Setting up of New Training Camps by Lashkar-e-Taiba

(PIB NEWS) July,29,Government has seen reports that the Lashkar-e-Taiba has expanded its operations in Afghanistan and set up training camps. Government continuously monitors the existence and operations of terrorist groups that target India and Indian interests. Government has consistently raised with its international partners, including the Government of Afghanistan, the issue of existence of terrorist sanctuaries in the region which target India and other countries. The Communiqué issued after the Kabul Conference, co-hosted by the Government of Afghanistan and the United Nations, also referred to combating terrorism by ending support, sustenance and sanctuaries for terrorists. Government of India has comprehensively reviewed and enhanced security measures for the safety and security of our personnel and other Indians working in Afghanistan. It is also in regular touch with the Government of Afghanistan, which has assured necessary security for Indians in that country. Government is committed to taking all necessary steps to safeguard the nation’s security. This information was given by the Minister of External Affairs Shri S. M. Krishna in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
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PM’s statement at the Joint Press Conference with his British counterpart

(PIB NEWS) July,29, It is my great privilege to welcome the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom His Excellency David Cameron on his first visit to India. Prime Minister Cameron has a distinguished political career. He brings with him the finest qualities of leadership and a bold vision for Britain and a better and safer world. His presence here, so soon after his election victory in May this year, indicates the strength of the bonds that tie India and the United Kingdom. It also demonstrates the Prime Minister’s strong personal commitment to take our partnership to an even higher level of understanding and purpose. Our discussions were wide ranging, warm and extremely productive. We share the same vision for a renewed and enhanced partnership between our countries. To this end we have agreed on specific initiatives in the areas of economy and trade, science and technology, energy, education, defence, culture and people to people contacts. We have decided to constitute an India-UK CEOs Forum and an India-UK Infrastructure Group. We will work towards doubling our trade in five years. Building upon past experience, we have also agreed to launch a new phase of the UK-India Education and Research Initiative. We will intensify bilateral exchanges at all levels. India and the United Kingdom are natural partners to shape a better world. If we join hands together, we can make a meaningful contribution to addressing the challenges of poverty and development, reform of global institutions, terrorism and climate change. We also reviewed the regional security situation and developments in Afghanistan. There was agreement between us that today terrorism constitutes the single biggest threat to the region and to open and pluralistic societies like ours. We have agreed to further intensify our cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism. Finally, I conveyed to the Prime Minister that the people of India look forward to the Commonwealth Games in Delhi which we hope will further strengthen the spirit of the Commonwealth. With Prime Minister Cameron’s visit we have set in place a new momentum to drive our partnership forward. I have no doubt that this will be good for both our countries, and responds to the wishes and aspiration of both our peoples.
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PM calls Andhra, Maharashtra chief ministers on Babhali row

New Delhi, July 29: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has called a meeting of chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra Aug 2 to discuss the row over the Babhali dam project between the riverine states, official sources said.

The sources said Thursday that the meeting was aimed at addressing apprehensions among political parties in Andhra Pradesh on Maharashtra not sticking to its commitment about the project following Supreme Court directions. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K.Rosaiah had Monday led an all-party delegation to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and urged him to direct the Maharashtra government to dismantle the gates installed at the Babhali barrage and take necessary action to put an end to the dispute. The delegation, which had representatives from all registered political parties in Andhra Pradesh, also urged the prime minister to call a meeting of the chief ministers of the two states to resolve the issue of Babhali barrage and 13 other barrages built on Godavari river, which flows through both states. Political parties in Andhra Pradesh have accused Maharashtra of carrying out illegal construction on the Babhali barrage against a Supreme Court order, but Maharashtra denies it. Andhra Pradesh's opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N. Chandrababu Naidu, along with some supporters had earlier this month entered the Maharashtra border district of Nanded in a bid to go to the site of the Babhali barrage.
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Andhra High Court dismisses petition against power project

