Chandrababu Naidu raises hand on tribal woman

Hyderabad, Oct 9 : Did former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu assault a tribal woman during a meeting in East Godavari district? Yes, says a television channel, which repeatedly telecast the scene but Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) denies it.The visuals show TDP chief raising his hand to beat a woman, snatching the mike from her and even hitting her on her arm to force her to sit down. The main opposition party, however, clarified that Naidu was only trying to restrain her.The incident took place late Friday at Prattipadu in East Godavari district when Naidu was meeting people after visiting laterite mines in Vantada village.During the interaction, a woman supporting the mines criticised politicians for frequently visiting the area. She snatched the mike from another woman to express her views. Fuming at her action, Naidu admonished her and raised his hand as if to hit her. The leader of opposition then snatched the mike from her and hit her arm to force her to sit down.Sakshi television channel, owned by Congress MP Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy, repeatedly telecast the visuals, claiming that Naidu attacked a tribal woman. It said Naidu lost his cool as the woman wanted to pose a question to him.Leaders of the ruling party demanded Naidu's arrest and that he be booked under the Scheduled Castes/Schedukled Tribes Atrocities (Prevention) Act. They also demanded that Naidu immediately resign from the post of leader of opposition."It is shameful for a man who served as chief minister for nine years and leader of opposition for over six years to raise his hand on a woman," said state Minister for Tribal Welfare P. Balarju.Congress legislators and tribal leaders demanded action against the TDP chief.The TDP, however, clarified that Naidu was only trying to pacify two groups of women who were quarrelling with each other. TDP leader Ramesh Rathod alleged that the television channel spread false propaganda against Naidu as the latter was on a campaign to expose illegal mining.
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Andhra government reconstitutes infrastructure corporation board

Hyderabad, Oct 8: Andhra Pradesh government Friday reconstituted the board of Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC), removing B.P. Acharya as the director following allegations against him in a deal with Emaar Properties.

The government issued orders bringing Ajay Mishra, principal secretary, investment, as the director in place of Acharya, who is the principal secretary of industries department.
The government also named five other bureaucrats as directors - B.R. Meena, Anantaramu, K. Madhusudhana Rao, T. Satyanarana Rao and Vikas Raj.The government continued Shivarama Subramanyan as APIIC chairman.The board has been constituted at a time when the opposition has stepped up the campaign demanding a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in the APIIC-Emaar deal.The APIIC has already admitted that Emaar Properties had sold its stake in 535-acre Boulder Hills to Emaar MGF, an offshoot of the Emaar Group without informing it.The APIIC had leased the prime land in Gacchibowli area here, estimated to be worth Rs.2,500 crore, to Dubai-based Emaar Properties for the joint venture, a township-cum-golf course, in 2003.Under the joint venture, APIIC had 49 percent stake but it was reduced to 26 percent and that of Emaar raised to 74 percent after Congress came to power in 2004. Emaar in 2006, without the knowledge of APIIC, signed a development agreement with Emaar MGF for the development of a township. The government realized after nearly four years that it had been taken for a ride and recently issued a legal notice to Emaar.The APIIC chairman Thursday exuded confidence that the issue would be resolved with Emaar as the latter has agreed to take action after verifying the records.The opposition, however, has alleged that APIIC's stake was diluted with the connivance of APIIC officials and is demanding a CBI probe to bring out the facts. Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has even alleged that former chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy and government advisor K.V.P. Ramchandra Rao were also involved in the irregularities.
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Need better technology to prevent biological attack: Kalam

Former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Wednesday said there is a need to assimilate better technology and cutting edge systems in all agencies involved with security of the nation to prevent a biological attack.“If this trend of terrorism is allowed to continue, it is possible to even see terrorists attempting biological attacks on consumables like water and milk, which are sourced from multiple points, stored and processed in a central location and distributed to multiple regions simultaneously,” said Kalam, while delivering the Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Memorial Lecture here.“To match and counter such threats, there is a need of assimilation of better technology and cutting edge systems in all agencies involved with security of the nation. As defence experts, all of you may like to study, research and deploy the counter terrorism technologies of the future in all its training,” the former president said.He said the role of Armed Forces is beyond being confined to merely war scenarios.“With its skilled human resources, technological expertise and the spirit of national service, the Armed Forces has contributed (to the nation) even in time of peace,” Kalam said.
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Hyderabad's rising air pollution causing concern

Hyderabad, Oct 7 : The level of pollutants in the air in Hyderabad are on the rise, posing threat to the health of people in the hi-tech southern city, said a report released Thursday.The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) analysed air quality and transportation data in Hyderabad and found increased levels of particulate matter (PM) pollution.The CSE analysis also pointed out that the recent regulation of the air quality standards by the environment ministry has changed the air quality profile of Hyderabad. "Locations in the city which were categorised moderately polluted under the earlier norms, have spiralled into the critically polluted category now, while other sites have moved from low pollution to the moderate level," it said.The report -- "Hyderabad City Dialogue on Air Quality and Transportation Challenge: An Agenda for Action" -- was released here Thursday at a public meeting and round table conference.Anumita Roychowdhury, associate director of CSE and head of its air pollution control and transportation programme, said: "The conference has been organised to enhance the action plan for reducing the pollution and congestion levels in the city, by sharing lessons from other cities like Delhi, which have similar experiences."According to the CSE analysis, there has been a subsequent increase in average annual PM 10 levels -- from 66 mg/cum in 2003 to 80 mg/cum in 2009. "This is about 1.3 times higher than the standard for a high pollution zone, according to the air quality classification followed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)," she said.The report shows that average journey speed is consistently dipping. In 1981 it was 17 kmph, and by 2006 it had come down to 12 kmph. The central business district gets bogged down with 50,000 to 60,000 passenger car units per day - a figure which is comparable to that of Delhi.Maximum air pollution in Hyderabad is caused by its rapidly growing number of vehicles. The city has 2.6 million vehicles and every year 0.2 million new vehicles are registered - which means 500-600 new vehicles roll out on to Hyderabad's roads every day.
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Picture of actor as Gandhi in government office kicks up row

Hyderabad, Oct 7 : A picture of film actor Dilip Prabhavalkar as Mahatma Gandhi at a local government office in Warangal district of Andhra Pradesh has kicked up a row with the opposition seeking an apology for the alleged insult to father of the nation.

A huge picture showing "Mahatma Gandhi" behind a spinning wheel has been put up in the hall of the Warangal Zilla Parishad. The blunder was pointed out during a meeting on Wednesday by Nagarlu Venkateshwaru, floor leader of the opposition Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS).The TRS leader said the man in the picture was not Mahatma Gandhi but Dilip Prabhavalkar, who played the father of nation in the Hindi blockbuster "Lage Raho Munnabhai". The Marathi actor also acted in "Shankardada Zindabad", a Telugu remake of "Lage Raho Munnabhai"."This is an insult to father of the nation. Action should be taken against those responsible for this," demanded the TRS leader.Interestingly, the huge image is flanked by the pictures of Chief Minister K. Rosaiah and Zilla Parishad chairperson Lakawath Dhanawanti.Dhanawanti, however, insisted that it was Mahatma Gandhi and the picture looks different as it was framed after zooming the image. Her clarification failed to satisfy the opposition, which sought action for the faux pas.The meeting proved stormy for another reason too. The chairperson, from the Congress, questioned District Collector N. Sridhar for issuing her a notice on an anonymous complaint against her. She claimed that the corruption charges levelled against her were baseless.The opposition members demanded action against her. The collector also defended his action in sending a notice saying he has done so following directions from state Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan.
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Andhra Pradesh Cabinet gives Rs 327.4-cr loan waiver to weavers

Hyderabad, Oct 6 : In a major relief to the weavers in the Andhra Pradesh, the state Cabinet today decided to give a Rs 327.4 crores loan waiver to unable the suffering weavers in the state regain their health and start their work afresh.The state Cabinet in a meeting here headed by the Chief Minister K Rosaiah, named the Andhra Pradesh Co-operative pederation (APCOP), as the nodal agency to work out the new credit limit to the weavers in the state.Loan waiver with the interest had been worked out as suggested by the Cabinet sub-committee to enable them qualify for fresh loans, said state Information Minister J Geeta Reddy in her post Cabinet media briefing here.Meanwhile, the Cabinet also decided to issue an ordinance to postpone elections to the Cooperative Credit Societies for another six months to enable completion of the reform process in the light of the Vaidyanathan report.The Cabinet sub committee which reviewed the financial health of the Cooperative credit structure after implementation of the Vidyanathan package and various debt waiver schemes, had submitted a report suggesting road map for making necessary structural changes in the Cooperative credit system ''to make it efficent, self sustaining and farmer friendly''.''It was considered desirable to hold election to the Cooperative only after detailed review of their finacial health and structural changes and reform if any to be made based on the recommendation of the Cabinet sub Committee'' and the Council of Ministers resolved the recommend postponement of the elections.
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Andhra Pradesh Cabinet commends all sections for cooperation on Ayodhya issue

