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Andhra Assembly Ends Without Debate

The five-day monsoon session of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly came to a tame end today after all working days were lost only in adjournments as Opposition parties disrupted proceedings on different issues.   For the first time in its history, the Assembly did not witness a single debate on any issue during the session. On its part, the Congress government failed to ensure conduct of listed business and was only content fulfilling the constitutional obligation of conducting the Assembly at least once in six months. The government did not show any interest in getting at least two important Bills -- to replace the ordinances passed. In all three Bills one to amend the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological Universities Act and another to further amend the Andhra Pradesh Education Act -- were introduced amidst din in the House on Thursday.The third Bill was to further amend the Andhra Pradesh Municipal Corporations Act, to create a common service for employees in municipal corporations in the state. The Telangana issue solely dominated the proceedings on all the five days with Telangana Rashtra Samiti, Bharatiya Janata Party and Communist Party of India pressing for a resolution seeking creation of a separate state. The TRS remained steadfast on its demand and did not let the Assembly run. The government, though, did not budge and let the stalemate in the House persist. The principal Opposition Telugu Desam Party and the other major opposition party YSR Congress raised issues like power crisis, reimbursement of fee for students pursuing professional courses, drought-like conditions in the state and plight of farmers.

Congress to Quit Mamata Govt Today

West Bengal Congress Friday announced to pull back its support from 16-month old Mamata Banerjee led Trinamool Congress party in West Bengal. However, it would not have any impact on Banerjee's government, as Trinamool has a comfortable majority in the 294-seat state assembly.   According to announcement of state Congress party President, Pradip Bhattacharya, "All the six ministers including two cabinet level ministers will submit their resignation before Mamata Banerjee on Saturday." In a bid to gain from the break-up with the Trinamool, the state Congress demanded at least three slots in the union council of ministers including a cabinet berth for party MPs from the state. Citing Mamata's attitude as "dictatorial attitude", Bhattacharya alleged that the law and order situation in the state had been deteriorating and his party would be "relieved" to leave the state cabinet.

Role of al Qaeda in Benghazi attack

  The role or involvement of al Qaeda in the attack on the American Consulate in Benghazi is not known yet, US President Barack Obama said. Obama said his government has insisted on and has received so far full cooperation from countries like Egypt and Libya and Tunisia in not only protecting American diplomatic posts, but also to make sure that they discover who, in fact, is trying to take advantage of this.  

US troops out of Afghanistan

Nearly two years after President Barack Obama ordered 33,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan to stamp down the escalating Taliban violence, the last of those surge troops have left the country. The withdrawal, which leaves 68,000 American forces in the war zone, comes as the security transition to Afghan forces is in trouble, threatened by a spike in so-called insider attacks in which Afghan Army and police troops, or insurgents dressed in their uniforms, have been attacking and killing US and NATO forces. The number of US forces there peaked at about 101,000 last year, and they have been coming out slowly over the past several months. The surge was aimed at beating back the Taliban to give the Afghan government and its security forces the time and space to take hold. The key goal was to ensure that the Taliban did not regain a foothold in the country that could allow it once again to become a safe haven for terror groups. And there was hope that Taliban members would be willing to come to the peace table. Military commanders say they have made broad gains against the Taliban, wresting control of areas where the insurgents once had strong footholds. And Panetta has characterized the insider attacks as the last gasp of a desperate insurgency.  

రీతీ స్పోర్ట్స్‌తో సైనా నెహ్వాల్‌ 40 కోట్ల డీల్

సైనా నెహ్వాల్‌ మేనేజింగ్ కంపెనీ రీతీ స్పోర్ట్స్‌తో రూ. 40 కోట్ల విలువ చేసే డీల్‌ను కుదుర్చుకుంది. ఈ ఒప్పందంతో సైనా నెహ్వాల్ సంవత్సరానికి 14 కోట్ల రూపాయలు పొందుతుంది. ఇంతకు ముందు సైనా నెహ్వాల్ ఏడాదికి 1.5 కోట్ల రూపాయలు పొందేది. ఈ డీల్ కుదరటంతో తను ఎంతో థ్రిల్ అయ్యానని, ఇంత త్వరగా పెద్ద అవకాశం లభిస్తుందని అనుకోలేదని సైనా చెప్పింది. భవిష్యత్తులో దేశం కోసం మరిన్ని టైటిల్స్ గెలుస్తానని ధీమా వ్యక్తం చేసింది. దక్కన్ క్రానికల్‌తో తమ ఒప్పందం జూలై 31ముగియటంతో సైనా రీతీ స్పోర్ట్స్‌తో డీల్‌ను కుదుర్చుకుంది. భవిష్యత్తులో వివాదాలు రాకుండా చూసుకోవడానికి యాడ్ షూట్స్ అన్నీ హైదరాబాదులోనే జరగాలని సైనా టీమ్ ఒప్పందంలో రాసుకుంది.

