The proposal of international IT giants to buy 3.91 lakh square feet of office space in Hyderabad has raised hopes of fresh investments into the state,
The proposals of Facebook India online services, Invesco and Accenture have been cleared by the Development Commissioner of IT SEZs. Facebook will set up its office in the Raheja Mindspace special economic zone, and will launch its incubator facility in two months. The Hyderabad office will be the first office of the social networking giant in Asia.
The expansion projects of Accenture and Invesco have also been cleared. Five IT SEZs cleared by the Development Commissioner are expected to create about 5,000 new IT jobs this year.
The IT revolution, which was hitherto limited to Hyderabad city, is slowly making inroads into Tier-II and III cities and towns. L& recently completed an IT SEZ in Vijayawada on 30 acres. More than 2 lakh square feet of space in this SEZ has been purchased by Chennai-based IT companies.
Indemax, Tektracks, Galla IT services and Exranet Software have entered into agreements with the government to set up their centres in Vijayawada.
“Vijayawada is being preferred as an alternative location because of its strategic location and the cost advantage in terms of physical infrastructure and human resources,” said Ms K. Ratnaprabha, principal secretary, IT & Communications department.
Warangal, Visakhapatnam and Tirupati have also received several enquiries in the last two months.
This surge has surprised real estate developers too. Infrastructure providers like Raheja and Divyasree have sold more than 32 lakh square feet of office space mostly to IT companies.
Showing posts with label (SSC). Show all posts
Showing posts with label (SSC). Show all posts
Monday, June 28, 2010
10 bound for Tirupati perish in road mishap
Ten people, who were on their way to Tirupati, died in an accident after the vehicle in which they were travelling rammed into a granite-laden lorry at Pocharam village on NH-9. The area falls under the Patancheru police station limits.
The victims (three families) were identified based on the vehicle registration number and other documents found on them. Members of the first family were Sunil Yadram Alwar, 42, his wife Alka, 35, their daughter Ashwini, 17, and their nephew, Ananta Anil, 19.
The second family included Ramesh, 40, his wife Surekha, 36, and their son Amul, 15. The third family comprised Haridas Atmaram Kale, 47, his wife, Sunita, 40, and their daughter, Bhagyasree, 18. All the victims were residents of Ahmednagar in Maharashtra, and Sunil Yadram Alwar, Ramesh and Haridas Atmaram Kale, were partners in Ganesh Industries, an automobile spare parts industry located at Ahmednagar.
The Patancheru police said that at about 4 pm on Saturday, they had set off in a Scorpio to Tirupati, and the accident occurred at around 2 am at Pocharam village.
The victims (three families) were identified based on the vehicle registration number and other documents found on them. Members of the first family were Sunil Yadram Alwar, 42, his wife Alka, 35, their daughter Ashwini, 17, and their nephew, Ananta Anil, 19.
The second family included Ramesh, 40, his wife Surekha, 36, and their son Amul, 15. The third family comprised Haridas Atmaram Kale, 47, his wife, Sunita, 40, and their daughter, Bhagyasree, 18. All the victims were residents of Ahmednagar in Maharashtra, and Sunil Yadram Alwar, Ramesh and Haridas Atmaram Kale, were partners in Ganesh Industries, an automobile spare parts industry located at Ahmednagar.
The Patancheru police said that at about 4 pm on Saturday, they had set off in a Scorpio to Tirupati, and the accident occurred at around 2 am at Pocharam village.
College managements deny plot, want government to release fee
The Consortium of Engineering College Managements Association (CECMA) strongly condemned the statement made by the Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, that college managements are conspiring against the government by aiding and abetting the agitation taken up by the BC leader, Mr R. Krishnaiah, over the non-reimbursement of fees to students.
Officials of the CECMA said that the college managements have nothing do with Mr Krishnaiah’s agitation as he was fighting on behalf of the students and wanted the government to release the fee arrears amounting to more than Rs 2,000 crore.
“It’s unfortunate that the CM has made such baseless allegations against us. He should realise that it’s the failure of the government in releasing funds that led to this situation. The government promised to release Rs 1,000 crore by June but we have not received a single paisa so far. Ignoring that, the CM is now trying to put the blame on college managements for his government’s failure,” said the general secretary of the CECMA, Dr P. Rajeshwar Reddy. The CECMA represents over 600 engineering colleges in the state.
Mr Reddy also said that the colleges are extending their complete co-operation to the government even though the latter has not released funds for the past one year. “Many colleges are on the verge of closure owing to financial crisis as they did not receive the fee reimbursements. Despite this, we never troubled any student and allowed them to appear for the final exams. Instead of appreciating this, the government is threatening us,” said Dr Reddy.
The CECMA also came down heavily on some ministers and MLAs for regularly issuing public threats to colleges over the fee reimbursement issue.
“Some ministers said they are releasing funds to colleges even though some lack the requisite faculty and infrastructure. This is a lie as all our institutions are recognised by the AICTE, the state and the affiliating universities. The state can act against any college that does not adhere to rules, but it cannot blame us for their failure to reimburse fees,” stated Dr Reddy.
Meanwhile, Mr K. Rosaiah again appealed to all political parties not to politicise the issue and accused the parties of resorting to misinformation campaigns despite knowing the government’s efforts in this regard.
Officials of the CECMA said that the college managements have nothing do with Mr Krishnaiah’s agitation as he was fighting on behalf of the students and wanted the government to release the fee arrears amounting to more than Rs 2,000 crore.
“It’s unfortunate that the CM has made such baseless allegations against us. He should realise that it’s the failure of the government in releasing funds that led to this situation. The government promised to release Rs 1,000 crore by June but we have not received a single paisa so far. Ignoring that, the CM is now trying to put the blame on college managements for his government’s failure,” said the general secretary of the CECMA, Dr P. Rajeshwar Reddy. The CECMA represents over 600 engineering colleges in the state.
