and call toll free number 1056 to clear their doubts about swine flu and seek any assistance.The health department said arrangements had been made for treatment of swine flu in 17 district hospitals, 11 teaching hospitals and 28 private hospitals across the state.As many as 54 people died of swine flu in the state last year. Nearly 800 cases were reported.The first swine flu case in India was detected at Hyderabad airport May 16 last year.
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Unitedworld school of business organises interactive seminar

Hyderabad, Jun 26 : Unitedworld School of Business, an open economy focused business school which recently opened its South India centre here organised interactive seminar 'Magic of MBA' today.Industry stalwarts and students addressed the doubts and queries regarding a career in management at the seminar.Addressing a press conference here, Prof Anamitra Chatterjee, Dean, Executive Education, Unitedworld School of Business said the school would have its campuses in Kolkota, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Delhi.He said the aim of the school was to groom Indian talents for the South East economy.
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Andhra Pradesh Govt has taken measures to contain Swine Flu: Official

Hyderabad, Jun 26 : The Andhra Pradesh government has taken all measures to contain Swine Flu and rain-related diseases across the state, with strengthening of the government and private hospitals in the state for treating the Swine Flu cases.Addressing a press conference here today, Principal Secretary to Government (Medical Health and Family Welfare) P V Ramesh said so far, 23 Swine Flu cases and four deaths had been reported since January this year in the state.He said 17 district hospitals, 11 teaching hospitals and 28 private hospitals in the state were equipped with facilities, including with isolated wards, to treat the Swine Flu patients. He said the state government had utilised 60,000 Swine Flu vaccines so far out of 80,000 sent by the Centre. He appealed the people not to take Anti-Swine Flu medicines without the advice of the doctors.Mr Ramesh said the government had also taken measures to contain the rain-related diseases and steps to prevent the supply of contaminated water through the pipes.
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Dr.J.Geeta Reddy, Hon’ble I&PR Minister attend the 500 years coronation celebration

(Deccan Samachar Service) june,25, Dr.J.Geeta Reddy, Hon’bleMinister for Information and Public Relation and Tourism called on Smt. Prathiba Patil, H.E. President of India inviting her to the 500 years Coronation Celebrations of Srikrishna Devaraya at New Delhi on 24-06 2010.(Photo by I&PR No.CNR-8)

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Dr.J.Geeta Reddy, Hon’ble Minister meeting with jaipal reddy

(Deccan Samachar Service)june,25, Dr.J.Geeta Reddy, Hon’ble Minister for Information and Public Relation and Tourism called on Sri S.Jaipal Reddy, Hon’ble Union Minister of Urban Development inviting him to attend the 500 years Coronation Celebrations of Srikrishna Devaraya at New Delhi on 24-06-2010. (Photo by I&PR No.CNR-2)
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Collecter Hyderabad District,visit to slum area,

Hyderabad (Deccan Samachar Service) june,25, HYDERABAD DISTRICT COLLECTOR NATARAJAN GULZAR VISITED PHOOLBAGH SLUM AND INTERACTED WITH RESIDENTS OF THE SLUM ALONG WITH GHMC OFFICIALS ON 25.06.2010 (Photo by I&PR No.CNR-1)
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Hyderabad Collector,Visit to phool bagh

Hyderabad,(Deccan Samachar Service) june-25,HYDERABAD DISTRICT COLLECTOR NATARAJAN GULZAR VISITED PHOOLBAGH SLUM AND INTERACTED WITH RESIDENTS OF THE SLUM ALONG WITH GHMC OFFICIALS ON 25.06.2010 (Photo by PIB No.CNR-2)
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India to Release Four Pakistani Prisoners

(PIB NEWS) June,25, The Union Home Minister, Shri P.Chidambaram has approved the release of four Pakistani prisoners as a gesture of goodwill. They are currently lodged in various jails in Gujarat. These prisoners will be repatriated from the Attari border on 30th June, 2010 and handed over to Pakistan Rangers.

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Satyam scam accused allowed to use computer in jail

Hyderabad, June 25 : A city court Friday allowed an accused in the Rs.14,000 crore Satyam scam to use a computer in jail to prepare for his defence, while the Andhra Pradesh High Court granted bail to two accused in the accounting fraud.Magistrate B.V.L.N.Chakravarti directed Chanchalguda jail authorities to provide a computer to G.Ramakrishna, former vice president, finance of Satyam Computer Services. He has been allowed to use a desktop computer to read, write and edit text documents. The system will also have the facility to read CDs and DVDs supplied by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the case. However, the use of the computer by the accused will be subject to certain conditions, the court said. The court directed that the computer be used only for storing, retrieving and accessing the case records. The accused would have to bear the cost of procuring and installing the computer and the electricity charges. The place of installation and the timing of the use will be decided by jail superintendent. The magistrate made it clear that the accused would have no access to internet or pen drives. The court adjourned to June 29 the hearing on CBI's petition for allowing it to examine main accused Ramalinga Raju through video conference. The founder and disgraced chairman of Satyam is currently undergoing treatment for Hepatitis C at Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS). Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh High Court granted conditional bail to former senior partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) S. Gopalakrishnan and former internal auditor of Satyam V.S. Prabhakar Gupta on health grounds. The two have been asked not to leave India. The Supreme Court in February granted bail to another PwC auditor Talluri Srinivas. Gopalakrishnan and Srinivas were arrested in January last year a few days after Raju admitted to a massive accounting fraud in the IT bellwether. The two were charged with doctoring the accounts in collusion with Raju and others. The CBI later arrested Gupta and two other Satyam employees on similar charges.
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Reply to plea on contempt proceedings, Andhra told

New Delhi,June 25: The Supreme Court Friday asked Andhra Pradesh to file a reply on a petition seeking to initiate contempt proceedings against the state government for breaching the court's interim order in the appointment of secondary grade teachers.The vacation bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justice R.M. Lodha and Justice A.K.Patnaik gave the state government four weeks to file the reply. Even as the state government's counsel D.Bharthi Reddy denied any breach of the court's interim order, Justice Lodha said: "Prima facie there is something that needs to be stated in writing that under what circumstances the GO (government order) was issued."
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CM-held a review meeting on polavaram,

Hyderabad (Deccan Samachar Service) june,24, Dr. K.Rosaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister held a review meeting on Polavaram, Bablee and Pranahita-Chevella with Telangana MPs and Officials of Irrigation Department at Camp Office, Hyderabad on 24-06-2010. (Photo by I&PR No.CNR-9125)
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Sri GULZAR,addressing a meeting at collectorate,

Hyderabad (Deccan Samachar Service) june,24, Hyderabad District Collector Sri Natarajan Gulzar addressing Asst.Welfare officer review meeting on 24-6-2010 at Collectorate Conferance Hall. Addl JC Satyanand, DD Social Welfare Vijay kumar also in the picture.

