Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Movie Trails
E3 2010: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword - Debut Trailer. Watch more top selected videos about: Wii, Nintendo of America
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Comedy Bits
THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS: Movie Trailer. Watch more top selected videos about: Vin Diesel, Jordana Brewster
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Wedding broadcast expected to set viewership record
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - An NBC special dubbed "Inside The Royal Wedding" was the fourth-highest-rated show on Wednesday, drawing about 5.2 million viewers. It was about a quarter of the number watching "American Idol" and half the number who watched "Survivor."
That may not sound like a very royal rating, but it cheered NBC, because it was an improvement over the 3.2 million who had watched the same time period the week before. And it in no way will dampen the spirits of the legion of global broadcasters who have descended on London to provide an unprecedented amount of multiplatform coverage for the nuptials of Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton.
When Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer nearly 30 years ago, an estimated 750 million people viewed the ceremony. Friday's event in Westminster Abbey will be seen live or in a delayed broadcast by more than 2 billion people, by most estimates, and by another 400 million online over YouTube, Google, Yahoo or on other sites.
Not only is this the first and biggest event of the digital broadcast age, it also is the most interactive media experience of all time because the royals have chosen to reach out to their audience through social media from a Facebook page to Twitter to various apps that will allow people to watch on their iPad or cell phone or other devices.
Google and its YouTube unit are the official providers of the live stream of the events, but lots of others on broadcast and online have climbed aboard the royal bandwagon as well.
Yahoo, for instance, has had more than 80 million people click from its home page to special pages dedicated to wedding coverage, and about 200,000 people have taken the trouble to sign their online guest book and provide comments for the royal couple.
"People are extremely interested," says Jessica Jensen, vp of Yahoo Shine (the section aimed at women). "We have had an incredible outpouring of interest for Shine. We have already surpassed all records, and we're sure tonight and tomorrow will bring new records."
While Google has the official stream, Yahoo will have a live video stream as well, provided by ABC News, which in turn bought its rights from a British provider.
But who exactly is going to watch hundreds of hours of programs that started Thursday night and will run throughout the weekend and into next week on broadcast, cable and online? Based on who watched the shows leading up to the event, it's the ladies.
"We put it on our women's site because we believe women are naturally more interested in pretty dresses and fun events like this," says Jensen. "We have seen a very, very wide age range from teens to older women but definitely skewing extremely female."
The syndicated show "Entertainment Tonight," which has sent a small army to cover the wedding, has already seen a boost it attributes to interest in the event. For the first three days of this week, which have been wedding heavy, ratings have been up 11% compared to the average for Monday through Friday the prior four weeks.
Yahoo drew 6 million unique visitors to its wedding site last month, which Jensen says was "very impressive," but nothing compared to the past 10 days when, she adds, "it has just caught fire."
The buildup has been going on for weeks. On April 18, for instance, ABC's magazine show "20/20" drew 7.5 million viewers for "William & Catherine: A Modern Fairy Tale." That same night, a Lifetime movie "William & Kate" was the most-watched movie of the evening on ad-supported cable, according to the network, up 41% among women 18-49 compared to the Lifetime's average for the year to date.
The Yahoo coverage is global, Jensen adds, with 10 special sites and features around the world. "Not surprisingly the Commonwealth countries are showing particular interest," she adds, "but it's also huge in Brazil. Its definitely a global event."
It certainly has drawn a global media thong. About 8,500 journalists are in London, most of whom will be crammed into temporary studios set up next to the Canada Gate at Buckingham Palace. At least 36 studios have sprung up for everyone from the U.K.'s Sky News to the major American networks (with CBS' Katie Couric, NBC's Brian Williams and ABC's Diane Sawyer among those on hand) and even al-Jazeera, all housed in a three-story structure with equipment overflowing into nearly Green Park.
Inside Westminster Abbey, the wedding and 1,900 guests will be captured by 40 cameras, a dozen still photographers and 28 reporters. The BBC is one of the few actually operating inside, with part of its staff of 550 dedicated to the event.
The U.S. broadcasters won't just be broadcasting either. Taking their cue from the media-savvy happy couple, ABC will be twittering, NBC will twitter and has a Facebook page, as does CNN, among others.
Ryan Seacrest will be leading the E! channel coverage, which will go nonstop all weekend beginning with five hours of wedding coverage and including Fashion Police: Royal Wedding with Joan Rivers, Kelly Osborne and others.
Kelly's mom, Sharon Osborne, will be there as well for CBS, as will Matt Lauer and Meredith Vieira of "Today" and many others. There are specials on all the networks this weekend, including a Couric-hosted one on CBS, where she is soon to get a divorce from the "Evening News," with "The Royal Wedding: Modern Majesty."
TLC plans 89 hours of programing. WE tv has slated 109 hours of programs including "How to Marry a Prince." BBC America calls itself the "Home of the Royal Wedding" and plans 184 hours of coverage and related programs. Lifetime will have specials all day Friday and into the weekend.
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Meera takes back her accusations against Mahesh Bhatt
Meera, the Pakistani actress who shot to fame with the Mahesh Bhatt produced film Nazar, followed by Rajiv Babbar's Kasak, has bounced back in the news! The actress plans to make a grand comeback in Bollywood, but not before she ruffles a few feathers in tinsel town.At the receiving end is none other than her self-confessed mentor Mahesh Bhatt, whom she 'blames' for her sudden departure to Pakistan, post her debut in Bollywood. Meera said that it was not her decision to stop doing films, but says that she was asked to leave India by Maheshji. He did not like her being famous and interacting with other directors. Post that, she even alleged that Mahesh Bhatt was possessive and physically abusive, and that it was him who made her leave Bollywood and didn't let her come back.
Mahesh Bhatt on the other hand has a different story to tell. The veteran filmmaker tweeted saying "Narcissistic Personality Disorder is the possible 'ailment' Meera could be suffering from. Such people have a larger than life persona!" Mukesh Bhatt too defended his brother Mahesh by saying that, when he introduced Meera in Nazar, little did he know then that they were entering into unknown territories with a mad woman. He also added that she's a nutcase and that she tried to defame a credible man like Mahesh Bhatt. He also added that the reason Meera did all this was to promote her upcoming film in Pakistan.
However the story has now taken a new turn with Meera now saying that she was just joking and didn't mean any harm against Mahesh Bhatt.
Surely this story seems to have more twists and turns even than a conventional Bollywood potboiler.
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Shooting Of Rajinikanth's Rana To Start Tomorrow
Rajinikanth's next magnum opus Rana commences shooting in Chennai from tomorrow.Bollywood beauty Deepika Padukone is the Southern superstar's leading lady in the film where Rajini will be seen in a triple role.
Sonu Sood and Ileana D'Cruz are among the other prominent members of the cast.
Produced by Eros International, the film is directed by K S Ravikumar.
The director said the shooting will commence with a puja by Rajinikanth along with the cast and crew.
Rana will be a live action magnum opus with Rajinikanth playing a triple role and will be released in Tamil, Hindi and Telugu.
Rajinikanth's last film with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Robot was a box office success.
Director Ravikumar said, "Rana has a strong story, a very interesting ensemble cast coupled with super star Rajnikanth in a triple role and promises to have some stunning visual effects that will surely take Indian cinema to the next level.
Sunil Lulla, Managing Director, Eros International Media Ltd added, "We are expecting this to be a landmark film for all those associated with the project".
The music for the film is being scored by A R Rahman, director of photography is Ratnavelu and editing would be done by Antony.
The technical director is Soundarya Rajnikanth, of Ocher Visual effects UK, a subsidiary of Ocher Studios Pvt Limited, and Charles Darby of Eyeqube Studios, renowned visual effects luminary and an Emmy award winner, is the creative and special effects director on the film.
The film is scheduled for release in 2012. Eros International along with NextGen Films, will produce the film through Rana Production Ltd.
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Ex-skipper says match-fixing rampant in Sri Lankan cricket
Dropping a bombshell, former Sri Lanka skipper Hashan Tillakaratne has claimed that match-fixing is common in his country since 1992 and promised to reveal names of those involved, soon.