Mr Reddy also said that the colleges are extending their complete co-operation to the government even though the latter has not released funds for the past one year. “Many colleges are on the verge of closure owing to financial crisis as they did not receive the fee reimbursements. Despite this, we never troubled any student and allowed them to appear for the final exams. Instead of appreciating this, the government is threatening us,” said Dr Reddy.
The CECMA also came down heavily on some ministers and MLAs for regularly issuing public threats to colleges over the fee reimbursement issue.
“Some ministers said they are releasing funds to colleges even though some lack the requisite faculty and infrastructure. This is a lie as all our institutions are recognised by the AICTE, the state and the affiliating universities. The state can act against any college that does not adhere to rules, but it cannot blame us for their failure to reimburse fees,” stated Dr Reddy.
Meanwhile, Mr K. Rosaiah again appealed to all political parties not to politicise the issue and accused the parties of resorting to misinformation campaigns despite knowing the government’s efforts in this regard.
Bhansali full of praise for Abhishek’s acting
Raavan may have crashed at the box office and while critics feel that the film failed due to Abhishek Bachchan’s unconvincing performance, Sanjay Leela Bhansali is all praises for the actor. According to sources, Bhansali has never worked with Abhishek but has worked with Aishwarya in two films, and with Amitabh Bachchan in Black. In fact, Bhansali’s next film, Guzarish, has Ash in the lead role.
However, Bhansali liked Abhishek’s performance more than Aishwarya’s in Raavan. He even called Abhishek after he saw the film and applauded his performance. Abhishek, of course, was on cloud nine after getting such a call from Bhansali, especially since he was disappointed with the film’s lacklustre opening.
However, Bhansali liked Abhishek’s performance more than Aishwarya’s in Raavan. He even called Abhishek after he saw the film and applauded his performance. Abhishek, of course, was on cloud nine after getting such a call from Bhansali, especially since he was disappointed with the film’s lacklustre opening.
PM warns against exit of economic stimulus
The withdrawal of economic stimulus packages by advanced countries like France, Germany and Great Britain may lead to double-digit recession, warned the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh.
Without naming the troika, the Prime Minister said, “Contractionary policies, if followed by many
industrialised countries simultaneously, could provoke a double-dip recession”.
Addressing G-20 leaders of key emerging and advanced countries, the Prime Minister pointed to great risks in destabilising fragile recovery and deflation vis-Ã -vis inflation.
He prescribed a measured and calibrated exit from stimulus measures by developed countries that face “fiscal stress” and deficits. For countries like the US, where the markets have been nervous, he prescribed fiscal consolidation as the way forward.
The UK’s Tory-LibDem coalition government has already announced an aggressive package of steep cuts in budget spending, mopping up funds by taxing banking transactions.
The Prime Minister warned the developed countries from resorting to protectionist policies or imposing trade barriers with an adverse impact on revival in demand for goods and services in developing countries.
Without naming the troika, the Prime Minister said, “Contractionary policies, if followed by many
industrialised countries simultaneously, could provoke a double-dip recession”.
Addressing G-20 leaders of key emerging and advanced countries, the Prime Minister pointed to great risks in destabilising fragile recovery and deflation vis-Ã -vis inflation.
He prescribed a measured and calibrated exit from stimulus measures by developed countries that face “fiscal stress” and deficits. For countries like the US, where the markets have been nervous, he prescribed fiscal consolidation as the way forward.
The UK’s Tory-LibDem coalition government has already announced an aggressive package of steep cuts in budget spending, mopping up funds by taxing banking transactions.
The Prime Minister warned the developed countries from resorting to protectionist policies or imposing trade barriers with an adverse impact on revival in demand for goods and services in developing countries.
Super Saina scores hat-trick
It’s been a "Super" week for Saina Nehwal. After last week’s win at the Singapore Open Super Series, she defeated Japan’s Sayaka Sato on Sunday to defend the Indonesian Open Super Series in Jakarta, thus completing a hat-trick of titles. The week was also special as she also broke through the top three of world badminton rankings.
The Hyderabadi shuttler defeated Sato 21-19, 13-21, 21-11 in the 45-minute encounter
thus successfully defended her crown and adding her third Super Series title to her kitty.
Her two earlier wins were the Indian Open Grand Prix Gold event on June 13 in Chennai
and the Singapore Open Super Series title on June 20.
Though a bit restrained earlier in the week when she was ranked World No. 3 (she
wanted to win the Indonesian Open before celebrating), the Arjuna and Padma Sri
recipient seemed at last ready to bask in the glory.
"It’s a superb feeling - indeed an achievement to cherish always... becoming World No. 3, defending my Indonesian Open Super Series title, winning the Singapore Open Super Series and Indian Open - it’s reason enough to celebrate," Saina told this
newspaper from Jakarta on Sunday.
"I am eager to come home so that I can share these precious moments with my family
too," the 20-year-old said adding, "It has been three long very tiring weeks for me as I
have been playing these tournaments one after another. However, ending with a victory
motivates you to do better."
Did she miss the Chinese? "No comments," Saina laughed but then added, "That was an
advantage for me since the psychology is different when you are against a Chinese
player. But again, that does not mean that victory is all yours. You have to play your
best because you never know what determination and tactics your opponent is going to adopt."
The champion’s parents - Dr Harvir Singh and Usha Rani - were delighted with their
daughter’s latest victory.
"Saina has done us proud. With God’s grace, we hope she brings laurels to the country,"
Dr Singh said.
"I was really tensed when she was down in the second game. But she easily overcame
the hiccup in the third one," added Ms Usha.