(Photo by I&PR No:CNR-1)
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Agriculture Minister Relesing the publicity matarial today,

Hyderabad (Deccan Samachar Service) june,24, Sri N.Raghuveera Reddy, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture, Agriculture Technology Mission, Horticulture, Sericulture and Rain Shadow Area Development is seen releasing the publicity material and addressing the “Samachara Sravanthi” Press meet at Secretariat on 24-06-2010. Sri C.Parthasarathi(IAS) Special Commissioner,Information and Public Relation Department is also seen. (Photo by I&PR No.CNR-64)
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28 Apartment Buildings in GHMC Jurisdication have been cield,

Hyderabad (Deccan Samachar Service)june,24, The Additional Commissioner, Planning,GHMC Sri Dhanunjaya Reddy said in a note here today that about 28 apartment buildings in GHMC jurisdiction have been ceiled today who have not paid their dues under BPS scheme. All these apartments have been served earlier with red notices with instructions to pay their dues early. The Additional Commissioner said the ceiling of premises of apartments in the city would continue till the end of this month and he appealed to the applicants who have already submitted their applications under BPS to pay their dues early and get the clearance certificate. The last date for payment of dues under this scheme is the June 30, 2010 and it would not be further extended, he said. CPRO GHMC

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PAIGAH PALACE PLAQUE INAUGURATED (PRESENTLY U.S. CONSULATE OFFICE)

Hyderabad (Deccan Samachar Service) June,24, On the eve of World Heritage Day on 18th April, 2010, the HMDA inaugurated two Plaques one at Greenlands Guest House and the second at Sardar Mahal highlighting the important features of these buildings. On that occasion, it was decided to place Plaques on Heritage Precincts. Today i.e. on 24-06-2010, a plaque highlighting the historical importance of Paigah Palace (presently office of the U.S. Consulate), is inaugurated by Consul General, Mr. Cornelis M. Keur. This building is listed as a Heritage Building, vide G.O. Ms. No.102, M.A. Dept., dt.23-03-1998. It was constructed in 1896 by Nawab Iqbal-ud-Doula (Sir Vicar-ul-Umra II), one of the Paigah nobles and Prime Minster during the reign of the sixth Nizam Mir Mohboob Ali Khan. The building became the office of the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority in 1982. This programme is attended by Sri A.V. Bhide,Member Urban Planner, Sri V.Madhwaraja, Chief Engineer,and Sri Syed Ziauddin, Chief Planning Officer, HMDA, Sri Sajjad Shahid, Sri Sanjay Torvi, Sri Ramesh Kamajosyula, Member of Heritage Conservation Committee and officials of U.S.Consulate. COMPLETED Issued by the Public Relations Officer,Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), ‘C’ Block, District Commercial Complex, Tarnaka, Hyderabad – 500 007. Mobile: 9849909799, e-mail: ramakrishnapro@gmail.com PRO,(Photo by RSJ Thomas) =============================================================

Mamata Banerjee Flags off ‘Commonwealth Express’ Exhibition Train

The Union Minister for Railways, Kumari Mamata Banerjee flagging off the ‘Commonwealth Express’ Train, in New Delhi on June 24, 2010.The Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Sheila Dikshit and the Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology, Shri Sachin Pilot are also seen. (Photo by PIB No.CNR-32199)
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(PIB NEWS) June,24,The Minister of Railways, Mamata Banerjee flagged off Commonwealth Express Train, a special exhibition train to spread awareness about sports and Information Technology especially among the youth and among the masses in general, from here today. The first stop of this train will be at Amritsar on 25th to coincide with event of arrival of Queen’s Baton of Commonwealth Games. After covering major cities in the country, this exhibition train will conclude its journey in Delhi on 1st October 2010. It will be available for public viewing on 1st & 2nd October 2010 at Safdarjung Railway station.This train consists of 11 coaches out of which five coaches have been allocated to Railway Sports Promotion Board to showcase the history of Commonwealth Games, details of the venues of the events to be held in the month of October, 2010 in Delhi, to spread general awareness about different sports and to give wide publicity to the sports icons of India who have brought laurels to the country with their stupendous feats. Besides, one coach is exclusively dedicated to the Railway Sports Promotion Board to showcase their history, activities as well as achievements Railway sports persons at national and international level.
In this exhibition train, Department of Information & Technology will showcase the capacity and the work done in the country in the area of Information and Communication technology and the initiatives carried out by the Department of Information Technology and its affiliated entities in the fields of e-governance, infrastructure, technology relevant to rural India, language interfacing technology etc. The ‘IT Story of India’ will be told through the six coaches by way of backlit translites, front-lit digitally printed posters, short informational films etc. To reach out to the common man in as effective manner as possible, the content of the backlit translites will be made available in regional languages in addition to English, and the language changeover will happen in ten languages (as and when the train enters such a State). Also present on the occasion were Smt. Sheila Dikshit, the Chief Minister of Delhi, Shri K.H. Muniyappa, the Union Minister of State for Railways, Shri Sachin Pilot, the Union Minister of State for Communication & Information Technology, Shri Vivek Sahai, Chairman, Railway Board, board members and other senior official from the Ministry of Railways and Ministry Communication & Information Technology.
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Vice President Presents IAYP (India) Gold Awards

(PIB NEWS) June,24, The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari presented the International Awards for Young People (IAYP) – India Gold Awards to the young awardees at a function here today. He presented 44 Gold Awards in 4 categories i.e Service, Adventurous Journey, Skills and Physical Recreation. The young awardees include 8 from East Zone, 11 from West Zone, 13 from North Zone and 12 from South Zone. Addressing the young awardees the Vice President said that ours is a huge country and every young person should prove that he is a better citizen of our country. Amongst us the utility bond is that of common citizenship. We must enjoy our rights and do our duties of citizenship to the fullest. Describing the young awardees as the role models in their grouping, he wished them all the success in their endeavors. The International Awards for Young People (IAYP) is an exciting self-development programme for all young people aged between 14 and 25 years worldwide. It equips them with like skills, builds their confidence and engages them with their communities. There are three Award Levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold, each requiring increasing commitment and effort. Bronze usually takes 6-12 months to complete, Silver 12-18 months and Gold 18-24 months. The Award Programme comprises four Sections: Service develops a sense of community and social responsibility; the Adventurous Journey cultivates a spirit of adventure and an understanding of the environment; the Skills Section develops cultural, vocational and practical skills; and Physical Recreation encourages improved performance and fitness.
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Govt to release Rs 1000 cr for fee reimbursement in two days

