TDP legislators send resignations to Telangana JAC

In a tactical move, 35 legislators belonging to the opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) from Telangana region Tuesday sent their resignations to the convenor of the all-party Joint Action Committee (JAC), which is heading the movement for statehood to Telangana.However, the JAC itself is on the verge of a split with Congress MPs and legislators refusing to quit to protest the terms of reference of the Srikrishna committee set up by New Delhi to study the statehood demands TDP legislator M. Narasimhulu told reporters that 35 party legislators from the region had sent their resignations to JAC convenor M. Kodandaram. He said three others who were unavailable could not send their resignations.One legislator has already submitted his resignation and it has been accepted by the assembly speaker.Instead of submitting their resignations to the speaker, the TDP MLAs sent their papers to Kodandaram – to put the onus on him to get the resignations of Congress legislators.Congress leaders from Telangana, who met here Monday night, alleged that the JAC was acting at the behest of Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) chief K. Chandrasekhara Rao. They have decided to chalk out their own course of action on the issue.Congress MP Ponnam Prabhakar advised Kodandaram, a former professor, not to work like a “postman” of the TRS and take into consideration the views of all parties before taking a decision.The JAC had asked all elected representatives of Telangana to quit by Monday evening, failing which a series of protests would be launched against them culminating in their social boycott from Feb 19.Prabhakar reacted sharply to the protests being held outside the homes of Congress party legislators and MPs. “If they continue to lay siege to our houses, it will have serious consequences,” he warned.Only two of 50 Congress legislators from Telangana have submitted their resignations to the assembly speaker, who has not yet accepted them.

The speaker, however, accepted the resignations of all 10 TRS legislators as well as one each of TDP and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). One legislator of the Praja Rajyam Party has also submitted his resignation.Both TRS MPs, including Chandrasekhara Rao, have also decided to resign.There are 119 legislators from Telangana in the 294-member Andhra Pradesh assembly while the region accounts for 17 out of 42 MPs from the state.Ignoring the JAC deadline, the Congress leaders said they would not resign and instead decided to write to party president Sonia Gandhi to revise the terms of reference of the Srikrishna committee and reduce its term to six months.“We will inform her that it has become difficult for us to go to our own constituencies and request her to respect the sentiments of the Telangana people,” said Congress legislator Bhikshmaiah Goud.Central leaders of the Congress, Ahmed Patel and M. Veerappa Moily, have summoned the two party legislators who have submitted their resignations to New Delhi, sources said. The central leaders may ask them to withdraw their resignations.The JAC has rejected the terms of reference of the Srikrishna panel as it includes considering the demand for maintaining Andhra Pradesh in its present form. It argues that the guidelines violate the Dec 9 statement of the centre to initiate the process for formation of Telangana state.(thanks,way2online)=======================================================

President of Nepal his arrival at the ceremonial reception, at Rashtrapati Bhawan

The President of Nepal, Dr. Ram Baran Yadav being welcomed by the President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil and the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh on his arrival at the ceremonial reception, at Rashtrapati Bhawan, in New Delhi on February 16, 2010.             (Photo by PIB No:CNR-30428)

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MOU signed between HRD and Railway Ministries

(PIB NEWS) An MOU was signed between the Ministry of Human Resource Development and the Ministry of Railways here today in the presence of Smt. Mamata Banerjee, Union Minister of Railways and Shri Kapil Sibal, Union Minister for Human Resource Development. The MoU for the HRD Ministry was signed by Smt. Anshu Vaish, Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy for matters related to school education and by Smt. Vibha Puri Das, Secretary, Department of Higher Education for matters relating to higher education. On behalf of the Ministry of Railways, Shri A.K. Goel, Member (Staff), Railway Board signed the MOU. As per the MoU, on the railway land identified by the Ministry of Railways, the two ministries will strive to develop educational infrastructure in the form of around 50 Kendriya Vidyalayas in civil sector (about 20 during the 11th Plan and the balance during the 12th Plan), 10 Residential Schools on the pattern of Navodaya Vidayalayas ( to be set up by Ministry of Railways in collaboration with Ministry of HRD on mutually agreed terms), an appropriate number of Model Degree Colleges and Technical and Management institutions of National Importance to meet the demand for education including wards of Railway employees, either as per the norms specified under the existing schemes/programmes and projects being executed by Ministry of Human Resource Development or through special programmes and projects mutually agreed by the parties or through innovative financing under Public Private Partnership Models or any combinational thereof. The development of educational infrastructure would include new facilities. This will also include upgradation of existing educational and technical institutions being managed by Railways for which Ministry of Human Resource Development would provide necessary assistance and know how in the interest of improving over all quality of education. For the achievement of objectives outlined above, the two ministries will constitute a high powered working group, consisting of Senior Officials and Experts to work out a road map for viability and feasibility of upgradation of existing and development of new educational and technical institutions on Railway land within the framework of existing norms and policies ,
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Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court appointed

