PRESIDENT PRESENTS "STREE SHAKTI PURUSKAR 2008-09"

(PIB NEWS) Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil gave away Stree Shakti Puruskar for year 2008 and 2009 to eminent personalities drawn from diverse fields and launched the National Mission for Empowermewnt of Women. The President struck a personal note when she said that the launch of the Mission gave her the happiness of fulfilment of a dream. She thanked the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh for his support for the Mission and acceding to her desire for the Prime Minister to Chair the Mission. Smt Patil said this is a gift to women on the occasion of Women’s Day.The President said that all round development of women require that both economic and social empowerment is taken care of. She said that for meaningful participation of women in the economic process they should have access to credit at low rates.Deputy Chairperson of Planning Commission Shri Montek Singh Pointed out that gender perspective is integral part of the 11th plan and launch of the mission will lead to better implementation of the gender specific programmes. Minister of State (independent Charge) Smt Krishna Tirath thanked the president for envisioning the Mission and providing unflinching support for it. The Minister said that the winners of the Stree Shakti Puruskars are a source of inspiration for us and it is important that thir example should be made known more widely.On the occasion of International Women’s Day on 8th of March, the Government of India presents national awards called the Stree Shakti Puraskars as a measure of recognition of achievements of individual women in the field of social development. The awardees have been nominated by state governments and selected by a national level Screening Committee.There are six awards instituted in the name of eminent women personalities of Indian history like Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar, Kanngi, Mata Jijabai, Rani Gaidenlou Zeliang, Rani Laxmibai and Rani Rudramma Devi. Each award carries a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakh and citation and is awarded to a woman who has excelled in providing support and rehabilitation to women and children, upliftment of women in tribal areas, empowering women to enable them to participate in political life, has worked with women in distress or has shown an exemplary courage in her life.
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PRESIDENT OF INDIA, presenting the "Stree Shakti Puruskar 2008" to Hyderabadi Women Mrs. Mahjabeen,

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil presenting the Stree Shakti Puruskar 2008 to Mrs. Mahjabeen (Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh), in New Delhi on March 08, 2010.The Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Women and Child Development, Smt. Krishna Tirath, the Minister of State of External Affairs, Smt. Preneet Kaur and the Chairperson, National Commission for Women, Dr. (Miss) Girija Vyas are also seen.
(Photo by No:CNR-30728)
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Women’s quota bill ‘anti-Muslim’,'anti-Dalit’: Mulayam

Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh Yadav Sunday termed the women’s reservation bill “anti-Muslim” and “anti-Dalit”, and said it will restrict chances of members of these communities getting elected to legislatures.“When states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharastra, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi or Orissa rarely elect even a single Muslim, the reservation for women will further minimise the chance of a Muslim ever getting elected from these places,” he said at a press conference here.Opposing the reservation bill in its present form, he contended that the quota for Dalit women will actually eat into the quota for Dalits, “depriving Dalit men”.Slamming the stand of Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) who are supporting the bill, Mulayam Singh said: “Their stand clearly reflects that they are hand in glove and their real intent is to harm the larger interests of Muslims, Dalits as well as backwards”.In a reference to the Congress and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), he remarked: “There are certain political parties in the country which are dominated by women whose word is law in their respective parties but did they ever care to allocate 30 per cent tickets to women? If they wanted, they could have even given away 50 per cent or even 100 per cent seats to women, but they never did so”.                     (thanks to way2online)

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Telangana lawyers boycott courts

Hyderabad,8.Mar, Lawyers in Andhra Pradesh’s Telangana region Monday boycotted the courts to protest attacks on them by activists of the Telugu Desam Party(TDP).Acting on an appeal by the Telangana lawyers’ Joint Action Committee, the lawyers did not attend work in the High Court and other courts, demanding the arrest of TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu and TDP activists involved in theattack.Raising anti-TDP slogans, the lawyers staged a protest on the road outside the High Court, leading to a traffic jam. They also demanded that Naidu tender an apology to the lawyers.Similar protests were held in other courts here and in nine other Telangana districts.Seven lawyers were injured when TDP workers attacked them for disrupting Naidu’s speech at a protest programme organised against price rise by TDP and Left parties at Indira Park here Saturday.The pro-Telangana lawyers were demanding that Naidu make his stand clear on the issue of a separate Telangana state. Naidu rejected the demand for an apology. His party alleged that the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) had instigated the lawyers against Naidu.Police registered cases against Naidu and TDP workers but did not arrest anybody.Security was tightened at the NTR Trust Bhavan, the headquarters of TDP here and at all TDP offices in the region, in view of the threat by lawyers to lay siege to the party offices.“We are demanding the arrest of Chandrababu Naidu and his party workers for the attack on lawyers,” G. Rajverdhan Reddy, a leader of Telangana lawyers’ JAC, told reporters.