Hyderabad,Jun 24: Refuting allegations of the opposition, including the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K.Rosaiah was ''anti-backward classes'', a group of state ministers today said the Government had decided to release Rs 1500 crores for the fee reimbursement and would release Rs 1000 crores in two days.Addressing a press conference here, BC Welfare Minister P Subhas Chandra Bose, Backward Classes Minister M. Mukesh Goud, Panchayat Raj Minister B Satyanarayana and Animal Husbandry Minister K.Parthasarathi asserted that the Congress government was committed for the welfare of the backward classes in the state.They appealed to Backward Classes Welfare Association State President R Krishnaiah to withdraw his proposed hunger strike from tomorrow, demanding fee reimbursement of the BC students. Stating that the Chief Minister was not against the interests of the backward classe, the Ministers said the government was committed to the implementation of the fee reimbursement scheme in the state though it was facing a fund crunch. Mr Bose said the sub-committee appointed by the government to look into fee reimbursement would meet again on June 29.
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July 27 by-elections not T Referendum: Praja Rajyam Party,

Hyderabad,Jun 24: Ahead of the July 27 by-elections, Actor K Chiranjeevi founded Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) today asserted the bypoll next month was not a referendum on Telangana and so the PRP had decided not to contest it.After the party's Political Affairs Committee Meeting with Mr Chiranjeevi where the party decided not to contest byelections in the ten Assembly Constituencies in Telangana Region, the party charged the Telangana Rashtriya Samithi (TRS) for forcing the by-elections to drive political mileage and to arouse the sentiment of the region with an ulterior motive.The party felt this was not the first time that the TRS had resorted to the resignations forcing by-elections ''only to keep alive the depleting party' and there was no 'ideological issue involved in the by-poll'.PRP also alleged the atmosphere for free and fair electioneering and campaigning in these elections had been vitiated by the alleged threat flung around by the TRS to attack the contestants and as such the PRP had decided to stay away from the next month by-poll
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Arabian food festival in Hyderabad

Hyderabad,June 24: A two-week food festival showcasing exotic Arabian food items is underway in Hyderabad.The festival,which began on Saturday, has been organised by 'Novotel Group ' at Hotel Novotel.
Indigenous food items have been put on display, like mansaf, knafeh, baklawa, basbousa, and many more Arabian dishes."We are staying here out of pleasure.We are enjoying everyday the qualities of food. So Arabian is quite nice for us," said Alina, a tourist from Canada.The ambience has been set as simply Arabic, right from the decoration to utensils. Arabic music is also played.The staff of the restaurant is also attired in Arabic tradition."We have the whole restaurant-in terms of ambience-completely set up like an Arabic restaurant. We have the dresses, which are very traditional to Arabic countries... Morocco or a Turkish cap things like that. We have a chef who has flown in from Morocco, who is working in Qatar just for the food festival," said Bhargav Kumar, chef-in-charge of Hotel Novotel.The fair will conclude on June 27.
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Railway Recruitment Board chairman sent to jail

Hyderabad, June 24 : The special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court here Thursday sent suspended Mumbai Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) chairman S.M. Sharma and another official to judicial custody till July 1 in the railways job scam.Along with Sharma, G. Sethi, the senior divisional personnel officer (SDPO) at Raipur was also sent to judicial custody. The CBI, which arrested the two officials Wednesday, moved a petition for their custody for further interrogation. The hearing on the petition was adjourned to Friday. Sharma and Sethi were later shifted to Chanchalguda Central Jail. Public prosecutor Venkatramana told reporters that CBI named Sharma and Sethi as accused number 16 and 17 in the cash-for-job scandal. So far, 10 accused have been arrested by the CBI and search is on for seven other accused in different parts of the country. The CBI court Wednesday remanded eight accused including Sharma's son Vivek Bhardwaj to CBI custody for three days. Others included A.K. Jagannathan, a former additional divisional railways manager (ADRM) at Raipur and his son Srujan. The investigating agency had last week unearthed the racket, involving railway officials and agents. They allegedly charged nearly Rs.3.5 lakh from each candidate for recruitment tests for assistant loco pilots and assistant station masters held early this month. The investigations revealed that at least 444 candidates were supplied question papers. Sharma, Bhardwaj and their accomplices are believed to have pocketed over Rs.15.5 crore in these deals. The CBI suspects that the accused were running the well-organised racket for the last 10 years. The interrogation of Sharma and other accused is expected to bring out the role of several others involved.
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Rain in AP

Hyderabad, Jun 24 : Rain occurred at a few places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema while isolated rainfall occurred over Telangana.The chief amounts of rainfall recorded in cm are Kalingapatnam and Sompeta 5 each, Mandasa, Mantralayam and Parkal 4 each.Moderate to rather heavy rain/thundershowers would occur at many places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh.Light to moderate rain or thundershowers may occur at a few places over Telangana and Rayalaseema.A spell of rain/thundershowers may occur in parts of city.Maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 33 and 24 Degrees Celsius respectively.
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Lok Satta President wants hospitals rated

Hyderabad, Jun 23 : Lok Satta Party President Jayaprakash Narayan today stressed the need for establishment of an independent agency to rate healthcare providers on the quality of their services.Launching'manahealthcare.com,' a portal giving details of healthcare facilities in Hyderabad, to begin with, he said public, private and voluntary institutions have to work together to make quality healthcare available to all. He pointed out that 85 per cent of healthcare providers in USA were 'no-profit' entities. Mere provision of healthcare services would not guarantee healthcare, he said and referred to supply of contaminated drinking water even in upmarket localities like Banajara Hills and Jubilee Hills.
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Two officials sentenced to RI in trap cases

Hyderabad,Jun 23: The Additional Special Judge for ACB cases, Hyderabad convicted and sentenced K Srinivasappa, former Project Director, National Child Labour Project (NCLP), Kurnool to undergo rigorous imprisonment for three years under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.The judge also imposed a fine of Rs 2,000 on him. Earlier, he was trapped by ACB sleuths in March 2006 when he demanded and accepted a bribe of Rs 10,000 from the complainant to do an official favour. In another case, M Kallesham, Junior Assistant APSRTC, Karimnagar was convicted and sentenced by the Principal Special Judge for ACB cases here to undergo rigorous imprisonment for six months and a fine of Rs 500 for the offence under the PCA, and in default to suffer simple imprisonment for one month. He was trapped by the officials of the ACB in September 2003 when he demanded and accepted a bribe of Rs 1,000 from the complainant to do an official favour, a release said here today.
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Collecter Hyderabad District,inspecting records,

Hyderabad,(Deccan Samachar Service)June,23, Hyderabad District Collector Natarajan Gulzar inspecting records of Goshamahal Unani Dispencary, Hyd. (Photo by I&PR No.CNR-2)
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Sri Natarajan Gulzar, to visit nampally schools,

Hyderabad,(Deccan Samachar Service)June,23, Hyderabad District Collector Natarajan Gulzar speaking with interacting with students of Nampally Schools(5 schools in one building)

(Photo by I&PR No.CNR-1)
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PM’s Homage to Air India 182 Victims

