India and U.S. Launched Historic Partnership to guide Economic Cooperation

Finance Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee and U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Timothy F. Geithner launched the India-U.S. Financial and Economic Partnership to strengthen bilateral engagement and understanding on macroeconomic, financial sector and infrastructure-related issues, here today. The Partnership’s launch affirmed the commitment of India and U.S. to cooperate on economic and financial issues - both critical in addressing shared challenges and achieving shared goals in this century. “India and the United States are bound by common values of “democracy, market economies and pluralism”, I am confident that this Partnership launch will unleash the energy and enterprise of people. It will make the relationship between two nations more vibrant and also help address global challenges”, stated the Finance Minister Shri Mukherjee. “This Partnership creates a framework that is commensurate with the growing importance of our economic relationship and the significant business and cultural ties that already exist between our two nations. Deepening our ties with India is critical to the broader global effort to develop a framework for a strong, sustainable and balanced growth and will facilitate more trade, investment and job creation in our two countries”, said Secretary Geithner. The newly-launched dialogue will encompass discussions of economic developments in both countries as well as bilateral policy actions in the broader context of the G-20 commitment to strong, sustainable and balanced growth. The ministers agreed that they, and their senior officials, will continue to consult closely on topics of mutual interest and concern. Given the significant infrastructure needs in the years ahead, the Partnership will also serve as a forum to share experiences and engage in a robust and ongoing dialogue on infrastructure financing, including the potential of private-public partnerships to unlock private sector financing for critical investment. The Partnership will meet next at the Cabinet level in the United States, led by Secretary Geithner and Minister Mukherjee. Working group meetings, at the level of senior officials and experts, will be held during the year to advance discussions on specific economic policy areas. At the inaugural Partnership session, working group discussions focused on macroeconomic policies needed to sustain growth in incomes and jobs; measures to reform financial regulation, deepen capital markets as a means to improve growth and increasing financing for infrastructure investment critical to future productivity and economic growth. Following is the Joint Statement issued by the Finance Minister Shri Mukherjee and Secretary Geithner at the launch of India - U.S. Financial and Economic Partnership: “Today, Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner launched the India - U.S. Financial and Economic Partnership, cementing the economic bonds between our two nations, and building a foundation for greater cooperation and economic growth in the future. The ability and commitment of the U.S. and India to cooperate on Financial and Economic issues are important to the economic success of both nations, and the world, and will assist in addressing shared challenges and achieving shared goals in this century. The Partnership between the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, and the U.S. Department of the Treasury intends to focus on three broad areas – macroeconomic policy, financial sector reforms, and infrastructure financing – and expects to meet at the Cabinet level once a year, alternating between the United States and India, led by Secretary Geithner and Minister Mukherjee. Working group and sub-cabinet level meetings are to be held during the year to advance discussions on specific economic policy areas. Economic growth and stability are at the core of our engagement. India and the United States have a mutual interest in a strong recovery from the financial crisis and preventing the recurrence of similar crises in the future. Our dialogue is designed to encompass discussions of economic challenges in our two countries, as well as in the broader context of the G-20 commitment to strong, sustainable, and balanced growth. Our expanded partnership will build on our existing dialogue on regulatory issues, and serve as a vehicle to discuss strategies to promote in both countries financial sector reforms, deepen capital markets, including more liquid debt markets, and increase financing for investments. India and the United States have significant infrastructure needs. We aim to share experiences and intend a robust and ongoing dialogue on the potential for private-public partnerships to unlock financing for critical infrastructure investment.”
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Popular support leading to Maoist attacks on security forces?

