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)
======================================================

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)
======================================================

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.”
======================================================

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.
======================================================

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)

=========================================================

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.
=======================================================

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.
=======================================================

Chief Minister K.Rosaiah today invited UAE industrialists,

HYDERABAD:(I&PR NEWS) The Chief Minister K Rosaiah today invited industrialists from UAE to invest in Andhra Pradesh as there are enormous opportunities in various sectors here. He was talking to Ms. Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Foreign Trade, United Arab Emirates when the latter called on Mr. Rosaiah at Secretariat. The UAE Minister was accompanied by UAE Ambassador to India, Mohd. Sultan Al Owais, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Trade, Abdulla A. Al Saleh, Acting Chairman, SCCI, Chairman of Fujuairah Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Saeed Ali Khammas and CII representatives. The Chief Minister said that Andhra Pradesh has emerged as one of the fastest growing States in the country after recording an average annual growth rate of nearly 10% in its GSDP for the 5 years period from 2003-04 to 2007-08 which is much higher than the national average for the corresponding period. He said AP is the leader in Paper, Cement, Pharma and granite industries, 2nd in the country in textiles, 3rd in iron and 4th in steel production. Other potential sectors are food processing, engineering industries & biotechnology and now the emerging sectors are semiconductors, aerospace and precision tools. The Chief Minister said RAK cements, a UAE project is successfully implemented in peddapuram in East Godavari district. The other UAE projects for implementation, he said are ANRAK, VANPIC, Hyderabad Economic City and Airport in Ongole. He said A.P. has the highest number of Special Economic Zones and of the 107 proposals, 73 are notified. He said ours is the first State to promote a Petroleum Chemical and Petrochemical Investment Region (PCPIR) in an area of 604 sq. kms in the State. The Chief Minister said the strengths of UAE are petroleum and petrochemicals, fishing, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, commercial ship repair, construction materials etc. He said there are opportunities for UAE investments in the State in ports, airports and petrochemical projects. The UAE Minister said they have lot of interests in the State and said a sizeable population of UAE are from Andhra Pradesh. Major Industries Minister Kanna Lakshminarayana, Advisor, Industries, Peter Hassan, Principal Secretary, Industries, Sam Bob and other officials attended the meeting. industrialists from UAE to invest in Andhra Pradesh as there are enormous opportunities in various sectors here. He was talking to Ms. Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Foreign Trade, United Arab Emirates when the latter called on Mr. Rosaiah at Secretariat. The UAE Minister was accompanied by UAE Ambassador to India, Mohd. Sultan Al Owais, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Trade, Abdulla A. Al Saleh, Acting Chairman, SCCI, Chairman of Fujuairah Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Saeed Ali Khammas and CII representatives. The Chief Minister said that Andhra Pradesh has emerged as one of the fastest growing States in the country after recording an average annual growth rate of nearly 10% in its GSDP for the 5 years period from 2003-04 to 2007-08 which is much higher than the national average for the corresponding period. He said AP is the leader in Paper, Cement, Pharma and granite industries, 2nd in the country in textiles, 3rd in iron and 4th in steel production. Other potential sectors are food processing, engineering industries & biotechnology and now the emerging sectors are semiconductors, aerospace and precision tools. The Chief Minister said RAK cements, a UAE project is successfully implemented in peddapuram in East Godavari district. The other UAE projects for implementation, he said are ANRAK, VANPIC, Hyderabad Economic City and Airport in Ongole. He said A.P. has the highest number of Special Economic Zones and of the 107 proposals, 73 are notified. He said ours is the first State to promote a Petroleum Chemical and Petrochemical Investment Region (PCPIR) in an area of 604 sq. kms in the State. The Chief Minister said the strengths of UAE are petroleum and petrochemicals, fishing, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, commercial ship repair, construction materials etc. He said there are opportunities for UAE investments in the State in ports, airports and petrochemical projects. The UAE Minister said they have lot of interests in the State and said a sizeable population of UAE are from Andhra Pradesh. Major Industries Minister Kanna Lakshminarayana, Advisor, Industries, Peter Hassan, Principal Secretary, Industries, Sam Bob and other officials attended the meeting.
=======================================================