Tillakaratne, who played 83 Tests and 200 ODIs for Sri Lanka, made the sensational claim while appearing in a TV show. "I can tell this in agreement with my conscience. Match fixing is not something that started happening yesterday or today. According to my knowledge, it happened since 1992. I say this with great responsibility," Tillakaratne said.
Tillakaratne, who was Sri Lanka's captain between April 2003 and March 2004, said people involved in the menace have been successful in burying the issue with money power but promised to expose them soon. "There were threats of this issue being exposed during various times. But it was pushed down by giving money to various people. If the people who were responsible for that are listening to this, I state this today with great responsibility, I will shortly reveal the names of those responsible," he said.
Tillakaratne, who led the side in 10 Tests during his tenure as captain, stopped short of calling the World Cup final between India and Sri Lanka a fixed match but had some reservations about selection. "I am not saying that this match (The world cup final) was fixed. But anyway match fixing is something which has been in this country over a period of time. This has spread like a cancer today," he said.
"Why were four players changed for this match? Those are questions that should be asked. Arjuna (Ranatunga) spoke about this, we who have played cricket talk about this. We were playing an entirely different side. Why was Mendis removed to put another spinner, Kapugedara was never among runs but he was chosen to replace Chamara Silva. It is not fair, is it?" a report in the Daily Mirror quoted him as saying.
The former Lankan skipper also doubted the timing of the selection of the World Cup squad. "The world cup team was selected on the (January) 7th. I questioned at a TV show why this team was picked on the day before the IPL auction. The IPL auction was on the (January) 8th. Then it was said that we have time when we pick the team before the IPL auction and it was said that we have enough time as there were ten more days. Those were the excuses given.
"Also at the provincial tournament on the (January) 11th, 12th and 13th, we had the quarter-finals, semi-finals and the finals. If Sri Lanka Cricket conducted a tournament, we could have watched those tournaments and picked the team two or three days later. If that happened, I believe another two or three players could have replaced some of the players. I had my doubts whether it was the best team that was picked.
"In this country, there is a side which you don't know but I know. We discussed this. Inquire into this. Anyone can investigate this. Why was the team picked before the IPL?" he asked?.
Tillakaratne said it was a vicious circle and the way things are moving, Sri Lanka would soon surpass Pakistan in terms of fixing. "This has been happening since 1992 and I know all the people who are connected to it. I say this with responsibility. It is just like a relay. I run my lap and hand over the baton to you, you complete your lap and give it to another. This is a network. No one can ever go out of it and no one can come into it. This situation was always there. When it came out from time to time, it was quietly swept under the carpet. If someone doesn't intervene and stop this menace, within another two-three years in this country, with these politics, with these corrupt administrators, I believe this country won't be second to Pakistan in the near future," he said.
Three Pakistani cricketers -- Salman Butt, Mohammed Asif and Mohammad Aamer -- were recently handed lengthy bans by the ICC on charges of spot-fixing.
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Salman Khan: Large Hearted Amidst Hotties Asin, Zarine Khan at Ready Music Launch
Salman Khan made the music launch of his new film Ready a memorable and emotionally charged affair for cine workers whose contributions go unrecognized, at Sunil Maidaan, Filmcity, Goregaon in Mumbai on Monday, April 25.
Salman Khan made the music launch of his new film Ready a memorable and emotionally charged affair for cine workers whose contributions go unrecognized, at Sunil Maidaan, Filmcity, Goregaon in Mumbai on Monday, April 25, 2011.
Salman arrived at the venue in standout and unconventional attire: a leather jacket, a black shirt, grey Nike sweat pants, and brown leather shoes. (The black shirt appeared similar to what he earlier wore to Aamir Khan's Peepli Live preview in August, 2010, so it's probably a favorite!)
The venue for the music launch was as unconventional as Salman's attire - humble Govt run Filmcity, not a swanky five star hotel.
Salman picked the venue for the film's music launch, just like he made many other decisions about the film – the locales, cameos by Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgn and Kangana Ranaut, andthe decision to re-shoot the important 'Character Dheela Hai' song. An indication of the respect he commands in the film fraternity.
Following the music launch, Salaman explained the rationale for picking Filmcity as the music launch venue.
He said he wanted to dedicate the music of his film to the workers of the studio who work hard for the filming crews but never get invited to the events. He recalled that he had filmed Maine Pyar Kiya (1988) in Filmcity and still had memories of a woman who would relentlessly serve them water. Referring to that woman in the audience, Salman told Asin 'Yeh sab aap ki jaati ki hain."
Salman Khan dances with Mudasir at the music launch of Ready at Sunil Maidaan, Filmcity, Goregaon in Mumbai on Monday, April 25, 2011. Photo Credit: T SeriesSalman, 45, was at his wittiest best at the event. When asked if he had plans to do a super hero film, Salman brought the house down with his response.
"I can't wear a chaddi on pants and I can't get bitten by makdi...So I wont be any other man but just Sal'man'," he said.
Salman took turns posing for photogs with his Ready team - Asin, Zarine Khan, producers Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar; and director Anees Bazmee – with a colorful bus serving as the backdrop.
He danced to his favorite song from the film, Character Dheela Hai. He called choreographer Mudasir on stage and shook a leg with him.
Salman made the day memorable for the low income workers of Film City. He gave away sarees to the women workers and other gifts to the men who make Filmcity happen.
Salman Khan dances with Mudasir at the music launch of Ready at Sunil Maidaan, Filmcity, Goregaon in Mumbai on Monday, April 25. Photo Credit: T SeriesHost Bhushan Kumar was overwhelmed. "Salman bhai is a good human being and only he can think of such an act. I am very glad we have made this event so personal to those who make our movies happen behind the scenes," said Bhushan Kumar,the head honcho of T Series.
The event was attended by Bhushan Kumar, Divya Khosla Kumar, singer Tulsi Kumar, Anees Bazmee, Boney Kapoor, Ajay Kapoor, Niketan Dheer, Sharat Saxena, Arya Babbar, Atul Agnihotri, Alvira Khan, Sohail Khan, Nitin Manmohan and Anuradha Patel Singh among others.
Salman Khan made the music launch of his new film Ready a memorable and emotionally charged affair for cine workers whose contributions go unrecognized, at Sunil Maidaan, Filmcity, Goregaon in Mumbai on Monday, April 25, 2011.
Salman arrived at the venue in standout and unconventional attire: a leather jacket, a black shirt, grey Nike sweat pants, and brown leather shoes. (The black shirt appeared similar to what he earlier wore to Aamir Khan's Peepli Live preview in August, 2010, so it's probably a favorite!)
The venue for the music launch was as unconventional as Salman's attire - humble Govt run Filmcity, not a swanky five star hotel.
Salman picked the venue for the film's music launch, just like he made many other decisions about the film – the locales, cameos by Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgn and Kangana Ranaut, andthe decision to re-shoot the important 'Character Dheela Hai' song. An indication of the respect he commands in the film fraternity.
Following the music launch, Salaman explained the rationale for picking Filmcity as the music launch venue.
He said he wanted to dedicate the music of his film to the workers of the studio who work hard for the filming crews but never get invited to the events. He recalled that he had filmed Maine Pyar Kiya (1988) in Filmcity and still had memories of a woman who would relentlessly serve them water. Referring to that woman in the audience, Salman told Asin 'Yeh sab aap ki jaati ki hain."
Salman Khan dances with Mudasir at the music launch of Ready at Sunil Maidaan, Filmcity, Goregaon in Mumbai on Monday, April 25, 2011. Photo Credit: T Series
"I can't wear a chaddi on pants and I can't get bitten by makdi...So I wont be any other man but just Sal'man'," he said.
Salman took turns posing for photogs with his Ready team - Asin, Zarine Khan, producers Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar; and director Anees Bazmee – with a colorful bus serving as the backdrop.
He danced to his favorite song from the film, Character Dheela Hai. He called choreographer Mudasir on stage and shook a leg with him.
Salman made the day memorable for the low income workers of Film City. He gave away sarees to the women workers and other gifts to the men who make Filmcity happen.
