News Updates - Dec 31st 2009

‘Sporting’ activists shun violence on T-bandh day
For the first time, Telangana bandh went off peacefully barring stray incidents. Agitators expressed their protest in a noble way instead of damaging public and private property.

Assault pushes Nagam to No. 2 leader for T cause
Many Telugu Desam leaders are unable to digest the “elevation” of Mr Nagam Janardhan Reddy as the icon of the Telangana movement within the party.

Congress, TD in fix over T meet
The Centre’s decision to convene a meeting of eight political parties from Andhra Pradesh in Delhi on January 5 to discuss the Telangana issue has again landed the Congress and the Telugu Desam in a dilemma.

JAC plea to place bill in Parliament
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of political parties asked the Centre to introduce the Telangana Bill in Parliament immediately so that they can withdraw the agitation.

CM remark on industry jitters draws TRS anger
The Telangana Rashtra Samiti took serious note of the statement of the Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, who said investments will not come to the state with frequent bandhs and agitations.

Quit spree begins in GHMC office
The resignation bug has finally bitten the corporators of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation too. As many as six corporators from the Congress and the TD put in their resignations in support of the Telangana state cause

PC invites 8 parties for T-talks on Jan. 5
In a bid to resolve the Telangana issue which has been on the boil for nearly a month now, the Centre will begin the consultation process on the issue by convening a meeting of eight political parties from Andhra Pradesh here on January 5.

Canada warns against AP travel
Canada has raised its warning level for travellers to India after violence over the Telangana statehood demand.

Entertainment

Actress Eva Longoria cheers during an NBA basketball game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs in San Antonio on Tuesday.

Vishnuvardhan's fan commits suicide
A 23-year-old man committed suicide by jumping into a well here on hearing of sudden death of Kannada actor Vishnuvardhan on Wednesday, the police said.

Kannada film industry's superstar Vishnuvardhan died of a heart attack early Wednesday, doctors said. The actor died while he was being rushed to a hospital in Mysore. He leaves behind his wife Bharathi Vishnuvardhan, who is an actress, and his two daughters Keerthi and Chandana.

Kate Winslet's body most desirable
Hollywood actress Kate Winslet has the most desirable celebrity body according to a new poll.

Ranbir had a crush on his teacher
The list of Ranbir Kapoor’s link-ups seem to be never ending. Recently, it was reported that Ranbir was dating Priyanka Chopra, following their on-screen kiss in Anjaana Anjaani. Rumours of him seeing Katrina seem to be hounding him as well.

Big B recalls his school days
Amitabh Bachchan, who enjoyed donning the character of Auro in Paa and heading back to school, has fond memories of his own school days.

Crime
Kidnapped chess player's son released
Six-year-old Yash, son of an international chess player, who was abducted on Tuesday was released after a successful joint combing operation by a police team in the Chambal ravines of Dholpur district, police said on Wednesday.

10-yr-old girl raped by neighbour
A 10-year-old girl was allegedly raped by her neighbour on Thursday in Bagbera area on the outskirts of the steel city after he had a quarrel with the minor's father, the police said.

Man shot dead for refusing to pay for cigarette
A shopkeeper shot dead a man after he refused to pay for the cigarettes purchased in Saran district of Bihar, police said on Tuesday.

Business
L&T gets orders worth $125 mln
Engineering and construction firm Larsen & Toubro said on Thursday it has secured two contracts worth 5.81 billion rupees ($125 million).

2000-09: The decade that was India’s
Calling it “The Decade That Was India’s”, a leading US daily says India’s ability to make the success of the last 10 years the norm across regions and industries, “could well pave the way for an Indian century.”

India set to be bullish in 2010
10 Ka Dum will see the consolidation of the Nifty in the first half of 2010. In 2009, Nifty had gained almost 2,200 points or 75 per cent and completed a dramatic psychological “U” turn from the devastating 2008.

England’s Graeme Swann celebrates the fall of a South African wicket on the final day of the second Test match at the Kingsmead in Durban, South Africa on Wednesday. England won by an innings and 98 run

News Updates - December 30, 2009

Don't travel to AP: US
The US government has issued a fresh travel alert asking its citizens to be cautious and defer their travel to Andhra Pradesh as violence continues there over the issue of a separate Telangana state.

T-stir pushing investors away: CM
The Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, on Tuesday presented a gloomy picture of the industrial sector in the state.

He said that several companies were shifting proposed projects to other states or deferring investments because of Telangana troubles.

Mr Rosaiah made these observations after the representatives of the Confederation of Indian Industry, the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, besides captains of top pharma and IT companies met him to express concern at the state of affairs.

According to the CM, Bharat Forge Limited dropped investment proposals in the state and decided to shift to Gujarat. Peugeot, Kaparo, Lakshmi Mittal, Brandix, J.P. Morgan and Stanley, United Health Group and leading pharma ESAI have all deferred investments.

“The image of Hyderabad as an investment destination has taken a beating because of the violence,” he said.

Bulk drug industry alone suffered loss of Rs 500 crore in the past 20 days and the hotel industry suffered losses with reservations dropping by 40 per cent, he said.

Meanwhile, the CM is making a last-minute effort to retain the two-day CII summit which was scheduled to be held on January 21 at Hyderabad but is now being shifted to Chennai.

The Union commerce minister, Mr Anand Sharma, categorically told Mr Rosaiah that the event would be held in the city only if the Union home ministry concurred.

The PM, Dr Manmohan Singh, is scheduled to inaugurate the summit.

Power utilities seek tariff hike
The state power utilities have recommended a hike in power tariff for the next financial year that will put an additional burden of Rs 1,000 crore on the consumers.

S.V. Prasad to replace Ramakanth as new CS
The senior bureaucrat, Mr S.V. Prasad, is all set to become the next Chief Secretary of the state.

The Chief Commissioner of Land Administration (CCLA), Mr Prasad, will take over from the incumbent Mr P. Ramakanth Reddy. Mr Ramakanth Reddy’s extended term as the Chief Secretary will end on December 31.

