Baalu hands over largest bulk carrier M.V. Good to M/s Goodearth Thursday, May 31, 2007 | AY
Vishakapatnam, May 31 (ANI): The Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways T.R. Baalu, handed over the 30,000 DWT bulk carrier ‘M.V. Good Providence’ to M/s Goodearth Maritime Limited at Vishakhapatnam today.The 30,000-DWT bulk carrier has been built by the Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) at a cost of 17.51 million US dollars.It is the first vessel of a series of four 30,000 DWT vessels to be built by the public sector HSL.Baalu commended the HSL workers for completing the vessel in about one and a half years’ time under tough working condition, despite financial constraints.The HSL has received an order of 20 vessels amounting to 2,000 crore rupees, in terms of value.With the proposed restructuring which is under consideration by the Government of India, the HSL will achieve long term profitability and with modernization schemes coming through, it is poised to become one of the best shipyards in the country.The Centre has already taken measures, including release of additional funds for replacement and renewal of plant, machinery and equipment to help the Shipyard during the last three years. Baalu earlier reviewed the functioning of Vishakhapatnam Port Trust and directed the port authorities to work expeditiously on the plans and programmes to be implemented during the next five-year plan. (ANI)
Naxals blow up hydel power plant in Andhra Thursday, May 31, 2007 | AY
Continuing their attempts to target remotely located hydel power in Andhra Pradesh, Naxals on Tuesday night blew up a control room of a State owned 24 MW power plant at Donkarayi. Confirming the incident today, police said that about 50 armed-Naxals barged into the control room of the plant and triggered a blast by using their explosives after asking the employees there to vacate the premise. An assistant engineer sustained head injuries in the blast, and he is presently recuperating, police said. Naxals’ attack on power plants in the State is not new as in 2005 they had blown up Sileru hydel project. Tuesday’s blast left nearby villages devoid of electricity supply. Meanwhile, a team of engineers have reached the place to ascertain and repair the damage. (ANI)
Dubai Sreenu Thursday, May 31, 2007 | PV
Dubai Sreenu is set to release on 7th of June. Cast:Nayanatara and Ravi Teja Direction: Sreenu Vaitla. Producer: Danayya The producer of the film is highly confident about the film after producing the hit of 2007, Desa Muduru. Danayaya says that Dubai Sreenu has typical formula to achieve goal of his life and that is kept a secret now, He also tries to boost up enthusiasm about the film stating that Nayanatara not only looks hot and spicy but also acts big role in this film.
Open heart: Ankita says she loves performace oriented roles too Thursday, May 31, 2007 | PV
Actress Ankita said that she wants to regain her glory that she had during Simhadri. She says that she has no qualms about exposing and at the same time she says that she loves to do performance oriented roles. She said that although she got some good roles luck didn't favor and kept her down. She is now coming up with main character in the film Julayi pairing up with new faces. She is keen in achieving big in Tollywood and hence she shifted to Hyderabad buying a flat here.
Rajnikanth Sivaji available online Thursday, May 31, 2007 | PV
Want a first look at Sivaji? Dont waste time flipping through the popular TV channels, just log on to youtube.com. The popular site has once again pipped several channels to the post and recorded thousands of hits after news that the Sivaji trailer had been posted online spread. Sources say the when the AVM bigwigs heard about the leak, they immediately released the trailer to NDTV. This is not the first time the Internet has played villain to the producers. Recently, they incurred substantial losses after four songs from the movie were posted online even before the official launch of the audio.
Bhukailas (Ekara 50 Kotlu) Thursday, May 31, 2007 | PV
Bhukailash(Ekara 50 Kotlu) Cast:Venu Madhav,Suhasini,Mumaith Khan,Brahmanandam,Tannikella Bharani. Kailasam (Venu Madhav) is an innocent villager at the outskirts of Hyderabad. His family lives on meager means with two acres of dry land. A cycle with two milk cans is all his business. There is a sudden boom in the Real Estate due to ring road planning through some villages. People in the particular belt become millionaires over single night. A soothsayer (Rallapallai), foretells that Kailasam would become a rich man and remain as a role model to the village. True to the prophecy, his two-acre land is disposed to a land greedy at Rs. 100 crore (50 per acre). Leaving his parents and his beloved niece Bujji (Suhasini), Kailasam reaches the city. Kailasam becomes Kailash Babu. His passion to become film hero makes him title himself as 5 Star Kailash Babu.
Telugu actor may enter politics Wednesday, May 30, 2007 | AY
N. Balakrishna, popular Telugu film actor and son of late thespian and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N.T. Rama Rao (NTR), yesterday spoke of his inclination to take up politics. Balakrishna clarified that his priority remained films, but did not rule out entering politics "at an appropriate time". Balakrishna's comments about his entry into politics are significant in that, only two days ago, it was announced that Naidu's son Lokesh would marry Balakrishna's daughter Brahmani.
Venkatesh Nayanatara movie title Tulasi ? Tuesday, May 29, 2007 | PV
Nayanatara and Venkatesh paired up with the film Lakshmi that proved to be a box office block buster last year. Now again the same pair is hitting the tinsel town with the film Tulasi (tentative title but not confirmed yet). The film is set to release in September. Nayanataras immediate films after Lakshmi in Telugu are Boss and Yogi. Bit the films turned down at box office. So we have to see how far the things work out for Nayantara with this film along with Venkatesh.
Operation Duryodhana on May 31st Monday, May 28, 2007 | PV
Operation Duryodhana was the code name of a sting operation by Cobra Post ( a media Organization), which captured on camera eleven members of Parliament of India accepting money to table questions on the floor of the Parliament. This was the first such sting operation in the history of Republic of India, and all the members were expelled from the parliament. Ten of them belonged to 14th Lok Sabha while one was from Rajya Sabha. This film cleared sensor and ready to relase on May 31st.
NTR birth anniversary: Junior NTR advertisement for Senior NTR Monday, May 28, 2007 | PV
Today is former Chief Minister and Actor NTRs birth anniversary. Many bigwigs of film industry have given Ads on News Papers expressing their love and respect for that actor. Kodali Nani, YVS Choudhary are obvious among those. Adding to them Senior NTr grandson Junior NTR has given a full page Ad in a leading Telugu News Daily. Here is the matter, Aluperugani Prayanam, Anagaarani Aasayam..Challaarani Sankalpam, Raajee Leni Drukpadham, Annee kalipi maa tatayya. Maa Aasa, Maa Swaasa, Maa Maata, Maa Baata, Annee Meere Tatayya. Mee puttina roju maaku panduga roju..ee parvadinaana divi nundi nannu deevinchandi tatayya..sadaa mee premaku nenu baanisanu..mee Nandamuri Taraka rama Rao.
Reema sen getting good roles Monday, May 28, 2007 | AY
Reema Sen is not averse to do multi-heroine films in Tamil and Telugu filmdom. The actress had been pat of several multi-starrer films like Dhool, Giri, Vallavan and Rendu in Tamil before. In Telugu, she is currently part of a movie titled Yamakola which has Meera Jasmine also as heroine. Reema says, that she is not worried at doing two-heroine films as long as her role has enough scope. In the Telugu movie that she is currently working, she is cast in a hilarious role. She is sure that she will evoke laughter in the audience.
Shankar Dada Zindabad Sunday, May 27, 2007 | AY
E-City Films has acquireed the regional distribution rights for Shankar Dada Zindabad, a Telugu re-make of the box-office blockbuster, Lage Raho Munnabhai. Over 100 prints are slated for the release of this film. Shankar Dada Zindabad was preceded by Shankar Dada M.B.B.S in 2004 and is expected to release in July. E-City Films has acquired the distribution rights for three sub territories Vizag, Krishna and Guntur which forms part of coastal Andhra territory and comprises 29 per cent of the total state market of Telugu movies. E-City Films is also looking at acquiring further three to four big-banner Telugu films this year, considering that the Telugu film industry accounts for over 1 per cent of the gross state domestic product of Andhra Pradesh. Under the Gemini Film Circuit banner, Shankar Dada Zindabad is directed by Prabhudeva, and the star cast has Chiranjeevi, Srikkanth, Pawan Kalyan, Karishma Kotak, Shayaji Shinde and Dilip Prabhavalkar playing the role of Mahatma Gandhi.
TDP to draw roadmap for 2009 Andhra polls at its annual meet Sunday, May 27, 2007 | AY
Tirupati, May 27 (ANI): The Telugu Desam Party's (TDP) three-day annual meeting 'Mahanadu' began here today, in which drawing a roadmap for the 2009 Tamil Nadu Assembly and Lok Sabha elections will be high on its agenda.According to party sources, the TDP is gearing up its entire cadre and they have been asked to start working towards the two elections to be held in 2009.'Mahanadu' is being presided over by the party supremo and former Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu. The meeting will also take upon key issues from sectors like agriculture, irrigation, social welfare, and women and youth empowerment."We hope this Mahanadu will go down as a historic event in terms of giving a new direction to economic agenda and on measures needed to ensure that the benefits of reforms reach the poor," Naidu said.The meeting is being held on the birth anniversary of the party founder and former Chief Minister late N T Rama Rao. (ANI)
Police baton charge unruly mob in Hyderabad Saturday, May 26, 2007 | AY
Hyderabad, May 25 (ANI): Police today baton-charged mob that hurled stones at them and tried to loot shops after Friday prayers at the Mecca Masjid, which was bombed last week.Thirty people were detained for attacking policemen and trying to loot public and private property at Mecca mosque area, police said."We have sufficient forces, people are giving good response. Minorities department, Mecca mosque managing committee and everyone else is cooperating with us. I think everything will be fine. Public has given very good response up till now and I will expect the same in future," said Balwinder Singh, Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad.Eleven people died in the Friday blast last week, while five others were shot dead by police trying to stop violent demonstrations that broke out after the blasts in the communally sensitive city. (ANI)
Bukhari demands CBI probe into Hyderabad mosque blast Saturday, May 26, 2007 | AY
New Delhi, May 25 (ANI): The Shahi-Imam of the Jama Masjid Syed, Ahmed Bukhari, has called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into last Friday's bomb blast in Hyderabad.Expressing concern over the poor quality of investigation, Bukhari took his appeal for a CBI probe to Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.“He (Dr. Manmohan Singh) has asked us to allow the investigations to go on, and if we are not satisfied, we could write to him later,” Bukhari said after his meeting with the Prime Minister.Bukhari also protested against the police killings on people demonstrating against the attack.Police in Andhra Pradesh is presently probing the incident, which was triggered off by a mobile phone.Two unexploded bombs, timed with attached mobile phones, were recovered from the blast site. The bombs apparently did not go off as the SIM cards in the mobile phones had expired.Meanwhile, police in West Bengal have said they have found a SIM card, whose owner's credentials are being checked out.Police said they were hunting for clues on who might have been behind the bombing, which Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy termed a "terrorist" attack. (ANI)
Police baton charge unruly mob in Hyderabad Saturday, May 26, 2007 | AY
Hyderabad, May 25 (ANI): Police today baton-charged mob that hurled stones at them and tried to loot shops after Friday prayers at the Mecca Masjid, which was bombed last week.Thirty people were detained for attacking policemen and trying to loot public and private property at Mecca mosque area, police said."We have sufficient forces, people are giving good response. Minorities department, Mecca mosque managing committee and everyone else is cooperating with us. I think everything will be fine. Public has given very good response up till now and I will expect the same in future," said Balwinder Singh, Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad.Eleven people died in the Friday blast last week, while five others were shot dead by police trying to stop violent demonstrations that broke out after the blasts in the communally sensitive city. (ANI)
Chandrababu son to marry Balakrishna's daughter Saturday, May 26, 2007 | AY
The marriage of Nara Lokesh and Brahmani (NBKs elder daughter) is going to be celebrated in August, sources said. Their betrothal was celebrated in a very casual manner last month. At present, Lokesh is pursuing some advanced course in corporate management in a US university. He also heads key operations in the Heritage Company. This step is viewed as a big development not only in the political arena of Telugu Desam Party, but would also project a new dimension in the Naidu-NBK relation.