Hyderabad, July 29 : The Andhra Pradesh High Court Thursday dismissed a writ petition against the environmental clearance granted to East Coast Energy Pvt. Limited (ECEPL) for developing a thermal power project in Srikakulam district.A division bench headed by Chief Justice Nisar Ahmed Kakru dismissed the petition filed by an NGO, which challenged the environmental clearance on the ground that the project site is a wetland. The court, however, allowed the petitioner to avail the statutory remedy within 30 days. ECEPL is developing a 2640 MW coal-based thermal power plant at Kakarapalli village of Santhabommali mandal in Srikakulam district. ECEPL, an SPV incorporated for setting up the project, has already achieved financial closure for Rs.12,000 crore project and so far invested Rs.600 crore, said a company statement. Forum for Sustainable Development, in its petition, claimed that the project site is wetland and part of Naupada swamp besides being ecologically sensitive. Some environment groups are opposing ECEPL project and a similar one proposed by Nagarjuna Construction Company (NCC) at Sompeta in the same district on the ground that they were coming up on wetlands. The groups fear that the thermal power projects would destroy the ecology and endanger traditional livelihood of local communities. The National Environment Appellate Authority (NEAA) had last month quashed the environmental clearance given by the ministry of environment for NCC project on the ground that information on existence of three irrigation projects and wetlands was suppressed. The NEEA judgement came a day after two persons were killed and several others were injured at Sompeta on July 14 when police opened fire on people protesting against the NCC project. Both the projects are to generate 2640 MW and involves an investment of Rs.12,000 crore each.
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All set for vote counting in Telangana by-polls

Hyderabad, July 29 : Counting of votes in the by-elections to 12 assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh's Telangana region will be taken up Friday.The state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) I.V. Subba Rao said all arrangements were made for counting of votes, which will start 8 a.m. The first result is expected by 11 am. Since polling in five of the 12 constituencies were held through ballot papers, the last result is expected by 6 p.m. The results from seven constituencies, where electronic voting machines (EVMs) were used, are likely to be announced in the initial two to three hours. According to the CEO, 66.67 percent of 23.60 lakh voters cast their votes in the elections held on Tuesday. Since the Election Commission received no complaint of rigging or other electoral malpractices from any of the constituencies, no re-polling was required in any polling station. The by-elections were necessitated by the resignations of all 10 legislators of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) and one each of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on the issue of separate Telangana state early this year. As many as 435 candidates are in the fray for the by-elections, seen as a referendum on the issue of separate Telangana state. The election authorities have made elaborate arrangements for counting of votes at seven counting centres spread over five districts. No mobile phones would be allowed inside the centres. Arrangements have been made for recording the entire counting process. The CEO said tight security arrangements were made at strong rooms where EVMs and ballot boxes were kept after the polling. Officials have installed CCTVs in the strong rooms with monitors kept outside for the polling agents to keep a watch.
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Low pressure persists, brings rains in AP

Hyderabad, Jul 29 : Yesterday's low pressure area over Northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Westcentral Bay, South Orissa and North Andhra coast persisted today and was likely to move in a Westnorth-westerly direction.

Southwest monsoon was vigorous over Rayalaseema while it was active over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana with rain occurring at most places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema and at many places over Telangana, Met department said.Bhadrachalam received very heavy rainfall of16 cm, Koyyalagudem (West Godavari district) and Kunavaram (Khammam district) 14 each and heavy rainfall in Dowlaiswaram (East Godavari district) 12 cm, Rajahmundry (East Godavari district) 10 cm, Koida (Khammam district) eight and Parvathipuram (Vizianagaram district) seven cm.Chief amounts of rainfall were also recorded in Dummagudem (Khammam district) six, Anantapur, Jammalamadugu (Cuddapah district), Mahabubabad (Warangal district) and Yellandu (Khammam districts) five each, Achampet, Kodangal and Kollapur (all Mahabubnagar districts), Allagadda (Kurnool districts), Badvel, Kamalapuram and Proddatur (all Cuddapah districts). Eturnagaram (Warangal district), Ichapuram (Srikakulam district), Paleru Bridge (Krishna district) and Tandur (Rangareddy district) received four cm of rainfall each, while Mahabubnagar, Nandyal, Tuni, Chintalapudi and Tadepalligudem (both West Godavari district), Golkonda (Hyderabad district), Kalwakurthy (Mahabubnagar district), Koilkuntla and Srisailam (both Kurnool district), Lakkireddipalli, Muddanur, Porumamilla and Rayachoty (all Cuddapah district), Macherla (Guntur district), Madhira and Venkatapuram (both Khammam district), Pargi (Rangareddy district), Patapatnam, Ranasthalam and Sompeta (all Srikakulam district), Tiruvuru (Krishna district) and Udayagiri (Nellore district) received three each.Moderate to rather heavy rain/thundershowers would occur at most places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and may occur over Rayalaseema.Sky condition would be cloudy with intermittent rain or thundershowers. Maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 26 and 22 degrees respectively.
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Huawei enters India open market with new mobile devices

