South Central Railway to operate summer special trains Saturday, March 31, 2007 | PV
South Central Railway (SCR) will run 58 weekly summer special trains to Rajkot and Bikaner, and from Kakinada to Tirupati from April 10 to June 21. This is in addition to the 98 summer special train announced earlier.
Stray dogs eat up body of baby at Vizag Saturday, March 31, 2007 | PV
Stray dogs partially ate the body of a 3 month old baby near a garbage bin near King George Hospitalin Visakhapatnam. Witnesses said the babys body wrapped in a polythene bag was dumped in the garbage bin. An hour later, people saw stray dogs began tearing the body into pieces. By the time the dogs where shooed away, they had eaten the lower part of the body. Two Town police recovered the body and sent it for post mortem.
APSRTC Employees Union serves strike notice Saturday, March 31, 2007 | PV
The Employees Union of the APSRTC will serve a strike notice on the management on Saturday for settlement of 41 demands including regularisation of casual workers who they said were underpaid. The Employees Union which is the second largest union in the RTC has also expressed concern over outsourcing, taking more buses on hire and increased workload.There has been no recruitment in the RTC. All the employees are forced to work for more than 12 hours in a day as per the new duty rule, said Dr V. Raja Ramamohan, the working president of the union. As per labour laws, any union can go on strike between 14th and 42nd day after serving the notice if the management does not respond to their demands, he said.
Iran proposes Persian language manuscripts tranalsation project Saturday, March 31, 2007 | PV
The Iran government has proposed a project to translate Persian language manuscripts in State libraries into Telugu, English and Urdu, and Telugu and Sanskrit manuscripts into Persian.� Iran�s consul-general in Hyderabad Hossein Ravesh said his government was willing to fund the translation project, and ready to offer the services of scholars in Persian from Iran.
All the four power distribution companies (Discoms) furnished wrong financial and physical progress to the distribution reforms committee (DRC) and drew excess loans of Rs 180.58 crores from financial institutions and Union government of India, the CAG report revealed. The Eastern Power Distribution company in particular, availed a loan of Rs 78.68 crore from Power Finance Company despite having surplus funds ranging from Rs 110.44 crore to Rs.220.40 crore from March 2004 to March 2006. The State government received Rs 265.10 crore towards incentive for reduction of losses by Discoms but the same has not been released so far to Discoms in contravention of the condition of the memorandum of agreement.The uneconomic procurement of material by Discoms resulted in avoidable expenditure of Rs 2.71 crore.
AP economy growing constantly at 7-8 percent: Finance Minister Saturday, March 31, 2007 | PV
The State government admitted that there has been a slow-down in agricultural sector despite the State economy growing constantly at 7-8 per cent for the last four years. Finance minister K. Rosaiah in his Statement of Fiscal Policy pointed out that volatility in agriculture production remained to be a major concern, which engages the attention of the State government to achieve sustainability in economic development.
New buddhist site getting ready Friday, March 30, 2007 | PV
The archaeology department has started excavations at Phanigiri village in Nalgonda to unearth Buddhist and Hindu sites. Archaeology minister N. Rajyalakshmi said resto-ration had started at Bhuvanagiri fort and Panagal temples of Pachala Som-eswara Swamy and Chaya Someswara Swamy.
N.T.Rama Rao spoke during the Telugu Desam silver jubilee fete, underlining once again the importance of the founder and emphasising the partys supremacy in hi tech areas. In a five minute animation movie which caught the attention of the party cadre at Nizam College grounds, NTR wished 1000 years for the party. He told the cadre that the conditions which he faced before starting the party were prevailing again.
Cabinet approves multi utility complex at Delhi Friday, March 30, 2007 | PV
The State Cabinet approved construction of a Rs 1,000-crore multi-utility complex and nursing hostel at Ashoka Road, a five-star hotel including convention centre and service apartments in Pataudi House in New Delhi. The resident commissioner, AP Bhavan, New Delhi, had proposed construction of the complex in AP Bhavan on 20.22 acres belonging to the State government. Eight consortiums were short listed for the project.The additional director general, Union ministry of tourism, meanwhile, stated that in view of the Commonwealth Games 2010, land available with the government next to AP Bhavan at Pataudi House could be used to build a five-star hotel and promised to secure necessary permissions.
Another Chiranjeevi is Ram Charan Teja Thursday, March 29, 2007 | PV
Ram Charan Teja is making the shot ok in first attempt itself at Bangkok. Puri Jagannath is shooting him there now. Although the film is a debut one, it seems, Ram Charan is not eating away the reel.That's really the ability taken from his Dad on hereditary mode, inform the unit members.The fans of Chiranjeevi are very eager to see Ram Charan Tejas performance in the film Chirutha. Indeed, Mahesh Babu is another hero who is known for single takes. So, we can say Mahesh Babu and Ram Charan Teja may be new generation stars if the information given by unit members of Chirutha is true.
Centre puts states on high alert to prevent bird flu Tuesday, March 27, 2007 | PV
The Centre has put States on high alert to prevent outbreaks of avian influenza or bird flu in the country. The Central governments move follows reports of recurrence of avian influenza in Thailand, Hong Kong, USA, Malaysia, UK, Hungary, South Korea, Japan, Pakistan and some other countries. Moreover, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has also issued a pandemic alert for South East Asian countries, including India, where bird flu cases were previously reported.
