As the shadow of the moon eclipsed the sun on Friday afternoon, leaving only a blazing ring of fire visible, scientists, eclipse chasers and spectators gathered in Rameshwaram cheered.
Thousands had assembled at the seaside pilgrimage spot to witness this rare celestial phenomenon — an annular eclipse of the sun for over 11 minutes.
The eclipse, which could be seen across parts of Africa and Asia, began in India around 11 a.m. in Kerala and was to end around 3:15 p.m. in Mizoram. The southern tips of Kerala and neighbouring Tamil Nadu offered the best views.
In an annular eclipse the sun and moon are directly in line with the viewing point on earth and the outer rim of the sun is visible around the moon’s smaller shadow.
People at Dhanushkodi, about 18 km from here, touted as the best location to watch the longest eclipse in a century, were excited as the moon began to cover the sun.
It is from places like Dhanushkodi, Kanyakumari, Varkala that people would be able to see the ring of fire as the moon tries to block the Solar disc leaving the edges flaring.
“I’ve seen many eclipses. But this is the first time I saw the golden ring of fire. It was perfect,” said Paresh Sanyal, who travelled some 2,260 kilometres from Kolkata to Dhanushkodi. Mr. Sanyal, a veteran of 15 eclipses, calls himself an ecliptomaniac.
Showing posts with label latest hyderabad news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label latest hyderabad news. Show all posts
Friday, January 15, 2010
Century’s longest annular solar eclipse today Started
The millennium’s longest celestial spectacle unfolded on Friday in a narrow strip in peninsular India with enthusiasts flocking sites to observe the annular solar eclipse.
The scientific phenomenon began at 11:17 AM at Dhanushkodi.
People at Dhanushkodi, about 18 km from here, touted as the best location to watch the longest eclipse in a century, were excited as the moon began to cover the sun.
It is from places like Dhanushkodi, Kanyakumari, Varkala that people would be able to see the ring of fire as the moon tries to block the Solar disc leaving the edges flaring.
“The moon has started covering the sun and by 1:30 PM people will be able to see the ‘ring of fire’,” SPACE Director C B Devgun told PTI.
In Kanyakumari, the eclipse was watched by a team of six scientists from Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA).
“The eclipse is half-way. The annularity will be at about 1:06 PM which will be for 10.8 minutes,” R C Kapoor, a scientist at IIA, told PTI.
In Delhi, the eclipse began at 11:53 AM.
Several skywatchers watched the celestial spectacle from Nehru Planetarium in New Delhi where special arrangements were made.
Projectors, telescopes and special solar view goggles were made available to the people who gathered to have a glimpse of the cosmic event.
Many people who had gathered at the planetarium were brimming with excitement as they watched the celestial show.
Mamata, who came to the planetarium to watch the event, said “It is the first time I am seeing such an event“.
“The view of the eclipse was enthralling,” Shreyansh Gupta, a student, said.
58-year-old Nisha too was very upbeat about the whole cosmic event. “In 1980 I first saw the solar eclipse. However, things are different now“.
An amateur astronomer Mushir (14) described the whole event as great. “It is probably the first and last time I am seeing the eclipse. It feels great,” he said.
Sachin Bahmba, founder of NGO Science Popularisation Association of Communicators and Educators (SPACE), said, “We are encouraging people to eat food and drink water to bust all myths about the eclipse”.
IANS reports from Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu)
The longest annular solar eclipse of the millennium began at 11.06 a.m. Friday in Kanyakumari as thousands of people converged here to watch the celestial spectacle.
Annular solar eclipse occurs when the sun and the moon are exactly in line, but the apparent size of the moon’s shadow is smaller than the visible disc of the sun, making it appear like a ring of fire. The eclipse is expected to peak to annular eclipse at 1.15 p.m.
Rajendra Ratnoo, district collector of Kanyakumari said: “Television sets have been set up at the viewing centre near the Public Works Department guesthouse. A telescope has been connected to a plasma TV for people to see.” He said around 750 students from 25 states have come to Kanyakumari to witness the celestial spectacle.
According to the police, around 150 security personnel have been deployed as they expect around 15,000 people to visit the viewing centre.
Seven telescopes have been set up in addition where facilities have been made to view the eclipse through pin hole and mirror projection.
The last time India saw this ‘Ring of Fire’ was November 22, 1965, and it will not be witnessed again before June 21, 2020. The next longest annular solar eclipse will be seen in 3043.
While visibility of the eclipse will be more in Tamil Nadu as compared to other parts of the country, within the state the visibility is longer in Rameshwaram and Danushkodi around 580 km from the state capital.
Scientists and common people gathered at Kanyakumari, Rameshwaram and nearby Danushkodi to witness and study this rare celestial phenomenon.
The scientific phenomenon began at 11:17 AM at Dhanushkodi.
People at Dhanushkodi, about 18 km from here, touted as the best location to watch the longest eclipse in a century, were excited as the moon began to cover the sun.
It is from places like Dhanushkodi, Kanyakumari, Varkala that people would be able to see the ring of fire as the moon tries to block the Solar disc leaving the edges flaring.
“The moon has started covering the sun and by 1:30 PM people will be able to see the ‘ring of fire’,” SPACE Director C B Devgun told PTI.
In Kanyakumari, the eclipse was watched by a team of six scientists from Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA).
“The eclipse is half-way. The annularity will be at about 1:06 PM which will be for 10.8 minutes,” R C Kapoor, a scientist at IIA, told PTI.
In Delhi, the eclipse began at 11:53 AM.
Several skywatchers watched the celestial spectacle from Nehru Planetarium in New Delhi where special arrangements were made.
Projectors, telescopes and special solar view goggles were made available to the people who gathered to have a glimpse of the cosmic event.
Many people who had gathered at the planetarium were brimming with excitement as they watched the celestial show.
Mamata, who came to the planetarium to watch the event, said “It is the first time I am seeing such an event“.
“The view of the eclipse was enthralling,” Shreyansh Gupta, a student, said.
58-year-old Nisha too was very upbeat about the whole cosmic event. “In 1980 I first saw the solar eclipse. However, things are different now“.
An amateur astronomer Mushir (14) described the whole event as great. “It is probably the first and last time I am seeing the eclipse. It feels great,” he said.
Sachin Bahmba, founder of NGO Science Popularisation Association of Communicators and Educators (SPACE), said, “We are encouraging people to eat food and drink water to bust all myths about the eclipse”.
IANS reports from Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu)
The longest annular solar eclipse of the millennium began at 11.06 a.m. Friday in Kanyakumari as thousands of people converged here to watch the celestial spectacle.