(PIB NEWS) JUNE,23, The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has paid homage to Air India Flight No.182 crash victims who lost their lives in the air tragedy 25 years ago on the same day. Following is the text of the Prime Minister’s message:“This year marks the 25th anniversary of the crash of Air India Flight 182 that led to the loss of 329 innocent lives. This was a horrific incident which shook the world's conscience. It is with a sense of deep pain and sorrow that I join the families and friends in paying my homage to all those who fell victim to this most barbarious act of terrorism. No religion, faith or cause can justify such violence or inhumanity. On this solemn occasion, we must rededicate ourselves to fighting and eliminating terrorism with determination and joint action.”
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Hyderabad blast: CBI announces cash reward for accused

NewDelhi, June 22 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has announced a cash reward of Rs. 10 lakh to any person providing information leading to the arrest of each of the two absconding accused in investigation the Mecca Masjid bomb blast at Hyderabad, said a top official."We have announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh if anyone can give us any information on Sandeep Dange @ Parmanand and Ramchandra Kalsangra @ Ramji @ Vishnu Patel (both residents of Indore, Madhya Pradesh). They are wanted in the Hyderabad mosque blast case that took place on May 18, 2007," said ADG (M and C) and CBI spokesperson Harsh Bhal on Tuesday.Bhal said the information may be given either to Ashok Tewari, DIG, SC-II, CBI; or, T. Rajahbalaji Addl. Supdt. Of Police, CBI; or and Duty Officer CBI; or any nearest branch of CBI. "The name of the informant shall be kept secret," he said.The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered this case on 09.06.2007 after receipt of request from Andhra Pradesh Government and directions from Government of India. During investigation of the case, CBI has taken over the custody of two accused persons who are also, accused in Ajmer Dargarh Blast Case. Both these accused were earlier arrested by ATS Rajasthan in the said blast case. At present, one accused - Devender Gupta -is in CBI Custody up to June 30 and other- Lokesh Sharma- in Judicial Custody.During further investigation, names of two more accused persons, namely Sandeep Dange @ Parmanand and Ramachandra @ Kalsangra @ Ramji @ Vishnu Patel have also figured. Since both these accused persons are absconding, CBI has announced a cash reward of Rs.10 lakh for information leading to the arrest, said the CBI spokesperson. (thanks to IBNS)
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Diverse society requires social harmony, scientific temper:VP

Hyderabad, Jun 22 : Vice-President Hamid Ansari today said a diverse and stratified society like India required social harmony for its cohesion and a scientific spirit and excellence to seek and attain all-round development. Delivering his address at the 12th Convocation of the University of Hyderabad on the outskirts of the city, he said to promote and attain these was among the principle duties of the citizens and to be undertaken proactively rather than passively with a spirit of seeking justice and achieving fraternity.He called upon highly educated citizens to bear a special responsibility for promotion of harmony and spirit of common brotherhood, development of a scientific temper, humanism and spirit of inquiry and reform, and striving for excellence in all levels of individual and collective activity. ''As you leave the sanctuary of the university and step into the world beyond it, it is appropriate to remind you of this compendium of rights and duties, and of the need to reiterate your commitment to them''. He said educational institutions, including those of higher learning, can play a major role in this national effort of shaping the citizens. He said, ''Technology and globalisation have ensured that isolation is no longer an option and that we have to live in the world and with the world. This necessitates an acceptance of global standards, rules and norms of behaviour but without sacrificing our identity and values.''
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Govt taking measures to prevent diseases: Health Min

Hyderabad, Jun 22 : The Andhra Pradesh government is taking all possible measures to prevent, contain and manage diseases like H1N1, Gastroenteritis and Malaria, state Health Minister D Nagender said today here.Addressing a press conference here today Mr Nagender said weekly reviews are being conducted to monitor the situation and to take measures to strengthen Disease Surveillance Prevention and Management.He said sufficient drugs and disinfectants are made available in districts. Stating that Rapid Response Team (RPT) are active in every district, he said district collectors have been holding weekly meetings coordinating with all departments responsible for disease prevention, specially Rural Water Supply, Panchayat Raj and Municipal Administration for periodic disinfection, regular chlorination of drinking water.The Department of Institute of Preventive Medicine is collecting water, food samples regularly and monitoring the quality of food and water. These reports are being shared daily with the agencies responsible for enforcement of safety standards, he added.A massive campaign has been launched across the state with specific focus in ITDA districts where malaria prevalence is high by making paramedical and medical personnel responsible for every village and habitation.All fever cases are being screened and are administered for medical treatment for malaria. Adequate insecticide material is positioned in all districts for spraying operations, he said.Nagender said there have been reports of two fatalities from H1N1 virus during the month of June. However government is taking all possible measures to not only contain but also to manage even the worst case situation. We have taken the following measures in this regard, he added. He said a round the clock cell has been established and is functioning in the Directorate of Public Health and all the DMHCs offices.All district hospitals and medical institutes along with six area hospitals in Hyderabad city and 27 private hospitals across the state are fully geared up to receive and manage any case of H1N1 influenza, he added.All these facilities are fully equipped with necessary infrastructure and trained professionals.The health professional who were likely come into contact with H1N1 patients, have been immunized with vaccination and the process is on going.Prevention of H1N1 virus infection should be undertaken by the individual themselves. The citizens are informed that influenza infection with specific fever and cough is not uncommon during the monsoon season however only very few cases of influenza are caused by H1N1, he added. (photo by RSJ Thomas)
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Police seize highly explosive material in AP dist

Nizamabad,Jun 22 : The police on a tip off recovered highly expolsive material from a house at Ramadugu village in the Dharpally mandal of the district today.According to police, over five quintals of explosive material stocked in several bags in the house was recovered.Police were interrogating the owner of the house, Rajanna, who reportedly told the police that he had given the house on rent three years back to a person.Investigation was going on, police added.
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17 killed, 39 injured in lorry tractor collision

Warangal, Jun 22 : At least 17 people, including a bridegroom, were killed and 39 others injured when a bamboo laden lorry rammed from behind into two tractor trollies with a marriage party of tribals at Birsettigudem, about 100 km from here in the wee hours today.The bridegroom, identified as Nagesh, died at the hospital less than 24-hours after he tied the nuptial knot to Sunitha, who was battling with her life at Mahbubabad Area Hospital, police said.The marriage party in two tractor trolly had just stopped less than 100 metres from their residence to offer ritual prayers at the village temple before entering the tribal hamlet in a procession, accompanied by band and instrument.The lorry in high speed which was carrying wood for a Rayon factory dashed the tractor trollies from the rear and mowed over the marriage party, killing 12 on the spot, including the five band group, who accmpanied the bride from the neighbouring Khammam district.The injured, including the couple, were shifted to the Mahbubabad Area Hospital where the bridegroom died.The condition of five of them was critical and they were brought to MGM hospital here for critical medical care.Police have sent parties for the driver who fled the scene reportedly under drunken condition.
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Vice President Presents G.D.Birla International Awrds

