Telangana students ransack exam centre at Osmania

Hyderabad, Sep 5 : Students protesting the conduct of the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) exam ransacked an exam centre at the Osmania University campus here Sunday, leaving three injured.Tension prevailed at the B.Ed college as protesters broke the security cordon and barged into the exam centre. Some students writing the test came out with question papers and answer sheets and tore and dumped them on the roads, police said. The students were injured in a scuffle with police, which used batons against the protesters and arrested many of them, a police official said. Although the police made elaborate security arrangements in view of the boycott call given by the Osmania University Joint Action Committee (OUJAC) and other pro-Telangana groups, the protesters outnumbered them. Activists of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and OUJAC uprooted the security barricades and broke into the college. The police failed to prevent them. Four MPs of the ruling Congress party and leaders of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) also joined the protesting students. Despite the boycott and Telangana shutdown called by student groups and pro-Telangana parties and leaders, the APPSC went ahead with the the Group I Prelim exam amid tight security. Police deployment was marked at 445 centres where the exam began at 10.30 a.m. Sporadic incidents of violence were reported from different parts of Telangana as the shutdown evoked partial response. The strike affected services of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corp (APSRTC) in Karimnagar and Warangal districts. The impact was partial in the remaining eight districts including Hyderabad. Legislators and leaders of the TRS and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) were taken into custody in different parts of Telangana. The pro-Telangana groups were demanding that the exam be postponed till the share of the region in the Group I postings is made clear. They were demanding 42 percent share for the region. More than 1.6 lakh candidates are writing the exam for recruitment to 198 posts.
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Concession agreement signed for Hyderabad Metro

Hyderabad, Sep 4 : The concession agreement for the Rs.12,132-crore Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) project was signed here Saturday.The Andhra Pradesh government signed the pact with Larsen and Toubro Hyderabad Metro Rail Pvt. Ltd for development of Hyderabad Metro Rail project in public-private partnership (PPP) mode. Leading construction group Larsen and Toubro, which bagged the project in July this year, has formed a special purpose vehicle for developing the project on design, build, finance, operate and transfer (DBFOT) basis. As per the agreement, L and T has to submit bank guarantee for Rs.360 crore as performance security to government and achieve financial closure for the project within six months. The concession period is for 35 years including five years for construction, with a provision of extension for another 25 years. The concessionaire can undertake real estate development up to a maximum of 18.5 million square feet through utilisation of air space over the 269 acres of land earmarked for rail facilities. The agreement was signed by Urban Development Principal Secretary T.S. Appa Rao and the newly-formed L and T Hyderabad Metro Rail Pvt. Ltd's managing director V.B. Gadgil in the presence of Chief Minister K. Rosaiah. Rosaiah said that with 71 km metro rail lane taken up in one go, it was one of the world's largest metro rail projects and in fact the largest one in the PPP mode. Out of the total project cost of Rs.12,132 crore, L and T sought a grant of Rs.1,458 crore and this will be borne by the central government. The ground work on the project will begin in January next year. The project covers three high density traffic corridors - Miyapur-LB Nagar (28.87 km); JBS-Falaknuma (14.78 km) and Nagole-Shilparamam (27.51 km). The estimated traffic demand is 15 lakh passengers per day in 2014 and 22 lakh passengers per day in 2024. The fare structure consists of a minimum basic fare of Rs.8 and a maximum fare of Rs.19 in 2014.
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Telangana ministers demand postponement of state exam

Hyderabad, Sep 4 : A group of ministers from Telangana region Saturday urged Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah to postpone the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) selection test as a showdown looks inevitable with students from the region intensifying their protest and calling for a shutdown Sunday.Ministers D. Sridhar Babu, K. Venkat Reddy, D.K. Aruna and Sunita Lakshma Reddy sought Rosaiah's intervention to postpone the Sep 5 exam, which has divided students and even the political parties along regional lines. The APPSC, however, was going ahead with the exam as scheduled on Sunday at 445 centres across the state for recruitment to 198 posts. More than 1.6 lakh candidates are expected to appear in the exam. Police were making massive security arrangements for the smooth conduct of the exam and prohibitory orders banning assembly of five or more people have been imposed around all exam centres. Congress MP from Nizamabad Madhu Yashki Goud told reporters in New Delhi that he would join Telangana students to protest the conduct of the exam. He warned that the conduct of the exam despite protests would have serious consequences. Four students of the Osmania University here Saturday launched a fast for indefinite period, demanding that the APPSC preliminary exam be postponed until 42 percent of the jobs at stake are reserved for the Telangana region. Protests broke out on the university campus as the four students locked themselves in the Art College Building and began the fast on the roof to prevent police from foiling their protest. Students in other parts of Telangana took to the streets demanding postponement of the exam. In Mahabubnagar, students set afire their hall tickets for APPSC Group I preliminary exam. Students of Kakatiya University in Warangal also launched a fast. The Osmania University Joint Action Committee (JAC) has called for a boycott of the exam and a shutdown in the region Sunday. The Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) and other groups fighting for a separate Telangana state have also supported the shutdown call. A delegation of JAC leaders met Home Minister P. Sabita Indra Reddy to demand that the government immediately put off the exam. They have also sought intervention of Governor E.S.L.Narasimhan and the State Human Rights Commission. Alleging injustice to Telangana, leaders of both the ruling Congress and the main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in the region also have demanded that the state public service exam be deferred until the share of Telangana in Group I postings is made clear. The ministers from Telangana have voiced their apprehension that the boycott and shutdown call given by students and supported by the opposition could create law and order problems. Meanwhile, Director General of Police K. Aravinda Rao has asked all district superintendents of police to provide a three-layer security cover to the centres to prevent any untoward incident. All the candidates have been asked to reach the centres well in advance. Meanwhile, educational institutions in Andhra and Rayalseema regions remained closed Saturday in response to the shutdown call given by some groups in support of the exam. Telangana groups said they see a conspiracy behind the sudden decision of the APPSC to conduct the exam, which were postponed for two years. They alleged that the exam was being conducted to recruit candidates from other regions without specifying the share of Telangana at time when formation of a separate Telangana had become almost certain. They even warned the government of a bloodbath if it goes ahead with the exam. TRS chief K. Chandrasekhara Rao has demanded the arrest and prosecution of APPSC chairman Venkatarami Reddy for doing injustice to Telangana in previous recruitments. He alleged that Telangana students who scored well in the written test were deliberately given fewer marks in oral tests to disqualify them from appointments. The row has erupted close on the heels of an attack on lecturers of Andhra and Rayalaseema regions by Telangana students at Osmania University here. The students were protesting the evaluation of B.Ed papers by teachers from other regions.
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Maoists kill one of four abducted policemen

Sep,02, Maoists Thursday killed Abhay Kumar Yadav, one of the four Bihar policemen they abducted four days ago, following a decision by a ‘jan adalat’ or kangaroo court The Leftwing rebels killed Yadav six hours after their second deadline – at 10 a.m. -expired.After killing Yadav, a sub-inspector, the Maoists said the fate of the remaining three policemen would be decided by 10 a.m. Friday if the state government failed to initiate a dialogue or negotiate with them.Avinash, a self-proclaimed Maoist spokesman, told a local TV news channels that Yadav was killed after a decision was taken in a ‘jan adalat’. “The Bihar government compelled us to kill Yadav as the second deadline expired,” he said.Avinash said that Yadav’s body will be handed over by Thursday night.Yadav’s wife Rajni was staging a sit-in outside Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s residence.The other three policemen are Rupesh Kumar Sinha, Lukas Gete and Ehsan Khan.The Maoists have said the policemen would be killed unless eight jailed Maoist leaders were released.The families of the policemen have been desperately pleading with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for help.Avinash said that after the deadline to release their jailed leaders expired at 10 a.m. Thursday, top leaders of the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) had been informed about the decision to hold a jan adalat.The guerrillas had earlier set a deadline of 4 p.m. Wednesday. Avinash later told local Hindi news channels they had decided to extend it till Thursday in view of appeals by the family members of the abducted policemen.The rebels had abducted the policemen in a six-hour gunfight in Lakhisarai district Sunday. The gunbattle left seven policemen dead and 10 injured. Maoists claimed the gunfight was in retaliation for the killing of their leader Azad and a journalist.The Maoists have also warned the Bihar government of more violent attacks if the operations against Maoists were not immediately stopped.
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Youth kills self as father refuses money

Hyderabad, Sep 2 : A 23-year-old youth committed suicide under Medpalli police station limits after his father refused him money to entertain his friends.

According to police, the victim has been identified as K Naresh (23), son of Anjaneyulu, and a resident of Uppal. Naresh, who was unemployed, got married a few weeks ago.According to sources, Naresh had asked his father for some money to give a wedding party to his friends after his marriage. However, his father refused to give money due to financial problems.Naresh, who was mentally disturbed, taken the extreme step by hanging from a ceiling fan.Police registered a case.
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CM pays tributes to YSR at his residence

Hyderabad, Sept 2 : Chief Minister K Rosaiah on Thursday paid rich tributes to his predecessor late YS Rajasekhara Reddy on the occasion of his first death anniversary.