(thanks to way2online)
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Terrorists may attack airports during peak hours: CISF

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Monday said that terrorists may attack airports during peak hours to cause maximum damage.“There is a view that chances of hijack by terrorists are very few. So they can attack the airports from the city side during peak hours to cause maximum damage,” CISF Additional Director General M.S. Bali told reporters here.“We have taken preventive measures. We have deployed personnel at the city side at the Delhi and Mumbai airports,” he said. Similar measures could be taken in other airports too.The central paramilitary force guards 57 airports, Delhi Metro and other vital installations. It has more than 120,000 personnel.                                                      (thanks to way2online)
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Unbearable pain for family of Indian boy who died in Australia

The family of three-year-old Gurshan Singh Channa is dealing with “unbearable pain” over his death, a councillor said Monday while paying respects to the boy whose body was found far from his home in this Australian city.Gurshan’s body was found on Wildwood Road Thursday night after a massive search following a complaint by his parents who were staying in Lalor, over 20 km away.Darebin councillor Tim Singh Laurence said charges laid Sunday night against part-time taxi driver Gursewak Dhillon had helped ease the family’s pain.Dhillon is alleged to have placed the child in the boot of his car unconscious, but still alive, Thursday. He lived in the same house as the boy and his parents and several other people.“Obviously they (Gurshan’s parents) were dealing not only with the unbearable pain of losing a three-year old toddler, but dealing with the anxiety of not knowing what had happened to their child.“With the police announcing progress in the case it gives some relief to them but the pain of losing a child remains,” Australian news agency AAP quoted Laurence as saying.It was still unclear as to how the boy was rendered unconscious; an autopsy has failed to determine a cause of death.Gurshan arrived in Australia in January with his parents. The family was due to return to India as his father Harjit Singh Channa failed to find work in Melbourne.Singh and his wife Harpreet Singh Channa gave statements to police Friday but officials say they are not suspects.Gurshan’s death had caused an uproar in India, with New Delhi Friday describing the incident as “most unfortunate”.There have been a string of attacks on Indians in Australia, with one of them proving fatal. Nitin Garg was fatally stabbed Jan 2 while on his way to work in this city.   (thanks to way2online)
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UK visa offices closed for upgrade,

If you're travelling to the UK in the first week of April from India, you must read this. The British high commission offices in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kochi will be closed between March-end and first week of April for an IT system upgrade. While the Hyderabad, Kochi and Bangalore offices are closed between March 31 and April 5, the Chennai office will be closed from April 1 to 5. The last date on which Visa Facilitation Service (VFS) will accept new applications in Hyderabad, Kochi and Bangalore is March 30. In Chennai, the last date is March 31. These centres will reopen on April 6. During the closure, applicants can collect their passports from the centres between 9 am and 10 am only.
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Andhra Pradesh Tourism Bags 6 National Awards,

The National Tourism Awards for 2008-2009 were presented at a function held on Saturday at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi by Hamid Ansari, the Vice President of India.

