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Bhopal Interior Designer Zahida Parvez arrested by CBI for the killing of Shehla Masood

Bhopal 29th Feb. Our correspondent: after five months of probing, the cold blooded murder of the RTI activist Shehla Masood in Bhopal, The CBI on Tuesday claimed that Zahida Pervez had hired the professional Kanpur hit man to kill Masood. Zahida was the key conspirator in the murder. Zahida’s husband who owns a petrol pump was also taken into custody for interrogation.
FLASH BACK : Shehla was shot dead from point blank range in her car in broad daylight on August 16th last year . The CBI took up the probe and registered a case on Sep 3rd following a state government request, due to the failure of the police to crack the case.

The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has extended greetings to the Indian Hockey Team for making a passage to London Olympic with an exciting win over France. Shri Chouhan announced to give Rs. One lakh each to members of Indian Hockey Team.
Shri Chouhan congratulated the Indina hockey team members appreciating their mesmerising, speedy and artistic hockey hoping that the tremendous performace will continue in London Olympic with new hopes, passion and confidence.
Shri Chouhan said that India has crossed the qualifying stage readying to regain the glory of Indian hockey. The fantastic victory will boost the cdonfidence of players and further improve their performance. He congradulated Shri Sandeep Singh Shri Sunil and Shri Vimal Lakra.

Jagjit Singh (8 February 1941 – 10 October 2011) was an Indian ghazal singer, composer, music director, activist and entrepreneur. Known as "The Ghazal King", he gained acclaim together with his wife, another renowned Indian ghazal singer Chitra Singh. Together, they were popular in the 1970s and the 1980s as the first ever successful husband-wide duo act in the history of recorded Indian music. Together, they are considered to be the pioneers of modern ghazal singing and regarded as the most successful recording artistes outside the realm of Indian film music.
He has sung in Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Gujarati, Sindhi and Nepali languages. He was awarded India's third highest civilian honour, the Padma Bhushan, in 2003.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister today met the Union Home Minister Shri P. Chidambaram and urged him for early clearance to M.P. Vishesh Nyayalaya Vidheyak 2011 pending with home ministry.
Shri Chauhan said that the proposel Bill provides for an effective deterrent against corrupt public servants and expeditious disposal of cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. This bill also provides for confiscation of property acquired through corrupt means and utilization of such property in larger public interests.
Shri Chauhan said that the Madhya Pradesh Terrorisam and Extremist Activities and Organised Crime Control Bill 2010 which seeks to strengthen National unity is pending for approval with the Central Govt.
Shri Chidambaram assured the Chief Minister of an early clearance of the pending Bills.
Shri Chauhan said that at present 8 districts are included in the integrated action plan to tackle naxalism in the state. He called for including Singrauli also in the plan. Shri Chauhan urged to increase amount to Rs. 100 cr for modernisation of Police Force. The Central govt. has reduced the amount from 100 cr to 50 cr in the last 3 years.

-2014 Election will be fought between Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi.
-BJP has made necessary amendments in their strategy to fight the election.
-BJP is trying to make their image as the party who believes in development & better governance

Nitin Gadkari has satisfied the unsatisfied partymen within the party

Katrina Kaif opts for a quiet birthday this year!

Mumbai blast: Death toll rising, over 100 injured

Serial blasts struck Mumbai this evening, less than three years after the 26/11 terrorist attacks of 2008. The three blasts, in sequence, were timed at 6.30 pm, 6.45 pm, and 7 pm IST, and targeted in that order Zaveri Bazaar, Opera House and the Kabutarkhana area of Dadar West.

Police use a sniffer dog at the site of an explosion in the Zaveri Bazaar, south Mumbai July 13, 2011. Three bombs rocked crowded districts of Mumbai during rush hour on Wednesday, killing at least 20 people in the biggest militant attack on India's financial capital since 2008 assaults blamed on Pakistan-based militants.

Tough task ahead: Can Dinesh Trivedi drive 'derailed' railway ministry?

New Delhi: Dinesh Trivedi, a trained pilot now in charge of the vast Indian railway network, is an articulate, suave and widely travelled politician who has for long been Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee's points man in New Delhi.

But, will the 61-year-old Trinamool Leader be able to handle the crucial ministry? Trivedi has played important role in maintaining the Trinamool's liaison with national political leaders and the nation can just hope he will show his skills in managing railways also. There's a fear that the Rail Ministry will still be run out of Kolkata and this could possibly be the reality. Mamata Banerjee may have left the Rail Bhawan but her clout in the Railways ministry hasn't.

However, the first few hours in office was not so easy for the new railway minister as he faced protest from family members of the passengers injured in the Kalka Mail accident on Tuesday night and was also heckled as he visited a hospital in Fatehpur. The minister, who reached the hospital at about 11.20pm on Tuesday, was surrounded by the family members who raised slogans against police and railway officials.

They alleged non-cooperation by police and railway authorities, and also blamed police for taking away bodies without informing family members. Sensing their mood, the minister regretted about the tragedy and the subsequent difficulties they faced.

The minister stayed in the hospital for about 15 minutes amid chaotic scenes in which he was not only surrounded by the families, but also pushed and pulled by some of them.

Trivedi, who is on his way to Fatehpur, will travel to Rangia in Assam where the Guwahati-Puri Express had also derailed on Sunday following a blast.

Will he also make 'false promises' only?

Just after taking oath as Railway Minister on Tuesday, Dinesh Trivedi announced a job each for the kin of the people who were killed in the Kalka Mail mishap near Fatehpur in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. However, senior officials in the ministry said there was no such provision under which the jobs could be granted.

On earlier occasions, former railway minister Mamata Banerjee had also promised jobs to the families of those killed in train accidents given below-

1. Jnaneswari rail accident in West Bengal that killed 148 people on May 28, 2010

2. Jobs were also offered to the kin of 60 people killed in an accident near Sainthia in Birbhum district on July 19 last year.

3. The similar promises were made to the kin of the 23 people killed in the Gwalior Intercity Express accident at Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh on September 20, 2010.

Interestingly, the railway officials have said none of the jobs was sanctioned as there was no provision for it, a newspaper says.

All is not well for Indian Railways
Three train accidents in just four days, including the worst derailment which took place in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, have once again exposed the Indian Railways' poor standards of safety and maintenance.

Kalka Mail mishap: Body count climbs to 69, rescue operations conclude
The train accident in Fatehpur district of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday when a speeding Delhi-bound Kalka Mail derailed killing at least 63 people and injuring over 250 is the worst rail mishap this year and the latest in a series of track tragedies

100 injured as Guwahati-Puri Express bombed in Assam
At least 100 people were injured, 20 of them critically, when a powerful bomb ripped apart a passenger train late Sunday in India's restive northeastern state of Assam.