According to a statement released by the government, Mr Rosaiah was unable to fly to Nallakaluva at Pavuralagutta to participate in the official programme related to 'YSR Smrutivanam'. Mr Rosaiah deputed School Education Minister Manikya Varaprasada Rao to read his message at the programme. The Chief Minister is believed to have spent time recalling his long association with the former chief minister at his residence. Mr Rosaiah garlanded a portrait of his friend and predecessor and reminisced about his time with Cabinet colleagues, friends and officials present there. Mr Rosaiah said, "I admire him for unusual straights in his personality, and can never forget him. He always kept me in high esteem in spite of differences of opinion between us on any issue. I enjoyed his love and affection. Secondly on a number of occasions he exhibited extraordinary courage and perseverance to achieve what he aimed at, in the interest of the State. In his view obstacles can be surmounted if our vision is on the target." The Chief Minister also apologised to the people of the state for his inability to participate in the first death anniversary programme of the departed leader. Mr Rosaiah recalled how the four officers, Principal Secretary to the then CM P Subramanyam, Security Officer Mr Wesley and Pilots Bhatia and MS Reddy unfortunately met with premature death along with Dr Rajasekhara Reddy. He personally wrote letters to widows of all these officers expressing sorry for the grief and agony caused to their families. Recalling the services of those officers, the Chief Minister prayed the Almighty to bless their families with peace and bliss.
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OUSJAC calls for bandh on Sept 5 over G1 quota

Hyderabad, Sep 2 : The Osmania University Students Joint Action Committee on Thursday gave a call for Telangana 'bandh' on September 5 to press for its demand that the government issue clarification on providing quota in recruitments of successful APPSC Group-1 candidates from Telangana.Talking to media persons, student leader P Ravi stated that the OUSJAC was demanding that the government guarantee that 42 per cent candidates from Telangana region, who have cleared the Group-1 examinations conducted by the APPSC be recruited.Ravi also revealed that the OUSJAC has decided that it would not rest till the government orders the immediate suspension of APPSC Chairman Venkata Rami Reddy who has been facing allegations of irregularities. An inquiry is currently underway into the allegations. The OUSJAC leader also revealed that a candlelit vigil would be conducted to pay tributes to the people who had fought against the Mulki rules on September 3.Ravi said that students across the region would boycott their classes and take their part in an agitation if state government takes the warning seriously and does not clarify its stand on issuing clarifications on the quota for APPSC G1 recruitments on September 4. The OUSJAC leader also warned the government that if the APPSC goes ahead with conducting the APPSC G1 preliminary examinations under police protection, then the government should be ready to take responsibility for any untoward incident in the state.The OUSJAC also appealed to candidates who are appearing for the G1 preliminary examinations to boycott the tests. The OUSJAC said that the students should tear the question papers in the examination halls.The student leader also called on the main opposition Telugu Desam Party to realise the gravity of the situation and join students of Telangana region in their fight for justice. Meanwhile, Telangana Rashtra Samithi, the Bharatiya Janata Party and New Democracy have announced their support to the OUSJAC band call.
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CM cancels all official engagements

Hyderabad, Sept 2 : Following doctors' advice, Chief Minister K Rosaiah on Thursday cancelled all his official engagements.According to Chief Minister's Office sources, Mr Rosaiah underwent a series of medical tests on Thursday morning. The sources say that the doctors from the Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences attending on the Chief Minister advised him complete bed rest for two days. Meanwhile, the doctors said that Mr Rosaiah was responding to treatment rather well for his viral fever and his condition is stable."There is no cause of worry and his temperature is normal. He needs complete rest for two days," they said.According to sources, Mr Rosaiah may participate in the programmes scheduled to be conducted in the city
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Postage stamp on YSR released

Hyderabad, Sep 2 : A commemorative postage stamp on Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, the late Andhra Pradesh chief minister, was Thursday released on the occasion of his first death anniversary.Visakhapatnam region post master general Sharada Sampat released the Rs.5 stamp carrying the portrait of YSR, as he was popularly known by his initials, at a ceremony held in Visakhapatnam. Officials said it normally takes 18 months to prepare and release a stamp but they had come out with this commemorative stamp within a year. Visakhapatnam-based philatelist G. Durga Prasad had sent the stamp proposal in October last year and the same was accepted by the Department of Posts. YSR died along with four others in a helicopter crash on Sep 2 last year.
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Homage paid to ex-Andhra CM YSR Reddy on first death anniversary

Kadapa (AP), Sep 2 : Congress MP Y S Jaganmohan Reddy and his family members on Thursday paid homage to former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y. S. R. Reddy on his first death anniversary.Jagan and a large number of family members took part in special prayers conducted at a church inside the family estate at Idupulapaya.Congress Rajya Sabha member K V P Ramachandra Rao, Congress MLA Konda Surekha and her husband Konda Murali were among the Congress leaders who offered tribute to the late chief minister.The YSR family has made arrangements to feed about a lakh people wanting inside the estate.Special buses have been arranged for the convenience of the people wanting to reach Idupulapaya.Earlier, the Congress Party had announced distribution of Rs. one lakh to the relatives of each of the workers who had committed suicide in shock following Reddy''s death.At least 600 people are said to have died after Reddy''s death.Sonia Gandhi had earlier instructed the AICC to extend necessary relief to family members of those persons who had committed suicide after Reddy death.Reddy and four others died after their Bell 430 chopper crash landed about 40 nautical miles east of the Kurnool mountains on September last year.
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Year after YSR's death, Andhra pays rich tributes

Hyderabad, Sep 2 : Andhra Pradesh Thursday remembered one of its greatest leaders, late chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, who had died in a helicopter crash a year ago, leaving the state in shock.Rich tributes were paid to YSR - as he was popularly called - and, at various programmes held across the state, he was recalled as a man especially concerned about the welfare of the poor. YSR died when the government helicopter carrying him from Hyderabad to Chittoor district crashed amid bad weather in Kurnool district Sep 2. Four others, including two pilots, also died with him. Chief Minister K. Rosaiah, who is suffering from fever, had to cancel his visit to Nallakalva in Kurnool district where he was to unveil a statue of YSR. He could not attend a function in the state capital either. "I am sad over not being able to attend the programmes to pay tribute to the great leader due to ill health," Rosaiah said in a message. He recalled his close association with YSR. "He was a great leader who always used to think of the welfare of people," Rosaiah said. YSR's widow Vijayalakshmi, son and Congress MP Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy, daughter Sharmila and other family members came to pay their respects at his grave in Idupulapaya family estate in Kadapa district. Vijayalakshmi, who is also a state legislator, broke down while praying at the grave. Other family members, his long-time friend and Rajya Sabha member K.V.P. Ramchandra Rao, film actor Vishnu, former minister Konda Surekha and Congress leaders were among those who paid tributes. Assembly speaker N. Kirankumar Reddy and several leaders of the ruling party paid floral tributes in the lobbies of the assembly. Chief Minister Rosaiah deputed a couple of senior ministers to Nallakalva near the crash site to unveil the statue. The government is developing YSR Smruthi Vanam, a memorial, over 22 acres of land. An all-religion prayer, video film display and special photo exhibition on YSR were held during one of the main programmes in the state capital.
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600 YSR's statues to come up in Andhra

Hyderabad, Sep 2 : To commemorate the first death anniversary of former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, his supporters are planning to build nearly 600 statues all over the state."He is such a great leader that he will stay in our hearts forever. He is an ideal for the coming generation and we have to take forward his wishes,'' said his son Jagan Mohan, who has defied his party, the Congress', orders repeatedly on his "odarpu yatra." The Congress wanted Jagan to call of his tour, but YSR Junior said that he will still go on the yatra in Prakasam district from September 3.Jagan Mohan will meet the families who claim that in the weeks after YSR's death, their relatives died from shock and grief. There are some 600 such families in the entire state. However, with over one lakh rupees spent on each statue, some voters express their dissent. "The money spent on the statues could have been used for improving the hygiene of Hyderabad and the rest of Andhra Pradesh,'' said a Congress follower."There is nothing wrong in erecting a statue but there should be some limit to this madness. YSR supporters and loyalists in the Congress can plant saplings and ensure that these become trees. So, even if you plant one lakh or one crore trees, it will be an eco-friendly way to remember YS Rajashekara Reddy's legacy,'' commented political analyst K Nageshwar.
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Manmohan Singh offers prayers at Tirupati temple

Hyderabad, Sep 1: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday offered prayers at the famous Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh.On a visit to the temple town to lay the foundation stone for two projects, he visited the temple atop Tirumala Hills. Priests and officials of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the affairs of the country's richest temple, accorded traditional reception to Singh at Ranganayaka Mandapam. The priests blessed him amid chanting of vedic hymns. Andhra Pradesh Endowments Minister G. Venkat Reddy offered "prasadam", a sacred silk cloth and holy water to the prime minister. Accompanied by priests, Singh later went into the sanctum sanctorum and offered prayers to the Lord's idol. This was Singh's second visit to the ancient temple as prime minister. He had earlier offered prayers in September 2005.
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PM lays foundation stone for Tirupati international airport