Council results: CPM-3, TRS-2 and TDP-2 Tuesday, March 27, 2007 | PV
3 backed by the CPI(M) and two each backed by the Telugu Desam and the Telangana Rashtra Samiti won from the graduates constituencies to the Legislative Council.The Congress had not officially backed any candidate, and the BJP could not win a single seat. There are eight graduates constituencies for which elections were held on March 17. Each constituency comprises on average about three districts.For the TRS, Mr Kapilavai Dilip Kumar defeated the CPI(M)-backed candidate Buggaviti Sarala from the Nalgonda-Warangal-Khammam constituency and Mr R. Satyanarayana won from the Karimnagar by defeating Mr K. Mohan Reddy. Osmania University Professor K. Nageswar was leading in the Hyderabad-Ranga Reddy-Mahbubnagar constituency. He had 19,385 votes against his TD-backed rival P.L. Srinivas who had 16,312 at the end of the 36 round. The final result is likely to be declared on Tuesday since 21 rounds are still to be counted.
Investment plans: YS plans to tour US and Singapore Tuesday, March 27, 2007 | PV
Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy will lead a high level delegation to the US and Singapore to attract investment and study modern agricultural practices from May 6 to 13. Dr Reddy will participate in programmes organised by Telugu Association of North America and American Telugu Association arranged in Chicago on May 7 and 8.He will deliver the inaugural address at the World Agriculture Congress at St. Louis on May 8. The next two days, the team will study developments in IT in San Francisco, visit semi-conductor and Fab units and meet CEOs. On May 10, the team leaves for Singapore where Dr Reddy will participate in investment promotion and interact with industrialists. He will study modern practices in agriculture. The team will comprise ministers N. Raghuveera Reddy and Sabita Indira Reddy, adviser K.V.P. Ramachandra Rao, CMs principal secretary Jannat Hussain and other officials.
Greater Hyderabad elections next year: EC Tuesday, March 27, 2007 | PV
The Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission indicated that elections to Greater Hyderabad are likely to be held only next year as the government is yet to complete the reorganisation of wards and process of reservations. The legal battles and objections over the formation of Greater Hyderabad will also delay the elections.The term of elected bodies of 12 surrounding municipalities ended two years ago and those civic bodies will not have political representation until elections are conducted. Administrative hurdles will also block the election process for Greater Hyderabad. In fact, the government is yet to give a notification for the formation of Greater Hyderabad.
NRIs not eligible for townships in AP Monday, March 26, 2007 | PV
The Andhra Pradesh Housing Board made stated that non-resident Indians are not eligible to apply for the townships to be constructed for middle class sections under the Rajiv Swagruha scheme. Family members of many NRIs were visiting APHB offices and making phone calls to its call centre in Hyderabad with queries about the much publicised scheme. Officials clarified that applicants should be residents of Andhra Pradesh for at least five years.
RTC Vs RTA Monday, March 26, 2007 | PV
The Transport department and the AP State Road Transport Corporation are blaming each other for the rampant illicit operations of private operators that is costing the State about Rs 1,000 crores every year in the State. The argument of the transport department is that private operators are making hay with the failure of the RTC to introduce more luxury and hitec services to cater to the needs of passengers. The RTC is able to transport only 2 lakh long-distance passengers with its 5,000 buses consist of luxury, hitec, Volvo and other services.
Council elections: TDP demands 10 years debarment Sunday, March 25, 2007 | PV
Telugu Desam president N. Chandrababu Naidu demanded the Central Election Commission for 10-year debarment of those involved in open voting in the recent Council elections. Mr Naidu also asked for the suspension of the concerned polling officials in the respective polling stations, since they failed to implement the election code. Mr Naidu criticised the ruling Congress party for making the Legislative Council elections a farce.
Assembly sessions: PHCs will have alternative medicine doctors Sunday, March 25, 2007 | PV
People in rural areas can choose the branch of medicine of their choice at primary health centres (PHCs) hereafter. Each PHC in the State will have either an ayurveda, homeoepathy, unani or naturopathy doctor in addition to the allopathy doctor. The State government has decided to transform the PHCs into integrated medical services centres.Medical and health minister K. Rosaiah told the Assembly this, in reply to a question by legislators Vamshi Krishna, C. Rammohan Reddy, J. Krishna Rao and D.K. Aruna, during Question Hour on Saturday. The minister made it clear that the government would not recruit doctors of alternative form of medicines but extend the services of AYUSH doctors which includes ayurveda, homeoepathy, unani and naturopathy in the PHC premises.
HC turned out to be a bane for senior bureaucrats Sunday, March 25, 2007 | PV
A boon for the High Court judges has turned out to be a bane for senior bureaucrats in the Secretariat. About 50 senior officials are waiting for an approval to buy new cars. But, the State has decided to give these officials the used Opel Astras which the HC judges surrendered on Friday after the government bought brand new Toyota Corolla for them. The judges replaced their cars in five years.According to sources that the cars were in perfect condition and could be used by the bureaucrats for at least next five years without any problems. In fact, the government initially rejected the proposal to buy new cars for the judges because the cars are only five years old, sources said. The proposal was subsequently accepted on the grounds that it was becoming difficult to get the spare parts for the cars.