Annular solar eclipse occurs when the sun and the moon are exactly in line, but the apparent size of the moon’s shadow is smaller than the visible disc of the sun, making it appear like a ring of fire. The eclipse is expected to peak to annular eclipse at 1.15 p.m.
Rajendra Ratnoo, district collector of Kanyakumari said: “Television sets have been set up at the viewing centre near the Public Works Department guesthouse. A telescope has been connected to a plasma TV for people to see.” He said around 750 students from 25 states have come to Kanyakumari to witness the celestial spectacle.
According to the police, around 150 security personnel have been deployed as they expect around 15,000 people to visit the viewing centre.
Seven telescopes have been set up in addition where facilities have been made to view the eclipse through pin hole and mirror projection.
The last time India saw this ‘Ring of Fire’ was November 22, 1965, and it will not be witnessed again before June 21, 2020. The next longest annular solar eclipse will be seen in 3043.
While visibility of the eclipse will be more in Tamil Nadu as compared to other parts of the country, within the state the visibility is longer in Rameshwaram and Danushkodi around 580 km from the state capital.
Scientists and common people gathered at Kanyakumari, Rameshwaram and nearby Danushkodi to witness and study this rare celestial phenomenon.
Telangana Vaidya Garjana on Jan 22
Doctors from the Telangana region floated `Telangana Doctors Forum’ to do their bit in attaining separate Telangana State.
In an effort to strengthen their role and create awareness among the people on the need for a separate State, the doctors will organise `Telangana Vaidya Garjana’ at Osmania Medical College grounds on January 22.
Speaking to reporters here today, the Forum chairman A Gopal Kishan said that the people’s urge for separate Telangana even 50 years after it was merged with Andhra state indicates that injustice was done to them in the united Andhra Pradesh.
``Of the three regions in the erstwhile Hyderabad State comprising Telangana, Marathwada and Karnataka, there is a demand only for separate Telangana but not other regions which shows the indifference meted out by Andhra rulers towards their brothers in Telangana,’’ he pointed out.
Gopal Kishan said that the doctors from different disciplines of medical fraternity including Allopathy, Homeopathy, Unani, Ayurveda, Siddha and Naturopathy and members of medical, para-medical, nursing, junior doctors and even Class IV employees will participate in the meeting scheduled on January 22.
He said that efforts were on to bring together professionals like doctors, engineers, advocates, gazetted and non-gazetted officers and other intellectuals to form a Joint Action Committee.
Stating that politicians have always betrayed people in the struggle for separate Telangana, Gopal Kishan said that the JAC will act as a `watchdog’ till separate State is achieved.
Babu Rao and Ram Kishan, members of the Forum, stated that the Government never followed the local and non-local rules when it came to allocation of medical seats in Osmania, Gandhi and Kakatiya colleges.
All these medical colleges, which are in Telangana, have more than 50 per cent nonlocal students though they are eligible for only 15-20 per cent, they pointed out.
“Mahatma Gandhi Memorial hospital in Warangal is the only major hospital established in Telangana region after Andhra Pradesh was formed, while everybody knows about the numerous hospitals that came up in the rest of the State,’’ Ram Kishan said. Babu Rao said that there are about 900 hospitals in Andhra and Rayalaseema regions but only 280 hospitals in Telangana districts despite having nearly equal population.
NIMS former director Raji Reddy, Indian Medical Association president DN Reddy, the Forum members Balbir Singh Yadav, Ram Singh, Lakshma Reddy, Osmania Medical College Telangana Junior Doctors Association president Srikanth and many other doctors were present.
In an effort to strengthen their role and create awareness among the people on the need for a separate State, the doctors will organise `Telangana Vaidya Garjana’ at Osmania Medical College grounds on January 22.
Speaking to reporters here today, the Forum chairman A Gopal Kishan said that the people’s urge for separate Telangana even 50 years after it was merged with Andhra state indicates that injustice was done to them in the united Andhra Pradesh.
``Of the three regions in the erstwhile Hyderabad State comprising Telangana, Marathwada and Karnataka, there is a demand only for separate Telangana but not other regions which shows the indifference meted out by Andhra rulers towards their brothers in Telangana,’’ he pointed out.
Gopal Kishan said that the doctors from different disciplines of medical fraternity including Allopathy, Homeopathy, Unani, Ayurveda, Siddha and Naturopathy and members of medical, para-medical, nursing, junior doctors and even Class IV employees will participate in the meeting scheduled on January 22.
He said that efforts were on to bring together professionals like doctors, engineers, advocates, gazetted and non-gazetted officers and other intellectuals to form a Joint Action Committee.
Stating that politicians have always betrayed people in the struggle for separate Telangana, Gopal Kishan said that the JAC will act as a `watchdog’ till separate State is achieved.
Babu Rao and Ram Kishan, members of the Forum, stated that the Government never followed the local and non-local rules when it came to allocation of medical seats in Osmania, Gandhi and Kakatiya colleges.
All these medical colleges, which are in Telangana, have more than 50 per cent nonlocal students though they are eligible for only 15-20 per cent, they pointed out.
“Mahatma Gandhi Memorial hospital in Warangal is the only major hospital established in Telangana region after Andhra Pradesh was formed, while everybody knows about the numerous hospitals that came up in the rest of the State,’’ Ram Kishan said. Babu Rao said that there are about 900 hospitals in Andhra and Rayalaseema regions but only 280 hospitals in Telangana districts despite having nearly equal population.
NIMS former director Raji Reddy, Indian Medical Association president DN Reddy, the Forum members Balbir Singh Yadav, Ram Singh, Lakshma Reddy, Osmania Medical College Telangana Junior Doctors Association president Srikanth and many other doctors were present.
TRS withdraws boycott of Junior NTR's film
Faced with criticism from other parties, the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) Thursday withdrew its call for the boycott of Telugu film “Adurs” starring Junior NTR.
The TRS said it would not stall the film as it respected the decision taken by the all-party Joint Action Committee (JAC). The JAC, which includes the TRS, at its meeting late Wednesday, found fault with the TRS for attacking theatres and stopping the screening of the film.
TRS workers had disrupted the screening of the film at several places in the Telangana region on the ground that its producers were opposed to the demand for statehood to Telangana.
Telangana Jagruthi, the cultural arm of the TRS, had given a call for boycotting the film, which was screened in Hyderabad, Khammam and some other places amid tight security.
The ban imposed by Telangana Jagruthi president and TRS chief K. Chandrasekhara Rao’s daughter K. Kavita had come under criticism from Telangana leaders of the Congress, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other parties.
Following the latest decision by the TRS, the film was Thursday released in Warangal, Nizamabad, Adilabad, Nalgonda and other places.