T threat ruins New year plans
Just when harried Hyderabadis were gearing up to say ‘good riddance’ to a nasty 2009, and ring in 2010 on the right note, T activists announced, “Not so soon...”

Bandh call in Telangana; normal life hit
Normal life was affected across Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday as the bandh called by Telangana Joint Action Committee in support of a separate state began this morning.

Kannada actor Vishnuvardhan dies
Besides acting in 197 Kannada films, Vishnuvardhan starred in Tamil movies such as “Viduthalai” and “Sri Raghavendra” with Rajnikanth.

Sports

Kotla track was bad: Dhoni
Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said that match referee Alan Hurst decided to abandon the fifth One-day international against Sri Lanka at Ferozeshah Kotla after consultation with both the teams.
Dhoni said the track at Ferozeshah Kotla was indeed bad.

Entertainmnet

Will Abhay romance Vidya?

Abhay Deol’s film, Basra, is all set to hit the floors soon. The action-packed thriller which will deal with the subject of drug trafficking, will be directed by Navdeep Singh. However, not many know that Abhay Deol was not part of the project earlier. The film was supposed to be produced by Nikhil Advani and had John Abraham, Akshaye Khanna and Vidya Balan in the lead roles. But the project did not take off,” said a source.Abhay Deol’s film, Basra, is all set to hit the floors soon. The action-packed thriller which will deal with the subject of drug trafficking, will be directed by Navdeep Singh. However, not many know that Abhay Deol was not part of the project earlier. The film was supposed to be produced by Nikhil Advani and had John Abraham, Akshaye Khanna and Vidya Balan in the lead roles. But the project did not take off,” said a source.

News Updates - December 29, 2009

France's Eiffel Tower has been named the most favourite building of the world, leaving behind Taj Mahal and New York’s Statue of Liberty, according to a new survey.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi addresses party members during the 125th foundation day function of Indian National Congress in New Delhi on Monday.

The illuminated Lord Venkateswara Temple on the occasion of Vaikunth Ekadashi, in Tirupati on Monday.

Tiwari smells a T-plot
Breaking his silence, the former Andhra Pradesh Governor, Mr N.D. Tiwari, who resigned in the wake of an alleged sex scandal, on Monday rubbished reports against him as “fabricated and false” and said he will continue to be in public life.

Students may lose an academic year
Caught in the Andhra-Telangana crossfire, students fear their career prospects will be affected.

Rosaiah meets new Governor
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah called on E. S. L. Narasimhan at the Raj Bhavan a few hours after the latter was sworn in as the Governor here on Monday.

Call for bandh in Telangana on Dec. 30
The all-party Telangana Joint Action Committee (JAC) on Sunday night gave a call for bandh in Telangana on December 30 in support of its demand for statehood to the region.

JAC announces student convention on Jan 3
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Osmania University here, a nerve-centre of the separate Telangana movement, on Sunday decided to organise a massive convention of students on January 3 to step up the agitation for bifurcation.

“The Centre should clearly announce the steps for formation of separate Telangana state by January 2. We will organise ‘Telangana Vidyardhi Maha Garjana’ (Massive roar by Telangana students) on January 3,” leaders of JAC said.

AP loses property worth over Rs. 250 cr over Telangana issue
As Andhra Pradesh boils over the Telangana issue, public and private properties worth over Rs. 250 crore were destroyed by protesters in all the three regions of the state so far, government sources said.

Adding the loss caused to businesses because of the seemingly unending spate of shutdowns in Telangana, the figure could be a few hundred crores of rupees more.

Hyderabad Book Fair extended upto Monday
The Hyderabad Book Fair will be open on Monday also. The fair was to be closed on Sunday, but in view of the Telangana Bandh on Thursday, it was decided to extend it by another day. The book fair will be open from 12 noon to 9 p.m. on Necklace road.


Traffic restrictions announced
Traffic police have announced restrictions on movement of traffic on several road stretches of Hyderabad on Monday in view of the Bibi-ka-Alam procession to be taken out from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Following are the restrictions

All vehicular traffic coming from Dabeerpura towards Alawa Bibi will be diverted at Sunargalli “T” Junction towards Mata Ki Khidki.

Traffic coming from Dabeerpura will not be allowed towards Shaik Faiz Kaman and will be diverted at Jabber Hotel.

Traffic coming from Yakuthpura Railway station towards Shaik Faiz Kaman will be diverted at Bada Bazar “T” Junction towards Mir Jumla Talab Katta via. Chowni.

Traffic coming from Purani Haveli towards Ethebar Chowk will be diverted at Setwin X Roads towards Dabeerpura.

Traffic coming from Mitti Ka Sher towards Ethebar Chowk will be diverted at Gulzar House towards Madina X Roads, when procession reaches Ethebar Chowk.

Traffic coming from Moghalpura towards Kotla Alija, will be diverted at Bibi Bazar X Roads towards Talab Katta.

Traffic coming from water tank Moghalpura towards Chowk Maidan Khan will be diverted at Hafez Danka Mosque towards Shah Ali Banda.

Traffic coming from Shah Ali Banda towards Charminar will be diverted at Paris Café towards Moghalpura.

Traffic coming from Puranapool towards Charminar will be diverted at Chowk Murgon towards Chelapura, Shahgunj, and Khilwath.

The traffic coming from Himmathpura towards Khilwath, and Lad Bazar will be diverted at Motigalli towards Moosa Bowli.

Traffic coming from Shakkerkote will be diverted at Mitti Ka Sher towards Ghansi Bazar and Chelapura.

Traffic coming from City College and Muslim Jung Bridge will be diverted at New Bridge towards Afzal Gunj, when the procession reaches Alawa Sartouq.

Traffic coming from Nayapool towards Charminar will be diverted at Madina X Roads towards City College when the procession reaches Kotla Alija.

Traffic coming from Chaderghat, Salarjung Bridge and Noor Khan Bazar will not be allowed towards Purani Haveli, and will be diverted towards Nayapool at Dar-ul-Shifa X Roads.