Hyderabad, April 6 : Security forces in states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Orissa are coming under more attack from Maoists because the rebels enjoy considerable support among people especially tribals, feel some former police officials in Andhra Pradesh.These officers blame the lack of development in remote tribal areas and lack of coordination between police and paramilitary forces for the rising number of attacks. According to a former police chief, both intelligence failure as well as lack of coordination between local authorities and paramilitary forces were responsible for Tuesday's massacre of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in Chhattisgarh. Former director general of police P. Ramulu said local police officials should have accompanied the CRPF men in the dense forests where they had gone looking for Maoists. "During such operations local officials should accompany the paramilitary forces to guide them and give suggestions as the forces may not be fully well-versed with local conditions and topography," Ramulu said. He felt that in states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Orissa the police and security forces were coming under repeated attacks as the Maoists had considerable support among people, especially tribals. Another former police official said Andhra Pradesh could succeed in tackling the Maoist threat as it not only used the forces, especially the anti-Maoist Greyhounds, effectively but also took up series of welfare schemes which resulted in the Maoists losing people's support. Ramulu, who is also a leader of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), underlines the need to take up development works in forest areas in states like Chhattisgarh. Pointing out that there was a feeling among tribals that governments were depriving them of their rights by allotting natural resources to multinational companies, he called upon the governments in those states to take steps to address this issue. The former police chief also found fault with the policy of the central government in dealing with Maoists. He wanted a uniform policy for the entire country. "Different policies in different states are leading to this kind of incidents," he said and called for a single command for the Operation Greenhunt in various states for better results. Andhra Pradesh, a traditional stronghold of Maoists, effectively put down the threat in the last four years by eliminating over 300 guerrillas including top leaders.
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Police grill Shoaib on Ayesha marriage, seize passport

Hyderabad/New Delhi, April 5 : Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik, who is to marry Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, was Monday grilled by police here and his passport was seized on a complaint of cheating filed by a Hyderabad resident who claims to be his first wife.Police quizzed Shoaib for nearly two hours at Sania Mirza's home and seized his passport for investigations a day after booking a case of cheating, harassment and criminal intimidation against him on complaint of Ayesha Siddiqui. The Central Crime Station (CCS) of police launched the probe by questioning Shoaib, recording statement of Ayesha and identifying 10 to 15 witnesses. Police, who have alerted immigration authorities not to allow Shoaib to fly out of the country, also conveyed the details of the case to the central government while the cricketer claimed that the Pakistani high commissioner in New Delhi spoke to him over phone and assured all possible legal assistance. Police Commissioner A.K. Khan told reporters Monday evening, "If it becomes necessary to arrest somebody we will arrest. But it will be based on how the case evolves and what sort of evidences we come across." Accompanied by Sania Mirza, Shoaib, former captain of Pakistan cricket team, spoke to media persons outside her residence here and both declared they would marry here April 15 as scheduled. "I am here for my marriage and to clear my name. I will, Inshallah, clear my name and am cooperating with the police and the Indian government. I will do everything," Shoaib told reporters here. Facing a volley of questions, the Pakistani batsman maintained that he had done nothing wrong and hence there was no question of his apologising to anybody. He also challenged Ayesha to come before the media, adding the world would know the truth once she comes out of the house. "I have never met the girl whose photographs were sent to me. I don't know who is Ayesha. I used to call her (the girl who is claiming to be his first wife) Maha Apa, and 'Apa' means elder sister," Shoaib said. "I am here, why doesn't she come before the camera. And I will answer all the questions." "Nobody can touch me till charges against me are proved," he said when asked if he feared arrest. A tense-looking Sania said she was upset over the allegations but claimed she knew the truth. "Our marriage will, Inshallah, take place on April 15. There is no question of postponing it," she said. To questions by reporters that Ayesha alleged she had got pregnant after her "marriage" with him and had a "miscarriage", Shoaib said: "Let her first prove it, and then let's probe it." In New Delhi, Shoaib's lawyer Ramesh Gupta said Malik had told him not to file for anticipatory bail since he was cooperating with the Hyderabad police.
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Government Advises Caution to workers Seeking jobs in Malaysia