National chief coach Pullela Gopichand was extremely proud of his ward. "It is a great
victory for Saina. Many aspire but only few are able to scale these heights. Saina is
hard-working and she really deserves it," he said adding, "Her focus now will be the
World Championships (August), the Commonwealth Games (October) and the Asian
Games.
"Now, looking at her achievements, I can say she definitely has it in her to get the gold
at the Olympics," Gopichand said.
The Hyderabadi shuttler defeated Sato 21-19, 13-21, 21-11 in the 45-minute encounter
thus successfully defended her crown and adding her third Super Series title to her kitty.
Her two earlier wins were the Indian Open Grand Prix Gold event on June 13 in Chennai
and the Singapore Open Super Series title on June 20.
Though a bit restrained earlier in the week when she was ranked World No. 3 (she
wanted to win the Indonesian Open before celebrating), the Arjuna and Padma Sri
recipient seemed at last ready to bask in the glory.
"It’s a superb feeling - indeed an achievement to cherish always... becoming World No. 3, defending my Indonesian Open Super Series title, winning the Singapore Open Super Series and Indian Open - it’s reason enough to celebrate," Saina told this
newspaper from Jakarta on Sunday.
"I am eager to come home so that I can share these precious moments with my family
too," the 20-year-old said adding, "It has been three long very tiring weeks for me as I
have been playing these tournaments one after another. However, ending with a victory
motivates you to do better."
Did she miss the Chinese? "No comments," Saina laughed but then added, "That was an
advantage for me since the psychology is different when you are against a Chinese
player. But again, that does not mean that victory is all yours. You have to play your
best because you never know what determination and tactics your opponent is going to adopt."
The champion’s parents - Dr Harvir Singh and Usha Rani - were delighted with their
daughter’s latest victory.
"Saina has done us proud. With God’s grace, we hope she brings laurels to the country,"
Dr Singh said.
"I was really tensed when she was down in the second game. But she easily overcame
the hiccup in the third one," added Ms Usha.
National chief coach Pullela Gopichand was extremely proud of his ward. "It is a great
victory for Saina. Many aspire but only few are able to scale these heights. Saina is
hard-working and she really deserves it," he said adding, "Her focus now will be the
World Championships (August), the Commonwealth Games (October) and the Asian
Games.
"Now, looking at her achievements, I can say she definitely has it in her to get the gold
at the Olympics," Gopichand said.
PM rules out n-material being used for 'unintended purpose'
The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, on Monday ruled out the possibility of nuclear material or equipment supplied to India under civil nuclear cooperation agreements being used for "any unintended purpose." "Nuclear material supplied to India will be fully safeguarded in terms of agreement signed with IAEA. We have fool-proof system of export controls. "We have complete civilian control and there is no scope whatsoever for any nuclear material or equipment being supplied going for any unintended purpose," Dr Singh told a joint press conference with his Canadian counterpart, Mr Stephen Harper after the two countries signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement. He was responding to a question whether there were enough safeguards to prevent nuclear material coming to India under such agreements being used for any weapons programme. India already has civil nuclear agreements with eight countries like the US, France and Russia. Replying to questions, Mr Harper said Canada, which had imposed sanctions on India after the Pokhran-I and Pokhran-II atomic tests in 1974 (RPT) 1974 and 1998, cannot live in the past. "In relation to the nuclear cooperation, we have received all the reasons that we were looking. It is a good agreement. We got much more important reasons because we cannot live in the past of 1970s," Mr Harper said. He said India is a "powerhouse that is going to play a very important role in the world. "We are determined to develop cooperation not only for the sake of our industry, but it is also an agreement which is a symbol of our relationship," he said.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Saina smashes into 3rd place
Time for three cheers? “Not yet,” said city shuttler Saina Nehwal, keeping her emotions in control after breaking into the top three of world badminton, the rankings of which were released on Thursday.
“I am glad to be in the top three but the three cheers can wait until Sunday — as I aim to complete a hat-trick of titles,” Saina, who won the Indian Open Grand Prix Gold event in Chennai earlier this month and the Singapore Open Super Series last Sunday, told this newspaper from Jakarta.
She is currently participating in the Indonesian Open. On Thursday the defending champion def-eated Bulgaria’s Petya Nedelcheva 21-12, 21-17 to advance into the quarterfinals.
Her latest ranking notwithstanding, the Hyderabad shuttler has her feet firmly on the ground. “It was only when I won two consecutive titles recently that I realised I could climb up the rankings. Before that it (improving the rankings) did not feature in my plans because I was concentrating on playing fewer tournaments this year and focussing more on my training,” Saina said.
“Previously, my performance was limited to quarters and semi-finals but winning titles has made me more confident. However, with the No. 3 rank there will be more pressure and expectations to be met,” added the Arjuna and Padmashree recipient.
“I am glad to be in the top three but the three cheers can wait until Sunday — as I aim to complete a hat-trick of titles,” Saina, who won the Indian Open Grand Prix Gold event in Chennai earlier this month and the Singapore Open Super Series last Sunday, told this newspaper from Jakarta.
She is currently participating in the Indonesian Open. On Thursday the defending champion def-eated Bulgaria’s Petya Nedelcheva 21-12, 21-17 to advance into the quarterfinals.
Her latest ranking notwithstanding, the Hyderabad shuttler has her feet firmly on the ground. “It was only when I won two consecutive titles recently that I realised I could climb up the rankings. Before that it (improving the rankings) did not feature in my plans because I was concentrating on playing fewer tournaments this year and focussing more on my training,” Saina said.
“Previously, my performance was limited to quarters and semi-finals but winning titles has made me more confident. However, with the No. 3 rank there will be more pressure and expectations to be met,” added the Arjuna and Padmashree recipient.
