Manmohan Singh offers prayers at Tirupati temple

Hyderabad, Sep 1: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday offered prayers at the famous Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh.On a visit to the temple town to lay the foundation stone for two projects, he visited the temple atop Tirumala Hills. Priests and officials of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the affairs of the country's richest temple, accorded traditional reception to Singh at Ranganayaka Mandapam. The priests blessed him amid chanting of vedic hymns. Andhra Pradesh Endowments Minister G. Venkat Reddy offered "prasadam", a sacred silk cloth and holy water to the prime minister. Accompanied by priests, Singh later went into the sanctum sanctorum and offered prayers to the Lord's idol. This was Singh's second visit to the ancient temple as prime minister. He had earlier offered prayers in September 2005.
===================================================

PM lays foundation stone for Tirupati international airport

Hyderabad, Sep 1 : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the Tirupati international airport to provide direct connectivity from various international destinations to the temple town in Andhra Pradesh."After international operations commence at Tirupati airport, pilgrims from neighbouring countries like Singapore, Malaysia and Sri Lanka would find it easier to come to Tirupati in large numbers, contributing to its development into a major religious-cum-tourist hub," he said. The prime minister noted that the entire investment for the new integrated terminal is being met through the budgetary resources of the government. The first phase of the project is estimated to cost Rs.174 crore. The state government has already handed over 293 acres of land out of the 718 acres committed for modernization and development of the airport. Singh said once the new integrated terminal becomes operational, the Tirupati airport will have the capacity to handle 500 domestic and 200 international passengers during peak hours. The new terminal building will be equipped to provide modern state of the art amenities to passengers. He said the civil aviation sector is a key contributor to the Indian economy. "With our fast economic development, air traffic in India has witnessed unprecedented growth in the recent past. During the last seven years, domestic air traffic has tripled and international traffic more than doubled. Our government has continuously been making efforts to meet the growing demand for air services in the country." Singh said the new integrated terminal complex was a part of the efforts to continuously modernize and develop infrastructure facilities at airports all over the country, keeping in view the existing and potential traffic in a particular region. The government has taken the route of public private partnerships to restructure and modernize the airports at Delhi and Mumbai. The recently inaugurated terminal at the Delhi Airport is truly a world class facility which the nation can be proud of, he said.
==================================================

PM visits Lord Balaji temple

Tirupati, Sept 1 : Priests at the Lord Balaji temple in Tirumala accorded the traditional welcome to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as he visited the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara to offer prayers.The temple priests, chanting vedic hymns, escorted the Prime Minister to the sanctum sanctorum where he had darshan of the Lord. Dr Manmohan Singh prayed before the idol for about 10 minutes before leaving the temple. The Prime Minister also made an offering at the temple hundi. Dr Manmohan Singh was presented with the traditional silk cloth, the famed Tirupati laddu Prasad and holy water by state Endowments Minister Gade Venkata Reddy. Earlier, the Prime Minister's visit was marred by an attempt by Activists of Madiga ReservationPorata Samithi (MRPS) to block his convoy.The MRPS activists raised slogans demanding that the Centre categorise the Scheduled Castes in the state. The protest was dispersed by the police. The incident took place just as the Prime Minister was due to leave for the temple from the Padmavathi Guest House after his arrival in the temple town by a special IAF aircraft.
===================================================

