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Hate Story' Trailer Released

Hate Story' trailer: Vikram Bhatt's 'Hate Story' trailer released. The trailer opens to a series of montage shots raising the curiosity level of the audiences to an all time high. The promo showcases the journey of Kaavya (Paoli) from a simpleton to that of one of the biggest escorts in the city, all for revenge. The bold scenes and language along with Paoli’s raw sex appeal is sure to catch the audience off guard. This film also marks the debut of the sultry Bengali actress Paoli Dam. She stars along with Nikhil Dwivedi and Gulshan Devaiah who play prominent characters.   After bare back promo of the movie was out a few weeks back, the audience was definitely expecting something supremely scandalous from the makers and we are happy to say that the trailer has delivered beyond expectations. ‘Hate Story’ hits theatres on 20th April, 2012.    

Akhilesh Yadav Takes Oath as CM of UP

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday took his oath to office in Lucknow to become the youngest Chief Minister of India's largest state, Uttar Pradesh. A total of 47 ministers have sworn in, including 19 Cabinet ministers and 28 MOS, along with Akhilesh Yadav.   Akhilesh led his party to win 224 seats in the Assembly Elections. Akhilesh had invited top leaders across party lines to the ceremony including UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, CPIM's Prakash Karat and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. His name was proposed in a key party meet by senior leader Azam Khan, and was supported by the members of the Samajwadi Party at the legislative board meeting. Akhilesh at the age of 38 has become the youngest chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. Though there were oppositions from Mulayam’s brother Shivpal Singh Yadav on the name of Akhilesh as the chief minister, he was later convinced by the former chief minister. It must be noted that the credit for the win of the Samajwadi Party and the routing of Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has been unanimously given to a rigorous campaign by Akhilesh across the state.  

Strong Earthquake Hits Japan Followed by Mild Tsunami

Strong earthquake of 6.8 magnitude on Richter scale hit the Northern Japan followed by a mild tsunami on Wednesday afternoon. No damage or injury has been reported so far. Several towns issued evacuation advisories to residents nearest the coast. A swelling of 10 centimeters (2.5 inches) was observed in the town of Erimo on Hokkaido island, while no major changes were reported elsewhere. Today's tremor was epi-centered about 146 miles (235 kilometers) south of Kushiro, Japan, on Hokkaido island. It was a relatively shallow 6 miles (10 kilometers) below the sea surface. The quake was not felt in Tokyo, and there was no threat of a Pacific-wide tsunami. The Japan Meteorological Agency said the tremor was 6.8 magnitude and forecast a tsunami of up to half-meter (12 inches) could hit Hokkaido island's central and eastern Pacific coast, and Aomori and Iwate prefectures in the north of Japan's main island. It is to be recalled that, a year ago on 11 March 2011, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami ravaged many Japanese northern coastal towns, leaving some 19,000 people dead or missing.  

Bangladesh Ferry Sinking: Death Toll Rises to 40

Bangladesh ferry sinking death toll rises to 40 - Rescue workers in Bangladesh on Wednesday found eight more bodies after a ferry sunk in a large river and warned scores more may be trapped inside as the death toll hit 40. The packed Shariatpur 1 vessel capsized in the early hours of Tuesday morning after being hit by an oil barge when crossing the Meghna river, 40 kilometres (25 miles) southeast of the capital Dhaka. Efforts to raise the ferry from the river bed to allow for a full search have so far failed, and divers said they had found the eight bodies near the scene at dawn. The double-decker ferry, which had about 200 passengers on board, plunged to the bottom after being hit at about 2.30 am. "The death toll is now 40," local deputy police chief Tariqul Islam told, adding that many people were still missing based on reports from desperate relatives who gathered on the river bank to watch the rescue work. The exact number of people on the ferry was uncertain as manifest lists are seldom maintained properly in Bangladesh and many travellers buy their tickets when on board. Emergency teams hope a second rescue vessel that arrived during the night will enable the ferry to be brought to the surface.  

