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Mumbai train blast case: 12 convicted

  The Special Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA) Judge Yatin D Shinde pronounced 12 accused as guilty in the serial bomb blasts case and acquitted one accused Abdul Wahid Shaikh (34). The serial blasts were made by planting RDX explosives in the first class compartments of Mumbai suburban trains.   These serial blasts occured within a span of 10 minutes on 11th July, 2006 in five suburban trains running between different stations. Total 188 people were killed on the spot and 829 people seriously injured in the explosions. The bombs were planted in the first class compartments of suburban trains that run between Khar Road-Santacruz, Bandra-Khar Road, Jogeshwari-Mahim Junction, Mira Road- Bhayander, Matunga- Mahim Junction and Borivali.   The MCOCA court after conducting a trial for nine years and prosecuting 192 witnesses has found that persons are guilty in this case. They are: Kamal Ahamed Ansari (37), Tanvir Ahmed Ansari (37), Mohd Faisal Shaikh (36), Ehtesham Siddiqui (30), Mohammad Majid Shafi (32), Shaikh Alam Shaikh (41), Mohd Sajid Ansari (34), Muzzammil Shaikh (27), Soheil Mehmood Shaikh (43), Zamir Ahmad Shaikh (36), Naveed Hussain Khan (30) and Asif Khan (38).   However, 14 others are still absconding in the case. The MCOCA court may take up this case on Monday for hearing arguments for the quantum of sentence.

India-Pak talks continue in the backdrop of gun battle

  BSF Chief DK Pathak said that the first day meeting with his Pakistani counterpart is quite fruitful and is expecting positive outcome from their subsequent meetings to be held next two days. Pakistani delegation led by Major General Umar Farooq Burki is attending this three-day meeting between India and Pakistan border security forces in a bid to reduce friction at borders.   However, their meeting begun in the backdrop of Pakistani troops shelling very heavily in Bhimber Gali Sector in Poonch district on Thursday. Subsequently, two BSF solders and two Pak trained terrorists were killed in a gun battle taken place at Humdwara in J & K district today. These incidents are revealing that Pakistan may not stick to any commitments made in the current meeting also. Even if it wants to stick, the terror groups operating from its soil may not allow it, proves today incident.   However, India and Pakistan border security forces are still hopeful about positive outcome of their meetings. Today they are discussing modalities of seize-fire-agreement and also proposing a flag meeting at the earliest. A proposal for conducting a joint patrolling along the border from Jammu to Rann of Kucthh will be discussed during today’s meeting.

Positive signs in India-Pak BSF officers’ meeting

  The three-day-meeting between India and Pakistan Border Security Force officers has begun at New Delhi from Thursday. DC Pathak, the Chief of BSF of India, said that the day-one meeting concludes with all positive signs. He said, both have agreed to strictly implement seize-fire agreement from now onward. It was agreed to conduct a joint patrol at sensitive and problematic areas along the border in Jammu and Kashmir State. He said that they are planning to extend the meeting for one more day keeping in view of positive reaction seen from Pakistan Rangers. Indian officers hosted a grand dinner party for their counterparts at New Delhi on Thursday night.   However, BJP senior leader Subrahmanya Swamy opined that India is wasting too much time on Pakistan as it never used to stick to any agreement until now. His observation about Pakistan attitude is very much true. India has been trying to improve its relations with Pakistan since a longtime. Pakistan also similarly reacts in the peace-process, but often it violates all agreements made with India. Pakistan can’t refrain itself for a longtime from violating seize-fire agreement and sending terrorists into India. Hence, India can’t expect any miracles even if the current meeting is fruitful.