Kodali Venkateswara Rao alias Naani and V. Vamsi Mohan, the producers of “Adurs”, are leaders of the TDP. Kavita has alleged they were supporting the movement against bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.
Two days before the film’s release, Junior NTR issued a statement clarifying he was not against Telangana. Movie Artistes’ Association (MAA) had also clarified the artists had no regional feelings.
The TRS said it would not stall the film as it respected the decision taken by the all-party Joint Action Committee (JAC). The JAC, which includes the TRS, at its meeting late Wednesday, found fault with the TRS for attacking theatres and stopping the screening of the film.
TRS workers had disrupted the screening of the film at several places in the Telangana region on the ground that its producers were opposed to the demand for statehood to Telangana.
Telangana Jagruthi, the cultural arm of the TRS, had given a call for boycotting the film, which was screened in Hyderabad, Khammam and some other places amid tight security.
The ban imposed by Telangana Jagruthi president and TRS chief K. Chandrasekhara Rao’s daughter K. Kavita had come under criticism from Telangana leaders of the Congress, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other parties.
Following the latest decision by the TRS, the film was Thursday released in Warangal, Nizamabad, Adilabad, Nalgonda and other places.
Kodali Venkateswara Rao alias Naani and V. Vamsi Mohan, the producers of “Adurs”, are leaders of the TDP. Kavita has alleged they were supporting the movement against bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.
Two days before the film’s release, Junior NTR issued a statement clarifying he was not against Telangana. Movie Artistes’ Association (MAA) had also clarified the artists had no regional feelings.
Don’t withdraw resignations, Gadar urges MLAs
Balladeer Gadar urged MLAs and MPs who had submitted their resignation seeking carving of separate Telangana State not to withdraw their resignations until separate Telangana State was carved.
Telangana: AP government trying for 'safe mode'
Priority No 1: Restoration of peace and law and order.
Priority No 2: Restoration of confidence of the industry. Priority No 3: Allaying perception that governance has come to a halt.
The January 5 Delhi declaration by political parties in Andhra Pradesh — “We will work to ensure that peace, harmony and law and order is maintained” — appears to be the bottom line for any progress to happen insofar as deliberations on the Telangana statehood issue are concerned.
Whether or not political parties have taken seriously the joint commitment they made, both the Centre and state have.
The inference from the discussions that this correspondent had with those at the highest level in government is that the police have been told to be professional and objective in dealing with any threat to law and order from any group or party in any region.
The essence of the government’s thinking is that agitations for and against the division of the state have already done some damage on the economic front and it should not allow any further deterioration as the slide could be faster but the recovery would take much longer.
It may not be music to the ears of Telangana protagonists but the fact appears to be that the political establishment would not like to take any step forward until absolute peace is prevailed. “We have to engage ourselves in what we see as a painful process in the coming months. But, what we are keen on is to ensure that this is done with minimum pain,” a top functionary told Express.
Again, though the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) seems averse to any panel to hold consultations as that could be seen as a delay tactic, Delhi is of the view that it is the only way out as some mechanism is required to engage different stakeholders in a dialogue.
As for the unending speculation that President’s rule could be imposed any time, the Centre again is looking at it as the last option in the event of compelling circumstances.
This is because it feels that a solution to the kind of complex issue that the state is currently confronted with should be found with a popularly elected government in place and by way of a dialogue, however, long-winding the exercise might turn out to be.
During the January 5 meeting chaired by Union Home Minister P Chidambaram and even later, the Centre reportedly conveyed to all parties that this is not the time for exchange of words as it could only widen the gap between people of different regions. Instead, what it is looking at is exchange of views in an atmosphere where due respect is given to each other’s point of view.
Though in a different way, the new Governor, ESL Narasimhan, has been doing precisely this, being the Constitutional link between Hyderabad and Delhi. Ever since he took over a couple of weeks ago, Narasimhan has already met a few hundred people from different sections of the society, carefully conveying his views and at the same time, eliciting that of others. Just as he did with industry representatives the other day when he reassured government support and at the same time chided them for ‘over-reacting’ to events.
Priority No 2: Restoration of confidence of the industry. Priority No 3: Allaying perception that governance has come to a halt.
The January 5 Delhi declaration by political parties in Andhra Pradesh — “We will work to ensure that peace, harmony and law and order is maintained” — appears to be the bottom line for any progress to happen insofar as deliberations on the Telangana statehood issue are concerned.
Whether or not political parties have taken seriously the joint commitment they made, both the Centre and state have.
The inference from the discussions that this correspondent had with those at the highest level in government is that the police have been told to be professional and objective in dealing with any threat to law and order from any group or party in any region.
The essence of the government’s thinking is that agitations for and against the division of the state have already done some damage on the economic front and it should not allow any further deterioration as the slide could be faster but the recovery would take much longer.
It may not be music to the ears of Telangana protagonists but the fact appears to be that the political establishment would not like to take any step forward until absolute peace is prevailed. “We have to engage ourselves in what we see as a painful process in the coming months. But, what we are keen on is to ensure that this is done with minimum pain,” a top functionary told Express.
Again, though the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) seems averse to any panel to hold consultations as that could be seen as a delay tactic, Delhi is of the view that it is the only way out as some mechanism is required to engage different stakeholders in a dialogue.
As for the unending speculation that President’s rule could be imposed any time, the Centre again is looking at it as the last option in the event of compelling circumstances.
This is because it feels that a solution to the kind of complex issue that the state is currently confronted with should be found with a popularly elected government in place and by way of a dialogue, however, long-winding the exercise might turn out to be.
During the January 5 meeting chaired by Union Home Minister P Chidambaram and even later, the Centre reportedly conveyed to all parties that this is not the time for exchange of words as it could only widen the gap between people of different regions. Instead, what it is looking at is exchange of views in an atmosphere where due respect is given to each other’s point of view.
Though in a different way, the new Governor, ESL Narasimhan, has been doing precisely this, being the Constitutional link between Hyderabad and Delhi. Ever since he took over a couple of weeks ago, Narasimhan has already met a few hundred people from different sections of the society, carefully conveying his views and at the same time, eliciting that of others. Just as he did with industry representatives the other day when he reassured government support and at the same time chided them for ‘over-reacting’ to events.
Eclipse: Dos and Don'ts
As you step out into the sun today, remember not to look up. Viewing the sun during eclipse is perhaps not the best thing to do. But today, when the sun grows dark for the longest time in this millennium, some are gearing up to witness the phenomenon, abiding by the do's and don’ts of eclipses. Beginning at 11.16 am in Bangalore, the eclipse will last till 3.15 pm in the city and be at its peak at around 1.20 pm.