Photo Exhibition put up by DAVP,

The Children from Pynursla in their traditional dress at the Photo Exhibition put up by DAVP, Shillong on Bharat Nirman & National Rural Health Mission during the Public Information Campaign on Bharat Nirman organised by PIB, Shillong, at Pynursla East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya on February 10, 2010. (Photo by PIB No.CNR-30374)
======================================================

PM-meeting the President of Palestine,

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh meeting the President of Palestine, Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, in New Delhi on February 11, 2010. (Photo by No:CNR-30377)

=========================================================

Prime Minister calls on President

(PIB NEWS) The Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh called on the President Smt.Pratibha Devisingh Patil at Rashtrapati Bhavan today. The meeting lasted for about an hour. The two leaders discussed about the forthcoming Budget Session of Parliament, the issue of price rise and food security and various other issues of national and international importance,

======================================================

YSR Wife Vijaya Lakshmi Elected Unanimously as MLA

YSR Wife Vijaya Lakshmi elected unanimously as MLA from Pulivendula comes out after taking Oath as legislature at APLA in Hyderabad on Thursday.in picture Y.S.Jagan Mohan Reddy MP, K.V.P.Ramchander Rao MP and Mohammed Ahmedullah Syed Minister for Minorities and others.
======================================================

Telangana Congress, TRS ready for any ’sacrifice’

Leaders of the ruling Congress party from Telangana and president of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) K. Chandrasekhara Rao Wednesday said they were ready for “any sacrifice” if the terms of reference of the Srikrishna committee were not for the formation of Telangana state.As the Congress party’s core committee discussed the panel’s terms of reference at a meeting in New Delhi, Telangana leaders of the Congress and the TRS discussed their future course of action here.The TRS chief told reporters that they would not accept the commission’s terms of reference if they are not favourable for carving out Telangana state.“The terms of reference should be to fulfil the Dec 9 statement of Home Minister Chidambaram that the process for formation of Telangana state will be initiated. The committee should also have a limited time-frame,” he said.KCR, as Rao is popularly known by the initials of his name, said the all-party Joint Action Committee (JAC) would meet to chalk out its strategy if the commission’s terms of reference were not favourable for Telangana.“We are ready for any sacrifice,” said Congress legislator R. Damodar Reddy.KCR and other TRS leaders held talks with Congress Working Committee (CWC) member K. Keshava Rao, Congress MPs and legislators from Telangana.The meeting assumed significance as it came a day after a section of Congress legislators from Telangana threatened to boycott the budget session of the assembly beginning Feb 15, if the terms of reference were not favourable for Telangana.The central governmnet Feb 3 announced a five-member panel headed by retired Supreme Court judge B.N. Srikrishna to deliberate on a mechanism for a separate Telangana state.The Congress core committee, which met at the residence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, is believed to have finalised the terms of reference of the panel. Congress sources said these would be brought to the notice of the union cabinet and a formal announcement is expected in a day or two, (thanks to way2online)
======================================================

Washington shut for fourth day as record snow batters US east coast,

Federal government offices were closed for the fourth straight day Thursday as heavy snow that pummelled much of the US east coast for the second time in a week left several big cities crippled.Record snowfalls Wednesday buried the most populous stretch of the region under a foot of snow, forcing lawmakers on the Capitol Hill to take a break, closing schools and courts from Washington to New York and shutting down even the UN.The longest weather-related government shutdown since January 1996,when employees in the capital city did not have to go to work for a full week, may cost the tax payers up to an estimated $450 million, the Washington Post estimated.In Washington, the snow was falling at a rate of 2 inches per hour at one point Wednesday afternoon, according to CNN. Forecasters predicted that Washington winds would gust to 50 miles per hour (mph) overnight.Thousands of flights were delayed or cancelled to and from airports in Baltimore, Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, airlines reported.Rajesh Moorjani, one of the stranded travellers at the Newark, New Jersey, airport, had flown from India Tuesday night, intending to get a connecting flight to California. On Wednesday, he was getting used to the idea of being stuck on the east coast for a day, CNN affiliate WABC reported.