UP: 38 killed as Chapra-Mathura Exp rams into bus carrying marriage party

On July 7, the Mathura-Chhapra Express had rammed into a bus carrying a marriage party at the Adhurpur unmanned railway crossing Kanshiram Nagar, about 250 km from Lucknow, leaving 38 bus passengers dead.

Since May 2009 Rail Bhawan has been running without a full time Railway Minister. Mamata Banrejee's tenure at the Rail Bhavan has not been too impressive because of her obsessive preoccupation with West Bengal which left the ministry to the babus. Mamata did not let go of Railways even for a day, she kept her aide - Mukul Roy - in the Ministry, even as she took charge in Kolkata.

The Railways' dwindling revenues were explained away by use of bureaucratic jugglery and deceptive statistics, while accidents were attributed to sabotage and human error. In Mamata's two-year stint as railway minister, 276 persons lost their lives in train accidents.

Expansion of Union Cabinet : 8 New Ministers inducted

- No place for Bhuria & Yadav from MP.
- Jairam Ramesh shifted to Rural Development.
- Milind Deoda to look after communication and IT as state minister.

India tests homegrown nuclear-capable Prithvi II missile

Balasore (Orissa): India on Thursday successfully test-fired its nuclear capable Prithvi-II ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur near here as part of the user's trial by the Army.

"The indigenously developed missile mounted on a mobile launcher was test-fired from the launch complex-3 in the ITR at around 0905 hours and the trial was fully successful", defence sources said.

"Earlier also, Prithvi-II missile had proved its robustness and accuracy repeatedly during many trials," a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) official said.

"Taken from routine production lot during earlier user?s trials by Indian Army, the missile had achieved single digit accuracy reaching close to zero circular error probability (CEP)," the sources said.

Prithvi-II with features to deceive any anti ballistic missiles, had demonstrated flight duration of 483 seconds reaching a peak altitude of 43.5 km in the 2008 user's trial.

Similarly, as a part of the operational exercises by Armed forces, two Prithvi-II missiles, aimed at two different targets at 350 km from launch point of ITR, at Chandipur were successfully launched within minutes of each other on October 12, 2009 and all the mission objectives were met.

The sleek missile once again proved its accuracy when the user tried it in a 'salvo mode' on March 27 and June 18, 2010 from ITR, Chandipur. It was the fourth successful Prithvi-II flight within a period of eight months.

With a striking range of 250 to 350 km, Prithvi-II missile is capable of carrying a pay-load of 500-1000 kg warhead.

The test firing of the surface-to-surface missile, which has already been inducted into Indian armed forces, was a routine trial conducted by the personnel of "strategic force command" (SFC), the sources said.

"The trial was conducted in the presence of senior officials as part of routine training exercises," they said.

'Prithvi', the first ballistic missile developed under the country's prestigious Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), is propelled by liquid propulsion twin engine.

With a length of nine meter and one meter diameter, Prithvi-II uses an advanced inertial navigation system with manoeuvring trajectory.

"The entire trajectory of today's trial was tracked by a battery of sophisticated radars, electro-optic telemetry stations and ships launched in the down range impact point area in the Bay of Bengal for the post-launch analysis", the sources said.

Goa minister's son acquitted in rape case

Panaji: The Goa Children's Court has acquitted Rohit, son of state Education Minister Atanasio Monserratte, from the charges of raping a German minor girl.

Rohit was arrested in November 2008 for allegedly raping a 14-year-old German girl and also sending her lewd messages.

The court acquitted Rohit on Wednesday as the mother of the victim and the girl refused to cooperate with the prosecution.

Both have returned to Germany and were not available to testify before the court.

The victim's mother even refused to make available the birth certificate of the girl, which was a proof of her being a minor.

Rohit was accused of raping the victim in his car at Bambolim, a town near Panaji and thereafter sending her lewd messages.

The victim's mother lodged a complaint with Calangute police on October 2, 2008, but Rohit remained absconding till he surrendered on November 4, 2008.

The court had given time for the prosecution to seek help of the German consulate for recording the statement of the victim and her mother. But both of them did not cooperate with the authorities.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple: SC defers opening of vault 'B' till July 14

Thiruvananthapuram/New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday restrained the seven-member committee from opening vaults of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, which according to various estimates contains wealth worth over Rs one lakh crore.

A bench of justices R V Raveendran and A K Patnaik asked the petitioner Raja Marthanda Varma, erstwhile Prince of Travancore, and the Kerala government to come out with appropriate suggestions for ensuring sanctity and security of the ancient temple which has come to the limelight following discovery of the huge wealth.

The apex court while restraining the opening of vault (B) and also the vault (A) posted the matter for further hearing on next Thursday. But the question remains the same - will the last of six chambers of Kerala’s Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple add more riches to the eye popping treasure of India’s richest temple? Having made several headlines after discovery of awe-inspiring wealth, the last vault of the centuries-old temple was likely to be opened on Friday.

The seven-member panel appointed by the Supreme Court is likely to meet on Friday to take the decision follwing the SC's order to delay the opening of chamber six till Thursday (July 14).

The air of curiosity surrounds the sixth and last secret chamber of the temple, which is being claimed to contain even bigger treasure.

Even before the unlocking of the last of six secret chambers, the vast collection of the mind boggling rubies, diamonds, precious stones, gold and silver jewellery recovered from its cellars was unofficially put to more than a whopping Rs 1 lakh crore (£12.6 bn). The eminent historians and spiritual leaders, however, estimated the market value of the treasure to be around Rs 5 lakh crore.

Chambers unopened for decades
Two of the six secret chambers were not opened for nearly 150 years. Although the shrine dates back to the 10th century, the present structure was built only in the 18th century after King Marthanda Varma expanded and consolidated the Travancore kingdom.

The chambers containing the offerings remained locked at least since the 1930s, when the last inventory was reportedly carried out by Travancore's then rulers.

"There are six vaults, from A to F, and only Vault B is still to be opened," said a temple official. "This vault has special locks, and we don't want to break them. So we're getting experts to examine them, and we should be able to open them on Friday."

Key of last chamber missing?
While all eyes await for revelation of more treasure on Friday, uncertainty looms over opening of in the last chamber of Padmanabhswamy temple, as the key of the vault B, according to the sources, has been missing.

The temple authorities have been considering seeking help of traditional locksmiths to get the duplicate keys made, the royal family of Travancore, the traditional custodians of the temple have been apprehensive over the use of machinery to break open the vault. According to the royal family the hammering of the ancient vault could even shake the temple’s foundation.

Special security zone for temple
Creation of a special security zone around the famed temple is on the anvil to protect the huge piles of treasures found hid in its cellars.

The details of the plan had been drawn up by the police and submitted to the Government as a permanent security cover for the grand temple located in the heart of Kerala capital, Government sources said.