Telangana supporters asking people to boycott Okkadunnadu Sunday, March 25, 2007 | PV
A comic scene in Telugu film, Okkadunnadu, has raised the hackles of supporters of a separate Telangana state, who are now asking people to boycott the film. The dialogue is between two comic actors of the film, released on March 3, wherein one asks the other to make him laugh. At this, Brahmanandam, a leading comic actor in Tollywood, asks Telangana eppudu vastundi (when will Telangana materialise) at which both the actors laugh. While the joke implied that the issue of a separate Telangana state has been going on for several years and nobody knows when it would materialise, Telangana supporters believe the pun ridicules their demand for a separate state.
TV9 sting operations on its journalist Sunday, March 25, 2007 | PV
Raviprakash's TV9 is known for sting operations. Many of its sting operations sensitized the public. Now, as a wonder it trapped one of its employees in sting operation.Rajasekhar is the News Coordinator working in TV9. He was caught by his TV9 colleagues while taking a bribe of Rs. 5000. That was reported to higher authorities and he was dismissed from the services. Not only that, the TV9 has taken steps to inform the same to other media sources as well to keep Rajasekhar away from them. It was revealed that Rajasekhar took almost Rs. 14 lakh as bribe so far.
Chemical blast claims 14 years boy Saturday, March 24, 2007 | PV
Fourteen-year-old Moham-med Azim, who suffered serious burns in a fire mishap at Bhavani Nagar on Sunday, died at Osmania General Hospital on Friday. Azim was one among the five brothers who used to make chemical petrol. The fire broke out due to a spark from one of the lights.
ACB booked case against tahsildar Saturday, March 24, 2007 | PV
Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) sleuths booked a corruption case against tahsildar P. Rama Rao of Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (Huda) after unearthing unaccounted assets worth Rs 1.10 crores in his possession. The official is currently on long leave, and the ACB booked a case against him for possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.Sources said that ACB personnel unearthed the assets during simultaneous raids on his residences in Vanasthalipuram on the city outskirts, Nakrekal, Miryalguda and his guest house at Alkapuri near Dilsukhnagar on Friday morning. The raids were conducted by an ACB team led by regional director K. Srinivas Reddy.
Cement rates will go up Saturday, March 24, 2007 | PV
Cement manufacturers State have turned down the request of the State government to reduce the prices of the cement. However, they promised to provide three lakh tonnes for the Indiramma housing scheme. Earlier, Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy held a review meeting with the cement manufacturers on procurement of cement for the Indiramma housing programme on Friday. He expressed concern over the skyrocketing prices of cement. The meeting also decided to hold another round of talks in the third week of April.
TDP supremo criticised CM Saturday, March 24, 2007 | PV
Telugu Desam president N. Chandrababu Naidu accused Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy of institutionalising corruption in elections. Expressing anguish over the way the Legislative Council polls were held and open horse trading, he alleged that the Congress had misused money and muscle power for political gains.Council seats were sold for Rs 1 to one-and-a-half crores. Nearly Rs 2 crores were offered for a vote. Some of the deals were settled in New Delhi. We did not offer even tea to our MLAs, Naidu alleged. Introducing newly-elected MLCs, he said the Telugu Desam politburo decided to field five candidates.
Clean water is impossible in AP Thursday, March 22, 2007 | PV
A pot of clean water continues to be a near-impossible dream for people in majority of villages of the State on World Water Day. If water scarcity plagues some parts of the State, acute pollution of water bodies is the main problem in other areas. Industrial and municipal effluents continue to contaminate major rivers, including Godavari and Krishna.In cities, the crisscrossing of drainage lines with drinking water pipelines is causing water contamination, making people vulnerable to a host of diseases. Complaints of polluted drinking water have become commonplace in the State capital.
Ileana is no match to my figure: Veteran actress Tuesday, March 20, 2007 | PV
Rambha wants to retire, certainly not as a senior artiste, but as a heroine. She wants her audiences to remember her only as heroine, neither as a mother nor an aunt. To fulfill her wish, she is after directors. She is almost making their lives miserable with her untimely calls. Before she retires, she wants to play opposite to heroes Chiranjeevi, Balakrishna, Nagarjuna and Venkatesh at least for one more time. She says she has the least inhibition for exposing. She claims, even Ileana is no match to her in figure. Many in the industry say Rambha is crazy.
No T- resolution in Tirupati Mahanadu Tuesday, March 20, 2007 | PV
Telugu Desam president N. Chandrababu Naidu has reportedly turned down the request for a resolution in favour of a separate Telangana in the Mahanadu function at Tirupati. According to sources Mr Naidu had described the recent bickering over Telangana as that by a disgruntled few whose hopes were dashed by party decision to field newcomers in the council elections. Mr Naidu made it clear that there would be no resolution or debate on Telangana at the Mahanadu.