Celestial body lovers of the city can watch the phenomenon, thanks to the eclipse glasses Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is selling and to the innovative methods people have come up with to view the eclipse indirectly.
Arrangements have been made for safe viewing of the eclipse today between 11.20 am to 3.00 pm at the planetarium.
Images projected from telescopes set up at the planetarium will be shown to the people gathered at the venue.
“I am gearing up to watch the eclipse. I bought the eclipse glasses and am planning to watch it from home.
Hopefully, it won’t be a cloudy day,” says Sheena Joseph, a resident of Bangalore. Though Bangalore will witness a partial eclipse, sun coverage at maximum will be around 84 per cent.
Wearing sunglasses won’t block out the undesired rays and the sun’s disk can be viewed through suitable filtration techniques that will block the harmful part of the sun’s radiation. Viewing the Sun on a display screen of a video or digital camera is safe, though the camera itself may be damaged by direct exposure to the sun. If you can’t get hold of the special eclipse glasses, there are other ways by which you can observe the phenomenon.
In the pinhole projection method, you need two pieces of cardboards. Make a small hole in one of the cardboards and hold this above the other one. Move the cards in line with the sun and you will see the sun’s image projected on the bottom card. The mirror projection method is a little more complicated. You will need al mirror and an envelope. Tear a ragged hole about the size of a thumbnail in the front of the envelope and put the mirror inside the envelope with the shiny side facing the hole. Hold the mirror towards the sun and reflect the image on to a facing wall, door or flat surface. This is your screen. You will see an image of the sun reflected onto the screen. But remember not to look at the mirror! You could also use a welding glass (shade number 14) to view the sun. If you are not sure of the shade number, it’s best to try one of the other methods. A welding glass that is less than shade 14 allows too much light to pass.
Celestial body lovers of the city can watch the phenomenon, thanks to the eclipse glasses Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is selling and to the innovative methods people have come up with to view the eclipse indirectly.
Arrangements have been made for safe viewing of the eclipse today between 11.20 am to 3.00 pm at the planetarium.
Images projected from telescopes set up at the planetarium will be shown to the people gathered at the venue.
“I am gearing up to watch the eclipse. I bought the eclipse glasses and am planning to watch it from home.
Hopefully, it won’t be a cloudy day,” says Sheena Joseph, a resident of Bangalore. Though Bangalore will witness a partial eclipse, sun coverage at maximum will be around 84 per cent.
Wearing sunglasses won’t block out the undesired rays and the sun’s disk can be viewed through suitable filtration techniques that will block the harmful part of the sun’s radiation. Viewing the Sun on a display screen of a video or digital camera is safe, though the camera itself may be damaged by direct exposure to the sun. If you can’t get hold of the special eclipse glasses, there are other ways by which you can observe the phenomenon.
In the pinhole projection method, you need two pieces of cardboards. Make a small hole in one of the cardboards and hold this above the other one. Move the cards in line with the sun and you will see the sun’s image projected on the bottom card. The mirror projection method is a little more complicated. You will need al mirror and an envelope. Tear a ragged hole about the size of a thumbnail in the front of the envelope and put the mirror inside the envelope with the shiny side facing the hole. Hold the mirror towards the sun and reflect the image on to a facing wall, door or flat surface. This is your screen. You will see an image of the sun reflected onto the screen. But remember not to look at the mirror! You could also use a welding glass (shade number 14) to view the sun. If you are not sure of the shade number, it’s best to try one of the other methods. A welding glass that is less than shade 14 allows too much light to pass.
Century’s longest annular solar eclipse today
Astronomy lovers are in for a rare celestial treat as they will be able to witness the century’s longest annular solar eclipse on Friday. The solar eclipse on January 15 is the longest annular solar eclipse that will occur in the 21st century, Science Popularisation Association of Communicators and Educators (Space) member C B Devgun said.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, thereby totally or partially obscuring the Earth’s view of the sun, while an annular eclipse occurs when the moon is farther from the Earth than normal, and hence its apparent size is not quite sufficient to cover the sun completely, he said. In annular solar eclipse, the sun appears as a very bright annulus which in Latin means `ring’ surrounding the outline of the moon giving the appearance of a `ring of fire,’ Devgun said.
The photosphere of the sun shall be covered by the moon thereby forming a `ring of fire’ in the sky for more than 10 minutes in some parts of India. The path of the annularity in India will pass over Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Mizoram while the partial phase of eclipse will be visible all over the country, he said.
Apart from India, the annular eclipse will be visible across Africa, the Indian Ocean, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and South-East Asia.
In Delhi, the annular eclipse will start at 11.53 am and end at 3.11 pm, with a maximum at 1.53 pm. The north tip of the path of annularity will touch India first at 8.801 N longitude, 76.656 E latitude, about 10 km south of Kollam and about 2 km south-west of a nearby place Paravur in Kerala. Vedaranyam in Tamil Nadu will witness the last touch of the annular solar eclipse.
Only properly designed and certified solar filters or goggles should be used to view the annular solar eclipse, Nehru Planetarium Director Rathnasree said.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, thereby totally or partially obscuring the Earth’s view of the sun, while an annular eclipse occurs when the moon is farther from the Earth than normal, and hence its apparent size is not quite sufficient to cover the sun completely, he said. In annular solar eclipse, the sun appears as a very bright annulus which in Latin means `ring’ surrounding the outline of the moon giving the appearance of a `ring of fire,’ Devgun said.
The photosphere of the sun shall be covered by the moon thereby forming a `ring of fire’ in the sky for more than 10 minutes in some parts of India. The path of the annularity in India will pass over Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Mizoram while the partial phase of eclipse will be visible all over the country, he said.
Apart from India, the annular eclipse will be visible across Africa, the Indian Ocean, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and South-East Asia.
In Delhi, the annular eclipse will start at 11.53 am and end at 3.11 pm, with a maximum at 1.53 pm. The north tip of the path of annularity will touch India first at 8.801 N longitude, 76.656 E latitude, about 10 km south of Kollam and about 2 km south-west of a nearby place Paravur in Kerala. Vedaranyam in Tamil Nadu will witness the last touch of the annular solar eclipse.
Only properly designed and certified solar filters or goggles should be used to view the annular solar eclipse, Nehru Planetarium Director Rathnasree said.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Daily News - Jan 14, 2010
Sohrab back to haunt AP cops
The role of Andhra Pradesh police in the Sohrabbuddin fake encounter case has come under the scrutiny of the Supreme Court while handing over the probe to the CBI.