Hyderabad, Oct 6 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah, along with his Council of Ministers, today expressed gratitude to all sections of the people for their cooperation and maintaining peace and harmony in the state in Ayodhya judgement issue.At the meeting of the Council of the Ministers the Chief Minister expressed satisfaction on the effort of the government to maintain peace at the aftermath of Ayodhya verdict.Mr Rosaiah recalled the effort of the government in calling a meeting of all the political parties, social and religious organisations ahead of the Allahabad High Courgt Judgement.The Chief Minister also commended the effort of the police in working to maintain peace with the cooperatiion of the people.The Chief Minister said the Allahabad High Court Judgement should not be viewed as victory nor loss to any section and it was only a part of the judicial sources.The aggreived party could move the Supreme Court for relief, if any, the Chief Minister told the Cabinet meeting, according to State Information Minister J Geeta Reddy who briefed the media here.
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Journalists Arogyasree cards process starts tomorrow: Minister

Hyderabad, Oct 6 : Andhra Pradesh Minister for Aarogyasri, Pithani Satyanarayana, will inaugurate tomorrow the first DPL centre (Aadhar Enrolment Station) exclusively for working journalists of Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy districts at Press Club, Somajiguda.In a review meeting held in his chambers today, the Minister said that the enrollment programme starts with all accredited journalists and journalists working in big newspapers and electronic media (TV Channels) in first phase. Remaining journalists will be covered in second phase after proper scrutiny. The Minister said they have to submit a letter from respective managements together with identity cards. The journalists, who intend to enroll, have to go to DPL Centre with their family members. Journalists possessing white ration cards need not enroll for health cards.The Minister informed that 22 journalists who have already taken Aarogyasri health cards availed medical facilities worth Rs 6 lakh, an official statement here said.
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PM likely to inaugurate science meet in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Oct 6 : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh may inaugurate Third World Academy of Sciences' (TWAS) general meeting and lay the foundation stone for the Hyderabad campus of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research here Oct 19, an official said Wednesday.State Information and Public Relations Minister J. Geeta Reddy told reporters, after a meeting of the state cabinet, Wednesday that the Prime Minister was likely to visit the city to attend the two programmes."The state cabinet meet discussed the proposed visit of Manmohan Singh. We are still waiting for the confirmation of the visit," the minister said.The 21st general meeting of TWAS will be held at L.V. Prasad Eye Institute Oct 19-22. More than 350 scientists from 35 countries are expected to attend the event.The union science and technology ministry is sponsoring the meet. The Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and the TWAS Regional Office for Central and South Asia (TWAS-ROCASA) are the joint hosts.Based in Trieste in Italy, TWAS is an autonomous international organisation working to promote scientific capacity and excellence for sustainable development in the south.The academy of sciences for the developing world was founded in 1983 by a distinguished group of scientists from the south under the leadership of the late Nobel laureate Abdus Salam of Pakistan. It was officially launched by the United Nations secretary-general in 1985.The prime minister is also expected to lay the foundation stone for the Hyderabad chapter of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).The institute is coming up on 209 acres of land allotted by the state government. TIFR plans to set up various research and academic facilities at the Hyderabad campus with an investment of about Rs.2,500 crore over a decade.TIFR, which was founded by Homi J. Bhabha June 1, 1945, with the support of Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the centrally-funded University of Hyderabad to facilitate collaborative research.
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Nirmohi Akhara ready for out-of-court settlement

Close on the heels of the initiative taken by 90-year-old Hashim Ansari for a negotiated settlement on the Ayodhya issue, the Nirmohi Akhara too has expressed its inclination to talk and resolve the dispute once and for all.“I welcome the initiative taken by Mahant Gyan Das and Hashim Ansari and will be only too glad to be a party to the move for bringing the dispute to an amicable settlement and avoid another unending court battle,” Nirmohi Akhara chief Mahant Bhaskar Das said Tuesday over telephone from Ayodhya, about 130 km from here.Significantly, while Ansari was the first Muslim to stake a legal claim to the Babri Masjid after it was usurped by Hindu mobs on the night of Dec 22-23, 1949, it was the Nirmohi Akhara which sought legal right to offer prayers at the disputed site way back in 1885.It was Ansari who took the first step towards initiating a process of reconciliation instead of proceeding straight to the country’s apex court in appeal against the Sep 30 order of the Allahabad High Court.The court split the disputed land into three parts – one going to the contending Muslim group and the other two to be shared by two Hindu groups involved in the legal battle.Ansari’s talks with Mahant Gyan Das, president of All India Akhara Parishad and head of Ayodhya’s Hanuman Garhi temple, on Sunday helped in breaking the ice.And what followed Monday was yet another positive move, with Nirmohi Akhara chief Mahant Bhaskar Das too expressing his desire to join the reconciliation bandwagon.Bhaskar Das, 81, said he was confident that very soon many prominent holy men of Ayodhya would join the dialogue process with local Muslims and other contestants in the case.While he declined to divulge the names of those with whom he claimed to have got in touch, sources close to him confirmed that he had mooted the idea to a few leading Ayodhya holy men.They include Mahant Nrtiya Gopal Das, who heads the Ram Janmbhoomi Trust, the body entrusted with the task of building the proposed temple.The move is likely to witness much opposition from the Sunni Central Waqf Board, whose counsel and Babri Masjid Action Committee (BMAC) convenor Zafaryab Jilani has taken serious affront to Hashim Ansari’s initiative.“Ansari is just an individual litigant; he is no authority on behalf of the Waqf Board which is the key contestant,” he said.
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Self-restraint needed on sensitive issues reporting: Rosaiah

Hyderabad, Oct 4 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah today asked media to observe self-restraint, especially reporting on sensitive issues.Addressing a seminar on'Protection of Media Values', organised by the Andhra Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ), Rosaiah said his government would do every thing to protect the freedom of press. His government will also look into the problem of journalists, he added. Earlier, the APUWJ had taken out a massive rally where hundreds of journalists from all over the state had participated.K Sreenivas Reddy, Secretary General, Indian Journalists Union (IJU) and Y Narender Reddy, General Secretary APUWJ submitted a detailed memorandum, listing the demands, including the provisions of the Working journalists Act which provides for job security to the working journalists that should be strictly implemented. (photo by RSJ Thomas)
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NRI's problem would be sorted out: Chakrapani

Hyderabad, Oct 4 : Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council Chairman A Chakrapani today said the state government was well aware of the problems faced by NRIs.In a press communique received from Dr Chakrapani, who was on official tour in Australia where the United India Association, Telugu Association and Australian Telugu Samithi feliciated Dr Chakrapani, he said the government would be sort out problems facing by the NRIs and insure on hehalf of the state to extend maximum support. ''The government also would provide and exchange cultural, literal and language relations and social sphere,'' the Chairman added. On the occation a large number of Telugu community were present.Earlier Counsel General of India has also arranged a get-together with Dr Chakrapani and many other community representatives.Dr Chakrapani also paid his obeisance at Shirdi Sai Mandir in Strathfield.
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Gaddar set to dislodge TRS chief from Telangana leadership

Hyderabad, Oct 4: Over a year after announcing plans to float a party for mass struggle to achieve separate statehood to Telangana, revolutionary balladeer Gaddar appears all set to wrest the leadership of the movement from K. Chandrasekhara Rao of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS).The Telangana movement is poised to take a new turn when the Maoist sympathiser will formally launch the Telangana Praja Front (TPF) here Oct 9.The new outfit is expected to intensify the movement ahead of the Srikrishna Committee's report to the central government on the Telangana issue and wrest the leadership from TRS, which has been spearheading the movement for almost a decade.At the first meeting here Oct 9, Gaddar along with poets, writers and other Telangana activists will decide the TPF's organisational structure.The Srikrishna Committee, formed by the central government in February to look into the demands for and against a separate Telangana state, is scheduled to submit its report by Dec 31.However, Gaddar said that without waiting for the report, his organisation would go to the people to strengthen the movement and exert pressure on the central government to move a bill in parliament for carving out a separate state.That Gaddar's plans have already created a flutter in TRS circles is evident from the statement by one of its leaders N. Narasimha Reddy that TPF would create confusion among Telangana people and dilute the movement.KCR, as TRS chief Chandrasekhara Rao is popularly known, has refused to comment on Gaddar's outfit but the TRS cadre is worried over the impact it could have on their political fortunes at a time when the goal of separate state is "nearer"."It is KCR who has been fighting relentlessly for Telangana for about 10 years and he has almost achieved the goal. The new outfit is aimed at depriving him of the credit," said a TRS leader, who did not want to be named.Gaddar, whose real name is Gummadi Vithal Rao, has been a bitter critic of KCR and his style of functioning. He decided to launch the front after holding series of consultations with poets, writers, cultural artists, human rights activists, backward class leaders, trade and employee unions and student leaders.The Front is expected to bring all those who are not happy with KCR. Even the main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has welcomed Gaddar's move to float the new outfit.Taking a dig at KCR, Gaddar said the politics revolving only around votes and fasting can't achieve Telangana state. "Telangana can be achieved only through a mass movement," the balladeer said.It was after a nine-day fast by KCR in December last year that the central government decided to initiate the process for the formation of Telangana state but constituted the Srikrishna Committee to look into the issue after angry reactions in coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions of Andhra Pradesh.Gaddar, who had actively participated in Telangana movement of 1969, said TPF would not be a mere vote-based party like TRS but would try to achieve its goal through a people's struggle, including a cultural campaign.After the TRS suffered reverses in last year's elections, the folk artist had apologised to the people of the region for sharing a dais with KCR, BJP leader L.K. Advani and former state home minister T. Devender Goud.On the debacle of TRS, he said people rejected it because it was only running after votes without a struggle.
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Media should evelove self-regulation: Rosaiah