US Troops out of Afghanistan

Nearly two years after President Barack Obama ordered 33,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan to stamp down the escalating Taliban violence, the last of those surge troops have left the country. The withdrawal, which leaves 68,000 American forces in the war zone, comes as the security transition to Afghan forces is in trouble, threatened by a spike in so-called insider attacks in which Afghan Army and police troops, or insurgents dressed in their uniforms, have been attacking and killing US and NATO forces.   The number of US forces there peaked at about 101,000 last year, and they have been coming out slowly over the past several months. The surge was aimed at beating back the Taliban to give the Afghan government and its security forces the time and space to take hold. The key goal was to ensure that the Taliban did not regain a foothold in the country that could allow it once again to become a safe haven for terror groups. And there was hope that Taliban members would be willing to come to the peace table. Military commanders say they have made broad gains against the Taliban, wresting control of areas where the insurgents once had strong footholds. And Panetta has characterized the insider attacks as the last gasp of a desperate insurgency.

Role of al Qaeda in Benghazi attack

  The role or involvement of al Qaeda in the attack on the American Consulate in Benghazi is not known yet, US President Barack Obama said. Obama said his government has insisted on and has received so far full cooperation from countries like Egypt and Libya and Tunisia in not only protecting American diplomatic posts, but also to make sure that they discover who, in fact, is trying to take advantage of this.

Truckers Body Threatens to Launch Indefinite Strike

  The All-India Motor Transport Congress has threatened to launch a nation-wide indefinite strike if the Union government fails to roll back the hike in diesel prices and third party insurance premium and revise the toll rates on highways in a month’s time. The AIMTC had a meeting in Mumbai on September 18 to discuss the impact of diesel prices hike over and above Rs. 5 a litre. President of the Federation of Karnataka Lorry Owners’ Association B. Chenna Reddy said the cost of operation has touched Rs. 13.5 a km with the recent diesel price hike. Truck operators have no option but to increase freight rates, thereby severely affecting the common man. The AIMTC has been disputing the levy of toll on national highways and claiming that the licences for private partners to collect toll have been given beyond the break-even period.

Great Tribute to News Legend Kasturi

Kasturi, who was the longest-serving Editor in the history of the 134 year old newspaper THE HINDU a tenure that was almost matched by his uncle, Kasturi Srinivasan, from 1934 to 1959 - passed away peacefully at his residence on September 21, 2012. Surrounded by loved ones at the hour of parting, his demise comes with a sense of disbelief, grief and anguish. Staying away from the limelight of publicity despite being the powerful Editor of an influential newspaper and the Managing Director of the company running it.     G. Kasturi had a single-minded focus through most of his life to take The Hindu to new heights in a fast-changing media milieu. He seemed to allow himself hardly any distraction from his work and mission. he was the old-world Editor who preferred not to be seen or heard in the public sphere, but only be read and felt through the columns of the newspaper. Yet, he travelled the world, in particular evincing keen interest in industry-related events and exhibitions. He lived the trust, held himself up to the legacy he inherited, and left the newspaper the better for it.   Kasturi was indeed the moderniser, innovator and visionary who led The Hindu during a critical phase of its history. He brought it up to speed in an era in which technology came to play a leading part in transforming the industry. He took the newspaper forward from a slow-paced era, to a mode in which it could meet the new information needs of a growing English speaking population.

No threat to UPA government says Antony

  Defence Minister A. K. Antony and Union Minister of State K. V. Thomas have expressed confidence that the UPA Government would survive. Talking to visiting journalists from Kerala, Antony said that there was no threat to Government following withdrawal of support by Trinamool Congress. He did not elaborate. Thomas said that the national parties did not want an early election. The behaviour of Trinamool was unpredictable. It could not be said whether the party would offer support again.