IPL owners for hike in pay cap
Reduced to being spectators in the last three months with the cricket board busy sorting out the Indian Premier League (IPL) mess that followed Lalit Modi’s suspension, the franchise owners finally got an opportunity to put forth their views on Thursday.
In their first meeting with the BCCI’s top brass without the suspended IPL chairman in Mumbai, the franchisees demanded, among other things, that the IPL increase the salary cap available to them in the players’ auction later this year, and that the current format of the tournament is not tinkered with.
With the addition of two new teams — Pune and Kochi — from the next season, the 60-game event will become a 94-game one.
The board had initially planned to reduce the number of games by splitting the teams into two groups, with a total of 68 matches. But most of the franchisees say they want the existing format of home and away games to be retained.
“The franchisees are of the view that the current format should be retained, with one home game and one away,” Royal Challengers Bangalore owner Vijay Mallya said after the meeting, which was attended by BCCI president, Mr Shashank Manohar and IPL interim chief Chirayu Amin.
“There were suggestions to restrict the schedule to 10 matches (per franchise). But our view is that we would like the earlier format to continue... Our revenues will take a hit if the number of games are decreased,” he added.
The owners also suggested that all players should go into the auction pool (no player is retained), and that the salary cap be raised to $9 million from $7 million.
In their first meeting with the BCCI’s top brass without the suspended IPL chairman in Mumbai, the franchisees demanded, among other things, that the IPL increase the salary cap available to them in the players’ auction later this year, and that the current format of the tournament is not tinkered with.
With the addition of two new teams — Pune and Kochi — from the next season, the 60-game event will become a 94-game one.
The board had initially planned to reduce the number of games by splitting the teams into two groups, with a total of 68 matches. But most of the franchisees say they want the existing format of home and away games to be retained.
“The franchisees are of the view that the current format should be retained, with one home game and one away,” Royal Challengers Bangalore owner Vijay Mallya said after the meeting, which was attended by BCCI president, Mr Shashank Manohar and IPL interim chief Chirayu Amin.
“There were suggestions to restrict the schedule to 10 matches (per franchise). But our view is that we would like the earlier format to continue... Our revenues will take a hit if the number of games are decreased,” he added.
The owners also suggested that all players should go into the auction pool (no player is retained), and that the salary cap be raised to $9 million from $7 million.
Terror, Kashmir top India, Pak dialogue
India and Pakistan agreed on Thursday to narrow their differences and take more confidence-building measures on issues ranging from terrorism, humanitarian matters and Jammu and Kashmir in an effort to bridge the “trust deficit”.
The foreign secretaries, Ms Nirupama Rao and Mr Salman Bashir, in a marked change from the acrimony seen in bilateral encounters since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, held “cordial and constructive” talks here Thursday in a bid to “understand each other’s position and concerns.”
The home minister, Mr P. Chidambaram, will travel to Islamabad on Friday on a two-day visit, when he is expected to press for a probe on Lashkar-e-Tayyaba founder Hafiz Saeed, believed to be the mastermind behind the 26/11 attack, and seek voice samples of handlers of the Mumbai attackers. Mr Chidambaram, who is primarily going for the Saarc home ministers’ conference on Saturday, will meet the Pakistan’s interior minister, Mr Rehman Malik, soon after reaching Islamabad.
Ms Nirupama Rao, the first senior Indian official to visit Pakistan since 26/11, said at a joint press conference with Mr Bashir: “Both countries should emphasise on reviving the disrupted dialogue process. We discussed modalities for restoring of trust and agreed that the dialogue process is the only way forward.”
The foreign secretaries, Ms Nirupama Rao and Mr Salman Bashir, in a marked change from the acrimony seen in bilateral encounters since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, held “cordial and constructive” talks here Thursday in a bid to “understand each other’s position and concerns.”
The home minister, Mr P. Chidambaram, will travel to Islamabad on Friday on a two-day visit, when he is expected to press for a probe on Lashkar-e-Tayyaba founder Hafiz Saeed, believed to be the mastermind behind the 26/11 attack, and seek voice samples of handlers of the Mumbai attackers. Mr Chidambaram, who is primarily going for the Saarc home ministers’ conference on Saturday, will meet the Pakistan’s interior minister, Mr Rehman Malik, soon after reaching Islamabad.
Ms Nirupama Rao, the first senior Indian official to visit Pakistan since 26/11, said at a joint press conference with Mr Bashir: “Both countries should emphasise on reviving the disrupted dialogue process. We discussed modalities for restoring of trust and agreed that the dialogue process is the only way forward.”
Thursday, June 24, 2010
India look to hit back in final
It was a similar story for India and Sri Lanka before the hosts proved how formidable they are in these conditions on Tuesday. In more ways than one, the Asia Cup is the channel in build up to the World Cup and the hosts are proving to be better in tactics and execution.
Yet, the form book is no guarantee. In the last 12 months India and Sri Lanka have met 13 times, with both sides winning six each and the Kotla pitch proving spoilsport on the other. The last two cup finals have also been shared.
India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was not ready to dwell too much on the defeat in the last league game. “This result will not hamper our chances in the final. It will be a fresh start. This match gave us a chance to test our bench strength and I am happy with their performance,” said Dhoni.
Once that was decided, Dhoni should have also blooded R. Ashwin and Saurabh Tiwary. The off-spinner has got one game in four series while Tiwary would have done better playing for India ‘A’ in England rather than cool his heels here.
Kumar Sangakkara did his side a huge favour by chasing under lights. Mentally the Lankan seem to be in better shape.
“To bat second was planned in advance. The replacements did extremely well. It’s a cup final and we are going to hit the ground running,” said Sangakkara.
The hosts for the final will probably fall back on the tried and trusted duo of Lasith Malinga and Muttiah Muralitharan.