New Delhi,(Deccan Samachar Service DSS)    July 29,2010: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd., a leader in providing next-generation telecommunications network solutions for operators around the world, today announced its entry into the Indian open market with the launch of its new series of handset devices - “Hangout” and “Android”. These devices were launched utilizing Qualcomm’s advanced chipset solutions. Qualcomm is a world leader and innovator of 3G and other advanced mobile technologies. Huawei’s new high-quality, innovatively designed, easy-to-use, and affordable devices embody the company’s “Smart Device, Simple World” philosophy. These devices will be made directly available to consumers in India, starting on August 1,2010. The Hangout series includes a full range of stylish & feature rich devices on GSM/CDMA/UMTS technologies that cater to Entry Mid & Mid High type of consumers, whether they seek an entry level phone or a more high-end device. The Android series is based on the open source smart phone platform developed by Google. This range includes series of smart phone right from affordable to high-end devices on Android Platform with loads of applications catering to mid & high end consumers. Huawei is currently working with India’s leading operators, including TATA Indicom, Reliance Bharti Airtel & all the major operators, in the areas of Handsets, Mobile Broadband and Home Convergence, to bring its innovative, user-friendly devices to consumers. Mr. Victor Xu, Chief Marketing Officer, Huawei Device said, “Huawei believes that intelligent technology should come from a human perspective. Smart Device, Simple World is a concept designed to achieve this. Huawei’s offerings are based on partnership, customization and value. Through the launch of these products, we hope to enrich lives of Indian consumers.”Mr. Xu further added, “With the Indian telecom industry growing at the rate of 20M subs each month, and poised to reach 1 billion by 2015, Huawei sees traction in the Indian telecom device segment. With our entry into the open market, we will continue to look at all the possible growth opportunities.”Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kanwalinder Singh, president of Qualcomm India and South Asia and Senior Vice President of Qualcomm said, “Qualcomm welcomes Huawei’s entry into the open market in India with the launch of a compelling range of handsets and smartphones based on 3G and CDMA/EVDO technologies. We believe millions of Indians will soon have their first mobile Internet experience on such devices. Huawei’s expertise to deliver innovative 3G devices based on our chipset solutions will expand the mobile Internet experience to a large base of Indian consumers.” Huawei unveiled its four devices at the conference: Hangout Series U9130 Aimed at Young Adults and professionals, it incorporates email solution and popular social networking sites like Facebook, twitter etc. and is ergonomically designed to ensure that hours of chatting online can be done in comfort with cool QWERTY keypad. With 3G enabled in this phone, you can download multiple files in splash; also can do the video calling on 3G networks.C5600 Aimed at youth; this CDMA phone is on the OMH platform which allows consumers to change the CDMA networks seamlessly unlike other CDMA phones. Music is the great experience in this ultra slim phone along with, it incorporates popular social networking tools such as Facebook and Twitter.Android Series:U8300 Aimed at the young adults and professionals, it incorporates popular social networking tools such as Facebook and Twitter. Supports multiple emailing solutions including office emails and is ergonomically designed to ensure that hours of chatting online can be done in comfort. With awesome Android OS you can feel better experience in the touch screen of this phone along with the cool QWERTY keypad. With 3G enabled in this phone, you can download multiple files in splash; also can do the video calling on 3G networks. Google market is a great download machine in this phone using which you can download multiple applications.U8500 Aimed at the youth, it incorporates popular social networking tools such as Facebook and Twitter. Supports multiple emailing solutions and is ergonomically designed to ensure that hours of chatting online can be done in comfort. With Android OS in this feel awesome dual touch experience with large 3.2” touch screen and optical track pad. With 3G enabled in this phone, you can download multiple files in splash; also can do the video calling on 3G networks. Google market is a great download machine in this phone using which you can download multiple applications.Today, Huawei is perceived as a strategic partner to all leading telecom carriers given the paradigm shift in the handsets and telecom space where end users are now treating handsets as lifestyle products depicting one’s personality. Huawei stands ahead in flexible customization and offering quality, affordable and range of productsHuawei saw a remarkable growth and products acceptance with over 5 millions devices shipped to India in the year 2009. In terms of sales, Huawei Terminals recorded around 160 million for 2009. Huawei has delivered over 25 million devices till date with handsets contributing 60% of the same.About Huawei:Huawei is a leader in providing next generation telecommunications networks, and now serves 45 of the world’s top 50 operators, along with over one billion users worldwide. The company is committed to providing innovative and customized products, services and solutions to create long-term value and growth potential for its customers ================================================