Traffic coming from Chaderghat will not be allowed towards Kali Kabar and will be diverted to Shanti Lodge towards Chaderghat Bridge when the procession reaches Alawa Sartouq.

Traffic coming from Gowliguda will not be allowed towards Aza Khana Zohra via, Salar Jung Bridge and will be diverted towards Afzal Gunj from Gowliguda side of Salar Jung Bridge.

APSRTC district buses will be diverted to Gowliguda and Rang Mahal Road for entry and exit from 2.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. on 28-12-2009. They should not come on the Kalikabar Road till the procession terminates.

Secunderabad:

Restrictions on vehicular traffic from 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.

All vehicular traffic proceeding from Hyderabad via Tankbund towards Karbala Maidan will be diverted at Children's Park towards Kavadiguda, Bible House and R.P. Road.

All vehicular traffic proceeding from the R.P. Road towards Karbala Maidan will be diverted at the Traffic Island near Traffic PS Begumpet, Secunderabad (Bible House) via., Tankbund Road and will join the Tankbund Road at DBR Mills “T” Junction.

Mahatma Gandhi Road between the Central Telegraph Island and Ranigunj will be “ONE WAY” towards Ranigunj side. Traffic will be diverted at Ranigunj Junction towards the Ministers Road, depending upon the situation.
 
Sports

Ecclestone tips Schumacher to beat Hamilton, Button
Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone has tipped “comeback kid” Michael Schumacher to beat both Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button to title glory in 2010.


Tiger Woods’s blunder costs $12 billion
The study also finds that three sports-related companies -- PGA Tour Golf, Gatorade, and Nike -- have been worst hit, experiencing a 4.3 per cent drop in stock value, equivalent to about $ 6 billion.

Proteas agree to ‘compressed’ tour of India: South Africa have given their consent to a “compressed tour” of India, comprising two Tests and three ODIs, if the BCCI ensures minimum travel between matches during the series next year. 


Entertainment

Tardy Chi Chi mends his ways
Govinda, who is known for his tardiness, has turned over a new leaf. The actor, who is currently shooting for Ravi Chopra’s Knotty at 40, makes it a point to be punctual on the sets these days.

SRK has elaborate New Year plans
Shah Rukh Khan is all set to ring in the New Year in style. Although he is on a vacation with his family in Dubai where he owns a huge villa, SRK has decided to invite all his friends for a big bash he is hosting. Morani Brothers, Arjun Rampal, Chunky Pandey, Farhan Akhtar, and Anubhav Sinha among others have been invited.

A source said, “SRK left for Dubai on the night of the 3 Idiots premiere. He initially planned to spend a quiet holiday with his family, but now has decided to host a party. He plans to return to Mumbai on January 2 to shoot for Ra1.”

Bharadwaj takes advice from Aamir
Few know that Vishal Bharadwaj had discussed the story of Ishqiya with Aamir Khan first. The director wanted Aamir to give him his opinions on the film’s script.

News Updates - December 28, 2009

Centre to start T-talks in Jan The Centre will start the process of consultation on the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in the first week of January.

T-group calls for bandh on Dec. 30
The Telangana Joint Action Committee (JAC) has called for one-day Telangana bandh on December 30 demanding that the Centre initiate the process for Telangana statehood immediately.
The JAC, which met for six hours at Hotel Golkonda on Sunday, resolved to take the agitation to the villages by organising protests on December 28 and 29. The JAC decided to exert pressure on the Speaker to accept the resignations tendered by Telangana MLAs.

The Telugu Desam turned up at the JAC meeting after the Congress decided to gradually pull out of the committee.

Narasimhan takes oath as Governor
E.S. Lakshmi Narasimhan was on Monday sworn-in as the Governor of Andhra Pradesh following N.D. Tiwari's resignation in the wake of a controversy over a sting operation purportedly showing him in a compromising position with three women.

Vijayashanti my 10th sister: KCR
The Telangana Rastra Samiti MP, Vijayashanthi, met the TRS chief, Mr K. Chandrashekar Rao, on Sunday at his residence. The meeting lasted for over an hour.

Later, Mr Rao told reporters that Vijayashanthi had decided to work with the party and the JAC to achieve Telangana. He said he had no differences with her and the problems cropped up due to “miscommunication” which has been resolved now. He described Vijayashanthi as his “10th sister”. The TRS chief has nine sisters.

Moon may eclipse New Year revelry
A lunar eclipse on the night of December 31 may hit New Year festivities of those believe in fasting and staying indoors during celestial events.

Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya (right), licks his wounded finger after he was hit by a delivery of India’s Sudeep Tyagi (unseen), as teammate Thilan Samaraweera asks for medical help during the fifth and final ODI between India and Sri Lanka in New Delhi on Sunday. A dangerous pitch caused the match to be abandoned.

Dhoni keen to play more Tests
India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was delighted by India’s ascension to the numero uno spot in the ICC Test rankings, but said that he would have liked to play more Tests next year.

Angry spectators throw down an advertising board after the fifth and final ODI between India and Sri Lanka was abandoned due to unfit pitch conditions at Feroz Shah Kotla ground, in New Delhi, on Sunday.

Laser lights on display over Kankaria lake during the second day of the seven-day long Kankaria Carnival, in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Sri Lanka's Tillakaratne Dilshan bends in pain after he was hit by a ball from India's Zaheer Khan (unseen) during the fifth and final one-day international cricket match between India and Sri Lanka in New Delhi on Sunday.

 

Indian cricketers Virender Sehwag (left) and Suresh Raina celebrate the dismissal of unseen Sri Lankan batsman Thilan Samaraweera during the fifth and final One Day International (ODI) cricket match between India and Sri Lanka at The Feroz Shah Kotla Cricket Ground in New Delhi on Sunday.

Entertainment

Awesome threesome can’t drop ‘bad habit’
After Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, the trio of Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Karan Johar will be back once again with the latter’s My Name Is Khan.

Priyanka to seduce 7
After essaying 12 roles in Ashutosh Gowarikar’s What’s Your Raashee?, Priyanka Chopra will be seen seducing seven husbands in Vishal Bharadwaj’s next untitled venture.