Congress Core Group to Meet This Evening

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and party chief Sonia Gandhi, will meet on Friday evening to decide the future course of action, after Trinamool congress firmly stated to quit from the government. A meeting of the Congress Core Group headed by Sonia is scheduled in the evening amid reports that Trinamool Congress ministers will be sending their resignations during the day.   This is the second meeting of the Congress Core Group which had met only two days back, a day after Mamata Banerjee announced the withdrawal of support. Government managers are confident of the numbers even after the withdrawal of support by the 19-member Trinamool Congress, which has been the second largest constituent of the 15-party ruling alliance. With the Centre not in a mood to yield to her demands for withdrawing the decisions on diesel, LPG cylinders and FDI, Ms. Banerjee on Thursday said in Kolkata that her party’s six ministers will submit their resignation to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.     Trinamool has six ministers, including one of Cabinet rank, in the UPA government. After Trinamool’s withdrawal of support, the UPA government’s support in Lok Sabha will come down from 273 to 254 and the coalition will be heavily dependent on Samajwadi Party and BSP for its majority in the House. For a simple majority, government needs the support of at least 273 MPs in a House of 545.

Karunanidhi unhappy with UPA

By deciding to join the general strike called for Thursday by the Opposition, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, a constituent of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance regime, has sought to convey that it can no longer be taken for granted. However, this does not mean that DMK president M. Karunanidhi will go the Mamata Banerjee way, and the party is unlikely to rock the UPA boat for the present, according to DMK sources. The general strike has been called to protest against the hike in diesel price, restrictions on supply of domestic LPG cylinders and nod for FDI in the multi-brand retail sector. What has upset Karunanidhi, party leaders say, is the total failure of the Congress leadership to convince its allies about its decision or seek to assuage their feelings. Karunanidhi has been voicing his displeasure with the attitude of the Congress and even avoided meeting President Pranab Mukherjee during his recent visit to Chennai, even though he had campaigned for his candidature during the Presidential elections. In fact, in May, he said the DMK was staying in the alliance with a bitter feeling only because it did not want to upset the Congress applecart in the run-up to the presidential poll. When the 2G spectrum allocation scandal shook the country, AIADMK leader Jayalalithaa had offered support to the Congress if it showed the door to the DMK. Asked whether the DMK was reluctant to leave the UPA because it feared that the AIADMK may seek to fill the vacuum, a senior DMK leader said none would really support UPA-II now, as it was becoming increasingly unpopular.Karunanidhi, party leaders assert, is also firm that Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa should not be allowed to visit India to take part in celebrations connected with the 2,600th anniversary of the Buddha attaining Enlightenment.

Mamata cannot compromise

A day after Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee announced withdrawal of support to the UPA government, she refused to budge from her stand, saying that the decision has already been taken. The Chief Minister asserted that it was only the people who mattered to her party and the party was ready to sacrifice and suffer for them. Referring to the coordination committee set up by the UPA government, Ms. Banerjee said, “When did this coordination committee suddenly become an ordinance It has vanished. She pointed out that despite an assurance by the former Finance Minister, Pranab Mukherjee that any decision to bring foreign direct investment in the retail sector would not be taken without consensus, the UPA government had taken all decisions unilaterally. Reiterating her opposition to allow FDI in the multi-brand retail sector, she said the Manmohan Singh government could not forcefully implement and pass it in Parliament. She also questioned the Centre’s decision to allow States to decide on the implementation of FDI. Mamata said the Petroleum Ministry’s decision to restrict subsidy to six LPG cylinders was directed at “super humans” who would only be “dieting and not eating.” For any normal family, the requirement was 24 cylinders annually and it was her demand that subsidies be provided for all these cylinders.

Bharat Bandh Today

Bharat Bandh: Political parties and traders' organisations across the country have geared up for the Bharat Bandh called by the NDA today to protest against the foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail, cap in subsidised cooking gas cylinders and diesel price hike.     Non Congress ruled states are expected to be affected the most due to today’s Bharat Bandh. With TMC joining hands with the two parties, West Bengal will be among the most affected states. However, Maharashtra is expected is be peaceful as Shiv Sena and MNS are not participating in bandh. Life in Delhi and NCR might be partially affected because of the Bharat Bandh called by the BJP-led NDA and other political parties. Bharat Bandh latest Updates: Mumbai: Buses, trains, autos and taxis operate normally in Mumbai after Shiv Sena and MNS decide not to support NDA's call for Bharat bandh. Restaurants and shops also to remain open. Kolkata: In Howrah, the BJP and TMC workers clash as two rallies meet. The BJP was supporting the bandh and the TMC rally was against the bandh. Delhi: The transport in the capital not affected with rickshaws and taxis plying on roads. However, shops remain closed. Bangalore: Public transport is off the roads. Offices and shops remain shut. Chennai: The city remains largely unaffected by the bandh. Only trucks remain off the roads.