Hyderabad, Oct 3 : Andhra pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah today asked media to evolve a self-regulation to check the sensationalism in the news business.In a message on the 30th anniversary of the Prajasakti, a Telugu daily, the Chief Minister suggested that the media should present a holistic view of a problem.Mr Rosaiah said the his government believes in freedom of the press and it was media's fundamental right but it should exercise the right with full responsibility keeping in view the kind of impact a news item can have on the society.He said while media had the right to analyse the implementation of the governmental programmes, on which it spends huge amount to benefit the large section of the society but it should not try to sensationalise minor flaws and trivialise major issues in to headline and breaking news.Recallng the services of Mahathma Gandhi and former chief minister Tanguturi Prakasm Panthulu who had worked as editors themselves, Mr Rosaiah regretted the present media scenario in the country.
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Delhi pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi

Sep,02, Hundreds of people, including school children, in Delhi sang devotional songs and showered flowers and petals at Rajghat in tribute to Mahatma Gandhi Saturday on his 142nd birth anniversary.“I’ve been coming here (Rajghat) for the last three years to pay homage to Bapu (as Gandhi was popularly known). Me and my classmates sang bhajans and paid our tribute to Bapu,” said Moin Ahmed, a Class 8 student of Kendriya Vidyalaya in Gole Market.Mahatma’s memorial Rajghat was decorated with flowers and his favourite devotional songs like “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram” and “Vaishnav Jan To” played in the background. The occasion was celebrated with fervour in the capital.President Pratibha Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, United Progressive Alliance chairperson and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, US Ambassador Timothy Roemer, Bharatiya Janata Party senior leader L.K. Advani and many other political leaders also visited Rajghat to pay tributes to the Mahatma.The birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the ‘Father of the Nation’, is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti cross the country with reverence. It is also marked as the International Day of Non-Violence around the world.Gandhi played a significant role for achieving independence for India from the British Empire, through non-violent struggle, living a simple, ascetic’s life.
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Notice to Satyam ex-chief on CBI’s plea to scrap bail

The Supreme Court Friday sought Satyam Computer Services Ltd (SCS) ex-chairman B. Ramalinga Raju’s response on a petition by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) seeking cancellation of his bail granted by Andhra Pradesh High Court.A bench of Justice Dalveer Bhandari and Justice Deepak Verma issued the notice after it was told that the high court had erred on several counts in granting bail to Ramalinga Raju who was accused in a conspiracy of serious and grave nature involving fudging and manipulating Satyam’s accounts.In its petition, the CBI said that Ramalinga Raju’s release on bail at this stage of trial would lead to miscarriage of justice.The petition said that the high court had misread the apex court ruling on granting bail to an accused on the grounds of period of detention and the remote possibility of conclusion of trial.In this case, the trial court is already framing the charges, it said.Ramalinga Raju and other co-accused including his brother Rama Raju are accused of fudging Satyam’s accounts and records and manipulating the bank statements, fixed deposits receipts, the liquidity status of the company and other documents relating to the company’s finances.
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Follow path of non-violence: Patil

Greeting the nation on the eve of the birth anniversary of Mahatama Gandhi, President Pratibha Patil Friday asked people to follow the path of truth and non-violence as preached by the apostle of peace.“On the occasion of the Gandhi Jayanti let us take a pledge to follow the path of truth and non-violence and dedicate ourselves towards promoting peace, tolerance and harmony and work for the progress of the nation,” she said in a statement issued here.Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated Oct 2 every  year.“Gandhiji taught us to stand resolutely against fear, to understand the importance of truth and to work for the eradication of poverty, illiteracy and discrimination,” she said. Noting that Gandhi inspired millions to unite for the cause of freedom and independence, the president said: “Let us rededicate ourselves to reflect on the life, work and message of the Father of the Nation.”
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Bulk SMS, MMS ban extended till Oct 4

The government Friday extended the ban on bulk Short Message Services (SMS) and Multi-media Messaging Services (MMS) in the country for another three days till Oct 4. The ban is to make sure that peace is maintained after the controversial Ayodhya verdict.The ban on bulk SMS, which is mainly used for marketing, has affected various information-based services such as SMS alerts on cash withdrawal and debit card spending, balance enquiry and transaction details, share-trading alerts and SMS-based Internet banking.It has resulted in inconveniences to those air and rail travellers as they are unable to get updates on travel details.Earlier, the ban was till Sep 24 to check the spread of rumours or hateful messages, which was later extended till Sep 30 again after the Supreme Court deferred the Ayodhya verdict for a week. It was again extended by a day to Oct 1.
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Process begins for withdrawing Telangana agitation cases

Hyderabad, Oct 2 : The Andhra Pradesh government has initiated the process to withdraw cases against students and others who participated in the agitations for and against separate Telangana state last year, Home Minister Sabita Indra Reddy said Saturday.She told reporters here that the process for withdrawal of cases has begun at the district level.The cases would be reviewed over the next 15 to 20 days and the number of cases to be withdrawn would be known only after the process is completed. "The government will issue an order withdrawing the cases," she said.According to Reddy, police filed 1,171 cases against 5,374 people from November last year to Aug 15 this year. She said while withdrawing petty cases would not be a problem, cases relating to serious offences like attack on police, damaging buses and other public and private property would be reviewed before a decision is taken on them.The state government started the process of withdrawing cases against Telangana and Samaikyandhra (united Andhra) agitators a day after Chief Minister K.Rosaiah held high-level meeting with Sabita Reddy, Director General of Police K. Aravinda Rao and former home minister K.Jana Reddy.The decision to drop the cases was taken on the recommendation of a committee comprising Sabita Reddy and Jana Reddy.This would meet a major demand of all the political parties and groups fighting for separate Telangana state. Congress leaders from the region had even petitioned Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Home Minister P. Chidambaram on this last month.It was Chidambaram who had announced Dec 9 last year that cases against students and others during Telangana movement would be withdrawn. However, the cases could not be withdrawn due to various legal issues involved.More cases were later booked in Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra regions when students and other groups took to streets and resorted to violence, opposing the demand for a separate Telangana state.
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Ramalinga Raju discharged from hospital

Hyderabad, Oct 2 : B. Ramalinga Raju, disgraced founder and former chairman of Satyam Computer Services Ltd, was Saturday discharged from a government-run hospital here.Raju, the prime accused in the multi-crore Satyam fraud case who was granted bail by Andhra Pradesh High Court Aug 18, was discharged from Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS).NIMS doctors confirmed that Raju was discharged on his request but said his condition had improved. They advised him to visit the hospital once in 15 days for regular check-ups and treatment.It is after 20 months that the former IT czar, who fell from grace after admitting India's biggest ever accounting fraud in January last year, returned home.Raju, who underwent treatment at the hospital for Hepatitis C for 10 months, cleared the hospital bill of about Rs.8 lakh.Raju was shifted from Chanchalguda Central Jail to NIMS late last year and remained in the hospital under judicial custody till Aug 18, when the court granted him bail.Even after getting bail Raju had remained in the hospital for treatment and has been attending the trial as per the bail condition. Ever since he was admitted to NIMS, Raju has been avoiding the court, delaying the commencement of the trial.The 56-year-old Raju has been in jail since January last year when he admitted to a Rs.7,800-crore accounting fraud in Satyam Computer Services Ltd, which he had founded.While resigning as chairman of the firm, he confessed on Jan 7 that the company cooked up its books, resulting in an "inflated (non-existent) cash and bank balances" over several years.Two days later he surrendered before the police and was lodged in Chanchalguda central jail here.The CBI, however, told the court in November last year that the scam is of over Rs.14,000 crore and during the hearing on his bail petition in the High Court, the prosecution said the investors suffered a loss of Rs.24,000 crore.
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Ayodhya site is Lord Ram’s birthplace: Justice D.V. Sharma