For Madhavan, size does matter!
When every male star in tinseltown seems to be getting brawny and muscular and flaunting it, refreshingly, R. Madhavan doesn’t take these things too seriously and jokes about on the subject.

Priyamani’s theatre visits
Priyamani saw her first Kannada film Raam at a theatre in Mysore on the very first day of its release.

Breaking News

TRS activists and Osmania University students go on the rampage, setting buses on fire and damaging vehicles near Tarnaka and Manikeshwar Nagar behind Osmania University Police Station in Hyderabad, in protest against the Centre’s announcement on Telangana on Wednesday.

 

Actor Mohan Babu (right) walks out of the Chief Minister’s office along with his children Lakshmi Prasanna (left), Vishnu (second from left) and Manoj after they lodged a complaint against the attacks by the TRS activists on Wednesday. Mohan Babu along with his family members also visited the DGP’s office to seek security cover for film shootings.

 

Sachin Tendulkar (from right), Zaheer Khan, Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh share a light moment during a practice session at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday, eve of the fourth ODI against Sri Lanka.

 

(From left) Actors R. Madhavan and Aamir Khan, film producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra, actor Sharman Joshi and director Rajkumar Hirani during a press conference to promote their film '3 idiots' in Mumbai on Tuesday.

 

Andhra Pradesh Road Transport Corporation buses parked at a depot on the first day of a 48-hour bandh called by pro-Telangana parties in Hyderabad on Thursday .Photo: Mohammed Yousuf

Govt nod for flying the tricolour at night

Responding to industrialist Navin Jindal's petition, the Home Ministry has decided that Indian citizens can fly the tricolour night as well, provided the flagpole is at least 100 metres tall and the flag itself properly illuminated.

Sports News

India will go for the kill at Eden Gardens
The stage is set for India to seal the deal against Sri Lanka in the fourth one-dayer here at Eden Gardens rather than keep things pending for New Delhi.

Shane Bond quits Test cricket
New Zealand fast bower Shane Bond retired from test cricket on Wednesday, citing physical wear and tear, but said he would continue to play shorter forms of the game.Bond, 34, has been plagued by injuries during a seven-year international career in which he played only 18 tests, finishing with 87 wickets at an average of 22.09.

Pankaj Advani survives a scare in All-India snooker tourney
National champion Pankaj Advani, authoured yet another fairytale fightback as he overcame a 1—4 deficit and won 5—4 against Delhi’s Sandeep Gulati to enter the semi—finals of the Rs.5.2 lakh VIP Matrix All—India snooker tournament here on Wednesday.

Advani, the 24—year old Bangalorean will take on fellow—PSPB player Sourav Kothari, in a repeat of the 2009 National championship final, while J. Varun Kumar of Chennai meets Aditya Mehta of PSPB in the other semi—final scheduled at night.

Schumacher returns to F1 with Mercedes
Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher is coming out of retirement to drive for Mercedes in 2010.
The 40-year-old German driver, who retired three years ago, confirmed his comeback on Wednesday.
“Three years of absence gave back all the energy that I’m feeling right now,” Schumacher said in a telephone conference. “I feel ready for some serious stuff.”
“I believe I can be absolutely competetive,” he said.

Latest News December 24, 2009

TRS victory rally off over T-delay
In protest against the Centre’s second statement on Telangana calling for consensus among political parties before moving ahead, the TRS district leaders have called-off the proposed ‘Ogugullu Telangana Poru Jatara’ on Thursday.

T-activists attack Allu Arjun’s crew
After attacking Mohan Babu’s children, the pro-Telangana activists have turned the heat on Allu Arjun, the nephew of the Praja Rajyam chief, Mr K. Chiranjeevi.

Chiru’s praja leave party to join TRS for T-rajyam
Exodus has begun from the Praja Rajyam and the Telugu Desam to the Telangana Rashtra Samiti because of the Telangana statehood hope.

Bandh affects normal life in Telangana (Shutdown paralyses life in T)

Normal life on Thursday came to a grinding halt in parts of Hyderabad and nine other districts of the Telangana region as a 48-hour shutdown was called by the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) and other groups.

State-owned Road Transport Corporation (RTC) suspended all bus services while private vehicles also went off the roads following violence in parts of Hyderabad and several towns on Wednesday.

Shops, business establishments, petrol bunks, cinema theatres and all educational institutions remained closed in response to the shutdown call to protest the centre's latest statement on the issue of a separate Telangana state.

Tension prevailed in the region as police made preventive arrests and imposed prohibitory orders banning the assembly of five or more people. Police and paramilitary forces were deployed in huge numbers to prevent violence.

Students and workers of various parties came on the streets across the region soon after Home Minister P. Chidambaram made the announcement in New Delhi on Wednesday. In his statement, the minister said the situation had changed in the state and political parties were divided on the issue.

Alleging that the centre had betrayed the people of Telangana, they set buses, trucks and government offices on fire. The protesters torched 20 buses and trucks including four in Hyderabad even as TRS president K. Chandrasekhara Rao and Congress party leaders appealed for peaceful protests.

Protests again broke out at Osmania University, which was the nerve centre of an 11-day agitation early this month. The protesters set afire Jamia Osmania railway station near the campus.

RTC officials said protesters damaged 150 buses in the region. A post office in Medak district and a government office in Nizamabad district were set afire. A branch of Andhra Bank in Karimnagar district was also attacked.

As the violence spread, the authorities switched off electricity in some districts of north Telangana. There were also reports of authorities snapping cable television broadcasts in some areas to contain the violence.

Sports News

Injured Yuvi out of last two ODIs

Yuvraj Singh was on Tuesday sidelined for the remaining two one-dayers of the ongoing one-day series against Sri Lanka, following a recurrence of his finger injury. It’s a big blow for India, ahead of the fourth ODI here at the Eden Gardens on Thursday, who are already without the services of regular skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Karthik should have let Sachin get ton: Experts

It is not often that a player draws flak for scoring the winning runs but India’s wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik clearly has not made himself popular by leaving Sachin Tendulkar stranded just four runs short of a century in the third ODI against Sri Lanka.