(PIB NEWS) In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (1) of article 217 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Nisar Ahmad Kakru, Judge of the Jammu & Kashmir High Court, to be the Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office.

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P.Chidambaram condemns Maoist Attack on West Bengal police personnel

(PIB NEWS)Union Home Minister Shri P.Chidambaram has condemned attack by Maoists on the West Bengal security personnel last evening. Following is the text of his statement: “The attack by the CPI (Maoist) on a camp of the Eastern Frontier Rifles of West Bengal is another outrageous attempt by the banned organisation to overawe the established authority in the State. I condemn the attack. There has been a massive loss of lives. Besides, more than 40 weapons are reported to have been looted. The leader of the CPI (Maoist) has claimed responsibility for the attack and has threatened to repeat such attacks in the future. I spoke to the Chief Minister, West Bengal this morning and conveyed my deep sense of shock. I also conveyed my profound sympathies on the loss of lives. While there are indications of failure in some aspects, only a thorough review will reveal how the police camp with adequate strength was overrun, when there was day light, by the CPI (Maoist). Every attack of this kind exposes the true nature and character of the CPI (Maoist). Their goal is to seize power. Their weapon is violence. No organisation or group in a democratic republic has the right to take to violence to overpower the established legal authority. Unfortunately, this simple truth has escaped a number of well-meaning organisations that find “legitimacy” in the armed liberation struggle carried on by the CPI (Maoist). During the 3-day bandh called by the CPI (Maoist) between February 7 and February 9, 2010, their main targets of attack were railway property. There were a total of 11 incidents in Bihar (3), Jharkhand (6) and Orissa (2). Tracks were blown up; railway stations were attacked; bombs were placed on railway property; and railway officials were assaulted. I know that the overwhelming majority in this country will condemn the mindless violence unleashed by the CPI (Maoist) and will support the careful, controlled and calibrated efforts being taken by the Central and State Governments to put an end to the violence. However, I would like to hear the voices of condemnation of those who have, erroneously, extended intellectual and material support to the CPI (Maoist). It is only if the whole country rejects the preposterous theses of the CPI (Maoist) and condemns the so-called “armed liberation struggle” that we can put an end to the menace of naxalism and bring development and progress to the people in the conflict zones.
I conclude by offering my sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and injured among the men of the Eastern Frontier Rifles.”