The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari with the awardees and the trustees of the award after presenting G.D. Birla International Award – 2008, in New Delhi on June 21, 2010.       (Photo by PIB No.CNR-32144)
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(PIB NEWS) June,21,The Vice-President of India Shri M.Hamid Ansari presented the G.D.Birla International Awards in the presence of distinguished gathering at a function here today. Describing the awardees as role models and worth emulating, the Vice President applauded the Birla Academy of Art and Culture for instituting these awards and for recognizing the outstanding work of the awardees. This Award is a source of inspiration to those who make earnest efforts, benefiting masses with their contributions to Humanity, Rural Upliftment and associate themselves not only in preserving but also spreading the rich Cultural Heritage of India.The Award for Humanism was given to Mrs. Zokhumi Vankung , an eminent social activist from North East who made significant contribution for the benefit of Spastic, handicapped children and empowerment of women by helping in creation of an institution called “Gilead Special School ” and working for betterment of those needing humanitarian assistance. The Award for Preservation of India’s Cultural Heritage was conferred on Mr. P V Dhanjayans and Mrs. Shanta Dhanjayans, a famous couple known propagating Indian Dances and while maintaining their identity,collaborating them with International form of dances bring fresh wave of innovations. In the category of Rural Upliftment, the Award was presented to Dr. Percy Barnevik, a Swedish National who after retirement from a MNC devoted his life and retirement funds in transforming the socio-economic environment in rural and remote areas of Distt. Kanchipuram in Tamilnadu and achieving the success, replicating in other part of India and world. Smt. Sarala Birla, Chairperson of Birla Academy of Art & Culture which has instituted these Awards also appreciated and welcomed the contributions made to various segments of the society and invited all to join hands to make a better India.
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By-polls to 10 assembly seats in Telangana July 27

Hyderabad, June 21 : By-elections to 10 Assembly seats in the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh will be held on July 27, while the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) has decided to challenge in court the Election Commission's decision against conducting polls in two other constituencies.The Election Commission Monday announced that by-polls will be held to Sirpur, Chennur (SC), Mancherial, Yellareddy, Nizamabad (Urban), Koratla, Dharmapuri (SC), Huzurabad, Siddipet and Warangal West Assembly constituencies. It decided aggainst holding the by-polls for two assembly seats - Vemulawada and Sircilla - as the election petitions against the winning candidates in last year's elections were still pending in court. The bye-elections were necessitated by the resignations of all 10 legislators of TRS and one each of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in February in support of the demand for a separate Telangana state. Chief Electoral Officer I.V.Subba Rao told reporters here that the poll notification would be issued on July 2. The last date for filing nominations would be July 9, while the scrutiny would take place the next day. He said July 12 would be the last date for withdrawal of nominations. According to the poll schedule, counting of votes would take place July 30. Subba Rao said the model code comes into force with immediate effect in the districts in which the constituencies fall. TRS chief K.Chandrasekhara Rao reacted strongly to the decision against holding polls in two constituencies. Terming it a "political conspiracy", he said he would challenge it in court. "This is an undemocratic move and we will challenge it in high court," he said. The TRS leader's son, K.Tarakarama Rao, was elected from Sircilla constituency in last year's elections by a thin majority of 171 votes. A petitioner has claimed that the votes were not counted properly. In Vemulawada, Ch. Ramesh of TDP was elected but a contestant filed a petition contending that Ramesh is not a citizen of India.
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Andhra Pradesh by-elections July 27

New Delhi, June 21 : The Election Commission Monday announced by-elections for 10 assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh July 27.While the date of issue of notification is July 2, the last date of making nominations is July 9. The nominations will be scrutinised the next day, while the last date for withdrawal of candidature is July 12. Polls to the 10 assembly constituencies will be held July 27 and will be held between 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Votes will be counted July 30, the poll panel said. According to the commission, the model code of conduct will come into force with the announcement. Electronic voting machines (EVMs) will be used during the by-elections. "Adequate numbers of EVMs have been made available and all steps have been taken to ensure that the poll is conducted smoothly with the help of these machines," the commission said in a statement here. Elections were scheduled to take place in 12 constituencies. But as petitions have been filed in two, the commission is holding polls for 10 assembly seats, the poll panel said. It said in the assembly constituencies of Vemulawada and Sircilla, election petitions are pending as petitioners have sought to be declared elected. Elections will be held in Sirpur, Chennur, Mancherial, Yellareddy, Nizamabad (Urban), Koratla, Dharmapuri, Huzurabad, Siddipet and Warangal West.
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GVK signs contract with Hyundai, L and T

Hyderabad, Jun 21 : GVKPIL, which owns and operates 915 MW gas-based Combined Cycle Power Plants in Andhra Pradesh located close to K-G basin gas sources is planning to substantially augment its generation capacity over the next five years.As part of the expansion program, it will be installing an 800MW (2x392.24MW) gas-based Combined Cycle Power Plant at its Gautami plant site at a cost of Rs 3,200 crore.GVK has signed EPC agreements with the Consortium of Hyundai Engineering Company Limited, Korea and Larsen and Toubro, Chennai.The implementation of the 2x392.24MW Power Project on Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) basis envisages nstallation of advanced class Siemens single shaft gas turbine generators, unfired triple pressure HRSGs with reheat and state-of-the-art plant controls.The first unit of the project is scheduled to go into commercial operation in the first quarter of 2013.GVK Chairman GVK Reddy, in a statement said the company plans to further increase the installed capacity by adding a third unit of about 400 MW in Gautami at a later date.
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Andhra seeks 80 companies of paramilitary forces for by-polls

Hyderabad, June 21 : Andhra Pradesh has sought 80 companies of paramilitary forces, or nearly 8,000 troopers, from the central government for by-elections to 12 assembly seats in Telangana region, an official said Monday.State police chief R.R.Girish Kumar told reporters in Karimnagar town that the state needed the additional troopers for smooth and peaceful conduct of the polls. Seeking cooperation from all for the polls, the director general of police warned of strict action against those creating trouble. "In a democracy everybody has a right to campaign. If anybody tries to create trouble, we will take action as per the law," he said. His warning was an obvious reference to the threats by Telangana Joint Action Committee (JAC) and other pro-Telangana groups to stop both the ruling Congress and the main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) from contesting the by-elections, likely to be held in July-August. JAC is pressurising Congress and TDP not to field candidates to allow unanimous election of those who resigned in February this year to demand separate Telangana state. All 10 legislators of Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) and one each of the TDP and the Bharatiya Janata Party had quit to press the demand for separate Telangana state to be carved out of Andhra Pradesh. Some pro-Telangana student groups Sunday threatened to stall Chief Minister K.Rosaiah's visit to Nizamabad district where by-election is scheduled for one assembly seat. The Election Commission is likely to issue poll notification this week. Meanwhile, TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu held a meeting with senior party leaders to discuss the strategy for the by-elections.
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Expert rues lack of steps on heart disease prevention