Chandrababu son to marry Balakrishna's daughter Saturday, May 26, 2007 | PV
The marriage of Nara Lokesh and Brahmani (NBKs elder daughter) is going to be celebrated in August, sources said. Their betrothal was celebrated in a very casual manner last month. At present, Lokesh is pursuing some advanced course in corporate management in a US university. He also heads key operations in the Heritage Company. This step is viewed as a big development not only in the political arena of Telugu Desam Party, but would also project a new dimension in the Naidu-NBK relation.
Actress Charmi as Big C ambassador Saturday, May 26, 2007 | PV
Actress Charmi, brand ambassador of cell phones marketing major Big C, has launched its new showroom at Punjagutta, Hyderabad . Big C has currently 22 outlets in the state, covering all the major cities and big towns. Charmi said she felt happy to work as the ambassador to the firm, which values the customers needs most. She said the outlets would be increased to about 50 in the coming months. Earlier, she lit the lamp and took part in the puja. A huge gathering thronged the venue to have a look at the ravishing actress.
Allu Arjun-Puri Jagan combine Desamuduru, the blockbuster of 2007 first half is celebrating its 125 function with all fanfare and mirth. The date and venue would be announced soon, said its producer DVV Danayya. This Universal Media banner film established early leads in the year beginning while several other films lagged behind.
Islamabad terms Hyderabad blast as a terrorist act Tuesday, May 22, 2007 | AY
Islamabad, May 21 (ANI): Offering regret for the death of innocent people in Friday's blast in Hyderabad's Mecca Mosque, Islamabad today termed it as an act of terrorist."As for the Hyderabad incident, we regret the death of so many innocent people in a terrorist act. It was a terrorist act,' Pakistan Foreign office spokesperson, Tasnim Aslam said.However, Pakistan also rejected allegations of Pakistani elements involved in the blast."We regret all baseless insinuation, and it is a pattern that whenever a terrorist act occurs in India, unsubstantiated, irresponsible allegations start flying, " she added. (ANI)
One person detained in connection with Hyderabad blast Tuesday, May 22, 2007 | AY
Jamtara (Jharkhand), May 21 (ANI): One person was detained for interrogation in Jamtara, Jharkhand, in connection with last week's Mecca mosque explosion in Hyderabad.Sajid Mian, a mobile sim card seller at Mihijam in Jamtara, was detained by Kolkata Police with the help of local police, Superintendent of Police, Jamtara, Hemant Toppo said. Eleven people died in the bomb attack at the mosque while five more died when police fired on protestors who attacked shops in the Charminar area of Hyderabad. Harkat-ul-Jehad-i-Islami (HuJI) activist Mohammed Abdul Sahed alias Bilal, wanted for the blasts on the Samjhauta Express, has emerged as a key suspect in the bomb attack. Sahed has been on the list of most wanted terrorists after he masterminded a suicide attack on the Special Task Force's headquarters in Hyderabad that left one police personnel dead. (ANI)
Bomb hoax spreads panic in Hyderabad Tuesday, May 22, 2007 | AY
Hyderabad, May 22 (ANI): Panic gripped Hyderabad after rumours of blast taking place near the Hussain Sagar lake was doing the rounds. Police were rushed to the lake following the rumours. Sniffer dogs and a bomb squad carried out investigations at the spot, but nothing surfaced. Eyewitnesses said they heard a huge explosion near the spot.The hoax call came just four days after an explosion at the Mecca Mosque claimed the lives of thirteen people. One person was detained for interrogation in Jamtara, Jharkhand, in connection with blast. Sajid Mian, a mobile sim card seller at Mihijam in Jamtara, was detained by Kolkata Police with the help of local police. Harkat-ul-Jehad-i-Islami (HuJI) activist Mohammed Abdul Sahed alias Bilal, wanted for the blasts on the Samjhauta Express, has emerged as a key suspect in the bomb attack. Sahed has been on the list of most wanted terrorists after he masterminded a suicide attack on the Special Task Force's headquarters in Hyderabad that left one police personnel dead. (ANI)
Chandrahas Tuesday, May 22, 2007 | AY
Chandrahas is a semi-historical with producer Dr Haranath Policherla playing the lead role himself. The film is directed by Shiva Shakthi Datta with Abbas, Astha Singhal, Sarath Babu, Puneet Issar and Sujatha in stellar roles. Krishna appears in a cameo role as Chhathrapati Shivaji. Extensively shot at Talakona Forests, Chandragiri, Loh Garh Fort and Murud Janjeera Fort and in Hyderabad, the actor-producer opines the locations, the action episodes and songs will enthrall the viewers. Music is composed by Keeravani. The film is slated for release soon.
AP to have 10 Telugu News channels by year end Monday, May 21, 2007 | AY
The state has a record of seven news channels presently - 'TV9', 'Teja News', 'Vissa News', 'Maa TV News', 'ETV 2', 'NTV' and 'TV5'; which are wooing viewers with sensationalism and breaking news. And all this means that the IT state is known for something else – for having the largest number of dedicated news channels in the country, apart from having the largest cable TV penetration. 'NTV' and 'TV5', were launched recently and are promoted by Narendranath Chowdhary and B. R. Naidu, respectively. Chowdhary has invested about Rs 20 crore and has roped in S. R. Ramanujan, the man behind ETV's successive launch of 11 entertainment channels. On the other hand, Naidu has hired I. Satyanarayana, from Vissa Television. Three more Telugu news channels would be launched by the end of this year. The first being 'VTV', funded by a group of NRI's, is already being beamed in the US and will be launched by August this year. While, 'Hyderabad TV', promoted by politician Malepalli Lakshmaiah and 'Telangana TV', promoted by political group TRS are in formative days.
Muslims stage protests against Hyderabad police firing Monday, May 21, 2007 | AY
Hyderabad/New Delhi, May 20 (ANI): Hundreds of Muslims staged protests in parts of Hyderabad and Delhi, on Sunday, against the police firing after Friday’s blast at Mecca mosque in Hyderabad.Protesters demanded a probe into the police firing. At least five people were killed in the police firing as a mob went on a rampage to protest against the blast, which claimed 11 lives.Agitators gathered outside the police headquarters in Hyderabad, demanding the suspension of policemen who ordered the firing.“Our main demand is that of a CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) inquiry into the blast, and action against police officers who fired and killed innocent people. The erring policemen should be suspended," said Liaqat, one of the protestors.Protests against the Hyderabad police were also held in Delhi.All India Minorities Front National General Secretary Mohammad Yonous Siddique said: “We are appealing to the Centre to dismiss the Y S R Reddy Government in Andhra Pradesh. We also want the Reddy Government to dismiss the erring police officers, failing which he should resign”.On Friday, police defused two bombs at the historic mosque and suspect the one that exploded was remote-controlled.On Saturday, police said the explosion appeared to be the handiwork of "terrorists" but gave no details.Patrolling has been stepped up across Hyderabad to avert any religious clashes, the biggest fear of authorities after Friday's attack.Investigating agencies and analysts have said that the members of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) could have been behind these blasts in coordination with Pakistan-based militant groups. (ANI)
Hyderabad limps back to normalcy Sunday, May 20, 2007 | AY
Hyderabad, May 20 (ANI): Two days after the blast at the Mecca mosque in Hyderabad, life in the capital of Andhra Pradesh is returning back to normal. People here appear to have overcome Friday's blast, which killed 14 people and injured 58 others, by getting back to their routine life. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy also said the city has returned to "total" normalcy and the situation was "under control". Meanwhile, Reddy said police suspect a "foreign hand" behind the blasts."As things stand today, the finger of suspicion is definitely towards a foreign hand," he told reporters after a State Cabinet meeting to review the situation yesterday.A Taliban inspired Bangladesh-terror outfit Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami (HuJI) is being suspected of carrying out the blast. Led by Shawkat Osman alias Sheikh Farid, the HuJI was proscribed by the Bangladesh Government on October 17, 2005, as its recruits indoctrinated by radical Islam demanded establishing Taliban-like Afghanistan Government in Dhaka. According to police sources, Shahed Bilal, a native of Hyderabad and associated with HuJI, is the mastermind behind the IED blast triggered by a mobile phone signal.However, police is not denying the role of Pakistan based terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Toiba, as Bilal is also considered to have closed contacts with both the terror outfits.The SIM card that has been recovered from the spot was purchased from Kolkata. The terror-group HuJI, which also owns political patronage in Bangladesh, has close links with Al Qaida, Pakistan based terror groups and also United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). (ANI)
Don’t link Hyderabad blast with last year’s Malegaon blast: Patil (Hyderabad Blast Update) Saturday, May 19, 2007 | AY
Hyderabad, May 19 (ANI): Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil today said that as the investigation into last year’s Malegaon blast is still on, it would be incorrect to relate it to the blast that took place in Hyderabad on Friday. "Let us not jump to any conclusion. The Malegaon case is being examined, and this will also be investigated," Patil said. He also said that the explosion at the historic Mecca Masjid revealed a definite design to attack religious places. Both the Centre and the State will leave no stone unturned to prevent recurrence of such incident, Patil told reporters after visiting the hospital, where the bomb blast injured have been admitted. Patil went on to say that attacks on religious places are carried out to infuse hatred among different communities. "It appears that at many places in the country religious places are attacked so that bad blood develops between different communities and spread to various states," he said. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy has said that a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the blast could be considered. According to police, the blast is the handiwork of "terrorists" group like banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami (HUJI). Over 35 people were killed in a similar attack in Malegaon blast that took place on September 8, 2006 in a power loom. (ANI)
CM for CBI probe in suspected SIMI, HUJI blast Saturday, May 19, 2007 | AY
Hyderabad, May 19 (ANI): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today said that a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into Friday's blast could be considered. Reddy and Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil visited the mosque, as leaders and activists of Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) shouted slogans and demanded a CBI inquiry into the bomb blast and the police firing. Andhra Pradesh Police today claimed that the blast at the Mecca mosque in Hyderabad appeared to be the handiwork of "terrorists" group like banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami (HUJI) Hyderabad Police Commissioner Balwinder Singh said the attack is the handiwork of terrorist groups. "It is a planned terrorist act, as you can see from the type of device (used to trigger the blast) used. It is a sophisticated device. We are looking into all possibilities," Police Commissioner Balwider Singh said. He also said that the police is working on clues gathered from the blast site and other places. A cell phone was used to trigger the blast and the bomb was a combination of RDX (Research and Development Explosive) and TNT (Trinitrotoluene), police said. According to reports, a bomb disposal squad diffused an unexploded Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), which was attached to a SIM card of a mobile phone on Friday. Meanwhile, the Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) is observing a daylong shutdown in the city. Policemen and paramilitary personnel are keeping a close vigil to counter any untoward incident. (ANI)
MIM shutdown over Hyderabad mosque blast Saturday, May 19, 2007 | AY
Hyderabad, May 19 (ANI): The Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) is observing a day-long shutdown here today in protest against Friday’s bomb blast at the Mecca mosque that killed at least 13 persons and injured another 58.The situation in Hyderabad continues to remain tense, but under control. According to sources, the death toll has risen to 14.“The situation was `fully under control`. Fourteen people were killed in violent incidents, ten in the bomb blast and four in police firing on Friday,” Hyderabad Police Commissioner Balwinder Singh told reporters today. The injured are under observation at government and private hospitals. The condition of three of the victims is stated to be critical.Policemen and paramilitary personnel have been deployed to keep a vigil for anti-squad elements and incidents. In many cities and towns of Andhra Pradesh, public transport remained off the road, bringing normal life to a standstill. The Osmania Universiry has cancelled all of its examinations. Black flags have been hoisted in streets to protest the blast that rocked Hyderabad during Friday prayers. Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil has reached here to review the situation. He will visit the mosque and the Osmania hospital where victims have been admitted. Asad-ud-Din Owaisi, a Hyderabad lawmaker, has appealed to the people to maintain religious harmony."This is a terrorist attack. We are reiterating that Hindus and Muslims in the state would work together against these fascist elements. We demand that the StateGovernment led by Y. Rajasekhar Reddy order a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into the incident," he said.Authorities fear the attacks could spark off communal unrest."The Andhra Pradesh Government has assured us that they would expedite the investigations in this regard. All these blasts that take place in religious places of the country are done with an intention to disrupt the communal harmony of the country,” Minister of State for Home Affairs Sriprakash Jaiswal said on Friday evening. Police sources said they suspect the hand of Harkat-ul -Jihad al Islami (HUJI) behind the blast. (ANI)
Genelia in Neelakanta's Mr.Medhavi Saturday, May 19, 2007 | PV
Actress Genelias time is good. So her remuneration is also going to be good. Her films Bommarillu and Dhee proved to be hits successively. If her third film Mr Medhavi in the direction of Neelakanta also proves to be hit, then her price tag would touch Rs 50 lakhs as per the estimation.Right now the sources say that Genelia is claiming a remuneration of Rs 35 lakhs.