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DON’T POLITICISE PUNE BLAST,SAYS SAMAJWADI PARTY MLA ABU ASIM AZMI

AURANGABAD: SYED KHAJA SOHEL (CORRESPONDENT AURANGABAD REGION)   Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi today appealed to all the political parties to rise and fight against increasing terrorist activities in the country.He was speaking to newsmen at a press conference organized in the city this evening “I would urge all the political parties not to politicize the Pune bomb blast . It has been observed that the police target Muslim youths holding them responsible for the blast. The police should not suspect one particular community. They should be fair in investigation and catch real culprits involved in the Pune bomb blast.Innocent Muslims should not be harassed. Take severe action against accused and award capital punishment to them “Abu Azmi said.The SP leader also informed the newsmen that he was learning Marathi language as it was needed while participating in the Assembly proceeding .”I was attacked in the Assembly by Maharashtra Navanirman Sena (MNS)MLSs.So nobody should think that I am learning Marathi because of them. The government had suspended four MLAs of the MNS ,but failed to take action against mastermind behind the issue .I came to know that steps were being initiated to withdraw the suspension of these four MLAs as MNS had helped Congress in the Assembly election. I will appeal in the Supreme Court for justice if this happens , said Abu Azmi.Referring to film ‘My Name is khan the MLA said that the issue was being politicized.”Sanjay Raut is playing petty politics.The youth are being provoked .This is being done internationally to divert the attention of people from the basic issues. Superstar Amitabh Bachan and home minister were also of the opinion that Pakistani cricket players should be allowed to play in the IPL. So why so much noise if Shahrukh Khan aired the same opinion ?”Azmi asked.The state Government has failed in maintaining law and order. It also fell short in protecting and uplifting minorities in Maharashtra ,Said the SP leader.
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''Mohammad(SWS) For All'' compaign from Feb-17

Mumbai, Feb 14: In a unique event, Muslims and Hindus today participated in the birth anniversary celebrations of Prophet Mohammed and announced to launch of a campaign to spread the message ''Muhammad For All'' from February 17 to 28.The statewide compaign will be launched by Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Maharashtra, to introduce the last Prophet of Allah and reject the belief that he is for the Muslims only. Jamaat has set up several groups consisting of leading Muslim and non Muslim personalities, activists, Intellectuals and social organizations of Maharashtra, who will travel across the state to reach out to two crore people with the message. Beside this, Jamaat will also create awareness about various social evils including social injustice, female foeticide, dowry, child labour, liquor, corruption, human rights violation, terrorism, violence etc. Nazar Mohammed Madu, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind,Maharashtra, said ''India is a plural society and we like to request our brothers and sisters to please try and understand Islam also.'' He further said it is the first time that not only the Ulemas of different sects like Jamiat-e-Ulema, Jamiat-e-Ahle hadis, Ulema Council, and Shia but our brothers from Bamcef and Maratha Samaj, Satya Shodhak Samaj, and others are the co-organizers of this campaign.Purshottam Khedekar, President of Maratha Sewa Sangh, said ''Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) has come with the Message of Universal Brotherhood, Peace and equality, which is infinite in nature and should be implemented. It's wrong to confine his Personality to Muslims only.'' The participating scholars and experts also condemned the Pune blast.The function was presided over by Ejaz Ahmed Aslam, Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind.Ram Puniyani, Prof, IIT Mumbai, and Ms Pratima Joshi, a well known Marathi journalist were among the other prominent speakers who lent their support for the campaign, ===========================================

AP- speaker accepts resignations of 12 legislators

Andhra Pradesh assembly speaker N. Kirankumar Reddy Monday accepted the resignations of 12 out of 15 legislators of the Telangana region who had quit Sunday to protest the terms of the Srikrishna committee looking into the demand for a separate state.

The legislators whose resignations were accepted include all 10 of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) and one each of the main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).However, the speaker has not yet taken a decision on the resignations of two legislators of the ruling Congress party and one of Praja Rajyam Party (PRP).
Hours before the budget session of the state legislature began, the speaker announced that he has accepted the resignations of 11 legislators. The decision to accept the resignation of TDP legislator Chennamaneni Ramesh’s resignation was announced Sunday night.The TRS legislators who have resigned include its floor leader E. Rajender, party chief K. Chandrasekhara Rao’s son K. Tarakarama Rao and his nephew Harish Rao.Rejecting the terms of reference of the Srikrishna panel as anti-Telangana, the all-party Joint Action Committee (JAC) has asked all elected representatives from the region to quit by Monday evening, failing which it will launch a series of protests against them. However, so far only 15 legislators have put in their papers.There are 119 legislators from Telangana in the 294-member state assembly.The opinion among 50 Congress legislators is divided over the issue of resignations. All 39 legislators of the TDP have decided to send their resignations to JAC convenor M. Kodandaram for submitting them to the speaker only after Congress legislators come forward to quit. (thanks way2online)
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Dr. Manmohan Singh presenting the Prime Minister’s Trophy

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh presenting the Prime Minister’s Trophy for the best Integrated Steel Plant in India to the Chairman and Managing Director of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), Shri P.K. Bishnoi for the year 2005-06, in New Delhi on February 15,2010.