Asia Cup Cricket: India Sets 305 Target For Sri Lanka

India has set 305 runs as target for the Sri Lanka team in the match held at Mirpur in Bangladesh on Wednesday. This is the second match of the 4 nation Asia Cup tourney being conducted in Bangladesh. Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl. India took to batting and in the fixed 50 overs scored a hefty 304 runs for loss of 3 wickets. Virat Kohli (108) and Gautham Gambhir (100) scored a century each, while Sachin returned to pavilion scoring just 6 runs. Dhoni and Raina stood not-out at 46 and 30 respectively. Srilankan bowlers Mahroof got 2 and Lakmal got 1 wicket.  

High Court Dismisses Shirdi Sai Sansthan Trust

The Mumbai High Court (Aurangabad Bench) on Tuesday dismmissed the powerful Shirdi Sai Sansthan Trust, the body which governs the world famous Sai Baba temple in Shirdi in Ahmednagar district. The bench noted that since last six years the rules had not been framed to govern the trust as laid down under Section 25 of Shree Sai Baba Sansthan Trust (Shirdi) Act, 2004 The temple, one of India’s richest, is being governed by the Shree Sai Baba Sansthan Trust. Acting on a PIL filed by Shirdi BJP president Rajendra Gondkar and social activist Sandip Kulkarni, the court directed the district collector to oversee the formation of a new governing body. The Sansthan has been under the scanner after allegations of misappropriation of funds by some trustees came to light.

Sharad Pawar Faints in Parliament

National Congress Party founder and Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on Tuesday fainted in Parliament just after the conclusion of Question Hour. He complained of dizziness and then fainted. Immediately was taken away in an official car from the Parliament premises accompanied by his daughter and Baramati MP Supriya Sule and Union Minister Praful Patel. An ambulance was waiting for Pawar but he chose to leave Parliament in an official car. "Pawar complained of dizziness," Minister of State in the PMO V Narayanasamy said. There were reports that the NCP chief fainted in the lobby of the Lok Sabha but this were not immediately confirmed. Pawar had answered a number of supplementaries on questions related to agriculture during the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha.

Chandrababu Roars at Kollapur

TDP supremo Nara Chandrababu Naidu launched a roaring attack against the ruling party and TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao during his by-elections campaign at Kollapur in Mahboobnagar district on Monday. Whlie alleging that the Congress has gone corrupt on all levels, Naidu accused KCR of using Telangana plank for minting money. The TDP chief said Chandrasekhara Rao’s ill-gotten wealth was in the name of Telangana. He also used this ploy to benefit his family members. Naidu also pointed out that Rao could win the Lok Sabha elections in 2009 only because of the support extended by the Telugu Desam Party, which Naidu said was among his biggest political mistakes. Naidu was addressing a series of road shows in Pedakottapalli, Kollapur and Veepanagandla mandals, seeking support for his party nominee to the Kollapur constituency in Mahbubnagar district. Going hammer and tongs against the Congress, Mr Naidu said that it was a matter of shame that six ministers and several IAS officers were served notices by the Supreme Court on charges of corruption and gross abuse of power. The former chief minister said while IAS officers who worked under the TDP dispensation were elevated to higher positions, the officers who toed the Congress rulers were in jail. He said this was the difference in administration between the Congress and Telugu Desam regimes. The TDP chief blamed the faulty policies of the Congress for the backwardness of Mahbubnagar. He said all developments that took place in Mahbubnagar was only under the Telugu Desam rule. The Congress government scrapped several development schemes introduced by him in Mahbubnagar, he said. He alleged that the Congress government in the state was under the control of the liquor syndicate.      