Justice D.V. Sharma, one of the three judges who delivered the Ayodhya verdict, based his order on the findings of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to say that the disputed site is the birthplace of Lord Ram.The property in the suit is the site of the birthplace of Lord Ram and the Hindus have the right to worship at the site, he said.The ASI had in a statement before the court said that the structure was a massive Hindu religious structure.Justice Sharma’s key observations are:* The disputed site is the birth place of Lord Ram.* The place of birth is a juristic person and is a deity. It is personified as the spirit of divine worshipped as birthplace of Lord Ram as a child. The spirit of divine ever remains present everywhere at all times for any one to invoke in any shape or form in accordance with his own aspirations and it can be shapeless and formless also.* The disputed building was constructed by (Mughal emperor) Babar, the year is not certain but it was built against the tenets of Islam. Thus, it cannot have the character of a mosque.* The disputed structure was constructed on the site of old structure after demolition of the same.* The idols were placed in the middle dome of the disputed structure in the intervening night of Dec 22-23, 1949.* A suit filed in 1989 by the Sunni Central Board of Waqfs, Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, and others vs Gopal Singh Visharad and others and another suit filed in 1989Nirmohi Akhara and another vs Sri Jamuna Prasad Singh and others, are barred by time.* It is also established that the disputed structure cannot be treated as a mosque as it came into existence against the tenets of Islam.
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MIM to challenge Ayodhya verdict, Hyderabad calm

Majlis Ittehadul-e-Muslimeen (MIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi said Thursday the Allahabad High Court judgment on Ayodhya was not against Muslims but his party would challenge the judgment in the Supreme Court.He called upon the community members not to get agitated.“Whatever evidence was not accepted by the Allahabad High Court would be furnished before the Supreme Court,” he said, reacting to the judgment.All India Muslim Personal Law Board assistant general secretary Moulana Abdul Rahim Qureshi also said the Board would challenge the judgment in the apex court.Communally sensitive Hyderabad remained peaceful after the judgment.Police Commissioner A.K. Khan, who went round the Old City, said the situation was peaceful.A total of 8,000 police personnel were deployed in Hyderabad. The arrangement will continue till Friday evening, police said.Home Minister P.Sabita Indra Reddy said the judgment was welcomed by all sections.“There are no aggressive reactions,” she said.
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Ayodhya was Ram’s birthplace, mosque against Islamic tenets: court

The disputed site at Ayodhya is, indeed, the birthplace of Lord Ram and Mughal emperor Babar built a mosque there against the tenets of Islam, said the majority ruling by the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court Thursday.“The disputed site is (indeed) the birthplace of Lord Ram,” said the brief, two-page official synopsis of the court, answering a poser: “Whether the disputed site is the birthplace of Bhagwan Ram?“The court also ruled that the place of birth must also be construed as a juristic person as also a deity. “It is personified as the spirit of divine worshipped as birthplace of Lord Rama as a child.”The verdict also sought to answer another question on whether the disputed building was a mosque, when it was built and by whom.“The disputed building was constructed by Babur — the year is not certain — but it was built against the tenets of Islam. Thus, it cannot have the character of a mosque,” the court ruled.“The disputed structure was constructed on the site of old structure after demolition of the same. The Archaeological Survey of India has proved that the structure was a massive Hindu religious structure.”According to the majority ruling, the spirit of divine remains ever present everywhere and at all times for anyone to invoke at any shape or form in accordance with his/her own aspirations.“It can be shapeless and formless also.”On the issue of the disputed site, the ruling said it is established that the property in suit is the site of the birthplace of Ram and Hindus in general had the right to worship other idols and objects of worship that existed on the property.“It is also established that Hindus have been worshipping the place in dispute as Janm Sthan (birthplace) that is a birthplace as deity and visiting it as a sacred place of pilgrimage as of right since time immemorial,” it added.“It is also proved that the outer courtyard was in exclusive possession of Hindus and they were worshipping throughout and in the inner courtyard.”
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Ayodhya security is central government’s responsibility: Mayawati

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati Thursday said the central government was legally responsible for the entire security at the Ayodhya site.“I have written a letter to the prime minister immediately after the judgment,” she told reporters here after the Allahabad High Court ruled in favour of a temple at the Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi site. Mayawati said the central government should now accept the responsibility for the security of the Ayodhya site and the 66 acres acquired by it.Urging the central government to inquire into delay in providing security, the chief minister said: “If there is any deterioration in law and order, it will be the responsibility of the centre.”Mayawati urged for calm in the wake of the Allahabad High Court judgment.
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Ayodhya judgment to be available online

The verdict on the Ayodhya dispute will be available on the official website of Allahabad High Court,www.allahabadhighcourt.in/ayodhyabench.html, an official said Thursday.“A special website will be made available on which the gist of the issues, the operational part of the order and the final judgment will be made available,” registrar of the Lucknow bench said in a statement released here.“Press/Media are requested not to speculate about the judgment until they have a copy of the issues answered by the court and the operational part of the order,” he added.The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court is set to give its verdict in the 60-year-old Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute case.
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Ayodhya dispute: How it all began

The Babri mosque dates back nearly 500 years when it was built in Ayodhya by Mir Baqi, a commander of first Mughal emperor Babur, in 1528. Hence the mosque’s name — Babri Masjid.1853: First recorded incident of Hindu-Muslim violence over the site with Hindus alleging the mosque was built on the site of a razed Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Ram.1859: British erect a fence and allow Muslims and Hindus to worship separately in the inner and outer courtyards.1885: The dispute is dragged to court for the first time when Mahant Raghubar Das files a suit in a Faizabad court seeking permission to build a Ram temple adjoining the Babri mosque.Dec 23, 1949: About 50 Hindus allegedly sneak in idols of Lord Ram in the mosque under the central dome. This leads to daily Hindu prayers at the site. Muslims stop offering namaz.Jan 16, 1950: Gopal Singh Visharad files suit in Faizabad city court seeking exclusive rights to perform prayers for “Ram Lalla”. He also seeks judicial restraint on the removal of idols.Dec 5, 1950: Mahant Paramahans Ramchandra Das files suit to continue with the Hindu prayers and keeping the Ram idols at the Babri mosque, which he calls a “structure”.Dec 17, 1959: Nirmohi Akhara files suit seeking transfer of disputed site.Dec 18, 1961: Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Board of Waqf files suit seeking possession of Babri mosque site.1984: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) launches a campaign to open the locks of Babri mosque so as to “liberate” the birthplace of Ram and build a grand temple.Feb 1, 1986: Faizabad district judge allows Hindus to worship at the site. Locks are re-opened. Angry Muslims set up Babri Mosque Action Committee in protest.June 1989: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) gives formal backing to VHP, giving renewed life to the temple movement.July 1, 1989: Fifth suit filed in the name of Bhagwan Ram Lalla Virajman.Nov 9, 1989: The Rajiv Gandhi government permits ’shilanyas’, or ground-breaking ceremony near the Babri mosque.Sep 25, 1990: BJP president L.K. Advani launcheS Rath Yatra – from Somnath in Gujarat to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, raising passions all over the country. Communal riots follow.November 1990: Advani arrested in Samastipur in Bihar. BJP withdraws support to Prime Minister V.P. Singh, whose government is propped by Left and BJP. V.P. Singh resigns.October 1991: Kalyan Singh government in Uttar Pradesh acquires 2.77 acres of land around Babri mosque.Dec 6, 1992: Thousands massed at Ayodhya demolish the Babri mosque, triggering widespread communal riots. A makeshift Ram temple is hurriedly built. Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao vows to rebuild the mosque.Dec 16, 1992: M.S. Liberhan Commission set up to probe the circumstances leading to the mosque razing.January 2002: Prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee sets up an Ayodhya Cell in his office to talk to Hindu and Muslim leaders to resolve the dispute.April 2002: Three high court judges begin hearings on determining who owns the Ayodhya site.March-August 2003: Archaeological Survey of India excavates in Ayodhya on the directions of the Allahabad High Court. It claims to have found an evidence of a temple beneath the mosque. Muslims dispute the findings. September 2003: A court rules that seven Hindu leaders should stand trial for inciting the mosque demolition.October 2004: Advani reiterates the BJP’s “unwavering” commitment to building a temple at Ayodhya.July 2005: Suspected Islamic militants attack the site, using a jeep packed with explosives. Security forces kill five attackers.June 2009: The Liberhan Commission submits report to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh — 17 years after its formation.September 28 : Supreme Court gives go-ahead for Allahad High Court judgement on Sep 30, rejecting appeals for deferment.
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UBF, US Consulate announce Month of Breast Cancer Awareness