Anna Hazare to keep distance with Kejriwal

Social activist Anna Hazare on Wednesday distanced himself from the proposal to launch a political party, made by erstwhile Team Anna members Arvind Kejriwal, Prashant Bhushan, Manish Sisodia, among others, and admitted that they were splitting. Hazare, however, declared his resolve to fight for Jan Lokpal and make sure that Parliament passed the Lokpal Bill before the next general election. For this, he would tour the country, he said. Forbidding  Kejriwal and others from using his photos in their campaign material, the veteran social activist said he would have nothing to do with a political party launched by them. He even went so far as to say that the 76 per cent affirmation for the decision to form a party that came through SMSs and Facebook was not the real opinion of the nation. After a day long meeting with prominent citizens, mediapersons and retired judges, Hazare once again dissociated himself from plans to form a party, but unlike in the past, he forbade Mr. Kejriwal and company from using his name or his photos in their campaign material, indicating that the divide between them was deep. This, when enthusiastic supporters of the idea of a political party were holding placards that said “Anna topi’’ would be their party’s symbol.

Uneven response to opposition bandh call

The BJP workers stopped trains in Bihar and Samajwadi Party workers in Allahabad. But according to TV reports, the bandh has not affected Maharashtra. Schools and colleges are likely to be open in the State. In Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party has announced its participation while BSP has stated that it would not participate in the Bharath Bandh. Opposition workers have disrupted train services as part of a daylong strike to protest rising diesel prices and the government’s decision to open the huge retail market to foreign companies. Protesters carrying party flags blocked railroad tracks on Thursday in several cities and towns, including Allahabad, Varanasi and Patna. They’re demanding that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh reverse the fuel hike and the decision on foreign retailers. The strike is expected to shut down schools, businesses and public transportation. It was called by the main opposition BJP, its allies and communist groups. Some of the government’s allies also are involved. Last week, the government announced it will allow foreign investment in retail and aviation and the sale of minority stakes in four state-run companies.

Mumbai celebrates Ganesh festival

The 10-day Ganpati festival began in Mumbai amid tight security. The aarti and ‘sthapan puja were held in various pandals to mark the birthday of Lord Ganesh, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Millions of Mumbaikars remained awake through the night making last minute preparations for the installation of gigantic, medium and small idols of Lord Ganesh in different public venues, housing complexes and homes. Since last week, over 300,000 big and small idols started arriving in the city from artists’ studios in different parts of Mumbai and Raigad. Over 12,500 registered associations, apart from the 40,000 private housing complexes, have been preparing for the past few weeks for the popular festival. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the city, the entire coastal Konkan region and Pune, said Naresh Dahibhavkar, president of Mumbai Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samavaya Samiti. While a majority of the gigantic idols were installed last week in different marquees to enable decoration before being unveiled Wednesday, the small idols started arriving since Tuesday evening. Some of the public mandals have erected the idols with thematic presentations replicating the likes of famous Dilwara temple of Rajasthan, Nepal’s Pashupatinath temple or Bikaner’s Laxmi Vilas Palace.

Mamata withdraws support to UPA government

Trinamool Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee announced here on Tuesday that her party would withdraw support to the United Progressive Alliance government at the Centre, even as she indicated that the decision might yet be reconsidered if certain demands related to the recent reform measures were met. The Trinamool chief is demanading the center for upgrading six cylinders target to 24 cylinders at least. Didi says that Trinamool ministers will go to submit their resignation on Friday. She is further demanding the government to withdraw the hike of disel prices and bring down the price by Rs. 3 to 4. Regarding FDI in retail they have to withdraw, Banerjee said when asked if there was a possibility of her revoking the decision. Mamata said all six Trinamool Ministers would submit their resignations to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at 3 p.m. on Friday. Mamata Banerjee said she was beginning to wonder whether the recent announcements were a Congress tactic to divert attention from the coal blocks allocation scandal. 

Hazare admits to differences with Kejriwal

Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare admitted on Tuesday that there were differences between him and social activist Arvind Kejriwal and made it clear he would not be a part of any political party. Speaking to journalists after a meeting with social activists here, he said Kejriwal was free to form a political party. However, aware that the change in stand would affect the image of the Jan Lokpal movement, he said, “We have differences. But they are not like the differences in political parties. We are taking different paths towards the same goal. Hazare said that he has already declared that he will not fight elections as he chosen a different path. After breaking his 10day fast at Jantar Mantar in August, Mr. Hazare said he would support the political party to be floated by his teammates. On August 6, he disbanded Team Anna through a blog-post and cast doubts on the prospects of a party, arguing that many issues, from selection of right people to ensuring that candidates were incorruptible, would be a challenge.