Jagan an 'ant' before High Command: Shankar Rao

Hyderabad, Sept 1 : Secunderabad Cantonment MLA P Shankara Rao on Wednesday described the Kadapa MP Y S Jaganmohan Reddy as an 'ant' before the High Command.Talking to media persons at the Media Point on the Assembly premises, Mr Shankar Rao alleged that Kadapa MP, in the name of consoling families and providing them financial support through is Odarpu Yatra, is attempting to showcase his popularity by mobilizing people in the Yatra.The MLA wondered, "What he has achieved in the name of Odarpu yatra? Instead of consoling the families of those who died of shock following the death of former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy, he is simply greeting them and seeking their blessings," he said.Mr Shankar Rao said that YSR established his presence in the Congress party by obeying the High Command orders. He regretted that Mr Jaganmohan Reddy is not following the High Command orders. "What is Jagan's age? What political experience has he got that he can defy the High Command? The MLA questioned.The MLA reminded Mr Jaganmohan Reddy that the government has renamed Kadapa district as YSR district as recognition of the former chief minister's services to the people. Mr Shankar Rao opined that now it the time for Mr Jaganmohan Reddy to call of the Odarpu Yatra since the AICC has promised to sanction Rs 1 lakh as ex-gratia for the kin of those who died following YSR's death. The Cantonment MLA also praised Chief Minister K Rosaiah for providing efficient administration without giving room for any corruption.He also lauded Mr Rosaiah for taking stringent action against corrupt officials—Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce B P Acharya and special officer TTD Dharma Reddy.Mr Shankar Rao also urged Mr Rosaiah to appoint a Telangana candidate as chairman for TTD Board as no one from Telangana region had been appointed to the post yet.
=====================================================

Peri Reddy named interim SHRC chairman

Hyderabad, Sept 1: The state government on Wednesday appointed K Peda Peri Reddy as the interim chairman of Andhra Pradesh Human Rights Commission.The appointment of Justice Peri Reddy follows the retirement of former chairman Justice Subhashan Reddy. The post is lying vacant since Justice Subhashan Reddy retired on August 12.Justice Peri Reddy, presently member of the Human Rights Commission, will officiate as its chairman till the decision is made on the next chairman by the government.
====================================================

CM health stable: Danam

Hyderabad, Sept 1 : Health Minister Danam Nagender on Wednesday described the health condition of Chief Minister K Rosaiah as 'stable'.Talking to media persons after enquiring about the health of Chief Minister K Rosaiah at his residence from the doctors concerned, Mr Nagender said there is no cause of worry.According to sources, the Chief Minister is suffering from fever and was forced to cancel his visit to Tirupati at the last minute. As per the schedule, the Chief Minister was to participate in the foundation laying ceremony of BHEL-NTPC power equipment manufacturing joint venture project at Mannavaram in Srikalahasthi.Mr Nagendar said that heart specialist Dr Shubhakar was personally attending on the CM and there was no cause to worry. He said the CM will unveil the statue of the former chief minister Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy at Pavuralagutta on Thursday and there is no change in the programme.Dr Shubhakar said the CM is suffering from fever and body pains. "We have conducted all tests on him by bringing equipment from NIMS. We will give complete details of his health after getting medical reports at 5 pm," he said.Minister for Arogyasri and Health Insurance Pithani Satyanarayana, Chief Secretaries C V K Sharma and Dinesh Kumar visited Mr Rosaiah's residence and enquired about his health from the doctors.
==================================================

PM lays foundation stone for Mannavaram project

Tirupati, Sept 1 : Laying the foundation stone for much awaited Rs 6,000 crore power equipment manufacturing plant project, a joint venture between the BHEL-NTPC at Mannavaram near Tirupati in Chittoor district on Wednesday, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh lauded the services of former chief minister Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy to the state.Talking to reporters, he said "I am happy to lay foundation stone for the project a day before the first death anniversary of YSR who played key role bringing the project to the State." The Prime Minister said the project would provide direct employment to 6,000 and indirect employment to 30,000 people by the time of its completion in 2014-15. The project would also help in the development of this backward region of the state, he stated.He said the BHEL-NTPC joint venture would produce equipment required for power generation of 5000 MW annually. Stressing the importance of power, Dr Manmohan Singh said the government had drawn up ambitious plans to ramp up power generation in the country during the 11th and 12th plan.Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said that, "the project would focus on 'balance of power plant' equipment in the first phase which would be completed in 2012, before graduating to the production of turbines and boilers by 2014-15."Mr Shinde said that the project would not only reduce the demand and supply gap for power generation equipment and enable us to export the much-needed equipment to other countries.Stating that new power generation capacity in the country had already surpassed the 10th plan target of 21,000 MW and would reach three times of the targeted capacity by end of the plan period, the Power Minister said that the Government had also put in place an ambitious target of 60,000 MW for the next plan.However, Chief Minister K Rosaiah could not participate in the ceremony due to ill health. Instead, Major Industries Minister Kanna Laxminarayana read out his speech at the meeting.NBPPL Chairman and Managing Director CP Singh, Governor E S L Narasimhan, Union Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, Union Ministers of State Arun Yadav, Bharat Singh Solanki attended the function. The Prime Minister also offered prayers at Tirupati, the abode of Lord Sri Venkateswara at Tirumala.