Errabelli Dayakar Rao Sent to Jail

The TDP Telangana Forum Convenor Errabelli Dayakar Rao was booked for being harsh to a SI of Jaffargarh police station during bypoll campaigning. He was produced in court amidst high tension on Monday evening. Third munsif magistrate Patil Vasant issued orders that Errabelli should be sent to 15-day remand. On Monday evening, amidst high tension, police shifted Dayakar Rao from the court to MGM Hospital for medical tests. There was jostling between advocates, police and TDP workers for nearly 40 minutes. Advocates became angry when TDP functionaries pushed them away. The lawyers raised slogans against the TDP while TDP activists shouted ‘Jai Telangana’. Lawyers prevented TDP district president Revuri Prakash Reddy from entering the hall. They entered into an argument with Prakash Reddy stating that he recently made ‘insulting remarks’ against advocates who participated in Telangana agitation. After sometime, TDP activists pushed the advocates away and the lawyers too retaliated. Soon police tried to bring the situation under control but could not. The magistrate rejected the plea and Rao was shifted to Warangal Central Jail.  

Lokpal Bill to be Presented Again in Budget Session

The Lokpal Bill that was presented in the Parliament earlier in the winter session, is still on the live register of the Rajya Sabha, pending its approval. The bill is expected to be brought again for consideration in the Upper House during the second phase of the Budget session of Parliament. The Budget session-2012 began on Monday, today, with President Pratibha Patil addressing the joint sitting of members of both the Houses of Parliament and its second part will be held from April 24 to May 22. The Lokpal Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha during the winter session on December 27, 2011, but later a political war broke out between the government and the Opposition as the Bill could not be passed in the Upper House, with both sides accusing each other of carrying out a "well choreographed" chaos to scuttle it. The Opposition had charged the government with running away from a vote because of lack of majority in the House. The government had then stated that the bill was "alive" and would be taken up in the Budget session for passage. The Opposition had charged the government with running away from a vote because of lack of majority in the House. The government had then stated that the bill was "alive" and would be taken up in the Budget session for passage.

Union Budget 2012-13 Starts

Union Budget 2012-13: The Budget Session started on Monday with the President Smt. Pratibha Patil Devisingh addressing both Houses of the Parliament. Stating that the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) was committed to honest and efficient governance, President Pratibha Patil said the country would soon be back on the high growth path of eight to nine percent from the seven percent estimated for the current fiscal. The General Budget for the fiscal year 2012-13 will submitted on 16 March, while the Railway Budget 2012-13 is scheduled to be presented on 14 March. The budget session is expected to be a tough one for the government. It comes less than a week after the Congress faced electoral defeat in the bigger states like UP and Punjab. The Opposition, sensing the UPA government's weakness, is likely to be at its aggressive best. More worrying for the government is how to ensure its allies, especially Ms Banerjee, don't challenge the government on key policies. But with its house in disorder, the government is unlikely to push for any big-ticket reforms. However getting ready to face a belligerent Opposition, the Prime Minister told that his government has the numbers that are needed to push through important legislation. When asked about the stress of managing a coalition greatly enervated by the recent state elections, he said that "the pressure is part of the job."      

Jagan CBI case: SC Notice to Ministers, IAS Officers

The Supreme Court has issued notices on Monday to 6 AP ministers and 11 IAS officers in the CBI case related to disproportionate assets of Kadapa MP and YSR Congress president Jagan Mohan Reddy. The Supreme Court notice asks why no case has been filed against the ministers and the bureaucrats in the case. The Court  ruled that the ministers and the bureaucrats were parties to passing illegal orders favouring Jagan's companies while YSR Reddy was the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister. The notices to six Congress ministers and eleven IAS officers from Andhra comes as a big blow for the Congress government in the state at a time when it is going to face by-elections in 24 constituencies.  It can also be seen as a booster to Jagan, who has been saying that the government is protecting members of the erstwhile YSR cabinet and some IAS officers and targeting only him. All six ministers, to whom notices have been issued are with the Congress government and not supporting Jagan. The court's decision will now force the government to share the responsibility. The Opposition has demanded the resignation of the six who continue to be ministers. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Kiran Reddy has promised appropriate action if the charges are proved.      