Government to study auto meters in other states Tuesday, March 20, 2007 | PV
AP governments recent order on the study of digital meters in other States, has kicked off another row between the transport department and autorickshaw unions as the former decided to visit Bangalore and Thiruvanantapuram, instead of New Delhi and Chennai which were suggested by the latter. Auto unions called off their January 20-29 strike after the government decided to send a study team to other cities within three months. Department officials said that a team comprising two officials from the transport department, three officers of weights and measures department, two from the police department and two representatives each from autorickshaw unions and the media would visit both Bangalore and Thiruvanantapuram in the first week of April.
Senior congress leaders lobbying for cabinet Tuesday, March 20, 2007 | PV
With their entry into the State Legislative Council assured, senior Congress leaders are lobbying for berths in the State Cabinet.Some of them have already knocked the AICC doors seeking the intervention of the Congress central leadership. The Legislative Council will be in place on March 30 paving the way for the much-awaited Cabinet expansion. As is the tradition with the Congress, a couple of members from the Upper House will be accommodated in the State Cabinet.
Text books crisis in Andhra Pradesh Tuesday, March 20, 2007 | PV
Students of Andhra Pradesh government schools may not get their textbooks before their quarterly examinations in the next academic year if the stand-off between the government and printers continues. Usually, printing of textbooks starts in the first week of February to make them ready by June when schools reopen. However, the printing is yet to start this year. The delay has been caused by the dispute over printing rates between officials of the school education department and 70odd printers of the State. While the Andhra Pradesh Web Offset Printers Association has demanded that the printing rates be raised by five per cent from last year, the government has been maintaining that the printer who quoted the lowest rate will be given the order.
Laya in USA: Premalo Anjali Geetha Krishna releasing shortly Monday, March 19, 2007 | PV
Laya is in USA now. But still she is hitting screen shortly and that is with a dubbing version.The film titled Premalo Anjali Geetha Krishna is releasing shortly and its audio is going to hit the market on the banner of Madhura Entertainments.The film has showcased the sentimental relation between brother and sister. So this is another film on the lines of Annavaram and Rakhee. Jaya Ram paired up with Laya in this Malayalam film. Laya plays the role of a research scholar who comes from Singapore to study the lives of orphans.
Ugadhi 19th ... No No 20th Monday, March 19, 2007 | PV
There has been big chaos on the date of Ugadhi from the last few days. While some are saying that it falls on 19th others are emphasizing that it would fall only on 20 th. Ganapathi Sachchidaananda clarified on this last evening.There wouldnt be any problem if Ugadi is celebrated either on 19th or on 20th. There shouldn't be any chaos on this. Bhakti is related to one's own conscience, said Swami Ganapathi Sachchidaananda. Swamiji said this during the launch of his audio album Bhajana Vaibhavam sung by SP Balu and composed by Mani Sharma. The festival is going to be celebrated in Ashram for two days.
Mohanbabu birthday: I will not reveal my age Monday, March 19, 2007 | PV
19th March is Mohan Babus birthday. On the occasion of his birthday he said, This is 32nd year as an actor for me. Legendary NTR told me not to reveal the actual age as long as I continue as an actor. The character may have age but not the actor. Gummadi acted in old characters when he was just 30. He mesmerized with such roles throughout his career. Similarly NTR who acted as grand father to Sridevi in Badipanthulu, later acted as hero for her in several silver jubilee films. Heroes can dance as long their personality looks good. NTR, ANR, Krishna, Sobhan Bbau and Krishnam Raju did the same and won the hearts of people.
Hyderabad will become Singapore and Shanghai: CM YSR Monday, March 19, 2007 | PV
Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy on Sunday stated that the government was taking all steps to develop Hyderabad to match Singapore and Shanghai. Hyderabad will be the best city among New Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai, he said. The Metro Rail plan and Outer Ring Road will transform the face of the city, Dr Reddy told a public meeting near Nehru Zoological Park after inaugurating the integrated treatment plan of Mir Alam tank.
Telugu Desam leaders from Telangana are getting an unprecedented personal invitation from Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) president K. Chandrasekhar Rao to join his party. Mr Chandrasekhar Rao has a personal rapport with many leaders of the TD where he spent many years before setting up the TRS. According to sources Mr Chandrasekhar Rao was in touch with former ministers S. Venugopalachari, C. Muthyam Reddy and Nalgonda leaders G. Sukendar Reddy, Sankineni Venkateswar Rao.
Uday Kiran in limelight again Saturday, March 17, 2007 | PV
Uday Kirans time is not so favorable and he has been awaiting a success from quite a long time. His recent film in his second innings, Abadhdham also turned flop. Now he is acting in the film Viyyalavari Kayyalu with Neha Jhulka in female lead. The film is being made on the banner of Larsco in the production of Lagadapati Sridhar. Now interesting factor to note is that Uday Kiran is going to ride on Rs.1 Cr Car with this film. Well, thats not the remuneration! He has to ride that affluent Bentley Car to can a scene for the film.
Prabhas new movie Shadow Saturday, March 17, 2007 | PV
Hero Prabhas is going to come up with the film Shadow shortly on the banner of KS Rama Rao.As per the sources Hansika Motwani is going to pair up with Prabhas with this film. It is said that Prabhas has signed up for a film with Puri Jagannath as well. As Puri is busy till the release of Ram Charans debut, Prabhas is doing 'Shadow' meanwhile. It is the next venture of KS Rama Rao after tasting flop with Chukkallo Chandrudu.