Hyderabad, Sep 30 : Ushalakshmi Breast Cancer Foundation (UBF) and the US Consulate General, Hyderabad today announced a month of activities aimed at creating awareness of the importance of early detection of breast cancer among women in Andhra Pradesh.Speaking at a media conference, Consul General Katherine Dhanani said ''American or Indian, I don't want one more woman to die.''That's why I am participating in Sunday's Pink Ribbon Walk 2010 and I'm thrilled that US Consulate staff will be joining me. ''Our participation salutes women cancer survivors and encourages those fighting the disease not to give up. ''We walk together to show our solidarity and our commitment to spread the word about early detection''.Dr P Raghu Ram, CEO, Ushalakshmi Breast Cancer Foundation, said ''As breast cancer cannot be prevented, early detection is the key.''There are only two ways for early detection of breast cancer. First, all women must be 'Breast Aware' and if they detect any changes in the breast, they should consult a specialist. 'Second, all women over the age of 40 years should have annual screening mammograms.'Detection of breast cancer at an early stage will ensure long term survival of well over 90 per cent.'' Dr Raghu Ram said as part of the campaign, other activities such as 'Paint the City Pink' are being organised. Prominent buildings such as the US Consulate General, the Andhra Pradesh State Legislative Assembly, Charminar, the Buddha Statue, Hyderabad Public School and many others would be lit pink as well as hoardings across the city.UBF is also hosting the exclusive India premiere of the Hollywood film 'One a Minute,' a global docudrama to raise funds for promoting awareness as well as supporting survivors of breast cancer. The national premiere would be held in Hyderabad on October 24, Dr Raghu Ram said.Stating the startling statistics relating to breast cancer, Dr Raghu Ram highlighted the fact that more than one million women worldwide are newly diagnosed with breast cancer annually.Worldwide, a woman dies of breast cancer every minute. According to World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, more than half of the global cancer burden is found in underdeveloped and developing countries.
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MIM to challenge Ayodhya verdict, Hyderabad calm

Hyderabad, Sep 30: Majlis Ittehadul-e-Muslimeen (MIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi said Thursday the Allahabad High Court judgment on Ayodhya was not against Muslims but his party would challenge the judgment in the Supreme Court.He called upon the community members not to get agitated."Whatever evidence was not accepted by the Allahabad High Court would be furnished before the Supreme Court," he said, reacting to the judgment.All India Muslim Personal Law Board assistant general secretary Moulana Abdul Rahim Qureshi also said the Board would challenge the judgment in the apex court. Communally sensitive Hyderabad remained peaceful after the judgment.Police Commissioner A.K. Khan, who went round the Old City, said the situation was peaceful.A total of 8,000 police personnel were deployed in Hyderabad. The arrangement will continue till Friday evening, police said.Home Minister P.Sabita Indra Reddy said the judgment was welcomed by all sections. "There are no aggressive reactions," she said.
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Rosaiah directs timely pension to aged, disabled

Hyderabad, Sep 30 : Chief Minister Dr K Rosaiah today asked the officials to see that the aged and disabled got their pensions and other benefits right on time.The Chief Minister said Andhra Pradesh is one of the first States to give monthly pensions to the aged and disabled on a saturation basis. He said the State is the first to introduce monthly pension to all women SHG members over 60 years on a co-contributory scheme through ''Abhayahastham''. The Chief Minister said senior citizens need all the care and concern not only from the government but from the society in general and the younger generation in particular.Dr Rosaiah was talking to officials on the eve of International Day of Older Persons which is being celebrated on October one every year in pursuance of United National General Assembly resolution of December, 1990.
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SCR announces diversion of trains

Vijayawada, Sep 30 : The Vijayawada Division of the South Central Railway (SCR) today said some mail/express trains will be diverted, fully/partially cancelled from October 3 to 11 due to the commissioning of doubling line between Cuddapah and Kamalapuram and electrification work between Bhakrapet and Cuddapah.According to Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Koganti Sambasiva Rao here today, the trains diverted included Train No 2797 (Kacheguda-Chittoor) Venkatadri Express leaving Kacheguda would run via Secunderabad, Kazipet,Vijayawada,Gudur and Renigunta from October 3 to 11.Train no 2798 (Chittoor-Kacheguda) Venkatadri Express leaving Chittoor will be diverted via Renigunta, Gudur, Vijayawada, Kazipet and Secunderabad during the above period.Mr Rao said Train Nos 427/428 Guntur-Dhone-Guntur Passenger and Train No 408 Markapur Road-Guntur Passenger will be fully cancelled from October 4 to 11.Train No 407 Tenali-Markapur Road Passenger will be cancelled partially between Guntur and Donakonda from October 4 to 11, he informed.
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Dr Manmohan Singh, appeals for peace after Ayodhya verdict

Sep,29, Prime Minister Manmohan Tuesday urged the people to maintain peace and harmony after the Allahabad High Court delivers its verdict Thursday in the 61-year-old Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute in Ayodhya.“Whatever be the nature of judgment, I think everyone should make every effort to maintain peace, harmony and tranquility in the country,” Manmohan Singh told reporters on the sidelines of a book release function here Tuesday.He recalled that the appeal for peace had been mentioned in the resolution adopted by the union cabinet Sep 16.Earlier in the day, a three-member bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice S.H. Kapadia dismissed a petition to defer the high court judgment to facilitate attempts for an out-of-court settlement.The judgment by the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court was earlier scheduled for Sep 24 but the apex court deferred it Sep 23.Last week, Home Minister P. Chidmabaram had also appealed for peace after the verdict.Both Manmohan Singh and Chidmabaram had pointed out that the high court judgment may not be the final word in the dispute as one could appeal in the apex court.The suit relates to a disputed site in Ayodhya, which Hindu groups claim to be the birthplace of Lord Ram. On Dec 6, 1992, radical Hindu activists destroyed the Babri Masjid, alleging it was built in 1528 after razing a temple there.The demolition had triggered one of the worst communal riots, resulting in the death of 2,000 people in different states.
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Maintain peace after Ayodhya verdict, urges Sonia

Sep,29, Congress president and United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi Wednesday asked the people to maintain peace and communal brotherhood “at any cost” after the court verdict on the “sensitive” Ayodhya dispute.“I request you to accept whatever the court’s decision will be and keeping faith in the Indian judiciary maintain peace, mutual respect and brotherhood at any cost. Emotional unity is the greatest strength of India,” Gandhi said in her appeal written in Hindi.The appeal comes after the Supreme Court Tuesday paved the way for the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute verdict to be delivered by the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court Thursday.“We all know that the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court will deliver its judgment on a very sensitive issue tomorrow (Thursday). We also know that we, after expressing our faith in the fairness of our judiciary, have agreed to accept the court decision, whatever it may be,” the UPA chairperson said.“This is a matter of pride for our judiciary and is also a reflection of our tolerant society,” she added.
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Apex court’s Ayodhya order welcomed by Hindus, Muslims

The Supreme Court’s decision to clear the decks for pronouncing the verdict on the decades-old Ayodhya litigation has been welcomed by all quarters – both Hindus and Muslims – here.Vinay Katiyar, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) vice president, who is also a former BJP MP from Faizabad – Ayodhya, hailed the verdict. “It is such a big relief that the country’s highest court has turned down the plea for deferment of the verdict, which was only a conspiracy to put the issue in cold storage,” he told reporters.
Babri Masjid Action Committee (BMAC) convenor and All India Muslim Personal Law Board member Zafaryab Jilani echoed the sentiment. “There is no doubt that some people were only interested in letting the issue linger on for several more years; but we are grateful to the honourable Supreme Court of India, which has scuttled their designs. I am sure this will make everyone happy,” Jilani told IANS over telephone from New Delhi.Ramjanmabhoomi Trust chief Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, who is regarded as the most respected sadhu of Ayodhya, too welcomed the apex court decision, which he felt “was clearly in the larger interest of the nation”. According to him, “haven’t we already waited long enough; remember justice delayed is justice denied”.Maulana Khalid Rasheed, the Naib Imam of Lucknow’s Eidgah and head of the city’s oldest Islamic seminary Firangi Mahal, as well as saffron-clad Swami Ram Vilas Vedanti, an aggressive member of the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust, too welcomed the order with equal enthusiasm. “Whatever be the final court verdict, at least it is going to be open at long last,” was the common refrain of both.It was significant that both religious as well as political leaders on the two sides were particular about appealing to the masses to “maintain peace and harmony irrespective of which side the scales tilt”.The Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court is to pronounce the verdict in the Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi land dispute on Sep 30.This follows the Supreme Court’s rejection of a plea to postpone the verdict for a period of three months to enable rival sides to work out an out-of-court amicable settlement.
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High court rejects Kasab plea to meet lawyers in isolation