The Union Minister of Steel, Shri Virbhadra Singh and the Minister of State for Steel, Shri A. Sai Prathap are also seen.  (Photo by No;CNR-30424)
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Andhra Pradesh’s fiscal position grim: Governor

Andhra Pradesh Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan has said the state’s fiscal position is grim, as the revenue growth rate fell to 5 percent in the first nine months of the current fiscal.Addressing both houses of the legislature on the first day of the budget session, Narasimhan said the government was exploring all possibilities to revive the economy by increased capital expenditure “to ensure that the virtuous cycle of economic growth continues to move”.He pointed out that the global economic downturn that started in October 2008 continued eroding development activity and revenues like never before, compelling the government to defer a major portion of planned and capital expenditures budgeted.“The revenues of the state that grew at more than 19 percent per annum for four year period 2004-08 have suddenly fallen to 10 percent in 2008-09. The situation in the current fiscal as per available indications has been grimmer with revenue growth rate further falling to 5 percent for nine months period April-December 2009,” he said“The good news is that there is light at the end of the tunnel. The GSDP growth rate of the state which fell to 5.5 percent for 2008-09 from 10 percent for the preceding four year period 2004-08 has recovered to 7.5 percent for 2009-10 as per the advanced estimates,” he said.He pointed out that because of the fall in revenues from second half of last fiscal the growth rate in respect of planned expenditure fell to 13 percent while the capital expenditure recorded a negative growth rate for 2008-09 over the pervious year.“Situation could have been worse had not the central government implemented three fiscal stimulus packages benefiting among others the state governments in the form of increased fiscal deficit to GSDP ratio.”Narasimhan said the state has a positive growth rate of 5 percent in the revenues as against negative growth of 22 percent in indirect tax revenues of central government for first eight month period April-November 2009.“However, unlike in the case of central government the fiscal deficit of the state can’t go beyond 4 percent of our GSDP in view of FRBM (Fiscal responsibility and budget management) compulsions,” he said.The governor assured the legislature that the government would continue development and welfare programmes launched by former chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, who died in a helicopter crash in September last year.The schemes include free electricity to farmers, rice at Rs.2 a kg, health insurance for the poor, land distribution and construction of irrigation projects under the Jalayagnam programme, (thanks to way2online),
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Training Programme for officers of State Wakf Boards

(PIB NEWS) The first training programme in Accounts, Auditing and Budgeting for the officers of the State Wakf Boards began today at RCVP Norohana Academy of Administration & Management in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. 27 participants from 17 State Wakf Boards are particapeting in the 3-day training programme.This is an important milestone towards the computerization of all the State Wakf Boards and creating e-management in Wakf. The Scheme for Computerization of Records of State Wakf Boards was launched by the Minister for Minority Affairs, Shri Salman Khurshid, in New Delhi on December 22 last year. The computerization would introduce implementation of a web based centralized application module for Wakf Management. The scheme is being implemented by National Informatics Centre (NIC) on turnkey basis under the supervision of the Central Wakf Council. Accordingly NIC will start the process of training the staff of the state Wakf Boards in due course.There are 29 Wakf Boards in the country constituted by the respective State Governments and more than 3.5 lakhs Wakf properties are registered with them. To optimize the income from the Wakf properties, various measures have been taken by the Central Government and the Central Wakf Council, including the Scheme for Computerization of Records of State Wakf Boards. However, besides e-management, there are various other areas in Accounting, Finance, Auditing, Lease of properties, Legal/Court cases etc. in which the officers of the State Wakf Boards are required to be updated. For these specialized subjects, the Central Wakf Council decided to launch this programme of in-service training of officers in Wakf matters, in collaboration with RCVP Norohana Academy of Administration & Management, Bhopal, which has all the infrastructure to impart training on regular basis. The training programme was inaugurated by Dr. Sundeep Khanna, Director General of the Academy. He hoped that with this training the participants who have gathered from all over the country would be in a better position to maintain the accounts of the Boards leading to better financial management.
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PRESIDENT OF INDIA Smt,P.D.Patil Recieving commemorative brochure,