ISNA and All Dulles Area Muslim Society Co-Sponsor Islamic Scouting and Inter-faith Events at Boy Scouts of America National Jamboree

USA,(Deccan Samachar Service DSS) July 28,2010, The Islamic Society of North America, in partnership with the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) and the National Council on Islamic Scouting (NCIS) will join fellow Scouts and leaders at the 18th National Scout Jamboree which will be held from July 26 through August 4, 2010, at Fort A. P. Hill, Virginia, located near Fredericksburg and Washington D.C. in celebration of the first century of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA)."Every Scout should have religion. Religion seems a very simple thing: First: Love and serve God. Second: Love and serve your neighbor," said BSA founder Robert Baden-Powell.ISNA and ADAMS will be co-sponsoring interfaith events which will be held during the jamboree. Imam Izak-EL Mu'eed Pasha, Resident Imam of Masjid Malcolm Shabazz, NICS member, will deliver the sermon and lead prayers at the Islamic congregational services on Friday, July 30th at 1pm. Interfaith prayer services will be led by Rizwan Jaka, ADAMS/ISNA/IFCMW Board Member and ADAMS Scouts Chartered Organization Representative, on Sunday, August 1st, at 10:30am. Participants include Muslim, Christian, Jewish, and various other faith leaders and Scouts. Reverend Clark Lobenstine, Executive Director of the Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington (IFCMW) will be the special guest during the service. The IFCMW, which was created in 1978, brings together the Baha'i, Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, Jain, Jewish, Latter-day Saints, Protestant, Roman Catholic, Sikh and Zoroastrian faith communities to promote dialogue, understanding and a sense of community among persons of different faiths in metropolitan Washington. ADAMS Scouting leaders assisted NCIS in setting up an Islamic Scouting exhibit, which was also co-sponsored by ISNA, and constructing the 40 x 40 foot Gillwell Park Mosque complete with green rugs, a dome, and a minaret. Visitors to the mosque will be able to meet over 250 Muslim Scouts and leaders and share in the camaraderie of duty to God, honor to country, and service to others, thereby deepening mutual interfaith understanding. This is also the first time in Jamboree history that halal meals are being provided to Muslim Jamboree attendees.For more information about the events, contact NCIS Membership Chair Abdul Rashid Abdullah (ADAMS Troop 786 Scoutmaster) at 808-689-6092, rashid@ADAMSScouting.org or Rizwan Jaka, ADAMS/ISNA/IFCMW Board Member at 703-624-6352, rojpm@yahoo.com.For directions to the Jamboree visit http://www.bsajamboree.org/Visitor.aspx.
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Myanmar’s ruler visits IT hub in Hyderabad

Hyderabad,July,29, The head of Myanmar’s military regime Senior General Than Shwe Wednesday visited Hitec City, the Information Technology hub, here.Accompanied by his wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing, along with an 80-member delegation, Than Shwe went around L&T Infocity and some other IT parks to witness the rapid progress made by the city in IT and ITES sector.The officials of the state government made a presentation before the Senior General, explaining how the city developed its IT/ITES industry during the last 15 years.Than Shwe was impressed by the rapid growth made by the city and evinced interest in the possibility of cooperation in the IT sector.Earlier, he also visited Bharat Biotech, a leading biotechnology company at Shameerpet on the city outskirts. He spent about half-an-hour in the plant.The Myanmar delegation also visited the famous Salar Jung Museum, world’s largest one-man collection of artefacts.Than Shwe and other officials met Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan in the evening. Governor Narasimhan hosted dinner in the honour of the visiting dignitary.The Senior General, who is on a five-day visit to India, will leave for Kolkata Thursday morning. ==============================================