The Bombay High Court Wednesday rejected a plea of Pakistani terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab for permission to consult his lawyers in isolation in the Arthur Road Central Jail premises.A division bench of the court comprising Justice Ranjana Desai and Justice V.K. Tahilramani cited grounds of security and safety of the lawyers and security personnel while declining permission, Kasab’s lawyer Farhana Shah said.“We have all options open before us. We plan to challenge this ruling in the Supreme Court soon,” Shah told emerging from the courtroom Wednesday afternoon.Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, opposing the application, Tuesday submitted to the high court a CD of an attack on a jail security personnel by Kasab in the high-security prison Sep 1.Shah had moved an application recently seeking directions to debar jail authorities from being present within earshot in the room where she discussed legal issues with Kasab.Citing the attack as a serious issue, Nikam said it was impossible for police or jail authorities to permit the Pakistani terrorist to meet his lawyers in isolation, without the presence of security officials.He had also expressed apprehension that Kasab may attack his lawyer and hence he should be allowed to discuss issues with the lawyer only in the presence of security and jail personnel.On her part, the government-appointed Shah made a strong plea, and said Kasab felt uncomfortable discussing details of his case in front of security and jail personnel.Shah also said she had no objections to the presence of security personnel as long as they remained at a distance where they could not hear her discussion with Kasab.On May 3, Special Judge M.L. Tahaliyani held Kasab guilty on five counts in the killing of 166 people during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.
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Funds for Tribal hostels will be released : Andhra Pradesh CM

Hyderabad, Sep 29: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah today agreed to release funds for the improvement of tribal welfare hostels and other schemes taken up by the department.He said all Tribal Welfare institutions in the state would be renovated. Emphasis would be given to tribal welfare schools and hostels. He asked the finance department to give priority to the requirements of the Tribal Welfare Department.The Chief Minister today reviewed the functioning and various other issues pertaining to the Tribal Welfare Department with minister and officials. Dr Rosaiah also agreed to fill up the vacancies in the ITDAs and the Tribal Welfare Department on a priority basis. The Chief Minister was informed that a workshop was held in ITDA and Bhadrachalam recently to identify the gaps and interventions required for improving literacy in tribal areas. A comprehensive plan was being prepared. Meanwhile, support was sought for Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) scheme at State Level Planning and Monitoring Unit (SPMU) on tribal education in the office of the Commissioner, Tribal Welfare. There are 1313 tribal welfare institutions with a total strength of 2,98,600 students. During 2010-11, the strength was fixed for all Tribal Welfare institutions as per existing infrastructure available. Admission to Tribal Welfare hostels during 2010-11 were being done as per a GO. In Andhra Pradesh, Tribal Welfare Residential Educational Institutions (APTWREIs) admissions are completed as per Right To Education Act.The arrears of Post Metric scholarships has been released to the districts. During the year 2010-11, Rs 1540 lakhs provided for pre metric scholarships. Under the Tribal Welfare-NREGS convergence, 4.67 lakh acres of land was distributed to 1.65 lakh families as individual pattas under the RoFR Act, 2006. A comprehensive and systematic planning was being taken up to start land development, minor irrigation development, horticulture and plantation development.The Plan would be implemented in 2010-11 and 2011-12. The Chief Minister was informed that 25 per cent of the royalty amount collected from mining leases in tribal areas were to be spent for the welfare of tribals. The Chief Minister asked the finance department to allocate funds under the scheme to the Tribal Welfare Department.Tribal Welfare Minister P Balaraju, Adviser to CM, P K Agarwal, Special Chief Secretary, Tribal Welfare, A K Tigdi, Commissioner, Tribal Welfare, Shanthi Kumari, Principal Secretary, Finance, L V Subramaniam and other officials attended the meeting, a press release from CMO here said.
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Piped cooking gas for GHMC consumers

Hyderabad, Sep 29 : Petroleum, Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), Chairman, Mr L. Man Singh today assured Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah that piped cooking gas will be supplied to the people of GHMC area in two months time.

The Chief Minister thanked Mr Man Singh and his officials for all the support extended to Andhra Pradesh in honouring the requests.PNGRB has been extending full support to Andhra Pradesh to develop an Integrated Gas Grid. The PNGRB has accepted the state's proposal for treating a district as a unit for gas distribution in the city.The Chief Minister expressed happiness that PNGRB had recently notified four districts--Ranga Reddy, Medak, Nalgonda and Khammam for bidding to develop city gas distribution network. Already, the distribution for Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Kakinada and Rajahmundry has been awarded and work was in progress. The APGIC would submit bid documents for four districts, which were recently notified.Dr Rosaiah said the Andhra Pradesh Gas Infrastructure Corporation(APGIC) has requested PNGRB to take up a trunk line between Kakinda and Kolkata so that the distribution network can be laid in the districts of Visakhapatnam, Vijayanagaram and Srikakulam as the Kakinada-Kolkata trunk line had not been taken up so far. He said the APGIC will be approaching PNGRB for city gas distribution network for the remaining districts in the state, starting from West Godavari, Krishna, Warangal, Karimnagar, Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Vijayanagaram and East Godavari. The Gas Distribution in the districts south of Krishna river was also being planned by the state. Soon, Expression of Interest will be filed with the PNGRB.
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Satyam Computer fraud now estimated at USD 1.75 billion

Hyderabad, Sep 29 : Financial irregularities perpetrated by the original promoters of Satyam Computer Services led by B. Ramalinga Raju resulted in a Rs.78.55 billion (USD 1.75 billion) impact on the company's accounts, the stock exchanges were informed Wednesday.Presenting the consolidated financial results of the company, now renamed Mahindra Satyam, the new management said an impact of Rs.67.95 billion (USD 1.5 billion) was on account of what it said was based on specific financial irregularities identified during forensic investigations. "The fictitious revenue was recorded by creation of false invoices by circumventing the normal revenue recognition cycle," said the filing signed by Chairman Vineet Nayyar on behalf of the new board of the company.The irregularities covered various heads including revenue, interest income, exchange fluctuations, salary costs, other expenses, bank borrowings and interest, as also tax payments, as per the report presented to the stock exchanges.Once the poster boy of Indian information technology industry, Raju had stunned the corporate world in January last year when he admitted to financial irregularities worth Rs.70 billion (USD 1.5 billion) over the past several years in the largest corporate fraud in the country's history.
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Isolated rain in Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rayalaseema

Hyderabad, Sept 29 : Isolated rain or thundershowers may occur over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Rayalaseema over next 48 hours.Outlook for subsequent two days was no large change was expected, the Met Office here said.The sky would be generally cloudy for Hyderabad and neighbourhood. Thunderclouds may develop towards evening over next two days.Maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 33 and 23 Degree Celsius.Observations recorded till 0830 hours said isolated rain occurred over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Rayalaseema.The chief amounts of rainfall recorded in cm are Gudivada 4, Bhimavaram and Polavaram, Koida, Parvathipuram 3 each.
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Virtusa gets Technology Center in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Sept 29 : Virtusa Corporation (NASDAQ: VRTU), a global IT services company, on Wednesday announced the inauguration of its new state-of-the-art Advanced Technology Center (ATC) in Nanakramguda, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, marking the expansion of its engineering excellence capabilities in India.Virtusa has invested approximately Rs. 75.30 crores in setting up the new center.The ATC, whose inauguration ceremony was graced by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah is built on over 6 acres of land, and when fully built out would provide a 6000 seat capacity. Speaking at the inauguration, Kris Canekeratne, Virtusa's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "India is a key part of our global operations and we are proud of this milestone in our decade long association with Hyderabad in addition to our presence in Chennai. Our new Advanced Technology Center reflects our commitment to Virtusans in India who are part of our One Global Team focused on accelerating business outcomes and consumer experiences of our Fortune 1000 client base." The Hyderabad campus will provide diverse technology solutions and service global clients across many industries, including, banking, financial services, insurance, telecommunications, technology and healthcare.
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ISNA Announces 2010 Election Results,Imam Mohamed Majid New ISNA President

USA,Sep,28,(Deccan Samachar Service) ISNA is proud to share with our community at large the young and diverse new group of ISNA leaders elected to the Majlis Ash-Shura this September. A mix of American born and foreign born Muslims were elected by ISNA members with a broad range of ethnic diversity and ages. "The diversity and youth of our new leadership point to the healthy direction ISNA is taking as it strives to lead the development of the Muslim community in America and bring new and fresh ideas to the table. ISNA members have elected a new group of leaders that more adequately represent the diversity of the American Muslim population," stated ISNA Secretary General Safaa Zarzour.The newly elected leaders join 16 current Majlis members and comprise a young and motivated segment of the community, with ISNA President Imam Mohamed Majid and ISNA Vice President Azhar Azeez both under the age of 42. Additionally, a new milestone was reached this election season as ISNA members elected the youngest person ever, Asma Mirza aged 26, to the Majlis.
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Ayodhya verdict on Sep 30