SC orders filming of Treasure hunt
The Supreme Court on Wednesday barred the seven-member committee entrusted with preparing upon inventory of the Padmanabhaswamy temple treasure from speaking to the press.

The Supreme Court directed the video-graphy of the unearthing process of treasure inside the temple.

The court proposed that a curator of a museum be appointed to preserve the treasure being unearthed from the temple.

Wealth revelation grabs global media
The discovery of the ancient treasure has not only made headlines at home, but has also sparked the invasion of global media to cover the ongoing treasure hunt in the famed temple of Thiruvananthpuram.

Leading international dailies and TV channels have sent their media representatives to cover the unearthing process of the temple’s wealth.

Treasure belongs to Lord Padmanabha
According to senior bureaucrats, eminent historians and spiritual leaders, the treasure of the country’s richest temple at Thiruvananthapuram belongs to Lord Padmanabha and nobody including the government has any right to them,

“All precious stones, ornaments and other materials found in the chambers opened as per the directive of the Supreme Court are well documented. Each and every material has been accounted for and there is no confusion about the ownership. They all belong to Lord Padmanabha, the deity of the Travancore Royal Family,” Prof MGS Narayanan, eminent historian and former chairman of the Indian Council for Historical Research said.

SC ordered exercise
The cellars of the temple, closed for several decades, were ordered to be opened by the Supreme Court to prepare inventory while considering a private petition recently.

It was only after the order of the Apex Court that a team of experts appointed by the Apex Court began the exercise last week, to uncover a vast hoard of gold idols, diamond and emerald-studded jewels and other precious stones with rubies and emeralds.

Treasure exclusive property of Royal family
The huge treasures found in Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram were the "exclusive property" of Travancore royal family that dedicated their kingdom to the presiding deity of the temple, Kanchi Sankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi said.

"For long the erstwhile royal family was the custodian of the temple and they dedicted their kingdom to Lord Sree Padmanabhaswamy. The treasures were offerings made by erstwhile rulers to the temple, hence the recoveries belonged to the royal family", he said.

The deity of Padmanabha Swami Temple is the family deity of Travancore royal family.

Legend halts operation
Moreover, the legends associated with the temple has also come into the way of the team carrying out the stocktaking at the Padmanabhaswamy temple.

A royal family source said many legends were attached to the temple and that chamber B has a model of a snake on the main door.

“This is a clear indication that the door should not be opened because opening it might be a bad omen. I don’t think the team can open it because there is a lot of faith attached to the temple,” said the source.

Another legend says that there is a tunnel at the bottom of the chamber that leads to the sea.

Is Abhinav's 'Kundli' the reason behind Ratan Rajput's delayed marriage?

Abhinav Sharma became the chosen one, out of the 16 boys who were short-listed for Ratan’s ‘Swayamvar,' but the show didn’t meet its due end, with Ratan ending it on a mere engaged with Abhinav. However, the TV actress seems to be happy with her decision and says there's no time bar to marry the 'Delhi da munda'.

Ratan, reveals the reason behind her decision to only get engaged on the day of the Swayamvar. “Abhinav Sharma is manglik and this is the first time I am going against my Kundali. I am a strong believer in it and this time I have decided to go by my feelings. Abhinav is not a believer in Kundali and I want to see how it works with him as he is a very nice person to be with,” she explains.

So, on being asked if that’s the only reason for her decision to delay marriage, she quickly says, “We want time to know each other as he should know about my lifestyle and behaviour off-screen. I wish to marry him and hope for the best. I am legally in a relationship and it’s a very special experience for me.”

Ratan also claims that reality shows are more difficult than fiction as they're mind and soul consuming. So, only time can tell whether Ratan follows her heart or her kundali has something else for her in store.

Telangana: 3 rebel Cong legislators resign, TDP leaders to quit

Hyderabad: Three legislators of Andhra Pradesh's ruling Congress party from Telangana region on Monday submitted their resignations, hours before Congress and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) legislators are to quit enmasse for a separate state.

Vishnuvardhan Reddy, one of the legislators from Hyderabad, submitted his resignation to Deputy Speaker Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka as Speaker N Manohar is in the US. He became the first Congress legislator to quit.

Four rebel legislators of TDP had sent their resignations to the speaker's office on Sunday from their hunger strike camp.

Rebel Congress legislator Konda Surekha has also submitted her resignation while another Congress legislator, G. Venkat Ram Reddy, faxed his resignation from the US.

Ministers from Telangana have sought an appointment with Governor E S L Narasimhan to submit their resignations. They along with the legislators met at the residence of Panchayat Raj Minister Jana Reddy before leaving for the assembly to resign.

Reacting to reports that the central leadership invited them to Delhi for talks, minister K. Venkat Ramreddy told reporters that there was no question of going to the capital unless the centrd agreed to form a separate state.

"We have already made it clear that our visit last month was the last visit to Delhi for talks," he said.

Nine MPs of Congress have reached Delhi to submit their resignations to Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar.

TDP legislators reached the assembly building much in advance to hold a meeting to chalk out their strategy. They are likely to resign enmass after Congress legislators submit their papers.

Police have made elaborate security arrangements around the assembly building.

Orissa: Maoists blow up rail track

Bhubaneswar: In yet another Maoists attack, a railway track in Orissa’s Sundergarh district on early Monday was blown up by Maoists, hitting train services, police said.

Maoists triggered two explosions along the track between Rengada and Roxy stations, bordering Jharkhand.

The movement of passengers and goods trains was affected on the route, an official at the police headquarters in Cuttack said on telephone.

India's richest! Kerala temple treasure amounts to R 1 lakh crore

Thiruvananthapuram: The Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple in Kerala could well be the richest in the country as unofficial estimates on Saturday, the sixth day of preparing an inventory of treasures in its six chambers, suggested the value of its gold, diamond and other precious metals at close to Rs 1 lakh crore.

The inventory of the temple here, maintained by the erstwhile royal family of Travancore, is being made by a seven-member Supreme Court-appointed panel.

The stock-taking process was ordered by the Supreme Court following a petition by advocate T.P. Sundararajan over mismanagement of the temple affairs.

On Monday, ahead of entering the temple chambers for the first time, the committee chairman, retired Kerala High Court judge M.N. Krishnan, said he hoped to finish the entire process by the end of the week.

The temple has a total of six chambers, named A to F by the committee. With chamber B yet to be opened and chamber A's accounting ending Saturday, and two more chambers left unopened yet, it is expected that the inventory process may continue for a few more days.

The inventory of a chamber opened on Friday could only be completed on Saturday.

The committee, which includes a gemmologist, stumbled upon a nearly four-foot-tall statue of Lord Vishnu in gold and studded with emeralds.

Other precious items that were accounted for on Saturday included several golden statues, almost all weighing two kg each.