Andhra Pradesh Govt has identified areas to set up solar projects: CM

Hyderabad, Jul 28 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah today said the state government has identified specific areas, which have high solar insolation for setting up power projects.Addressing a gathering at the inauguration of the three-day SOLARCON India 2010, he said the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) would allot land in the potential areas for development of solar power projects.Some of the potential areas identified were Kadiri in Ananthapur (2,200 acres), Gurajala in Guntur district (4,575 acres), Nennal in Adilabad district (1,008 acres), Pulivendula and Kopparty in Kadapa district (625 acres). Mr Rosaiah said the state government had been encouraging solar power projects by approving the recommended tariff of Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) and recommended for 0.25 per cent solar energy power purchase obligation. The Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) has also issued tariff order to this extent. A number of entrepreneurs were evincing interest to set up solar power projects in the state, he claimed, assuring that the Andhra Pradesh government would extend full support to the entrepreneurs who come forward to set up solar power projects in the state, he said.
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'State separation gives rise to water disputes': public view

Kakinada, July 28 : Political parties, voluntary organisations and civic associations told the Srikrishna panel during its public hearing here that people's interests would be safe only if Andhra Pradesh was united.Separation would give rise to river water disputes and also deprive the people of their legitimate employment avenues. The political parties' JAC representative and Jaggampet MLA Thota Narasimham said all round development was possible ony in a united state. Division would only bring misery to the people of both regions. Zilla Parishad Chairman CH S Venugopalakrishna, representing Congress party said East Godavari district had the agency, uplands and delta regions. A United State would help accelerate development of all the areas.` The district had five lakh acres of Delta and another 6.5 lakh hectares would come under irrigation under the "Jalayagnam" projects. The gas and other hydro-carbon resources in the KG basin would be of great help for rapid industrialization generating lot of employment, he added. Water resources consumers association President Trinath Reddy said if water from upstream did not reach Godavari, the entire delta area was bound to become a desert soon. Hence unity of the state should be protected at any cost. Dantu Suryarao chairman Cocanada chamber of commerce, Bulusu Sambamurty trust secretary Srinivasarao, Lok Satta leader Dr Aluri Vijayalakshmi, Vysya’s association president Pydah Venkatanarayana, Christian rights committee secretary Jayarathna Kumary also favoured a united Andhra Pradesh for all round progress.
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Rains in city: Andhra Pradesh CM alerts GHMC, other officials

Hyderabad, Jul 28 : In the wake of heavy rains lashing the city and outskirts, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah today held discussion with government officials to immediately initiate relief works.The Chief Minister held the discussion with Chief Secretary S V Prasad, Commissioner, GHMC, Collectors of Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy district, MD, Hyderabad Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board and Commissioner of police, a press release here tonight said.In the meeting the Chief Minister asked the Chief Secretary to constantly monitor the situation and direct the Hyderabad District Collector and Commissioner, GHMC, to evacuate people from the low-lying areas to safer places and other temporary shelters. The Chief Minister asked the city police Commissioner to instruct the traffic police to be on high alert to avoid traffic jams following heavy rains and water logging on the roads. He directed the traffic police to clear the traffic on all roads and if need be to deploy more forces. He also asked the GHMC to immediately pump out water from the water logged roads, lanes and in lanes. Dr Rosaiah cautioned the officials that since more rain was predicted in the next 24 hours, they should all be on high alert and constantly monitor the situation. He also wanted cranes to be deployed to clear the roads of fallen trees etc.Dr Rosaiah also asked the Commissioner, GHMC, to alert the medical and health department to be ready with medicines to prevent outbreak of any communicable diseases. He directed them to store adequate medicines well in advance and sanitise the areas once the rains were over. The Chief Minister said the main problem in Hyderabad city and outskirts following heavy rains was the traffic bottleneck due to water logging and inundation of roads. He asked the officials to be on the alter and work round-the-clock to see that the roads were cleared of water logging.The Chief Minister also alerted the fire service and other departments to meet any eventuality following expected heavy rains.He asked the departments concerned to act on time. The Chief Minister asked the MD, water works, to ensure supply of pure drinking water in all parts of the city. He asked the commissioner, GHMC, to open a special control room if needed, the release added.
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Environment writ against Srikakulam power plant dismissed by Andhra Pradesh HC