Hyderabad, Sep 1 : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the Tirupati international airport to provide direct connectivity from various international destinations to the temple town in Andhra Pradesh."After international operations commence at Tirupati airport, pilgrims from neighbouring countries like Singapore, Malaysia and Sri Lanka would find it easier to come to Tirupati in large numbers, contributing to its development into a major religious-cum-tourist hub," he said. The prime minister noted that the entire investment for the new integrated terminal is being met through the budgetary resources of the government. The first phase of the project is estimated to cost Rs.174 crore. The state government has already handed over 293 acres of land out of the 718 acres committed for modernization and development of the airport. Singh said once the new integrated terminal becomes operational, the Tirupati airport will have the capacity to handle 500 domestic and 200 international passengers during peak hours. The new terminal building will be equipped to provide modern state of the art amenities to passengers. He said the civil aviation sector is a key contributor to the Indian economy. "With our fast economic development, air traffic in India has witnessed unprecedented growth in the recent past. During the last seven years, domestic air traffic has tripled and international traffic more than doubled. Our government has continuously been making efforts to meet the growing demand for air services in the country." Singh said the new integrated terminal complex was a part of the efforts to continuously modernize and develop infrastructure facilities at airports all over the country, keeping in view the existing and potential traffic in a particular region. The government has taken the route of public private partnerships to restructure and modernize the airports at Delhi and Mumbai. The recently inaugurated terminal at the Delhi Airport is truly a world class facility which the nation can be proud of, he said.
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PM visits Lord Balaji temple

Tirupati, Sept 1 : Priests at the Lord Balaji temple in Tirumala accorded the traditional welcome to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as he visited the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara to offer prayers.The temple priests, chanting vedic hymns, escorted the Prime Minister to the sanctum sanctorum where he had darshan of the Lord. Dr Manmohan Singh prayed before the idol for about 10 minutes before leaving the temple. The Prime Minister also made an offering at the temple hundi. Dr Manmohan Singh was presented with the traditional silk cloth, the famed Tirupati laddu Prasad and holy water by state Endowments Minister Gade Venkata Reddy. Earlier, the Prime Minister's visit was marred by an attempt by Activists of Madiga ReservationPorata Samithi (MRPS) to block his convoy.The MRPS activists raised slogans demanding that the Centre categorise the Scheduled Castes in the state. The protest was dispersed by the police. The incident took place just as the Prime Minister was due to leave for the temple from the Padmavathi Guest House after his arrival in the temple town by a special IAF aircraft.
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Jagan an 'ant' before High Command: Shankar Rao

Hyderabad, Sept 1 : Secunderabad Cantonment MLA P Shankara Rao on Wednesday described the Kadapa MP Y S Jaganmohan Reddy as an 'ant' before the High Command.Talking to media persons at the Media Point on the Assembly premises, Mr Shankar Rao alleged that Kadapa MP, in the name of consoling families and providing them financial support through is Odarpu Yatra, is attempting to showcase his popularity by mobilizing people in the Yatra.The MLA wondered, "What he has achieved in the name of Odarpu yatra? Instead of consoling the families of those who died of shock following the death of former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy, he is simply greeting them and seeking their blessings," he said.Mr Shankar Rao said that YSR established his presence in the Congress party by obeying the High Command orders. He regretted that Mr Jaganmohan Reddy is not following the High Command orders. "What is Jagan's age? What political experience has he got that he can defy the High Command? The MLA questioned.The MLA reminded Mr Jaganmohan Reddy that the government has renamed Kadapa district as YSR district as recognition of the former chief minister's services to the people. Mr Shankar Rao opined that now it the time for Mr Jaganmohan Reddy to call of the Odarpu Yatra since the AICC has promised to sanction Rs 1 lakh as ex-gratia for the kin of those who died following YSR's death. The Cantonment MLA also praised Chief Minister K Rosaiah for providing efficient administration without giving room for any corruption.He also lauded Mr Rosaiah for taking stringent action against corrupt officials—Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce B P Acharya and special officer TTD Dharma Reddy.Mr Shankar Rao also urged Mr Rosaiah to appoint a Telangana candidate as chairman for TTD Board as no one from Telangana region had been appointed to the post yet.
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Peri Reddy named interim SHRC chairman

Hyderabad, Sept 1: The state government on Wednesday appointed K Peda Peri Reddy as the interim chairman of Andhra Pradesh Human Rights Commission.The appointment of Justice Peri Reddy follows the retirement of former chairman Justice Subhashan Reddy. The post is lying vacant since Justice Subhashan Reddy retired on August 12.Justice Peri Reddy, presently member of the Human Rights Commission, will officiate as its chairman till the decision is made on the next chairman by the government.
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CM health stable: Danam

Hyderabad, Sept 1 : Health Minister Danam Nagender on Wednesday described the health condition of Chief Minister K Rosaiah as 'stable'.Talking to media persons after enquiring about the health of Chief Minister K Rosaiah at his residence from the doctors concerned, Mr Nagender said there is no cause of worry.According to sources, the Chief Minister is suffering from fever and was forced to cancel his visit to Tirupati at the last minute. As per the schedule, the Chief Minister was to participate in the foundation laying ceremony of BHEL-NTPC power equipment manufacturing joint venture project at Mannavaram in Srikalahasthi.Mr Nagendar said that heart specialist Dr Shubhakar was personally attending on the CM and there was no cause to worry. He said the CM will unveil the statue of the former chief minister Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy at Pavuralagutta on Thursday and there is no change in the programme.Dr Shubhakar said the CM is suffering from fever and body pains. "We have conducted all tests on him by bringing equipment from NIMS. We will give complete details of his health after getting medical reports at 5 pm," he said.Minister for Arogyasri and Health Insurance Pithani Satyanarayana, Chief Secretaries C V K Sharma and Dinesh Kumar visited Mr Rosaiah's residence and enquired about his health from the doctors.
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PM lays foundation stone for Mannavaram project

Tirupati, Sept 1 : Laying the foundation stone for much awaited Rs 6,000 crore power equipment manufacturing plant project, a joint venture between the BHEL-NTPC at Mannavaram near Tirupati in Chittoor district on Wednesday, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh lauded the services of former chief minister Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy to the state.Talking to reporters, he said "I am happy to lay foundation stone for the project a day before the first death anniversary of YSR who played key role bringing the project to the State." The Prime Minister said the project would provide direct employment to 6,000 and indirect employment to 30,000 people by the time of its completion in 2014-15. The project would also help in the development of this backward region of the state, he stated.He said the BHEL-NTPC joint venture would produce equipment required for power generation of 5000 MW annually. Stressing the importance of power, Dr Manmohan Singh said the government had drawn up ambitious plans to ramp up power generation in the country during the 11th and 12th plan.Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said that, "the project would focus on 'balance of power plant' equipment in the first phase which would be completed in 2012, before graduating to the production of turbines and boilers by 2014-15."Mr Shinde said that the project would not only reduce the demand and supply gap for power generation equipment and enable us to export the much-needed equipment to other countries.Stating that new power generation capacity in the country had already surpassed the 10th plan target of 21,000 MW and would reach three times of the targeted capacity by end of the plan period, the Power Minister said that the Government had also put in place an ambitious target of 60,000 MW for the next plan.However, Chief Minister K Rosaiah could not participate in the ceremony due to ill health. Instead, Major Industries Minister Kanna Laxminarayana read out his speech at the meeting.NBPPL Chairman and Managing Director CP Singh, Governor E S L Narasimhan, Union Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, Union Ministers of State Arun Yadav, Bharat Singh Solanki attended the function. The Prime Minister also offered prayers at Tirupati, the abode of Lord Sri Venkateswara at Tirumala.

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Prime Minister lays foundation of NTPC-BHEL power equipment plant

Hyderabad, Sep 1 : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the NTPC-BHEL joint venture power equipment manufacturing plant at Mannavaram village near Srikalahasthi in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. Addressing a gathering on the occasion, the prime minister said the project with an investment of Rs.6,000 crore would provide direct employment to about 6,000 men and women and indirect employment to 25,000 persons. NTPC-BHEL Power Projects Private Limited (NBPPL) is a joint venture between National Themal Power Corporation and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) to manufacture power plant equipment. Singh said the availability of electricity was critical to the nation's development and hoped that the project would go a long way in improving the economic conditions of people of the backward region. The prime minister said bridging the gap between the demand and supply of power was necessary to meet the aspirations of the people. "It is for this that we have drawn up a very ambitious programme for addition of power generation capacity in the 11th and 12th five year plans," he said. "This large addition in power generation capacity will mean a much larger demand for power equipment. I am very happy that our public sector has come forward to take a lead in manufacturing power equipment in our country to help us achieve our targets in the power sector," Singh said. He noted that the two Navaratna companies, NTPC and BHEL, have joined hands to form a new company, thus bringing together their experience and expertise. The plant will be able to produce power equipment required for additional capacity of 5000 MW per annum by 2014-15. "It is a moment of pride but it is also an occasion to pay homage to a tall leader, Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy. Tomorrow (Thursday) is his first death anniversary. It was his untiring efforts that brought this project to this backward area of Chittoor district," Singh said. Heavy Industries Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh said the project would be completed in five years. Andhra Pradesh's Minister for Major Industries Kanna Lakshmi Narayana said the state government has allotted 783 acres for the project.
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Year after YSR, political vacuum continues in Andhra