I’m just kind of trying to get in touch with old classmates, ex-colleagues … trying to put a message on Facebook saying: ‘If anybody is in New York, let’s get in touch’,” he told WABC.Blowing snow caused such poor visibility at midday that snowploughs temporarily parked by the side of the road, authorities said. Forecasters predicted that the storm would dump a total of 8 to 10 inches inside the Capital Beltway, with higher amounts to the north.This winter already has become the snowiest on record for Washington – where Dulles airport has received 72 inches of snow and Reagan National airport has recorded 54.9 inches as well as Baltimore, Maryland, and Wilmington, Delaware, CNN said citing the National Weather Service.It’s also on pace to become the snowiest season on record in other cities, including Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.Baltimore has received at least 72.3 inches of snow this winter while Wilmington, Delaware has recorded at least 59.5 inches, breaking its previous record of 55.9 inches.Blizzard warnings also were in effect Wednesday for Asheville, North Carolina; Newark and Atlantic City, New Jersey; Baltimore, Maryland; Dover, Delaware; New York and nearby Long Island; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,New York was to be under a blizzard warning until 6 a.m. Thursday, but the snow was expected to stop falling late Wednesday night. Forecasters predicted wind gusts up to 50 mph and predicted the city will have received 12 to 20 inches of snow by the time the storm ends.At the three major airports in the New York area, flights were “very minimal”, the New York Times said citing Steve Coleman, a spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey that runs the airports, (thanks to way2online)

=======================================================

MUGHAL GARDENS TO BE OPENED FOR PUBLIC VIEWING FROM FEBRUARY 13TH

The Mughal Gardens of Rashtrapati Bhavan will be opened for public viewing this year on all days from 13th February to 11th March from 1000 hrs. to 1700 hrs., except on Mondays being maintenance days. Entry into the Gardens will be open only up to 1600 hrs. The entry and exit into the Gardens will be via Gate No. 35 of the President's Estate, which is located at the extreme end of Church Road, about 300 meters West of Cathedral Church. Entry for handicapped persons using wheelchairs will be through the Rashtrapati Bhavan Reception. Such persons can arrive at Rashtrapati Bhavan through Hukmi Mai Marg or Rajpath along with their escorts. Entry and Exit for visually challenged persons will be through the Gate No.12 (North Avenue) of Rashtrapati Bhavan. Visitors are requested not to bring any water bottles, briefcases, handbags/ladies purses, cameras, radios/transistors, cell phones, arms/ammunitions and eatables. Such articles, if any, will not be allowed to be carried into the Mughal Gardens and will have to be deposited at the entry point at the owner's risk,(Press Release From Rashtrapati Bhawan) 
========================================================

Review of cases requiring prior approval of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board

(PIB NEWS) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today approved a proposal of the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Ministry of Commerce & Industry to review the policy on cases requiring prior Government approval for foreign investment.Presently,the recommendations of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) on proposals with total project cost up to Rs.600 crore are approved by the Finance Minister and proposals involving total project cost more than Rs.600 crore are put up to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs. Further, presently the total project cost, including the foreign equity inflow, is taken into consideration in deciding whether the proposal is to be put up for consideration of CCEA. With today’s approval, only proposals involving total foreign equity inflow of more than Rs.1200 crore would be placed for consideration of CCEA. The recommendations of FIPB on proposals with total foreign equity inflow of and below Rs.1200 crore will be considered by the Finance Minister for approval. Further, it has been decided that the cases where prior approval of FIPB/CCEA for making the initial foreign investment was taken, then the following types of cases would not require to approach FIPB/Government for fresh approval:
(a)Cases of entities whose activities had earlier required prior approval of FIPB/CCFI/CCEA and who had, accordingly, earlier obtained prior approval of FIPB/CCFI/CCEA for their initial foreign investment but subsequently such activities/sectors have been placed under automatic route;
(b)Cases of entities whose activities had sectoral caps earlier and who had, accordingly, earlier obtained prior approval of FIPB/CCFI/CCEA for their initial foreign investment but subsequently such caps were removed or increased and the activity placed under the automatic route;
(c)Cases where prior approval of FIPB/CCFI/CCEA had been obtained with reference to activities/sectors requiring such approval and also from the angle of provisions of Press Note 18/1998 or Press Note 1 of 2005.
With the Government’s further liberalization, the approval is expected to save time and efforts for the FIPB/CCEA and also expedite foreign investment infl
=========================================================