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

Prime Minister lays foundation of NTPC-BHEL power equipment plant

Hyderabad, Sep 1 : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the NTPC-BHEL joint venture power equipment manufacturing plant at Mannavaram village near Srikalahasthi in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. Addressing a gathering on the occasion, the prime minister said the project with an investment of Rs.6,000 crore would provide direct employment to about 6,000 men and women and indirect employment to 25,000 persons. NTPC-BHEL Power Projects Private Limited (NBPPL) is a joint venture between National Themal Power Corporation and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) to manufacture power plant equipment. Singh said the availability of electricity was critical to the nation's development and hoped that the project would go a long way in improving the economic conditions of people of the backward region. The prime minister said bridging the gap between the demand and supply of power was necessary to meet the aspirations of the people. "It is for this that we have drawn up a very ambitious programme for addition of power generation capacity in the 11th and 12th five year plans," he said. "This large addition in power generation capacity will mean a much larger demand for power equipment. I am very happy that our public sector has come forward to take a lead in manufacturing power equipment in our country to help us achieve our targets in the power sector," Singh said. He noted that the two Navaratna companies, NTPC and BHEL, have joined hands to form a new company, thus bringing together their experience and expertise. The plant will be able to produce power equipment required for additional capacity of 5000 MW per annum by 2014-15. "It is a moment of pride but it is also an occasion to pay homage to a tall leader, Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy. Tomorrow (Thursday) is his first death anniversary. It was his untiring efforts that brought this project to this backward area of Chittoor district," Singh said. Heavy Industries Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh said the project would be completed in five years. Andhra Pradesh's Minister for Major Industries Kanna Lakshmi Narayana said the state government has allotted 783 acres for the project.
=================================================

Year after YSR, political vacuum continues in Andhra

It has been a year of unprecedented crises in Andhra Pradesh that remembers one of its tallest leaders Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy on his first death anniversary Sep 2.During the last one year, political instability, violent protests over a separate Telangana state, natural calamities and a financial crunch have battered the state like never before.The political vacuum, which the state plunged into after YSR’s tragic death, still remains with the ruling Congress finding no real alternative to the mass leader, say political observers.YSR, his secretary, chief security officer and the two pilots were killed when the helicopter carrying them from Hyderabad to Chittoor district crashed in bad weather over Nallamalla forests in Kurnool district.The death of YSR plunged the state into gloom and a political crisis. He was the first chief minister of the state to die in office and it came barely four months after he led Congress party to second successive win in the elections.“The state is still unable to come to terms with the passing away of a tall leader. A good section of masses still regard him as a leader who provided them whatever is needed,” said Rama Brahmam, head of the department of political sciences at the University of Hyderabad.“When a strong leader suddenly disappears from a political theatre, people perceive it as a major vacuum politically. They will be worried as to what will happen now. Such responses were only natural,” he said, referring to the shock deaths and suicides by people in the immediate aftermath.The vacuum remains as K. Rosaiah, who took over as the chief minister Sep 3, is still unacceptable to YSR’s son and MP Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy, who kept defying the central leadership by taking out ‘yatras’ to console families of those who died for his late father.The threat for Rosaiah still exists as Jagan continues his efforts to mobilise support and wean away a section of party legislators to pose a real challenge.For the first time since YSR brought the Congress party to power in 2004, it appears to be in total disarray with serious accusations between loyalists of Jagan and his opponents being order of the day.YSR’s adversaries, who never dared to openly criticise him when he was alive, are now targeting the late leader and his family members accusing them of corruption.If Rosaiah has survived as chief minister it is because of his cabinet colleagues who were staunch loyalists of YSR but dumped Jagan when the high command preferred the 78-year-old leader to the 39-year-old MP.“The Congress high command is in a political fix. The alternative leader (Jagan) is too young and the stakes are too high for it,” said Brahmam It is not just the political crisis but a series of governance problems faced by Rosaiah.With YSR, a strong votary of united Andhra Pradesh no longer around, Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) took it as the right opportunity to revive Telangana movement.The central government’s Dec 9 announcement to initiate the process for formation of a separate Telangana state following an 11-day hunger strike by TRS chief K. Chandrasekhara Rao triggered a crisis with mass resignations, street protests and violent demonstrations in Andhra and Rayalaseema regions.The state economy, already reeling under the impact of global slowdown, was hit hard by Rs.100 crore loss every day due to the Telangana agitation. The issue is likely to return to Rosaiah in December when the Srikrishna committee is scheduled to submit its report to the central government.The financial crunch began to show its impact on numerous welfare schemes launched and implemented by YSR since 2004. They include fee reimbursement and scholarships for students, free electricity to farmers, Rs.2-a-kg rice and health insurance for poor.“Despite repeated assertions that none of YSR’s schemes will be scrapped, people want frequent reiterations,” said a political observer.While Rosaiah completed one year in office despite all the problems, the veteran leader knows his path is still full of thorns.
===================================================