Fear is the key for KCR Inc
The call by Ms Kavita, daughter of the TRS president, Mr K. Chandrasekhar Rao, to stall the release of Jr NTR-starrer Adhurs has again raised serious concerns about the impunity with which the family orchestrates violence in the region.
4 cops from state escape Haiti quake
It was a providential escape for four police officers from the state who were working for the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Haiti as a devastating earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale struck just when they were about to board a flight to Miami.
Rajdhani Express to don Kerala colours
The Rajdhani Express that links New Delhi to the State capitals offers the unique opportunity of experiencing Indian Railways at its best. It is for the first time that the tourist attractions of a State are being featured on the coaches of the country’s prestigious train.
State gift is a hike in VAT
The state government on Wednesday issued orders increasing the Value Added Tax rate from 12.5 per cent to 14.5 per cent. The commercial taxes commissioner, Ms Rajeev Ranjan Acharya, said the rate would apply to goods under Schedule V of the AP VAT Act.
Automobiles, spares, electrical and electronic goods, cosmetics, soaps, detergents, toothpaste, confectioneries, soft drinks, processed food and building materials will cost more.
Tollywood calling
Bengaluru girl Sanchita Padukone has just signed her first Telugu film and she will be playing the lead role. Her first Kannada film Raavana did not create ripples, but it seems her career is soaring, outside Kannada film industry.
“I want to do more Kannada films and even dub in my own voice. But I was terribly disappointed with the response to my Kannada film. Unfortunately the pre-release publicity of the film failed to create hype. Anyways I am happy that I was noticed in the film and some of the reviews showed me in a positive light. Now, I have signed a new Telugu film with Raja in the lead. I will be playing the lead character of Madhubala and the film will be directed by a young debutant director Srinivas,” says Sanchita Padukone who will start shooting for the film on January 16 in Hyderabad.
Meanwhile, Sanchita also plays the lead role in the Tamil film Pillaiyaar Theru, Kadaisi Veedu, the shooting for which has been completed and a song has to be picturised. She is happy that her first Tamil film Vettai Kaaran has been doing well after its release.
“I play the role of a simple girl in Pillaiyaar Theru, Kadaisi Veedu. Ramesh Jiththan plays the lead in this film. It has all the commercial ingredients and there are several good songs and fights in the film. I really enjoyed working in the film. Most of the film was shot in Munnar in Kerala,” says Sanchita Padukone.
Slew of steps to check sugar prices
The Centre on Wednesday announced a slew of measures to curb the soaring prices of essential commodities and expressed the hope that sugar price would come down in a week.
Hockey crisis resolved, players to join camp
Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi, who brokered the compromise deal, said that the Rs 1 crore given by sponsors Sahara India will be disbursed among the players within a week and all other issues would be settled in due course.
Maoists may take advantage of turmoil in AP: Police
Taking advantage of the prevailing volatile political situation in Andhra Pradesh, the Maoists may try to strengthen their base, police officials have warned.
The role of Andhra Pradesh police in the Sohrabbuddin fake encounter case has come under the scrutiny of the Supreme Court while handing over the probe to the CBI.
Fear is the key for KCR Inc
The call by Ms Kavita, daughter of the TRS president, Mr K. Chandrasekhar Rao, to stall the release of Jr NTR-starrer Adhurs has again raised serious concerns about the impunity with which the family orchestrates violence in the region.
4 cops from state escape Haiti quake
It was a providential escape for four police officers from the state who were working for the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Haiti as a devastating earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale struck just when they were about to board a flight to Miami.
Rajdhani Express to don Kerala colours
The Rajdhani Express that links New Delhi to the State capitals offers the unique opportunity of experiencing Indian Railways at its best. It is for the first time that the tourist attractions of a State are being featured on the coaches of the country’s prestigious train.
State gift is a hike in VAT
The state government on Wednesday issued orders increasing the Value Added Tax rate from 12.5 per cent to 14.5 per cent. The commercial taxes commissioner, Ms Rajeev Ranjan Acharya, said the rate would apply to goods under Schedule V of the AP VAT Act.
Automobiles, spares, electrical and electronic goods, cosmetics, soaps, detergents, toothpaste, confectioneries, soft drinks, processed food and building materials will cost more.
Tollywood calling
Bengaluru girl Sanchita Padukone has just signed her first Telugu film and she will be playing the lead role. Her first Kannada film Raavana did not create ripples, but it seems her career is soaring, outside Kannada film industry.
“I want to do more Kannada films and even dub in my own voice. But I was terribly disappointed with the response to my Kannada film. Unfortunately the pre-release publicity of the film failed to create hype. Anyways I am happy that I was noticed in the film and some of the reviews showed me in a positive light. Now, I have signed a new Telugu film with Raja in the lead. I will be playing the lead character of Madhubala and the film will be directed by a young debutant director Srinivas,” says Sanchita Padukone who will start shooting for the film on January 16 in Hyderabad.
Meanwhile, Sanchita also plays the lead role in the Tamil film Pillaiyaar Theru, Kadaisi Veedu, the shooting for which has been completed and a song has to be picturised. She is happy that her first Tamil film Vettai Kaaran has been doing well after its release.
“I play the role of a simple girl in Pillaiyaar Theru, Kadaisi Veedu. Ramesh Jiththan plays the lead in this film. It has all the commercial ingredients and there are several good songs and fights in the film. I really enjoyed working in the film. Most of the film was shot in Munnar in Kerala,” says Sanchita Padukone.
Slew of steps to check sugar prices
The Centre on Wednesday announced a slew of measures to curb the soaring prices of essential commodities and expressed the hope that sugar price would come down in a week.
Hockey crisis resolved, players to join camp
Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi, who brokered the compromise deal, said that the Rs 1 crore given by sponsors Sahara India will be disbursed among the players within a week and all other issues would be settled in due course.
Maoists may take advantage of turmoil in AP: Police
Taking advantage of the prevailing volatile political situation in Andhra Pradesh, the Maoists may try to strengthen their base, police officials have warned.
‘KCR’s family forgot promise
Telangana leaders ranging from the PCC president, Mr D. Srinivas, the ministers, Mr Danam Nagender, and Mr Mukesh Goud, the Telugu Desam’s Mr Nagam Janardhan Reddy, Mr Talasani Srinivas Yadav, and Mr Aravind Kumar Goud have pointed out that the family of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti chief, Mr K. Chandrasekhar Rao, had forgotten its assurance to the people who had settled down in Hyderabad that they could lead a “happy life” even after the bifurcation of the state.
They pointed out that Telangana state would not be a reality if KCR Inc threatens the people.
“Mr Chandrasekhar Rao’s family should not think that Telangana is their property. This is not the way to lead the movement,” said
Mr Danam Nagender, minister. “Threatening statements would cause social insecurity among the people. Many of them are under grip of fear,” said Mr S.V. Nagnath, a consultant psychologist.