Among other things are a gold necklace as long as 15 feet, and crowns studded with emeralds, rubies and diamonds.

The chamber is situated around 20 feet under the ground. The committee conducted the examination using artificial lights. Cylinders were used to pump in oxygen to the chamber to guard against breathing problems for committee members.

The Kerala government has maintained high security at the temple after the exercise started.

City police commissioner Manoj Abraham said additional 80 personnel of the special armed police (SAP) will be posted at the temple.

Historian and veteran journalist M. Gopalakrishnan said that according to the legend the gold got accumulated in the temple because in the olden days people used to offer gold to seek pardon from the royal family.

The main temple deity, Padmanabhaswamy, is a form of Hindu god Vishnu in Anananthasayanam posture or in eternal sleep of 'yognidra'.

The foundation of the present entrance gateway was laid in 1566 and the temple has a 100-foot, seven-tier tower besides a corridor with 365 and one-quarter sculptured granite stone pillars with elaborate carvings.

As of now, the Balaji temple in Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh is believed to be the richest temple in the country, followed by Shirdi Sai Baba shrine in Maharashtra.

PM assures to bring Lokpal bill in monsoon session

New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday affirmed his government's commitment to a Lokpal bill which provides for a strong institutional arrangement for tackling corruption in high places and said the legislation will be brought in the monsoon session of parliament.

"I must make it clear at the outset that we, in government, are committed to the enactment of a Lokpal Act, which provides for a strong, effective and quick institutional arrangement for tackling corruption in high places. We are also committed to bringing the bill before parliament in the coming monsoon session," Manmohan Singh said in his opening remarks at an all-party meeting on the Lokpal bill. The session begins August 1.

He said that the institutional arrangement for the Lokpal should enjoy support of as large a section of people as possible and it has to work in harmony with other institutions and laws.

The all-party meeting at the prime minister's residence was attended by Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders L.K. Advani, Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley and Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leaders Bausudeb Acharia and Sitaram Yechury.

Leaders of Janata Dal-United, Bahujan Samaj Party, Samajwadi Party, DMK, AIADMK, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Telugu Desam Party also attended the meeting.

India denies envoy summoned by Bangladesh

New Delhi: India on Sunday denied that its envoy to Bangladesh was summoned to explain Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's 'off-the-record' remarks and added that the meeting was only scheduled to discuss the upcoming visit of External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna to Dhaka this week.

"Our HC (High commissioner) in Dhaka 2 (to) meet BD (Bangladesh) FS (foreign secretary) 2day (today) to discuss forthcoming official visit of EAM to BD," Ministry of External Affair's official spokesperson Vishnu Prakash said on his twitter account.

He also added that media reports that Indian envoy Ranjeet Mitter was summoned to explain the prime minister's remarks was "speculative".

In his interaction with a group of editors June 29 here, Manmohan Singh in "off-the-record" remarks spoke candidly about his assessment of the situation in Bangladesh, stating that at least 25 percent of the population "swear by the Jamiat-e-Islami and they are very anti-Indian, and they are in the clutches, many times, of the ISI".

The remarks posted on the website on Wednesday night were splashed in leading Bangladeshi dailies, providing a handle to right-wing elements which thrive on anti-India propaganda.

The remarks were later edited out of the PMO's website.

On Saturday, the Ministry of External Affairs went into damage control mode, asserting that India holds relations with Bangladesh "to be of the highest importance".

"It is clarified in this regard that these attributed remarks were by no means intended to be judgmental," said the spokesperson.

The controversy erupted just as Krishna is scheduled to visit Dhaka July 6. Sources point out that the meeting between the Indian envoy and Bangladesh foreign secretary was scheduled before the prime minister's interaction with editors.

Krishna's trip comes ahead of the prime minister's visit to Bangladesh, likely after the Indian parliament completes its monsoon session.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed's visit to India in January 2010 saw warming of ties between the two neighbours that had languished during her predecessor Begum Khaleda's tenure.

The visit saw India announcing $1 billion line of credit for infrastructure projects in Bangladesh and the signing of crucial agreements on enhanced counter-terror and security cooperation.

Justice for Neeraj Grover: Procession, candle-light vigil against court verdict

Mumbai: Outrage against the judgment in the 2008 Neeraj Grover murder case grew as a large number of film and television personalities, NGOs and common people joined a candle-light vigil here on Sunday evening to express their angst.

The vigil, at the Lokhandwala Complex in Andheri, was led by actor Raza Murad, film-maker Ashok Pandit and others.

Nearly 600 people took part in the candle-light protest and demanded justice for Grover's family members, said Pandit.

Talking to media persons, Murad said that the candle-light vigil was to express sympathy with the victim and his family members who have been denied justice.

Similar candle-light processions shall be organised in Lucknow and Kanpur of Uttar Pradesh, the cities from where Grover and his family hailed.

The vigil followed a protest march from Malad (north-west Mumbai), the erstwhile residence of Kannada actress Mariah Monica Susairaj, where Grover was murdered by her fiance, ex-naval officer Jerome Mathew.

The procession then moved towards the Lokhandwala Complex via Juhu.

People in the procession carried placards and banners which proclaimed 'Justice For Neeraj Grover', 'Mariah Is A Killer' and demanded that justice be done to the Grover family.

Many of the protesters also carried large photographs of Grover, a television executive who was killed in May 2008.

Susairaj, who was convicted for three years on charges of destroying evidence pertaining to the Grover killing, walked out of Byculla Jail Saturday noon as she had already completed the sentence as an under-trial.

Mathew was found guilty of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and sentenced to 10 years in jail; of which he will serve seven in prison as he has already spent 3 years behind bars an under-trial.

The duo was also slapped a fine of Rs 50,000 and Rs 100,000, respectively, which will be given as compensation to the Grover family.

Scores of activists had also protested at a packed media-conference addressed by Susairaj and her lawyer Sharif Sheikh at the Mumbai Press Club on Saturday.

The protesters had raised anti-Susairaj slogans and alleged that she was Grover's "murderer".

In one of the most gruesome crimes of passion, Mathew stabbed to death Grover after he found him naked in Susairaj's bedroom early morning of May 7, 2008, at her apartment in Dheeraj Solitaire in Malad.

Puri: 3 devotees die during annual Jagannath Rath Yatra

Bhubaneswar: At least three people, including two minor boys, were killed and two minors were injured on Sunday in separate incidents during the annual Rath Yatra or chariot festival of lord Jagannath in Orissa, police said.

While Sudhakar Swain, 61, died of a heart attack while watching the procession amongst a crowd in the temple town of Puri, a 14-year-old boy died after he came under the wheel of a chariot at Sunthipal village in Cuttack district.

The boy was identified as Trinath Rout, an official of the police headquarters at Cuttack said.