India monitoring China’s intentions in Indian Ocean: Krishna

Amid growing concerns about Beijing’s attempts to entrench its influence in India’s neighbourhood, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna Tuesday said China has been showing “more than the normal interest” in Indian Ocean affairs and its “intentions” are being closely monitored.“The government of India has come to realise that China has been showing more than the normal interest in the Indian Ocean. So we are closely monitoring the Chinese intentions,” Krishna said in the Lok Sabha.“We are closely monitoring the developments in the Indian Ocean,” he said, adding that “appropriate action and measures” would be taken to safeguard India’s territorial integrity and the welfare of its fishermen.Krishna’s statement about Chinese intentions comes amid reports of Beijing’s plan to build additional infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir and the deployment of its troops in Gilgit-Baltistan region of PoK, an area India regards as an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir.There have also been concerns here over what is seen as an attempt by China to enhance influence in India’s neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka and the Maldives.Krishna was responding to a Calling Attention Motion on recent attacks on Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, moved by T.R. Baalu of DMK.Airing concerns over the plight of Indian fishermen, Baalu said that when an Indo-Sri Lanka agreement was inked in 1974 on the Katchatheevu Islands, which falls in the Palk Strait and falls in Sri Lankan territory, the then external affairs minister Swaran Singh had said the rights of fishing and navigation have been safeguarded.Under the agreement, Indian fishermen can rest and dry their nets during fishing in international waters.Baalu claimed that in 1976 the Indian fishermen’s rights were affected when secretaries of India and Sri Lanka exchanged two sets of letters. “The letters became part and parcel of the agreement without taking parliament and the state government into confidence… it is a blow to the fishermen,” he said.The Katchatheevu island, which originally belonged to India, fell within Sri Lankan territorial waters when the maritime boundary was redrawn in 1974 following an agreement between the then prime ministers of the two countries.The DMK leader asked the government to revisit the agreement on Katchatheevu and step up patrolling in the waters to protect Indian fishermen from attacks by the Sri Lankan Navy.Krishna ruled out revisiting of the pact, saying “we cannot go back on the solemn agreement between two governments”. Krishna said Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao is currently in Colombo and the issues relating to fishermen will be discussed.“Sri Lanka is a friendly country, an aspect that is needed to be kept in mind,” he said, adding he was planning to travel to the island nation in October when issues related to fishermen would be discussed.
======================================================

ACB raids Revenue Inspector, DA over Rs 3 cr unearthed

Hyderabad, Aug 31 : Anti Corruption Bureau sleuths on Monday conducted raids on the residences of the Hyderabad Estate Office Special Revenue Inspector and unearthed assets worth over Rs 3 crore from the official.According to reports, the ACB sleuths conducted simultaneous raids on the Estate Officer Akbar Ali Khan's residence in Red Hills,Nampally and also at his office in Khairtabad.These raids were conducted simultaneously, officials recovered illegal property worth more than Rs 3 corer in their raids.A Disproportionate Assets case has been registered against the tainted official, according to ACB sources. The immovable assets include three flats, besides payments of Rs 23 lakh advance for a flat and also Rs 5 lakh advance for open plot. The basic value of these immovable properties is about Rs 85.59 lakh. The searches also unearthed cash of Rs 3.39 lakh, three cars, four motorcycles apart from gold ornaments weighing 259 grams, bank balances of Rs 26 lakh and other house hold articles worth about Rs 12 lakh. The market value of the ill-gotten gains is estimated to be much over Rs 3 crore. Searches were continuing, ACB officials said.
=====================================================