“Productivity will come down when people are not able to concentrate on their work. Those statements will have a bad impact on the subconscious,” he added.
They pointed out that Telangana state would not be a reality if KCR Inc threatens the people.
“Mr Chandrasekhar Rao’s family should not think that Telangana is their property. This is not the way to lead the movement,” said
Mr Danam Nagender, minister. “Threatening statements would cause social insecurity among the people. Many of them are under grip of fear,” said Mr S.V. Nagnath, a consultant psychologist.
“Productivity will come down when people are not able to concentrate on their work. Those statements will have a bad impact on the subconscious,” he added.
Thousands feared dead in Haiti quake
Haitians piled bodies along the devastated streets of their capital Wednesday after a powerful earthquake flattened the president’s palace, the cathedral, hospitals, schools, the main prison and whole neighborhoods. Officials feared thousands -- perhaps more than 100,000 -- may have perished but there was no firm count.
Death was everywhere in Port-au-Prince. Bodies of tiny children were piled next to schools. Corpses of women lay on the street with stunned expressions frozen on their faces as flies began to gather. Bodies of men were covered with plastic tarps or cotton sheets.
President Rene Preval said he believes thousands were killed in Tuesday afternoon’s magnitude-7.0 quake, and the scope of the destruction prompted other officials to give even higher estimates. Leading Sen. Youri Latortue told The Associated Press that 500,000 could be dead, although he acknowledged that nobody really knows.
“Parliament has collapsed. The tax office has collapsed. Schools have collapsed. Hospitals have collapsed,” Preval told the Miami Herald. “There are a lot of schools that have a lot of dead people in them.”
Even the main prison in the capital fell down, “and there are reports of escaped inmates,” U.N. humanitarian spokeswoman Elisabeth Byrs said in Geneva.
The head of the U.N. peacekeeping mission was missing and the Roman Catholic archbishop of Port-au-Prince was dead.
“The cathedral, the archbishop’s office, all the big churches, the seminaries have been reduced to rubble,” Archbishop Bernardito Auza, the apostolic envoy to Haiti, told the Vatican news agency FIDES.
The parking lot of the Hotel Villa Creole was a triage center. People sat with injuries and growing infections by the side of rubble-strewn roads, hoping that doctors and aid would come.
The international Red Cross said a third of Haiti’s 9 million people may need emergency aid and that it would take a day or two for a clear picture of the damage to emerge.
At first light Wednesday, a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter evacuated four critically injured U.S. Embassy staff to the hospital on the U.S. Naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where the military has been detaining suspected terrorists.
President Barack Obama promised an all-out rescue and humanitarian effort, adding that the U.S. commitment to its hemispheric neighbor will be unwavering.
“We have to be there for them in their hour of need,” Obama said.
A small contingent of U.S. ground troops could be on their way soon, although it was unclear whether they would be used for security operations or humanitarian efforts. Gen. Douglas Fraser, commander of the U.S. Southern Command, said roughly 2,000 Marines as part of an expeditionary unit might be deployed aboard a large-deck amphibious ship. Fraser said the ship could provide medical help.
Other nations -- from Iceland to Venezuela -- said they would start sending in aid workers and rescue teams. Cuba said its existing field hospitals in Haiti had already treated hundreds of victims. The United Nations said Port-au-Prince’s main airport was “fully operational” and open to relief flights.
The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson, is under way and expected to arrive off the coast of Haiti Thursday. Additional U.S. Navy ships are under way to Haiti, a statement from the U.S. Southern Command said.
Aftershocks continued to rattle the capital of 2 million people as women covered in dust clawed out of debris, wailing. Stunned people wandered the streets holding hands. Thousands gathered in public squares to sing hymns.
U.N. humanitarian chief John Holmes said it was possible that the death toll “will be in the thousands.”
“Initial reports suggest a high number of casualties and, of course, widespread damage but I don’t have any figure that I can give you with any reliability of what the number of casualties will be,” Holmes said.
People pulled bodies from collapsed homes, covering them with sheets by the side of the road. Passers-by lifted the sheets to see if loved ones were underneath. Outside a crumbled building, the bodies of five children and three adults lay in a pile.
The prominent died along with the poor: the body of Archbishop Joseph Serge Miot, 63, was found in the ruins of his office, said the Rev. Pierre Le Beller of the Saint Jacques Missionary Center in Landivisiau, France. He told The Associated Press by telephone that fellow missionaries in Haiti had told him they found Miot’s body.
Preval told the Herald that Haiti’s Senate president was among those trapped alive inside the Parliament building. Much of the National Palace pancaked on itself.
The international Red Cross and other aid groups announced plans for major relief operations in the Western Hemisphere’s poorest country.
Many will have to help their own staff as well as stricken Haitians. Taiwan said its embassy was destroyed and the ambassador hospitalized. Spain said its embassy was badly damaged and France said its embassy also suffered damage.
Tens of thousands of people lost their homes as buildings that were flimsy and dangerous even under normal conditions collapsed. Nobody offered an estimate of the dead, but the numbers were clearly enormous.
“The hospitals cannot handle all these victims,” said Dr. Louis-Gerard Gilles.
Medical experts say disasters such as an earthquake generally do not lead to new outbreaks of infectious diseases, but they do tend to worsen existing health problems.
Haiti’s quake refugees likely will face an increased risk of dengue fever, malaria and measles {mdash} problems that plagued the impoverished country before, said Kimberley Shoaf, associate director of the UCLA Center for Public Health and Disasters.
Some of the biggest immediate health threats include respiratory disease from inhaling dust from collapsed buildings and diarrhea from drinking contaminated water.
With hospitals and clinics severely damaged, Haiti will also face risks of secondary infections. People seeking medical attention for broken bones and other injuries may not be able to get the help they need and may develop complications.
Dead bodies piled on the streets typically don’t pose a public health risk. But for a country wracked by violence, seeing the dead will exact a psychological toll.
An American aid worker was trapped for about 10 hours under the rubble of her mission house before she was rescued by her husband, who told CBS’ “Early Show” that he drove 160 km to Port-au-Prince to find her. Frank Thorp said he dug for more than an hour to free his wife, Jillian, and a co-worker, from under about a foot of concrete.
An estimated 40,000-45,000 Americans live in Haiti, and the U.S. Embassy had no confirmed reports of deaths among its citizens. All but one American employed by the embassy have been accounted for, State Department officials said.
Even relatively wealthy neighborhoods were devastated.