Another boy identified as Debabrata Mohanty, 14, died after coming under the wheel of a chariot at Talakurunia village in Balasore district. A 16-year-old boy has also sustained injuries during the festival at the same place, the official said.

In a separate incident, a 10-year-old boy sustained injuries after a wheel of a chariot rolled over his hand at Purunapani village in Sundergarh district, he said. The boy has been admitted to the local hospital for treatment.

Sea of devout throng Yatra
Thousands of devotees poured in here with religious fervour and enthusiasm to take part in the grand spectacle of the annual Rath Yatra keeping in with centuries old tradition of pulling majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, his brother and sister.

People from across the country and abroad descended on the pilgrim town to have a glimpse of the presiding deities of the Sri Jagannath temple.

Since early morning thousands of devotees kept pouring in to watch the ceremony and pull the three colourful chariots on the 'bada danda', the Grand Avenue, where security personnel were deployed in strength to prevent any untoward incident.

As the presiding deities, Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra and their sister Subhadra - set out from the sanctum sanctorum of the temple for their annual nine-day sojourn to Gundicha temple, about two km away, a number of special rituals like Mangla Arati and Mailam were performed.

Descending from the Ratna Sinhasana, the bejewelled throne, the three deities were taken out of the temple down the 22 steps known as "Baisi Pahacha" through the Lion's Gate in an elaborate royal ritual called "Pahandi" as devotees and sevayats jostled to have a glimpse and touch them.

In a rhythmic style, the deities were taken out to the accompaniment of beating of ghantas and kahalis and blowing of conch shells.

Money was devotees -- for building Sai samadhi

The Sathya Sai Central Trust Tuesday said it had nothing to do with the cash seized by police, and that it was given by devotees to build a samadhi of the late Sai Baba. Denying allegations of financial irregularities for the first time since the seized Rs.35 lakh, the trust said the money was paid to Bangalore-based Shankarnayana Consultancy Pvt Ltd. This was being taken by the firm's employees to Bangalore when police seized the same.

Addressing a press conference, trust member V. Srinivasan said that since the trust was not a religious institution and cannot take up construction of a samadhi, it permitted devotees to undertake the work.

The police seized the cash from a vehicle near Hindupur June 18 and arrested three people.

"We have given all the information to police," said Srinivasan, who along with another trustee R.J. Ratnakar was questioned by police. He denied the vehicle belonged to the trust.

A legal advisor to the trust, Naganand, said the incident was blown out of proportion by the media.

Srinivasan revealed that the trust has paid Rs.9.75 crore as income tax on the cash and valuables found in Yajur Mandir, the personal chamber of Sai Baba which was opened June 16.

"We have paid the income tax though there was no demand from the income tax department," he said.

The trustee said the trust was ready to submit a report about its activities and finances to the Andhra Pradesh government, which sought the information Monday.

Claiming that the trust was capable of managing the institutions run by it, Srinivasan felt there was no need for the government to have a separate mechanism for monitoring.

Sachan case: Post-mortem report points murder

The postmortem report of Dr YS Sachan, deputy chief medical officer (CMO) of family welfare department, indicated that his body was hanged after he had died. He bled to death, at least eight hours before the body was found, the report said. Sachan, the prime accused in the murder of CMO, family welfare, Dr BP Singh, was found dead inside a toilet in the jail hospital on Wednesday night. Police said he hanged himself. On Thursday, six jail officials, including the jailor and deputy jailor, were suspended. According to the post-mortem report, Dr Sachan was murdered and tortured to death. The report indicated that Sachan's wind pipe and neck bone was not damaged, which indicates that his death did not occur due to hanging. His body bore eight incisions and death was caused by excessive bleeding, said a police officer. The ligature mark on the neck was caused after his death. Report also adds that 7 out of 9 wounds are few centimetres deep. The report goes on to say that it is highly doubtful that anyone would inflict such deep wounds on themselves. Alleging Sachan was murdered, his family demanded the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the case. The opposition parties in Uttar Pradesh have seconded the demand. The family also wants a second postmortem conducted at Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences.

PRCI METROMIRROR.COM IMAGE AWARDS PRESENTED BY NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF PRCI
-PRCI METROMIRROR.COM IMAGE AWARDS PRESENTED BY NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF PRCI Sh. N.D. Rajpal at the hotel lake view Ashok, Mrs. Vijaylaxmi, Secy-general graced the occasion.
-Dr Steven King, Director of Apco worldwide, International PR consultancy and Shri Ujjawal Choudhary of whistling woods gave their presentations.
-A committee headed by the PRCI Chairman nominated the persons and organization from the various areas who improved the Image of Madhya Pradesh in India.

• Prabhat Jha -BJP chief (Political Party)
• K.M.Singh CED NHDC (PSU Admin)
• C.E. Fernandes CMD GEI Industrial systems ltd. Bus & Entp. Industrial (Best unit of Govindpura)
• Er. Sanjeev Agarwal Chairman Saga Group (Young Educational enterpreneur with vision)
• Nikunj Shrivastava IAS Collector Bhopal(Public Admn excellence in Distt. Admn.)
• Rakesh Shrivastava IAS (Public Admn Public Relations)
• Manoj Shrivastava IAS Public Admn (Excellence in Divisional Admn)
• Prakash Ramani Business Enterprises - Consumer production (Top n town most loved ice cream brand)
• Subhas vithaldas Pioneer industries (with high potential for export)
• Hemant Soni Aakriti Dwellings (Housing Development with vision)
• Anand Pandey Editor DB (Innovation in Journalism,Hindi)
• Vinod Purohit Editor Patrika (Newspaper with courage)
• Ramesh Sharma (Journalist with difference, Hindi)
• Rajesh Choubey 9754310012 CEO DB Mall (excellence in Mall Mgt.)
• Vijay Bandriya 9826906864 (Excellence in Agriculture Journ.)
• Anjani Kumar Jha 9425303668 (Journalism, Hindi)
• EWDPL- Treasure Island (Arif Sheikh-ED) (Pioneer in Entertainment infrastructure)
• Dr. B.K.Prasad LNCT (Pioneer in Technical Education)
• K.L.Thakral Oriental Group (Educational excellence)
• Ajai Mohgaonkar Chairman Fortune (Bus Enterpreneurship,Housing Development)
• Saurabh Malviya Publication officer Makhanlal (Exclusive Research, sanskratik rashtravad)
• Prestige Group (Educational & Industrial enterpreneurship)
• HEG (Best Industrial Unit of Bhopal)
• BHEL (PSU Management), Sandeep Manudhane PT Education (Pioneer in Training for Management)
• Akanksha Rathi Rathi Steel Pithampur (Woman in man's business,young business Achiever)
• Sayaji Hotel Indore (Hotel Management)
• Paras Sakhlecha Independent MLA Ratlam (Social work & youth empowerment)
• Lalit Shastri English Journalist with difference
• Yatish Rajawat Editor in chief Business Bhaskar (Excellence in Business Journalist-Hindi)
• Kalpesh Yagnik National Editor DB (Journalist who jumped from local to National)
• Dr Hitesh Bajpai- BJP Media Chief (Political Media Mgt.)
• Amarjeet Khalsa Dean- IPER (Dean with a difference-Management Education)
• Hari Ranjan Rao IAS MD MP Tourism (Tourism development New Initiatives)
• N.K.Singh Editor HT (Versatile Editor with courage)
• B.K. Kuthiala VC Makhanlal University (Innovation in Media education)
• Prakash Gaur Additional MD MP Madhyam (Publication & design excellence)
• Piyush Trivedi VC RGPV (Technical Education Management)
• Ajay Dubey (Social Service through RTI)
• Madan Mohan Joshi (Social Service through cancer treatment)
• Ruchi Vijayvergia CEO People Samachar & Post (Media Enterpreneurship)
• Poornima Chaturvedi (Nimadi Art development,Lokkala)
• Suchandna Gupta Timer & India Special correspondence. (excellence in Journalism-English)
• Ganesh Sakalle (Jounalist with Potential & vision Hindi)
• Santosh Choubey Founder VC Aisect University (Educationist with vision to educate the masses.)
• Aishwarya Gopinathan Bharat Natyam (Young classical dancer with potential to go international)
• Dr. Sunita Yadav MS Cancer Surgeon (Cancer Surgeon with a difference)
• Dr. Pandey (National Hospital)
• Anil Gupta Divisional Manager (LIC)
• Dr. Yogesh Malhotra