The Defence Minister, Shri A. K. Antony presenting the first released copy of the commemorative brochure to the President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, on the occasion of inauguration of Corps of Signals Centenary year, in New Delhi on February 15, 2010.The Minister of State of Defence, Shri M.M. Pallam Raju, the Chief of Army Staff, General Deepak Kapoor and the Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik are also seen.         (Photo by PIB No:CNR-30415) ======================================================

15-Telangana legislators submit resignations

Fifteen legislators from the Telangana region Sunday submitted their resignations to the state assembly speaker to protest the terms of reference of the Srikrishna panel set up by the central government to study the demand for a separate state.Stating that the terms of reference were not favourable for the formation of Telangana state, all 10 legislators of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) submitted their resignations to Speaker Kiran kumar Reddy. Two legislators from ruling Congress and one each from Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) also gave their resignations.The legislators reached the assembly premises in a rally from the office of the all-party Joint Action Committee (JAC), which is spearheading the movement for a separate Telangana.The JAC, at its meeting Saturday night, had decided that all legislators would submit their resignations. There are 119 legislators from Telangana region in the 294-member assembly. Congress has 50 and TDP has 39 legislators. BJP and PRP have two legislators each.Though four Congress legislators had Saturday night announced their decision to quit, only two put in their papers. Party legislators held a meeting at the residence of senior leader Jana Reddy to discuss their strategy. However, they failed to take any decision and agreed to meet again in the evening. TDP legislators from Telangana also held a separate meeting. Party sources said it was decided that they would resign only after Congress legislators come forward to quit.The JAC has rejected the terms of reference of the five-member panel formed by the central government as it has also been asked to look into the demand for maintaining the present status of united Andhra Pradesh.JAC has alleged that the terms of reference were against the spirit of the Dec 9 statement by the central government to initiate the process for forming Telangana state.Meanwhile, assembly speaker told reporters that he would take a decision on the resignations within the framework of the Constitution and as per the rules and procedures of assembly.The speaker had last month rejected the resignations of over 100 legislators from Telangana, Andhra and Rayalaseema regions, saying the resignation letters were invalid.TRS legislators have claimed that this time they have submitted their resignations in the prescribed format.Meanwhile, TRS chief K. Chandra shekhar Rao and actress-turned-politician Vijayshanti, both of them MPs, would be leaving for New Delhi Monday to submit their resignations to Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar, (thanks to way2online)
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Nine killed in Pune BLAST: police

Two foreigners – an Italian woman and an Iranian student – were among the nine people killed in the Pune eatery blast, the city police chief said here Sunday.The two foreign nationals were identified as Nadia Materinia, 37, who was associated with the Osho Ashram nearby, and Syed Abdul Khali, 26, a student of Symbiosis College, Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh said at a press conference.A third unidentified body among the killed was of Gokul Nepali, a waiter at the German Bakery where the blast took place at 6.52 p.m., the police official said.He added that 60 people were injured in the blast of whom 41 were still in hospital under treatment.The explosive was kept in a blue and red “haversack”, he said.(thanks to way2online)
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Home Ministry’s Statement on Pune blast

(PIB NEWS)The following is the text of the statement made by the Union Home Secretary, Shri G.K. Pillai here yesterday evening after the Pune blast.“According to information available from State Police sources and the Intelligence Bureau a bomb/explosive blast occurred at the German Bakery in Pune District around 7.30 p.m. this evening. It appears that an unattended package was noticed in the German bakery by one of the waiters who apparently went and attempted to open the package when the blast took place. As per latest available reports, 8 people are reported dead and 32 injured in the blast. The State Police, the Maharashtra ATS squad and forensic experts have already reached the scene and are conducting investigations. A team of forensic specialists from the CBI are being airlifted from Delhi to Pune shortly to assist the State Police in their investigations.It may be noted that the Osho Ashram which is around 200 yards from this bakery was one of the sites surveyed by the LeT Operative David Headley. The Maharashtra Police had been issued alerts on this by MAC on 12.10.2009. Following the blast, the Maharashtra Government has issued an alert in Maharashtra State. The MHA have issued advisories to all State Governments to be alert and to warn all citizens not to approach or open any unidentified objects/baggage and to report all such cases to the nearest Police Station/Control Room.The situation is being monitored by the Home Minister who is in Tamil Nadu . The MHA is reviewing the situation continuously.”
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PM reviews situation following Pune blast