(PIB NEWS) It has come to the notice of the government that a large number of workers misguided by some unscrupulous Indian as well as Malaysian Recruiting Agents (RAs) are emigrating to Malaysia without proper documentation about their employment, foreign employer and employment contract etc. As a result such Indian workers become vulnerable to exploitation by their employers in Malaysia and often get stranded in Malaysia without work and then lodge complaints in the Indian High Commission at Kuala Lumpur. Indian High Commission at Kuala Lumpur has formulated guidelines for Indian workers who want to take up legal employment in Malaysia. The Indian workers intending to seek legal employment in Malaysia should get themselves familiarized with the laws and working conditions in Malaysia. These guidelines are available on the website www.mohr.gov.my. The Indian workers planning to take up legal employment in Malaysia, should take the following steps, on arrival in Malaysia: (i) Obtain a resident permit or identity card and a labour card immediately, (ii) Keep their passports in safe custody and not part with their travel document, (i.e., passport) and employment contract signed by them in India,(iii) At least, a copy of the passport should always be carried by them at all times, (iv) They should not sign another employment contract or any blank paper during his/her stay in Malaysia,
(v) In case of loss of passport or copy of the employment contract, a report may be lodged with the Indian High Commission immediately,
(vi) They should get themselves apprised about the working conditions in Malaysia,(vii) They should note that strike by workers in Malaysia is an illegal act under Malaysian Law.
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PM-paying at samadhi babu jagjivan ram,

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh paying floral tributes at the Samadhi of Babu Jagjivan Ram on his 103rd Birth Anniversary, at Samta Sthal, in Delhi on April 05, 2010.    (Photo by PIB No:CNR-31092)
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Achievements of Maulana Azad Education Foundation during 2009-10

(PIB NEWS) Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF), functioning under the aegis of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, provided scholarships to 15,070 meritorious girl students belonging to Minority communities during 2009-10. Under this scheme it spent an amount of Rs. 18.08 crore. Under the Grants-in-aid to NGOs, MAEF sanctioned Rs. 13.37 crore to 105 NGOs during the last fiscal ending on 31st March 2010. MAEF, established in 1989, is a voluntary, non-political, non-profit making Society registered under the Societies Registration Act. Union Minister for Minority Affairs is the ex-officio President of the Foundation.The schemes of the MAEF are mainly of two types, viz.; Grants-in-aid to NGOs for construction and expansion of schools/hostels, technical/vocational training centres with emphasis on girl students; and Scholarships to Meritorious Girl Students from the Minorities.
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Andhra Pradesh CM calls for strengthening Indo-Australian ties

Hyderabad, Apr 5: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah today underlined the need to strengthen the Indo-Australian ties in different spheres.He also stressed the need to clear the air about the safety of Indian students in Australia in view of the recent attacks on them, at an interaction with an Australian delegation sponsored by Mr DSN Murthy, Managing Director and CEO, Dhanush Infotech, a release from the Chief Minister's office said.The team has been touring India to build better bilateral relationship in areas such as education, business, trade, culture, sports etc. The delegation was led by Mr Rajendra Nimje, former IAS officer who had worked as Secretary of Higher Education in Andhra Pradesh government. He said bilateral delegations and discussions would help improve the ties. Dr Rosaiah was speaking to the Australian delegation which met him today.The Chief Minister said both Hyderabad and Australian cities could cooperate in areas like IT, BT, Infrastructure, Agriculture, Mining, Irrigation, and Water Resources. Both sides agreed to pursue next level of consultation in these areas by sending an Andhra Pradesh Business Delegation to Australia.A proposal has been put forth to establish a Sister City relationship between Hyderabad and two Australian cities of Brisbane and Ipswich which share great commonalities and are planning to enhance cooperation and business ties. (photo by etemaad)
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BJP forms fact-finding team to probe old city riots

Hyderabad, Apr 5 : The BJP today announced that it has constituted a Fact-Finding Team (FFT) to probe the cause for last week's riots in the old city of Hyderabad, and the handling of the situation after the riots by police and the administration.According to a press release here, BJP National Official spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman, holding AIMIM squarely responsible for riots, alleged that the ruling Congress government was completely bullied by their ally AIMIM. The government was ''turning a blind eye to the atrocities perpetrated by the AIMIM''.''Even during the curfew, AIMIM legislators are moving about freely. The media has reported that in the vicinity of the murder site, one MLA of the MIM was present. The Hyderabad MP belonging to the AIMIM, in blatant violation of the curfew rules, was staging a dharna in front of the police and was not arrested,'' she claimed.Criticising the Congress party on its failure to ''prevent the violence and restore peace in the affected areas'', Ms Sitharaman said, ''even today, several areas are under curfew. The failure of the government in not arresting those who knifed innocent citizens till today speaks volumes about their commitment to the law of the land.''
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Day curfew lifted in riot-hit old city