It has been a year of unprecedented crises in Andhra Pradesh that remembers one of its tallest leaders Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy on his first death anniversary Sep 2.During the last one year, political instability, violent protests over a separate Telangana state, natural calamities and a financial crunch have battered the state like never before.The political vacuum, which the state plunged into after YSR’s tragic death, still remains with the ruling Congress finding no real alternative to the mass leader, say political observers.YSR, his secretary, chief security officer and the two pilots were killed when the helicopter carrying them from Hyderabad to Chittoor district crashed in bad weather over Nallamalla forests in Kurnool district.The death of YSR plunged the state into gloom and a political crisis. He was the first chief minister of the state to die in office and it came barely four months after he led Congress party to second successive win in the elections.“The state is still unable to come to terms with the passing away of a tall leader. A good section of masses still regard him as a leader who provided them whatever is needed,” said Rama Brahmam, head of the department of political sciences at the University of Hyderabad.“When a strong leader suddenly disappears from a political theatre, people perceive it as a major vacuum politically. They will be worried as to what will happen now. Such responses were only natural,” he said, referring to the shock deaths and suicides by people in the immediate aftermath.The vacuum remains as K. Rosaiah, who took over as the chief minister Sep 3, is still unacceptable to YSR’s son and MP Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy, who kept defying the central leadership by taking out ‘yatras’ to console families of those who died for his late father.The threat for Rosaiah still exists as Jagan continues his efforts to mobilise support and wean away a section of party legislators to pose a real challenge.For the first time since YSR brought the Congress party to power in 2004, it appears to be in total disarray with serious accusations between loyalists of Jagan and his opponents being order of the day.YSR’s adversaries, who never dared to openly criticise him when he was alive, are now targeting the late leader and his family members accusing them of corruption.If Rosaiah has survived as chief minister it is because of his cabinet colleagues who were staunch loyalists of YSR but dumped Jagan when the high command preferred the 78-year-old leader to the 39-year-old MP.“The Congress high command is in a political fix. The alternative leader (Jagan) is too young and the stakes are too high for it,” said Brahmam It is not just the political crisis but a series of governance problems faced by Rosaiah.With YSR, a strong votary of united Andhra Pradesh no longer around, Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) took it as the right opportunity to revive Telangana movement.The central government’s Dec 9 announcement to initiate the process for formation of a separate Telangana state following an 11-day hunger strike by TRS chief K. Chandrasekhara Rao triggered a crisis with mass resignations, street protests and violent demonstrations in Andhra and Rayalaseema regions.The state economy, already reeling under the impact of global slowdown, was hit hard by Rs.100 crore loss every day due to the Telangana agitation. The issue is likely to return to Rosaiah in December when the Srikrishna committee is scheduled to submit its report to the central government.The financial crunch began to show its impact on numerous welfare schemes launched and implemented by YSR since 2004. They include fee reimbursement and scholarships for students, free electricity to farmers, Rs.2-a-kg rice and health insurance for poor.“Despite repeated assertions that none of YSR’s schemes will be scrapped, people want frequent reiterations,” said a political observer.While Rosaiah completed one year in office despite all the problems, the veteran leader knows his path is still full of thorns.
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India monitoring China’s intentions in Indian Ocean: Krishna

Amid growing concerns about Beijing’s attempts to entrench its influence in India’s neighbourhood, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna Tuesday said China has been showing “more than the normal interest” in Indian Ocean affairs and its “intentions” are being closely monitored.“The government of India has come to realise that China has been showing more than the normal interest in the Indian Ocean. So we are closely monitoring the Chinese intentions,” Krishna said in the Lok Sabha.“We are closely monitoring the developments in the Indian Ocean,” he said, adding that “appropriate action and measures” would be taken to safeguard India’s territorial integrity and the welfare of its fishermen.Krishna’s statement about Chinese intentions comes amid reports of Beijing’s plan to build additional infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir and the deployment of its troops in Gilgit-Baltistan region of PoK, an area India regards as an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir.There have also been concerns here over what is seen as an attempt by China to enhance influence in India’s neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka and the Maldives.Krishna was responding to a Calling Attention Motion on recent attacks on Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, moved by T.R. Baalu of DMK.Airing concerns over the plight of Indian fishermen, Baalu said that when an Indo-Sri Lanka agreement was inked in 1974 on the Katchatheevu Islands, which falls in the Palk Strait and falls in Sri Lankan territory, the then external affairs minister Swaran Singh had said the rights of fishing and navigation have been safeguarded.Under the agreement, Indian fishermen can rest and dry their nets during fishing in international waters.Baalu claimed that in 1976 the Indian fishermen’s rights were affected when secretaries of India and Sri Lanka exchanged two sets of letters. “The letters became part and parcel of the agreement without taking parliament and the state government into confidence… it is a blow to the fishermen,” he said.The Katchatheevu island, which originally belonged to India, fell within Sri Lankan territorial waters when the maritime boundary was redrawn in 1974 following an agreement between the then prime ministers of the two countries.The DMK leader asked the government to revisit the agreement on Katchatheevu and step up patrolling in the waters to protect Indian fishermen from attacks by the Sri Lankan Navy.Krishna ruled out revisiting of the pact, saying “we cannot go back on the solemn agreement between two governments”. Krishna said Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao is currently in Colombo and the issues relating to fishermen will be discussed.“Sri Lanka is a friendly country, an aspect that is needed to be kept in mind,” he said, adding he was planning to travel to the island nation in October when issues related to fishermen would be discussed.
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ACB raids Revenue Inspector, DA over Rs 3 cr unearthed

Hyderabad, Aug 31 : Anti Corruption Bureau sleuths on Monday conducted raids on the residences of the Hyderabad Estate Office Special Revenue Inspector and unearthed assets worth over Rs 3 crore from the official.According to reports, the ACB sleuths conducted simultaneous raids on the Estate Officer Akbar Ali Khan's residence in Red Hills,Nampally and also at his office in Khairtabad.These raids were conducted simultaneously, officials recovered illegal property worth more than Rs 3 corer in their raids.A Disproportionate Assets case has been registered against the tainted official, according to ACB sources. The immovable assets include three flats, besides payments of Rs 23 lakh advance for a flat and also Rs 5 lakh advance for open plot. The basic value of these immovable properties is about Rs 85.59 lakh. The searches also unearthed cash of Rs 3.39 lakh, three cars, four motorcycles apart from gold ornaments weighing 259 grams, bank balances of Rs 26 lakh and other house hold articles worth about Rs 12 lakh. The market value of the ill-gotten gains is estimated to be much over Rs 3 crore. Searches were continuing, ACB officials said.
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Andhra CM cancels visit to New Delhi

Hyderabad, Aug 31 : Chief Minister K Rosaiah on Tuesday cancelled his visit to New Delhi.According to CM office sources, the Chief Minister was to visit the National Capital to participate in the process of filing of nominations for the elections of All India Congress Committee president. However, the Chief Minister cancelled his visit last minute as Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh is visiting state on September 1 to lay foundation stone for BHEL-NTPC joint venture project at Mannavaram in Srikalahasti in Chittoor district.Meanwhile Pradesh Congress Committee president D Srinivas left for New Delhi to participate in the nomination of AICC president post.Mr Rosaiah had already submitted the name of his nominee for the AICC president's post. Not surprisingly, the name is Sonia Gandhi.
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Gandhigiri at its best: Jagan thanks AICC for Odarpu

Hyderabad, Aug 31 : Hailing the decision of All India Congress Committee decision to console the families of those who died of shock or committed suicide following YSR's death on September 2 last year by paying them Rs 1 lakh ex-gratia as laudable, Kadapa MP Y S Jaganmohan Reddy on Tuesday thanked the Congress president Sonia Gandhi for her gesture.Talking to media persons after releasing a letter to Sonia Gandhi, Mr Jaganmohan Reddy urged the AICC to offer solace to the families of victims by permitting all MPs, MLAs and leaders without restrictions The Kadapa MP also urged the High Command to extend the package to those families who were not covered earlier.The 'Odarpu yatra' means not only extending financial support to the victims' families, it should also extend moral support to their families. Then only the purpose of the Odarpu yatra will be fulfilled," Mr Jaganmohan Reddy stated in his letter."I took up Odarpu yatra as my primary responsibility after the sudden death of former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy without any political intention," the Kadapa MP said in his letter.
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K Rosaiah puts Collectors on alert over floods

Hyderabad, Aug 31 : Chief Minister K Rosaiah on Tuesday alerted the Collectors of East and West Godavari districts to monitor the floods situation and take all precautionary measures to prevent any loss of life or property and damage to crops.