Tirupati,Jun 21 : 'We have advanced technology in India compared to other countries but we are lagging in taking preventive steps against heart attacks in the country,' Apollo Hospitals (Chennai) Senior Cardiologist Dr Y Y C Reddy said here.Addressing the press last evening, Dr Reddy, who visited the temple town to brief on the steps taken to help people better understand risk for cardiovascular disease, said though advanced technology could save life, awareness should be created among youngsters, especially those between 30-35 years, on prevention of heart attacks.Apollo had embarked on a campaign titled 'billion heart beatings' for creating awareness among youngsters on prevention of heart diseases roping in NGOs.As per medical studies, heart attacks can be predicted from hypertension, diabetes and cholesterol levels.Consumption of five varieties of vegetables, lifestyle alteration and use of olive oil were most beneficial for health.
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CLP urges JAC not to obstruct CM tour in Telangana

Hyderabad, Jun 20 : The Congress Legislature Party today urged the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Students of Osmania University not to obstruct the tour programme of Chief Minister K Rosaiah in Telangana region as it would hamper development activities.Addressing a press conference, Information and Public Relations Minister J Geeta Reddy in the presence of Endowments Minister G Venkata Reddy, said it was wrong on the part of the JAC students to disturb the tour of Chief Minister.She said agitation and separate Telangana state demand was different from development.'We need developemnt of Telangana. Obstruction to the Chief Minister tour amounted to stalling the development of the region,' she said.She appealed the JAC students to allow the Chief Minister to tour Telangana as the developmental activities which were going on in the region would further improve for the benefit of the people of Telangana. She said though revenue collections had come down last year due to agitations and disturbances, the state government continued the welfare schemes and developmental activities launched by former Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy. Mr Venkata Reddy said despite financial crunch, the goverrment had not taken any overdraft for the last six years whereas the TDP during its tenure depended only on overdraft.''As the government maintained the fiscal management in a perfect manner, the government has not crossed the FRBM limits so far,' he added.Stating that there was 25 per cent difference of revenue collections in the state between 2009 and 2010, he said inspite of global recession, the state had managed to implement the welfare schemes for the benefit of the people.
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Tension between BJP, JD-U ‘a drama’: Lalu Prasad

Terming reports of the growing rift between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ally, Janata Dal-United (JD-U) “nautanki (drama)”, Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Sunday dared the BJP to snap ties and contest the coming Bihar polls on its own.“Both of them are playing a drama. They will go together,” Lalu Prasad said at a press conference here, claiming that the BJP-JD(U) alliance was an outcome of their “Laluphobia” over a decade ago.“The BJP should snap ties with JD-U and withdraw support from Nitish Kumar government to prove that it has self-respect,” he said.He also said it was time Nitish Kumar should sever ties with BJP. “No more drama over advertisements featuring him and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi… he realised the danger of Modi and BJP after running the government for four and half years with the BJP,” Lalu Prasad said.Referring to Nitish Kumar’s decision to return the Rs.5 crore aid given by the Gujarat government during Kosi floods in 2008, Lalu Prasad said that it was wrong. “The assistance provided by Gujarat government during floods in 2008 was not the personal money of Narendra Modi but that of people of Gujarat,” he said.The RJD chief also said he wanted to know from the Bihar government about the huge amount of relief materials sent by Gujarat government.“Two trains full of relief materials were sent by Gujarat government. Were they distributed among flood victims or not?” he asked, demanding Nitish Kumar make public all details of relief assistance provided by various state governments, public agencies and others.The rift between JD-U and the BJP widened Sunday, with Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi boycotting a joint march in rural Patna and the chief minister quickly hitting back by cancelling a similar event here later in the day.The Sushil Modi-Nitish Kumar face-off came even as top leaders of the two parties flexed their muscles over differences that seem to threaten their alliance ahead of assembly elections in October this year.Sushil Modi stayed away from the Sunday morning ‘Vishwas Yatra’ (Confidence March) at Paliganj in rural Patna, a day after the chief minister returned the Rs.5 crore aid money given by the Gujarat government during the Bihar floods in 2008.Nitish Kumar has justified his decision, saying the Gujarat government and Narendra Modi erred by talking about their aid to Bihar. “What they did was against the principles of our culture,” he said.
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Minor married to 45-year-old man in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, June 20 : In the third incident of its kind in four days, a 16-year-old girl was forcibly married to a 45-year-old man here Sunday. After the wedding, the girl managed to contact the police and lodged a complaint.Kamakshi, in her complaint at Panjagutta police station, claimed that she was married against her wish. She also told the police that she was a minor. Her parents, however, claimed that she was 19-years-old and was earlier married to a man from Vijayawada. She got divorced a few months ago, they said. The girl's father, M. Prasad, told reporters that the second marriage took place with her consent and with the hope that she would live happily. Police said they had sent the girl for medical examination to determine her age. "Any action will be taken after determining her age," Sub-inspector of Police Ravi Kumar said. This is the third incident of its kind in Andhra Pradesh in the last four days. Police arrested a 58-year-old man in Rajahmundry town June 17 after he married a 14-year-old girl. On Saturday, a 57-year-old man, a native of Rajasthan, was arrested in Rajendernagar near Hyderabad for allegedly marrying a minor.
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Infant murdered in Hyderabad, parents suspected

Hyderabad, June 20: A one-and-half-month-old infant was allegedly murdered at her house here Sunday. Police suspect the involvement of her parents.The girl's mother Sujata told police that three people barged into her house in Raghuvendra Society in Kukatpally area early Sunday and killed her child by drowning her in a bucket full of water. The woman claimed that she was tied by the attackers before they killed the child. They caused no harm to her elder daughter, who is two years old. Sujata said her husband was away when the incident took place. However, contradictory statements given to the police by Sujata and her husband created doubt. Police said they had not yet found any proof of attackers forcing their way into the house and committing the crime. The parents were being questioned with the police suspecting that they killed the infant as they were reportedly depressed over the birth of a second girl child.
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Swine flu returns to Andhra, two fresh cases in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, June 19 : Swine flu has returned to haunt Andhra Pradesh with two fresh cases reported in Hyderabad Saturday, health officials said.One person was admitted to Government Chest Hospital and the other to Gandhi Hospital with symptoms of swine flu. The officials have not given the details of the patients. The fresh cases were reported a day after a 32-year-old man, undergoing treatment since June 14 at a private hospital, died of swine flu in the port city of Visakhapatnam Friday. Relatives of the deceased said he had gone to East Godavari district for a function last week, where he developed swine flu symptoms. This is the first swine flu death in the state this year. The first case of swine flu this year was reported last week, when a 21-year-old pregnant woman from Medak district tested positive. Following the fresh cases, health authorities in the state have gone on alert to take precautionary measures to check swine flu. As many as 54 people died of swine flu in the state last year. Nearly 800 cases were reported. The first swine flu case in India was detected at Hyderabad airport on May 16 last year. Most of the deaths were reported in September-October. Health officials and doctors have sounded an alert as the onset of monsoon is believed to be the reason for fresh cases. The authorities are on high alert in areas bordering Karnataka and Maharashtra, where several swine flu cases were reported during the last few days. K.Subhakar, chief coordinator of the Government Chest Hospital said the cold climate offers the perfect conditions for H1N1 virus to multiply rapidly.
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First swine flu death in city