Palastinian team in Hyderabad Saturday, March 17, 2007 | PV
Jamal Juma, co-ordinator of the Palestinian Grassroots Anti-Apartheid Wall Campaign, said the Israeli regime had unleashed racist brutality that by far exceeded the crimes of the Apartheid regime in South Africa.Jamal Juma is in the city along with Prof. Kamal Majid, former professor of electrical engineering at Cardiff University, UK, to mobilise support for the peoples struggles in West Asia. They addressed the media jointly. Jamal Juma said the very survival of Al-Aqsa mosque, Islam’s third holiest shrine, was at stake with Israel carrying out excavations very near to the mosque site.Al-Aqsa does not belong to just Palestinians but it belongs to all Muslims of the world, he observed.
MCH sealed building in Banjarahills Saturday, March 17, 2007 | PV
Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad and fire services officials sealed the main gates of Zasdal Khan building in Banjara Hills and partially sealed Maheshwari complex, a residential-cum-commercial complex in Masab Tank.Nearly 40 commercial establishments are located in Maheshwari Complex, and officials said they had ignored notices to install fire safety measures. Officials vacated the shops and sealed them. Officials did not seal the building because of the presence of some houses in the complex. Sources said 12 commercial complexes and 13 residential multi storeyed buildings may face action for not following fire safety norms.
16 lakh acres in illegal occupation Saturday, March 17, 2007 | PV
Nearly 16 lakh acres of assigned land is under the illegal occupation of 48,000 people across the State, officials said on Friday. So far, 500 people have surrendered 800 acres of land after the States drive to recover the land.This was revealed to Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy at a review meeting on assigned lands at the Secretariat. Asking officials to speed up recovering assigned land from those who it held illegally, Dr Reddy said the assigned lands should be distributed among all eligible people in the State.
TDP Mahanadu in Tirupati from May 27th Saturday, March 17, 2007 | PV
The Telugu Desam will organise its three-day Mahanadu at Tirupati from May 27 to 29.The party also decided to celebrate its silver jubilee at Hyderabad on March 29 in a big way. From the jubilee celebrations to the Mahanadu, the party has chalked out a series of programmes from village to district level.TD president N Chandrababu Naidu discussed the issues with senior leaders and announced the plan.Tirupati is a sacred place and holding Mahanadu will help the party to receive the blessings of Lord Venkateswara, Mr Naidu said.
Chirec Pulic School students in food poisoning symptoms Saturday, March 17, 2007 | PV
More than 100 students of the Chirec Public School showed symptoms of food poisoning after they ate breakfast prepared at the school on Thursday morning. Several children complained of stomach pain and others vomited. Worried parents rushed their children to hospitals and clinics after they returned from school. They were given medication for food adulteration. However, none of them were admitted in the hospitals. A parent, who chose to remain anonymous, told this correspondent that she had taken her child to the Ascetic Medical Centre in Jubilee Hills after he came back from school. There she found six more children of the school being treated for similar complaints.
Five killled in road accident at Hyderabad Wednesday, March 14, 2007 | PV
Five persons died in separate road accidents in the city and surrounding areas. K. Praveen Kumar, 22, of Kismatpur village suffered a head injury when a speeding lorry hit the motorcycle he was riding near AP Police Academy. He died on way to the hospital.
Godavari water to Hyderabad 1st phase will be completed by 2009 Wednesday, March 14, 2007 | PV
The government announced that the project to divert Godavari water for augmentation of drinking water to Hyderabad phase 1 will be completed by 2009. Tenders for the project will be invited by year end after studying the detailed report and financial issues. Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy took this decision at a review meeting with minister for municipal administration Koneru Ranga Rao and senior officials of the department.
"Bahumathi" Could Happen to you SVK Tuesday, March 13, 2007 | PV
SV Krishna Reddy is now making the film Bahumathi with Venu and Sangeetha in lead roles. According to sources say that the film is an inspiration of English flick It Could Happen to You. Nicholas Cage acted in the film.The same film was remade into Hindi as Bade Dilwala casting Suneel Setty in lead role. The English flick was released in 1994 that is about 13 years back.
Miss India World Gadde Sindoora in tollywood Tuesday, March 13, 2007 | PV
Gadde Sindoora, the former Miss India-World is going act in the direction of Rasool shortly. Earlier, Sada is supposed to act in this film. MM Keeravani is going to score music for this film while new hero Rohit is going to play male lead in it.It is said that the film is going to be promoted in big way with the pictures of Sindoora. So, special photo sessions are planned with her by Rasool. Well, Rasool is known for the films like Okariki Okaru etc.
Issue: Hasan Ali Tuesday, March 13, 2007 | PV
Paediatrician P. Niranjan Raos face was disfigured in an acid attack after he quarrelled with hawala operator Hasan Ali Khan over parking space way back in 1984. I dont want to recall that ghastly incident, he told to media. I had to undergo 30 surgeries to get my face back in shape. Though Hasan was not part of the gang which threw acid at Dr Rao at the Punjagutta traffic signal, the paediatrician had told the police that he suspected the former to be behind it. Police incorporated Hasans name in the attack as one of the suspects.