Salman Khan dances with Mudasir at the music launch of Ready at Sunil Maidaan, Filmcity, Goregaon in Mumbai on Monday, April 25. Photo Credit: T Series
The event was attended by Bhushan Kumar, Divya Khosla Kumar, singer Tulsi Kumar, Anees Bazmee, Boney Kapoor, Ajay Kapoor, Niketan Dheer, Sharat Saxena, Arya Babbar, Atul Agnihotri, Alvira Khan, Sohail Khan, Nitin Manmohan and Anuradha Patel Singh among others.
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India gold hits record high; traders continue to stock
India gold hit another record on Thursday afternoon following firm overseas markets, though a strong rupee kept the upside limited, with traders booking deals to stock up for a festival next week, dealers said.The most-traded gold for June delivery on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) was trading 0.36% higher at Rs 22,210 per 10 grams, after hitting a record of Rs 22,234 earlier in the session.
"Buying is still there. I booked for 50 kgs at USD 1,529/1,532 (an ounce). I am closely looking at USD 1,530, as I have a large order there," said a dealer with a state-run bank in Mumbai.
Silver on the MCX was trading 2.90% higher at Rs 70,818 per kg.
Overseas gold prices hit record highs and US silver futures jumped, buoyed by the dollar that languished around a 3-year low as the United States was seen retaining its accommodative monetary policy.
The rupee plays an important role in determining the landed cost of the yellow metal, which is quoted in dollars.
India, the world's largest buyer of bullion, celebrates the festival of Akshaya Tritiya next week, when demand for bullion goes up.
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Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Spectrum issue: DMK to seek legal recourse
Chennai, April 27:
Following a meeting of the party’s high-level committee today, the DMK President and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Mr M. Karunanidhi, expressed ‘anguish’ over inclusion of Ms Kanimozhi’s name in the second charge sheet in the spectrum allocation case by the CBI and said they would fight the issue legally to prove the innocence of his daughter and the party in court.
“We will take legal steps to prove the truth,’’ he told reporters.
Ever since the supplementary charge sheet naming Ms Kanimozhi as an accused was filed in a Delhi court on Monday, there has been speculation that DMK might adopt a hard line and could even think of quitting the Union Ministry.
Asked whether Ms Kanimozhi would appear before a CBI court at Delhi on May 6, where she had been summoned, he replied in the affirmative.
“She is not Jayalalithaa to ignore the court summons,’’ he said in a reference to the AIADMK leader seeking exemption from personal appearance in the disproportionate wealth case against her in a Bangalore court.
Asked whether Ms Kanimozhi and the Kalaignar TV CEO, Mr Sarath Kumar, who had also been summoned, would seek anticipatory bail, Ms Karunanidhi said the lawyers would decide about it.
To a query, Mr Karunanidhi said the party did not face any embarrassment on the issue.
The meeting adopted a resolution blaming some parties to create lack of confidence among UPA allies and to break the alliance.
It said the 2G case was being used to defame the DMK which would seek legal recourse. It also expressed surprise over the inclusion of Ms Kanimozhi’s name in the supplementary charge sheet.
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Duncan Fletcher named coach of India with two year contract and will lead World Cup winners’ tour of England
Fletcher’s appointment this morning paves the way for Andy Flower to sign a new deal as England coach after being linked with the India job, which was made vacant when Gary Kirsten left after the World Cup final.
Flower is due to meet the England & Wales Cricket Board next week and is expected to sign a new three year contract.
Fletcher’s appointment follows a strong recommendation from Kirsten as well as interviews with senior India players who were impressed after meeting him on a tour to South Africa last year.
He takes over a side that is number one in the world in Test cricket and current 50 over World Cup holders.
Fletcher, 62, has not held a full time coaching position since leaving the England set up after the 2007 World Cup but has had stints as a batting consultant with Hampshire and South Africa.
Fletcher led England to eight successive Test victories in 2004 before winning the Ashes a year later with Michael Vaughan as captain.
Vaughan wrote on twitter this morning “Duncan will work well with all the talent. His biggest challenge will come from the media. He has never really understood how it works.”
The intense media scrutiny of Indian cricket will test Fletcher as will the politics that often drive the direction of the team. But the coaching role has a far lower profile in India than it does in England with plenty of superstars in the side the main focus for attention.
Fletcher never enjoyed the limelight while working with England and may find the ability to sit in the background with India much more to his liking. Kirsten was rarely interviewed by the Indian media and his low profile approach was seen to be a success. Fletcher will be expected to follow suit.
Kirsten was able to commute form his home in Cape Town and Fletcher may have agreed the same arrangement.
Eric Simons remains as India’s bowling coach and is likely to lead the side’s tour to West Indies in June with Fletcher starting in time for the trip to England.
Vaughan wrote on twitter this morning “Duncan will work well with all the talent. His biggest challenge will come from the media. He has never really understood how it works.”
The intense media scrutiny of Indian cricket will test Fletcher as will the politics that often drive the direction of the team. But the coaching role has a far lower profile in India than it does in England with plenty of superstars in the side the main focus for attention.
Fletcher never enjoyed the limelight while working with England and may find the ability to sit in the background with India much more to his liking. Kirsten was rarely interviewed by the Indian media and his low profile approach was seen to be a success. Fletcher will be expected to follow suit.
Kirsten was able to commute form his home in Cape Town and Fletcher may have agreed the same arrangement.
Eric Simons remains as India’s bowling coach and is likely to lead the side’s tour to West Indies in June with Fletcher starting in time for the trip to England.
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Tuesday, April 26, 2011
U.N. hopes to reduce malaria deaths to near zero by 2015
Malaria deaths could be reduced to near zero by 2015, helped by progress made so far in the global fight against the disease and a vaccine that is becoming more effective, the U.N. special envoy for malaria said Monday on World Malaria Day.
Malaria currently kills more than 750,000 people every year around the world, with 90 per cent of deaths in Africa. India suffers the highest death toll outside Africa, with 50,000 annual deaths.
Ray Chambers, who is leading the U.N. programme against malaria, said eradicating the disease by the target year of 2015, as set by the U.N., can be reached, citing “immense progress” in recent years.
“We are optimistic to reach that goal of near zero deaths by 2015,” said Chambers, who was recently listed among the world’s 100 most influential people by Time magazine.
The U.N. has targeted 2015 to achieve major gains over diseases like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
Awa Marie Coll-Seck, executive director of the Roll Back Malaria Partnership, said Chambers’ high profile can help raise awareness in the anti-malaria fight. Chambers said malaria awareness in the US jumped from 20 per cent in 2007 to 50 per cent this year.
Coll-Seck said major world health institutions, financed by the World Bank and philanthropists including Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, are developing a 100-per-cent effective malaria vaccine, which would make the goal of eradicating malaria more possible. Currently, vaccines are only 50-per-cent effective, and malaria strains are not similar around the world.
Proven and cost-effective measures currently available to fight malaria include insecticide-treated bed nets, anti-malaria medicines like the artemisinin-based combination treatments (ACTs), sprays and preventive treatment for infants and pregnant women.
The U.N. General Assembly last week urged governments to accelerate efforts to roll back malaria worldwide, by building on achievements made so far to fight the disease.
The Roll Back Malaria programme said a total of 43 countries worldwide, including 11 African nations, have succeeded in halving malaria deaths in the last decade.
Some countries have made significant progress over the 50-per-cent death reduction. Zambia achieved a 62-per-cent decrease in deaths of children under five from 2001-08, while Sri Lanka reduced malaria deaths to zero in 2009.
The U.N. said malaria has been a health threat in more than 100 developing countries with a total population of 3.3 billion, and Africa alone needs an estimated 12 billion dollars a year to fight malaria.
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Resourcesat-2 to transmit pictures from April 28
The three cameras on board Resourcesat-2 will be switched on when the satellite passes over 3,000 km of the Indian landmass from Joshimutt in Uttarakhand to Kannur in Kerala on April 28 and they will transmit pictures to earth. The cameras have been oriented. As soon as the satellite was put into orbit, its two solar panels unfolded themselves. All operations and checking the health of Resourcesat-2, that were required to be done before the cameras are switched on, have been completed. The National Remote-Sensing Centre at Shadnagar, near Hyderabad, has been geared to receive pictures of the earth from the satellite.