The wicket here has played true. Assistance to seamers has added to the quality of cricket. The bat has not dominated wholly and that is reason enough for both camps to believe that the toss is not going to be all important.
The Indian middle order has not been consistent. Suresh Raina, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma not clicking as a unit is adding to the pressure.
The SL camp was, however, guarded against complacency. “I am sure the boys will understand that we are not going to have a hat-trick and two crucial run-outs going our way in every game. India are a strong side and we have to be on top of our game to get the better of them.
“In the last Asia Cup final Sanath Jayasuriya and Ajanta Mendis came up with special performances, other players will have to put their hands up this time,” noted Sangakkara.
India’s bowling combination might require a re-think. Ashish Nehra has not been on top of his fitness. However, Dhoni confirmed that Nehra was fully fit and available for selection. Ashok Dinda proved easy fodder and if Nehra is unable to make the cut, the team will be a medium pacer short.
Mahi’s men go fishing!
After the team management had decided to give the players a day off (optional practice), Dhoni and Co. went fishing on the lake that surrounds the team hotel. Some members also utilised the free time to shop in the outskirts of the town near Kandy for artefacts. The reserve players attended practice.
India-Sri Lanka stats
* The day/night final will be the 15th between the two teams in ODI’s. Sri Lanka have won seven and India six in 14 previous finals played between the two teamsm while one match was abandoned due to rain.
* The Islanders have won three and lost two in five final matches played against India in Asia Cup.
* India Blue have won just two finals in last 12 limited overs tournaments.
* Head-to-head in ODI’s India leads Sri Lanka with 65 wins, 48 losses with remaining 11 matches ending without a result
Yet, the form book is no guarantee. In the last 12 months India and Sri Lanka have met 13 times, with both sides winning six each and the Kotla pitch proving spoilsport on the other. The last two cup finals have also been shared.
India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was not ready to dwell too much on the defeat in the last league game. “This result will not hamper our chances in the final. It will be a fresh start. This match gave us a chance to test our bench strength and I am happy with their performance,” said Dhoni.
Once that was decided, Dhoni should have also blooded R. Ashwin and Saurabh Tiwary. The off-spinner has got one game in four series while Tiwary would have done better playing for India ‘A’ in England rather than cool his heels here.
Kumar Sangakkara did his side a huge favour by chasing under lights. Mentally the Lankan seem to be in better shape.
“To bat second was planned in advance. The replacements did extremely well. It’s a cup final and we are going to hit the ground running,” said Sangakkara.
The hosts for the final will probably fall back on the tried and trusted duo of Lasith Malinga and Muttiah Muralitharan.
The wicket here has played true. Assistance to seamers has added to the quality of cricket. The bat has not dominated wholly and that is reason enough for both camps to believe that the toss is not going to be all important.
The Indian middle order has not been consistent. Suresh Raina, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma not clicking as a unit is adding to the pressure.
The SL camp was, however, guarded against complacency. “I am sure the boys will understand that we are not going to have a hat-trick and two crucial run-outs going our way in every game. India are a strong side and we have to be on top of our game to get the better of them.
“In the last Asia Cup final Sanath Jayasuriya and Ajanta Mendis came up with special performances, other players will have to put their hands up this time,” noted Sangakkara.
India’s bowling combination might require a re-think. Ashish Nehra has not been on top of his fitness. However, Dhoni confirmed that Nehra was fully fit and available for selection. Ashok Dinda proved easy fodder and if Nehra is unable to make the cut, the team will be a medium pacer short.
Mahi’s men go fishing!
After the team management had decided to give the players a day off (optional practice), Dhoni and Co. went fishing on the lake that surrounds the team hotel. Some members also utilised the free time to shop in the outskirts of the town near Kandy for artefacts. The reserve players attended practice.
India-Sri Lanka stats
* The day/night final will be the 15th between the two teams in ODI’s. Sri Lanka have won seven and India six in 14 previous finals played between the two teamsm while one match was abandoned due to rain.
* The Islanders have won three and lost two in five final matches played against India in Asia Cup.
* India Blue have won just two finals in last 12 limited overs tournaments.
* Head-to-head in ODI’s India leads Sri Lanka with 65 wins, 48 losses with remaining 11 matches ending without a result
Harper apologises for Kanishka blast
The Canadian Prime Minister, Mr Stephen Harper, will convey a heartfelt message on Wednesday to families of the victims of the Kanishka bombings on the 25th anniversary of the worst terror attack in the country's history.
“Some wounds are too deep to be healed even by the remedy of time,” Mr Harper wrote in his speech which he prepared for the occasion.
“We are sorry,” the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) said quoting the Prime Minister.
“Harper will say the destruction of Air India Flight 182 was, and remains, the single worst act of terrorism in Canadian history,” the national broadcaster reported.
“He will describe terrorism as an enemy with a thousand faces, and a hatred that festers in the darkest spots of the human mind,” it added.“This was evil, perpetrated by cowards. Despicable, senseless and vicious,” Mr Harper would say.
Mr Harper had promised to respond positively to the damning report into the 1985 Kanishka bombings, especially on the call for compensation, as the families torn apart by the tragedy said the word “closure” still haunts them.
The final report into the Air India tragedy that killed 329 people recommended ex-gratia payment to families of victims, mostly of Indian-origin, and blamed the Canadian government for its failure to prevent the country's worst terror attack.
Soon after the report's release, Mr Harper met the families and termed the document a “damning indictment of many things that occurred before and after the tragedy”.
“Our government launched this inquiry to bring closure to those who still grieve and to ensure that measures are taken to prevent such a tragedy in the future,” he had said.
Inderjit Singh Reyat, the only person ever convicted in the case, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in 2003.