He also asked them to take care of tank and road breaches and take necessary steps. Mr Rosaiah who reviewed the latest situation in the districts following heavy rains for the last few days with top officials over phone directed them to be in constant touch with the district Collectors and Commissioner, Disaster Management regarding the measures to be initiated. Season's Total Rainfall was recorded as on Tuesday was 621.1 mm as against the normal rainfall of 481.5 mm with a deviation of (+) 29 per cent in the State. Rayalaseema region recorded 421.5 mm as against the normal rainfall of 281.8 mm with a deviation of (+) 50 per cent. Coastal Andhra region recorded 657.7 mm as against the normal rainfall of 454.4 mm, with a deviation of (+) 45 per cent. Telangana region recorded 687.8 mm as against the normal rainfall of 585.8 mm with a deviation of (+) 17 per cent. District-wise rainfall is as follows: Prakasam recorded 87.3 per cent excess rainfall, Nellore (82.5 per cent), Guntur (74.0 per cent), Hyderabad (55.5 per cent), Kurnool (53.6 per cent), Anantapur (52.1 per cent), Kadapa (50.5 per cent), Mahabubnagar (47.1 per cent),Chhittoor (46.2 per cent), Krishna (45.2 per cent), Ranga Reddy (44.1 per cent), East Godavari (42.7 per cent), Vizianagaram (36.2 per cent), Visakhapatnam (31.7 per cent), Khammam (29.1 per cent), West Godavari (29.0 per cent), Srikakulam (25.6 per cent) and Warangal (25.2 per cent). Karimagar (9.5 per cent), Adilabad (7.5 per cent), Nalgonda (7.3 per cent) and Medak (6.4 per cent).
While 768 mandals received excess rainfall, 315 mandals received normal or more than normal rainfall as on Tuesday. In Bejjur Mandal, 125.2 mm rainfall was recorded. Heavy rains lashed West Godavari District on Monday. The Chief Minister was informed by the officials that in view of the floods occurred to Tammileru, Yerra Kalava, Kovvada Kalava, Jalleru rivers, there was an unexpected inflow of around 40,000 cusecs to Tammileru river by midnight of 30-8-2010 and the maximum capacity of the river is only about 30,000 cusecs. In view of the above, 4,839 people were evacuated from the Mandals of Eluru (4,600 persons), Pedavegi (45 persons), Jangareddigudem (52 persons) and Tallapudi (142 persons), organised relief camps for the evacuated persons. One helicopter was requisitioned and kept ready for rescue operations but by Tuesday morning, the water in Tammileru river was receded and there was no further evacuation and the district administration is closely monitoring the situation. Officials explained to the Chief Minister that Irrigation officials are closely monitoring the flood situation and sufficient stock of sand bags were kept ready for strengthening the bunds wherever it is weak and also to close the breaches occurred. Revenue officials were instructed to evacuate the people from the low lying areas and organize relief camps. Necessary arrangements were made for providing food and drinking water for evacuated people. Medical camps are being organized at relief camps. Generators are made available at relief camps for lighting. Two mechanized boats are kept ready for evacuation of the people from low lying areas. Police department is requested to co-operate with Revenue officials in evacuating the people from low lying areas to safer places and to keep police men at all causeways and vulnerable points to see that nobody will cross the river. Fire Services Department was already requested to keep ready the men along with the material of ropes etc. to save the people in rescue operations. Damages so far reported include 2385 houses inundated, 51 houses damaged and 2,000 hectares of crops damaged. East Godavari District: Two Mandals were severally affected and two people died and 683 houses marooned. Officers of Revenue, Police, Irrigation and Fire departments were alerted. Medical teams are being sent to the spot. All precautionary measures are being taken to handle the situation. Guntur District: One person washed away in Kuppaganji Vagu on 30-8-2010 while washing his cycle at a culvert. An extent of 6,806 hactares of crops (Paddy - 3286 ha and Cotton - 3520 ha) were damaged due to inundation during the recent rains from 25-8-2010 to 30-8-2010 in 9 mandals of the district. Visakhapatnam: One person died due to thunderbolt on 28.8.2010 at Donkada Village of Nakkapalli Mandal. Due to heavy rains from 26th to 28th this month nearly 48 houses of Harijana Jaggayyapeta and Tungalam village of Gajuwaka Mandal were inundated and all the families were shifted to safer places. One orphanage home situated at Thungalam village was also inundated and all the 124 orphans staying in the home were shifted to one BHPV Kalyana Mandapam and food and water provided to them. The situation is under close watch and there are no casualty or damages to the public properties in the district. Due to heavy rains in the last few days, agricultural operations and transplantation of paddy in Godavari delta are in slow progress. Sowing of rain-fed crops are almost completed. The sowings under Black soils may continue till September. Early sown rain-fed crops are at vegetative to flowering Stage. Maize is at tasseling stage. Early sown Groundnut, Seasamum and bajra are at vegetative to flowering stage. Late sown Groundnut is at flowering to pod formation stage. Sugarcane is at grand growth and 2nd wrapping stage. Harvesting of early Kharif paddy is under progress in Nellore and Chittoor districts. Cotton plants are dying due to excess moisture was observed in some pockets in Khammam district. The intercultural operations and application of fertilizers are in progress under rain-fed crops where rains are not received. Anantapur district is poised to reap a bumper crop of groundnut due to good monsoon this year. Rainfall received during last fortnight softened the soil so that already sown or transplanted crops are in good condition and the early sown crops are at early vegetative to flowering stage. The recent rains are very much congenial to the standing crops. Overall the crops growth is satisfactory. The pests and diseases on crops have also been reported as low level, the officials said
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Andhra gets new police chief

Hyderabad, Aug 31 : Senior police officer K. Aravind Rao, considered an expert in tackling Maoists, Tuesday assumed office as the Andhra Pradesh police chief.

He succeeded R.R. Girish Kumar, who retired Tuesday on attaining the age of superannuation. Rao, who was the Director General of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), took charge from Girish Kumar as the Director General of Police (DGP) at the state police headquarters here. An an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of 1977 batch, Rao has earlier served as the chief of intelligence and anti-Maoist elite force Greyhounds. As the Inspector General of Greyhounds in the 1990s, he played a key role in curbing Maoist activities. He has taken over as the DGP at a time when there are reports of the guerrillas planning to revive their activity in their former stronghold. Talking to reporters after taking charge, Rao said he would continue the present policy to deal with the Maoist problem. "The Maoist problem can't be solved in a day," he said. Hailing from Anantapur district of Rayalaseema region, Rao has earlier served as the superintendent of police in Medak, Warangal and Kadapa districts, deputy commissioner of police in Hyderabad and commissioner of police in Vijayawada. Rao will retire in June next year on reaching superannuation.
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Maoists kill six security men in Bihar gunfight

At least six security personnel were killed by Maoists in a gunfight in a forested area in Bihar’s Lakhisarai district, police said Monday.Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) P.K. Thakur said six Bihar Military Police personnel were killed in the gun battle late Sunday with over 100 rebels in the forests of Ghoghraghat Kanimoh in Lakhisarai, some 150 km from here.The gunfight lasted for hours and the guerrillas looted 30 rifles from the security personnel, police said.Those killed include Kavaiyah outpost officer incharge Bhulan Yadav. Seven seriously injured personnel were admitted to the Patna Medical College and Hospital.“More than 150 armed Maoists attacked search teams of the Bihar police that were combing the area after intelligence reports of Maoists’ presence in the forest,” a police official said.More than 12 hours after the gunfight, the bodies of the slain policemen were yet to be removed but police have launched combing operations Monday morning in Lakhisarai and adjoining areas, an official said.Thakur told that additional security forces, including a special cobra battalion and the Central Reserve POlice Force (CRPF) have been rushed to Lakhisarai for the combing operations.
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Maoists ambush security patrol in Chhattisgarh, kill five

Five security personnel were killed as over 100 Maoists ambushed a patrol in Chhattisgarh’s restive Bastar region Sunday, leading to a gunfight, police said.

“Maoists ambushed a police patrolling party drawn from the Border Security Force (BSF), district force (DF) and special police officers (SPOs) in a thickly-forested area,” Inspector General of Police (Bastar range) T.J. Longkumer said over phone from Jagdalpur, headquarters of Bastar region.He said the gun battle took place in Bhuski village in Kanker district, 250 km from capital Raipur, when Maoists ambushed the troopers. “It was a major ambush but our jawans fought bravely and fiercely…Maoists were in large numbers and estimated to be over 100,” Longkumer said.Chhattisgarh Director General of Police Vishwa Ranjan said that those killed were three BSF men, including a head constable and two constables, one belonging to the DF and an SPO.He added that a chopper was sent to the attack site for rescue operations and evacuating an injured trooper. Police claimed that some Maoists were also killed in the gunfight but none of their bodies were recovered.The attack took place just a few hours before state Forest Minister Vikram Usendi was scheduled to visit the area. The minister, who belongs to Kanker district, called off his trip after the attack.All the five dead bodies were brought to Raipur in the evening. The bodies will be sent to their next of kin after Monday after the autopsies.Condemning the incident, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh said: “The government should not hold peace talks with Maoists until they abjure violence.”In a separate incident in Bijapur district, police and Maoists fought a brief gun battle Sunday in which two senior Maoist cadres were apprehended by a joint team of DF and SPOs in a hilly area, some 450 km south of here.Bijapur Superintendent of Police R.N Das said that police recovered explosives and Maoist documents from the ultras who were estimated to number 30-35.Chhattisgarh has been the epicentre of Maoist violence in recent years. The Bastar region, spread across an about 40,000 sq km area and comprising Dantewada, Bijapur, Narayanpur, Bastar and Kanker districts, is considered the nerve centre of Maoist militants in India.Officials at the police headquarters here said that the state has witnessed 1,948 Maoist attacks in the past three years. A total of 418 civilians and 435 policemen, including 75 SPOs, have been killed in Maoist violence.
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Sec 144 imposed in Chirala over YSR statue installation