Hyderabad, Jul 28 : The division bench of Andhra Pradesh High Court today released the order dismissing the writ petition against the environment clearance granted to East Coast Energy Pvt Ltd for setting up 2640 MW thermal power plant at Kakarapalli village in Srikakulam district.The division bench comprising Chief Justice Nisar Ahmad Kakru and Justice Vilas V Afzalpurkar dismissed the writ petteion, directing the petitioner to avail the statutory remedy if he still feels aggrieved, available under law, within 30 days beginning next week.The petitioner, forum for sustainable development represented by Advisor and Convener of the Committee on Water Bodies and Wetlands retired Capt J Rama Rao, had approached the High Court citing interest of public and filed a writ claiming that the project site is a wetland and part of Naupada Swampt besides being ecologically sensitive which was negated by this order. The Court noted the contents of the affidavit filed by the Chief Secretary, government of Andhra Pradesh and held that ''it is clear that the (environment) clearance was granted by the state after due deliberations and application of mind, reversal whereof or otherwise depends on the findings of fact in respect of issues, spelt out hereinabove on the strength of elaborate oral and documentary evidence which is not possible in the writ petition because of technicalties and complexites of the issues''.
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Jagan only hope for Congress in Andhra, says MP

Hyderabad, July 28 : Describing Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy as the most popular leader in the state, the Congress MP's loyalists Wednesday mounted an attack on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah and state Congress chief D. Srinivas.Coming out in open support of Jagan, as the Kadapa MP and son of the late Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy is popularly known as, Nellore MP M. Rajamohan said he was the only hope for the party. He said the central leadership should reward Jagan without heeding certain leaders working against him. Rajamohan told reporters in Delhi that the Congress could win 2014 elections only under the leadership of Jagan. Ambati Rambabu, who was suspended from the party by the leadership recently for making certain remarks against Rosaiah, also said Jagan was the most popular leader in the state. Talking to reporters in Guntur, the former state general secretary of the party said Jagan's popularity was proved by the huge public response during his ongoing 'odarpu yatra' in East Godavari district. Claiming that people want to see Jagan as the chief minister, he recalled that a majority of party legislators had signed a letter supporting the Kadapa MP. "Certain leaders are targeting Jagan and spreading misinformation about him but this will only strengthen him," said Rambabu, without naming Rosaiah or Srinivas. Rambabu, who claims he has still not received any communication from the party regarding his suspension, ruled out the possibility of Jagan launching a new party. Stating that the party was not likely to win even a single seat in the by-elections to 12 assembly seats in Telangana held Tuesday, Rambabu said it was unfortunate that even senior leaders could not campaign. Rambabu said the state would never see a great leader like Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy. "I am not saying Rosaiah and Srinivas are small leaders but they are not great leaders like YSR," he said.
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SW monsoon active over coastal AP

Hyderabad, Jul 28 : Southwest monsoon has been active over Coastal Andhra Pradesh with rain occurring at many places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and at a few places over Telangana while isolated rain occurred over Rayalaseema.

A low pressure area has formed over North-West Bay of Bengal and adjoining West-Central Bay, South Orissa and North Andhra coast today, Met department said.Sirpur (Adilabad district) recorded a very heavy rainfall of 13 cm and Bobbili (Vizianagaram district) recorded a heavy rainfall of eight cm.The other chief amounts of rainfall recorded in cm are Asifabad (Adilabad district) six, Addanki (Prakasam district) five, Luxettipet, Mancherial and Utnoor (all Adilabad district) four each, Adilabad, Medak, Ongole, Darsi (Prakasam district), Gajapathinagaram (Vizianagaram district), Gudivada (Krishna district), Macherla (Guntur district) and Patapatnam (Srikakulam district) three each, Machilipatnam, Vijayawada, Avanigadda (Krishna district), Chinnoor (Adilabad district), Komarada and Parvathipuram (both Vizianagaram district), Perur (Khammam district), Repalle (Guntur district) and Veeraghattam (Srikakulam district) two each and Bapatla, Chittoor, Kalingapatnam, Kavali, Kurnool, Ramagundam, Rentachintala, Tuni, Boath and Nirmal (both Adilabad district), Cheepurupalli, Terlam and Vizianagaram (all Vizianagaram district), Kaleswaram (Karimnagar district), Kandukur and Podili (both Prakasam district), Mandasa and Palakonda (both Srikakulam district), Mangalagiri, Piduguralla, Sattenapalli and Tenali (all Guntur district), Narayanakhed (Medak district), Narsipatnam and Paderu (both Visakhapatnam district), Pakala, Punganur, Puttur and Srikalahasti (all Chittoor district) one each.Moderate to rather heavy rain/thundershowers would occur at most places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and at many places over Telangana. Light to moderate rain/thundershowers may occur at a few places over Rayalaseema. Sky condition would be generally cloudy with intermittent rain or thundershowers in parts of city. Maximum and Minimum temperatures would be around 31 and 23 degrees Celsius respectively.
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TDP to launch stir if Centre has no solution on Babhli: Naidu ",

New Delhi, Jul 27 : Telugu Desam chief and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N.Chandrababu Naidu today threatened to launch an anti-Babhli barrage agitation if the Government failed to resolve the issue by August 10.