Slippers, Stones Thrown at Chandrababu Naidu

Unlike his previous tours in Telangana region, slippers and stones were thrown at TDP supremo Chandrababu Naidu during his by-elections campaign in Nizamabad district on Sunday. The people in the region are not accepting Naidu's plea that he was never against the formation separate Telangana state. Chandrababu Naidu tasted the ire of T activists at Paridupet village of Machareddy mandal in Nizamabad district while campaigning for party candidate Nittu Venugopal Rao in Kamareddy constituency. Telangana sympathisers threw stones and slippers on his convoy when he was addressing the gathering in this small village. Trouble began when a group started raising slogans "Andhra Babu go back." Police deployed in large numbers tried to disperse them, but members of another group hurled stones and slippers at Naidu's vehicle. TDP activists ran after the T-activists and the situation turned tense. Police lathicharged the agitators injuring four persons. Telangana sympathisers raised slogans against the TDP supremo again at Machareddy mandal headquarters when he went there to address a roadside meeting. In Bhiknoor, a farmer tried to obstruct his speech to protest the 'false promises' made to the farming community. Earlier, addressing roadside meetings at Bhiknoor and Domakonda mandals, Naidu launched a scathing attack on TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao alleging that he had entered into a nexus with YSR Congress party president Y S Jaganmohan Reddy. "TRS workers obstructed my tour in Warangal and other districts. But KCR gave a red carpet welcome to Jagan and supplied men to his three-day Rythu Deeksha held in Armoor and 'reimbursement fee deeksha' in Hyderabad by taking huge money from the latter," the TDP chief alleged. Earlier, addressing roadside meetings at Bhiknoor and Domakonda mandals, Naidu launched a scathing attack on TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao alleging that he had entered into a nexus with YSR Congress party president Y S Jaganmohan Reddy. "TRS workers obstructed my tour in Warangal and other districts. But KCR gave a red carpet welcome to Jagan and supplied men to his three-day Rythu Deeksha held in Armoor and 'reimbursement fee deeksha' in Hyderabad by taking huge money from the latter," the TDP chief alleged. Stating that there was no link between the coming byelection and separate statehood, he reiterated that he was not against Telangana. "I have never talked against the formation of separate Telangana and will not do so in future too," he said. He blamed the Congress for dilly-dallying on the Telangana issue. He said the Congress is encouraging Jagan in Andhra and KCR in Telangana region to wipe out the TDP. "But we will come back strong as people are with us," he thundered. Sources said members of self-help groups and other women were paid Rs 200 each to participate in Naidu's rally. Naidu said he was 'overwhelmed' by the presence of the good number of women.