India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C16) placed three satellites, Resourcesat-2, Youthsat and X-Sat, in polar sun-synchronous orbit on April 20. They were functioning satisfactorily, said a press-release from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Monday. Commands for controlling Resourcesat-2 and Youthsat were being radioed from the ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network Centre (ISTRAC), Bangalore, which is connected to a network of stations situated in Lucknow, Mauritius, Biak in Indonesia, Svalbard in the North Pole and Troll in the South Pole.
While the ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore, built the Resourcesat-2, Youthsat has two payloads from India and one from Russia. The X-Sat is from the Nangyang Technological University, Singapore.
Resourcesat-2's orbit was trimmed on April 22 and the satellite is now placed in its final orbit with an apogee of 825 km, a perigee of 813 km and an inclination of 98.78 degrees. The accurate injection of the satellite into orbit will help save 20 kg of fuel aboard it, which will increase its life-span. Its mission life is five years.
Resourcesat-2 has a special three-tier imaging capability through its three cameras, with high, medium and coarse resolutions. The cameras can take pictures of the earth with swath as wide as 70 km, 141 km and 740 km. The images will help in determining the health and yield of crops, exploring minerals and ground water, identifying big schools of fish in the sea, noting the changes in the coastal areas, locating breeding grounds of mosquitoes, zeroing in on illegal ganja plantations in forests, mapping the advance of glaciers, predicting the onset of droughts and so on. These images will be used by more than 15 countries.
The health of Youthsat was normal, the ISRO press-release said, and the performance of its two Indian payloads too was normal. The Russian payload will become operational on April 29. The payloads will help in studying the various activities in the sun and their influence on the upper layers of the earth's atmosphere.
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Monday, April 25, 2011
Gemma Atkinson
Gemma Atkinson was born on 15 November 1984
She is an actress, television personality and lingerie model
She was into sports and athletics while in school
After her schooling Gemma became a model
She has also appeared on the reality show 'I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!Share This
Sexy Shriya Saran
Shriya Saran was born in Dehradun on September 11 1982
Shriya is also a trained Kathak dancer
Shriya was brought up in Ranipur, a small town in north India, a few miles from Haridwar. She is now settled in Mumbai.
Shriya is a pass out of Lady Sri Ram College in Delhi and has a degree in Literature
Shriya made her debut in 2001 in the Telugu film titled Santhosham
Shirya has acted in a few Hindi, Tamil and English films as well
Apart from acting, Shriya is involved in a lot of charity work
She has a spa of her own where she exclusively employs those who are visually challenged
In 2007, Shriya starred in the movie Sivaji: The Boss which was the highest grossing Tamil film then
After the success of Sivaji she gained immense popularity and is one of the leading actresses in the South Indian film industry
She is currently the brand ambassador for Lux and Head & Shoulders
Shirya does not endorse soft drink advertisments as she feels that they harm children's health
Her favourite perfumes are Poison and Chanel 5Share This
Devotees rush to pay homage to Sai Baba
New Delhi: Lakhs of devotees continue to pour in the ashram of Sri Sathya Sai Baba at Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh to pay homage to the spiritual leader who passed away on Sunday even as police tightened security for crowd control.
With grief writ large on their faces, the devotees, both young and old, made their way to the Sai Kulwant Hall at Prashanti Nilayam Ashram to have a darshan of the 85-year-old Sai Baba's mortal remains. Union ministers Vilasrao Deshmukh and Praful Patel and cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar along with wife Anjali were among those who paid their last respects to the Sai Baba.
With grief writ large on their faces, the devotees, both young and old, made their way to the Sai Kulwant Hall at Prashanti Nilayam Ashram to have a darshan of the 85-year-old Sai Baba's mortal remains. Union ministers Vilasrao Deshmukh and Praful Patel and cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar along with wife Anjali were among those who paid their last respects to the Sai Baba.
Sai Baba's body has been wrapped in a saffron-coloured cloth and kept in a glass casket in the ashram's central hall.
The body will lie in state at the hall till Tuesday to enable devotees pay their last respects. Sai Baba will be buried at the Sai Kulwant Hall on Wednesday in line with the practice adopted for spiritual leaders in India, contrary to the Hindu custom of cremating bodies.
Police have set up barricades all over the town to control the surge of devotees flocking the area.
DIG (Rayalaseema range) Charu Sinha said, "We have put up the barricades for the convenience of devotees. We have been told to ensure that devotees manage to have last darshan of Sai Baba. Traffic restrictions have also been imposed for the convenience of the devotees".
Anantpur District Collector Janardhan Reddy said food and water have been made available to the devotees who have arrived from near and far.
Foreign devotees also flocked the Ashram to pay their last respect to Baba. "I feel sad as Baba is no more with us.
However, he is in my heart and he is everywhere...," a foreigner said.
A devotee from Karnataka said, "Baba has not gone anywhere. He will soon come back in a new avatar".
An elderly couple from Orissa said despite his sudden death, they are sure that the Baba will again appear before them soon.
Expecting a large number of devotees to converge here, police have made elaborate arrangements at the Puttaparthi airstrip and railway station. Two temporary helipads have been constructed to allow VIP landings.
Top politicians including the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy, Karnataka Chief Minister B Yeddyurappa, BJP President Nitin Gadkari, TDP president Chandrababu Naidu and Prajarajyam chief Chiranjeevi visited Puttaparthi on Sunday. Former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar was there to pay his respects as well.
Stampede outside ashram
While VIPs, trustees and relatives got to pay their respects from up close, lakhs of devotees who are coming from all across India and the world were allowed to have a glimpse, but from a distance - with many waiting for hours without food and water. A stampede broke out outside the ashram late on Sunday night. No injuries were reported and police raised barricades to keep the crowds at bay.
Politicians mourn Sai Baba's death
"Sri Sathya Sai Baba was a personification of human values and service to mankind. He was indeed a phenomenon which occurred very rarely. He lived with us for a long time and contributed immensely for strengthening spirituality," said Yeddyurappa.
Sai Baba was a spiritual saint of the highest order. He was devoted to service throughout his life. Be it water, education, health or be it the spirit of service, he has done an invaluable service in all these aspects," said Narendra Modi.
"It is a great loss of humanity. Though he may not be there physically among us, but his spiritual message will continue. He will guide us forever. Purity of love, universal love, service to humanity, and his divine message will continue to guide the society," said Chandrababu Naidu, TDP leader.
"We all know that he is going to live in our hearts permanently. He will continue to guide and inspire us despite the fact that he has left his physical form," said Sunil Gavaskar.
Preparations on for last rites
Preparations are on for Sai Baba's last rites. A pitcher of holy water and soil from the Saraswati Teertha is being sent to Prashanti Nilayam today. Saraswati Teertha is a pilgrimage spot in Kurukshetra from where the ancient Saraswati river is said to have emerged.
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Police officer's charge against Narendra Modi also raises questions about SIT
Senior police officer Sanjiv Bhatt's affidavit accusing Narendra Modi of instructing the state police brass to allow rioters to “teach a lesson” to the Muslims is the first incriminating eyewitness account of that controversial February 27, 2002 meeting to reach the courts. Haren Pandya, a Minister in the Modi government at that time, gave a similar account of the Chief Minister's remarks to a citizen's tribunal soon after the riots but was assassinated – allegedly by “jihadi” terrorists – before he could make a proper legal deposition.
Going by his affidavit, Mr. Bhatt, too, appears worried about the consequences of knowing too much. In his plea to the Supreme Court, he chronicles the lack of interest displayed by the court-appointed SIT in what he has to say, its systematic attempts to undermine his testimony by intimidating witnesses who have testified to his presence at the meeting, and the State government's refusal to provide him security despite his plea that the “deliberate leaking” of his testimony to the SIT had made him a marked man.
Mr. Bhatt's affidavit, filed in the Supreme Court following the SIT's probe into Zakia Jaffrey's complaint that the anti-Muslim riots were officially orchestrated, states that as Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence he had attended many meetings convened by the Chief Minister and other “high constitutional functionaries” before and after the February 27 meeting and therefore was privy to secret and classified information. He, however, was in no position to disclose the information unless required to do so under a “binding legal obligation.” It was because of this reason that he remained silent on the issue till he was asked to depose by the Supreme Court-appointed SIT probing the massacres.