PM- paying floral tributes,at mazaar of former president of india,

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh paying floral tributes at the Mazar of former President of india, Dr.Fakruddin Ali Ahmed,peerzada shabbir naqshbandi are also seen, in New Delhi on February 11, 2010. (Photo by PIB No:CNR-30357)
=======================================================

UNION MINISTER SAID MINORITIES TO UTILISE GOVT FUNDS

AURANGABAD,(Syed Sohel Correspondent) Union heavy industries ministers and former chief minister of Maharashtra Vilasrao Deshmukh speking at the function organized by Mulana Azad Financial Development Corporation (MAFDC) at Mulana Azad Research Center in Aurangabad on Monday,He was speking at a function organized to distribute cheques of Rs. 2.57 Crore amongst the 597 beneficiaries of Mulana Azad Financial development Corporation (MAFDA)The union Minister also assured the audience of having a word with minority affairs minister Salman Khurshid to get sanctioned funds for the students and help group(SGHs) .And union government is also taking efforts to pass a resolution to award reservation to minority in lok sabha,Corporation Director Ibrahim Pathan made an introductory speech .Managing Director Shaikh Gaffar spoke about the MAFDA functioning. MLC M M Shaikh ,former MP Uttam Sing Pawar and Qadir Mulana also spoke.Mitcon’s Abhay Kulkarni welcomed the dignitaries and Shaikh Eliyas conducted the proceedings.Mulana Mehfooz –ur – Rehman, Vinayak Borse,Chairman of state Haj Committee GSA Ansari, AMC leader of opposition Mahrunnisa Begam,Editor of Aurangabad Times Shoeb Khusro, Chandrakant Patil,Chayya More, Adv Syed Akram,Rajkumar Jadhav and others also present.
======================================================

Action against terrorists should begin in Pakistan: US experts

With the US intelligence community warning of a new terrorist attack in the next six months, two leading security experts suggest that preventive action should begin in Pakistan that remains the locus of terrorism.

Bruce Riedel, a former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer who advised President Barack Obama on his Afghanistan Pakistan strategy said that for several years after 2002, Al Qaeda seemed fixated on conducting another mass-casualty attack in the US even more horrifying than 9/11.
“Now, perhaps because of the pressure we are putting on the Al Qaeda core in Pakistan, the bar has apparently been lowered,” Riedel, currently a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, a Washington think tank, wrote in the The Daily Beast, an American news reportinand opinion website.

“So if Al Qaeda is now broadening the scope of its attacks, we must adjust to the change and broaden our counter measures,” he said, calling for more diplomatic efforts to persuade all US allies in the war with Al Qaeda to pre-empt terror with take-downs of jihadist cells.According to Riedel, the US needs to aggressively disrupt and take down not just the Al Qaeda core in Pakistan and Afghanistan, but step up the pressure on Al Qaeda cells in Yemen, the Maghreb, Indonesia, Iraq, and on the group’s allies like Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Pakistani Taliban that also operate in the West
Daniel L. Byman, another senior fellow at Brookings, however, argued that “although groups like Al Qaeda of the Arabian Peninsula are rightly claiming the attention of US national security officials, Pakistan remains the locus of terrorist activity and that any solutions have to begin there”.

“In the last five years, the Al Qaeda core has reconstituted itself in Pakistan, using it as a base to rebuild its forces and plan terrorist attacks,” he wrote in The Daily Beast.Drone strikes on militants disrupt the Al Qaeda leadership and force the organisation to keep its head down. But by themselves they are not enough, Byman said, suggesting: “Pakistan must reclaim the territory Al Qaeda and like-minded groups have seized as their sanctuary.” “Pakistani leaders, unfortunately, have made an art form of stepping up cooperation when problems are in the headlines, only to revert to form when US attention shifts elsewhere,” he suggested.Thus the Obama administration must redouble pressure on Pakistan to restart its stalled military offensive against militants in border areas near Afghanistan and otherwise take aggressive action against the militant presence in the country, Byman argued, (thanks way2online).
=======================================================