MAKE LAW TO PROTECT JOURNALISTS, HAZARE WRITES TO PM

A week after a senior journalist was gunned down in Mumbai, Gandhian Anna Hazare on Saturday wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh voicing concern over "growing attacks" on journalists and urged him to enact "stringent laws" to curb them. "Growing attacks on journalists, who are considered to be the fourth pillar of democracy, is a threat to India's democratic structure," he said in his letter. He also said "stringent laws" need to be enacted to curb such "heinous attacks".
"I would request you to look into this matter and do the needful," Hazare said in his letter.
Later, speaking to a news channel, Hazare said: "Such deadly attacks on journalists are not a good sign for democracy. This is an attack on democracy and a tough law needs to be implemented by the central government to check any such instances involving journalists in the future." "Therefore, I have written a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh regarding the same issue," he added. Jyotirmoy Dey, editor (special investigations) at Mid Day, was shot dead June 11 by four unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants. The killers are still at large. Dey was the third journalist in India to be killed in the past six months, according to a media watchdog. There have also been 14 attacks on the Indian media in the same period. In all the cases, investigations are under way but no arrest has been made.

Public Relations council of India, Bhopal chapter and reputed newsmagazine METROMIRROR.COM to organise National PR Seminar and Image Awards on "Effective Communication, PR & Branding - Tools for success everywhere".

International PR firm apcoworldwide's India MD Mr. Sukanti Ghosh & Steven King, Mr. N.D. Rajpal National President PRCI and Mr. Ujjwal Choudhary Director whistling woods will give their presentations. PRCI'S secretary general Mrs VijayLaxmi will also grace the occassion. Mr. Sukanti Ghosh and Mr. Steven King are known for their Vibrant Gujarat strategy. PRCI-Metromirror.com Image Awards will be presented to the various personalities and organizations for increasing the image of M.P. prominent are - Ramesh Shrivastava commissioner PR, Manoj Shrivastava Divisional commissioner, Anurag Jain secretary to CM, Hariranjan Rao MD MP Tourism Development Corporation,CE Fernandes CMD GEI Industries Treasure Island, Prestige Group Indore, Akanksha Rathi Rathi steel, Journalists Anand Pandey, Vinod Purohit, Kalpesh yagnik, Yatish Rajawat, Ganesh Sakalle, Lalit Shastri, BJP president Prabhat Jha, BJP Media Chief Hitesh Bajpai, BK Kuthiala, N.K.Singh (Journalist), Prakash Gaur, Subhash Vithaldas, Prakash Ramani, HEG, NHDC, LIC. in Education, J N Chouksey, KL Thakral, Sanjiv Agarwal in housing development Aakriti Group, Fortune Builders.

Ramdev feels better, having fruit juice; may be discharged on Tuesday

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev's health is now better and he will be discharged Tuesday, doctors attending on him said on Monday. "Baba is feeling better now and he will be discharged tomorrow (Tuesday). We have asked him to take one day's rest. We are checking his status every hour," a senior official of Himalayan Hospital in Dehradun said. Ramdev gave up his nine-day fast against corruption on Sunday on the insistence of religious and spiritual leaders. He had been on a hunger strike since June 4 seeking he return of black money stashed in foreign tax havens. Meanwhile, Ramdev's spokesperson S.K. Tijarawala said: "A team of doctors will decide tomorrow whether he will be discharged. Baba is fine, he is having fruit juice."

MF Husain passes away in London

MF Husain, India's best known contemporary painter, has died in London. India should grieve for two reasons. At 95, he was active and had lots of painting left in him. And he died in exile, unhappy with the way his home country had treated him. Husain had been in exile since 2006, when he was attacked by rightist groups angry with his portrayal of Hindu deities. Last year, he was offered Qatari citizenship. But his heart remained in India, and in interviews, spoke fondly of what this country meant to him.

CNN-IBN reported from London that he was admitted only two days ago for fluid retention in his lungs, and but had otherwise been"in fairly good health". Arun Vadhera, a friend who visited him at Royal Brompton Hospital yesterday, said he had been cheerful, talking about eating out at a restaurant soon after his discharge. "He really really missed India a lot," he told a TV channel.

Profile

Born: September 17, 1915
Achievement: World famous painter; Recipient of Padma Shree
One can love MF Hussain or one can hate MF Hussain but one cannot ignore him. MF Husain is always in the news because of one controversy or the other. Maqbool Fida Hussain (MF Hussain ) is a world famous painter and an icon among Indian artists. MF Hussain was born on September 17, 1915 in Pandharpur, Maharashtra. He lost his mother when he was one and a half years old. Husain's father remarried and moved to Indore. MF Hussain did his schooling from Indore. In 1935, MF Hussain moved to Bombay and joined Sir J. J. School of Art. He started off by painting cinema hoardings. He first came into limelight as painter in the late 1940s. In 1952, MF Hussain's first solo exhibition was held at Zurich and soon he became popular in Europe and USA. He went on to become one of the highest paid painters in India. His paintings have fetched millions of dollars at the auction. In 1966, MF Hussain was honored with Padma Shree by the Government of India. In 1967, MF Hussain made his first film "Through the Eyes of a Painter". The film was shown at the Berlin Film Festival and won a Golden Bear. He has also made two Hindi movies, "Gaja Gamini" and "Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities." MF Hussain also had his share of controversies. Many a times he has been charged with hurting sentiments of people because of his nude portraits of Hindu gods and goddesses. But he continues to enthrall people with his peerless artistry.