Ravi Kumar to direct Nitin Saturday, May 19, 2007 | PV
The director was changed for Nitins new film. Initially Amma Rajsekhar was chosen to be the director for this film produced by C Kalyan and Vijayanand. The film was also started. Now AS Ravi Kumar Choudary is directing it. Amma Rajasekhar bagged good fame with Ranam but spoiled his image completely with Khatarnak. He got the mark as vulgar film director.
Top Five Telugu movies Thursday, May 17, 2007 | PV
Top 5 Telugu movies as on 17th May 2007 1. AMAV 2. Munna 3. Aata 4. Dhee 5. SriMahalakshmi
Top Five Telugu Music albums Thursday, May 17, 2007 | PV
Top 5 music albums as on 17th May 2007 1. Dubai Seenu 2. Rajubhai 3. Aata 4. Aduvari Matalaku Arthale 5. Sivaji
Aduvari Matalaku Arthale Verule Thursday, May 17, 2007 | AY
Venkatesh has delivered another smashing hit with 'Aduvari Matalaku Arthale Verule', which continues to top among Telugu films. The comic timing of Venkatesh and the cute appeal of Trisha has helped director Raghavan prove his mettle in a different genre.
PM asks Telugu Desam leaders not to politicise Babli issue Wednesday, May 16, 2007 | AY
New Delhi, May 15 (ANI): Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today urged the Telugu Desam Party delegation to not politicise the issue of Babli dam, being built across the Godavari River in Nanded District of Maharashtra.He also said that the river waters are a national resource and all political parties must work together to ensure equitable utilization of this national resource. Stating that the matter was presently before courts, the Prime Minister assured the delegation that the Centre would ensure that justice is done to both Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. He also urged the parties to resolve the issue amicably. Yesterday, the Parliament was adjourned on the same issue, as TDP MPs created uproar and alleged that the Maharashtra Government was constructing the dam across the Godavari River "illegally" and shouted that the construction would hit the flow of water to Andhra Pradesh (AP). (ANI)
Chirutha Wednesday, May 16, 2007 | PV
Mahesh Babus blockbuster Pokiri is going to have its sequel in 2008. Puri Jagannath said that though the discussion has come up recently, it requires a serious script. Anyway, we hope to do its sequel in 2008. Even if not the sequel, our combination (Puri Jagan and Mahesh) would sure be there on Vishno Academy banner, he said. Currently, Jagan is busy with his Chirutha, starring Megastars screen-heir Ramcharan Teja. Thirty percent of the shoot is over, he said. The movie had an extensive shoot in Bangkok.
AMAV Wednesday, May 16, 2007 | PV
Cast: Venkatesh,Trsiha,Sunil,Sri Ram,K Viswanath Music: Yuvan Shankar Raja Producer: NV Prasad, Sanam naga Ashok Kumar Director: Sree Raghava It is a lackluster family drama that reminds us of Venkateshs Pellikani Prasads role in Malliswari, but here he plays Udhyogam leni Ganesh. Rest is redundant. Despite the shortcomings of the film, its title Aaduvari Maatalaku Ardhaale Verule adopted from one of the Telugu oldies might succeed in reaching the target audience. So, wife-wooing husbands and uxorious lovers stay cool and enjoy the company of your beloved in the theatre, rather than facing music at home.
Aata Wednesday, May 16, 2007 | PV
Cast: Siddarth, Ileana, Jayaprakash Reddy .... Music: Devisri prasad Direction: VN Aditya Producer: MS Raju The film is mired in complete prediction of the audience scene after the scene. Lot of skin show by heroine Ileana and slick action by Siddarth carry some commercial stuff, but altogether, the outcome would sure disappoint the audience, if they take the statement of its producer MS Raju that Aata will be another Bobby to Telugu viewers. When he meant Bobby, he must have just Ileana in his mind.
Telangana farmers, TDP legislators protest against Babli Dam Tuesday, May 15, 2007 | AY
New Delhi, May 14 (ANI): Thousands of farmers from Andhra Pradesh’s Telangana region and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) legislators held a protest demonstration here on Monday over the issue of Babli Dam, being built across the Godavari River in Maharashtra’s Nanded District.They said the Dam would submerge thousands of hectares of fertile farmland and could displace thousands of people.Farmers demanded that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh should intervene and direct Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh to halt the project."This project is going to affect the farmers badly. At Babli, they are constructing a reservoir and in the process Telangana area of Andhra Pradesh will lose 18 lakh acres of soil. Two years back we brought this to the notice of Andhra Pradesh Government but no action was taken. We have raised this issue many times in the Parliament and in the Assembly, but nothing has been done," said TDP leader N. Chandrababu Naidu.Earlier today, the Parliament was adjourned for the day over the same issue.TDP MPs took the charge and raised the issue of Babli Dam. They alleged that the Maharashtra Government was constructing the dam across the Godavari River "illegally" and shouted that the construction would hit the flow of water to Andhra Pradesh.K Yerrannaidu, the leader of the party in the Lok Sabha, initiated the protest and he along with his party men were on their feet as soon as the House assembled.In Rajya Sabha too, the party's MPs demonstrated over the impact of Babli dam on the AP farmers. Earlier last month, Prime Minister Singh had directed Union Water Resources Minister Saifuddin Soz to discuss the contentious issue of Babli project with the State Governments of Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra and "facilitate an amicable solution". The issue is currently in the Supreme Court, which has asked the Centre to resolve the row amicably through talks with the two State Governments.Andhra Pradesh alleges that the project, which has a potential to draw 65 TMC water out of the 90 TMC capacity Sriramsagar project, would deprive seven districts of Telangana of drinking water.The State also says Maharashtra has been violating an agreement and direction of the Central Water Commission in the regard. (ANI)
Parents of Andhra fine art student say they feel helpless Tuesday, May 15, 2007 | AY
Madanapally (Andhra Pradesh)/ New Delhi, May 15 (ANI): Parents of a fine arts student who has been jailed on charges that his paintings have hurt Hindu and Christian sentiments, say they feel helpless about the whole episode, while artists have criticised hardline Hindu groups for assuming the role of a “moral police force”."We are helpless as to what has happened in Gujarat where the case has been filed," said Shakharaiah, Chandramohan’s father.Chandramohan, a student at the Maharaja Sayajirao University in Vadodara, was arrested for an exhibition of his works meant for internal assessment. He had used the symbolism of the cross in sexually explicit images of Hindu gods and goddesses in his paintings.Several painters, students, members of the artistic community and communists have gathered in New Delhi to protest the arrest. "If you do not like a movie, then you do not see it. You tell ten persons not to watch the movie. You write about it and hold debates. There should be a civilized way to put your point of view across," said Nandita Das, an actress and social activist.Students and faculty members are demanding an apology from the police and hardline Hindu groups. (ANI)
Cyclone warning for southern, northeastern coasts Tuesday, May 15, 2007 | AY
Visakhapatnam, May 15 (ANI): Weather officials issued a cyclonic storm warning for the country’s southern and northeastern coasts on Tuesday. A deep depression prevails over the Bay of Bengal and the cyclone lay centered at about 500 kilometers south-east of Kolkata. It is expected to hit Bangladesh and Myanmar. The coastal town of Visakhapatnam, Kakinada and Machilipatnam have been placed on alert. A. V. Apparao, an official of the Cyclone Warning Center of India Meteorological Department in Visakhapatnam said the coastal town has been experiencing strong surface winds and rain during the last 48 hours. He said similar conditions would prevail over the northeastern states for the next few days. Bangladesh has been on cyclone alert since Monday. (ANI)
AP road mishap claims 21 lives Monday, May 14, 2007 | AY
Hyderabad, May 14 (ANI): At least 21 people are reported to have lost their lives when a van collided head-on with a speeding lorry in Andhra Pradesh’s (AP) Adilabad District. Twenty-five were injured in the mishap. Police officials said the injured have been admitted to a private hospital. The van was on its way from Kortical village to Nirmal, a police official said. The lorry driver escaped from the scene of the accident. (ANI)
Telegu film wins four international awards Monday, May 14, 2007 | AA
New York: Critically acclaimed Telegu film 'Vanaja' has four awards in recent weeks adding to its kitty of prizes won at international film festivals. Directed by Rajnesh Domalpalli, the movie about a teenage girl in rural South India is due to be released in theatres in selected cities in the United States this summer.The latest awards it received were at the Newport Beach Film Festival, Worldfest-Houston International Film Festival, the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles, and the RiverRun International Film Festival in North Carolina.Vanaja has already won honours including Best Feature Debut at this year's Berlin International Film Festival, Best Feature at the Memphis International Film Festival, Best Actress and Best International Film at the Sacramento International Film Festival, Best Narrative Feature at the IAAC Film Festival, and the Special International Jury Prize at the Cairo International Children's Film Festival. Set in rural South India, a place where social barriers are built stronger than fort walls, Vanaja explores the chasm that divides classes as a young girl struggles to come of age.