Ongole, Aug 30: Police on Monday imposed section 144 in Chirala Town in Prakasam district following the dispute over the installation of a statue of former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy on government land.According to sources, police have arrested 26 supporters of Kadapa MP Y S Jaganmohan Reddy on Sunday when they tried to install the statue on a government land in Chirala town.Chirala police also arrested one Ravi Kumar alias Jinda, a rowdy-sheeter for attempting suicide over the issue.The arrests were made as they violated the prohibitory orders in force, police said.Trouble had started in this town soon after supporters of Mr Jaganmohan Reddy put up a platform in the land belonging to the roads and Buildings Department, ahead of the 'Odarpu yatra' slated to be held in Prakasam district from September 3.The police deployed additional forces in the trouble spot within the Two Town police station limits in Chirala town to prevent untoward incidents.Condemning the police action, the main opposition Telugu Desam Party demanded that the government remove all hurdles in installation of statues of the former chief minister at the land belonging to the Roads and Buildings Department.TDP Chirala incharge J Srinivasa Rao alleged that vested elements have hatched a conspiracy to obstruct the installation of YSR statue.
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Rosaiah inaugurates Sai Baba information centre

Hyderabad, Aug 30: Chief Minister K Rosaiah on Monday inaugurated the Shirdi Sai Baba Information Centre at YMCA complex on Sardar Patel Road in Secunderabad.Talking to media persons, the Chief Minister said that the information centre would be helpful for those devotees who visit Shirdi Sai Baba temple in Maharashtra frequently. The Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan Trust, which manages the Shirdi Sai Baba temple, has launched the Information Centre to help answer queries by devotees.The Secunderabad-based Radhaswami Foundation has provided an area of 3,200 sq ft for the centre, which will have the Sansthan's publications including the holy book Sri Sai Satcharitra, Aarti's and Bhajan CDs etc.The Information Centre will provide all information related to Shirdi and Sai Baba's life to the devotees. Presiding over the function, Sansthan's chairman Jayant Sasane stated that the 60-70 percent of Andhra devotees visit Sai Baba temple per year. He said the information centre would provide online services to devotees in future.
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Quickly complete work, says PM at Nehru stadium

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday visited the remodelled and reconstructed Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and asked officials to “redouble their efforts to quickly complete” the work as people “expect a spectacular” Commonwealth Games, which are just 35 days away.“The prime minister, this morning, visited the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex where the opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games are scheduled to be held,” said a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.Accompanied by Sports Minister M.S. Gill and Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Chairperson Suresh Kalmadi, the prime minister was shown the various facilities at the complex, including the playing fields, media facilities, the VIP box, stands for spectators, security and other arrangements.“The prime minister said that it was a beautiful stadium and he urged all concerned authorities to redouble their efforts to quickly complete whatever works remained as the people were expecting a spectacular and flawless opening to the Commonwealth Games,” the statement said here.Manmohan Singh reached the refurbished stadium around noon to take stock of the venue.The prime minister intervened in the Games preparations following delays and corruption allegations in the biggest sporting event being organised in India since the 1982 Asiad.During a meeting two weeks ago, he issued clear instructions that the facilities for the Commonwealth Games should be made ready in time and meet international standards as the “eyes of the world” were on India.After the meeting, an empowered committee, headed by the cabinet secretary, has been overseeing Games preparedness, along with a group of ministers headed by Jaipal Reddy.Thereafter, 10 senior officials of joint secretary and additional secretary rank were deputed to oversee operations at specific venues. The officials were given the authority to take decisions on the spot.The Nehru stadium has been refurbished at a whopping Rs.9.6 billion (approximately $200 million) with international consultants from six countries – Germany, Switzerland, Britain, the US, Mexico and Australia – putting their heads together to construct the state-of-art facility.The deadline for completion of the venue has been changed several times since the Central Public Works Department began the construction work 32 months ago.
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Three Maoists surrender in Warangal

Warangal, Aug.29 : A Maoist couple and another rebel surrendered here on Saturday.

They were wanted in connection with the assassination of the Andhra Pradesh Home Minister A. Madhava Reddy and police officer Umesh Chandra. They are key witnesses in the attack on then Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.They surrendered before Superintendent of Police (Rural), Shahnawaz Qasim.The rebel couple, Pasham Parvathalu alias Ganesh and his wife Pasham Swaroopa alias Kavitha, carried a reward of 200,000 rupees on their head. They were associated with the Maoists since 1994."Well, today, Pasham Parvathalu alias Ganesha and Pasham Suparna alias Kavita who were part of the Central Action Committee and remained underground since 1994 from Chintala area have surrendered. They were cadre activists," said Qasim.The duo was associated with a top Maoist leader Takkallapally Vasudeva Rao alias Ashanna, who carried out the assassination of former Home Minister A Madhava Reddy and Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Umesh Chandra in Hyderabad.The couple had also given shelter to Ashanna when he attempted an attack on the then Andhra Pradesh State Chief Chandrababu Naidu at the famed Tirupati in 2003."They (Pasham couple) were involved in the killing of Home Minister A Madhava Reddy and IPS officer Umesh Chandra at Hyderabad, having given shelter to the actual persons who executed the attack and killing. Initially, they were unaware as to whom they are sheltering. They were also witness to the attempt on the then Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. They were one of the most important key links having given shelter to the people of central action committee," Qasim added.Munigala Raji alias Prathap of Dharmasagar Mandal village was the third Maoist to surrender before the police officials. He had been arrested on several occasions but managed to escape the clutches of law every time."Another surrendered cadre is Prabhakar also known as Pratap of Bhadrakali Dharmasagar Mandal. He left the Maoists twice and again returned to their fold in January. He would do the recce (reconnaissance) for the outfit. He was active in Jalgam mandal," Qasim informed.Prathap was associated with Ashanna since 2000.The Maoists have spread into the rural pockets of 20 of India's 28 states.
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Andhra Pradesh CM lays foundation stone for temple Rajagopuram

Srikalahasti, Aug 29 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah today laid the foundation for the new Rajagopuram of Sri Kalahasteeswara Swamy Temple here today.The Chief Minister, accompanied by State Endowments Minister G VenkataReddy, Forest Minister P Ramachandra Reddy and District in-charge Minister Dharmana Prasadarao, arrived here after offering prayers at Lord Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala and laid the foundation stone by performing special 'poojas'.The 15th century Rajagopuram built by Vijayanagara King Sri Krishnadevaraya inside the temple complex had collapsed on May 27, this year.Later, speaking to mediapersons, the Chief Minister said the tower would be constructed with the financial help of CVR Group of Companies and the company would meet the entire expenditure for the Rajagopuram.The construction works would be done under the supervision of the experts and was expected to be completed in two years time, the Chief Minister added.
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TDP slams Andhra Pradesh Governor for acting as Congress partyman

Visakhapatnam, Aug 29 : The Telugu Desem Party (TDP) Polit buro member and former speaker Y Ramakrishnudu has slammed Andhra Pradesh (AP) Governor's C Narasimhan for acting as a Congress partyman in the state and Centre.Speaking to mediapersons at the city TDP office here yesterday, the TDP leader said Mr Narasimhan was acting like a Governor of the Congress and not of the state.Mr Ramakrishnudu alleged that Narasimhan's role was against the spirit of the democratic norms and constitutional duties. He even questioned the basis on which the Governor was ordering the secretaries of the other government departments. While the Governors of non-Congress states were giving reports about the corruption to the Centre, why wasn't the AP Governor doing so with regards to the mining and other malpractices, he asked. Ramakrishnudu questioned Mr Narasimhan's role as a mediator between former chief minister late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy's son Jaganmohan Reddy and Congress president Sonia Gandhi's differences. He also asked why was the Governor not giving report on the 'Jalayagnayam' corruption.Reacting to Prajarajayam Party chief Chiranjeevi's comments at the plenary that his party was not merging with the Congress, Mr Ramakrishnudu firmly said PRP will definitely merge with the Congress. ''Chiru is assuring openly that if the Congress government faces problems, the PRP will support it, which means that he is shouldering the corruption of the Congress, Yanamala alleged.
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No fresh attacks on Indian students in Australia: Sibal

No fresh attacks on Indian students have been reported from Australia recently, parliament was informed Friday.In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal said: “The number of attacks on Indian students on record in Melbourne has reduced and no case of attack on Indian students has been registered in the last three months in Melbourne.”He said that an Indian delegation had visited Australia in April this year and had held extensive discussions with Australian officials in Western Australia, New South Wales and Victoria regarding the safety and well-being of Indian students.Sibal said the Indian authorities have urged the Australian authorities to take stringent measures to stop such attacks and also to apprehend the culprits involved in attacks.He also said that the Australian government has undertaken various measures for protection and safety of Indian students, including introduction of an international students care service, deployment of additional forces, amendments in sentencing laws and empowering police forces to combat violence and antisocial behaviour.The high commissioner of India has also had several meetings in 2009 and 2010 with the concerned ministers of Australia, he added.Indian students have been at the receiving end of a spate of racially motivated attacks in the country. Various students have been injured in such attacks and some have even lost their lives.Around 100,000 Indians are studying in Australia.
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By 2030, India’s diabetes population will reach 79 mn

By the year 2030, an estimated 79.4 million people in India will be affected by diabetes – the largest in the world, the Lok Sabha was informed Friday.In a written reply, Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad agreed that international health bodies have cautioned that India may have the largest number of diabetic patients in the world by the next two decades.As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), prevalence of diabetes in India is estimated to reach 79.4 million by 2030.He said keeping in mind the rise of diabetes in India, the government has approved a National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke at an estimated outlay of Rs.1,230.90 crore for the 11th Five Year Plan.“The programme focuses on health promotions, capacity building, including human resources, early diagnosis and management and integration with the primary healthcare system,” he said.He said the increase in diabetes could be due to urbanisation, affluence and lifestyle changes, increasing prevalence of obesity and physical inactivity. Other reasons include population ageing and better availability of diagnostic facilities.Azad also said that under the Indian system of medicine, diabetes can be managed effectively through diet, medicines, yoga and exercises.
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95 swine flu deaths in Karnataka till Aug 25