High Court stays further action against Out Look

  The high court has stayed all further proceedings against Madhavi, Sahil Bhatia, Krishna Prasad, Indraneel Rai of Out Look magazine till further orders in a case filed against them by Akun Sabarwal, IAS officer, husband of Smitha Sabarwal, IAS officer and Secretary to Chief Minister KCR. He lodged a complaint with CCS police against Out Look management on July 5th for publishing an article and cartoon that tarnish his wife’s Smitha Sabarwal’s reputation. Justice B Shiva Shivashankar Rao, after hearing the arguments of both sides, issued a stay order on further proceedings till further order. Out Look management has appealed the high court to squash the case filed against them but justice Shiva Shivashankar Rao rejected their appeal and adjourned the case. However, he gave a relief to them by granting stay order on their arrest by CCS police in connection with this case.

Warangal bye-elections not now?

  Political parties in Telangana state have been expecting an announcement for bye-elections schedule for Warangal constituency along with Bihar assembly elections schedule, but Elections Commission has not gave any slightest hint for it. Kadiyam Srihari has vacated Warangal constituency few months ago after he was offered deputy Chief Minister Post of Telangana state. Ever since, political parties in the state have been anxiously waiting for an announcement for bye-elections.   Left parties have convinced revolutionary singer Gaddar to contest to Lok Sabha from Warangal. TDP and BJP have not finalized their candidate but it may be offered to BJP. Congress party also has not finalized its candidate. Since, EC is issuing separate notifications for each phase of five-phase-Bihar assembly elections that begin from October 12th, political parties in the state are expecting an announcement for Warangal bye-elections during any phase in the next month.

Jagan will sit on indefinite hunger strike from 26th

  YSR Congress party President Jagan Mohan Reddy will sit for indefinite hunger strike at Guntur from 26th September demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh. He took this decision after discussing with his party senior leaders at Hyderabad today. Hence, YSRCP may make a wide spread publicity and elaborate arrangements to make his program a grand success. But, it may end within 4-5 days after police disrupt and shift him to hospital.   Jagan Mohan Reddy may be aware that Centre will not succumb to his pressures. Hence, his intention may be to pressurize his political rival Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and his government. It is to be noticed that Congress and YSR Congress parties are agitating one after one instead of fighting together or simultaneously, although they both are fighting for the same cause. This is revealing that both parties may e agitating to enhance their strength in the state instead of achieving special status for Andhra Pradesh.

Bihar Assembly Elections Schedule announced

  Chief Election Commissioner Naseem Jaide has announced the elections schedule today for Bihar Assembly elections will be held in five phases beginning from October 12th.   1st Phase of Elections: Notification will be issued on September 16th. Last day for filing nominations: September 23rd. Scrutiny of nominations: September 24th Last day for withdrawal of nominations: September 26th. Elections will be held on: October 12th. Total No. of constituencies:   2nd Phase of elections: Notification will be issued on September 21st. Last day for filing nominations: September 28th. Scrutiny of nominations: September 29th Last day for withdrawal of nominations: October 1st. Elections will be held on: October 16th. Total No. of constituencies: 32.   3rd Phase of elections: Notification will be issued on: October 1st. Last day for filing nominations: October 8th. Scrutiny of nominations: October 9th. Last day for withdrawal of nominations: October 12th. Elections will be held on: October 20th. Total No. of constituencies: 50.   4th Phase of elections: Notification will be issued on October 7th. Last day for filing nominations: October 14th. Scrutiny of nominations: October 15th. Last day for withdrawal of nominations: October 17th. Elections will be held on: November 1st. Total No. of constituencies: 55.   5th Phase of elections: Notification will be issued on: October 8th. Last day for filing nominations: October 15th. Scrutiny of nominations: October 17th Last day for withdrawal of nominations: October 19th. Elections will be held on: November 5th. Total No. of constituencies: 57.   Counting of votes and results announcement on: November 8th. Elections process will be concluded on: November 12th.