Hyderabad, Apr 5 : The indefinite curfew clamped in the old city of Hyderabad in the wake of killing of two people since March 27 was lifted for nine hours from 0800 hrs today, providing the much-needed relief to the common man.With normalcy returning to the city after posting of nearly 30 companies of central para-military forces, besides state police personnel, including the elite OCTOPUS personnel, the authorities decided to lift curfew during day time. ''If the present situation continued, curfew could be lifted fully in a couple of days,'' Additional Commissioner of Police (Coordination) Ch D.Tirumala Rao told mediapersons. Mr Rao warned that ''if the situation takes a bad turn, we will have no option but to reimpose curfew''.As a precautionary measure, prohibitory orders were promulgated in the entire city. Police also urged political party leaders not to organise any processions or 'dharnas' as the same might prove detrimental to peace. Police also banned pillion riding on two-wheelers by adult men from 2300 hrs to 0600 hrs to avoid any trouble by miscreants. Indefinite curfew was first imposed in 17 police station limits of South Zone on March 29 and extended to eight more police station limits in West, Central and East zones as violence spread to these zones.Police had so far arrested 165 people in connection with 152 cases between March 27 and March 31, while another 100 people were let off after taking them into preventive custody. No breakthrough had been achieved into the murder cases so far.
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Ayesha was pregnant, had miscarriage: Family

Cricketer Shoaib Malik and tennis star Sania Mirza’s marriage saga got murkier Monday as Hyderabad resident Ayesha Siddique’s family claimed she was not only married to the former Pakistan team skipper, but also got pregnant and suffered a miscarriage.While Shoaib has denied marriage with Ayesha, the latter’s family claimed that they lived as man and wife.“She was pregnant and had a miscarriage. Shoaib knew about it but did not bother,” Shams Babar, a family friend of Ayesha, told reporters outside her house in Banjara Hills.He along with Ayesha’s lawyer also alleged that the Pakistani cricketer physically and mentally abused her. They declined to answer queries saying this would be proved in the court of law.A day after Shoaib, in his statement, denied meeting Ayesha, Babar said the two had met 14 times. “We have solid proof to nail Shoaib,” Babar said.“I am warning Shoaib not to make it worse by prolonging it. He should admit it and make a public apology like a good man and give divorce to Ayesha,” he said.

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Women’s commission approached in Ayesha-Shoaib case

An online complaint has been registered with the National Commission of Women (NCW) urging the women’s rights panel to take action in the controversy surrounding Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik’s alleged marriage to Ayesha Siddiqui.Acting on the basis of media reports, Naresh Kadiyan, a social activist from Haryana, has registered a complaint on Ayesha’s behalf that the girl had been subjected to cruelty and harassed for dowry.An NCW complaint cell official said: “Suitable action will be taken in this case only once a competent authority like a member approves the case. There will be a probe after that only. ”Ayesha, who claims to be Malik’s wife, Sunday lodged a police complaint in Hyderabad against him for cheating her after it was announced that he planned to marry Indian tennis star Sania Mirza April 15.Ayesha complained that Shoaib was warning her to keep mum and was going ahead with his second marriage with Mirza without divorcing her. Ayesha filed the complaint under sections 498 A (harassment), 420 (cheating) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code.“We registered the complaint online yesterday (Sunday). I spoke to the designated counsellor. He appears to be on leave but has assured me that action will be taken at the earliest, within three weeks, since the case has come in the media eye,” Kadiyan, who heads non-government organisation People for Animals Haryana, said.Kadiyan said he did not know Ayesha or her family.“I don’t know the girl. I just wanted that if it is a case of harassment then the issue should be probed and action taken. Let police verify if there is any truth in what she (Ayesha) says. If yes we will support her, else we will withdraw support,” he added.
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Will not leave India till my name is cleared: Shoaib

Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik Monday said he would not leave India till his name is cleared in the controversy surrounding his alleged first marriage to a city  girl. Accompanied by his bride-to-be, Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, he spoke to media persons outside her residence here and declared that they would marry April 15 as scheduled.“I am here for my marriage and to clear my name. I will Inshaallah clear my name and am cooperating with the police and Indian government. I will do everything,” Shoaib told reporters here in a chaotic press conference.Facing a volley of questions, the Pakistani batsman maintained that he had done nothing wrong and hence there was no question of apologising.He also challenged Ayesha Siddiqui to come before the media, adding the world would know the truth once she comes out.“I have never met the girl whose photographs were sent to me. I don’t know who is Ayesha. I used to call her (the girl who is claiming to be his first wife) Maha Apa and Apa means elder sister,” Shoaib said.“I am here, why doesn’t she come before the camera, and I will answer all the questions."The cricketer admitted that police had taken away his passport after the questioning Monday morning but was confident that he would get it back by the evening. “Nobody can touch me till charges against me are proved,” he said when asked if he fears arrest.He said the Pakistani high commissioner in India spoke to him and assured him full assistance in clearing his name.A tense-looking Sania said she was upset over the allegations but claimed she knew the truth. “Our marriage will Inshallah take place on April 15. There is no question of postponing it,” she said.“We are representing our countries in different ways, and it is very painful to speak on such matters,” Sania said.Shoaib also termed Ayesha’s allegations “a cheap publicity gimmick”.To questions by reporters that Ayesha alleged she had got pregnant after her “marriage” with Shoaib and had had a “miscarriage”, Shoaib said: “Let her first prove it, and then let’s probe it.”
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India assures full legal aid to 17 on death row in UAE

India has assured full legal assistance to 17 Indians sentenced to death for killing a Pakistani national in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the Indian consulate in Sharjah tapped prominent lawyers to argue their case.“They are in good health. We have assured them of full legal assistance,” a government source said here.“The appeal in a higher court will be made within two months of the judgment,” the the source added.“We will provide them whatever help they need,” the source said.The source added that the authorities in Sharjah have been meeting top-end lawyers to seek their assistance and the appeal to the higher court will be made within the prescribed period of two weeks from the date of judgment by the lower court.The Indians are pleading innocence, the sources confirmed.Relatives of the 17 Indians, who are mostly from Punjab, have demanded Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s intervention in rescuing them.External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna has also assured support to them, saying New Delhi will stand by them if they appeal in a higher court.The Indians were accused of killing a Pakistani and injuring three more following a row over illegal alcohol business.Early this week, Indian consulate officials in Dubai got access to all 17 Indians placed in an UAE prison
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Ayesha Siddique files police complaint against Shoaib Malik,

Hyderabad, April 4: Ayesha Siddiqui, who claims to be the first wife of Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik, Sunday lodged a police complaint against him for cheating her.In her complaint to Banjara Hills police station, Ayesha also complained that Shoaib was warning her to keep mum and was going ahead with his second marriage with Indian tennis star Sania Mirza without divorcing her. In the complaint, filed by Ayesha's father M.A. Siddiqui on her behalf, she also accused Shoaib of harassment. Police said they would investigate the complaint before taking any action. "We have only received a complaint. We will go into it before taking further action," said Assistant Commissioner of Police R. Ravinder Reddy. Ayesha has filed the complaint under sections 498 A (harassment), 420 (cheating) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. She alleged that the Pakistani cricketer had offered her USD 1 million to keep mum on their first marriage. She also stated that he was threatening her for speaking to the media. Police may record Ayesha's statement before registering a case against Shoaib, who is staying at Sania Mirza's house here. Legal experts said if a case is booked against Shoaib, his passport may be seized and he may be prevented from leaving India until the investigations are completed. Earlier, Shoaib rejected Ayesha's demand for a divorce, saying he signed a 'nikahnama' or marriage document for marrying a girl whose photographs she had been sending. Shoaib told reporters that he was in Hyderabad for the marriage with Sania Mirza April 15. (photo from allvoices) 
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Curfew relaxed for 6 hours in two phases