BJP has no sympathy for Ramdev: Azad

- Attacking Baba Ramdev, Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Monday said he "betrayed" the government by not keeping his promise to end the agitation and accused the BJP of "fishing in troubled waters" on the issue. During an interaction with women journalists at the Indian Women's Press Corps here, he also put the onus of "timing" of the midnight crackdown on Ramdev's supporters at Ramlila ground on law enforcement authorities. "On his (Ramdev's) part there was a betrayal," the Health Minister and senior Congress leader said, when asked if the government has made an error of judgement by releasing the agreement letter given on behalf of Ramdev, which prompted him to level allegations of cheating against senior ministers. Azad said Ramdev had agreed to announce the time of ending his fast against black money and government had informed him of a deadline which was extended several times but he did not keep his promise. He said the BJP, which is holding a protest in Rajghat against the police action, is trying to "fish in troubled waters". Azad also said whatever the RSS and BJP are doing is aimed at diverting attention from issues like Malegaon and Hyderabad which has created an "anti-RSS mood" in the country. "They (BJP) have no sympathy for Ramdev. They are dancing at Rajghat... I don't know whether it is for celebration or mourning or they dancing for Ramdevji's arrest. Their heart is not there...they are just doing politics," he said. To a question on the midnight crackdown, he said negotiation and eviction are separate issues and the latter is related to law enforcing agencies.

150 Candidates of Bhopal selected in the prestigious IIT. Madras zone tops the toppers list.

- Payoj jain topper of Bhopal - gets All India 116th rank.
- 4,68,240 candidate appeared in the IIT-JEE.
- Automan's son also clears the tough IIT-JEE.
- 90 Students of vision Infinity, Bhopal clears IIT-JEE.

2G scam probe: Kanimozhi denied bail, arrested

A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court on Friday denied bail pleas of DMK MP Kanimozhi and Kalaignar TV chief Sharad Kumar, named as co-conspirators in the 2G spectrum scam. The court directed the CBI to take her and Kalaignar TV Managing Director Sharath Kumar into judicial custody. The Rajya Sabha MP will be taken to Tihar jail. The CBI had named Kanimozhi, daughter of DMK chief M. Karunanidhi, and Sharad Kumar as co-conspirators in its April 25 supplementary charge sheet after it traced an illegal money trail of Rs.214 crore in the scam.

Bengal waits for 'change', Mamata to be sworn in as first woman CM today
Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee will on Friday be sworn-in as West Bengal's first woman chief minister ending 34 years of uninterrupted Left rule in the state.
More than 3,000 invited guests watched as a beaming Banerjee, clad in her trademark white sari and rubber slippers, was administered the oath of office by Governor MK Narayanan at the Raj Bhavan here.
The Trinamool Congress chief, 56, who becomes the eighth chief minister of the state, took her oath in Bengali.
Amongst those present to witness the historic occasion were union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Home Minister P Chidambaram, former state chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, Left Front chairman Biman Bose and other top leaders of the opposition combine.
Crowds lined both sides of the road as her convoy set out from her Kalighat residence in south Kolkata to the Raj Bhavan seven kilometres away. Frenzied slogans like "Mamata Banerjee zindabad" could be heard.
Banerjee's Trinamool Congress and Congress alliance won 227 seats in the 294-member house.

Prime Minister Manmohan singh reviews the defence preparations
Now only 48 hours are required to reach at the battleground, while it was one month earlier. It has became possible due to the 'vijayBhav' exercise.

Tamil Nadu Election Results 2011: DMK-Congress defeat in Tamil Nadu shows corruption a major issue,says BJP
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Friday said the drubbing of the DMK- Congress alliance in Tamil Nadu was one of the worst defeats and showed that corruption was a major issue. "The Congress-DMK alliance has suffered its worst defeat in Tamil Nadu. This is the big lesson. This shows that corruption is definitely an issue," BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said. "Politics in India is state-specific. People are voting locally and we are trying to analyse nationally what is creating problems. The reality is that every state votes according to its priorities, issues, social combination and leadership," Javadekar told news channel NDTV, adding that in Tamil Nadu corruption, especially the 2G scam impact, was felt by the ruling party. He was referring to the fact that the DMK's A. Raja, a former central communications minister, is behind bars in the 2G spectrum scam. Its MP and Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi has been name co-conspirator in the multi-million rupee scandal and could land in more trouble with the Enforcement Directorate and the Income Tax department questioning her over the scam. Javadekar also said the Left's rout in West Bengal and Kerala has now shown that there would now be only the Congress and BJP to fight the polls. He said there were earlier three political factions - the third front under the leadership of Left Front, a Congress-led alliance and BJP-led coalition. "But now that space has gone and now there will be only two alliances" - one led by the Congress and one by the BJP, he added. However, he refused to comment on the party's performance in Assam, where the Congress was set for an enviable hat-trick with the main opposition Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the BJP crushed. "What happened to AGP? Did they get the Muslim votes? No, but they lost the advantage of being in alliance with the BJP. So, it was AGP, which was ruled out the alliance," he said. Referring to Bihar, where the BJP is part of the ruling alliance with the Janata Dal-United (JD-U), he said: "The BJP and JD-U have got tremendous amount of Muslim votes because per se Muslims will vote on performance and they are ready to vote for BJP, not only in Gujarat but even in Bihar and elsewhere." Both the AGP and BJP party unit chiefs in Assam were trounced. Javadekar also took pot shots at the Congress over the Kerala results. "Congress had a lead of 100 seats in Loka Sabaha elections is Kerala, but they are reduced to 65-70 because of the irresponsible utterances about the age of (Chief Minister V.S.) Achuthanandan by Rahul Gandhi," he said, referring to the Congress general secretary's comments on the Kerala chief minister's age. Achuthanandan is 87. "Congress has come down because there is anger against it but comparatively there is more against the Left. Only in Assam because there was division among the non-Congress voters, it has led comfortably. "So, we congratulate (Trinamool chief) Mamata (Banerjee), (AIADMK chief) Jayalalitha and those who have won, but definitely Tarun Gogoi has also to be credited for the win," he said.