Andhra CM cancels visit to New Delhi

Hyderabad, Aug 31 : Chief Minister K Rosaiah on Tuesday cancelled his visit to New Delhi.According to CM office sources, the Chief Minister was to visit the National Capital to participate in the process of filing of nominations for the elections of All India Congress Committee president. However, the Chief Minister cancelled his visit last minute as Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh is visiting state on September 1 to lay foundation stone for BHEL-NTPC joint venture project at Mannavaram in Srikalahasti in Chittoor district.Meanwhile Pradesh Congress Committee president D Srinivas left for New Delhi to participate in the nomination of AICC president post.Mr Rosaiah had already submitted the name of his nominee for the AICC president's post. Not surprisingly, the name is Sonia Gandhi.
====================================================

Gandhigiri at its best: Jagan thanks AICC for Odarpu

Hyderabad, Aug 31 : Hailing the decision of All India Congress Committee decision to console the families of those who died of shock or committed suicide following YSR's death on September 2 last year by paying them Rs 1 lakh ex-gratia as laudable, Kadapa MP Y S Jaganmohan Reddy on Tuesday thanked the Congress president Sonia Gandhi for her gesture.Talking to media persons after releasing a letter to Sonia Gandhi, Mr Jaganmohan Reddy urged the AICC to offer solace to the families of victims by permitting all MPs, MLAs and leaders without restrictions The Kadapa MP also urged the High Command to extend the package to those families who were not covered earlier.The 'Odarpu yatra' means not only extending financial support to the victims' families, it should also extend moral support to their families. Then only the purpose of the Odarpu yatra will be fulfilled," Mr Jaganmohan Reddy stated in his letter."I took up Odarpu yatra as my primary responsibility after the sudden death of former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy without any political intention," the Kadapa MP said in his letter.
===================================================

K Rosaiah puts Collectors on alert over floods

Hyderabad, Aug 31 : Chief Minister K Rosaiah on Tuesday alerted the Collectors of East and West Godavari districts to monitor the floods situation and take all precautionary measures to prevent any loss of life or property and damage to crops.