Sep,28, The Supreme Court Tuesday paved the way for the Allahabad High Court to give its verdict on the Ayodhya dispute, dismissing a petition that sought its postponement. The high court has decided to announce the verdict Sep 30 at 3.30 p.m.Former bureaucrat Ramesh Chandra Tripathi had filed the petition for deferring the high court verdict on the Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi title suit in Ayodhya till the end of the Commonwealth Games.An apex court bench of Chief Justice S.H. Kapadia, Justice Aftab Alam and Justice K.S. Radhakrishnan passed the brief order when the court reassembled after lunch break Tuesday.Speaking for the bench, Chief Justice Kapadia said: “Having heard the arguments in detail, we are of the view that the petition deserves to be dismissed.”With the dismissal of Tripathi’s petition, the decision on when to pronounce the verdict now rests with the high court.In its pre-lunch sitting, the apex court heard the arguments from both the sides.Attorney General G. Vahanvati told the court: “If there is any possibility of the settlement (out of court), we will welcome it but at the same time we don’t want any uncertainty to continue.”“For the sake of maintaining law and order, we cannot keep security forces in sustained animation,” he added.The apex court last week ordered an interim stay on the pronouncement of the title suit verdict by the high court, acting on a petition by Tripathi.Tripathi had also sought the court’s direction to the parties to explore the possibility of an out-of-court amicable settlement.
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Uncertainty on Ayodhya shouldn’t continue: Attorney General

The Supreme Court was set to decide on a petition to defer the Ayodhya verdict at 2 p.m. Tuesday even as the government said it did not want “any uncertainty to continue”.The apex court had last week ordered an interim stay on the pronouncement of the Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi title suit verdict by the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, acting on a petition by retired bureaucrat Ramesh Chandra Tripathi,Appearing for the central government, Attorney General G. Vahanvati said: “If there is any possibility of the settlement (out of court) we will welcome it but at the same time we don’t want any uncertainty to continue.”“For the sake of maintaining law and order we cannot keep security forces on sustained animation,” he added.
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Rajya Sabha to get independent TV channel

The Rajya Sabha is likely to have an independent TV channel to broadcast its proceedings from next month’s winter session of parliament, official sources said Monday.The sources said the proceedings will be aired by a separate channel from Nov 7, the expected date for start of the winter session.They said the new channel, an initiative of Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari, will initially air proceedings of the house along with a few other programmes. It would eventually be a 24X7 channel.Gurdeep Singh Sappal, OSD to Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari, is understood to have been appointed as the CEO of Rajya Sabha TV.In 2006, DD Lok Sabha was replaced by Lok Sabha TV (LSTV), a 24-hour TV channel broadcasting in Hindi and English.The Rajya Sabha proceedings are at present aired by a Doordarshan channel.
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Ayodhya vedict delay petition untenable: Sunni Central Wakf Board

The Sunni Central Wakf Board Monday said the petition by retired bureaucrat Ramesh Chandra Tripathi seeking the deferment of the Allahabad High Court’s verdict in the Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi title case was “untenable, misconceived and frivolous” and needed to be dismissed.The board’s affidavit, filed in the apex court registry, also said the petitioner’s “assumption of so-called repercussions or apprehensions was totally  unfounded”.Seeking the vacation of interim stay restraining the Allahabad High Court from pronouncing the Ayodhya title suit verdict, it said there was no such apprehension among the general public of Ayodhya and Faizabad.Describing Tripathi’s petition as nothing but an attempt to thwart the entire judicial efforts of last 60 years and put the clock back, the affidavit said that Tripathi has not appeared in the high court to plead his case in the last 19 years.The only occasion he appeared in the court was in May 2005 when he told that court that he had no witness to present before the court and his evidence was closed, the affidavit noted.It said it was “evident that Tripathi has no following amongst the Hindus and such a person could not be expected to undertake the exercise of out-of-court mutual settlement between the contending parties”.Given the nature and background of the Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi dispute, the affidavit contended that it could not be resolved through mediation, conciliation or arbitration.Another respondent Mohammad Hashim said the efforts for negotiated settlement were being made since 1986. It started with Jagadguru Shankracharya of Kanchikoti inviting (noted Islamic scholar Maulana Syed Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi) Ali Mian in 1986 to find a mutually acceptable resolution of the dispute.Then several initiatives were taken by the then Prime Ministers V.P. Singh, Chandra Shekhar, and P.V. Narasimha Rao and former president R. Venkataraman.The Shankracharya of Kanchikoti made another attempt to settle the dispute through the negotiation route by roping in the All India Muslim Personal Law Board president, Maulana Rabey Hasni Nadwi but this effort also proved fruitless.He said that the AIMPLB too has repeatedly said that the dispute could only be resolved by the verdict of the court.
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Now, e-learning content on USBs

Hyderabad, Sep 28 : Information technology (IT) solutions provider FirstObject Technologies Limited Tuesday said it has entered into an agreement with optical media giant Moser Baer India Limited for launching its e-education content on DVDs and USB drives."We plan to launch the DVDs and USBs in a phased manner throughout India by the end of October 2010," said P. Ramnath, director of Firstobject. According to the company, the collaboration with Moser Baer will enable it to widen its product offering in the media range through DVDs and USB drives. The company is currently offering e-learning products like Firsteschool and Firstlawschool through web based platform in the country. Recently, Moser Baer launched new USB drives with Bollywood movies. It plans to further launch higher storage capacity drives with entertainment content.
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US consulate announces 1 year scholarships to US Community Colleges

Hyderabad, Sep 28 : The US Consulate General, with funding from the Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has invited applications from eligible candidates for the Community College Initiatives Program.The one-year program offers youth from Andhra Pradesh, without a university background, the opportunity to study at a community college in the United States to develop professional skills. This is the second year that the US Consulate General Hyderabad has sought applicants. Last year, seven applicants from Andhra Pradesh were selected and are now studying in the US. The United States Government provides funding for round-trip airfare to the US, tuition costs, health benefit plan and cultural enhancement activities for selected candidates. To apply to the program, candidates must have completed secondary school education; have two years work experience in the field in which they are applying. They must also have English language skills that will provide a basis for enrolling in academic course work following two months of intensive English language study in the US.Candidates from economically disadvantaged background will be given preference. Candidates holding a master's degree are ineligible to apply. Eligible fields for the program including Agriculture, Applied Engineering, Business Management and Administration; Health Professions, including Nursing; Information Technology; Media; and Tourism and Hospitality Management. Applications can be downloaded from http://hyderabad.usconsulate.gov/ccip.html. Interested candidates may submit their completed applications to the Public Affairs Section, US Consulate General - Hyderabad by October 22, 2010 , a release from US consulate here said.
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SAHI organises 'Walk To Hear'

Hyderabad, Sep 27 : Apollo Hospitals and Society to Aid the Hearing Impaired (SAHI), an NGO striving to help poor children with hearing impairment, organised 'Walk to Hear'to express solidarity with the hearing impaired on the occasion of International Deaf Day.The walk which started from KBR Park and ended at Apollo Hospitals, was flagged off yesterday by Secunderabad MLA Jayasudha. Andhra Pradesh Chief Information Commissioner Jannat Hussain, Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad A K Khan, Tollywood star Smitha, Ms Sangita Reddy, Executive Director, Apollo Hospitals, Dr E C Vinay Kumar, Secretary, SAHI also participated in the program.Several hearing impaired children, students, corporate employees and concerned citizens joined the walk. SAHI donated ear plugs for traffic policemen in the city to Mr Khan on the occasion.Speaking on the occasion, Mr Jannat Hussain said, ''we should try to support SAHI as much as possible in its noble endeavour. We should try to spread awareness amongst parents of 3 to 5 year old children about free cochlear implant surgeries done under Arogyashree and the free screening and tests done for neonatals by SAHI.''
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Auto fares will be revised soon: Commissioner

Hyderabad, Sep 27 : Transport Commissioner L Premachandra Reddy assured the delegation of Auto Parirakshana Porata Committee that the existing auto fares will be reasonably increased soon.The delegation led by Mohd Amanulla Khan met him yesterday and presented a memorandum demanding immediate increase in the auto-fares and settlement of other pending issues.They informed the Commissioner that in Bangalore city the auto-fares were already fixed at Rs 17 minimum fare and Rs 9 per kilometre rate with effect from August 1, 2010. They said it had been over two years since the fare for auto was revised in the city as Rs 12 minimum fare and Rs 7 per kilometre . Price of essential commodities had almost doubled and it was the high time for the government to hike the auto fare.Further the delegation informed that as per the government order, the autos converted and run on LPG/CNG were exempted from the payment of Green Tax for five years. But despite the tax exemption the Transport department was collecting the green tax illegally for last 4 years, they demanded that the tax should be refunded to the autodrivers forthwith.The Commissioner assured the delegation that the illegal collection of the tax would be stopped.Finally the Committee leaders informed the Commissioner that if their problems were not solved by the end of this month, auto-drivers would be forced to go on an indefinite strike from October 1, a release from Auto Parisakhana Porata Committee here said today.
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Rosaiah moots employment-intensive tourism projects