Telugu film 'Vanaja' picks up more US awards Sunday, May 13, 2007 | AY
Set for release in selected cities across America later this summer, the acclaimed Telegu film 'Vanaja' has won four more awards in US as it continues its wildly successful tour of international film festivals. Directed by Rajnesh Domalpalli, the coming-of-age drama about a teenage girl in rural South India, has now won a remarkable 13 awards after playing at over 50 film festivals around the world. Its newest prizes were awarded by the Newport Beach Film Festival, Worldfest-Houston International Film Festival, the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles, and the RiverRun International Film Festival in North Carolina. 'Vanaja' has already won numerous other honours including Best Feature Debut at this year's Berlin International Film Festival, Best Feature at the Memphis International Film Festival, Best Actress and Best International Film at the Sacramento International Film Festival, Best Narrative Feature at the IAAC Film Festival, and the Special International Jury Prize at the Cairo International Children's Film Festival.
SSC Results: 24 Government schools secured 0% Saturday, May 12, 2007 | PV
Head masters of government schools which achieved the dubious distinction of securing zero per cent results in the SSC public examinations, 2007 are likely to be shunted out. Of the total 24 schools which secured zero per cent results in SSC exams this year, seven are government schools and eight zilla parishad schools.
Crorepati: ACB raids on Town Planning Officer Saturday, May 12, 2007 | PV
The Anti-Corruption Bureau officials arrested a town planning officer for allegedly holding assets worth more than Rs 1.25 crore. The officials, conducted simultaneous raids on the residences of B.Ram Narasimha, 49, of Kukatpally Circle, in Jupiter Colony in Secunderabad, his in-laws place in Nacharam, parents house in Warangal and his office in Kukatpally.The officials unearthed Rs 73.65 lakh in cash and 50 tolas of gold from his house. Documents of 17 plots in posh localities of the city, four acres of agricultural land in Keesara, documents of three residences and fixed deposits worth Rs 6 lakhs were seized from him.
Secunderabad Contonment to be tourism spot Saturday, May 12, 2007 | PV
Left out of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and the benefits of infrastructure development, citizens of Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) have something to cheer about. The SCB will have two big parks on the lines of Lumbini Park and NTR Gardens. The parks will have with a laser show, party zone, food courts, cafeteria, parking yard, skating ring and play equipment for children, a place for yoga, a joggers track and recreational facilities besides, most importantly, a toilet complex.
TRS legislator accused of human trafficking surrenders Saturday, May 12, 2007 | AY
Hyderabad, May 10 (ANI): Rebel Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) MLA S Bapu Rao, accused to be involved in the human trafficking case, today surrendered before police at the Central Crime Station in Hyderabad.Police have been in the look out for Babu Rao after his name cropped up in the case, but he had been absconding since then.Rao, who is alleged to have links with travel agencies, had met the alleged kingpin of the racket, Rashid.Rashid is believed to be a broker for politicians, and is alleged to have contacts with many MPs.Police said Rashid helped the legislators smuggle people out of the countryon their official passports."In legal provisions arrest is not mandatory, if a person is cooperating and giving the evidence we require. If prepared to give all the evidence, then it is not required … But I am not saying in this case, what we will do because it will all depend on the result of investigation," said Balwinder Singh, Commissioner of Police of Hyderabad, after Babu Rao surrendered before the police.Babu Rao's counsel, however, denied his involvement in the racket saying he was falsely implicated in it."Babu Rao has nothing to do with the passport scam. He has applied for his family's passport but where this has been done. He is not aware of anything about changing of photos or applications or whatever. He was falsely implicated," said Jitendra Reddy, Babu Rao's counsel.Another rebel, TRS legislator Kasipeta Lingaiah, is already in judicial custody in connection with a fake passport racket case. Rashid had alleged that he paid an undisclosed amount to Lingaiah.According to some reports, Rashid had also named – Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP and former Union Minister Narender Alle, former TDP State Minister Kistappa, former TDP MP Sugana Kumari and former TDP Minister K Ramakanth of being involved in the case. (ANI)
Fake encounter: Gujarat CID team in Hyderabad Saturday, May 12, 2007 | AY
Hyderabad, May 10 (ANI): A two-member Gujarat Crime Investigation Department (CID) team headed by Inspector General of Police Geeta Johri arrived here on Thursday to investigate the role of Andhra Pradesh police in the Sohrabbudin Sheikh fake encounter case.The investigating team said they would clarify issues related to the case after investigation.“We have just come to clarify the various issues. We have come to investigate," said Johri.Johri is likely to visit the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Mess in Chandrayangutta in Hyderabad tomorrow.Gujarat cadre IPS officer, E Radhakrishnayya, who was posted at CRPF Hyderabad, had reportedly met suspended Superintendent of Police Rajkumar Pandian, who is under arrest in connection with the case, at the mess when Sheikh was killed in November 2005.The Andhra Pradesh police are, however, denying any involvement in the case.The arrested policemen ATS inspector N H Dabhi and two constables Ajay Parmar and Santram Sharma were also taken to Andhra Pradesh.They were part of the ATS team that went to Hyderabad under Pandian to track and bring Sheikh to Gujarat.Three IPS officers arrested in the case are – DIG (Border Range) DG Vanzara, Pandian and Alwar Superintendent MN Dinesh Kumar.Vanzara and Pandian were part of the team that carried out the fake encounter of Sheikh. They have also been accused of killing Sheikh’s wife Kausar Bi.The Gujarat Police, on Supreme Court's prodding, arrested three senior police officers for killing Sheikh.Sheikh was reportedly gunned down on November 26, 2005 after being branded a Lashkar-e-Toiba militant by the Gujarat Police, allegedly trying to hatch a conspiracy to kill Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.The probe revelation has raised a debate across the country over staged encounters by security forces at the behest of political bosses. (ANI)
Telangana MLA remanded to judicial custody Saturday, May 12, 2007 | AY
Hyderabad, May 11 (ANI): Rebel Telangana Rashtra Samithi MLA S Bapurao was sent to judicial custody for two weeks today in connection with the human trafficking scam. Bapurao, who appeared in the Central Crime Station in Hyderabad on Thursday, was produced in the Nampally criminal court here that sent him to judicial custody till May 25. He has since been lodged in the Chanchalguda Jail.Bapurao, who represents Boath constituency in the backward Adilabad district, was booked in connection with the case on May 3.The case was booked based on revelations made by city-based travel agent Rasheed, the alleged kingpin of the racket, during his interrogation.Bapurao is the second TRS MLA to be sent to jail in the case after K Lingaiah, who is in judicial custody. (ANI)
Ambika Soni to review tourism and culture projects in AP Saturday, May 12, 2007 | AA
New Delhi, Apr 5 (ANI): Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni will review tourism and culture projects in Andhra Pradesh on Friday.During her two-day visit, she will visit the Salarjung Museum, Qutab Shahi Tomb and the Shilparaman to inspect the work of Shilpasandhya.Before retuning to Delhi, she will also inaugurate a Paryatak Bhavan and a rural tourism project at Pochampalli.Senior officials of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and the Archaeological Survey of India will accompany the Minister. (ANI)
17 more inducted into Andhra Pradesh ministry Saturday, May 12, 2007 | AA
Hyderabad, Apr 26 (ANI): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy today inducted 17 more members into his three-year-old Ministry, taking its strength to 41.State Governor Rameshwar Thakur administered the oath of office and secrecy to the 17 new ministers at Raj Bhavan this morning.The new Cabinet Ministers are G Arunakumari (lone womand candidate from Chittoor district), M Buddha Prasad, S Chandrasekhar, R Changa Reddy, G Chinna Reddy, D Raja Narasimham, D Damodar Reddy, M Hanumantha Rao, M Mukesh Gaud, T Jeevan Reddy, A Ramanarayana Reddy, J Ratnakar Rao, P Subhash Chandra Bose, K Venkata Krishna Reddy, M Venkat Ramana Rao, V Venkatewsara Rao and Maganti Babu.Out of the 17, eight belong to the Telangana region. No Deputy Chief Minister was announced.This is the first expansion of the Andhra Cabinet since the Congress came to power in the State in May 2004. (ANI)
Tirupati decides no one is VIP for darshan Saturday, May 12, 2007 | AA
Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Apr 27 (ANI): A recent hue and cry over devotees being denied permission to visit the sanctum sanctorum of the Tirupati Temple to make way for the Bachchan family, has prompted the temple authorities to apply the brakes on such visits in the future.Temple Executive Officer K.V Ramanachari has said that VIPs (Very Important Persons) will not be given special treatment except per protocol."There is a list of government protocol VIP's list, containing 20 categories, for them it is ok, but for other than government protocol VIP's, the obeisance will not be allowed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday," Ramanachari said.The famous temple of Lord Venkateshwara in Tirupati was at the center of attraction when the Bachchan family offered prayers, along with newly-weds Abhishek and Aishwarya last Sunday.Tight security arrangements were made at the temple complex during the visit, and other devotees were barred from entering the temple while the celebrities were offering prayers.Thousands visit the temple every day and VIP visits create resentment among those denied entry. (ANI)
Siddharth and Ileana Aata released Wednesday, May 9, 2007 | PV
Many people turn to filmmaking for big bucks and bigger glamour. There are some who are passionate about movies. But producer MS RAJU begs to differ. I do not need to make films for money. I need to make films for maintaining my prestige. I had six hits in a row and even if my new film fails to gather the attention it deserves, I wont feel much about it says Raju, whose latest film Aata, starring Siddharth and Ileana, hits screen on 9th.
CM YSR in United States Wednesday, May 9, 2007 | PV
Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy on Tuesday asked research institutions and agro companies to come out with ideas and investments to make best use of barren lands in the State through modern farming. Dr Reddy, who is currently touring United States, was interacting with CEOs of multi national agro companies, industrialists and agricultural scientists at Chase Park Plaza, St Louis. He arrived in St Louis to attend the World Agricultural Congress, 2007.
Traditional medicine for asthma patients: Bathini Gouds fish medicine on June 8th Wednesday, May 9, 2007 | PV
The Bathini Gouds will administer mrigasira karthi fish prasadam for asthma patients from 9 pm on June 8 to 9.10 pm on June 9. The Exhibition grounds at Nampally will be the venue and fish will be supplied by the fisheries department.The Bathini brothers are expecting at least 7 lakh patients from all over the country to come to Hyderabad. Government departments such as municipal corporation, water works, electricity and APSRTC and voluntary organisations have come forward to help the programme, they said.The Bathinis have been administering fish prasadam since 1845.