Mr Naidu, who is in the national capital for the past few days after he was arrested by the Mahrashtra Government for launching an agitation against the Babhli construction in the upper reaches of Godavari river, told newspersons here that the Centre should find a solution to the Babhli barrange which was "illegal".''If the Government fails to find a solution, the TDP would formalise its nature of agitation as the by-elections in the Telangana region are over,'' he said. He said during his interactions with the Prime Minister yesterday, he had not got any definite or positive response on resolving the Babhli issue and had not even called for a meeting of political parties. The Congress-ruled Andhra Pradesh Government too had not acted with alacrity and if they had approached the Supreme Court in time, the situation would have been different, he said.''Even now the Centre can ask Maharashtra to dismantle its gate and Maharashtra should realise that India was a federal union and a citizen did not need any passport or visa to traverse across the country. If Babli is legal as claimed by Mahrasthra, why should it hide and why is the state afraid to let me visit the construction site,'' Mr Naidu questioned. He condemned the Maharashtra Police's lathi charge on the TDP workers near the Maharashtra border while on their way to Babhli project. Citing the rationale behind the TDP launching the agitation, Mr Naidu said it went against the sprit of agreement signed by the Chief Ministers of AP and Maharashtra in 1975 based on the Godavari water Dispute Tribunal which allowed all water above Paithan dam and up to Siddeshwar dam on the Godavari to be used by Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh could draw more than 60 TMC of water below Paithan dam and Siddeshwar dam site. He said Babhli was a project on the foreshore or submerged areas of Sri Ram Sagar Project and the project was coming up without necessary clearances and consent from Andhra Pradesh. The barrage has a capacity of 2.74 TMC but could intercept 20 feet depth of live storage of Sri Rama Sagar depriving the lower riparian state of up to 65 TMC of water.Maharashtra was also constructing 13 other projects with the capacity of storing 14 TMC water but in actuality these were capable of denying AP up to 100-120 TMC of water, he claimed.
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'Separation of Andhra Pradesh disastrous'

Kakinada, Jul 27 : Representatives of various organisations, favouring unified Andhra Pradesh, told the Srikrishna panel at Rangampet in East Godavari district today that the separation of Andhra Pradesh will be disastrous and if the separation was favoured, by any, it would open the Pandora's Box dividing the nation as a whole.They told the committee that the division of the state will give rise to river water dispute and people would also lose employment avenues.''Already projects were constructed across the Godavari and Krishna rivers by Maharashtra and Karnataka. If the state was divided, some districts in the Andhra region would turn into deserts as Telangana also would construct projects leaving little water downstream,'' they said. Anaparty MLA Nallamilli Seshareddy said if the state was divided, the Godavari river water would not be available and the area would become desert. East Godavari people, particularly, the Anaparty constituency people, were favouring unified Andhra Pradesh. Earlier the committee members, including V K Duggal, Ravidingra, Amita Mityani and nodal officer Rajiv Sarma accompanied by incharge Collector Kona Sasidhar and SP Ghattamaneni Srinivas visited Cotton Barrage at Dowlesweram and made inquiries with the irrigation engineers on the inflows for the past five decades and the possible affect in case of constructing more dams across Godavari in the Telangana region. The committee would conduct public hearing at the Collectorate here tomorrow before returning to Hyderabad.
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55 percent polling in Telangana by-elections