Suspected ring-leader Talwinder Singh Parmar died in India in 1991, and the two main surviving suspects — Ripudaman Singh Malik and Ajaib Singh Bagri — were both acquitted in March 2005 after a 19-month trial.
“Some wounds are too deep to be healed even by the remedy of time,” Mr Harper wrote in his speech which he prepared for the occasion.
“We are sorry,” the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) said quoting the Prime Minister.
“Harper will say the destruction of Air India Flight 182 was, and remains, the single worst act of terrorism in Canadian history,” the national broadcaster reported.
“He will describe terrorism as an enemy with a thousand faces, and a hatred that festers in the darkest spots of the human mind,” it added.“This was evil, perpetrated by cowards. Despicable, senseless and vicious,” Mr Harper would say.
Mr Harper had promised to respond positively to the damning report into the 1985 Kanishka bombings, especially on the call for compensation, as the families torn apart by the tragedy said the word “closure” still haunts them.
The final report into the Air India tragedy that killed 329 people recommended ex-gratia payment to families of victims, mostly of Indian-origin, and blamed the Canadian government for its failure to prevent the country's worst terror attack.
Soon after the report's release, Mr Harper met the families and termed the document a “damning indictment of many things that occurred before and after the tragedy”.
“Our government launched this inquiry to bring closure to those who still grieve and to ensure that measures are taken to prevent such a tragedy in the future,” he had said.
Inderjit Singh Reyat, the only person ever convicted in the case, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in 2003.
Suspected ring-leader Talwinder Singh Parmar died in India in 1991, and the two main surviving suspects — Ripudaman Singh Malik and Ajaib Singh Bagri — were both acquitted in March 2005 after a 19-month trial.
Dam spillway lies unrepaired
The urgent repairs suggested for the spillway of the Nagarjuna Sagar dam nine months ago are yet to be undertaken though another monsoon season has started.
Experts are worried that the safety of the dam may be in jeopardy if floods occur before the spillway is repaired.
Part of the spillway and adjoining vents were damaged in the record-level discharge of water from Nagarjuna Sagar during the 2009 floods. The dam safety committee recommended immediate repairs and the irrigation department prepared proposals and also selected some companies to take up the work.
However, the government intervened and cancelled the proposal to hand over the work on nomination and directed the officials to go for short tenders.
But it took the department three months to call short tenders. When the bids were opened, only one company was found to be qualified. But the irrigation officials are now trying to relax the tender conditions again and this has generated another controversy.
All the files related to the issue have now been placed before the Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, who will take a final decision on the matter.
"The safety panel recommended immediate action but we have little time left,” said Mr Adityanath Das, secretary of irrigation. “We have asked the panel whether we can take up the work post monsoon.”
With repairs at Srisailam almost completed, the inflows from Almatti, Narayanpur and Jurala will start reaching in July. This has added to the worries about the dam’s safety.
Experts are worried that the safety of the dam may be in jeopardy if floods occur before the spillway is repaired.
Part of the spillway and adjoining vents were damaged in the record-level discharge of water from Nagarjuna Sagar during the 2009 floods. The dam safety committee recommended immediate repairs and the irrigation department prepared proposals and also selected some companies to take up the work.
However, the government intervened and cancelled the proposal to hand over the work on nomination and directed the officials to go for short tenders.
But it took the department three months to call short tenders. When the bids were opened, only one company was found to be qualified. But the irrigation officials are now trying to relax the tender conditions again and this has generated another controversy.
All the files related to the issue have now been placed before the Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, who will take a final decision on the matter.
"The safety panel recommended immediate action but we have little time left,” said Mr Adityanath Das, secretary of irrigation. “We have asked the panel whether we can take up the work post monsoon.”
With repairs at Srisailam almost completed, the inflows from Almatti, Narayanpur and Jurala will start reaching in July. This has added to the worries about the dam’s safety.
Slipper ad puts Didi in trouble
The railway minister, Ms Mamata Banerjee, appears to have landed in major trouble over an advertisement in which she is shown modelling for a particular brand of rubber slippers (hawai chappals).
A full-page advertisement in a Bengali daily on Monday showed Ms Banerjee walking in her now-famous rubber slippers. The name of the brand — Ajanta Hawai — is mentioned clearly along with the one-line caption in Bengali: “drirpta padakshwep (firm and bright footsteps).”
The Left parties have sought a clarification from the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, on the matter and are also looking into moving the Election Commission to examine if a breach of the law has taken place.
Sensing trouble, Ms Banerjee has directed her ministry to investigate how the advertisement appeared, and her close associates claimed that “Didi had no knowledge” of it. The railway ministry has ordered an inquiry, which will be conducted by the Railway Board member-secretary, Mr Shivaji Rakshit.
An FIR has also been lodged at the Parliament Street police station here against the footwear company for having used the minister’s picture without her prior consent. The PMO has sought further information from the ministry.
A full-page advertisement in a Bengali daily on Monday showed Ms Banerjee walking in her now-famous rubber slippers. The name of the brand — Ajanta Hawai — is mentioned clearly along with the one-line caption in Bengali: “drirpta padakshwep (firm and bright footsteps).”
The Left parties have sought a clarification from the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, on the matter and are also looking into moving the Election Commission to examine if a breach of the law has taken place.
Sensing trouble, Ms Banerjee has directed her ministry to investigate how the advertisement appeared, and her close associates claimed that “Didi had no knowledge” of it. The railway ministry has ordered an inquiry, which will be conducted by the Railway Board member-secretary, Mr Shivaji Rakshit.
An FIR has also been lodged at the Parliament Street police station here against the footwear company for having used the minister’s picture without her prior consent. The PMO has sought further information from the ministry.
T-mongers face threat of arrest
The police has decided to keep a close watch on controversial and provocative political workers and arrest them if need be in the wake of the Election Commission ordering stern action against those who try to place restrictions on campaign during by-polls.