Legislative Council candidates fined Tuesday, March 13, 2007 | PV
8 candidates for the Legislative Council who were defacing public walls and putting up hoardings saying that Election Commission rules did not apply to them got a rude shock with the Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad (MCH) slamming a Rs 50,000 penalty on them.They were ordered on Monday to remove posters and hoardings within three days while paying the penalty.The MCH said that the candidates had violated the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation Act.Chief electoral officer V. Bhaskar said there would be action for defacing public property even in council elections. According to him, action will be initiated as per Section 4 of the AP Prevention of Disfigurement of Open Places and Prohibition of Obscene and Objectionable Posters and Advertisement Act, 1997.
Good news for Vizag passengers Tuesday, March 13, 2007 | PV
Visakhapatnam airport is all set to have night and instrument landing facilities shortly. The calibration of the technology would be conducted on March 25 paving the way for operation of bigger aircraft and night landing. Two airlines have proposed to operate services in the night, but the Navy is reportedly reluctant to allow operations after 3 p.m.
Ugadi Telugu New Year on March 19 announced Tuesday, March 13, 2007 | PV
The government declared holiday for Ugadi, the Telugu New Year, on March 19 instead of March 20. Principal secretary, general administration department (political) C.R. Biswal said the government had consulted about 10 writers of panchangams to fix the date. The Board of Intermediate Education postponed all the Intermediate examination scheduled on March 19 to March 20.
ICC World Cup: Fans send up prayers Monday, March 12, 2007 | PV
With World Cup cricket action in the West Indies started, fans began performing homams for the victory of Indian team. Fans offered special prayers to Lord Ganesh to remove all vignams (obstacles) for the Indian cricket team to emerge victorious at the premier cricket tournament. In Rajanagar of Uppariguda in Malkajgiri (Hyderabad), the colony association conducted a yagnam at the Vijaya Vinayaka Temple. Five purohits sat around the homam, making offerings, reciting slokas and offering prayers for the Tteam Indias success.
Asin as Radio anchor in Shankardada Zindabad? Monday, March 12, 2007 | PV
Shankardada Zindabad is in making and it is known that it is the remake of Lage Raho Munnabhai. Fresh reports say that Asin was almost booked for the female lead in the film. She has to play the role of Radio Anchor in it.Asin is the brand ambassador for Big FM and hence the things are being worked out to show Big FM along with Asin in the film.Grapevine says that Gemini Film Circuit is going to chalk out a package deal with Big FM as they will get very big mileage with this Mega Stars film.
Prabhas is one of the hard working actors:Ileana Monday, March 12, 2007 | PV
Actress Illeana is all praise for actor Prabhas, who is her costar in her latest venture, Munna. This is the first time I am working with Prabhas and I can say he is one of the hard working actors in the industry. He is also a great co-star to work with and I had a great time working for the film.The film is being directed by first timer VAMSI and produced by RAJU, with Harris Jayaraj composing the music. The film is an action drama and it has something for all types of audiences,adds Illeana.
Memories: Chandala Kesavadasu Monday, March 12, 2007 | PV
Chandhala Kesavadasu is the first lyricist in the history of Telugu Film Industry. He penned the song Thanaya Itulan Thagadhura Palukaa…for the film Bhakta Prahlada that was released in the year 1931. He also penned other two other songs Parithaapambu.. and Bheekarambagu Naa.. in the same film.The famous Parabrahma Parameshwara.. that has been dancing on the lips of drama artistes before the beginning of a drama was written by Chandhala Kesavadasu. Another song Bhale Manchi Chowka Beramu.. was also written by Kesavadasu.
Malleswari Katrina Kaif in hot pose Monday, March 12, 2007 | PV
Katrina Kaif is known as Malleswsari for Telugu audiences. She also acted with Balakrishna in the film Allari Pidugu. She is widely known in Bollywood a Salman Khans hot friend.Katrina, first showed her assets in rocking way in the film Boom that released long back. She has given hot seminute pose for one photo session.Is it not bold and beautiful! Yes, she is looking dutiful as well.
Koti womens college girls fall ill Monday, March 12, 2007 | PV
19 more students of the Koti Womens College hostel fell ill and were admitted to Fever Hospital, taking to 90 the number of girls hospitalised over two days.Eighty students were hospitalised after taking dinner on Saturday night after they suffered symptoms of food poisoning including severe vomiting and an upset stomach. 35 girls were discharged on Sunday and the rest are out of danger, doctors said. One girl is being monitored round the clock as her condition is unstable, said Fever Hospital resident medical officer. We are treating them for symptoms of food and water contamination.
Hawala case: Abed Hussain Ali arrested Monday, March 12, 2007 | PV
Abed Hussain alias Ali Bhai, the States most wanted suspect and alleged member of Dawood Ibrahim gang, was arrested by the Intelligence Bureau and task force personnel after he was deported to Hyderabad from Dubai. Ali Bhai, 32, is involved in at least 30 incidents, a majority of them kidnapping cases in Hyderabad, Pune and Mumbai. He was arrested on arrival at the Rajiv Gandhi international airport on Saturday. Sources said he had been operating from Dubai, contacting local gangs here and in Medak over satellite phone.