He also asked them to take care of tank and road breaches and take necessary steps. Mr Rosaiah who reviewed the latest situation in the districts following heavy rains for the last few days with top officials over phone directed them to be in constant touch with the district Collectors and Commissioner, Disaster Management regarding the measures to be initiated. Season's Total Rainfall was recorded as on Tuesday was 621.1 mm as against the normal rainfall of 481.5 mm with a deviation of (+) 29 per cent in the State. Rayalaseema region recorded 421.5 mm as against the normal rainfall of 281.8 mm with a deviation of (+) 50 per cent. Coastal Andhra region recorded 657.7 mm as against the normal rainfall of 454.4 mm, with a deviation of (+) 45 per cent. Telangana region recorded 687.8 mm as against the normal rainfall of 585.8 mm with a deviation of (+) 17 per cent. District-wise rainfall is as follows: Prakasam recorded 87.3 per cent excess rainfall, Nellore (82.5 per cent), Guntur (74.0 per cent), Hyderabad (55.5 per cent), Kurnool (53.6 per cent), Anantapur (52.1 per cent), Kadapa (50.5 per cent), Mahabubnagar (47.1 per cent),Chhittoor (46.2 per cent), Krishna (45.2 per cent), Ranga Reddy (44.1 per cent), East Godavari (42.7 per cent), Vizianagaram (36.2 per cent), Visakhapatnam (31.7 per cent), Khammam (29.1 per cent), West Godavari (29.0 per cent), Srikakulam (25.6 per cent) and Warangal (25.2 per cent). Karimagar (9.5 per cent), Adilabad (7.5 per cent), Nalgonda (7.3 per cent) and Medak (6.4 per cent).
While 768 mandals received excess rainfall, 315 mandals received normal or more than normal rainfall as on Tuesday. In Bejjur Mandal, 125.2 mm rainfall was recorded. Heavy rains lashed West Godavari District on Monday. The Chief Minister was informed by the officials that in view of the floods occurred to Tammileru, Yerra Kalava, Kovvada Kalava, Jalleru rivers, there was an unexpected inflow of around 40,000 cusecs to Tammileru river by midnight of 30-8-2010 and the maximum capacity of the river is only about 30,000 cusecs. In view of the above, 4,839 people were evacuated from the Mandals of Eluru (4,600 persons), Pedavegi (45 persons), Jangareddigudem (52 persons) and Tallapudi (142 persons), organised relief camps for the evacuated persons. One helicopter was requisitioned and kept ready for rescue operations but by Tuesday morning, the water in Tammileru river was receded and there was no further evacuation and the district administration is closely monitoring the situation. Officials explained to the Chief Minister that Irrigation officials are closely monitoring the flood situation and sufficient stock of sand bags were kept ready for strengthening the bunds wherever it is weak and also to close the breaches occurred. Revenue officials were instructed to evacuate the people from the low lying areas and organize relief camps. Necessary arrangements were made for providing food and drinking water for evacuated people. Medical camps are being organized at relief camps. Generators are made available at relief camps for lighting. Two mechanized boats are kept ready for evacuation of the people from low lying areas. Police department is requested to co-operate with Revenue officials in evacuating the people from low lying areas to safer places and to keep police men at all causeways and vulnerable points to see that nobody will cross the river. Fire Services Department was already requested to keep ready the men along with the material of ropes etc. to save the people in rescue operations. Damages so far reported include 2385 houses inundated, 51 houses damaged and 2,000 hectares of crops damaged. East Godavari District: Two Mandals were severally affected and two people died and 683 houses marooned. Officers of Revenue, Police, Irrigation and Fire departments were alerted. Medical teams are being sent to the spot. All precautionary measures are being taken to handle the situation. Guntur District: One person washed away in Kuppaganji Vagu on 30-8-2010 while washing his cycle at a culvert. An extent of 6,806 hactares of crops (Paddy - 3286 ha and Cotton - 3520 ha) were damaged due to inundation during the recent rains from 25-8-2010 to 30-8-2010 in 9 mandals of the district. Visakhapatnam: One person died due to thunderbolt on 28.8.2010 at Donkada Village of Nakkapalli Mandal. Due to heavy rains from 26th to 28th this month nearly 48 houses of Harijana Jaggayyapeta and Tungalam village of Gajuwaka Mandal were inundated and all the families were shifted to safer places. One orphanage home situated at Thungalam village was also inundated and all the 124 orphans staying in the home were shifted to one BHPV Kalyana Mandapam and food and water provided to them. The situation is under close watch and there are no casualty or damages to the public properties in the district. Due to heavy rains in the last few days, agricultural operations and transplantation of paddy in Godavari delta are in slow progress. Sowing of rain-fed crops are almost completed. The sowings under Black soils may continue till September. Early sown rain-fed crops are at vegetative to flowering Stage. Maize is at tasseling stage. Early sown Groundnut, Seasamum and bajra are at vegetative to flowering stage. Late sown Groundnut is at flowering to pod formation stage. Sugarcane is at grand growth and 2nd wrapping stage. Harvesting of early Kharif paddy is under progress in Nellore and Chittoor districts. Cotton plants are dying due to excess moisture was observed in some pockets in Khammam district. The intercultural operations and application of fertilizers are in progress under rain-fed crops where rains are not received. Anantapur district is poised to reap a bumper crop of groundnut due to good monsoon this year. Rainfall received during last fortnight softened the soil so that already sown or transplanted crops are in good condition and the early sown crops are at early vegetative to flowering stage. The recent rains are very much congenial to the standing crops. Overall the crops growth is satisfactory. The pests and diseases on crops have also been reported as low level, the officials said
====================================================

Andhra gets new police chief

Hyderabad, Aug 31 : Senior police officer K. Aravind Rao, considered an expert in tackling Maoists, Tuesday assumed office as the Andhra Pradesh police chief.