The OU students joint action committee and several other outfits had threatened that they will not allow “outsiders” particularly those from Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra to campaign in the Telangana region where the by-polls are being held.
In a stern rebuke, the Chief Electoral Officer, Mr I.V. Subba Rao, said that no such restriction would be allowed and asked the police to take stringent action on those who intimidate.
“Campaigning in any part of the country is one of the basic rights given by the Constitution and nobody can meddle with that right,” he said. “We will not allow that. I am giving clear instructions to the police to take firm action if anybody breaches others’ rights.”
The EC has asked political parties to submit details of campaigners. Each recognised party can give 40 names and the EC will examine those who are controversial and keep a tight vigil on them.
“They will be followed and if necessary bind over cases will be filed against them,” said the director general of police, Mr R.R. Girish Kumar. “If the situation requires we will not hesitate to arrest them.”
District SPs will be given additional powers to seize posters, hoardings and cancel licensed weapons.
The OU students joint action committee and several other outfits had threatened that they will not allow “outsiders” particularly those from Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra to campaign in the Telangana region where the by-polls are being held.
In a stern rebuke, the Chief Electoral Officer, Mr I.V. Subba Rao, said that no such restriction would be allowed and asked the police to take stringent action on those who intimidate.
“Campaigning in any part of the country is one of the basic rights given by the Constitution and nobody can meddle with that right,” he said. “We will not allow that. I am giving clear instructions to the police to take firm action if anybody breaches others’ rights.”
The EC has asked political parties to submit details of campaigners. Each recognised party can give 40 names and the EC will examine those who are controversial and keep a tight vigil on them.
“They will be followed and if necessary bind over cases will be filed against them,” said the director general of police, Mr R.R. Girish Kumar. “If the situation requires we will not hesitate to arrest them.”
District SPs will be given additional powers to seize posters, hoardings and cancel licensed weapons.
Stamp duty cut, land rates hiked
The state has decided to increase the market value of land to offset the imminent loss to the exchequer due to reduction in the stamp duty.
Land values in urban areas will increase between 10 to 20 per cent. Rationalisation of land values in agriculture and rural areas is also proposed. The registration department is hoping to net about Rs 550 crore.
The Centre forced a steep cut in the stamp duty under municipal reforms by threatening to stop release of funds under JNNURM, if the state fails to comply with its direction to reduce stamp duty to 5 per cent.
Area Type Old New
Banjara & Residential Rs 35,000 Rs 40,000
Jubilee Hills Commercial Rs 60,000 Rs 65,000
OU Colony Residential Rs 22,000 Rs 35,000
Kukatpally Residential Rs 25,000 Rs 28,000
Secunderabad Residential Rs 50,000 Rs 60,000
Maredpally Residential Rs 45,000 Rs 48,000
(All rates for high-end ****, in rupees per square yard)
* Flats will face composite rate for land, building.
Old: Rs 600 per sq. ft. for RCC structures plus prevailing land cost for undivided share of land.
New: Composite rate will be Rs 1,500 per sq. ft.
Land values in urban areas will increase between 10 to 20 per cent. Rationalisation of land values in agriculture and rural areas is also proposed. The registration department is hoping to net about Rs 550 crore.
The Centre forced a steep cut in the stamp duty under municipal reforms by threatening to stop release of funds under JNNURM, if the state fails to comply with its direction to reduce stamp duty to 5 per cent.
Area Type Old New
Banjara & Residential Rs 35,000 Rs 40,000
Jubilee Hills Commercial Rs 60,000 Rs 65,000
OU Colony Residential Rs 22,000 Rs 35,000
Kukatpally Residential Rs 25,000 Rs 28,000
Secunderabad Residential Rs 50,000 Rs 60,000
Maredpally Residential Rs 45,000 Rs 48,000
(All rates for high-end ****, in rupees per square yard)
* Flats will face composite rate for land, building.
Old: Rs 600 per sq. ft. for RCC structures plus prevailing land cost for undivided share of land.
New: Composite rate will be Rs 1,500 per sq. ft.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Prez asked to reject Guru's mercy plea
The union home ministry has asked the President, Ms Pratibha Patil's office to reject parliament attack convict Afzal Guru's mercy plea, informed sources said.
Guru is on the death row since 2002 for the 2001 parliament attack. His wife Tabassum filed a mercy petition with the Rashtrapati Bhavan four years ago.
The sources said the mercy petition was sent to the home ministry for its view and it returned the file last week, rejecting the plea because of the heinous nature of the crime.
With the home ministry recommending that the plea be rejected, it is now up to the president to take a call on the fate of Guru, exercising her powers under Article 72 of the constitution.
Guru is on the death row since 2002 for the 2001 parliament attack. His wife Tabassum filed a mercy petition with the Rashtrapati Bhavan four years ago.
The sources said the mercy petition was sent to the home ministry for its view and it returned the file last week, rejecting the plea because of the heinous nature of the crime.
With the home ministry recommending that the plea be rejected, it is now up to the president to take a call on the fate of Guru, exercising her powers under Article 72 of the constitution.
Army to plan Maoist ops
The Indian Army has agreed to depute some officers of the rank of brigadier and colonel to the Union home ministry to act as military advisers for anti-Naxalite operations and strategy in different states, defence sources confirmed.
The Army agreed to this after refusing to depute major-generals, as it felt officers of such high rank were not needed for such a job.
“The Army has agreed to send brigadiers and colonels as advisers. The home ministry had earlier asked for major-generals, but the Army declined on the ground that major-generals would be too senior for such a task. In any
case, colonels are the cutting edge of the Army and have the maximum field experience in leading counter-insurgency operations and are just right for the job,” a defence source said. “We are waiting for the home ministry to spell out the exact number of officers needed as advisers,” the source added.