The Minister of Tourism & Housing & Poverty Alleviation, Kumari Selja, presided over the function, and Sultan Ahmed, Minister of State for Tourism was the Guest of Honour. This year, Andhra Pradesh Tourism bagged 6 National Tourism Awards for the year 2008-09, in the categories of Best State For Development Of Tourism Infrastructure, Special Award For Best Civic Management, Most Innovative Adventure Activity, Best Tourism Friendly Golf Course, Best Tourism Film Award and Best Convention Centre.The awards were received by J Geeta Reddy, Minister for I&PR, Cinematography, FDC & Tourism, Culture, Archealogy & Museums, Archives; Jayesh Ranjan, Secretary Tourism; Sridhar, Vice Chairman, VUDA; Swarnjeet Sen, Chairman, APTDC; B Venkatesham, MD., APTDC.
The Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority received a special award for Best Civic Management. The Innovative Adventure Activity special award was received for the tourism department's promotion of adventures sports, including rock climbing, rappelling, zorb ball, bungee, trampoline and archery. The award for the Best Tourism Friendly Golf Course was for the one being developed by Andhra Pradesh Tourism in partnership with Golf Association - a golf course with 18 holes in 200 acres of land near the Golconda and Qutub Shahi Tombs in Hyderabad.
The Best Tourism Film Award was received for a 30 second promotional films produced by the Department and developed by Mani Shankar for PATA, an event held in 2008 September at Hyderabad. Lastly, HICC received the award for the Best Convention Centre Category. (thanks to fullhyderabad)=========================================================================

National Consultation on Access to Justice,Relief and Rehabilitation of Rape Victims

(PIB NEWS) A National Consultation on Access to Justice, Relief and Rehabilitation of Rape Victims was convened on 7th March 2010 in Vigyan Bhavan by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. This was part of a series of events held by the Ministry on the occasion of centenary of International Women’s Day on 8th March. The event was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, Shri K.G. Balakrishnan in the presence of Hon’ble Minister of Law and Justice, Dr. Veerappa Moily, the Hon’ble Minister of State (IC), Smt. Krishna Tirath, and the Home Secretary, Shri G.K. Pillai. It was attended by Hon’ble Chief Justices and Judges of High Court, members of National and State Legal Services Authorities, State Ministers of WCD, senior Government officials and representatives of NGOs. In her opening address, Smt. Krishna Tirath reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to ensure effective delivery of justice to women, in all spheres. She also referred to the need for fast track courts for women, effective legal aid, and better representation of women in the judiciary. Addressing this august gathering, the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India emphasised on the need for decisive steps to deter sex offenders by investigating and prosecuting cases of sexual violence expeditiously. He welcomed the initiative taken by the Ministry of Women & Child Development in developing a comprehensive Scheme for relief and rehabilitation of rape victims. Dr. Veerappa Moily in his Special Plenary address, stated that victims of rape are given a secondary status in our criminal justice system as the entire focus of the law is on the offender. He therefore, appreciated the Ministry’s effort in drafting this scheme which achieves this goal of shifting the focus from the offender to the victim. Two panel discussions were also held on the proposed Sexual Assault Bill and the Draft Scheme for Relief and Rehabilitation of Victims of Rape as part of this Consultation. In the first Session, the Sexual Assault Bill was discussed. There was a consensus that the definition of ‘rape’ needs to be expanded to take into account forms of sexual assaults not covered in the existing definition under the IPC. It was felt that there is a need for a paradigm shift in the approach to this issue by looking at sexual assault from the women’s perspective and as a violation of her dignity, physical integrity and sexual autonomy. The proposed Bill recognises ‘marital’ rape as an offence and also incorporates a specific provision on sexual assault by a relative or a person in position of trust or authority or in a position of social, economic or political dominance. During the discussions on the proposed Scheme for rape victims, the delegates expressed the view that the Scheme needs to be made more contemporary and responsive to needs of women. There was also a view that the scheme needs to emphasise more on restoration rather than ‘compensation’. Despite the fact that the proposed amendments seek to redefine rape as sexual assault, the draft Scheme for Relief to and Rehabilitation of Rape Victims would confine itself to the present definition of rape. It was also emphasised that the proposed Scheme should have a legislative backing for better enforcement. This National Consultation was attended by more than a thousand delegates, and witnessed active participation from the members of the judiciary and civil society.
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Indian military doctrine dangerous, ours defensive: Pakistan

Pakistan has said its military doctrine was “purely defensive in nature” and termed India’s “massive militarisation as dangerous” for peace and stability of South Asia.Brushing aside India’s criticism of Pakistan for acquiring modern weapons from the US, foreign office spokesperson Abdul Basit Saturday said: “Our military doctrine is purely defensive in nature”.“It is India’s dangerous military doctrines and massive militarisation that are matters of huge concern for regional stability whereas Pakistan has always acted to protect its legitimate security interests,” The News quoted Basit as saying.He was responding to Indian Defence Minister A.K. Antony’s remarks that New Delhi was not convinced with the US explanation that it was supplying sophisticated arms to Pakistan army to take on the Taliban and Al Qaeda.According to reports, the US has cleared the supply of sophisticated laser-guided bomb kits, 12 surveillance drones and 18 F-16 fighters to enhance Pakistan military’s capability against Taliban and Al Qaeda in restive tribal areas along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.  (thanks to way2online)