He succeeded R.R. Girish Kumar, who retired Tuesday on attaining the age of superannuation. Rao, who was the Director General of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), took charge from Girish Kumar as the Director General of Police (DGP) at the state police headquarters here. An an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of 1977 batch, Rao has earlier served as the chief of intelligence and anti-Maoist elite force Greyhounds. As the Inspector General of Greyhounds in the 1990s, he played a key role in curbing Maoist activities. He has taken over as the DGP at a time when there are reports of the guerrillas planning to revive their activity in their former stronghold. Talking to reporters after taking charge, Rao said he would continue the present policy to deal with the Maoist problem. "The Maoist problem can't be solved in a day," he said. Hailing from Anantapur district of Rayalaseema region, Rao has earlier served as the superintendent of police in Medak, Warangal and Kadapa districts, deputy commissioner of police in Hyderabad and commissioner of police in Vijayawada. Rao will retire in June next year on reaching superannuation.
===================================================

Maoists kill six security men in Bihar gunfight

At least six security personnel were killed by Maoists in a gunfight in a forested area in Bihar’s Lakhisarai district, police said Monday.Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) P.K. Thakur said six Bihar Military Police personnel were killed in the gun battle late Sunday with over 100 rebels in the forests of Ghoghraghat Kanimoh in Lakhisarai, some 150 km from here.The gunfight lasted for hours and the guerrillas looted 30 rifles from the security personnel, police said.Those killed include Kavaiyah outpost officer incharge Bhulan Yadav. Seven seriously injured personnel were admitted to the Patna Medical College and Hospital.“More than 150 armed Maoists attacked search teams of the Bihar police that were combing the area after intelligence reports of Maoists’ presence in the forest,” a police official said.More than 12 hours after the gunfight, the bodies of the slain policemen were yet to be removed but police have launched combing operations Monday morning in Lakhisarai and adjoining areas, an official said.Thakur told that additional security forces, including a special cobra battalion and the Central Reserve POlice Force (CRPF) have been rushed to Lakhisarai for the combing operations.
=================================================

Maoists ambush security patrol in Chhattisgarh, kill five

Five security personnel were killed as over 100 Maoists ambushed a patrol in Chhattisgarh’s restive Bastar region Sunday, leading to a gunfight, police said.

“Maoists ambushed a police patrolling party drawn from the Border Security Force (BSF), district force (DF) and special police officers (SPOs) in a thickly-forested area,” Inspector General of Police (Bastar range) T.J. Longkumer said over phone from Jagdalpur, headquarters of Bastar region.He said the gun battle took place in Bhuski village in Kanker district, 250 km from capital Raipur, when Maoists ambushed the troopers. “It was a major ambush but our jawans fought bravely and fiercely…Maoists were in large numbers and estimated to be over 100,” Longkumer said.Chhattisgarh Director General of Police Vishwa Ranjan said that those killed were three BSF men, including a head constable and two constables, one belonging to the DF and an SPO.He added that a chopper was sent to the attack site for rescue operations and evacuating an injured trooper. Police claimed that some Maoists were also killed in the gunfight but none of their bodies were recovered.The attack took place just a few hours before state Forest Minister Vikram Usendi was scheduled to visit the area. The minister, who belongs to Kanker district, called off his trip after the attack.All the five dead bodies were brought to Raipur in the evening. The bodies will be sent to their next of kin after Monday after the autopsies.Condemning the incident, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh said: “The government should not hold peace talks with Maoists until they abjure violence.”In a separate incident in Bijapur district, police and Maoists fought a brief gun battle Sunday in which two senior Maoist cadres were apprehended by a joint team of DF and SPOs in a hilly area, some 450 km south of here.Bijapur Superintendent of Police R.N Das said that police recovered explosives and Maoist documents from the ultras who were estimated to number 30-35.Chhattisgarh has been the epicentre of Maoist violence in recent years. The Bastar region, spread across an about 40,000 sq km area and comprising Dantewada, Bijapur, Narayanpur, Bastar and Kanker districts, is considered the nerve centre of Maoist militants in India.Officials at the police headquarters here said that the state has witnessed 1,948 Maoist attacks in the past three years. A total of 418 civilians and 435 policemen, including 75 SPOs, have been killed in Maoist violence.
==================================================