Hyderabad Apr 4: The indefinite curfew, clamped in 25 police station limits in Hyderabad since Monday last in the wake of killing of two people in communal violence since March 27, was relaxed for six hours in two phases, providing much needed relief to the people reeling under restrictions for the seventh day today.Relieved over the return of peace to trouble-torn areas, the Hyderabad Police first relaxed curfew for three hours from 0700 hrs in eight Police Stations of Tappachabutra, Asifnagar, Mangalhat, Kulsumpura,Shahinayathgunj, Habeebnagar, Begumbazar and Afzalgunj in West-East-Central zones. Curfew was then relaxed for another three hours from 1000 hrs in 17 Police Station limits in Charminar, Hussainialam, Kamatipura, Bahadhurpura, Kalapathar, Falaknuma, Chatrinaka, Shahalibanda, Moghalpura, Bhavaninagar, Dabeerpura, Mirchowk, Reinbazar, Madannapet, Santhoshnagar, Kanchanbagh and Chandrayangutta, in the communally sensitive South Zone. Thousands of young and old came out of their homes and queued up to buy milk vegetables and groceries. Long queues were also seen in front of medical shops.City Police Commissioner A K Khan told mediapersons that if the present situation continued, they would consider lifting curfew during daytime tomorrow. Police continued heavy deployment of central para-military forces, besides the state forces including the elite OCTOPUS personnel, even as authorities made extensive arrangements for distribution of essential commodities, commoners complained that unscrupulous traders were charging double the market rate to make a quick money. No untoward incident was reported during the curfew relaxation period, Mr Khan said. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah had asked the police to consider relaxation of curfew for a longer spell to reduce the hardships of the general public, while taking stern action against trouble-makers and rumour mongers.                    (photo by RSJ Thomas)
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Shoaib says no 'Nikah' took place with Ayesha

Hyderabad, April 4: Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik Sunday claimed that no 'nikah' or marriage took place with Ayesha Siddiqui and hence there was no need for him to divorce her.In his first comments over his alleged first marriage with Ayesha Siddiqui, Shoaib said he signed the 'nikahnama' thinking that he was marrying the girl whose photographs were sent to him. He quoted chief qazi of Hyderabad as saying that the 'nikah' was not valid as it did not meet the conditions prescribed in Islam. The cricketer released a statement to the press in front of the residence of Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, who he is marrying April 15 here. The Pakistani claimed that Ayesha Siddiqui was the girl who had introduced herself as Maha Apa or elder sister of Ayesha and had taken him around in Hyderabad during his visits. Shoaib said he or his brother-in-law could never meet Ayesha during their visits to Hyderabad. Shoaib, who arrived here has been staying at Sania's house for the last two days, came out to release the statement to the waiting media but declined to answer queries saying his lawyer would answer them. A nervous-looking Shoaib told reporters that the marriage with Sania would take place in Hyderabad on April 15. "I have come here for my wedding with Sania Mirza and we are happy," he said. Shoaib said Sania knew the truth and she had been supportive of him. To a query about Sania's tennis career, he said she would play as long as she wished to play. "She has been representing India and will continue to represent India," he said to another query. Shoaib claimed that Ayesha had starting making phone calls to him in 2001 when he was in Sharjah with the Pakistani team. "Naturally I wanted to meet her. Every time I brought up the topic of meeting, she would send me a bunch of photographs," the statement said. The cricketer claimed that he was made to believe that he was speaking to the girl in the photograph. "The truth is that I have, to this day, not met the girl in the photograph," he said. He said when he came to Hyderabad in 2002 to meet Ayesha, he was told that she had left for Saudi Arabia for some urgent work. "She told me over phone that Rema and Maha Apa would take me around," he claimed. Later, Shoaib was informed that Ayesha was not meeting him as she had put on weight and would come before him only after shedding some weight. He was also told that the photographs sent to him were old ones. The Pakistani said in 2002 Ayesha forced him into marriage over telephone saying people in Hyderabad had started talking about their relationship and this had put her parents in embarrassing position. "We accidentally ran into the truth about who Ayesha was. It was worst moment of my life. No one enjoys being made a fool of and that was exactly how I was made fool of," he said. "It happened in August 2005. My brother-in-law got a photograph of a teacher in Saudi Arabia who was telling people around her that Shoaib is married to me. His nephews were studying in that school. I was aghast when he showed me the photograph of the teacher. The woman in the photograph was the woman I called Maha Apa." "I immediately confronted Maha Apa. I told her I didn't want to speak to her again. I told Ayesha I was going to release photographs she had been mailing me to the media. She apologized and told me that the other girl was married and that I would ruin her life if I release the photographs. I thought about it, who so ever is in the photograph does not even know about all this and it would not be fair to release the pictures."
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Expelled SP leader Jaya Prada celebrates birthday in tirumala