Anti human trafficking unit formed Friday, March 9, 2007 | PV
The AP government has formed special Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) teams to conduct raids on brothels in view of increase in missing cases of girls and young women. Home minister K. Jana Reddy told the State Assembly on Thursday that the government would soon convene an all-party meeting to discuss the measures to curb the menace. He said the number of cases of missing girls and women reported in the State were 6,256, besides 3,066 cases in twin cities during the last three years.Out of 6,256 cases in the State, 5,031 were solved. In Hyderabad, 2,486 cases out of 3,066 were solved. Special teams have been formed under the charge of district unit officers for locating, identifying and arresting traffickers. While AHTUs are trying to increase surveillance agai-nst traffickers to rescue the victims,” he said. However, MIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi did not agree with the statistics given by the home minister. He said there was a big disparity between the figures on human trafficking available with the National Human Rights Commission and the State police.
Drug control officials raided a depot of Sri Baidyanath Ayurvedic Bhawan Ltd containing bottles of formulations with claiming that they can be used for serious diseases like neuro and cardiac problems.Drug Control Administration assistant director (twin cities) Ravi Kumar said.
CIEFL in fire Thursday, March 8, 2007 | PV
Students boycotted classes in CIEFL following ouster of Mr Muthyalu Naidu as registrar.There are procedures. Vice-chancellor V.S.S. Sastry should have placed the issue before the Board,CIEFL Participants Association (students) leader Ravi Chander and BC Students Union president Srinivas Goud said on Wednesday. All staff and student unions opposed the VCs action. Incharge registrar T.A.V. Murthy functioned from the Vcs premises as Mr Naidu had not vacated the office.
Osmania General Hospital neurosurgeons said they had conducted the States first artificial cervical disc replacement. OGH doctors were so far conducting bone graft using plate-and-screw method. Patients found it difficult to move the neck freely after surgery. The new procedure allows normal movement of the neck.Dr T.V. Srinivas, chief neurosurgeon, said the patient, Mr Sharanappa, 30, of Bidar, was operated for cervical disc prolapse. He was unable to walk and usually this leads to paralysis. The MRI of the cervical spine showed compression of the spinal cord at C3-C4 level. We operated upon him on March 2, Dr Srinivas said. The surgery was done for free. Not more than dozen such surgeries have been done in the country, he said.
Intermediate exams from 21st Monday, March 5, 2007 | PV
About 10,000 students of government junior colleges have been denied hall tickets for the Intermediate public examinations beginning on Monday. The Board of Intermediate Education (BIE) has denied them hall tickets for shortage of attendance. BIE secretary R.P. Sisodia put the figure at 8,000 students, almost all of them belonging to government colleges.There may be some exceptions like one or two private college students,Mr Sisodia told media. The rule of attendance is applicable to all government, corporate and private college students. We go by the attendance chart submitted by the college principals, Mr Sisodia said. As per the BIE rules, a student must have 75 per cent attendance. Students with 60 per cent attendance can pay Rs 500 and appear as private candidates.
Visakhapatnam sand becomes gold Monday, March 5, 2007 | PV
The sands which beach-goers of the State casually kick around contain precious ilmenite, the most important source of titanium which is used to build aircraft and rockets. This vast reserve will now be exploited by the State.Experts have pointed out that the entire 950-km east coast, right from Srikakulam bordering Orissa in the north to Nellore near Tamil Nadu in the south, and the stretch between Kakinada and Itchapuram is rich in rare minerals such as ilmenite, rutile, garnet, monazite, silliminate, and zircon. Ilmenite bears titanium that is used to make aircraft, artillery guns and other defence equipment because it is lightweight and non-corrosive, said Prof. C. Kasipathi of the department of geology in Andhra University.
Anti people actions could be exposed in council elections: Naidu Sunday, March 4, 2007 | PV
TDP supremo N. Chandrababu Naidu declared that his party would annul the Legislative Council if voted back to power. The statement at a media conference came as a blast ahead of the council election scheduled for March 17. Would the TD contest the election, Mr Naidu was asked. He replied, We will not escape from the democratic process. He said the TD would take part in the election and send its representatives to the Council so the anti-people actions of the government could be exposed in the Council also.
Tourist spot: Dimsa dancers are HIV victims Sunday, March 4, 2007 | PV
Tribal Dimsa dancers who dance for tourists at programmes organised by the State tourism department and local hotels, are falling victim to HIV infection, according to a social assessment in Andhra Pradeshs Visakhapatnam district. The girls are lured into sex with tourists by local touts who pay them a pittance in Araku Valley, a tourism centre in Andhra Pradesh, said the assessment submitted by AC Nielsen and ORG-MARG and published in the latest report of National Aids Control Organisation.
Security threat: Dummy airport at Hyderabad Sunday, March 4, 2007 | PV
A dummy airport will be built at the National Industrial Security Academy (Nisa) here to train security agencies to deal effectively with hijacks and other emergencies. The airport, estimated to cost Rs 5 crores, will be part of the proposed School of Aviation Security and National Emergency Institute.Central Industrial Security Force personnel and their counterparts from other Asian countries will be trained here to tackle hijacks and terrorist attacks. Increasing threat perception to airports and aircraft prompted Nisa to take up this project. Nisa has been training personnel of CISF, which is providing security to 54 airports, on how to avert sabotage and terror attacks. According to Nisa director Anurag Sarma the dummy airport will have all simulations and facilities.