India won the third one-dayer comfortably in Cuttack last night but an over-zealous Karthik finds himself at the centre of a debate on whether he should have allowed his senior partner Tendulkar to complete what could have been his 46th ODI century.

All events: December 23

Lute Concert
@ Saptaparini
8-2-287/13/A, Swarna Heavens, First Floor, Road-14, 105, Banjara Hills
Music, Concerts

Mimiq Activity Contest
@ Landmark
KMC Retail Mall, Somajiguda Circle, Begumpet
Family Fun, Kids

Cocktail Night
@ The Bar
Novatel , 1101, Novatel & HICC Complex, Cyberabad, Kondapur
Food & Wine

Arabic Food Festival
@ Encounters
Taj Krishna, Road-1, Banjara Hills
Food & Wine

Lute, Flute and Chorus Concert
@ Saptaparni
Plot no 21, Road no 8, Banjara Hills
Music, Concerts

Patiala Night
@ Bottles And Chimneys
1-10-3/3, Old Cargo Office Complex, TMC Road, Begumpet
Nightlife, Parties

Bollywood Night
@ Venom
Lumbini Jewel Mall, 5&6, 4th Floor, Road-2, Banjara Hills
Nightlife, Parties

Bollywood Night
@ Firangi Paani
City Centre Mall, 5th Floor, Road-1, Banjara Hills
Nightlife, Parties

Bollywood Night
@ Excess Club And Lounge
Novotel , 1101, Novotel & HICC Complex, Kondapur
Nightlife, Parties

Flower Power
@ Touch Restaurant
2, Trendset Tower, Banjara Hills
Nightlife, Parties

Latest News December 23, 2009

No change in Telangana stand: TDP leaders

Telugu Desam’s important leaders, MPs, MLAs, MLCs from Telangana region met on Tuesday and made it clear that there was no change in the party’s pro-Telangana stand and that they will achieve the goal under the leadership of N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Addressing a press conference after the meeting, TDP leaders Nagam Janardhan Reddy, Erraballi Dayakar Rao, T. Devender Goud, M. Narsimhulu and Mandava Venkateswara Rao said a resolution was adopted to abide by separate Telangana.

They clarified that the party was united in the region and none of the 39 MLAs in the region had contacted the TRS leadership as claimed by the latter. Most of the leaders attended the meeting barring a few who took prior permission.

They said both Congress and TRS were carrying a misinformation campaign against the TDP and its leadership saying there was change in its stand over Telangana when the fact was that it continued to stick to its resolution of October 2008 supporting separate statehood for Telangana.

Mr. Naidu had never said that he was going back on this stand.



I wanted to prove a point: Lagadapati and ends his fast ‘drama’

Mr. Rao was on fast in the true sense of the term for only one-and-a-half days and spent the rest of the five days in hospital with the aid of intravenous fluids.
He wanted to show to the outside world how leaders could blackmail governments with ‘modern day’ fasts which were a sham.
Taking exception to the Centres’ announcement to initiate the process of formation of Telangana in the wake of the TRS chief’s fast, Mr. Rajagopal appealed to governments not to frame policies under pressure from leaders.
He said he expected the Centre to spell out a fresh proposal acceptable to people of all the regions or else he would launch another fast, this time at Visakhapatnam.
He would not support the Centre’s stand if it went against united State asit would not reflect the desire of people in all the 23 districts.


Relief at last?: Construction of the Chaderghat bridge splay is in full swing.

More than five years after the initial proposal, the Chaderghat bridge left splay works are finally nearing completion, much to the relief of thousands of vehicle-riders who experience bumper-to-bumper traffic on this particularly crammed stretch on the way from Dilsukhnagar towards Koti.

The splay was proposed way back in 2004, as part of the GHMC (then MCH)’s junction improvement plan at 35 locations in the city. Purpose of the project was to ease traffic congestion on the bridge by providing an oblique curve towards left, joining with the road leading to Jambagh and Putlibowli.

The assumption was that the triangular splay, extending up to 25 metres from either side from the corner, would allow more manoeuvring space for the left-ward-bound vehicles, while reducing overall congestion. Cost of the splay was then estimated to be Rs.30 lakh—the highest among all the proposed works. However, construction got embroiled in a legal controversy after a few people went to court claiming ownership of the land on which foundation was laid for the splay. “Works had to be stopped after the pillars were raised. Now the controversy is resolved and we are going ahead with the project. Centring works are on currently and concrete will be laid soon. We are expecting the splay to be complete by the end of February,” said P. Panduranga Rao, Engineer-in Chief. The project cost has been revised to Rs.65 lakh.

However, the number of vehicles plying on this stretch has increased by leaps and bounds during these five years, and the splay could be but a minor respite. Vehicle traffic from areas such as L.B. Nagar, Dilsukhnagar, Chanchalguda and Malakpet includes even long-distance buses from outside the city.
Road widening

“We are already constructing a parallel bridge from Golnaka till Malakpet Race Course to ease the traffic. Plinths have been raised and the bridge could be complete by August, 2010,” informed Dr.Rao. Road widening works on the Nalgonda Crossroads up to Chaderghat had to be stopped at a few places as demolition was obstructed by the owners, he informed.

India take 2-1 lead in five-match Series

India defeated Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the third One-Day International of the five-match series at the Barabati Stadium here Monday.
Chasing 240, India made 242 for three in 42.2 overs after Sachin Tendulkar scored an unbeaten 96.

India’s Ashish Nehra celebrates with Yuvraj Singh after claiming the wicket of Sri Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan during the third ODI at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Monday. India won the match by seven wickets.

Vijayawada MP Rajagopal Lagadapati Stills

Vijayawada MP Rajagopal Lagadapati running into Nims, rushing through the corridors and barging into the Acute Medical Care Unit before occupying a bed. The MP, who started a fast-unto-death agitation for united Andhra Pradesh, went missing from the Vijayawada Government Hospital on Sunday.