Mr. Bhatt, however, expressed strong resentment over the functioning of the SIT and its “attempt to cover the issue of large conspiracy and the administrative complicity.”
He said that during his March 25 deposition, when he tried to bring up the issue of the “larger conspiracy and official orchestration” and the attempts to cover up the issues behind the riots, he faced “unconcealed hostility” from the members of the SIT.
He said he had given the names of some witnesses who could corroborate his presence in the meeting with the Chief Minister. “I was hopeful that this information would be gone into thoroughly by the SIT to unravel the true nature of events that transpired. However, the SIT has chosen to intimidate some of the witnesses and coerce them into refraining from stating the true facts” giving an impression that the SIT itself had become a party to the cover-up operations.
He said he had named K.D. Panth, an Assistant Intelligence Officer with the State Intelligence Bureau in 2002, who would substantiate his claim of being present at the February 27 meeting. But Mr. Panth later told him that he was summoned by the SIT on April 5, but was “virtually treated like an accused and was threatened with arrest and other dire consequences.” He believed that other witnesses named by him were also similarly coerced and threatened by the SIT. Mr. Bhatt said he had written to SIT chairman R.K. Raghavan about these matters on April 6.
Mr. Bhatt's affidavit states that the first time he was summoned by the SIT was in November, 2009, when he had provided it certain relevant information and documents including original floppy discs of phone call records of Godhra town and print outs of phone call records of some high ranking State functionaries from February 26 to 28.
He said he had also provided the SIT “verifiable details” regarding the “on-going cover-up operations” including the “contemporaneous efforts” made by the high officials of the State administration to undermine the proceedings before the court. He said he had “time and again” tried to bring these facts to the notice of the SIT but “they seem to be disinclined to follow up these important leads in the course of the investigation.”
The affidavit said, “given the overall demeanour of the SIT officials while dealing with the crucial aspects of the on-going investigation, I believe it is to be my painful duty to bring to the notice of this Hon'ble court that the SIT does not appear to be living up to the enormous trust reposed in it by the Supreme Court to conduct an impartial and thorough probe into the allegations of larger conspiracy and administrative complicity behind the Gujarat riots of 2002.”
He said he was again summoned by the SIT in March, this year, for deposition in connection with the Gulberg Society massacre as part of Ms. Jaffrey's petition before the Supreme Court. He said despite insisting that the subsequent course of the communal violence could be fully appreciated only in the light of the “directions” given by the Chief Minister on the night of February 27 meeting, he was told by the SIT that all these aspects could not be gone into as his statement was being recorded only in the context of the Gulberg Society case. He said it was only after he told investigators that the procedural constraints on their part defeated the very purpose of “ascertaining the existence of any large conspiracy or official orchestration” behind the 2002 riots, that the SIT agreed to record his statement on the controversial February 27 meeting with the Chief MinisteShare This
Darshan of Sai Baba to stop at 6 p.m. on Tuesday
Devotees of Sri Sathya Sai Baba can have darshan of the mortal remains of the spiritual guru and pay their respects at the Sai Kulwant Hall in Prasanthi Nilayam only till 6 p.m., on Tuesday.
The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi will arrive at Puttaparthi at 4.45 p.m. on Tuesday to pay their last respects to the departed soul and return to New Delhi an hour later.
The funeral will be held between 9 a.m. and 9.30 a.m., on Wednesday and the Baba will be laid to rest in the imposing confines of the Sai Kulwant Hall itself.
Addressing a press conference at Puttaparthi on Monday afternoon, Revenue Minister N. Raghuveera Reddy said the decision to stop the darshan on Tuesday evening was taken to facilitate the Trust authorities to make arrangements for the funeral on the following day.
Mr. Raghuveera Reddy and Major Industries Minister J. Geeta Reddy appreciated the restraint shown by devotees and the disciplined manner in which about a lakh of people walked past the coffin in a single file to have their last darshan of Sri Sai Baba on Monday.
Anantapur District Collector B. Janardhan Reddy said the entire main approach road was being barricaded to ensure smooth flow of devotees into the Sai Kulwant Hall on Tuesday when the numbers of devotees was expected to reach its peak. VIP vehicles from the airport to Prasanthi Nilayam were being allowed on the road leading to the Western gate, opposite side of the entrance used by the regular devotees.
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Thursday, April 21, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Speeding Porsche hits delivery boy in Mumbai
Mumbai: In Mumbai, a young driver in a speeding Porsche has hit a motorcyclist, Ainul Haq, near the police Gymkhana on Marine Drive, who is now in critical condition.object classid='clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000' codebase='http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0' width='418' height='385' id='player' align='middle'>
Twenty four-year-old Ankesh Shahra was arrested and released on bail for rash and negligent driving. His father, Dinesh, is the Managing Director of Ruchi Soya, a company with a turnover of more than 13,000 crores.
The man who Ankesh hit is 22 years old; he works for a restaurant named Zaffran.
It took a nine-hour surgery to fix his dislocated elbow. He is likely to spend at least the next 12 days in hospital.
His employer at the restaurant, Chetan Sethi, is looking after him because his family - a wife and child - are in Jharkhand. "Basically his right leg - they said it will take 8-10 days to know whether there will be any movement," Mr Sethi explained. "They're not very clear whether the movement will come back or not. The left leg also has a lot of damage. And apparently his hand which has lost some movement - where he will not be able to do any fine work like writing."
An eyewitness named Goldie explains, "I was basically out for a nice bike ride with my friend and I saw a couple of people gathered near Marine Drive... and I saw this guy who was literally bleeding out there. Now even if I'm thinking of that moment, I am getting goose bumps because that guy's entire hand was almost cut, like his entire arm was about to get dislocated."
Twenty four-year-old Ankesh Shahra was arrested and released on bail for rash and negligent driving. His father, Dinesh, is the Managing Director of Ruchi Soya, a company with a turnover of more than 13,000 crores.
The man who Ankesh hit is 22 years old; he works for a restaurant named Zaffran.
It took a nine-hour surgery to fix his dislocated elbow. He is likely to spend at least the next 12 days in hospital.
His employer at the restaurant, Chetan Sethi, is looking after him because his family - a wife and child - are in Jharkhand. "Basically his right leg - they said it will take 8-10 days to know whether there will be any movement," Mr Sethi explained. "They're not very clear whether the movement will come back or not. The left leg also has a lot of damage. And apparently his hand which has lost some movement - where he will not be able to do any fine work like writing."
An eyewitness named Goldie explains, "I was basically out for a nice bike ride with my friend and I saw a couple of people gathered near Marine Drive... and I saw this guy who was literally bleeding out there. Now even if I'm thinking of that moment, I am getting goose bumps because that guy's entire hand was almost cut, like his entire arm was about to get dislocated."
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550 people file complaints at Grievance Cell
KAKINADA: Over 550 people from various parts of the district submitted their complaints and grievances to Collector M. Ravi Chandra and other officials during the weekly ‘Grievance Cell' programme held at Collectorate here on Monday.
The complaints and grievances were segregated department-wise and were forwarded to the departments concerned. Grievances pertaining to pensions, ration cards and family problems topped the list. As many as 56 grievances were computerised and acknowledgements were given to the applicants.
Mr. Ravi Chandra asked the officials to do the necessary follow up to address the grievances at the earliest.
Later, Pausami Basu, who took over as Municipal Commissioner of Rajahmundry, met Mr. Ravi Chandra in his chamber.
The complaints and grievances were segregated department-wise and were forwarded to the departments concerned. Grievances pertaining to pensions, ration cards and family problems topped the list. As many as 56 grievances were computerised and acknowledgements were given to the applicants.
Mr. Ravi Chandra asked the officials to do the necessary follow up to address the grievances at the earliest.
Later, Pausami Basu, who took over as Municipal Commissioner of Rajahmundry, met Mr. Ravi Chandra in his chamber.
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Srisailam project oustees protest
MAHABUBNAGAR: A group of Srisailam project oustees created flutter at the Collectorate here on Monday threatening to jump to death from the terrace of the building. The police acted tactfully, overpowered and brought them down. Later, they were arrested.