Good news for Backward Classes: 2 crores new building for BC Welfare Department Wednesday, May 9, 2007 | PV
The Hyderabad will soon have a multi-storeyed building constructed at a cost of over Rs 2 crore in the posh Banjara Hills area for the backward classes. All the departments related to backward classes will be brought under its roof and it would be called Backward Classes (BC) Bhavan.Hyderabad District collector R.V. Chandravadan has identified land on Road No. 12. The BC Welfare Department will oversee the construction. Mr Chandravadan said that about 2,600 square yards of land in Banjara Hills, near the TRS office complex, had been identified and given to the BC Welfare Department.
Dancer without legs vows Vizag onlookers Wednesday, May 9, 2007 | AY
Visakhapatnam, Jan.7 (ANI): Mahesh, a youngster hailing from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, has left onlookers amazed with his ability to dance without his legs. Mahesh lost both of his legs at three in an accident, but this tragedy has not prevented him from having a zest for life. He has completed his intermediate studies and now nurtures a dream to become a professional."I appeal to all handicapped individuals to never lose heart and sit idle. Instead they should take up something as God blesses everyone with some talent just like he gifted it to me in the form of dance. I feel that all disabled people must strive to sharpen their latent talent and utilise them," says Mahesh. Mahesh has performed several public dance shows from Visakhapatnam to Hyderabad. He charges Rupees 1,500 per dance.(ANI)
Is a low-cost software to colour black & white films here? Wednesday, May 9, 2007 | AY
Visakhapatnama, Jan 14 (ANI): A Vizag-based movie buff has claimed to have developed a software that can convert a black and white movie into coloured at one-third the cost of the package that converted Mughal-e-Azam into coloured. V Sudhakara Rao, the innovator of movie colouring process software, says the package designed by him is not only economical in terms of money, but it also saves a lot of time. "The present apparatus developed by me is capable of enhancing the quality of a black and white film in less time and in one-third of the cost in what is expected to be spending by other methods of colouring," he says. Sudhakara Rao had always been keen to achieve something different which in turn could make his love for old classic films stand out from the rest of the fans. Consequently, what he had started as a hobby, using digital imaging application software process over a Telugu classic 'Maya Bazaar,' seemingly turned out to be a breakthrough in colour processing movies in the country. "Younger generation doesn't have much interest in watching old films as they are in black and white shades. By colouring these old movies, we can create interest of young generation in old films," says V Vivek, a young student. Reportedly, a Mumbai-based firm, the Indian Academy of Arts and Animation (IAAA), had charged around eight crore rupees to converter Hindi classic Mughal-e-Azam into a coloured movie, using a special software named "Effect Plus" after almost 24 months of work. The colour conversion of this film, which was one of the biggest ever renaissance of a classic in Indian cinema, had enthralled the young generation when they watched it in colour recently. The most expensive Bollywood film of its time, Mughal-e-Azam, a love saga of Salim and Anarkali, was the first-ever 35 mm film in the history of world cinema to be converted into colour. The experiment heralded an era of a new drift wherein old stuff was to be tailored in new trends to entice the generation next. And now, Sudhakara Rao's claimed innovation is further expected to propel the boom in the business of colouring old films to allure the new generation. (ANI)
Vizag scientists formulate crystal jaggery Wednesday, May 9, 2007 | AY
Visakhapatnam, Jan.20 (ANI): Scientists in Visakhapatanam have evolved a process for creating jaggery in crystal form, paving the way for the manufacture of indigenous sugar. It’s been a long standing demand of the farmers in Visakhapatanam, a place also known for jaggery that their produce doesn’t return them good revenue due to lack of good quality and low shelf life. The general belief puts the blame on its hygroscopic nature (or, readily absorbing moisture, as from the atmosphere). Scientists at the Regional Research Centre of the N G Ranga Agricultural University have come forward with a crystal form of this natural sweetener, jaggery, the indigenous Indian sugar. According to Dr. S Ramakrishna Rao, Principal Scientist, Regional Research Centre, N G Ranga Agricultural University, Vishakhapatanam: "To overcome these problems, we have conducted some studies and we found that jaggery in the shape of powder has very good export potentiality. It has good storage quality. It retains quality standards and it has good nutritive and medicinal value. By exporting the jaggery products to other countries, the farmers can get more income.” The wholesale jaggery market at Anakapalli near Visakhapatanam is the second largest market after Hapur and has an annual turnover of around Rupees 70 crores. But farmers fail to get reasonable rates for their produce. Traders, however, say things have improved after the government decided to do away with the four percent of value added tax (VAT). "Our market yard receives about 50 to 60 lakhs rupees every year. That amounts to 70 crores of rupees in turn over. Earlier there was a VAT of four percent which was going to the government exchequer and now due to the effort of Shri Ramakishna, the Minister for Commercial Taxes of Andhra Pradesh, VAT has been removed and this four per cent which amounts to above three crore rupees goes to the farmer that way enabling the farmer to be encouraged to produce more jaggery so that there will be more arrivals," said K Buchibabu, a trader and an exporter in Anakapalli. Jaggery is widely used in preparation of a number of dishes and medicines. It is considered by some to be a particularly wholesome sugar and, unlike refined sugar, retains more mineral salts. Moreover, the process does not involve chemical agents. As per the Indian system of Ayurvedic medicine, jaggery is reckoned to be beneficial in treating throat and lung infections. (ANI)
Vishakhapatnam villagers visit a divine rock to expose culprits Wednesday, May 9, 2007 | AY
Chinnapachila (Vizag), March 1 (ANI): Believe it or not, a small piece of rock in Chinnapachila Village in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam District has helped to bring down criminal activities to minimal. It has inspired villagers here to follow their conscience instead of fearing from local police. Residents in Chinnapachila Village worship "Dharmapeetham" or, the rock of justice, to seek justice in any dispute or to find out any corrupt person. It is believed that the rock has divine powers that can expose any criminal once he or she is brought here to light an earthen lamp. "Expecting justice from police may take months and a heavy cost. Hence, we people never file a complaint in the police station. Instead, we approach the all-mighty rock. The Dharmapeetham is the moral guide of the villagers," said G. Balaramamurthi, another resident of the village.Whenever any crime takes place in the village, both-the victim and the accused-are supposed to light an earthen lamp and wash the sacred rock piece, spread over a five to six square feet area in Chinnapachila Village here. The innocent villagers confide in Dharampeetham's powers so much that it is considered as the best way to find out any dishonest person. So much so that the local police station has been shifted to a far off area, as it was considered futile. "The sacred rock keeps a check on the conscience of the villagers and thus helps in punishing the culprits. At times police also refer some cases to this rock," said S. Sambamurthy, a villager of Chinnapachila. People believe "Dharmapeetham" is enough to don the role of a police station in Chinnapachila.The shifted police station used to oversee a group of 36 villages but it experienced a downward trend in the crime graph. Telugu speakers call Dharmapeetham as Peddaryari (the elder statesman). And, it is widely believed to have some supernatural powers to act as civil 'adjudicator'. Whenever any crime takes place in this region, the complainant and the suspect is brought to the Dharamapeetham. After taking a dip in a nearby pond, both are supposed to carry water in earthen pots to this rock piece, under a Neem tree, for washing the place. Thereafter, each one of them has to light a lamp before a portrait of Lord Shiva, which is placed on the rock boulder. It is believed the guilty person shirks to light the lamp due to the long held belief that it would bring celestial wrath and misery on the family of the wrongdoer. It is believed that about 180 years ago, a villager named Sasubilli Nallappa Naidu had had a vision in which Lord Shiva asked him to bring two rocks from a nearby Nagallokonda hills and place them beneath the neem tree to be the ethical judge of villagers. Helped by fellow villagers, Naidu took four months to bring two rock pieces to the present location in the village from a far off place. Over the years, the rocks merged into one and hence, the Dharmapeetham. (ANI)
Baby girl with two mouths recuperating after historic reconstructive surgery Wednesday, May 9, 2007 | AY
Hyderabad, Oct.7 (ANI): A baby girl born with two pairs of lips and two mouths in Andhra Pradesh's Nalgonda District is recuperating well at the Government Gandhi Medical College and Hospital in Hyderabad after undergoing historic reconstructive surgery. According to Dr. V. Prabhakar, Professor and Head of the Department of Paediatric Surgery, this is the first case of its kind in the world. "The child is in good condition 48 hours after the surgery and we will be starting oral feeds in the next two days. She will lead a normal life as there are no other detectable anomalies in the body," Dr. Prabhakar said. He said that ENT and plastic surgeons and specialists from various other fields had helped him to give a normal face to the 20-month-old infant. The three-and-a-half hour long operation, according to newspaper reports, was carried out earlier this week, but did not feature in the headlines because of the brouha over conjoined twins Farah and Sabah. According to Dr. Prabhakar, the accessory lower and upper jaw were first removed. The lips on the cheek were then mobilised with intact nerves and blood supply and the paralysed parts of both the lips, normal and accessory, were removed. A single oral cavity with single upper and lower lips were reconstructed with the normal nerve and blood supply. "The accessory mouth had its own jaws, rudimentary teeth and had its own salivary secretions. On both sides the medial part of the lips were paralysed. This is because of a developmental defect in which only the lateral parts of the lip had nerve supply and normal synchronised moments of the lips. Nowhere in world medical literature has a similar case been reported. So this will be the first reported case in the world and the first of its kind operation," the Pioneer quoted Dr. Prabhakar, as saying. The unusual operation received support and encouragement from higher quarters in the Government as the State's chief administrator of medical and health department Dr IV Subbarao, (Principal Secretary, Health, Medical) and Director of Medical Education Dr Saigopal visited the baby at the hospital. (ANI)
Perseverance pays: one-time Vizag beggar turns bureaucrat Monday, May 7, 2007 | AY
Vishakapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), Jan.8 (ANI): Meegada Lakshmi Narsimhulu is a classic case of perseverance paying off handsomely.This resident of Rajam in Andhra Pradesh's Vizianagaram District was a beggar at one time, but now his determination to study has helped him to become a social welfare officer with the State Government.This extraordinary rags to riches journey began in Rajam when Narasimhulu used go door-to-door uttering Bhavati Bhiksham Dehi. Hailing from Jangaolu, a community whose main occupation is begging, Narasimhulu spent his younger days in sheer poverty. His father use to stitch old clothes to make bontas (bedding quilts) and supplemented the family's meager income. Despite being a beggar, Narasimhulu attended school and also entered the portals of a college when he lost his father.He discontinued his studies and reverted to begging, and from the money saved, he even managed to solemnise his sister's and brother's marriages. Fortunately, a samaritan businessman named Vishal Gupta took pity on Narasimhulu and recommended him to undergo teacher training course. Thus during day time Narasimhulu studied and begged at night and completed his studies that enabled him to get a job as hostel warden in the Department of Social Welfare department under category BC 'A'. "After having endured many difficulties, I have reached this stage. I never thought that I will study so much" said Narasimhulu. Although the job assured him social security and a sort of status, he married a beggar woman without any dowry. Later, he ensured a decent marriage for his sister while his brother qualified to become a naval officer. Today, promoted as Assistant Social Welfare Officer and overseeing 19 hostels, Narasimulu seems a contented person. His son is a student of computer applications. "We were into the profession of begging. If my brother would not have been there, then I would not have reached here. I am working with the Indian Navy" said a delighted brother M. China Babu. He spends more time with poor people in his hostels, working for their welfare. He takes classes in these hostels and inspires children through his story. "He is a model for the society, who not only married a beggar, but wants his brother to marry a poor girl" said S Gowri Prasad, General Secretary, Andhra Pradesh Backward Classes Welfare Officer's Association. In recognition to his perseverance, Narasimhulu has received numerous rewards, from the Government, social organisations and NGOs. (ANI)
Buddhist 'chaityas', monastery of 1st century AD discovered in Andhra Pradesh Monday, May 7, 2007 | AY
Guntur, June 5 (ANI): The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in its recent excavations at Ghantasala in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, discovered three Buddhist 'chaityas' and a monastery, including broken images, pillars and pottery of 1st and 2nd century AD. The six-member ASI team led by ASI Hyderabad Region Superintending Archeologist, D Jithendra Das, made the discoveries at Yennammapadu dibba in Ghantasala mandal in three-month long excavation mission from March to May. The chaityas had a texture and size unique to the Satavahana times and had separate dwelling places for Buddhist monks in the complex. All walls were found to have beautiful plastering with superfine lime mortar. A three-dimensional limestone carved structure, embellished on the dome portion of the stupa had two garland bearers, a dhamma chakra and a miniature stupa on a throne in the middle. Objects such as a four-by-three-feet 'Purna Kalasa' containing lotus flowers, indicating the birth of Siddhardha were also discovered. Boswell to the East India Company first reported Ghantasala as a historical site in 1870-71. Alexander Rea excavated the stupa at Ghantasala, which had a circumference of 112 feet and a height of 23 feet. The ASI team consisting of archeologists Balaji Rao, W A S Narasimham, A Suresh, Murthy and K Veeranjaneyulu excavated further for a depth of six feet and found that the stupa had concentric inner wheels radiating towards a central chamber. (ANI)
Missing peacocks, emu bird from Kambalakonda Nature Park being searched Sunday, May 6, 2007 | AY
Vishakhapatnam, Nov.5 (ANI): Mystery surrounds the recent disappearance of two peacocks and one emu bird from the Vishakapatnam's Kambalakonda Nature Park . Andhra Pradesh Police is trying to unearth the mystery of disappearance of the birds.According to the investigating officials, it is the first case of birds missing from their cages in the Nature Park. They feel there has been negligence in the upkeep of the birds. "There was no lock or keys. After the incident, they keep some locks now but this kind of offence never happened before. This is the first time and it has been brought to our notice. We are investigating the case," said C. Patanta Rao, Inspector in Three-town police station, Vishakapatnam. As soon as the birds were found missing from respective cells on Tuesday (October 30), the authorities brought the incident into the notice of police and lodged an official complaint. Meanwhile, a massive hunt for the birds is on and security around the park has been tightened. In 2002, Kambalakonda Nature Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary. The sanctuary harbours a variety of fauna including panthers, barking deer, mouse deer, pangolin, spotted deer, porcupine, giant squirrels, hyenas and different types of owls. It has a reservoir with a capacity to impound 2 lakh gallons to provide water to the animals. A small part of the sanctuary has been converted into a nature park to promote eco-tourism. Kambalakonda was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2002 to protect the flora and fauna in the region, as the ever-expanding city was threatening to engulf and swallow it. The sanctuary is situated in the eastern Ghats, roughly extending to an area of 7,139 hectares and consisting of gentle to steep slopes. (ANI)
Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation plans energy efficient power saving lights Sunday, May 6, 2007 | PV
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation is planning to install energy-efficient and power-saving streetlights in the city. It has invited Expressions of Interest from companies to take up the project in Greater Hyderabad. The project is estimated to cost over Rs 20 crore.
Eamcet 2007 key to be released on 8th Sunday, May 6, 2007 | PV
The initial key of Eamcet 2007, the common entrance test for admission into engineering, agriculture and medicine, is likely to be released on Tuesday.The expert committees on each subject in both streams will begin their deliberations from Sunday. According to sources unlike in the past, four experts from each subject will be formed into a committee and they would be given adequate time to prepare the initial key.
New taxation policy for AP Hotels industry: Rosaiah Sunday, May 6, 2007 | PV
The Andhra Pradesh State government has decided to review taxation policy in the hotel industry following complaints of rampant fleecing of customers. Commercial taxes minister K. Ramakrishna told that the government had already taken note of the misuse of the tax structure which was originally designed to reduce burden on the customers.
NHRC seeks report on illegal stone quarrying in Andhra Saturday, May 5, 2007 | AY
New Delhi, Apr.4 (ANI): The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the District Magistrate of Andhra Pradesh's Warangal District to submit a factual report on the difficulties being experienced by locals because of stone quarrying in the area. The factual report has been demanded on the basis of a news report aired by E-TV, which quoted residents as saying that the blasting at various stone quarries was disturbing the peace and causing cracks in houses, besides promoting health hazards. The NHRC said that if it found the factual report to be true, it would treat it as a case of human rights being violated. It has urged the District Magistrate to submit the report by April18. According to Dr. Narasimha Reddy of the Centre for Resource Education (CRE), a non-governmental organization working on environment and development issues in Andhra Pradesh, rock quarrying and stone crushing is a global phenomenon, and has been the cause of concern everywhere, including in countries like Singapore, Lebanon, United States, Pakistan and Israel. In Andhra Pradesh, there are an estimated 1400 quarries, which cater to the needs of railways, road construction and maintenance, housing and infrastructure building. Rock quarrying around Hyderabad has seen tremendous growth in the last decade or so. This is mainly because of the growing urbanization, enormous demand for housing, and the abundant availability of rocky hills in the surroundings. Rock quarrying has enormous impact on the environment, people and ecology. Not surprisingly, the problems that arise relate to the use of explosive materials, other occupational hazards as well as noise and dust pollution. According to Reddy, the state government has initiated a few measures, but these are limited to licensing by different departments. There is neither a policy nor any concerted approach regulating the operations of this industry. For example, there has been no effort to dovetail procedures with that of the urban zoning (residential, industrial, commercial, etc) policy. Policy apathy has not helped the industry, workers, government and the people alike, instead corruption thrives. The CRE feels that there is a need to establish the baseline conditions in which this industry is operating, document its magnitude, assess future growth and demand, and build a scenario for alternatives, if need be. Presently, due to lack of authentic information at all levels policy development has become stunted. Even the government does not have information. In the 1980s, all the stone crushing units were within the Hyderabad municipal limits (an area of 175 sq. km). Urban growth pushed them out to the peripheries. Present Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (HUDA) area is about 2000 sq. km. Stone crushing units are located partly in HUDA area and partly outside. These units have a total mining area of about 1223 acres, out of which only 295 acres is the leased land, while the rest is owned by the respective units. There is dust pollution in all the units, and no protection for the environment, labour and people alike from this pollution. No measures for dust collection and suppression have been reported. Ambient air quality is laden with suspended dust particles up to a distance of 200 metres. Transport systems like conveyor belts and lorries convey dust to farther areas. Two thirds of the labour is afflicted by cough. More detailed health impact studies are required to establish the incidence of chronic diseases. Adverse impact on water courses, soil, hills and slopes could be seen clearly, though more scientific studies need to be done to establish this fact. Noise levels are very high, ranging between 58 dB to 88 dB. Frequent blasting is causing noise problems as well as vibrations resulting in damages to the houses and other structures nearby. The CRE has recommended regular assessment of environmental impact and mitigating the effects of these problems through technology initiatives. Mandatory environment impact assessment reports for establishing new units. Establishment of dust control mechanisms at the unit level. Formulation of a code of conduct for the industry as a self-regulation mechanism. Strengthening of the owner associations to regulate the sector - establishment, operations, licensing, marketing, taxation, etc. Strengthening of labour in the management of the units. Having stakeholder meetings involving the relevant government departments, industry representatives, NGOs, and other interests groups. Extension of Public Liability Insurance Act to the quarrying and crushing units. Efficiency in energy consumption. Alternative power sources (like solar energy, thermal radiation from rocks as source of fuel) have the potential to reduce the input costs, thus increasing the profit margin, leading to the healthy growth of the industry. Options for restoration of abandoned quarry sites by infilling with quarry waste, and/or inert waste from Hyderabad and elsewhere and/or infilling with other non-inert or putrescible waste. Introduction of controlled blasting operations, to minimize hazards from flying missiles depending on its reliability and feasibility factors. Protection of rare rock structures through fencing and zoning. Safety procedures for workers, and application of Employees Safety Insurance, and other provisions. Extension of education and training facilities to the traditional stone cutting and quarrying communities. Single-window regulation of the sector. Direct government expenditure on the sector, in terms of welfare, research, training, aimed at strengthening the sector and also in enabling it to fulfill its social and ecological responsbilities. Isolation of the units from residential and urban spread through proper zoning and creation of a separate industrial estate. (ANI)