Latest News December 22, 2009

Fasting is secret of Lagadapati’s energy
Showing unbelievable stamina for a 55-year-old who has “fasted” for seven days, the Vijayawada Congress MP, Mr Lagadapati Rajagopal, suddenly turned up at the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences.

    * Escape exposes security chinks
    * 6 policemen suspended for MP slip
    * MPs await PM’s T word

Rosaiah wants 6 cops suspended
The Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, on Monday announced the suspension of six police personnel holding them responsible for the damage to public properties in Pulivendula.

Ramu backs Lagadapati
Filmmaker Ramgopal Varma has pledged his support to the Vijayawada MP, Mr Lagadapati Rajgopal, who is agitating for a united Andhra Pradesh.

Varma, wrote in his blog that Mr Rajgopal was his junior in Sidhartha College in Vijayawada and that he was a sincere student leader who always helped his fellow students.

Varma said that he and his friends used to help and shield Mr Rajagopal whenever there were fights among student groups.


Joji seeks more aid from state
Hyderabad Archbishop Marumpudi Joji on Monday said the recent collaboration of the Church with the government in the education sector had not been as smooth as expected.

“Unfortunately the government is not sticking to its agreements. This has put a heavy burden on the churches. The worst decision was to withdraw the grant-in-aid and termination of aided posts in the schools run by the churches, most of which are located in rural areas. This has put a financial burden on the churches,” Archbishop Joji said.

He added, “The conditions are so bad that at some places, land has to be mortgaged to pay salaries to the staff and for the maintainenance of educational institutions.”

Two IPS officials sent to riot zone
The state government on Monday appointed two IPS officials as charges at Kadapa and Jammalamadugu to control the situation arising out of the agitations against the state bifurcation. The Chief Minister Mr K. Rosaiah, reviewed the law and order situation on Monday night along with the home minister, Ms P. Sabita Indra Reddy, and said the health condition of Mr L. Rajagopal was normal.

500 T-halls agree to ban Arya 2, Saleem
Nearly 200 movie theatres in the Telangana region have been screening Arya 2 starring Allu Arjun and Saleem starring Manchu Vishnu despite the “ban” imposed by the Telangana activists.

Nims for VIPs, what about people?
Politicians who announce daring ‘fast-unto-deaths’ for their pet causes have now started a fad of getting admitted in the prestigious Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences to save their precious lives.

50(Fifty) for Sri Lanka in 3.4 overs

This is the fastest by any team against India, this one has come off just 22 balls.

SL 58/0 in 4 Overs
Current Run rate:14.50

Sri Lanka won the toss and bat first

Sri Lanka won the toss and bat first

 

Team India playing eleven

Virender Sehwag (c)
Sachin Tendulkar
Gautam Gambhir
Yuvraj Singh
Suresh Raina
Dinesh Karthik (wk)
Ravindra Jadeja
Harbhajan Singh
Zaheer Khan
Ashish Nehra
Ishant Sharma 

 

Team Sri Lanka playing eleven

Tillakaratne Dilshan
Upul Tharanga
K Sangakkara (c)(wk)
M Jayawardene
Thilina Kandamby
Chamara Kapugedera
Suraj Randiv
Nuwan Kulasekara
Lasith Malinga
Ajantha Mendis
Chanaka Welegedara
 

Cricket News December 21, 2009

India's Virender Sehwag plays with a ball during a practice session prior to the third one-day international (ODI) cricket match between India and Sri Lanka in Cuttack on Sunday.

Wounded India look to hit back

There has been much talk of skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s two-match suspension affecting Team India’s morale with the series nicely poised at 1-1, setting the stage for the third game of the series at the Barabati Stadium here on Monday.

MSD’s absence a big blow: Sangakara

With Mahendra Singh Dhoni serving a two-match ban due to slow over-rate in the second one-dayer at Nagpur, Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara said his Indian counterpart’s absence has dealt a big blow to the Men in Blue ahead of the crucial third cricket one-dayer here on Sunday.

Top news December 21, 2009

KCR not to undertake yatra; seeks TD stand

The Telangana Rashtra Samiti president, Mr K. Chandrasekhar Rao, on Sunday urged the Telugu Desam chief, Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu, to announce his stand on Telangana immediately.

Inter, SSC students may get grace marks
The state government is contemplating awarding 10 to 15 “grace marks” to students appearing for SSC and Intermediate public exams as a sort of compensation for disruptions in the academic year.


Babu may skip TD’s T meeting
The Telugu Desam leaders from Telangana region will hold a crucial meeting on Tuesday in Secunderabad to chalk out their future course of action in the wake of silence being maintained by the party president, Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu, over the separate state issue.

Lagadapati escapes as 200 cops watch

The fasting Vijayawada MP, Mr Lagadapati Rajagopal, escaped from the Vijayawada Government Hospital in full view of almost 200 police personnel and dozens of admirers.

The MP, whose fast entered the sixth day on Sunday, came to the ground floor of the hospital from his first floor ward, boarded a Qualis vehicle and drove out at about 10.45 pm. Witnesses said five more vehicles followed it.

Mr Rajagopal was expected to be shifted to a corporate hospital at Mangalagiri, 15 km from Vijayawada, and seemed to have taken advantage of the uncertainty. No one stopped the convoy as he drove out.

It was only when the convoy did not reach the Mangalagiri hospital at 11.30 pm that police realised the MP had given them the slip. Amidst allegations that he had been allowed to escape, the police sounded a red alert for Mr Rajagopal and launched a hunt to find him.

The government hospital is located on the national highway that leads to Visakhapatnam on one side and to Hyderabad on the other. Police searched the hospital as well, thinking he could be hiding there, but could not find the MP.

Mr Rajagopal had been shifted to the government hospital on Thursday and the government had refused to shift him to the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (Nims) fearing disturbances.

He had vociferously protested the “rude behaviour of the police” and the “biased attitude” of the government against the united Andhra agitation in the coastal districts and Rayalaseema. He had refused to take medicine and call off his fast.

Meanwhile, additional security forces are being rushed to the districts as the condition of elected representatives who are on a fast-unto-death for a united Andhra Pradesh is turning critical.