Godavari waters reached Krishna district

  Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s efforts for linking Krishna and Godavari Rivers become successful as 60 TMCs of Godavari waters start flowing into Krishna district on Wednesday. Water was released from Tatipudi lift irrigation project into right canal of Polaaram project on Wednesday morning.   Farmers of Krishna district are thrilled to witness Godavari River water entering into Pallerlamoodi village in their district. Godavari water will reach Krishna River by today evening. Farmers from surrounding villages have arrived in large numbers to witness this historical event. Irrigation Minister Devineni Uma Maheshwara Rao, TDP MLAs Vallabhaneni Vamshi, Chintamaneni Prabhakar, Maganti Babu and many others have reached the spot and performed puja karyakram welcoming Godavari waters into the district.   YSR Congress party and its president Jagan Mohan Reddy have been opposing Pattiseema project that is intended to link Krishna and Godavari Rivers. But, AP state government proceeds ahead and fulfilled its promise.

Governor is likely to be replaced soon?

  If sources are to be believed, Governor Narasimhan is likely to be replaced very soon. According to sources, Governor is unwilling to continue any further as he felt humiliated by both governments. AP CM Chandrababu Naidu and Telangana CM KCR both were absent to ‘at home’ tea-party hosted by him on the eve of Independence Day. Both governments have their own reasons for distancing from him. Hence, Centre is said to be considering present Kerala Governor and former Chief Justice of India Sathashivam as the new Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states. But, AP CM Chandrababu Naidu has been assuring his party senior leader Motkupalli Narasimhulu for a long time that he will be made Governor. However, if TDP proposes his name for Governor Post, obviously TRS government will strongly oppose him.

Elections schedule for Bihar to be announced today

  The Central Election Commission is likely to announce elections schedule for Bihar state assembly elections today. The present term of Bihar state assembly will ends on November 29th. So, the EC is reportedly planning to conduct assembly elections in five phases beginning from 1st week of October and complete the process in November 1st week so as the new government can be formed before expiry of current Assembly term. Once, the elections schedule is announced elections code of conduct will comes into effect immediately. As the elections are closing-in, political equations and strengths are also changing very rapidly in Bihar state. Mulayam Singh, who was leading ‘Janata Parivar’ combo, has left it after Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and RJD president Laloo Prasad Yadav betrayed him in seats sharing. His Samajwadi Party is going to contest alone in the upcoming elections. Left parties, which were hanging to one party or other until now have joined hands and formed ‘Left Front.’ Hence, BJP has to face Janata Parivar and Left Front in the elections.

Centre declares OROP for ex-servicemen

  Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has made an announcement on one rank one pension (OROP) for ex-servicemen on Saturday. This OROP will be implemented with effect from July 1st, 2014 and it will be review once in every five years. Highlights of OROP: 1. Increase in pension will be revised once in every five years. 2. This will not be applicable to personnel who took voluntary retirement. 3. This will be applicable to all those retire in same rank and same length of service as the average of minimum and maximum pension in 2013. 4. Arrears for widows, including war widows will be paid in one installment. 5. Arrears for ex-servicemen will be paid in installments. (It was assessed that arrears alone would cost the government around Rs. 10-12,000 crores) 6. OROP would be fixed on the basis of calendar year 2013. 7. Further enhancement in rate of pension will be automatically passed to past pensioners, bridging gap between current & past pensioners. 8. One member judicial committee will be constituted. It will give reports in 6 months.

Police arrested Pawan Kalyan fans

  Police arrested hero Pawan Kalyan fans, who attacked hero Prabhas fans in Bheemavaram, West Godavari district. It all begins with some miscreants tearing flexi banners of Pawan Kalyan arranged by his fans on September 2nd on the eve of their beloved hero birthday. Pawan Kalyan fans raged and attacked houses of hero Prabhas fans suspecting that they have torn their hero’s flexi banners. Police have to impose curfew in the town to bring the situation under control. Later, police have arrested Pawan Kalyan’s fans following complaints lodged by the victims. Currently, they are in police custody. Hence, Pawan Kalyan fans are reportedly staging dharna in front of police station protesting their colleagues’ arrest. Fans should know that this kind of behavior will tarnish their beloved heroes’ image.