An AP videographer saw a wrecked hospital where people screamed for help in Petionville, a hillside district that is home to many diplomats and wealthy Haitians as well as the poor.
At a destroyed four-story apartment building, a girl of about 16 stood atop a car, trying to see inside while several men pulled at a foot sticking from rubble. She said her family was inside.
“A school near here collapsed totally,” Petionville resident Ken Michel said after surveying the damage. “We don’t know if there were any children inside.” He said many seemingly sturdy homes nearby were split apart.
The U.N.’s 9,000 peacekeepers in Haiti, many of whom are from Brazil, were distracted from aid efforts by their own tragedy: Many spent the night hunting for survivors in the ruins of their headquarters.
“It would appear that everyone who was in the building, including my friend Hedi Annabi, the United Nations’ secretary-general’s special envoy, and everyone with him and around him, are dead,” French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said on RTL radio.
But U.N. peacekeeping chief Alain Le Roy would not confirm that Annabi was dead, saying he was among more than 100 people missing in its wrecked headquarters. He said only about 10 people had been pulled out, many of them badly injured. Fewer than five bodies had been removed, he said.
U.N. peacekeeping forces in Port-au-Prince are securing the airport, the port, main buildings and patrolling the streets, Le Roy said.
Brazil’s army said at least 11 of its peacekeepers were killed, while Jordan’s official news agency said three of its peacekeepers were killed. A state newspaper in China said eight Chinese peacekeepers were known dead and 10 were missing {mdash} though officials later said the information was not confirmed.
The quake struck at 4:53 p.m., and was centered 15 km west of Port-au-Prince at a depth of only 8 km, the U.S. Geological Survey said. USGS geophysicist Kristin Marano called it the strongest earthquake since 1770 in what is now Haiti.
Video obtained by the AP showed a huge dust cloud rising over Port-au-Prince shortly after the quake as buildings collapsed.
Most Haitians are desperately poor, and after years of political instability the country has no real construction standards. In November 2008, following the collapse of a school in Petionville, the mayor of Port-au-Prince estimated about 60 percent of buildings were shoddily built and unsafe normally.
The quake was felt in the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, and in eastern Cuba, but no major damage was reported in either place.
With electricity out in many places and phone service erratic, it was nearly impossible for Haitian or foreign officials to get full details of the devastation.
“Everybody is just totally, totally freaked out and shaken,” said Henry Bahn, a U.S. Department of Agriculture official in Port-au-Prince. “The sky is just gray with dust.”
Edwidge Danticat, an award-winning Haitian-American author was unable to contact relatives in Haiti. She sat with family and friends at her home in Miami, looking for news on the Internet and watching TV news reports.
“You want to go there, but you just have to wait,” she said. “Life is already so fragile in Haiti, and to have this on such a massive scale, it’s unimaginable how the country will be able to recover from this.”
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Srilanka beat India by 4 wickets in Tri-Nation Tournament Final
M Jayawardene Unbeaten 71 easily won the match for Srilank.
Srilanka: 249/6 in 48.3 overs Run Rate: 5.13
India: 245 in 48.2 overs Run Rate: 5.07
Srilanka: 249/6 in 48.3 overs Run Rate: 5.13
India: 245 in 48.2 overs Run Rate: 5.07
The science behind Haiti's Earthquake
The earthquake in Haiti had a preliminary magnitude of 7.0 and it appeared to have occurred along a strike-slip fault, where one side of a vertical fault slips horizontally past the other, scientists say. California's San Andreas fault is also characterized as strike-slip.
It was the strongest earthquake since 1770 in what is now Haiti. In 1946, a magnitude-8.0 quake struck neighboring Dominican Republic and shook Haiti, killing 100 people, most of them in the tsunami that followed. In that case, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, the death toll was light because the quake struck in the afternoon on a holiday.
Tuesday's quake was centered about 10 miles (15 kilometers) west of Port-au-Prince at a depth of 5 miles (8 kilometers), the USGS said. Since then, more than 30 smaller quakes have shaken the island, with magnitudes ranging from 4.5 to 5.9.
It was the strongest earthquake since 1770 in what is now Haiti. In 1946, a magnitude-8.0 quake struck neighboring Dominican Republic and shook Haiti, killing 100 people, most of them in the tsunami that followed. In that case, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, the death toll was light because the quake struck in the afternoon on a holiday.
Tuesday's quake was centered about 10 miles (15 kilometers) west of Port-au-Prince at a depth of 5 miles (8 kilometers), the USGS said. Since then, more than 30 smaller quakes have shaken the island, with magnitudes ranging from 4.5 to 5.9.
Raina hundred takes India to 245
India set 246 target to Srilankan. Great fighting back innings by Suresh Raina 106 in 115 balls when india lost their half team(5) for 60. Raina gets good Support from Ravindra Jadeja and tail enders. All the best to India face attack to bowled out lanka early.
Move to renovate city tomb faces resistance
A move by the US Consulate to renovate Maa Laqa tomb (popularly called Chandabibi tomb), belonging to an orthodox Shia woman of 1,500 A.D, at Moula Ali has run into trouble.
Not only are the locals resisting the move, it is learnt that the representatives
of the Consulate were allegedly threatened against taking up any works.
The issue came to light after US Consul General Cornelis Keur brought the matter to the notice of Minister for Tourism & Culture J Geeta Reddy on Sunday.
It is learnt that the Consulate has taken up restoration of the project by creating a separate fund following the efforts of a US scribe who visited the tomb five years ago.
“The journalist took a video of the dilapidated monument during his visit.
Later, we came to know that he had pursued the matter with the US administration and succeeded in obtaining a grant for restoration works. The proposal, involving crores of rupees, aims to convert the place into a good picnic spot,’’ Kamran Hasan Razvi, a local, said.
Apart from the tomb, a mosque and an ashoorkhana exist on the three-acre site. It is being alleged that some vested interests, in order to retain their control on the property, are opposing the renovation move.
The Nizam Trust, which owns the property, has already given its consent for the tomb restoration. However, a lessee of the property, who is fighting a court case with the Trust over lease rights, has reportedly raised objections.
Recently, a team of the US Consulate that visited the monument was allegedly
threatened by some locals against taking up any work.
The Consulate authorities took up the matter with the Cyberabad police
and also Minister Geeta Reddy who is said to have directed Tourism Secretary Jayesh Ranjan to look into the matter immediately.
Jayesh Ranjan on Tuesday held consultations on the issue with senior officials,
including Cyberabad Police Commissioner S Prabhakar Reddy, HMDA Commissioner BP Acharya, Ranga Reddy Collector M Danakishore, Director of Archaeology & Museums P Chenna Reddy and the CEO of Wakf Board.