According to reports, the oustees hailing from various villages submerged in the back waters of Srisailam project gathered at the Collectorate demanding jobs as promised under G.O. No 98. The protesters identified as Md. Shamsher, L. Sekhar Reddy, A. Srinivasa Reddy, D. Timma Reddy, Md. Jahir, Sheik Ali and others said out of the list of 105 members, only 30 were given jobs while the rest were rejected on various flimsy grounds. They said the trauma of displacement by the project was suffered by everybody but the government gave jobs to only a few as an eye wash.
The protesters reached the terrace of the Collectorate building and threatened to jump to death if no assurance was given by officials. The police reached the place and overpowered them. Later, they were arrested by the police.
According to reports, the oustees hailing from various villages submerged in the back waters of Srisailam project gathered at the Collectorate demanding jobs as promised under G.O. No 98. The protesters identified as Md. Shamsher, L. Sekhar Reddy, A. Srinivasa Reddy, D. Timma Reddy, Md. Jahir, Sheik Ali and others said out of the list of 105 members, only 30 were given jobs while the rest were rejected on various flimsy grounds. They said the trauma of displacement by the project was suffered by everybody but the government gave jobs to only a few as an eye wash.
The protesters reached the terrace of the Collectorate building and threatened to jump to death if no assurance was given by officials. The police reached the place and overpowered them. Later, they were arrested by the police.
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Army recruitment rally gets under way
VIZIANAGARAM: Army recruitment rally for solider technical/nursing/general duty/tradesmen/clerk has begun at Sir Vizzi Stadium here. It will be continued till April 25.
On the opening day, preliminary selection for soldier (technical) candidates from Srikakulam, East and West Godavari and Krishna districts, and Yanam (Puducherry) was conducted.
According to convenor of the rally and SETVIZ CEO R. Tyagaraju, out of some 3,600 candidates appeared for the preliminary test, 1,681 aspirants have been selected after verification of height and affidavits for the 1600-meter run that will begin at 5 a.m. on Tuesday. On the second day, candidates from Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam will appear for the preliminary test for the same post.
Transport facility
Additional Joint Collector M. Rama Rao has monitored the recruitment process along with Director (Army Recruitment) Col. B.K. Singh. Some 100 police personnel have been deployed for peaceful conduct of the rally. Majority of the candidates appeared for the rally are from Srikakulam district. The district administration has arranged transport from RTC Complex and railway station for the aspirants.
On the opening day, preliminary selection for soldier (technical) candidates from Srikakulam, East and West Godavari and Krishna districts, and Yanam (Puducherry) was conducted.
According to convenor of the rally and SETVIZ CEO R. Tyagaraju, out of some 3,600 candidates appeared for the preliminary test, 1,681 aspirants have been selected after verification of height and affidavits for the 1600-meter run that will begin at 5 a.m. on Tuesday. On the second day, candidates from Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam will appear for the preliminary test for the same post.
Transport facility
Additional Joint Collector M. Rama Rao has monitored the recruitment process along with Director (Army Recruitment) Col. B.K. Singh. Some 100 police personnel have been deployed for peaceful conduct of the rally. Majority of the candidates appeared for the rally are from Srikakulam district. The district administration has arranged transport from RTC Complex and railway station for the aspirants.
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Collector seeks reports on field assistants
SANGAREDDY: Collector S. Suresh Kumar directed the officials to submit reports on the field assistants who did not join the duties even after the government met with their demand of increasing the salaries.
Presiding over a meeting held here on Monday, Mr. Suresh Kumar said that action would be initiated against those who fail to join duties. Referring to the ongoing housing construction, he also suggested the officials to complete the toilets also with in one week. The mandal officers were directed to submit reports on the housing demand from the public during ‘Rachabanda'. Stating that a loss of Rs. 16 crore was incurred by the farmers due to the impact of recent hailstorm, he suggested the officers to assure farmers that they need not be panicky as the government would take all steps to extend assistance to them. The officials were asked to submit reports on child labour in different parts of the district and prepare plans to admit them during May by holding counselling to the parents. Sarva Siksha Abhiyan and UNICEF would be roped in this programme. Stating that voter's lists were published for local body elections, he directed the officials to exhibit them in the panchayats. The officials at mandal level were asked to create awareness about the army recruitment rally that would be held at Medak on April 29.
Presiding over a meeting held here on Monday, Mr. Suresh Kumar said that action would be initiated against those who fail to join duties. Referring to the ongoing housing construction, he also suggested the officials to complete the toilets also with in one week. The mandal officers were directed to submit reports on the housing demand from the public during ‘Rachabanda'. Stating that a loss of Rs. 16 crore was incurred by the farmers due to the impact of recent hailstorm, he suggested the officers to assure farmers that they need not be panicky as the government would take all steps to extend assistance to them. The officials were asked to submit reports on child labour in different parts of the district and prepare plans to admit them during May by holding counselling to the parents. Sarva Siksha Abhiyan and UNICEF would be roped in this programme. Stating that voter's lists were published for local body elections, he directed the officials to exhibit them in the panchayats. The officials at mandal level were asked to create awareness about the army recruitment rally that would be held at Medak on April 29.
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Boy's death in hospital leads to tension
SANGAREDDY: Tension prevailed for few hours at the district headquarters on Monday as a boy admitted for treatment at the government hospital died while being treated. Irate over the incident the relatives of the boy held dharna and rasta roko at the hospital demanding the suspension of the doctor immediately.
According to Circle Inspector M. Muttaiah, N. Abhinav (18 months) was admitted in the government hospital at 11.30 a.m. with high fever and epilepsy. While being treated in the hospital by children's specialist Dr. Rahim the child died.
Traffic jam
The relatives of Abhinav started agitating before the hospital demanding the suspension of Dr. Rahim alleging that the improper treatment by the doctor led to the death of the child.
They have stopped the traffic that enters the town via government hospital and the police station.
The police and revenue officials reached the spot and tried to pacify the agitating relatives. As the agitators did not pacify, the issue was taken to the notice of Collector S. Suresh Kumar. Finally after a series of discussions, the doctor was asked not to attend duties till the incident was inquired upon and report was submitted. Meanwhile, the agitators also reportedly decided not to lodge a compliant with the police as the Collector promised to look into the issue.
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Power generation hit by drop in gas from KG Basin
RAJAHMUNDRY: Decline in gas production in the Krishna-Godavari (KG) basin during the last two months has hit power generation in gas-based plants and the situation is going to continue in the next few months.
Things are likely to improve only when end-users get their full share of gas from their contractor.
According to the Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) sources, gas production through their pipelines to the end-users has declined by 20 to 30 per cent in the last two months due to non-availability of gas from Reliance gas production units in Gadimoga of East Godavari district in the KG basin.
Reliance has admitted in a recent report to Director General of Hydrocarbons that their present production is around 47.5 Million Metric Standard Cubic Meters (MMSCM) per day.
It had promised to produce 80 MMSCM when it launched its production in April 2009. \But when production began three months later, it was 60 MMSCM .
Subsequently the production fell to 45 MMSCM but no explanation was given.
As far as end users are concerned, Konaseema Gas Power Limited which entered into an agreement with Reliance for 2.16 MMSCM is getting only 1.59 MMSCM, GVK Goutami Power Limited is getting 1.81 MMSCM against 2.25 MMSCM, LANCO Vijayawada is getting 1.27 MMSCM against 1.75 MMSCM, Spectrum Power Generation Limited getting 0.86 MMSCM as against 1.05 MMSCM.
In effect, only six out of 14 power generation units are running.
Keeping the situation in mind, the State government intervened and entered into a “swapping arrangement” with Reliance. According to it, Reliance will get LNG for its Dahej plant in Gujarat from overseas and increase the supply of gas to power units in the State. But this arrangement has not made much of a difference.
Things are likely to improve only when end-users get their full share of gas from their contractor.
According to the Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) sources, gas production through their pipelines to the end-users has declined by 20 to 30 per cent in the last two months due to non-availability of gas from Reliance gas production units in Gadimoga of East Godavari district in the KG basin.
Reliance has admitted in a recent report to Director General of Hydrocarbons that their present production is around 47.5 Million Metric Standard Cubic Meters (MMSCM) per day.