Hyderabad, July 27 : An estimated 55 percent of 23.60 lakh voters cast their votes in by-elections to 12 assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh's Telangana region Tuesday.Barring minor incidents, the polling remained peaceful. Voting ended at 5 p.m. but the election authorities allowed all those standing in the queues to cast their votes. The polling, which began on a dull note in the morning, picked up as the day progressed. The highest polling percentage of 75 was recorded in Siddipet while it was only 51 percent in Nizamabad Urban, where state Congress chief D. Srinivas is contesting. Director General of Police R.R. Girish Kumar said polling was peaceful though rumours caused some tension in Nizamabad Urban constituency. Chief Electoral Officer I.V. Subba Rao told reporters that no major incident was reported from any of 2,783 polling stations in the 12 constituencies spread over five districts. Police used mild force to disperse two clashing groups of ruling Congress and Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) supporters outside a polling centre in Vemulawada assembly constituency in Karimnagar district. Ballot papers were used in five constituencies where the number of candidates exceeded 64 while in the remaining seven segments voters cast their votes by pressing a button on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). About 23.60 lakh voters, nearly half of them women, were eligible to cast their votes in the by-elections caused by the resignation of all 10 legislators of the TRS and one each of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on the issue of a separate Telangana state early this year. As many as 435 candidates are in the fray for the by-elections, which are being seen as a referendum on the issue of a separate Telangana. About 68,000 security personnel were deployed to maintain law and order. Around 15,000 polling personnel were also on duty. Polling was delayed in some centres due to non-functioning of EVMs. The slush in and around some centres due to incessant rains over last three days caused some inconvenience to voters, especially in Adilabad district. State Congress chief D. Srinivas and former minister Mohammed Ali Shabbir are among key candidates from the ruling Congress. TRS has again fielded all its former legislators and left one seat for the BJP. TRS candidates include party chief K. Chandrasekhara Rao's son K. Tarakarama Rao, nephew T. Harish Rao and party's former leader in assembly E. Rajender. Votes will be counted July 30 and the results are expected to be announced the same day.
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Polling begins on dull note in Telangana by-elections

Hyderabad, July 27 : Polling began on a dull note and amid tight security in the by-elections to 12 assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh's Telangana region Tuesday.About 10 percent polling was recorded in the first half-an-hour, officials at the Chief Electoral Office here said. The polling began at 7 a.m. at 2,783 polling stations in the constituencies spread over five districts. Ballot papers were being used in five constituencies where the number of candidates exceeded 64 while in the remaining seven segments Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have been deployed. About 23.60 lakh voters, nearly half of them women, are eligible to cast their votes in the by-elections caused by the resignations of all 10 legislators of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) and one each of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on the issue of separate Telangana state early this year. As many as 435 candidates are in the fray for the by-elections, which are being seen as a referendum on the issue of separate Telangana state. According to state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) I.V. Subba Rao, about 68,000 security personnel were deployed to maintain law and order. Around 15,000 polling personnel were also on duty. Polling was delayed in some polling centres due to non-functioning of EVMs. The slush in and around some centres due to incessant rains of over last three days caused inconvenience to voters, especially in Adilabad district. State Congress chief D. Srinivas and former minister Mohammed Ali Shabbir are among key candidates from the ruling Congress party. TRS has again fielded all its former legislators and left one seat for the BJP. TRS candidates include party chief K. Chandrasekhara Rao's son K. Tarakarama Rao, nephew T. Harish Rao and party's former leader in assembly E. Rajender.
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Assembly by-polls in Telangana region Tuesday

Hyderabad, July 26: By-elections to 12 assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh's Telangana region will be held Tuesday that will see ballot papers being used in five constituencies after many years.About 23.60 lakh voters, nearly half of them women, are eligible to cast their votes at 2,783 polling stations in the constituencies spread over five districts. As many as 435 candidates are in the fray for the by-elections, which are being fought on the issue of separate statehood to Telangana region. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) I.V. Subba Rao told reporters Monday that all efforts were being made to ensure free and fair polls. Election authorities have deployed 68,000 security personnel to maintain law and order while 15,000 employees have been drafted for poll duty. The mass resignations of all 10 legislators of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) and one each of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on the issue of separate Telangana necessitated the by-elections. For the first time in many years, the poll authorities will be using ballot papers in five constituencies since more than 64 candidates are in the fray. Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be deployed in the remaining segments. TRS, whose demand for use of ballot papers in all constituencies was rejected by the Election Commission, made many independents file nominations to force the panel to use ballot paper. The EVMs cannot contain so many names. However, the nominations of many independents were either rejected or they withdrew from the contest in seven constituencies. Poll authorities have printed 20 lakh ballot papers and 1,500 ballot boxes. Due to incessant rains in the region, the authorities have supplied poll material to remote villages by helicopters. TRS appears to be ahead in the three-cornered contest in at least 10 constituencies. All the 10 legislators of the party, who quit for Telangana, are contesting again. The party is supporting the BJP in Nizamabad Urban where the ruling Congress has fielded its state unit chief D. Srinivas.
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