Tirumala, Apr 3: On the occasion at her birthday, expelled Samajwadi party leader Jaya Prada offered prayers at the hill shrine of venkateswara swamy temple here this evening.The yester year glamour heroine-turned politician Jaya Prada who arrived here along with her family members, had darshan of the lord Bajali during the VIP break and after darshan, she was presented sri vari prasadams by the TTD officials.Later briefing mediapersons, she said that Uttar Pradesh people have supported her in all her political endeavours during her political career.Replying to a question, she said that she would contest in the next elections from Andhra Pradesh and remained tight lipped over contesting from the party concerned.
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Shoaib still in Sania's house, marriage may be advanced

Hyderabad, April 4: Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik continued to stay in the residence of Indian tennis star Sania Mirza amid speculation that their marriage was being advanced to avoid any problems due to the raging row over Shoaib's alleged first marriage with a resident of this city.Shoaib, who arrived here Friday night from Dubai, did not come out of Sania's house in Jubilee Hills. With Sania's relatives and friends visiting her till late Saturday night, speculation was already doing the rounds that the marriage, originally scheduled for April 15, had been advanced. Sania's family is reportedly in touch with a qazi to solemnize the marriage. Sources said it would only be a reception which Sania's family would host at a star hotel here on April 15 but the marriage could take place much before that. Some television channels captured the duo dancing Saturday night and Sania's friends confirmed about the festivities being held at home. Unfazed by the threats by Ayesha Siddiqui to launch legal proceedings against him for cheating, Shoaib landed in Hyderabad Friday night and was spotted at Sania's house Saturday. Shoaib reportedly cleared the air over serious allegations levelled by Ayesha and her parents. Sania's family was apparently convinced by his claim that Ayesha cheated him by using the photographs of another girl. While admitting that he signed the 'nikahnama', Shoaib reportedly told Sania and her parents that he did not marry Ayesha. Sania, in her Twitter page, said they knew the "truth" and had confidence in god's justice. With dozens of media persons with cameras and OB vans surrounding her house in Jubilee Hills and obstructing the guests, Sania's family Sunday sought police protection. Some policemen in addition to her private security guards were deployed at the house. Meanwhile, the family of Ayesha Siddiqui said they were going ahead with the legal proceedings against Shoaib to get a formal divorce from him. They want Shoaib to give divorce to her before marrying Sania and have hired a lawyer in Pakistan to file a case against him.
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25th Accountants’ General Conference to begin from 5th April, 2010 in New Delhi