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Pro-Telangana lawyers clash with TDP activists

Tension prevailed here Saturday as lawyers supporting the demand for statehood to Telangana clashed with activists of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)Some members of Telangana Lawyers Forum were injured in the clash which took place in the Indira Park area when lawyers tried to disrupt TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu’s speech demanding that he spell out his party’s stand on the Telangana issue. The leader of opposition was addressing TDP, CPI and CPI-M workers at a joint demonstration against the hike in fuel prices.Raising slogans of “Jai Telangana”, the lawyers disrupted Naidu’s speech, evoking a strong reaction from his supporters. Some lawyers sustained bleeding injuries when TDP workers assaulted them.Police arrested the protesting lawyers. Naidu and other leaders were also taken into custody for staging the sit-in.The alleged attack by TDP workers on lawyers triggered protests in other parts of Telangana. In Nizamabad district, lawyers and pro-Telangana activists attacked the TDP office. A similar incident was also reported from Mahabubnagar district.Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) chief K. Chandrasekhara Rao and Telangana Joint Action Committee (JAC) convenor M. Kodanda Ram condemned the attack on lawyers.“TDP leaders in Telangana should now decide whether they want to be with the people of Telangana or Chandrababu Naidu,” said Kodanda Ram blaming Naidu for the attack on lawyers.TDP leader from Telangana and former minister Kadiam Srihari apologised to lawyers for the attack but Naidu said there was no need for it as TDP workers did not resort to violence.Without naming the TRS, the former chief minister regretted that a party was instigating lawyers and preventing other parties from voicing their opinion in a democratic manner.Naidu, who hails from the Ralayalaseema region of the state, continued his silence on Telangana issue while his party leaders stand divided on regional lines.Meanwhile, the issue of price rise rocked the Andhra Pradesh state assembly, which could not transact any business Saturday. Speaker Kirankumar Reddy had to adjourn the house for the day as opposition parties stalled the proceedings demanding an immediate debate on rising prices.              (thanks to way2online)
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PM-INAUGURATE THE WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2010

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh lighting the lamp to inaugurate the Women’s Leadership Summit 2010 on Inclusive Growth and Empowering Women of Rural India, in New Delhi on March 06, 2010.
The Speaker, Lok Sabha, Smt. Meira Kumar and Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Women and Child Development, Smt. Krishna Tirath are also seen.
(Photo by PIB No:CNR-30705)
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Srikrishna panel on Telangana begins work in Hyderabad

On its maiden visit to Hyderabad, the Srikrishna Committee, looking into demands for and views against a separate Telangana state, faced protests by pro-Telangana groups but promised to take all groups along.The five-member committee headed by Justice B.N. Srikrishna began its work Thursday evening with an informal discussion with leaders of recognised political parties at a dinner hosted by Andhra Pradesh Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan.Chief Minister K. Rosaiah, Leader of Opposition N. Chandrababu Naidu of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), ruling Congress party’s state president D.Srinivas and Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) chief K. Chandrasekhara Rao were among the key leaders who attended the dinner.Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president Bandaru Dattatreya, Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) chief K. Chiranjeevi, Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi, Communist Party of India (CPI) state secretary K. Narayana and Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader B.V. Raghavulu were also presen.Earlier, Srikrishna told reporters that it was only an informal meeting. The two-day visit by a five-member committee is aimed to review the arrangements for consultations with political parties and other groups here.Srikrishna, who had to face protests by pro-Telangana lawyers and activists on his arrival at the airport and also at the Lake View guest house, assured to take every party and group along. “I hope that those who are opposing us today will come to us tomorrow to express their opinion,” he said, adding that nobody should doubt the committee’s sincerity and impartiality.His remarks came a day after the TRS, whose legislators resigned last month to protest terms of reference of the committee, decided to make a representation to the panel.The retired Supreme Court justice said the committee was keen to take the common man’s view in Telangana and other regions of the state. It hopes to complete the process of consultations with political parties and various groups by July 31 and submit its report before Dec 31, the term fixed by the central government, he said.When pointed out that major parties were divided on the issue along regional lines and had more than one opinion on the issue, Srikrishna said the committee was ready to hear any number of opinions from each party.The committee’s member secretary V.K. Duggal said they were receiving an average of 50 memorandums from individuals and groups every day. (thanks to way2online)
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Anand Sharma invites Malaysian Investments in Infrastructure, Power and Housing Sectors