Sec 144 imposed in Chirala over YSR statue installation

Ongole, Aug 30: Police on Monday imposed section 144 in Chirala Town in Prakasam district following the dispute over the installation of a statue of former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy on government land.According to sources, police have arrested 26 supporters of Kadapa MP Y S Jaganmohan Reddy on Sunday when they tried to install the statue on a government land in Chirala town.Chirala police also arrested one Ravi Kumar alias Jinda, a rowdy-sheeter for attempting suicide over the issue.The arrests were made as they violated the prohibitory orders in force, police said.Trouble had started in this town soon after supporters of Mr Jaganmohan Reddy put up a platform in the land belonging to the roads and Buildings Department, ahead of the 'Odarpu yatra' slated to be held in Prakasam district from September 3.The police deployed additional forces in the trouble spot within the Two Town police station limits in Chirala town to prevent untoward incidents.Condemning the police action, the main opposition Telugu Desam Party demanded that the government remove all hurdles in installation of statues of the former chief minister at the land belonging to the Roads and Buildings Department.TDP Chirala incharge J Srinivasa Rao alleged that vested elements have hatched a conspiracy to obstruct the installation of YSR statue.
===================================================

Rosaiah inaugurates Sai Baba information centre

Hyderabad, Aug 30: Chief Minister K Rosaiah on Monday inaugurated the Shirdi Sai Baba Information Centre at YMCA complex on Sardar Patel Road in Secunderabad.Talking to media persons, the Chief Minister said that the information centre would be helpful for those devotees who visit Shirdi Sai Baba temple in Maharashtra frequently. The Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan Trust, which manages the Shirdi Sai Baba temple, has launched the Information Centre to help answer queries by devotees.The Secunderabad-based Radhaswami Foundation has provided an area of 3,200 sq ft for the centre, which will have the Sansthan's publications including the holy book Sri Sai Satcharitra, Aarti's and Bhajan CDs etc.The Information Centre will provide all information related to Shirdi and Sai Baba's life to the devotees. Presiding over the function, Sansthan's chairman Jayant Sasane stated that the 60-70 percent of Andhra devotees visit Sai Baba temple per year. He said the information centre would provide online services to devotees in future.
=====================================================

Quickly complete work, says PM at Nehru stadium

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday visited the remodelled and reconstructed Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and asked officials to “redouble their efforts to quickly complete” the work as people “expect a spectacular” Commonwealth Games, which are just 35 days away.“The prime minister, this morning, visited the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex where the opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games are scheduled to be held,” said a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.Accompanied by Sports Minister M.S. Gill and Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Chairperson Suresh Kalmadi, the prime minister was shown the various facilities at the complex, including the playing fields, media facilities, the VIP box, stands for spectators, security and other arrangements.“The prime minister said that it was a beautiful stadium and he urged all concerned authorities to redouble their efforts to quickly complete whatever works remained as the people were expecting a spectacular and flawless opening to the Commonwealth Games,” the statement said here.Manmohan Singh reached the refurbished stadium around noon to take stock of the venue.The prime minister intervened in the Games preparations following delays and corruption allegations in the biggest sporting event being organised in India since the 1982 Asiad.During a meeting two weeks ago, he issued clear instructions that the facilities for the Commonwealth Games should be made ready in time and meet international standards as the “eyes of the world” were on India.After the meeting, an empowered committee, headed by the cabinet secretary, has been overseeing Games preparedness, along with a group of ministers headed by Jaipal Reddy.Thereafter, 10 senior officials of joint secretary and additional secretary rank were deputed to oversee operations at specific venues. The officials were given the authority to take decisions on the spot.The Nehru stadium has been refurbished at a whopping Rs.9.6 billion (approximately $200 million) with international consultants from six countries – Germany, Switzerland, Britain, the US, Mexico and Australia – putting their heads together to construct the state-of-art facility.The deadline for completion of the venue has been changed several times since the Central Public Works Department began the construction work 32 months ago.
=================================================