“We received a representation from the US Consulate about the resistance from the locals. On the same issue we were asked to attend a meeting called by Tourism department,’’ Alwal Deputy Commissioner of Police A Chandra Sekhar Reddy said.
According to a member of the Centre for Deccan Studies (CDS), Sajjad, the quantum of US grant is yet to be finalised.
Not only are the locals resisting the move, it is learnt that the representatives
of the Consulate were allegedly threatened against taking up any works.
The issue came to light after US Consul General Cornelis Keur brought the matter to the notice of Minister for Tourism & Culture J Geeta Reddy on Sunday.
It is learnt that the Consulate has taken up restoration of the project by creating a separate fund following the efforts of a US scribe who visited the tomb five years ago.
“The journalist took a video of the dilapidated monument during his visit.
Later, we came to know that he had pursued the matter with the US administration and succeeded in obtaining a grant for restoration works. The proposal, involving crores of rupees, aims to convert the place into a good picnic spot,’’ Kamran Hasan Razvi, a local, said.
Apart from the tomb, a mosque and an ashoorkhana exist on the three-acre site. It is being alleged that some vested interests, in order to retain their control on the property, are opposing the renovation move.
The Nizam Trust, which owns the property, has already given its consent for the tomb restoration. However, a lessee of the property, who is fighting a court case with the Trust over lease rights, has reportedly raised objections.
Recently, a team of the US Consulate that visited the monument was allegedly
threatened by some locals against taking up any work.
The Consulate authorities took up the matter with the Cyberabad police
and also Minister Geeta Reddy who is said to have directed Tourism Secretary Jayesh Ranjan to look into the matter immediately.
Jayesh Ranjan on Tuesday held consultations on the issue with senior officials,
including Cyberabad Police Commissioner S Prabhakar Reddy, HMDA Commissioner BP Acharya, Ranga Reddy Collector M Danakishore, Director of Archaeology & Museums P Chenna Reddy and the CEO of Wakf Board.
“We received a representation from the US Consulate about the resistance from the locals. On the same issue we were asked to attend a meeting called by Tourism department,’’ Alwal Deputy Commissioner of Police A Chandra Sekhar Reddy said.
According to a member of the Centre for Deccan Studies (CDS), Sajjad, the quantum of US grant is yet to be finalised.
Jagan gets Z category security
Intelligence inputs suggesting threat to the life of Kadapa MP YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, particularly from factionists, has led the State Police to enhance his security cover from Y to Z category.
The Security Review Committee (SRC), which will be holding its first meeting since the death of YS Rajasekhara Reddy, either on January 20 or 21, to review security of VVIPs, will decide whether Jagan’s security needs to be further beefed up.
Top sources told Express that security to YSR’s son was revised recently following intelligence reports of a possible threat to his life, especially after his father’s sudden death.
‘‘More than the Maoists,’’ sources said, ‘‘the threat comes from factionists who have been emboldened by YSR’s death.’’ The name of the young MP, who hails from the faction-ridden Kadapa district, was linked to the sensational assassination of Telugu Desam legislator Paritala Ravi a few years ago and the Opposition party had demanded that he be probed in the case. Y category means the VIP will have about 11 security personnel but in Z category, the number of gunmen almost doubles up. ‘‘Jagan has been provided with a guard (which comprises four personnel) at his residence, about four PSOs, an escort vehicle with components (read personnel) from the City Security and Traffic wings. Besides, a door-frame metal detector has also been put up at his place of stay,’’ the sources said.
Jagan is perhaps the only MP from the State to have this kind of security cover. He gets even more security during his visits to Kadapa.
At the SRC meet, security cover for Chief Minister K Rosaiah, Rajya Sabha member and YSR’s close aide KVP Ramachandra Rao, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu and a host of other Rayalaseema politicians besides police officers will be reviewed. ‘‘Accordingly, security cover will be enhanced or cut down,’’ sources said.
One particular IPS officer, who is learnt to be having about 26 security personnel, may end up with lesser number after the review.
The SRC is also likely to decide whether to strip YSR’s trusted aide Suryanarayana Reddy alias Sureedu of his Additional PSO status, bestowed upon him by the late chief minister.
Since YSR’s death, Sureedu has been working for Jagan while drawing salary from the Government.
The Security Review Committee (SRC), which will be holding its first meeting since the death of YS Rajasekhara Reddy, either on January 20 or 21, to review security of VVIPs, will decide whether Jagan’s security needs to be further beefed up.
Top sources told Express that security to YSR’s son was revised recently following intelligence reports of a possible threat to his life, especially after his father’s sudden death.
‘‘More than the Maoists,’’ sources said, ‘‘the threat comes from factionists who have been emboldened by YSR’s death.’’ The name of the young MP, who hails from the faction-ridden Kadapa district, was linked to the sensational assassination of Telugu Desam legislator Paritala Ravi a few years ago and the Opposition party had demanded that he be probed in the case. Y category means the VIP will have about 11 security personnel but in Z category, the number of gunmen almost doubles up. ‘‘Jagan has been provided with a guard (which comprises four personnel) at his residence, about four PSOs, an escort vehicle with components (read personnel) from the City Security and Traffic wings. Besides, a door-frame metal detector has also been put up at his place of stay,’’ the sources said.
Jagan is perhaps the only MP from the State to have this kind of security cover. He gets even more security during his visits to Kadapa.
At the SRC meet, security cover for Chief Minister K Rosaiah, Rajya Sabha member and YSR’s close aide KVP Ramachandra Rao, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu and a host of other Rayalaseema politicians besides police officers will be reviewed. ‘‘Accordingly, security cover will be enhanced or cut down,’’ sources said.
One particular IPS officer, who is learnt to be having about 26 security personnel, may end up with lesser number after the review.
The SRC is also likely to decide whether to strip YSR’s trusted aide Suryanarayana Reddy alias Sureedu of his Additional PSO status, bestowed upon him by the late chief minister.
Since YSR’s death, Sureedu has been working for Jagan while drawing salary from the Government.
Australians won’t be allowed to play: Thackeray
In the wake of attacks on Indians, the Sena chief said his party would not allow the Australians to play in Maharashtra.
Thousands feared dead in Haiti earthquake
An earthquake touching 7 on the Richter scale struck Haiti, damaging buildings and leaving bodies strewn in the streets.
Sahara gives Rs 1cr to hockey players
Hockey team sponsor Sahara will release Rs one crore immediately to resolve the payment dispute.
Andhra leaders fight back with sweets
Congress leaders of the district on Tuesday took “sweet revenge” on Telangana activists who allegedly made threats against people of Andhra and Rayalaseema.