I like glamor roles: Madhu Shalini Saturday, March 3, 2007 | PV
Actress Madhu Shalini is starring in a family drama opposite Sivaji in Vikram Gandhis venture which is being produced by Sreenivas and Uma Maheswar Rao. Talking about her role, she says,play the role of an obedient daughter who loves her father deeply.When I read the script, I liked the character and identified with it. The film highlights how family becomes ones support system in times of need. I like glamor roles she added.
Sada in Chiru latest movie Saturday, March 3, 2007 | PV
SAda has participated in the shooting of Chiranjeevis latest Shankardada Zindabad a few days back. It is learnt that she is doing the second lead in the film that was originally done by Dia Mirza in Hindi. She plays the daughter of Chiranjeevis rival played by Sayaji Shinde. For Sada this is a great chance to be in megastars film although she is not paired with him. But buzz is that another top actor might be paired with her in the film.
Rs.2700 crores ready for Outer Ring Road Saturday, March 3, 2007 | PV
The Centre approved the Rs 2,700-crore loan for the final phase of the Outer Ring Road project. With this loan, to be given by the Japanese Bank for International Cooperation, the entire funding for the prestigious project was tied up. While the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority is raising finances on its own for the first phase which is already grounded, the authority opted for the annuity model for the second phase.The loan for third phase is available at about three to four per cent interest and has 30 year time frame for repayment. The State has a 10-year moratorium after which the loan will be repaid in 20 years.
Legislative council Congress list ready Saturday, March 3, 2007 | PV
CM Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy and PCC chief K. Kesava Rao have short-listed 60 Congress nominees for the legislative council polls. The list will be finalised after the duo meets Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Saturday morning along with AICC General Secretary Digvijay Singh. The candidates list will be formally released only to facilitate filing of nominations the next day.According to sources the panel of names from the Assembly quota and governor’s nominations include Dr Kaniti Viswanatham and Dr K. Kruparani (Srikakulam), Dr K.S.R. Murthy, P. Naanaaji and R. Padmaraju (East Godavari), Dr Vegiraju Ramakrishnam Raju and K. Satyanarayana Raju (West Godavari), P. Venkatarao and Ramachandra Rao (Krishna), Mohammed Jani and Ambati Rambabu (Guntur), K. Peerareddy (Prakasam), M. Gangadharam (Nellore) and R. Gopinath (Chittoor). Others in the panel are K. Chengal Rayudu (Kadapa), M. Laxmi Devi (Anantapur), A. Chakrapani Yadav (Kurnool), K.M. Pratap (Ranga Reddy), K.R. Amos and M. Kodanda Reddy (Hyderabad), A. Vittal Reddy (Medak), G. Rajeswar (Nizamabad) and Sultan Ahmed (Adilabad). Nerella Sarada (Karimnagar), B. Rajalingam (Warangal), P. Sudhakara Reddy (Khammam), Palvai Govardhan Reddy, M. Srinivas, and Mrs Bharati Ragyanaik (Nalgonda) are also in the list. Sources added that the chief minister and the PCC chief have also short-listed the names in the governor’s nomination category to be submitted to the high command. Dr. K. Swaminathan, former member of the Planning Commission and former Vice Chancellor of JNTU, Dr Santa Sinha, founder Trustee of the Mamidapudi Venkata Rangayya Foundation, are two possible nominees. K. Srinivasa Reddy, resident editor of Visalandhra, a Telugu Daily and mouthpiece of the CPI, is also likely to be nominated.Since he is a member of the CPI state executive, the demand by the CPI for a second seat would also be met. The chief minister and the PCC chief short-listed 60 names from about 700 applicants. Elections to 75 seats in the 90-member council will be held in three phases. Besides this, another 12 members will be nominated by the Governor. Elections will be held for three more seats in Greater Hyderabad after six months. It is being rumoured that the chief minister will send his recommendations to the Governor only after he constitutes the Council.
Pendyala Zilla Prishad students in troubles Thursday, March 1, 2007 | PV
Students of Pendyala Zilla Parishad School in Ranga Reddy district were forced to sit on the ground in the hot sun to write their prefinal and unit test examinations on Wednesday. The students sat in the searing heat from 9.30 am to 11.30 am to write the exam. They were not even given water to drink. School officials admitted that they were forced to ask the students write the exams sitting on the ground as there were not enough classrooms. P. Chinna Ramulu, acting head master of the high school, said that there were only three classrooms which the staff also occupied.
AP Assembly:Nagam suspended Thursday, March 1, 2007 | PV
Telugu Desam deputy leader Nagam Janardana Reddy was suspended from the Assembly for a day for unruly behaviour. Mr Janardana Reddy stormed the Speaker’s podium to protest when Opposition leader Chandrababu Naidus mike was cut off while he was speaking about the woes of farmers. The incident occurred during the long debate on remunerative prices to cotton farmers. Speaker K.R. Suresh Reddy, who was visibly upset, warned Mr Janardana Reddy that he was crossing all limits.