AP Liquor Syndicates: ACB Arrests 7 Police Officers

The Anti-corruption Bureau (ACB), which coming down heavily on the liquor syndicate mafia in andhra Pradesh, is now after te police personnel who are allegedly have a nexus with the liquor mafia. More than 45 days after registering cases against liquor syndicates, ACB sleuths on Sunday acted against civil police whose names figured in the ACB report on liquor syndicates. The ACB sleuths arrested seven police officers - two officers on special duty, a deputy superintendent of police and four inspector rank officers - in Kurnool, Warangal and Adilabad districts. While some police officers resisted the ACB action, some others named in the ACB report could not be traced as they are learnt to have fled their homes. Several other police officials, including some of SI rank, were already in ACB custody for questioning. The arrested include Ram Prasad, OSD, Kothagudem in Khammam district (formerly the DSP of Mahabubabad in Warangal) and Veereshwar Rao, former DSP of Hanamkonda in Warangal. In Kurnool, ACB Special Investigation Team (SIT) deputy superintendent of police Sudhakar took Yemmiganur former circle inspector B Gunashekar Babu and Yemmiganur excise circle inspector Lakshminarayana into custody. They were taken to Hyderabad for further interrogation. The names of both the CIs figured in the ACB report. While Gunashekar Babu, who is now inspector at the Police Control Room in Kurnool, was picked up from police quarters, Lakshminarayana was taken into custody in Bangalore. After his name figured in the ACB report, Lakshminarayana went on leave since February 1 and has since been living in Bangalore. Names of Yemmiganur Town SI Chandrababu and Rural SI Nallappa and excise SIs Qasim, Chandramohan and Ramanjaneyulu also figured in the ACB report. With Sunday’s arrests, all the five SIs are worried about their future. In Warangal district, raids were conducted on the police officers whose names figured in the ACB report. On being tipped off about the raids, some police officers locked and left their homes along with their family members. However, the SIT team took Subedari CI Ranadhir and Kazipet CI Vijaya Sarathi took into custody. After questioning, the two were shifted to Hyderabad where they were arrested. Mattewada CI Prabhakar Rao and former Mamunuru DSP Venkateswara Rao were also taken into custody for questioning. In Warangal district, as many as one ASP, four DSPs, 16 CIs, 15 SIs and 70 police constables are facing charges of taking kickbacks from liquor syndicates. ACB sleuths faced some resistance when they went to the residence of Mattewada CI Prabhakar Rao. High drama prevailed at Prabhakar Rao’s residence. Prabhakar Rao threw sand in the eyes of ACB officials and ran away from his residence. However, he surrendered himself before the ACB officials later. In Adilabad district, the ACB took OSD B Uma Maheshwar and Adilabad Rural CI Sridhar Rao into custody. The ACB said the seven officials were arrested under the Prevention of Corruption Act and IPC for collecting bribes from liquor syndicates.

Hyderabad Nagole Fire Accident: 10 March 2012

Hyderabad Nagole Fire Accident: 10 March 2012 - A major fire accident took place in Sai Nagar, Nagole nrea LB Nagar in Hyderabad. More than 400 huts are estimated to be completely gutted. The locals told that the fire started in one of the huts in the middle of Sai Nagar, which spread rapidly to the surrounding huts. The Gas cylinders in the near by houses exploded because of the effect of the fire. Relief work is being carried out at the spot. Fire tenders are finding it difficult extinguish the fire as it is spreading rapidly in all directions. Though heavy casualities are expected, so far no reports of loss of life have come in.      

NRI Assessment of AP Politics

Here's the AP political assessment by an Atlanta based NRI Dr Gurava Reddy. The views expressed in the article are entirely of the author. However, the article has been brought to you for the sole reason of getting your feedback and views. "Election Results of 5 Assemblies and Ramifications for AP Politics" The results of the recently concluded five state assemblies proved one thing beyond doubt – no Sonia/Rahul spell works. And, there are some conclusions that can be derived for the present situation in Andhra Pradesh. People are fed up with the Congress party and see it as a party of vindictive politics, be it Anna Hazare or Dr. YSR. Congress party has been reduced to its weakest level in its history - there are genuine doubts that it may not even cross century mark out of 544 seat Loksabha if the elections are held today and may do worse in 2014 elections. UP trouncing comes after Bihar debacle.     Congress party lost its foothold all over the country and the Party cannot even claim one major state where it can win more than half seats. It’s truly a pathetic state of affairs for Congress party after storming to power twice on the shoulders of stalwarts like Dr YSR. Losing eight of ten segments in Amethi and Rae Bareli and worse yet standing third in five those reflects the hopeless position of Congress party! These results would be a huge confidence booster for YS Jagan, YSRCP, and its followers. If Akhilesh and Mulayam can do it, Jagan and late Dr. YSR can do better. Congress party is weaker in AP than in UP, Chandra Babu/TDP is weaker in AP than Mayavathi/BSP in UP. Cycle may have swept to victory in UP, but the cycle and hand that is holding it will be swept away in the huge fan wave in AP. These results also vindicated the claims of YSR followers that the Congress party had come to power in Andhra Pradesh twice on the efforts of Dr. YSR alone. Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Congress party did not have anything to do with it. They only reaped the benefits of his charisma and gotten to power at the center. The Congress party, instead of acknowledging Dr. YSR’s contribution, started mudslinging on the late leader and his family thro their henchmen like VH, KK etc.   The prevailing situation provided a great opportunity for the formation of third front and early elections to replace a largely ineffective central government, well before 2014. Mulayam Singh Yadav or Mamata Benarjee can be a great Prime Minister and provide a very efficient government. Mayavathi, completely humiliated in the just concluded elections can be a very willing partner in the third front, if invited and this may help to sweep not only UP but neighboring states like Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. A credible third front can easily win over people, who are fed up with both Congress and BJP and looking for a real alternative. Both Mulayam and Didi can with their effective and extensive experience in national politics can essentially provide just that. The efforts should focus on uniting erstwhile Socialists to form the third front. Mulayam (UP – 80 seats), Mamata (WB – 42), Jayalalita (TN – 39), Jagan (AP – 42), Naveen (Orissa – 21), and Nitish (Bihar – 40) should be essential partners, along with the Communists and Marxist parties. The third front must publish their common agenda and manifesto well before elections are held and stick to it like a holy book. This may be the most opportune time for the formation of a credible third front in the history of our country. For people who were fed up with knee jerk efforts to form third front by Chandra Babu, who cannot win more than a couple of MP seats in AP -  this will be welcome news."  