Bollywood music director Aadesh died

  Noted Bollywood music director and playback singer Aadesh Srivatsava died yesterday mid-night at Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai. He was ailing with cancer disease and taking treatment for it in the hospital for the last 40 days. But, he breathed his last on Saturday around 12.30 am. He was born in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh on September 4th, 1966 and died exactly on his 50th birthday today. He scored music for over 100 films during his two-decade association with Bollywood. Aadesh Srivatsava was diagnosed with cancer in December 2010, but he managed to overcome the dreaded disease with his will power. But, it relapsed again in August 2015. This time, he succumbed to the disease. His actress-wife Vijeta Pandit is sister of veteran actress Sulakshana Pandit. The couple has two sons Anivesh and Avitesh.

Can they convince Mulayam Singh?

  Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD president Laloo Prasad Yadav rushed to New Delhi today to convince Samajwadi party Chief Mulayam Singh to return to their Janata Parivar (alliance). Mulayam quits Janata Parivar yesterday expressing his anguish for ignoring him and his party in seats sharing for upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.   Out of the 243 seats, JDU and RJD took 100 seats each and allot 40 seats to Congress party. They spared just three seats to Samajwadi party. Nitish and Laloo took this decision without consulting or intimating him. Therefore, Mulayam Singh, who was hurt with their unilateral decision, gave them a shock by announcing that he is quitting Janata Parivar and going to contest elections alone.   This unexpected development turns blessing for BJP, which is gearing to fight with Janata Parivar. Hence, it starts making its moves very quickly. There are rumors that it is trying to rope in Mulayam into NDA alliance. Nitish and Laloo Prasad Yadav rushed to New Delhi today to meet Mulayam Singh Yadav, after sensing this threat from BJP.   But, Mulayam is not willing to return unless he gets his due share of seats. Nitish and Laloo Prasad have to share their seats with Mulayam otherwise they can’t bring him back. But, they both may not agree to spare their seats to Mulayam because they both wants keep power control in their hands. If, Congress is ready to settle with 5-10 seats, they may allow it stay on board otherwise may throw it out and spare its 40 seats to Mulayam Singh. Congress party may settle for it as it can’t face Janata Parivar or BJP in the elections alone.

AP Special Courts’ Bill passed

  On the concluding day of monsoon sessions today, AP Assembly has passed two important bills-AP Special Courts Bill and Depositors’ Protection Bill-1999.   This Special Courts bill is intended for speedy time bound trial on disproportionate assets cases. According to this new bill, if the state investigating agency serves notices to any person, he/she has to prove that the assets are legally acquired. If, the concerned person fails to prove within four weeks time, then the government will attach his properties and the investigating agency will forward the case to special courts to be constituted by the statement government for this purpose.   Special courts will have to deliver verdict in a fixed time frame. Transfer or sale of properties is not allowed after receiving notice from the investigating agency. If part of properties is genuine they will be spared and government will attach rest of the illegal properties. All statement government employees, peoples’ representatives will come under the scanner with this new bill.   Statement government also passed Depositors’ Protection Bill-1999 with amendments. This bill is intended to safeguard the interests of depositors.   Financial organizations like chit fund companies, money lending agencies etc. have to submit the details of nature of their proposed business etc. to the district collector and SP within one week of commencement of business. They also have to submit their business reports once in three months to the district collector and SP. If fails, Rs. 50,000 fine be levied.   This bill also ensures timely return of deposits and interest to the depositors. If, fails all the involved ranging from the employee who processed the application form to promoter, manager, officers of the organization will be subjected to a maximum punishment of 10 years jail term and Rs.5 lakhs fine. Non-bailable arrest warrant notices will be issued to the offenders. Courts can grant bail only after hearing the arguments of public prosecutor.   Government will attach the properties of the offenders and also those who benefits with the deposits collected from the depositors in case if cheating. Special courts will be empowered to attach the properties of the offenders. YSR Congress party walked out of the floor for speaker not allowing them to debate on price rice in the house. Hence, the bills were passed in the absence of YSR Congress party.