Visakhapatnam, Jun 18 : Swine flue claimed the first victim in this city when a youth died today.According to District nodal Officer Dr S Devi, a railway employee's son Appanna (30) died this evening at Care hospital.Appanna tested positive after he was admitted to the Private Corporate Care hospital on June 14.The samples were sent to Mumbai for testing. Dr Devi also told that the youth residing at Dondaparthy Junction near the railway quarters was put on ventilator. The treatment was being given to him since last four days.
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Andhra Pradesh announces new industrial policy

Hyderabad, June 18 :Andhra Pradesh Friday announced a new industrial policy for the next five years, aiming to attract Rs.15,000 crore investment annually and create 500,000 jobs every year.The policy has set a target of 17 percent growth in manufacturing and increased investment subsidy for micro and small enterprises from Rs.15 lakh to Rs.20 lakh. The state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister K.Rosaiah, approved the policy for 2010-2015, which offers a series of incentives, especially for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Information and Public Relations Minister J.Geeta Reddy told reporters that it was the best industrial policy in the country with potential to transform Andhra Pradesh into the top investment destination. The policy, which comes into effect from July 1, focuses on MSMEs and food processing units. It is also aimed at facilitating reduction of regional and sub-sectoral imbalances. The government will promote industries along the gas pipeline laid in the state to take advantage of the availability of natural gas. The policy has also changed the definition of a mega project by enhancing the existing limit of Rs.100 crore investment to Rs.250 crore. "However, any project creating employment for more than 2,000 persons is also proposed for consideration of special package of incentives under mega projects," said a government statement. The policy offers 75 paise reimbursement of power cost for each unit. The present electricity tariff for industry is Rs.3.53 per unit, the lowest compared to other industrially developed states. The government will provide Rs.100 crore every year for promotion of industrial infrastructure for micro and small enterprises. The other highlights of the new policy includes 25 percent of VAT (value added tax) reimbursement for large and medium enterprises, 50 percent VAT reimbursement for small enterprises, 5 percent additional subsidy to women entrepreneurs, 10 percent of plots to women entrepreneurs in the new industrial estates, special incentives for entrepreneurs belonging to scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.
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Assets worth Rupees 1.63 crore seized from APIIC Dy Zonal Manager

Hyderabad, Jun 18 : ACB sleuths today unearthed assets worth Rupees 1.63 crore during simultaneous raids at the office and residence of Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Limited Deputy Zonal Manager (Shamshabad Zone) K Gopal Reddy.The sleuths registered a case of disproportionate assets against the accused after conducting simultaneous searches at different places covering his office and residence at Maruthi Nagar, Kothapet and Hyderabad and unearthed movable and immovable assets possessed by the accused in his name and in the names of his family members worth about Rs 1.63 crore, a release here said. The immovable assets include Two G+2 houses (one each at New Maruthi Nagar and L B Nagar in Hyderabad), one Flat at Saroornagar, Eight house plots in and around Hyderabad city. The official value of these immovable properties is to the tune of Rs 1.33 crore. The searches also unearthed Rs 96,000 in Cash, four gold biscuits and gold ornaments weighing about 887 gm worth about Rs 13 lakh, two kg of silver ornaments worth about Rs 50,000, bank balances of Rs 4.18 lakh, one Ford car worth Rs six lakh, one Maruti car worth Rs 1.50 lakh, one Pulsar Motorcycle worth over Rs 40,000 and household articles worth about Rs 3.20 lakh.The total value of the movable assets was about Rs 29.74 lakh. The total recorded value of movable and immovable assets possessed by the accused was about Rs 1.63 crore though the market value of the assets would be more than Rs five crore. The searches were in progress. The accused was arrested and produced before Principal Special Judge for SPE and ACB Cases, Hyderabad, the release added.
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Andhra Pradesh Wakf Board CEO caught taking bribe

Hyderabad,June 17: Andhra Pradesh State Wakf Board Chief Executive Officer (CEO) B.S. Farooq Ahmed was Thursday caught red handed while taking a bribe.Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) officials said the CEO was caught when he was taking Rs.1 lakh from a person who wanted a job in the Wakf Board. An official said Farooq had demanded Rs.2 lakh from Arshad, a youth from Kadapa district, to appoint him as a security guard. Farooq was caught while taking Rs.1 lakh. ACB officials raided Farooq's house to conduct a thorough probe into his assets. Wakf Board, run by the state government, looks after movable and immovable properties dedicated by Muslims for religious and charitable purposes.
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Man arrested for marrying minor

Hyderabad,June 17: A 58-year-old man was Thursday arrested in Andhra Pradesh's East Godavari district after he married a minor girl, police said.
The bridegroom, an employee of the state-owned Road Transport Corporation, married a girl - said to be 14 years old - at a temple in Rajahmundry town of the district this morning. However, protests by local people forced him to leave the place in a hurry with his bride. The man, who hails from Vemulawada in West Godavari district, was arrested later on charges of kidnapping and cheating as the marriage reportedly took place without the consent of the girl. Police said they would send the girl for medical examination to establish her age as her parents have claimed that she is 18 years old.
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Two blast accused brought to Hyderabad

Hyderabad, June 17: Two activists of a Hindu terror group accused in the October 2007 blast in the Ajmer Sharif dargah were Thursday brought here by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for questioning in the Mecca Masjid bombing in May the same year.Devender Gupta and Lokesh Sharma, both members of Hindu terror group Abhinav Bharat, were produced before a court, which sent them to judicial custody for two weeks. CBI sources said the two were later shifted to Chanchalguda Central Jail amid tight security. This is the first time that the accused have been brought to Hyderabad after their involvement in the Mecca Masjid blast came to light in April. Nine people were killed in the blast during Friday prayers at the mosque May 18, 2007. Five more people were killed in the subsequent police firing on protesters outside the mosque. The CBI, which brought the two accused on transit remand, will move a petition to seek their custody for interrogation. The investigating agency will try to find out if they received any local help in carrying out the blast at the 17th century mosque here. On a petition by the CBI, 14th additional chief metropolitan magistrate court had last week issued a warrant to present them in the court. The CBI had informed the court that two other accused, Sandeep and Ramchandra, were absconding and efforts to nab them were on. Hyderabad Police Commissioner A.K.Khan told reporters that the city police would provide all assistance to the CBI. Gupta and Sharma were arrested by Rajasthan Police in April this year in connection with October 2007 blast at Khwaja Moinuddin Chisthi dargah in Ajmer, which had claimed one life and injured 30 others. The CBI believes that both the blasts were the handiwork of the same group.
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Congress to submit views on Telangana before Srikrishna panel