Cricket: Indian Team Leaves For Asia Cup

The Indian Cricket Team led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni has left for Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, to participate in the four-nation 11th Asia Cup starting on Sunday. Only a few days ago Dhoni and his men came back from the disastrous tour of Australia, where they were knocked out of the triangular series after having been thrashed 0-4 in the preceding Test series by the home team. Hosts Bangladesh will take on Pakistan in the opening fixture of the Asia Cup which India have won five times in its history, including on the last occasion two years ago in Sri Lanka. India open their campaign against Sri Lanka on March 13 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. The clash between two arch rivals India and Pakistan is set for March 18, which would be the first meeting between the two sides since last March in the World Cup semifinal at Mohali where India won before clinching cricket's showpiece event for the second time in their history. The Asia Cup, in which each of the four teams meets every other team once in the league stage, concludes on March 22. Indian Team: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Capt), Virat Kohli (Vice Capt), Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Praveen Kumar, Vinay Kumar, Rahul Sharma, Yusuf Pathan, Manoj Tiwary, Irfan Pathan, Ashok Dinda.  

Akhilesh Yadav is UP Chief Minister

Akhilesh Yadav is the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister elect now. A meeting of Samajwadi Party MLAs held this morning has elected Akhilesh as their leader. He will formally stake claim to form the government and is likely to be sworn in on 12 March, said the sources. At 39, Akhilesh, currently the MP from Kannauj, will be UP’s youngest chief minister. The family of Mulayam Singh Yadav has arrived at a consensus that the party chief will focus on national politics while Akhilesh runs UP. There has been uncertainty over who among father and son would be CM ever since the SP roared to victory with 224 seats in the 403-member UP house on March 6. Samajwadi Party's senior most leaders - Shivpal Singh Yadav, Mulayam Singh’s brother and MLA from Jaswantnagar, and Azam Khan, MLA from Rampur -  proposed Akhilesh’s name, which was accepted unanimously. The proposal was supported by Atrauliya MLA Dr Sangram Yadav, son of senior leader Balram Yadav, and seconded by Hardoi MLA Nitin Agarwal.  

Actor John Abraham Arrested

John abraham rash driving case : Bollywood actor John Abraham has been arrested on charges of rash and negligent driving. In April 2006, the actor had run into two pedestrians while riding a motorbike in the Khar Danda area, Mumbai.     Bandra court sentenced him for 15 days imprisonment, for which the actor has already sought bail and the bail plea will be heard in Sessions Court, Mumbai at 4pm. If the Bombay HC grants him bail, John Abraham would walk out as a free man otherwise he would remain in jail tonight.