(PIB NEWS)The Prime Minister met the Home Minister earlier today to review the situation arising out of the bomb blast that occurred in Pune yesterday. The Home Minister briefed the Prime Minister on his visit to Pune and on the state of investigations. The Prime Minister directed that the union and state governments should take coordinated and effective action to speedily investigate the matter so that the culprits responsible for this heinous act are identified and brought to justice at the earliest. The Prime Minister expressed his deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of all those killed and injured in the incident and announced relief from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund of Rs. 2 lakh to the next of kin of those deceased and Rs. 1 lakh to those injured. He said that the government would extend whatever help was required by the families of those killed and injured in the incident. =======================================================

STATE –LEVEL URDU CONVENTION FROM FEB-19 AT AURANGABAD

Aurangabad: Syed Khaja Sohel (Correspondent)

The minority department of state government is going to host state level Urdu convention in the city from February-19.While speaking to newsmen minister of state (Minority Affairs) Fauzia Khan said Urdu is not restricted to one community. Besides, the city had played a vital role in the promotion of the language.The venue of the event has been named as walinagari, Chief Minister Ashok Chavan wold inaugurate the three day convention at Marathwada Sanskrutik Mandal. Noted poet Javed Aktar would preside over the second session in the evening .Guardian minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, industry minister Rajendra Darda, Rural development minister Jayant patil and power minister Ajit pawar would be the chief guests. Wakf Minister and Chairman of the reception committee Aref Naseem Khan and Minister of state for food and civil supplies Abdul Sattar would also grace the event.Fauzia Khan further said a cultural programme Shaam -e- Gazal would be organized before and after the inaugural session. Padmashree Awardee Fatma Rafiq Zakeria would be honored with Faqr-e-Maharashtra award during the inaugural session.On second day, noted author Sagar Sarhadi would inaugurate book exhibition ,followed by various programmes like seminar, qawwali and mushaira.The last day would see a seminar on literature in the morning session , while noted poet Bashar Nawaz would be presented with Iftekhar-e-Adaab award in the evening session ,she added.
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PM-MEETS TO BAHRAIN FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER,

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Bahrain, Sheikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohamed Al Khalifa calling on the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, in New Delhi on February 12, 2010. (Photo by PIB No:CNR-30390)

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THIS YEAR'S ATTRACTION AT THE MUGHAL GARDENS TO BE MINIATURE CACTUS GARDEN AND BONSAI