Pawan Kalyan is extra player: Narayana

  CPI leader K Narayana said “A true politician can’t ignore any issue, but Pawan Kalyan is reacting on some issues and remains mum on some other issues. I believe he is an extra player in state politics.”   It is true that Pawan Kalyan is not responding on every issue because he is sailing in two boats-‘politics and movies’ at a time. But, whenever he responds on some issue, certainly some positive reaction can be seen from the people and the government.   CPI and CPM have been fighting with the government on many issues since decades. But, hardly could they convince the governments on any issue. They are not even able to come to power until now although they are very active in state politics since many decades.   Left parties or any other active political parties have to mobilize the people to their meetings, whereas Pawan Kalyan, who is considered as one-man-army of Janasena party, could rope in thousands of people with a small tweet message with a short notice. Even, his tweet message could make a dent on the state politics, which can’t be expected from any political party. This is the large difference between Janasena and rest of the parties in the state. So, his fans believe that an occasional tweet or public meeting is enough for him.

AP to proceed with Vijayawada Metro Project

  Few weeks ago, Centre wrote a letter to Andhra Pradesh government, in which it says that metro rail projects are viable only for the cities with more than 20 lakh population. Since, Vijayawada doesn’t meet that criteria Centre can’t fund the metro rail project. People of the state are very much disappointed and also fumed upon the Centre for dumping the project. But, it seems Andhra Pradesh government wants to go ahead with Vijayawada metro rail project despite objections from central government.   Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had a meeting with Sreedharan, the chief advisor of Vizag and Vijayawada metro rail projects on Friday morning. Chandrababu Naidu told him that he need not to prolong or shelve Vijayawada metro rail project keeping in view of Centre’s suggestion on its viability. He said a Japan based company Jaika is ready to fund this project. So, he assured Sreedharan that there will not be any shortage of funds for this project. Chief Minister asked Sreedharan to speed up the project and submit monthly report on the progress of this project. He asked Sreedharan to make sure that the project is completed and ready for commissioning before 2018 as decide earlier. So, it is clear now that Vijayawada metro rail project is still alive and will not be shelved even if the central government doesn’t funds it.

Police solves Sheena Bora murder mystery

  Indrani, the main accused in the sensational murder case of her daughter Sheena Bora, has been trying to misguide the police until now. But, she confessed that she has committed the heinous crime. She finally broke down and reveals everything related to this murder case. First, the police have questioned her 1st and 4th husbands Siddarth Das and Peter Mukharjea. Then they questioned her son Rahul Mukharjea. Later, they searched their houses and found crucial evidences that lead to her confession. Based on the information gathered from them and the clues, police have managed to squeeze truth from her after shooting 25 questions related to this case. Indrani reportedly fainted after confession.   Sheena Bora was murdered by her mother Indrani on 2012, April 24th. But, she manages to hide it for the next three years. But, it was accidently surfaced when her car driver Shyam Rai was caught by police in some other case. He revealed about this murder, its roll players and also shows the place where Sheena Bora was cremated. Ever since, police have been trying to squeeze truth from Indrani, but the over smart lady is giving irrelevant answers in a bid to escape from this case. But, finally they made her spell the truth today.

Chandrababu family to shift to Vijayawada on 9th

  Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is constructing a new house in place of his old house at Hyderabad. But, he is likely to shift to a guest house in Lingamaneni Estates at Vijayawada on September 9th along with family. Officials are working day and night to prepare the guest house for Chief Minister’s family. Chandrababu Naidu has performed pooja karyakram at this guest house recently. He plans to move to Vijayawada as he is spending most of the time at Vijayawada these days. Statement government offices and employees are also likely to move into Vijayawada from Hyderabad in the coming days.   Minister Narayana has stated that government is ready to make all necessary arrangements for operating Secretariat from October 22nd on the eve of Dushera festival, even if 50 per cent of the employees are willing to shift to Vijayawada. Employees unions are still hesitating to move into Vijayawada due to many known reasons. If they seek more time to move into Vijayawada, then Chief Minister has to keep shuttling between Hyderabad and Vijayawada.