(PIB NEWS) Shri Anand Sharma, Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, during a bilateral meeting with Mr. Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of International Trade & Industry, Malaysia here today has invited Malaysian investments into India in sectors such as infrastructure, power, housing, etc. Both the Ministers discussed ways to enhance India-Malaysia trade and investment. They noted that bilateral trade has grown robustly at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate of 29 % during the last five years and has crossed the US $ 10 billion mark in 2008-09. During his interaction, Shri Sharma urged the Malaysian Minister to facilitate the conclusion of India-ASEAN Services & Investment Agreement negotiations. The Ministers also discussed the state of play of the Doha Round negotiations at the WTO. Both sides reviewed the status of India-Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) negotiations and noted that two rounds of negotiations have taken place so far. They mandated officials to conclude the CECA negotiations by the end of 2010. The Malaysian Minister invited Shri Sharma to visit Malaysia in June 2010 along with a business delegation, ============================================================

Commemorating International Women’s Day 2010: A backgrounder

(PIB NEWS) The Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, is organising a series of events to commemorate the occasion of International Women’s Day that is celebrated worldwide on the 8th of March every year. In the run up to the International Women’s Day, the following events are being organised on 6th and 7th of March.
06.03.2010
Women’s Leadership Summit,The Women’s Leadership Summit is an attempt by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to showcase achievements of women who have excelled in different fields. This event, the first of its kind, will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India. Smt. Meira Kumar, the Hon’ble Speaker of the Lok Sabha will deliver a special address on this occasion. Women achievers from diverse fields like the corporate sector, banking, economics, microfinance, media, science, sports, education and law will be present and share their experiences to inspire other women and girls to take on the challenges and excel in their chosen fields. The central theme of the Summit is ‘Inclusive Growth and Empowering Women of Rural India’. This theme is a reflection and reaffirmation of the Government’s commitment to the principle of inclusion that is firmly rooted in our democratic fabric and remains an intrinsic part of our development agenda. With the objective of encouraging debate and discussion on steps required to ensure inclusive growth, two panel discussions will be organised. The panellists, who are achievers in their respective fields, will address the challenges faced by Indian women today in harnessing their potential to become leaders in every arena, be it the family, community, organisation or nation. This Leadership Summit by celebrating the exemplary achievements of women in diverse fields, will motivate women to undertake their own journeys of personal growth.
07.03.2010,
National Consultation on Access to Justice, Relief and Rehabilitation of Rape VictimsIt has been felt that the existing laws on sexual assault don’t address the true nature or deal with various types of sexual assault experienced by women in the country. A Bill aiming to address these gaps is already under consideration. Ministry of Women and Child Development welcomes this step. To take the discussion beyond the existing legislative framework and the need for reforms to other needs of victims, National Consultation on Access to Justice, Relief and Rehabilitation of Rape Victims is being organised on 7th March. The Hon'ble Chief Justice of India and the Hon'ble Minister of Law and Justice will grace the occasion as Chief Guest and Special Plenary Speaker, respectively. The Consultation would have two panel discussions. The first session would focus on 'Legal Framework relating to Sexual Assault.’ This session would be chaired by Hon’ble Justice Ms. Gita Mittal, Judge, High Court of Delhi. The panellists would comprise senior Government Officers, eminent legal practitioners as well as civil society organizations who have demonstrated commitment in ensuring gender justice and equality through activism and advocacy. The objective of the panel discussion would be to elicit opinions within the legislative domain on provisions that need reform as well as to identify new provisions that are gender specific.The second session would be a panel discussion on proposed ‘Scheme for Relief to and Rehabilitation of Victims of Rape'. Hon’ble Justice Ruma Pal, former Judge, Supreme Court of India would chair the session. The panel members would comprise eminent persons who have experience of dealing with various aspects of the issue. The proposed scheme is under formulation in the Ministry to provide relief to victims and facilitate their rehabilitation by providing assistance to overcome the physical and psychological trauma as well as economic hardship.
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‘Paid News’ issue raised in Rajya Sabha under Calling Attention Motion