Hyderabad,Sep 26 : Planning Rs 1,500 crore investment on tourism inftrastructure, Andhra Pradesh Government is setting up a mega park near Nagarjuna Sagar on the lines of Brindavan and Lalbagh.The State Government was looking for a 16 per cent growth in the state over 129 million tourists in 2009-2010, ahead of releasing its new tourism policy, according to a press release here today Chief Ministrer K Rosaiah has asked the Tourism Department and Tourism Development Corporation to prepare a master plan for employment-intensive projects to achieve the twin objectives of promoting tourism and creating job opportunities, both direct and indirect. The Chief Minister said the year 2011 will be observed as 'Visit Andhra Pradesh' year in recognition of the roll out of dynamic tourist promotion initiatives in the realm of adventure, pilgrimage and beach tourism to attract more international tourists to the State.Dr Rosaiah has approved the final draft of the New Tourism Policy after discussions with Tourism Minister J Geetha Reddy, Chief Secretary Mr S V Prasad and Secretary Tourism Jayesh Ranjan at camp office today. He will release the new policy on September 27.The release said Andhra Pradesh proposes to develop a sprawling, modern garden on the lines of Brindavan in Mysore and Lalbagh at Bengaluru at Nagarjuna sagar. Around 400 acres of land has been identified in Nagalvaram village, Macherla Mandal of Guntur District. The Chief Minister said, ''I want this park to be both a tourist and an educational destination unique in the entire south India.Wherever possible such employment-intensive tourist projects should be promoted to provide jobs to skilled, unskilled and poor and illiterate people in rural areas.'' He said Andhra Pradesh's tourism policy would be the best in the country.The Chief Minister also congratulated officials of the Tourism Department and APTDC for putting the state on the top of tourism map of the country with a record number of 129 million tourists in 2009-10.He expressed happiness that the tourism sector had achieved a 16 per cent growth last year and retained its top position once again.''With the new initiatives and focused tourism policy, I have no doubt that Andhra Pradesh will continue as a preferred destination of both domestic and international tourists and retain its top position,'' he said.
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Comprehensive law to protect lakes and nallas

Hyderabad, Sep 26 : Andhra Pradesh government will bring in comprehensive law to protect lakes and nallas from encroachments Chief Minister K Rosaiah said today.

He responded positively to the proposal to bring in the new law to protect these water bodies in the city and surrounding areas.This law was also needed to protect the lives and property of the people. The officials concerned informed the Chief Minister that all tanks in and the surrounding areas in the city were full and further rains would inundate the nearby localities also putting many unauthorised dwellings also in danger. The Chief Minister said an empowered committee should look into this problem in detail and come out with a comprehensive law to protect the lakes and nallahs.The Chief Minister gave clear directions to all the officials of the GHMC, MA and UD, Health, Water Board, traffic police and the Collectors of Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy districts to initiate necessary steps on a war footing to prevent inundation of low lying areas and colonies, traffic bottlenecks and spread of epidemics. The Chief Minister reviewed the situation following unprecedented rains in the city and surrounding areas with ministers, City Mayor and top officials of various departments.
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South Central Railway to run 129 Dassera/Holiday Special Trains

Hyderabad, Sep 25 : South Central Railway (SCR) will run 129 special trains between various destinations from October to November, 2010, to clear the extra rush of passenger during the ensuing Dassera holiday season.Train No 0719 Secunderabad-Bikaner Special train will depart Secunderabad on October 6, 13, 20, 27 and November 3, 10, 17 and 24 at 2300 hrs and arrive Bikaner at 1700 hrs on the second day. In return direction Train No 0720 Bikaner-Secunderabad Special train will depart Bikaner on October 10, 17, 24, 31 and November 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 1515 hrs and arrive Secunderabad at 0850 hrs on the second day.
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Rosaiah recommends measures to renovate temples

Hyderabad, Sep 25 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah today responded positively to the suggestions of the Technical Advisory Committee appointed by the State Government to assess the structural safety and soundness of major temple structures in the State and recommended remedial measures required to strengthen them.Dr Rosaiah held a meeting in this regard with the members of the Technical Committee and officials of the Endowments Department. He has approved in principle the renovation and reconstruction of 47 temples at a cost of about Rs 30 crore, which include Rajagopuarams.There are 37,000 temples in the State under the administrative control of the Endowments department. There are about 5,000 temples of historic nature constructed more than 100 years ago. The Technical Advisory Committee has inspected 47 major and important temples on priority basis. Thus the process of identifying old temples and assessing them will be a continuous process.
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Heavy rains in Rayalaseema, a few places in Coastal Andhra Pradesh

Hyderabad, Sept 25 : Moderate to rather heavy rain or thundershowers may occur at many places over Rayalaseema and in the districts of Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam and Nellore of Coastal Andhra Pradesh.Light to moderate rain or thundershowers would occur at a few places over Telangana and in the remaining districts of Coastal Andhra Pradesh, over next 48 hours.The sky would be generally cloudy over Hyderabad and neighbourhood. Rain or thundershowers may occur in parts of city next two days. Maximum and Minimum temperatures would be around 33 and 23 degrees Celsius respectively.Observations recorded till 830 hours said Southwest monsoon has been vigorous over Rayalaseema. Rain occurred at most places over Rayalaseema and at a few places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.The stations recorded heavy rainfall in cm are Thambalapalle 11, Palasa 9, Kadiri, Piduguralla, Vinjamur 8 each, Tirupathi AP, Bheemgal, Hindupur, Srikalahasti 7 each.The other chief amounts of rainfall recorded in cm are Pargi, Ramannapet 6 each, Atmakur and Pathikonda, Bhimadole, Kollapur, Pakala and Puttur, Penukonda 5 each, Chilamattur and Pamidi, Punganur and Venkatagiri Kota, Venkatagiri Town 4 each, Anantapur, Nalgonda, Armoor, Bhongir and Suryapet, Cumbum and Yerragondapalem, Gooty and Kalyandurg, Jangaon, Kalakada, Koilkuntla, Lakkireddipalli and Rayachoty, Nirmal, Veeraghattam 3 each, Arogyavaram, Chittoor, Medak, Atmakur, Dhone, Dubbak and Narayanakhed, Kamareddy and Navipet, Mandasa and Palakonda, Porumamilla 2 each.
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Volkswagen ex-official, five others charged with fraud

Hyderabad, Sep 25 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Saturday formally filed charges against six people, including former Volkswagen executive Helmuth Schuster, in a case of defrauding the Andhra Pradesh government.The investigating agency, which took up the probe in 2005, filed the 150-page charge sheet in the CBI court here. It examined 59 witnesses. The name of state Panchayati Raj Minister B. Satyanarayana, however, did not figure in the charge sheet. He was then holding the industries portfolio and the opposition had alleged his involvement. The 56-year-old Schuster is on the run since the scam broke, and has been placed on the wanted list of the CBI. An Interpol notice was issued against him in 2005. The other accused include Volkswagen's former India representative Ashok Jain, businessmen Bhuwan Kumar Chaturvedi, Jagdish Alaga Raja and his sister Gayatri, who in collusion with Schuster had floated a fictitious firm to cheat the state government. The accused have been charged under sections 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 420 (cheating) of Indian Penal Code, CBI official S. Venkatesh told reporters outside Nampally Criminal Court complex. The accused started Vashishta Wahan Private Ltd (the firm's initials are VW, the same as that of the German car maker) to receive Rs.11 crore from the state government for setting up its plant at Visakhaptanam. The scam hit the headlines in 2005 when Volkswagen sacked Schuster on charges of corruption in some other dealings. Schuster was negotiating on behalf of Volkswagen with the state government for setting up the car plant since early 2004 when the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) was in power. Later, the Congress government continued the talks. In January 2005, the state government received a letter from Schuster. Typed on Volkswagen letterhead, it confirmed that the company was going ahead with the project. For a joint venture with the government, Schuster sought transfer of 2 million Euros to Vashishta Wahan, which he claimed was the Indian arm of Volkswagen. The Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC), a government organisation, made the payment. Volkswagen later denied that Vashishta Wahan was its Indian arm or it received the payment. Ashok Jain had registered Vashishta Wahan with the Registrar of Companies. He wrote to the ROC in January 2005 that he was stepping down as promoter and director. The company was later registered in the name of Bhuwan Kumar Chaturvedi of Gurgaon and Jagdish Alaga Raja of Chennai. After the scam broke out top officials of Volkswagen had visited Hyderabad to clarify that the company had nothing to do with Vashishta Wahan. They tendered a moral apology for the wrongdoings of Schuster and offered to return the money the government paid to Schuster. Then Chief Minister Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy had refused to accept the money and instead urged Volkswagen to set up its plant in Andhra Pradesh. The auto giant later dumped the southern state and choose Maharashtra for locating its unit. Meanwhile, Satyanarayana told reporters that he was relieved at getting a clean chit. He accused the opposition TDP of resorting to character assassination by making baseless allegations against him.
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