(PIB NEWS) 25th Conference of Accountants General is being held for 5 days from 05 to 09 April 2010. Conference of Accountants General is held almost every two years to discuss contemporary issues in relation fulfilling the role and responsibilities of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India and transforming the audit as an effective tool for good governance. The Accountants’ General conferences conclude with specific recommendations for internal and external reforms to enhance the effectiveness of audit. The recommendations upon their approval by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India are implemented to realize the value from the deliberations of all Accountants General. The fundamental objective of this conference is to deliberate on ‘Transformation of Indian Audit & Accounts Department: Consolidation, Expansion and Innovation’. More than 120 Accountants General and Principal Accountants General, responsible for audit of the Union and State Governments and for maintenance of accounts of the State Governments, shall be attending the conference. The theme papers for deliberation in the conference include (i) Adoption of Best Practices in Audit Function; (ii) Institutional Frame Work for Integrated Audit; (iii) Performance Auditing; (iv) Audit and Risk Management; and (iv) Accounting as an enabler for Good Governance and more effective Audit. In addition the new draft ‘Public Audit Bill’ forwarded by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India to the Government will also be discussed during the conference. The conference shall be inaugurated by Smt. Meira Kumar, Speaker of the Lok Sabha on 05 April 2010 at 11.30 AM in the Auditorium of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Pocket 9, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg, New Delhi. Shri Gopinath Munde, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament and Shri Vinod Rai, Comptroller and Auditor General of India will also address the inauguration session. A special feature of this conference will be a Stakeholders’ Panel Discussion on 06 April 2010 during 10 AM to 1 PM in the Auditorium of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Pocket 9, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg, New Delhi, in which eminent personages from public life, media, business and professions will participate. The theme of the stakeholders’ panel discussion is “Expectations from CAG”. It will afford an opportunity to deliberate on what the stakeholders expect from the CAG and to what extent their expectations are fulfilled. It is for the first time that this type of wide external stakeholder’s panel discussion is organized during the Accountants’ General conference. The stakeholders’ panel discussion shall be attended by eminent personages, which includes Smt Sheila Dixit, Chief Minister of Delhi, Shri Deepak Parekh, Chairman HDFC, Shri Shekhar Gupta, Editor-in-Chief, Indian Express, Shri T.N.Ninan, Chairman and MD, Business Standard and Shri T. Mohandas Pai, Director (HR and E&R), Infosys Technologies Limited. The valedictory function of the conference will be addressed by the Finance Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee on 09 April 2010 at 1 PM in Auditorium of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Pocket 9, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg, New Delhi. ======================================================

Stern action to be taken against troublemakers: Andhra Pradesh CM

Hyderabad, Apr 3: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah today advised to the Hyderabad City Police Commissioner to consider relaxation of curfew for a longer spell to reduce the hardships of the general public.

At the same time, he warned that stern action would be taken against troublemakers and rumour mongers while normalcy was returning in Hydetabad. The Chief Minister held a review meeting on the latest situation in the old city areas with ministers, DGP and other top officials from camp office soon after his return from Chittoor today.He expressed satisfaction that the situation was fast improving in the old city areas and that there were no untoward incidents in the curfew and non-curfew areas.The Chief Minister thanked all religious leaders and political parties for their whole-hearted cooperation in bringing back normalcy in the old city areas. Mr Rosaiah said Hyderabad was historically known for peace and communal harmony and hence ''it was our paramount duty to keep aloft the 'Brand Hyderabad' name.'' The DGP explained to the Chief Minister that the situation was by and large peaceful in the curfew and non-curfew areas. There were no untoward incidents when the curfew was relaxed in the old city areas today. He was told that milk, vegetables and other essential commodities were supplied through selected outlets in sufficient quantities. The Chief Minister specifically told them not to cause any inconvenience to patients who need emergency medical services. He also advised the City Commissioner of Police to extend the curfew relaxation period taking the situation into consideration to reduce hardships of the people.The Chief Minister once again appealed to the people to remain calm and assured that the government will take all necessary steps to restore peace and communal harmony in the city. The Chief Minister once again appealed to the people not to believe in any rumours and baseless provocative SMSs.Mr Rosaiah further said the Government was closely monitoring the situation and would take appropriate action accordingly. Home Minister Ms Sabita Indra Reddy, Chief Secertary S V Parasad, DGP R R Girish Kumar, IG (Intelligence), Mr M Mahender Reddy, City Police Commissioner, Mr A K Khan, Commissioner, GHMC, Mr Sameer Sharma, and other officials were also present at the occasion. (newkerala.com)
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