(PIB NEWS) The‘Paid News’ issue was raised in Rajya Sabha today under Calling Attention Notice tabled by Shri Sitaram Yechury regarding the role of print and electronic media indulging in paid news in disguise as news. The text of Minister of Information & Broadcasting Smt. Ambika Soni’s statement made in response to the Calling Attention Notice is as follows: “The Government is committed to ensuring the right to the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under the Constitution of India. In pursuance of this objective of preserving the freedom of press and maintaining and improving the standard of newspapers in India and to inculcate the principles of self regulation among the press, the Press Council of India (PCI), an autonomous body was set up under the Press Council Act, 1978. The PCI has developed Norms of Journalistic Conduct that cover the principles and ethics regarding journalism. PCI has also laid down guidelines on reporting of specific issues of public and national importance. In 1996, it drew up a set of guidelines that are particularly applicable to financial journalism. PCI has also issued guidelines on reporting of elections. In recent months, however, there have been a number of media reports that sections of the electronic and print media have received monetary considerations for publishing or broadcasting in favour of particular individuals or organizations or corporate entities, what is essentially “advertisement” disguised as “news”. This has been commonly referred to as the “paid news syndrome”. While this is not a new phenomenon, it has attracted greater public attention of late and is being widely discussed and debated across the country. It has been reported that the owners of some media organizations have financial relationships, including share-holdings, with advertisers. Further, cases have been reported wherein identical articles with photographs and headlines have appeared in competing publications carrying bylines of different authors or sometimes even without bylines, around the same time. On the same page of specific newspapers, articles have been printed during elections, projecting rival candidates, both as winning candidates! While it is widely agreed that it is not easy to find proof for such malpractices, there exists strong circumstantial evidence. It is, however, very commendable that this issue of “paid news” has been vigorously raised by some sections of the media themselves. The Editors Guild of India has in its press note on this issue dated 23.12.2009 condemned this unethical practice and called upon all editors of the country to desist from publishing any form of advertisements which masquerade as news. They went on to say that it is imperative that news organizations clearly distinguish between news and advertisements with full and proper disclosure norms, so that no reader and viewer is tricked by any subterfuge of advertisements published and broadcast in the same format, language and style of news. The Indian Women Press Corp, a body of working women journalists from print, TV and online media are also highlighting this issue in a seminar being held in a few days from now in order to build an opinion against this malpractice. The Andhra Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (A.P.U.W.J.) conducted a detailed sample survey to highlight the manner in which newspapers had published “paid news” items. A number of senior journalists have formally complained about the phenomenon of “paid news” to the Press Council of India and the Election Commission of India. In view of all this, the PCI has constituted a Sub-Committee to consider this issue and collect evidence from stakeholders, including the Election Commission of India. The representatives of Election Commission of India in their interaction with the Sub-Committee on 16.12.2009 desired the Council to define what constituted “paid news” so that expenditure incurred by the political parties and the candidates become accountable. The Committee has also met representatives of Indian Newspapers Society (INS) and Indian Language Newspapers Association (ILNA). The Committee also held its meeting at Mumbai on 27th & 28th January 2010 to interact with the stake holders. As part of evidence gathering exercise, the Committee also visited Hyderabad on 9th & 10th February, 2010 and met stake-holders. The representatives of A.P.U.W.J. named six newspapers, carrying numerous paid news stories. The report of this Committee is likely to be placed before the Council by the end of March for further action. This phenomenon of “paid news” is therefore, a serious matter as it influences the functioning of a free press. The media, acts as a repository of public trust for conveying correct and true information to the people. However, when paid information is presented as news content, it could mislead the public and thereby hamper their judgment to form a correct opinion. Thus, there is no denying the fact that there is an urgent need to protect public’s right to correct and unbiased information. It is important that all sections of society should introspect on this issue as it has wide ranging implications for our democratic structure.”
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1.30 cr to be spent on Aurangabad Municipal polls