Hyderabad,June 17: The Justice Srikrishna Committee, looking into the demand for separate statehood for the Telangana region, will hear the views of the ruling Congress party in Andhra Pradesh on the issue next month. The Congress is the only party that is yet to present its views on the contentious matter.Srikrishna told reporters Thursday that the committee has invited the Congress party to submit its arguments on July 5, 6 and 7. Though all the parties, including the main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP), have submitted their arguments before the panel during last three months, the Congress had been avoiding a meeting. As the party is divided on the statehood issue along regional lines, two to three groups are likely to meet the committee separately to put forth their views. "We don't know how many groups from the Congress party will come to meet us," said Srikrishna, who is heading the five-member committee. The Srikrishna committee had last month heard different groups of the TDP on the Telangana issue. The Congress had postponed its scheduled meetings with the panel on two occasions in the past. Leaders of both TDP and Congress from Telangana support the demand for a separate state while their counterparts from Rayalaseema and Andhra regions are opposed to it. To a query, Srikrishna said the committee would meet TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu, if necessary, to elicit his views. The committee met 100 groups and 1,000 individuals during the last three months. "We are in the process of gathering information and inputs. We are sure that the train is progressing on time and will reach the destination on time," he said. The committee, formed by the central government in February after violent protests for and against a separate Telangana, has been asked to submit its report by December 31. The committee, which heard the views of various sections of the Telugu diaspora through video conference, has almost completed its process of consultations with various political and non-political groups. The panel will begin region-wise visits next month to elicit the people's opinion. It held a meeting with Chief Secretary S.V. Prasad as part of the preparations for regional visits and also to seek region-wise information from various departments. The committee's member secretary, V.K. Duggal, said they would not visit those Telangana districts where by-elections to 12 assembly constituencies are scheduled in August. He denied that the committee had urged the Election Commission to postpone the by-polls.
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Hyderabad artist makes 16-foot long pen for Manmohan Singh

Hyderabad, June 17 : To spread the message of compulsory education for every citizen of India, M. Srinivasa Acharya, an artist from Hyderabad, has created a 16-feet long fountain pen for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.A teacher by profession, 50-year-old Acharya wants to spread the message of compulsory education for every citizen of India through his pen."Education must be made compulsory. That right shall be given to all the Indians. To remove the hurdles in the development of the nation, the illiteracy shall be uprooted. I dedicate this pen on behalf of all Indians to Honorable Prime Minister," said Acharya,Made of brass with a width of a foot, the pen weighs 40 kilograms.The pen has been named "Bharatiya Pali," which means India''s Pen. It took 56 days and about 450 man hours to shape the sheets of brass into pen and to carve the whole structure with illustrations of Indian culture. The entire project cost Acharya Rs 2.5 lakh.
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Send 'child goddess' to school: AP Commission

Hyderabad, June 16 : The Andhra Pradesh State Human Rights Commission has ordered that Sambavi, an eight-year-old girl hailed as a child goddess and a devotee of the Dalai Lama in her previous incarnation, should go to school.

Justice B.Subhasan Reddy,chairman of the Commission, directed the collector of Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh to get her admitted in school if her parents failed to do so, media reports said on Wednesday. Sambhavi is almost worshipped as a god in Kurnool as "she can foretell the future". People are flocking to visit this "child goddess".Sambhavi's parents are, however, upset with the direction and are planning to move court against the direction.The state human rights commission earlier banned a reality TV show involving children in Andhra Pradesh.
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Suven gets 2 product patents from Japan

Hyderabad, Jun 16 : Suven Life Sciences Limited (Suven) today announced that the Japanese Patent Office (JPO) has issued two product Patents to their New Chemical Entities (NCE's) for treating disorders associated with Neurodegenerative diseases.The patents -- 4455992 and 4473120 -- were valid till 2022. With this, a total of three Japanese product patents were granted to Suven, a company release said.The granted claims of the patent include the class of selective Serotonin receptor affinity compounds discovered by Suven and were being developed as therapeutic agents. According to the invention 4460446 patent disclosure, the compounds were useful in the treatment of cognitive impairment associated with neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimers, Attention deficient hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Huntington's disease, Parkinson and Schizophrenia.Suven had secured intellectual property protection for several of its NCEs in major markets like US, Canada, Europe, China, Russia, India, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and Mexico. These patents were exclusive intellectual property of Suven and achieved through the internal drug discovery research efforts. Products from these inventions would be outlicensed at the stage of clinical Phase-I or Phase-II.''We are very pleased by the grant of these patents to Suven by Japanese Patent Office for our pipeline of molecules in CNS arena that are being developed for cognitive disorders which has an estimated market potential of 20 billion US Dollars globally,'' Suven CEO Venkat Jasti said.
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Instant Money Order system at 257 centres in AP circle

Hyderabad,Jun 16: Chief Postmaster General, Andhra Pradesh Circle, K V Sundar Rajan today said Instant Money Order (IMO), launched by India Post for customers to remit large amounts of money within India, was taken up by 257 centres in Andhra Pradesh.Addressing a press conference here, he said the number of IMO centres was growing very fast in the state.He said IMO, which was instant, convenient, reliable, safe and affordable, was a web-based transfer offered by India Post between two individuals within India.Mr Rajan said the money booked through IMO could be disbursed the very next minute with a facility to send a message along with the money.Money Order Videsh (MO Videsh), another facility launched by the India Post, was available in 95 head post offices in Andhra Pradesh.Both inward and outward remittances were possible with this facility and maximum value per transaction was 5000 US Dollars.He said for outward remittances, the minimum amount one could send was 100 US Dollars while the maximum limit was 5000 US dollars at a time and for inward remittances, maximum 12 transactions were allowed in a year, with 2500 US dollars per transaction. He said 95 head post offices in Andhra Pradesh were identified as Point of Presence Service Provider for accepting New Pension Scheme (NPS) of the Government of India.He said the NPS was available to all citizens of India, both resident and non-resident, with effect from May last year to promote old age income security. The Scheme was flexible and the member could prefer pension fund manager and keep changing investment pattern through active choice option. He said the scheme was regulated by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority with transparent investment norms and regular monitoring and performance review of fund manager by NPS trust.
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Rain in coastal AP, Telangana, isolated rain in Rayalaseema

Hyderabad, Jun 16 : Rain occurred at a few places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, while isolated rain occurred over Rayalaseema.The chief amounts of rainfall recorded in cm are Kaleswaram (Karimnagar district) 5, Bapatla 4, Ongole and Dummagudem (Khammam district) 3 each, Nizamsagar (Nizamabad district) 2, Adilabad, Bhadrachalam, Kakinada, Jurala Project (Mahabubnagar district) and Kunavaram (Khammam district) one each, Met department said today. Light to moderate rain or thundershowers may occur at a few places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Isolated rain or thundershowers may occur over Rayalaseema.There are chances of rain in parts of the city. Maximum and Minimum temperature would be around 35 and 24 degree celsius.
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