The Hyderabad police commissioner, Mr B. Prasada Rao, said, “We have no instructions from the government so far to shift the leaders who are on hunger strike to Nims. There are 30 platoons of additional forces available in the city. We are prepared to thwart any untoward incidents.”

The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) asked the government to consider shifting MLC Mr Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy, and MLA, Mr D. Umamaheswara Rao, Nims.

Dr N. Suneetha, daughter of Mr Vivekananda Reddy, in an appeal to the SHRC, had said that her father is suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and requires medical care. She said there was no facility in Kadapa and he should be shifted to Nims.

A student identified as Mr Chandrasekhar who set himself on fire protesting the arrest of Mr Vivekananda Reddy succumbed to burns at Ruia Institute of Medical Sciences (Rims) in Kadapa. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams board member, Mr Ch. Bhaskara Reddy, who is on hunger strike in jail, was shifted to Rims, Tirupati. He was earlier arrested on the charge of being involved in violence.

In another case, a lawyer, Mr B. Venkateswara Rao complained to the SHRC that Krishna and Vijayawada administration is indifferent to the health of Mylavaram MLA Mr D. Umamaheswara Rao who started his fast-unto-death on December 13.

“Mr Umamaheswara Rao may slip into coma and the circumstances warrant he be shifted from Vijayawada hospital to Nims in Hyderabad,” Mr B.V. Rao said. Responding to the petition, the SHRC gave directions to consider the plea of shifting Mr Umamaheswara Rao to Nims. On Saturday, Mr Rao was admitted to the intensive care unit at Vijayawada General Hospital, but when his blood pressure began to fluctuate he was moved to the NRI general hospital near Mangalgiri in Guntur district on Sunday.

Together with him, the former mayor, Ms P. Anuradha, and a Telugu Desam activist, Mr Papaiah Chowdary, were also shifted. Mr Umamaheswara Rao has refused to call off the stir till the Union government scraps the decision for a separate state of Telangana. The TD is angry that the MLA and the other two leaders have not been admitted to Nims. The government has bluntly refused their demand citing law and order problems.

The MLC and the TD leader, Mr. Y. Babu Rajendra Prasad, accused the government of bias. He said that the state government had shifted Telangana Rastra Samiti chief, Mr K. Chandrasekhar Rao, to Nims when his condition deteriorated, but was ignoring the health of TD leaders agitating in Andhra and Rayalaseema regions.

Srilanka @ Drinks break

Harbhajan breaks solid opening stand
Sri Lanka are cruising in their run chase with Dilshan on fire.
SL 122/1 in 16 Overs
To win: SL needs 180 run(s) in 34 over(s)

Super Dhoni's ton powers India to 301

India will be quite happy to post a total of 301/7 in their 50 overs after the early loss of two wickets. Tendulkar(43) and Kohli(54) then ensured India did not lose any more wickets and brought some stability with their 62-run stand. But it was Raina(68) and Dhoni(107) who stitched in a brilliant 126-run stand which changed the complexion of the game. Skipper Dhoni went on to score his 6th ODI hundred which couldn't have come at a better time. Debutant spinner Randiv was the pick of the bowlers for the visitors with figures of 3 for 51 from his 10 overs.

Indian cricketer Gautam Gambir (C) collides with Chanaka Welegedara (R) as he is run out during the second ODI (One day International) cricket match against Sri Lanka at The Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Ground in Nagpur on December 18, 2009.

Kasab denies all charges, claims forced confession

Kasab denies all charges, claims forced confession

Never saw AK-47, wanted to be actor: Kasab withdraws his confession
Pakistani gunman Ajmal Kasab on Friday went back on the confession he made before the magistrate, saying that he had not participated in the terror attacks at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) on November 26 last year.

Praja Rajyam president Chiranjeevi showing his resignation letter during a media conference in Hyderabad on Thursday. Chiranjeevi resigned as MLA to support United Andhra Pradesh.

Entertainment
People want to take Auro home: Amitabh

Shahrukh Khan (right) and Kajol during a first look screening for the movie "My Name is Khan" in Mumbai on Wednesday.

Health
Aroma can satiate hunger pangs
Eyes, mouth distance determine beauty: Researchers
Anti-aging treatment catching on

Image provided by Nasa's Hubble Space Telescope

This image provided by Nasa's Hubble Space Telescope on Tuesday shows hundreds of brilliant blue stars wreathed by warm, glowing clouds. The festive portrait is the most detailed view of the largest stellar nursery in our local galactic neighborhood. The massive, young stellar grouping, called R136, is only a few million years old and resides in the 30 Doradus Nebula, a turbulent star-birth region in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), a satellite galaxy of our Milky Way. — AP

@ Premiere of James Cameron's movie 'Avatar' in Mumbai

Actors Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan at the premiere of James Cameron's movie 'Avatar' in Mumbai on Tuesday night.

December 17, 2009 - Latest News

Chiru quits to be ‘hero’, T-fire engulfs films of kin

The Praja Rajyam chief, Chiranjeevi, has decided to resign his membership in the Assembly on Thursday to take up the cause of a united Andhra Pradesh even as Telangana agitators hit the streets again, attacking theatres screening films of his family members.

KU students ‘ban’ Chiru kin films

In retaliation against the Praja Rajyam chief K. Chiranjeevi’s unified state stand, Kakatiya University (KU) students have now decided to target films starred or produced by his family members or relatives including Allu Arjun, Ram Charan Teja, Allu Arvind and Pawan Kalyan.

On Wednesday at around 11.30 am, KU Joint Action Committee (JAC) members including activists of ABVP and Telangana Graduates Association (TGA) picketed outside Amrutha theatre in Hanamkonda, where Allu Arjun’s Arya-2 was being screened.

Apart from Amrutha theatre, where Maghadheera made a 100 day run previously, KUJAC members also stopped the screenings of Magadheera and Arya-2 in Radhika and Sunil theatres respectively, in the city.


Babu to tour Seema-Andhra from Dec. 18

The Telugu Desam (TD) was rattled by rumours on Wednesday that the party units in five Telangana districts planned to move resolutions in support of the United Andhra Pradesh is forcing party leaders from the region to deny the stance.