The Army agreed to this after refusing to depute major-generals, as it felt officers of such high rank were not needed for such a job.
“The Army has agreed to send brigadiers and colonels as advisers. The home ministry had earlier asked for major-generals, but the Army declined on the ground that major-generals would be too senior for such a task. In any
case, colonels are the cutting edge of the Army and have the maximum field experience in leading counter-insurgency operations and are just right for the job,” a defence source said. “We are waiting for the home ministry to spell out the exact number of officers needed as advisers,” the source added.
14 score zero, pass Eamcet
As many as 14 students who got zero marks in all subjects were declared as qualified in Eamcet this year. Eight of them can also enter engineering colleges as no minimum marks are stipulated for scheduled caste/scheduled tribe students and the state has a copious 2.25 lakh seats to offer.
For the general category, the total marks in Eamcet is 160 and the qualifying mark is 25 per cent of the total which means students should score 40 marks for qualifying.
Interestingly, it is pretty difficult to get zero marks in Eamcet. The 14 students could easily have scored nearly 30 marks even if they had chosen to blurb a single option among A,B,C, and D for all questions. This year, the pattern of exam was such that the students could have got 30 to 32 marks for selecting the ‘A’ option for every question, 40 to 42 marks if they selected ‘B', 40 for ‘C’ and 30 for ‘D’. But the 14 students did not even bother to try their luck even in that manner.
The eight students in the engineering stream and six in the medical stream were so lazy that they did not even bother to blurb options in OMR answer sheet and handed over blank papers to invigilators after sitting in the exam centre for full three hours as they are sure that under the SC/ST quota they are bound to get a seat.
Thanks to the Medical Council of India’s stipulation that candidates should get a minimum of 50 per cent marks Eamcet and in BiPC subjects in Intermediate, these students are not eligible for admissions into medical courses.
However, eight of them can get admission in engineering colleges if they want. “We will give ranks to them after giving weight to their intermediate marks,” said an Eamcet official. “They can appear for engineering counselling and claim seats. It is easy to secure seats in engineering colleges since the state has around 2.25 lakh seats in 650 colleges.”
For all you know, these zero graders would be building bridges or designing software a few years from now.
For the general category, the total marks in Eamcet is 160 and the qualifying mark is 25 per cent of the total which means students should score 40 marks for qualifying.
Interestingly, it is pretty difficult to get zero marks in Eamcet. The 14 students could easily have scored nearly 30 marks even if they had chosen to blurb a single option among A,B,C, and D for all questions. This year, the pattern of exam was such that the students could have got 30 to 32 marks for selecting the ‘A’ option for every question, 40 to 42 marks if they selected ‘B', 40 for ‘C’ and 30 for ‘D’. But the 14 students did not even bother to try their luck even in that manner.
The eight students in the engineering stream and six in the medical stream were so lazy that they did not even bother to blurb options in OMR answer sheet and handed over blank papers to invigilators after sitting in the exam centre for full three hours as they are sure that under the SC/ST quota they are bound to get a seat.
Thanks to the Medical Council of India’s stipulation that candidates should get a minimum of 50 per cent marks Eamcet and in BiPC subjects in Intermediate, these students are not eligible for admissions into medical courses.
However, eight of them can get admission in engineering colleges if they want. “We will give ranks to them after giving weight to their intermediate marks,” said an Eamcet official. “They can appear for engineering counselling and claim seats. It is easy to secure seats in engineering colleges since the state has around 2.25 lakh seats in 650 colleges.”
For all you know, these zero graders would be building bridges or designing software a few years from now.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Bypolls to 10 T seats on July 27
Bypolls to 10 of the 12 vacant Assembly seats from Telangana will be held on July 27, the Election Commission announced on Tuesday, setting the stage for a bitter political battle. Counting of votes would be taken up on July 30 from 8 am.
Byelections will be held to Sirpur, Chennur (SC), Mancherial, Yellareddy, Koratla, Dharmapuri (SC), Huzurabad, Siddipet and Warangal West that were held by the TRS, and Nizamabad (Urban) which was held by the BJP.
Byelections will not be held in the Sircilla and Vemulawada, where election petitions filed by losing candidates in the 2009 polls are pending in the AP High Court.
In Sircilla, Mr Mahender Reddy, a TRS rebel, who lost by 171 votes, has alleged irregularities in counting. In Vemulavala, Mr Adi Srinivas of the Congress contended that the winner, Ch. Ramesh in 2009, was not an Indian citizen. The TRS chief, Mr K. Chandrasekhar Rao, saw a “politically conspiracy” in the EC leaving out these two seats.
The notification would be issued on July 2 and the last day for filing nominations would be July 9. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is July 12. Polling would be held between 7 am to 5 pm on July 27.
Byelections will be held to Sirpur, Chennur (SC), Mancherial, Yellareddy, Koratla, Dharmapuri (SC), Huzurabad, Siddipet and Warangal West that were held by the TRS, and Nizamabad (Urban) which was held by the BJP.
Byelections will not be held in the Sircilla and Vemulawada, where election petitions filed by losing candidates in the 2009 polls are pending in the AP High Court.
In Sircilla, Mr Mahender Reddy, a TRS rebel, who lost by 171 votes, has alleged irregularities in counting. In Vemulavala, Mr Adi Srinivas of the Congress contended that the winner, Ch. Ramesh in 2009, was not an Indian citizen. The TRS chief, Mr K. Chandrasekhar Rao, saw a “politically conspiracy” in the EC leaving out these two seats.
The notification would be issued on July 2 and the last day for filing nominations would be July 9. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is July 12. Polling would be held between 7 am to 5 pm on July 27.