Untimely rain damages mango crop in Andhra Pradesh Saturday, May 5, 2007 | AY
Vijayawada, Apr 20 (ANI): The untimely rain has damaged a large tract of mango cultivation in Andhra Pradesh (AP)."This year the production is really low. We are facing lot of problems. Most of the crop was destroyed because of untimely rain. The export is also low this year because of the high prices and low production," member of Mango Growers' Association, Nagendra Kumar said. Farmers are saying that around 35 per cent of mango crop is damaged due to heavy winds and untimely rain in Vijayawada District."Because of the storm and rain most of the mangoes fell from the tree before time," said Nageshwar Rao, a farmer and member of Mango Growers' Association.As per the estimates, the loss of crop in the region is of around 350 million rupees. Growers are expecting a yield of only two tonnes per hectare, from last year's bumper harvest of 8 tonnes per hectare.This year the export is also affected because of shortage of mangoes. The prices of mangoes have also gone up to 16000 to 20000 rupees per tonne, as compared to 2500 to 6000 rupees per tonnes of the last year.Andhra Pradesh stands first in the country's production of mangoes.India exports about 30,000 tonnes of mangoes every year to nearly 40 countries including Britain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Canada and the latest to import the fruit from India are Japan and the United States.Vijayawada exports mangoes worth rupees 25 million rupees every year to several countries including the United States, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Singapore. Swarnarekha, Benishan, and Baiganpally are the most famous varieties of mangoes, extensively exported from Andhra Pradesh. (ANI)
Tirupati decides no one is VIP for darshan Saturday, May 5, 2007 | AY
Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Apr 27 (ANI): A recent hue and cry over devotees being denied permission to visit the sanctum sanctorum of the Tirupati Temple to make way for the Bachchan family, has prompted the temple authorities to apply the brakes on such visits in the future. Temple Executive Officer K.V Ramanachari has said that VIPs (Very Important Persons) will not be given special treatment except per protocol."There is a list of government protocol VIP's list, containing 20 categories, for them it is ok, but for other than government protocol VIP's, the obeisance will not be allowed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday," Ramanachari said.The famous temple of Lord Venkateshwara in Tirupati was at the center of attraction when the Bachchan family offered prayers, along with newly-weds Abhishek and Aishwarya last Sunday. Tight security arrangements were made at the temple complex during the visit, and other devotees were barred from entering the temple while the celebrities were offering prayers.Thousands visit the temple every day and VIP visits create resentment among those denied entry. (ANI)
Buddhist 'chaityas', monastery of 1st century AD discovered in Andhra Pradesh Saturday, May 5, 2007 | AY
Guntur, June 5 (ANI): The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in its recent excavations at Ghantasala in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, discovered three Buddhist 'chaityas' and a monastery, including broken images, pillars and pottery of 1st and 2nd century AD. The six-member ASI team led by ASI Hyderabad Region Superintending Archeologist, D Jithendra Das, made the discoveries at Yennammapadu dibba in Ghantasala mandal in three-month long excavation mission from March to May. The chaityas had a texture and size unique to the Satavahana times and had separate dwelling places for Buddhist monks in the complex. All walls were found to have beautiful plastering with superfine lime mortar. A three-dimensional limestone carved structure, embellished on the dome portion of the stupa had two garland bearers, a dhamma chakra and a miniature stupa on a throne in the middle. Objects such as a four-by-three-feet 'Purna Kalasa' containing lotus flowers, indicating the birth of Siddhardha were also discovered. Boswell to the East India Company first reported Ghantasala as a historical site in 1870-71. Alexander Rea excavated the stupa at Ghantasala, which had a circumference of 112 feet and a height of 23 feet. The ASI team consisting of archeologists Balaji Rao, W A S Narasimham, A Suresh, Murthy and K Veeranjaneyulu excavated further for a depth of six feet and found that the stupa had concentric inner wheels radiating towards a central chamber. (ANI)
TDP, AGP to support Samajwadi Party in UP Saturday, May 5, 2007 | AY
Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh), Apr 9 (ANI): The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) have joined the campaign to boost the Samajwadi Party's chances of winning the Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh. The TDP's chief N. Chandrababu Naidu and the AGP's Brindabam Goswami addressed election rallies alongwith Yadav in Bareilly. Former Foreign Minister K. Natwar Singh also joined them. Naidu is spearheading a move to build a third coalition at the national level."The benefits of economic reforms are not reaching the common man. Now, we have to discuss some of these things. We are not joining for political favour alone. We want to build this nation. We want to motivate the people. We want to give an alternate economic policy to the nation," he said.Although the poll is being fought mainly on local issues and the performance of the ruling SP, it is also expected to reflect voter perceptions of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's Central Government, which is battling criticism over rising prices and economic reforms. (ANI)
Names surface of more Parliament members linked to human trafficking case Saturday, May 5, 2007 | AY
Hyderabad, May 4 (ANI): Human trafficking kingpin Rasheed, who had surrendered on Thursday, has reportedly named several politicians in the scam during his interrogation.According to some reports, Rasheed has named – Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP and former Union Minister Narender Alle, former TDP State Minister Kistappa, former TDP MP Sugana Kumari and former TDP Minister K Ramakanth – allegedly being involved in the scam.Rasheed has alleged that he had paid Rs 11 lakh to Narendra for sending five Gujarati women to the United States.He has also named co-accused Shakeel as a major player in the human trafficking chain.He alleged that he paid an undisclosed amount to Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) MLA Kasipeta Lingaiah, who is now in judicial custody in connection with the case.Rasheed has claimed innocence and alleged that there was threat to his life from the political leaders.Meanwhile, the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate has remanded Rasheed to judicial custody till May 18.The magistrate also remanded Muzaffar Ali Khan, a former TDP corporator to judicial custody for 14 days. Muzaffar Khan was arrested on Thursday night on charges of providing shelter and financial assistance to Rasheed.Rasheed's name figured in the case after the arrest of Gujarat BJP MP Babubhai Katara, who was caught travelling with a woman and a boy on his wife and son's passport.Rasheed is being interrogated by a team of Central Crime Station police. Meanwhile, the police conducted searches at the residence of Rasheed and his relatives on Thursday night and recovered six passports and some other incriminating documents.A Delhi Police team is likely to interrogate Rasheed in Hyderabad in connection with the Babubhai Katara case. (ANI)
Human trafficking case: Hyderabad passport agent surrenders Saturday, May 5, 2007 | AY
Hyderabad, May 3 (ANI): The prime suspect in the human trafficking case, involving suspended BJP MP Babubhai Katara, surrendered to the Andhra Pradesh Police here on Thursday. Police said that passport agent Rasheed went to the Central Crime Station (CCS) this morning and surrendered before Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Detective Department) BV Chanra Rao However, Rasheed maintained innocence by saying that he had nothing to do with the case and was being dragged into it as part of a conspiracy. Rasheed’s name came into light when TRS MLA K Lingiah, who is in police custody, claimed that the former helped him to obtain a passport for a woman from Gujarat on his wife Tara's name. Interestingly, Rasheed was arrested in a fake passport case in 2003. The case, involving some high profile people, surfaced last month with the arrest of Katara at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. He was taking one Paramjeet to Canada on his wife Sarada Ben's passport. (ANI)
Prabhas and Ileana Munna releasing abroad today Friday, May 4, 2007 | PV
Prabhas and Ileana starring Munna, is releasing in USA today. Munna starring Prabhas and Illeana in the main lead is directed by a debutant director Vamsee and produced by Dil Raju. Release Centres: NJ DETRIOT SANJOSE VIRGINIA CHICAGO ATLANTA DALLAS BOSTON
Three electrocuted during Mogadaramma Jatara Friday, May 4, 2007 | PV
In a tragic incident, three persons were electrocuted while nine others sustained injuries when a pole they were pulling came into contact with a 11 KV power line during the Mogadaramma deity jatara (Festival) at the mandal centre of Nizampatnam in Guntur district. Every year the villagers celebrate the jatara from the night to morning. The jatara began on Wednesday night without any problem but the unfortunate incident took place at about 5 am on Thursday morning.
Kingpin of the human trafficking racket surrenders before Hyderabad police Friday, May 4, 2007 | PV
Mohammed Mazharuddin Ali alias Rasheed, kingpin of the human trafficking racket, surrendered before the Hyderabad police on and mentioned the names of several politicians as being involved in the racket. Rasheeds name had surfaced after the arrest of BJP MP Babubhai Katara at Delhi in a trafficking case. Rasheed has been linked with trafficking and fake passport cases involving other political leaders.
Severe heat conditions in Andhra Pradesh Friday, May 4, 2007 | PV
Eleven people, including five women have reportedly died due to severe heat conditions in last two days as mercury rose to 44 degrees Celsius in Andhra Pradesh state. Deaths caused by sun stroke were reported from Khammam, Nalgonda, Nellore and Karimnagar districts.
Sithapathi Rao resigns for irrigation advisor post Friday, May 4, 2007 | PV
Controversial irrigation adviser T. Sithapathi Rao resigned. Official He handed over his resignation letter to the Chief Ministers secretary N.G.V.K. Bhanu, who handles irrigation at the CMs Office at about 7 pm. Mr Rao played a crucial role in launching Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddys pet 29dam Jalayagnam. During a subsequent public debate, he effectively countered the Opposition attack on irregularities but bureaucrats made repeated efforts to marginalise him.
Sohrabuddin encounter case: Clear proof of Andhra Police Friday, May 4, 2007 | PV
Documentary evidence submitted to the Supreme Court by the Gujarat CID clearly disproves Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddys claim that no policemen from his State were involved when the Gujarat police took away Sohrabuddin Sheikh and his wife Kauser Bi. Four interim reports prepared by the CID team investigating the Sohrabuddin encounter case, which have been submitted to the Supreme Court, pinpoints the involvement of the AP police. Dr Reddy had said: To the best of my knowledge this information (about the complicity of the Andhra police) is incorrect. The Gujarat CID reports state that seven AP policemen helped Gujarat policemen in getting Sohrabuddin to Gujarat.