Aurangabad:(Syed Khaja Sohel.Correspondent) The Municipal Corporation (AMC) would be spending Rs.1.30 crore on its elections slated to be held in April ,this year.The number of voters has risen by 1.5 lakh thus time around .In 2005,there were 5.78 lakh voters in 98 wards while this time seven lakh voters are expected to exercise their of franchise from 99 wards. The Pundaliknagar was attached to the civic body after 2005.The election expenses include preparation of new voters list paying of honorarium to staff on election duty , video cameras, erection of pandals and others election works .The AMC would be spending around Rs.14 on each voter.The expenses have gone up by 30 per cent as the cost of election equipment has risen. Moreover, honorarium of the staff has increased after implementation of the sixth pay commission recommendations.Meanwhile, the AMC administration is having sleepless nights over the possible expenditure as it is already reeling under financial crises. The AMC had made a provision of Rs.50 lakh in its annual budget of 2009-10 for the elections. The remaining amount will be raised after passing vote on accounts as per the directives of the state election commission (SEC).Out of 5.78 lakh voters, a total of 3.78 lakh voters (including 197871 men) cast votes in 2005 general election. The voting percentage was 65.45 pc.
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Hyderabad to have underground power cables: CM

Hyderabad will soon have underground power cables in phases, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah informed the State Assembly today.

In a written reply to Mr D Sudheer Reddy of Congress, he said laying of underground power cables in the city was being taken up in a phased manner under funding by the Power Finance Corporation, the Andhra Pradesh Central Power Distribution Company Limited (APCPDCL) and the Andhra Pradesh Transmission Corporation (APTRANSCO).The laying of underground cables was necessited as television, internet and broadband cables were running over electricity poles indiscriminately, causing a lot of inconvenience to department staff for climbing up the poles to attend regular maintenance works, he said.
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Chief Minister Rosaiah, expresses shock over plane crash

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah today expressed shock and anguish over the crash of a navy aircraft on the penthouse of a building during the air show at the opening of the India Aviation-2010 air show here.He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family members of the pilot and the co-pilot, who were killed in the crash.The Chief Minister asked the Air show organisers to ensure no such accidents take place during such shows, which are witnessed by a large number of people. (thanks to newkerala)
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"I LOVE MY INDIA" but country rejected me,laments Maqbul Fida Hussain,

Political leaders, intellectuals and artists in India kept silent when right-wing outfits targeted him, legendary painter M.F.Hussain says “with deep pain” in his heart.“I still love India. But India doesn’t need me. I am saying this with deep pain in heart,” Hussain told Gulf Madhyamam, Kerala-based Malayalam daily Madhyamam’s Doha edition, in an interview.“India is my motherland. I can’t hate my motherland. But India rejected me. Then why should I stay in India?” the 95-year-old painter said in his first interview after accepting Qatar citizenship.“When Sangh Parivar outfits targeted me, all kept silent. No one, including political leadership, artists or intellectuals came forward to speak for me. But I know the fact that 90 percent of the people of India love me. They are with me,” he said.“Only 10 percent of people, including some politicians, are against me,” Husain said.Husain has dozens of lawsuits against him across the country for his paintings of goddesses that some Hindus find sacrilegous. The artist has been living abroad as a fugitive since 2006.He said he was not worried as people across the world love him.“India’s continuing governments could not protect me. So, it is very difficult for me to stay in such a country. Politicians are eyeing only votes.”“Now, they are asking me to come back. I was in exile…There was no one to speak for me. No governments recalled me. Now they are asking me to return after one country offered me citizenship. How can I trust a political leadership that refused to protect me?” he said.“Is there any surety that I would be given protection in India?” Hussain asked.He stressed that the cases against him went against an artist’s self-expression, and maintained that he did not want to hurt anyone’s sentiments.“It is a move against art and the artist’s self-expression. I never intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments through the art,” he said.“I only expressed my soul’s creativity through art. Art’s language is universal language. People who love it beyond all narrow viewpoints are my strength,” he said.“I enjoy complete freedom in Qatar. Now Qatar is my place. Here no one controls my freedom of expression. I am very happy here,” he said.Hussain added that he would visit India, if he gets the opportunity.  (thanks to way2online)
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