A total of 95 people had died of swine flu in Karnataka till Aug 25 this year, state Health Minister B. Sriramulu said Friday.So far this year, 1,702 people had been affected by the H1N1 flu, he told reporters here after a meeting with health ministry officials to assess the preparedness of the state to tackle the flu as well chikungunya and dengue in view of the revival of the monsoon In 2009, there were 1,799 H1N1 cases in the state and 135 of the patients died, Sriramulu said.District administrations and health authorities have been told to be pro-active to prevent the spread of contagious diseases as several parts of the state have been receiving heavy rains in the last three days, he said.There were 927 chikungunya cases in the state but no death has occurred from the disease, Sriramulu said.There has been one death due to dengue while 1,294 had been affected by it, the minister said.Deputy commissioners, district surgeons, and the heads of the administration and medicare, respectively, in Karnataka’s 30 districts will be held responsible for any death from contagious diseases, Sriramulu said.Sriramulu, a close associate of the Reddy brothers, mining barons and ministers, has been under attack from the opposition that he was busy in organizing rallies in his home district of Bellary while swine flu, dengue and chikungunya cases were spreading in the state.
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Raju's bail to be challenged in SC for cancellation

New Delhi, Aug 27 : CBI sources today indicated that the Andhra Pradesh High Court order granting bail to Ramalinga Raju, former chairman of Satyam software company involved in Rs 7,000 crore corporate scam,will be challenged in the Supreme Court.Raju, who is involved in the biggest corporate scam in the country and had cheated thousands of investors of their hard earned money, stayed for almost 10 months in a five star hotel on the pretext of sickness and has been granted bail on medical grounds.With his release on bail, all the accused in the case are out on bail.According to CBI, keeping in view the criminal clout of the accused, the possibility of Raju tampering with the investigation and evidence in the case cannot be ruled out.
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Maoist sympathiser demands judicial probe into Azad's killing

Hyderabad, Aug 27 : Maoist sympathiser Varavara Rao Friday demanded a judicial probe into the killing of Maoist leader Azad in the light of his autopsy report which says he was shot from close range.The revolutionary writer said the autopsy report had rubbished the police claim that Azad was killed in an encounter. "The government should immediately order a judicial probe into the incident to bring out the facts and punish the guilty," he said. Cherukuri Rajkumar alias Azad, a top leader and spokesman of the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) was killed along with a journalist Hemchandra Pandey in Jogapur forests in Adilabad district July 2. The police claimed that they were killed in a gunfight but the Maoist party and rights groups said that police had caught them in Nagpur, Maharashtra and then shot them dead in cold blood. Varavara Rao pointed out that from day one he had been saying that it was a stage-managed encounter. "The autopsy report has vindicated our stand," he said. According to the report, the bullet which killed Azad left a one centimetre oval-shaped wound with darkening burnt edges. Experts say such darkening edges in the entry wound happens only due to burns caused by a bullet fired from very close quarters, mostly from less than a foot. Varavara Rao reiterated that Azad was caught and killed when he was working to create conducive atmosphere for talks with the Indian government. The Maoists claimed that Azad was carrying Swami Agnivesh's letter written to him suggesting three likely dates in July when the cease-fire could go into effect. The police, however, denied that they found any such letter.
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Low pressure persists, more rain in coastal AP

Visakhapatnam, Aug 26 : Yesterday's low pressure area over west-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal Andhra Pradesh with associated upper air cyclonic circulation persisted today.According to the weather office here this morning, under its influence, rain or thundershowes were likely to occur at many places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh during the next 24 hours.Heavy to very heavy rainfall may occur over coastal Andhra Pradesh during the same period.Strong winds from easterly direction in north and south coastal Andhra Pradesh with speed reaching 45 to 50 km per hour were also likely along and off the coast.The chief amounts of rainfall recorded during the last 24 hours were Bapatla 11, Narasapur 6, Machilipatnam 4, Visakhapatnam , Tuni and Nellore two each.
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Bailed Satyam founder Raju makes second appearance before Hyderabad court

Hyderabad, Aug.26 : B.Ramalinga Raju, the key accused in the Satyam fraud case, made a second appearance before a court here on Thursday after being granted bail by the Andhra Pradesh High Court.Raju, who has been diagnosed with Hepatitis-C, said he was fine for the time being. "I m fine now , procedure unduly extended. I''m recovering now. Bail is a good relief," said Raju.Raju was granted bail on August 18 on health grounds, with the high court saying he should not be discharged from the hospital.Raju has been hospitalised at the Nizam''s Institute of Medical Sciences in Hyderabad since September 2009."Raju has been given bail on the condition that he will remain in Hyderabad till further orders and will have to give two securities of Rs 20 lakh each. He will have to depose before the investigating officer every day once he has been discharged from NIMS," Raju''s lawyer Bharat Kumar said.The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has been investigating the case, has decided to approach the Supreme Court against Raju''s bail order.It has alleged that doctors have been prolonging Raju''s treatment to delay his trial in connection with the Satyam case.Raju has been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code including Section 120B for criminal conspiracy, under Section 409 for breach of trust, under Section 420 for cheating, and under Section 468 and Section 471 for forgery.Raju, Satyam founder and former chairman, resigned from the company after confessing to country''s biggest financial fraud of Rs 14,000 crore and disclosing massive financial irregularities in January 2009. Raju and his brother Rama Raju were arrested by the Andhra police on January 9, 2010. Nine other accused, including top company officials and auditors, were also arrested in the case.
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Andhra Pradesh CM holds meet on PM's visit

Tirupati, Aug 25 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah today instructed officials concerned to take necessary steps for successful conduct of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to this temple town on August 31.He made these comments during a review meeting with Ministers and officials here to discuss the arrangements for the PM's visit.Mr Roasiah said the exact details of the PM's schedule, which included laying the foundation stone for BHEL Power Equipment Plant and an international airport here, were yet to be recieved.Later, speaking to the press, Mr Rosaiah emphasised the power equipment plant, a joint venture between NTPC and BHEL, would come up only in Andhra Pradesh.The Brahmostavams of Sri Venkateswara Temple at Tirumala, scheduled to begin on September 11, would be held in grand manner under the Specified Authority appointed last night in the place of the TTD Trust Board, he said.Later, he proceeded on an unscheduled visit to Tirumala Hills skipping Nellore District due to bad weather and offered prayers at Sri Venkateswara Temple.He also offered prayers at Goddess Padmavathi Temple in Tiruchanur and left for Hyderabad by flight in the afternoon.
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Five Andhra judges suspended for copying in examination

Hyderabad, Aug 25 : The Andhra Pradesh High Court Wednesday suspended five judges for bringing disrepute to the judiciary by copying in a law examination.The High Court took serious note of the incident in which five judges were caught red-handed while copying during the LLM examination at the Arts and Science College in Hanamkonda, Warangal district Tuesday. A squad of invigilators had caught the judges while copying during the examination conducted by the Distance Education Centre of Kakatiya University. The judges wrote the examination for promotions. The High Court has also ordered Kakatiya University to take action against the judges and submit a detailed report on the incident. The judges suspended by the High Court are Ranga Reddy Senior Civil Judge K Ajit Simharao, Second additional district judge Vijayanand, Bapatla senior civil judge Srinivasa Chary, Anantapur senior civil judge M Kishtappa and Warangal junior civil judge Hanumantha Rao. The court also directed the state government to initiate disciplinary action against all judges as they brought disrepute to the law profession. Four advocates were also caught along with the judges while copying. The university has barred all of them from writing the remaining two papers.
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Smt. Ambika Soni Constitutes Committee to Study Feasibility of Granting Accreditation to Outstation Journalists

New Delhi,(PIB NEWS)Aug,24, In response to requests received from media persons, Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Smt. Ambika Soni has constituted a committee to study the feasibility of granting accreditation to outstation journalists (Outside Delhi). The committee duly constituted, shall also look into the processes likely to be involved for considering the matter.Under the Terms of Reference, the constituted committee shall give its recommendations within a period of six months from the date of its constitution i.e. 20 Aug. 2010. Principal Director General (M&C): Press Information Bureau shall convene the meetings of the committee. The constituted committee has been mandated to give its recommendations to Secretary, I&B within the stipulated time frame of six months. The members of the constituted committee are as follows:
• Shri Raj Chengappa, Editor-in-Chief, (Tribune)
• Ms. Navika Kumar, Political & Economic Editor, (Times Now)
• Shri Asad Raza, Chief of Bureau,( Rozana Rashtriya Sahara)
• Shri Sachidananda Murthy, Resident Editor,(Delhi Malayala Manorama)
• Shri Dinkar Raikar, Group Editor, (Lok Mat, Mumbai)
• Shri Aditya Sinha, Editor-in-Chief,( New Indian Express,Chennai)
• Shri Asim Ali Khan, Editor, (Siasat, Hyderabad)
• Shri Kanaksen Deka, Editor,( Dainik Agradoot,Guwahati)
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Abu Dhabi to raise funds for flood-hit Pakistan