Andhra, Seema MLAs to go to Delhi for united AP

Congress MLAs from Ralayaseema and Andhra have decided to go to Delhi to persuade the party high command to review the decision to divide the state.



Tollywood to put off releases


Unnerved by attacks on theatres and the prevalent political unrest, the Telugu film industry is planning to postpone all movie releases slated for this month.


5 RTC unions to go on stir from Jan. 5

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of five APSRTC unions, barring the recognised National Mazdoor Union (NMU), has decided go on an indefinite strike from January 5 demanding 22 per cent interim relief for all the one lakh employees on par with the government staff.


Swine flu scare for Team India

The Indian team suffered a scare on Wednesday when their mental conditioning coach and trainer Paddy Upton was tested for swine flu. Upton did accompany the team to Nagpur but had undergone a test at a private hospital in Rajkot.

Food & Dining

Midnight Biryani
Tulips is serving an array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian biryanis. Other delicacies like Haleem, Sheermal, Paneer Burjee and desserts are also available.
Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 to Thursday, December 31st, 2009
Timings    11:30 p.m. to 1:15 a.m.
Venue    Tulips, Hotel Green Park, Greenlands, Begumpet
Contact    6651-5151, 2375-7575

Southern Delicacies
Hyderabadi biryanis and kebabs along with other Chinese and Continental cuisines. Also on the menu are soups, salads, cold cuts, pastas and desserts.
Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 to Thursday, December 31st, 2009
Timings    noon to 3 p.m.
Venue    Deccan Pavilion, Hotel ITC The Kakatiya, Begumpet.
Contact    2340-0132, 4008-1836

Snacks and Desserts Buffet
A variety of savoury snacks like chicken barbecue and desserts.
Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 to Thursday, December 31st, 2009
Timings    4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Venue    Sweet Nirvana, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur.
Contact    4241-4343

Lunch Buffet
North Indian buffet of peas pulao, paneer tikka, biryanis, desserts and more.
Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 to Thursday, December 31st, 2009
Timings    12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Venue    Tandoor, White House Building, Begumpet.
Contact    4013-3663/3664

The Cocktail Festival
The USP of the drinks is that they match the days of the week, like Mojito Mondays, Tropical Tuesdays, Whiskey-mixed Wednesdays, Tequila Thursdays, Frozen Special Fridays, Sangria Saturdays and Shooter Sundays.
Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 to Thursday, December 31st, 2009
Timings    noon to 11:45 p.m.
Venue    Novotel Hyderabad, Hitech City, Madhapur.
Contact    6682-4422

Christmas Special
Deli 9 celebrates Christmas with traditional plum cakes, gingerbread cookies, yule log, mince pies and many more.
Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 to Thursday, December 31st, 2009
Timings    11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Venue Deli 9
Contact    99488-78661

Night Life

House Music Night
Rocking party tracks by in-house DJ Daman.
Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 to Thursday, December 31st, 2009
Timings    8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Venue    Dublin, Hotel ITC The Kakatiya, Opp. to Walden, Begumpet
Contact    2340-0132

From Goa With Love
Singer Wahida belts out hit songs from 70s, 80s to latest chart busters.
Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 to Thursday, December 31st, 2009
Timings    8 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.
Venue    Seasons Bar, Taj Krishna, Road No.1, Banjara Hills.
Contact     6666-2323

Russian Melodies
Russian singer Polina performs tonight. She is versatile and covers a wide variety of world styles, from contemporary popular repertoire to retro and hip-hop.
Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 to Wednesday, December 30th, 2009
Timings    8 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.
Venue    Atrium Bar, Taj Deccan, Road No.1, Banjara Hills.
Contact    6666-9999

India clinch dramatic last-ball win !!!

India clinch dramatic last-ball win !!!

India : 414 / 7 in 50.0 overs (RR: 8.28)
Sri Lanka : 411 / 8 in 50.0 overs (RR: 8.22)

Result: India won by 3 runs
Man of the Match: Virender Sehwag

Hot Happenings - Dec 15, 2009

Lagdapati begins fast for united Andhra
The Vijayawada Congress MP, Mr L. Rajagopal, who had threatened to go on an indefinite hunger strike to oppose division of Andhra Pradesh, began his fast on Tuesday.

India, China join to fight climate war
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to meet his Chinese counterpart, Mr Wen Jiabao, in Copenhagen to discuss common strategy for climate change conference, sources said.

• TRS ready to wait till 2014 for Telangana
• OU students plan to strike in Delhi for T
• 7 cases filed against Lagadapati

International

• 22 million missing Bush emails found
• UK bishop praises Taliban
• People who look younger live longer, says study
  

Business

• Inflation trebles on food prices
• Dubai gets Abu Dhabi bailout
• Global markets rejoice
• RBI may squeeze money supply to tame inflation
• Home loan rate war gets intense
• Revival of mutual funds to help banks

Entertainment

• Tusshar, Minnisha to act together
• Ranbir upset with Shahzhan
• Randhir launches a book on Raj Kapoor’s birthday
• PC set for Yash Raj Films, Karan’s new TV show
• SRK set for onslaught after Aamir’s release
• King Khan vs Prince of Kolkata

Health

• Intense pain fails to deter sportsmen
• Body clock disturbances affect heart
• You’ll live longer if you look young
• Food sweetener fuels juvenile diabetes
• Alcohol raises chances of breast cancer return
• Fat in diet won't affect weight gain over time
• Brain 'exposes' those who break promises
• Vitamin E can help fight cancer
• Exercise doesn’t alleviate period pain

Sports

• SL win toss, put India to bat
• Mahi’s men look to shift gears to ODI format
• ‘Yorkers key for success in ODI’
• Indians fret over Yuvraj’s fitness
  

Fun ways to keep fit in your office

• Stay hydrated
• Make reasons to walk around
• Hit the office gym in lunch hours
• Simple stretching
• Take the stairs
• Pack healthy snacks
• Conduct meetings on the go
• Participate in different office games