It had promised to produce 80 MMSCM when it launched its production in April 2009. \But when production began three months later, it was 60 MMSCM .
Subsequently the production fell to 45 MMSCM but no explanation was given.
As far as end users are concerned, Konaseema Gas Power Limited which entered into an agreement with Reliance for 2.16 MMSCM is getting only 1.59 MMSCM, GVK Goutami Power Limited is getting 1.81 MMSCM against 2.25 MMSCM, LANCO Vijayawada is getting 1.27 MMSCM against 1.75 MMSCM, Spectrum Power Generation Limited getting 0.86 MMSCM as against 1.05 MMSCM.
In effect, only six out of 14 power generation units are running.
Keeping the situation in mind, the State government intervened and entered into a “swapping arrangement” with Reliance. According to it, Reliance will get LNG for its Dahej plant in Gujarat from overseas and increase the supply of gas to power units in the State. But this arrangement has not made much of a difference.
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Farmers shift to organic brinjal
ADILABAD: The re-emergence of ‘green practices' in agriculture appears consistent and trustworthy, especially when it comes from an environmentally vibrant district like Adilabad.
The effort of a handful of brinjal farmers here, who have begun shifting to organic cultivation of this pestilence-prone vegetable, holds much promise as it also envisages keeping intact the high profitability in the venture.
With a view to discontinue the use of chemicals and keeping the fertility of the soil intact, farmers like B. Srikanth Reddy of Mavala village near Adilabad have adopted eco-friendly methods in cultivation.
“This layer of the enriched silt from the local tank negates soil degradation caused by unchecked use of chemicals,” says the farmer as he introduces the first step towards shifting to organic cultivation of brinjal.
“Penning with sheep and use of vermicompost are the other methods through which the soil is being enriched on my 16 acres of land. This will ensure enlisting of the piece of land as a valuable asset,” he adds.
Since last year, farmers have reduced by half the quantity of chemical pesticides, insecticides, and fungicides needed for proper growth of brinjal. Now, they spend less by using the eco-friendly bio-chemicals though the number of sprays remains the same at one every four or five days.
Gradual shift
“The shift towards organic pesticides and fertilisers has to be gradual to control the imbalance in yields. Once this happens, cultivation of Bt brinjal will also be ruled out,” says farmer B. Ramakant of Tosham in Gudihatnoor mandal. Ramakanth says the experiment is likely to be adopted by farmers at Kagaznagar, Utnoor, Ichoda, Indervelli and Jainad mandals in the coming seasons.
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State to develop Kuchipudi as ‘international dance hub'
KUCHIPUDI (Krishna Dt): The Sata Mayuri Nrityotsav 2011 has dispelled some of the common notions that the patronage to classical dances is dwindling, and youth are not interested in learning the native dance forms. It was an observation of audience and VIPs like Minister for Tourism and Culture Vatti Vasanth Kumar. To strengthen and promote the classical dance further, the government intends to develop the village as “international dance hub”.
“There was a general feeling that it might not be possible to hand over this culture, tradition and art to the posterity. The Sata Mayuri programme dispelled that notion, and the patronage to dance was glaringly evident here,” the Minister said.
About 100 dancers, mostly from SiddhendraYogi Kuchipudi Kalapeetham, across the district performed dance, at a time, at an open air stage, was awesome and captivating.
Equally the village, Mr. Vasanth Kumar said, earned a repute of its own in the international arena. Likewise, the faculty at Kalapeetham here need to be strengthened. The strength of teachers here also needs to be augmented to suit the growing demand and patronage to the dance.
Some of the aged artistes were not receiving pensions. At present, 10,000 artistes were receiving a pension of Rs. 500 per month. The government plans to bring all the eligible artistes under pension scheme coverage and extend to it to 4,000 to 5,000 more artistes.
The officials concerned need to identify them so that the government could extend pensions to them, the Minister said.
Many students, who were learning dance here, shuttle from nearby towns and cities as there was no proper hostel and mess, he added. “The government would take necessary action if estimates were prepared,” he announced.
Pamarru MLA D.Y. Das, Machilipatnam MLA Perni Venkatramaiah (Nani), Vijayawada (Central) MLA Malladi Vishnu, Principal Secretary (Culture) S. Chellappa, Potti Sriramulu Telugu University Vice-Chancellor A. Bhumaiah, Krishna district Collector S.A.M. Rizvi, Director Department of Culture Sunita M Bhagwat, Kuchipudi Sarpanch M. Nagabhushana Rao, MPTC member V. Vishnuvardhan Rao, Mandal Parishad president S. Minakumari and others were present
“There was a general feeling that it might not be possible to hand over this culture, tradition and art to the posterity. The Sata Mayuri programme dispelled that notion, and the patronage to dance was glaringly evident here,” the Minister said.
About 100 dancers, mostly from SiddhendraYogi Kuchipudi Kalapeetham, across the district performed dance, at a time, at an open air stage, was awesome and captivating.
Equally the village, Mr. Vasanth Kumar said, earned a repute of its own in the international arena. Likewise, the faculty at Kalapeetham here need to be strengthened. The strength of teachers here also needs to be augmented to suit the growing demand and patronage to the dance.
Some of the aged artistes were not receiving pensions. At present, 10,000 artistes were receiving a pension of Rs. 500 per month. The government plans to bring all the eligible artistes under pension scheme coverage and extend to it to 4,000 to 5,000 more artistes.
The officials concerned need to identify them so that the government could extend pensions to them, the Minister said.
Many students, who were learning dance here, shuttle from nearby towns and cities as there was no proper hostel and mess, he added. “The government would take necessary action if estimates were prepared,” he announced.
Pamarru MLA D.Y. Das, Machilipatnam MLA Perni Venkatramaiah (Nani), Vijayawada (Central) MLA Malladi Vishnu, Principal Secretary (Culture) S. Chellappa, Potti Sriramulu Telugu University Vice-Chancellor A. Bhumaiah, Krishna district Collector S.A.M. Rizvi, Director Department of Culture Sunita M Bhagwat, Kuchipudi Sarpanch M. Nagabhushana Rao, MPTC member V. Vishnuvardhan Rao, Mandal Parishad president S. Minakumari and others were present
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Congress, officials exploiting weaker sections: CPI(M)
VIZIANAGARAM: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has alleged that district officials and ruling party men are working hand in glove and exploiting the innocent. Even the police machinery was acting indifferently and denying justice to weaker sections and tribals in the district.
At a press conference on Monday, party district secretary M. Krishna Murty said that the governing body of the District Cooperative Marketing Society had recently passed a resolution favouring sale of 1.92acres of DCMS land along with structures, opposite RTC Complex junction, to an educational society owned by a Minister.
The society had taken the premises on lease in 1997 and established a degree college. The society had tried in vain to own the premises through bidding in 2006. When it was exposed in the media and opposition parties protested, the single bid received was cancelled.
Now, the resolution copy was pending before the Collector for onward dispatch to the government, he said.
Mr. Krishna Murty said at D. Kanapaka in Gurla mandal, 30 acres of konda poramboke land that some tribals had been cultivating for many decades was occupied by a ruling party member and revenue officials approved it, though, in fact, tribals were having rights over poramboke lands. Alleging that Congress was ignoring tribals' welfare, the CPI (M) leader quoted the demand of tribals pending for the last six decades for a bridge across the river Nagavali which bifurcates Komarada mandal. After relentless fight the government had sanctioned Rs. 3.65crores four years ago. Owing to underestimation of the work no contractor was ready to execute the work. But, the government had sanctioned Rs. 3crore for laying a road from RTC Complex via Thotapalem in the fort town for the benefit of the Minister's nephew in Pradeep Nagar and it was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Human Resource D. Purandeswari on Monday.
In Cheepurupalli, though dhobis at P.K. Palavalasa were attacked recently when they stopped washing clothes of ruling party men demanding increased wages, the police, instead of registering a case and arresting the culprits, were pressuring dhobis to compromise, Mr. Krishna Murty alleged. His party would launch an agitation if no action was taken on ruling party men, he added.