Abu Dhabi, Aug 24 : Abu Dhabi authority will begin a nationwide campaign Wednesday seeking donations from its people to help flood-affected people in Pakistan.As per directives from President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Red Crescent Authority (RCA) will launch a campaign to raise funds in order to provide relief for the flood victims in Pakistan. A meeting held Tuesday at the National Media Council was attended by the directors of television channels, who discussed a unified mechanism for conducting the three-day campaign. Donations will be received at various branches of the RCA, shopping centres as well as through messages sent from mobile phones and pledges registered via call centres.
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Satyam fraud case: Sick Raju makes dramatic appearance in court

Hyderabad, Aug.24 : The tainted founder of Satyam Computer, B Ramalinga Raju, appeared before a local court here today, after avoiding appearance since September last year on health grounds.Raju is being tried for corporate fraud worth between Rs.7, 100 crore and Rs.14, 000 crore.His doctor accompanied Raju, who was granted bail by the Andhra Pradesh High Court last week. The former Satyam chairman, who was arrested on January 9 last year and is currently undergoing treatment for liver infection in the state-run Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences here, was ordered by the court to appear before the trial court once he's discharged.Earlier on July 23, a local court had adjourned the case of examination of Raju through a questionnaire and nine other accused in connection with the scam to July 26. The Andhra Pradesh High Court had on January 20 granted bail to five accused including Raju''s bother B Rama Raju and former CFO of Satyam Computers Vadlamani Srinivas in the case.Raju, resigned as Satyam Computer Services Ltd. Chairman after being charged with corruption and fraud.
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Andhra Pradesh Governor, CM greet people on Raksha Bandhan

Hyderabad, Aug 23 : Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan and Chief Minister K Rosaiah today greeted the people of the state on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan In his message, the Governor conveyed his warm and cordial greetings to the people of Andhra Pradesh on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, a celebration of emotions and the most sacred relationship between brothers and sisters.''India is known worldwide for its strong family based system at micro level. This festival of Rakhi is a way of expressing care and concern for siblings in the family. On a macro level, this festival fosters the spirit of brotherhood of mankind and unity in diversity. Raksha Bandhan fortifies this relationship,'' the Governor said.Chief Minister K Raosaiah, in his message, greeted Telugu people, specially women and children, in the state and world wide on the occasion of 'Sravana Pournima.' ''Traditionally it symbolises the bondage and love towards the sister and more so the women,'' the Chief Minister added.
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CM to lay foundation for new Kalahasti Temple Rajagopuram

Hyderabad, Aug 23 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Dr K Rosaiah will lay foundation for the new Rajagopuram of the Sri Kalahasteeswara Swamy Temple at Sri Kalahasthi on August 29 or 30.The Chief Minister held a review meeting on the subject with the Minister for Endowments and senior officials here today.The CVR Group of Companies have volunteered to reconstruct the Rajagopuram, meeting the entire expenditure. Principal Secretary, Revenue, K V Ramanachary showed the designs and blueprints for the new Rajagopuram prepared by the department, to the Chief Minister.He said the new temple tower would be constructed based on the designs of the old structure as per the ''Agama Sastras.'' The construction works would be done under the supervision of the experts and the government, he said. The reconstruction of the Rajagopuram was expected to be completed in two years time, by the end of 2012.
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LSP asks govt to celebrate Telangana Liberation Day on Sept 17

Hyderabad, Aug 23 : The Lok Satta Party (LSP) today demanded that the Government must celebrate Telangana Liberation Day officially on September 17 since integration of Telangana with the Indian Union was a continuation of the country's freedom movement.Addressing a media conference, party leaders Katari Srinivasa Rao and Eeda Chennaiah recalled that both Maharashtra and Karnataka celebrate September 17 as the Liberation Day in the districts, which were under Nizam's rule earlier and became part of those states following the states' reorganisation. ''None should ignore that September 17 was the day when the country was actually united,'' they said.''September 17 should be an occasion to introspect to what extent the present day leaders sought to realise the dreams of those who fought for the Nizam state's liberation and union with India. We don't know what happened to the children of Sardar Patel who integrated the princely states with the Indian Union. ''We do not know the inheritors of K M Munshi and Vellodi who served as Governors of the Hyderabad state. The children of Burgula Ramakrishna Rao, the first Chief Minister of Hyderabad, did not live off their father's reputation. Even the children of Mahatma never ran after office. Raj Mohan Gandhi became an MP in his own right and not as a Mahatma Gandhi's scion. In contrast, present day politicians viewed politics as a means to enrich themselves and further the growth of their children and grandchildren and not to serve the public. It is such politicians who are mortgaging the country's freedom and not left wing extremists or terrorists. The Telangana Liberation Day should inspire every one to work for uprooting the politics of loot and plunder and dynastic rule and ushering in people-oriented politics,'' they said.The party leaders announced that LSP President Dr Jayaprakash Narayan would take part in a sit-in at the municipal office in Ongole as part of the party's programme to organise demonstrations at all municipal offices on August 25 demanding elections to urban civic bodies on time. The party's demands include direct election to the positions of municipal chairpersons and Mayors, elected ward governments, and corruption-free rule.
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YSR's son defies Congress leadership, resumes his yatra

Hyderabad, Aug 23: Defying the Congress leadership again, parliament member Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy Monday launched the third leg of his "Odarpu (consolation) yatra" in his native Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh.The young MP began his road shows in Pulivendula constituency after paying floral tributes at the grave of his father, the late chief minister Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy (popularly known as YSR), at their Idupulapaya family estate. YSR, a practising Christian, was laid to rest at his family estate after he was killed in a helicopter crash last year. Jagan held back from making any attacks on Chief Minister K. Rosaiah or party leadership. "You all know what is happening in the state today," was all that he said while addressing the gathering in Pulivendula town. Jagan unveiled statues of YSR, addressed ac few road shows and consoled the families of those who died of shock following the death of his father in the helicopter crash. During the two-day yatra, the Kadapa MP would visit parts of the assembly constituency which is being currently represented by his mother Vijayalakshmi. The mini yatra is seen as a prelude to the main yatra Jagan will be launching in Prakasam district Sep 3. A day before that, he will address a public meeting at the temple town of Tirupati to mark the first death anniversary of his father. The Jagan camp is unfazed by the warning of the party's central leadership to either call off the yatra or face disciplinary action. Party sources said the central leadership could take some action against YSR's son after Sep 2. Jagan loyalist and state Mines Minister B.Srinivas Reddy and six of the eight Congress legislators in Prakasam district have announced that they would participate in the yatra despite the warning by the party leadership. Meanwhile, Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammed Ahmedullah Monday said he too would accompany Jagan during the yatra. Social Welfare Minister P.Subhash Chandrabose and two dozen legislators participated in Jagan's yatra in East Godavari district last month. The Congress leadership sees Jagan's yatra as an attempt to mobilise support from both the party and public to destabilise the Rosaiah government.
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Telugu film actresses arrested for prostitution in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Aug 23 : Hyderabad Police on Monday busted a prostitution racket and took Telugu film actresses Saira Banu and Jyoti into its custody along with a host of other girls.The two actresses were arrested along with a woman from Uzbekistan and their customers from an apartment in the posh Kundan Bagh locality here.The identity of the others, who have been arrested on the same charges has, however, not been revealed.Earlier in 2009, another Telugu film actress was arrested for prostitution in Hyderabad.
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Telangana formation matter of politics: SC

New Delhi, Aug 21 : Saying Telangana state formation is a matter of politics rather than judiciary at this stage the Supreme Court has refused to entertain a petition seeking direction to the Centre to stop bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh to create the new state.A bench headed by Chief Justice S H Kapadia yesterday told the petitioner, ''This is a political problem which calls for a political solution by the Government. At this stage this Court cannot interfare in the matter.'' The apex court, however, granted liberty to the petitioner to approach the Supreme Court once the new state is created. Only then this court can examine the validity of the government notification, the bench noted.A commission headed by retired Supreme Court Judge Justice B N Srikrishna is examining all possibilities to create the new state and is going to submit its report to the Central government, latest by December 31, 2010.
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Special Interest rates on housing loans

Hyderabad, Aug 21 : Recognising housing sector plays a very vital role in the development of nation,public sector Andhra Bank has introduced a special interest rate for Housing Loans in view of ensuing festival seasons.The Housing Loan compaign is effective from August 23 to January 15 nextxt year.The Bank is offering interest rate @ 8.50 per cent fixed for the first year during this period With no processing charges during the campaign period , the bank said take over accounts are also eligible for special offer during the campaign period.'' This offer is valid irrespective of the Housing Loan Limit'', the bank said in a release here today.
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Andhra gives Rs.1 lakh to Indian Idol Sreeram

Hyderabad, Aug 21 : The Andhra Pradesh government Saturday announced Rs.1 lakh prize money for local lad M. Sreeram Chandra for winning the Indian Idol 5 title. Sreeram, who returned to his hometown Friday night to a rousing reception by his fans, met Chief Minister K. Rosaiah at his office Saturday. The chief minister lauded Sreeram for bringing laurels to Andhra Pradesh and wished him success in his future endeavours. Later, addressing a press conference at Ravindra Bharati, the singing sensation from Bowenpally said he won the title because of the support and affection of his family, friends and admirers. He also said he would work hard to bring more glory for Telugus. Sreeram recalled that it was at Ravindra Bharati that he first sang Vande Mataram (the national song of India).
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