(PIB NEWS) The Mughal Gardens of Rashtrapati Bhavan including the Musical Garden, Spiritual Garden, the Herbal Garden and the Biodiversity Park, are being opened for viewing by the general public from February 13 to March 11. The Gardens will be open to the general public on all days from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M., except on Mondays being maintenance days. Entry into the Gardens will be open only upto 4 P.M. The main Mughal Garden is in bloom having annual flowers such as enlivening Roses, Lilies, Tulips, Double Pansy flowers and eye catching velvet green lawns intercepted with lotus shaped fountains and blue base water canals. This year the special attraction will be the Cactus Corner and a Bonsai Segment. Bonsai (dwarf plants), and a variety of cactus plants will add to the beauty of Rashtrapati Bhavan this year. Bonsai lovers will be able to enjoy a collection of such plants, which are on special display. Visitors while walking into the Gardens will also be able to experience how the green surroundings and water bodies can add to an eco-friendly environment by attracting fauna. The Mughal Gardens, contiguous to the main building of Rashtrapati Bhavan cover an area of 15 acres. They were designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens inspired by the beautiful gardens of Jammu and Kashmir, the garden around the Taj Mahal and Persian and Indian miniature paintings. The Mughal Gardens comprise three parts: the first is the Rectangular Garden adjacent to the main Rashtrapati Bhavan building, which is divided into four quarters, each with terraced gardens on either side. The central lawn here is the venue of numerous receptions and 'At Homes' hosted by the President. The Rectangular Garden has several winter seasonal bulbous and flowering beds, with a prominence of variety of Roses which are at full bloom and are a centre of attraction. They include Adora, Mrinalini, Taj Mahal, Modern Art, Oklahoma, John F. Kennedy, Virgo, Mr. Lincoln and Folklore. In addition, Dahlias, Tulips, Asiatic Lilies, Daffodils, Ranunculus, Hyacinth and other seasonal flowers suitably incorporated add beauty to Central Garden. This central part is followed by the Long Garden, having some prominent and popular roses like Christian Dior, Queen Elizabeth, Iceberg, Pasadena, Montezuma, Summer Snow, First Prize, Century Two, Diri's Tysterman, etc. The next part of the garden is the Circular ('Pearl' or Butter Fly' or 'Sunken') Garden at the Western edge. This is a huge terraced bowl lined with various fragrant and vibrant annuals. A bubble fountain in the middle of this bowl enhances the grandeur of the place. One can see Violas and Dahlias, Phlox, Poppy and Larkspur here. The Garden derives its evergreen character from trees like Moulsri, Putranjiva, Saru, Juniper, China Orange, Roses, Tulips, Oriental and Asiatic Lilies and varieties of Climbers. Winter flowers like Calendula, Antirrhinum, Alyssum, Dimorphotheca, Larkspur, Gazania, Gerbera, Lineria, Mesembryanthemum, Brachycome, Metrucaria, Verbena, Viola, and Pansy grow well here. The Long Garden or the 'Purdah' Garden, so called because of its shape blooms and blooms, enclosed by high walls, lies to the west of the main garden. It has 16 square attractive rose beds hemmed in low hedges. Along the walls are lined the resplendent China Orange whose ornamental fruits outnumber the leaves. It attracts every visitor including The President. The Biodiversity Park, which has deer, ducks, turkeys, guinea fowls, turtles, parakeets, rabbits and migratory birds, is another attraction. This Park is also full of peacocks. Important medicinal and aromatic plants depicting their use can be seen in the educational-cum-conservation Herbal Garden. The bio-diesel producing plant Jatropha; Stevia, which provides safe sugar for diabetics, Isabgol (plantago), Damask rose, Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Mints, Tulsi, Geranium and other 33 types of herbs can be seen in the Herbal Garden. Organically grown winter seasonal vegetables are also on display.
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MAHARASHTRA CM TO BE FATED ON FEB-19th AT AURANGABAD,

 Syed Khaja Sohel (Correspondent Aurangabad Region) Chief Minister Ashok Chavan will be felicitated at Garware Stadium on February 19. In meeting held here today under the chairmanship of the transport minister and district guardian minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil ,the Congress officials resolved to arrange a grand function has been organized due to the coincidence of congress completing 125 years Maharashtra State its 25th Chief Minister.It may be noted that a Congress convention was organized under the president ship of vikhe Patil at Garware Stadium on the outset of the Lok Sabha Elections which had a positive impact on the election.The Aurangabad Municipal Corporation(AMC) election are going to be held during April .The Congress official have already started the work to bring Congress into power at AMC .The function will be beneficial for the Congress in this election .The felicitation function will be held at 10.30 am whereas a volunteers camp has also been organized on the occasion.Recently, the volunteer camp of the nationalist congress party was organized in the same month is a remarkable event, the experts opined.On this occasion Gurdian Minister, Radhakrishna Vikhe Ptil addressing a meeting at Athithi Hall .Also present Chandrabhan Parkhe ,MLC MM Shaikh, District Congress President Keshavrao Autade and others.
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