At a press conference on Monday, party district secretary M. Krishna Murty said that the governing body of the District Cooperative Marketing Society had recently passed a resolution favouring sale of 1.92acres of DCMS land along with structures, opposite RTC Complex junction, to an educational society owned by a Minister.
The society had taken the premises on lease in 1997 and established a degree college. The society had tried in vain to own the premises through bidding in 2006. When it was exposed in the media and opposition parties protested, the single bid received was cancelled.
Now, the resolution copy was pending before the Collector for onward dispatch to the government, he said.
Mr. Krishna Murty said at D. Kanapaka in Gurla mandal, 30 acres of konda poramboke land that some tribals had been cultivating for many decades was occupied by a ruling party member and revenue officials approved it, though, in fact, tribals were having rights over poramboke lands. Alleging that Congress was ignoring tribals' welfare, the CPI (M) leader quoted the demand of tribals pending for the last six decades for a bridge across the river Nagavali which bifurcates Komarada mandal. After relentless fight the government had sanctioned Rs. 3.65crores four years ago. Owing to underestimation of the work no contractor was ready to execute the work. But, the government had sanctioned Rs. 3crore for laying a road from RTC Complex via Thotapalem in the fort town for the benefit of the Minister's nephew in Pradeep Nagar and it was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Human Resource D. Purandeswari on Monday.
In Cheepurupalli, though dhobis at P.K. Palavalasa were attacked recently when they stopped washing clothes of ruling party men demanding increased wages, the police, instead of registering a case and arresting the culprits, were pressuring dhobis to compromise, Mr. Krishna Murty alleged. His party would launch an agitation if no action was taken on ruling party men, he added.
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Mayor ‘humbled'
Mayor B. Kartika Reddy probably wanted to give the impression that all is well in GHMC following last week's clash between the officials and corporators. She called for a press conference few days ago to announce the completed, ongoing, and pending works taken up under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).
After keeping the newsmen waiting for a while, she called them in and began to read out the details. Within two minutes, the hacks pounced on her – “Why are you just parroting what the engineering officials told you? Have you checked the works? How can you claim credit for completed flyovers?”
The Mayor could only mumble that she was giving details of works taken up from the inception of JNNURM. “I will personally check each project and give the latest information,” she promised in a vain bid to buy peace. It sure was a surreal experience for newshounds the other day when a U.S. government official held a meet at one of the popular eat-outs. After the briefing where she called for more tie-ups among firms of both countries, she cheerfully told them to “buy a sandwich” gesturing towards the lip-smacking range of eats displayed. Even as she herself was digging into a fresh enticing sandwich just delivered to her, newshounds realised to their shock that they would have to really pay for whatever item they choose. “That's typical American hospitality and you cannot expect freebies,” sighed a newshound after eating a humble pie.
Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy is not known to be a man who can crack jokes or make someone laugh, especially in programmes. But the other day, he came up with some repartee that the audience was surprised.
At the inaugural of the Jain International Trade Organisation's trade fair, Mr. Reddy was the chief guest and Industries Minister J. Geetha Reddy was also present. As the event was connected to commerce and industry, other speakers waxed eloquent about Dr. Reddy's ability to handle the Industries portfolio successfully twice. When the Chief Minister rose to speak, he came out with a good one. “Whenever Geetha Reddy won the Assembly elections, she became a Minister. I have never been a Minister, but became a Chief Minister directly,” he said, leaving the audience in splits.
It is always at the receiving end. Not a day passes without people airing their angst at the ‘baldiya'. Be it a bad road, drainage overflow or traffic congestion, the GHMC becomes the scapegoat. But the civic body deserves a pat in executing the Charminar Pedestrianisation Project. Those who visit the area now would curse the authorities for the congestion right from Gulzar Houz to the monument. Half of the road is dug up and the rest uneven and impassable. But the maddening traffic keeps pushing through leaving the pedestrians little place to walk. Yet, amidst all this mess, the pedestrainiation work goes on. The civic body is to be appreciated for executing a complex plan in a complex area.
Come summer, the Chali Vendram outlets start making their appearance at all the major thoroughfares in the Capital. Over the years, however, Chali Vendram outlets have evolved. Earlier, to set up such an outlet was a simple affair. A clay matka, a stand to hold it and a steel tumbler was all it was needed to set up a Chali Vendram outlet beside a bus stand.
These days, much fanfare is generated around Chali Vendram outlets. A Minister or a local MLA is invited for its inauguration. A big shamiyana is erected. Posters of top politicians, local leaders and corporators are put up. Instead of the age old matka, water coolers are being used to serve chilled water. The steel tumblers were replaced by disposable glasses long ago. Times indeed have changed!
Great deal of excitement prevailed on Monday on account of Hanuman jayanti, an occasion that used to go largely unnoticed till a few years ago. Limelight came to rest on the festival last year when communal clashes erupted over removal of flags at a particular location. This time round, no such clashes were needed, as commotion began much ahead of the festival. On Monday, roads were blocked at quite a few locations. More than celebrations, the festival is being seen as another occasion for communal provocation. The writing is clear on the wall.
After keeping the newsmen waiting for a while, she called them in and began to read out the details. Within two minutes, the hacks pounced on her – “Why are you just parroting what the engineering officials told you? Have you checked the works? How can you claim credit for completed flyovers?”
The Mayor could only mumble that she was giving details of works taken up from the inception of JNNURM. “I will personally check each project and give the latest information,” she promised in a vain bid to buy peace. It sure was a surreal experience for newshounds the other day when a U.S. government official held a meet at one of the popular eat-outs. After the briefing where she called for more tie-ups among firms of both countries, she cheerfully told them to “buy a sandwich” gesturing towards the lip-smacking range of eats displayed. Even as she herself was digging into a fresh enticing sandwich just delivered to her, newshounds realised to their shock that they would have to really pay for whatever item they choose. “That's typical American hospitality and you cannot expect freebies,” sighed a newshound after eating a humble pie.
Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy is not known to be a man who can crack jokes or make someone laugh, especially in programmes. But the other day, he came up with some repartee that the audience was surprised.
At the inaugural of the Jain International Trade Organisation's trade fair, Mr. Reddy was the chief guest and Industries Minister J. Geetha Reddy was also present. As the event was connected to commerce and industry, other speakers waxed eloquent about Dr. Reddy's ability to handle the Industries portfolio successfully twice. When the Chief Minister rose to speak, he came out with a good one. “Whenever Geetha Reddy won the Assembly elections, she became a Minister. I have never been a Minister, but became a Chief Minister directly,” he said, leaving the audience in splits.
It is always at the receiving end. Not a day passes without people airing their angst at the ‘baldiya'. Be it a bad road, drainage overflow or traffic congestion, the GHMC becomes the scapegoat. But the civic body deserves a pat in executing the Charminar Pedestrianisation Project. Those who visit the area now would curse the authorities for the congestion right from Gulzar Houz to the monument. Half of the road is dug up and the rest uneven and impassable. But the maddening traffic keeps pushing through leaving the pedestrians little place to walk. Yet, amidst all this mess, the pedestrainiation work goes on. The civic body is to be appreciated for executing a complex plan in a complex area.
Come summer, the Chali Vendram outlets start making their appearance at all the major thoroughfares in the Capital. Over the years, however, Chali Vendram outlets have evolved. Earlier, to set up such an outlet was a simple affair. A clay matka, a stand to hold it and a steel tumbler was all it was needed to set up a Chali Vendram outlet beside a bus stand.
These days, much fanfare is generated around Chali Vendram outlets. A Minister or a local MLA is invited for its inauguration. A big shamiyana is erected. Posters of top politicians, local leaders and corporators are put up. Instead of the age old matka, water coolers are being used to serve chilled water. The steel tumblers were replaced by disposable glasses long ago. Times indeed have changed!
Great deal of excitement prevailed on Monday on account of Hanuman jayanti, an occasion that used to go largely unnoticed till a few years ago. Limelight came to rest on the festival last year when communal clashes erupted over removal of flags at a particular location. This time round, no such clashes were needed, as commotion began much ahead of the festival. On Monday, roads were blocked at quite a few locations. More than celebrations, the festival is being seen as another occasion for communal provocation. The writing is clear on the wall.
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