Apollo-IBM health super highway tie up to benefit 900,000 doctors Thursday, May 3, 2007 | AY
Hyderabad, Apr 5 (ANI): Apollo Hospitals, the largest healthcare group in Asia and the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) have agreed to set up a ‘health super highway’ project that would eventually benefit 900,000 doctors. The proposed project will provide support to doctors on alternative diagnosis as well as connect 150 hospitals in four zones across the country. The Chairman of the Apollo Group, Prathap C. Reddy, said that Apollo also plans to connect 52 African countries through telemedicine in collaboration with nine major hospitals, including the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in Delhi and the Narayana Hridayalaya. The Apollo Group is to acquire two UK-based hospital groups. The evaluation of one of them would be finalised before the end of the year.Apollo Hospitals has transformed the landscape of healthcare in India. The group owns and manages 41 hospitals in and around India, becoming the largest healthcare provider in Asia.Over the years, the group has also created other companies to empower its flagship company, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, to create a powerhouse that has a leadership position in every sphere of healthcare. With nursing and hospital management colleges, pharmacies, diagnostic clinics, medical transcription services, third-party administration and telemedicine, Apollo’s leadership extends to all aspects of the healthcare spectrum. (ANI)
ISRO to sponsor 50 students to International Astronautical Congress Thursday, May 3, 2007 | AY
New Delhi, Apr 14 (ANI): The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), along with the Astronautical Society of India (ASI), will sponsor a delegation of fifty Indian students to the International Astronautical Congress (IAC-2007) to be held in September at Hyderabad. The Congress, from September 23-28, is organised by the International Asronautical Federation in cooperation with the International Academy of Astronautics and International Institute of Space Law. Students studying in 11th and 12th Standard, pre-university, under-graduation who have already completed their first year in science, engineering or law courses and post graduate students of science, engineering and law will be eligible for selection. It is a prestigious international space event attended by about 2000 delegates from space agencies, industries, academia and international organisations. After 39th IAC at Bangalore in 1988, Hyderabad has got the opportunity to host the 58th session of this prestigious event of astronautics in September. The week-long Congress will be held at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) and the International Space Exhibition in the HITEX Complex adjacent to the Convention Centre. The theme of the Congress will be "Touching Humanity: Space for Improving quality of life". About 1200 Technical papers will be presented in approximately 130 technical sessions on a wide variety of space program activities. These sessions are catagorised into five major themes-- space science, space technology, infrastructure, space applications and interaction with society. Selected papers from each International Astronautical Congress are published in the International journal Acta Astronautica. (ANI)
Student injured in firing at Deccan Engineering College Thursday, May 3, 2007 | AY
Hyderabad, Apr 21 (ANI): A student sustained bullet injuries in the firing at the Deccan Engineering College here on Saturday.Mukarram, a third-year engineering student was injured when Umeedullah Khan, a second-year student of the same college opened firing at him.A profusely bleeding Mukarram was rushed to a city hospital where his condition was stated to be critical."An incident of firing with revolver happened in the Deccan Engineering College this afternoon at 2 pm. Student named Umeedullah has fired upon on student named Mukarram. We are investigating into the case," said Madhusudan Reddy, the Deputy Commissioner of Hyderabad Police.According to students and staff of the college, Umeedullah brandished a pistol and suddenly started firing at Mukarram, who was waiting near the college office to collect admission card for examinations."One of our friends Mukarram has got injured. He was running to escape and he just fell down. Then, Umeedullah came towards him and he shot about six-seven bullets at him. I do not know the reason behind," said a student who was an eye witnessed to the incident. (ANI)
Human trafficking allegations against me are baseless: TRS MP Thursday, May 3, 2007 | AY
Hyderabad, Apr 27 (ANI): Suspended Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) MP A. Narendra has said that the allegations against me in connection with the human trafficking case are baseless. "These are false malicious allegations that I had two passports with me with visas stamped on them does not warrant this action. I was to go on an official visit to Pakistan. The two passports were of people who would have been part of my delegation, but the trip then got cancelled. The passports were with me for two months," he said. Action against Narendra followed reports that he had tampered with passports of partymen and his personal assistant was directly involved in human trafficking. Narenadra was suspended from his party on Wednesday. TRS sunk deeper into the racket after another of its State legislators was booked for obtaining a passport for a woman he had declared as his wife falsely. "The passport was submitted by one of the recognised travel agents, the passport of wife of Mrs. Lingaia. They submitted a joint photograph, a joint affidavit and both wife and husband signed in this. First of all, we have not established whether the report is correct or not. That has to be ascertained by the appropriate investigating agencies," said Bala Bhaskar, Regional Passport Officer, Hyderabad. Lingaiah and his family are yet to be traced. A slew of such cases has surfaced since the investigations began in the Babubhai Katara's case. Last week, Katara was arrested at the Indira Gandhi International Airport while attempting to take one Paramjeet to Canada on his wife, Sarada Ben's, passport. On Thursday, Rajendra Kumar Gampa, an aide of Katara, told a Delhi court that he used the MP’s letterheads for competing emigration formalities. (ANI)
Ambika Soni to review tourism and culture projects in AP Wednesday, May 2, 2007 | AY
New Delhi, Apr 5 (ANI): Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni will review tourism and culture projects in Andhra Pradesh on Friday. During her two-day visit, she will visit the Salarjung Museum, Qutab Shahi Tomb and the Shilparaman to inspect the work of Shilpasandhya.Before retuning to Delhi, she will also inaugurate a Paryatak Bhavan and a rural tourism project at Pochampalli.Senior officials of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and the Archaeological Survey of India will accompany the Minister. (ANI)
17 more inducted into Andhra Pradesh ministry Wednesday, May 2, 2007 | AY
Hyderabad, Apr 26 (ANI): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy today inducted 17 more members into his three-year-old Ministry, taking its strength to 41.State Governor Rameshwar Thakur administered the oath of office and secrecy to the 17 new ministers at Raj Bhavan this morning. The new Cabinet Ministers are G Arunakumari (lone womand candidate from Chittoor district), M Buddha Prasad, S Chandrasekhar, R Changa Reddy, G Chinna Reddy, D Raja Narasimham, D Damodar Reddy, M Hanumantha Rao, M Mukesh Gaud, T Jeevan Reddy, A Ramanarayana Reddy, J Ratnakar Rao, P Subhash Chandra Bose, K Venkata Krishna Reddy, M Venkat Ramana Rao, V Venkatewsara Rao and Maganti Babu.Out of the 17, eight belong to the Telangana region. No Deputy Chief Minister was announced. This is the first expansion of the Andhra Cabinet since the Congress came to power in the State in May 2004. (ANI)
Tirupati decides no one is VIP for darshan Wednesday, May 2, 2007 | AY
Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Apr 27 (ANI): A recent hue and cry over devotees being denied permission to visit the sanctum sanctorum of the Tirupati Temple to make way for the Bachchan family, has prompted the temple authorities to apply the brakes on such visits in the future. Temple Executive Officer K.V Ramanachari has said that VIPs (Very Important Persons) will not be given special treatment except per protocol."There is a list of government protocol VIP's list, containing 20 categories, for them it is ok, but for other than government protocol VIP's, the obeisance will not be allowed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday," Ramanachari said.The famous temple of Lord Venkateshwara in Tirupati was at the center of attraction when the Bachchan family offered prayers, along with newly-weds Abhishek and Aishwarya last Sunday. Tight security arrangements were made at the temple complex during the visit, and other devotees were barred from entering the temple while the celebrities were offering prayers.Thousands visit the temple every day and VIP visits create resentment among those denied entry. (ANI)
Despite all odds, Guntur farmers show positive result Wednesday, May 2, 2007 | AY
Guntur (Andhra Pradesh), Apr 28 (ANI): Despite of major stumbling blocks during the past few years, farmers of Guntur have increased the area under cultivation for various crops in 2006-07 crop year. Though the normal acreage for over 30 crops, including food grains, cash crops and horticulture, is 7,85,141 hectares (ha), they grew crops in 8,26,998 ha, an increase of 41,857 ha in kharif (first crop) and rabi (second crop) of 2006-07. The farmers had also raised crops in 8,07,779 ha in 2005-06, an increase of 22,658 ha compared with the normal crop area. The State Government campaign persuaded farmers to cultivate maize on a large-scale in 33,258 ha compared with the normal crop area of 18,051 ha. The trend started in 2005-06 itself when they cultivated maize in 25,456 ha. Farmers gave a mixed performance in pulses cultivation. They increased acreage of rabi (second) pulses from 1,30,415 ha (normal crop area) to 1,33,656 ha, an increase of 3,241 ha. Compared with 2005-06 rabi pulses, it was 23,685 ha more. The acreage for blackgram and bengalgram increased from 1,12,602 ha and 7,973 ha to 1,16,588 ha and 11,902 ha respectively. (ANI)
Prabhas and Ileana Munna hit at box office Wednesday, May 2, 2007 | PV
Hero Prabhas Munna released and the black tickets are being sold at Rs 400 at a few theatres. That sounds amazing and the crowds are hanging to the gates of a few theaters like Sri Ramana in Amberpet and Sudrashan in RTC Cross Roads. Dil Raju brand and Ileana factor in the film is pushing up the ticket sales. The demand for Prabhas is also observed at the theaters where the fans of him are found in crowds.
Power cuts on cellphones in AP soon Wednesday, May 2, 2007 | PV
Power consumers in the State can soon get information about scheduled power breakdown on their cellphones. They can even register their complaints to the power distribution office and check their monthly power bill with an SMS. e-Vaaradhi is currently being offered by Eastern Power Distribution Company in north coastal Andhra and the Godavari districts. Inspired by the response, APTransco is planning to introduce the scheme to other parts of the State.
Gold deposits found at Rayalaseema, Andhra and Telangana districts Wednesday, May 2, 2007 | PV
Gold and diamond deposits have been found at 42 locations in Kurnool, Anantapur, Mahbubnagar and Krishna districts in the State. Aerial surveys conducted by 11 prospecting companies, including De Beers India Prospecting Pvt Ltd and Geomysore, have been completed and the companies will now take up ground survey. The State government has informed the Centre of the find and sought permission of undertaking ground survey.
Mahesh Babu busy with hare Rama Hare Krishna Tuesday, May 1, 2007 | PV
The film Pokiri rocked the box office and ran successfully for 365 days. Now a sequel is being planned by the same combination as per the news. But there are doubts surrounding it stating that will it be a sequel or another flick all together.Mahesh Babu is now busy in Atadu and his subsequent film will be Hare Rama Hare Krishna. So he would be free only after 2008 summer. Even Puri is busy in the making of Chirutha now. So Puri-Mahesh combination may work again after 2008 summer.
Maganti Babu bans mobile phone in his office Tuesday, May 1, 2007 | PV
Be sure that your mobile phone is switched off or kept in silent mode before you enter the office newly sworn-in minor irrigation minister Maganti Venkateswara Rao (Babu). Else you may end up paying a fine of Rs 100. The minister who has a film background has already introduced the penalty system in his party office at Eluru and wants to have a repeat of it in his office at the Secretariat.
Former Union minister Maneka Gandhi alleged that the municipal corporation was killing dogs brutally and secretly. Ms Gandhi and animal activists made a loud presence at a hearing on dog bite cases conducted by the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) at Hyderabad. They held the stage for most of the time, and repeatedly interrupted officials who spoke later. Neither were dog bite victims present nor was compensation for them discussed as the activists tried to browbeat officials. The commission is likely to present its order in a couple of days.
P.Sambasiva Raju rejects North Andhra Regional Board Tuesday, May 1, 2007 | PV
Mr P. Sambasiva Raju, veteran Congress legislator from Vizianagaram district,turned down the presidentship of the newly constituted North Andhra Regional Board. Mr Sambasiva Raju met Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy in the evening and conveyed his decision. According to sources Mr Raju also conveyed his displeasure over not being included in the Cabinet. I am the most senior legislator in the party. Its painful that you ignored my seniority and services to the party,he is believed to have told the Chief Minister.
Andhra farmers protest against power crisis Tuesday, May 1, 2007 | AY
A large group of farmers led by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) President N Chandrababu Naidu staged a protest here against the power crisis in the state. Naidu claimed that farmers have been suffering due to the State Government's ‘indifferent’ attitude towards them. "We are putting pressure on the Government. Because of the inefficiency of Government, farmers are suffering. Recently, one farmer died in Mahabubnagar because his one-acre land was totally dried up, and they were in debt. Again they invested money, but because of power shortage, all the crops are dying. This is the biggest challenge," Naidu added. The State Government has been supplying free electricity to small farmers for the past two-and-a-half years. However, due to a sharp gap in demand and generation, supply has become erratic. Electricity is being supplied for seven hours, that too erratically, which is affecting the crops. The Andhra Pradesh Transmission Corporation is buying only 548 million units (MUs) every day from various agencies in other states. The gap between requirement and supply is 1,500 MUs per day, which is likely to reach 2,173 MUs next month. (ANI)
Despite all odds, Guntur farmers show positive result Tuesday, May 1, 2007 | AA
Guntur (Andhra Pradesh), Apr 28 (ANI): Despite of major stumbling blocks during the past few years, farmers of Guntur have increased the area under cultivation for various crops in 2006-07 crop year. Though the normal acreage for over 30 crops, including food grains, cash crops and horticulture, is 7,85,141 hectares (ha), they grew crops in 8,26,998 ha, an increase of 41,857 ha in kharif (first crop) and rabi (second crop) of 2006-07. The farmers had also raised crops in 8,07,779 ha in 2005-06, an increase of 22,658 ha compared with the normal crop area. The State Government campaign persuaded farmers to cultivate maize on a large-scale in 33,258 ha compared with the normal crop area of 18,051 ha. The trend started in 2005-06 itself when they cultivated maize in 25,456 ha. Farmers gave a mixed performance in pulses cultivation. They increased acreage of rabi (second) pulses from 1,30,415 ha (normal crop area) to 1,33,656 ha, an increase of 3,241 ha. Compared with 2005-06 rabi pulses, it was 23,685 ha more. The acreage for blackgram and bengalgram increased from 1,12,602 ha and 7,973 ha to 1,16,588 ha and 11,902 ha respectively. (ANI)