Assam election results: Tarun Gogoi wins for a third time
Tarun Gogoi is set for an unprecedented third term as Chief Minister of Assam. Today, voters gave his party, the Congress, 76 of the 126 seats in Assam - five more than what the party had in the last Assembly. Anti-incumbency, says Mr Gogoi, cannot over-rule development."The secret is if you work sincerely, if you work hard for the people. they will repose faith in you...that's what has happened here." But it's also his firm handling of underground groups like the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) that has convinced Assam that its chief minister is very much a man in charge. Mr Gogoi has shown a fine instinctual understanding of how to negotiate with these groups without capitulating to their agendas. There's also the fact that the Opposition has done its best to make room for him. The two main parties- the Asam Gana Parishad (AGP) and the BJP failed to strike an alliance, splitting the vote of those who are not Congress-seekers

Kerala Election Results 2011: Close race between UDF, LDF
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The United Democratic Front ( UDF) is leading in 43 seats, while the Left Democratic Front (LDF) is ahead in 38 seats, according to the early trend for the 140-seat Kerala Assembly. According to reports, the incumbent Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan is trailing from the Malampuzha seat. Kerala recorded a turnout of over 74 percent polling. The other prominent candidates, whose fate will be decided today include, UDF's Chief Ministerial probable Oomen Chandy (Puthupally), KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala (Harippad), CPI(M) polit bureau member Kodiyeri Blakrishnan (Thalassery), Muslim League leader P K Kunhalikutty (Vengara), Kerala Congress (M) supremo K M Mani (Pala) and senior BJP leader O Rajagopal (Nemom).

Historic win for Trinamool Congress in Bengal
Assembly elections: The Trinamool Congress on Friday headed for a historic win in West Bengal, bringing down the curtain on the 34-year uninterrupted rule of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM) led Left Front. The Left Front - the longest serving Communist-led government in a democratic set-up headed for a rout. West Bengal chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee tendered his resignation to Government MK Narayanan at 1.15pm on Friday. He lost his seat and is only the second chief minister in Bengal's history to lose the assembly seat. Prafulla Sen, the third chief minister of Bengal, was the first to lose. As the state was poised to get its first woman chief minister in Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee after about 64 years after independence, the defeat of the Left Front spanned almost the entire geographical map of West Bengal. Its candidates were losing even in erstwhile red citadels like Burdwan, Bankura and Purulia districts and in seats where the coalition had never been defeated since coming to power in 1977. The Trinamool headed for a landslide bagging 42 of the 294 seats and leading in 144 demolishing the 34-year-old Left citadel in West Bengal in the assembly elections. Trinamool's ally Congress won 12 seats and was leading in 30. As per the trends, the Trinamool Congress could form the ministry on its own as the magic figure for government formation is 148. Left Front major, CPM has so far bagged 13 seats and was ahead in 24. LF partner, Forward Bloc won three seats and was ahead in nine, while RSP and CPI, two other constituents were leading in 6 and 3 seats respectively. Independents were leading in two and others in six. Majors Left Front figures including finance minister Ashim Dasgupta, tndustry minister Nirupam Sen, housing minister Goutam Deb and IT minister Debesh Das were trailing. Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee dedicated her party's stupendous victory to 'Ma, Mati, Manush' drawing parallels with the freedom struggle and promised good governance, while saying that there would be an end to "autocracy and atrocities". "Not only in Bengal and India, people across the world were waiting for this verdict and we express our gratitude to all of them," Banerjee said. Accepting the poll verdict, a joint statement by the chief minister and Left Front chairman, Biman Bose described the debacle as 'unexpected'. They, however, said the Left would play the role of a responsible and constructive opposition in the assembly.

India can do an Abbottabad, says the man behind Agni missile series
Mumbai: “We have the technological capability to undertake an Abbottabad-style surgical attack,” a confident Defence Research and Development Organisation chief and security advisor to the Union defence minister Dr VK Saraswat told DNA on the sidelines of his special talk on innovation and technology on Wednesday, National Technology Day, at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). “As a policy, we do not believe in hot pursuit. But if the policy makers take a call, we have what it takes,” he said. When reminded that the clamour to emulate the US killing of Osama bin Laden in his hideout was on the rise, the man behind the 3,000-km-range Agni missile series said: “We are a functioning democracy with all powers vested in the government. It is ultimately they who have to take a call.” He also allayed fears of Pakistan’s nuclear armament falling into the hands of rogue elements. “The international community and India are keeping a close watch on this. There are mechanisms in place to ensure this does not happen. We also have a treaty in place between India and Pakistan to the effect that both countries will keep each other abreast of any untoward development, at and with their nuclear facility, which could have an impact on each other or the region,” he said. (READ: Is Indian Army capable of doing an Abbottabad to nab India's most wanted?) He also spoke of the impact of recent developments on research. “Our main challenge is developing technology for sustained low intensity conflicts. After the Mumbai attack, we are factoring in the presence of dense population in urban scenarios,” he said. When asked about the light combat aircraft (LCA) or the Tejas project, he said: “The order for the first batch of 40 LCAs has already been placed at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Final tests for the naval version are on. The navy is looking at procuring at least 50 of them.”

Bodies of Arunachal CM Dorjee Khandu, 4 others, taken to Tawang

Satya Sai Baba Passes away: Last sites on wednesday

Indian doctor's book an cancer wins Pulitzer prize - Dr. Siddhart Mukharjee, anewdelhi born oncologist has been awarded a Pulitzer prize for his book "The Emperor of all Maladies : A biography of Cancer"

Profile
Birthday / Age : Born in 1970 (Age as on 2011 is 41).
• Birthplace: Delhi, India.
• Recent Address: America.
• Nickname of Professor Dr. Siddhartha Mukhopadhyay: Sidd.

• Education Qualification of Professor Dr. Siddhartha Mukhopadhyay: Pulitzer Award Winner Siddhartha Mukhopadhyay completed his schooling from St. Columbus School in Delhi and admitted at Stanford College. Later joined Harvard Medical School with the help of Roads Scholarship.

• Profession Occupation of Pulitzer Award Winner Siddhartha Mukhopadhyay: Professor of Columbia University in New York, Researcher and Cancer Specialist. Siddhartha Mukhopadhyay also writes articles for ‘The New England Journal Of Medicine’, ‘The New York Times’.

• Family of Professor Dr. Siddhartha Mukhopadhyay: Pulitzer Award Winner Professor-Dr. Siddhartha Mukhopadhyay lives with his wife Sarah J and two daughters (named Riya and Lina) in America and his father (Shibeswar Mukhopadhyay) mother (Chandana Mukhopadhyay) lives at Safdarjang Enclave in Delhi, India.

• Name of the Book for which Siddhartha Mukhopadhyay won Pulitzer Award in 2011 is The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography Of Cancer.

Other Indian Personnel who had won Pulitzer Award before are Gobinda Bihari Lal (1937), Jhumpa Lahiri (2000) and Gita Anand (2003. Siddhartha Mukhopadhyay is the fourth Indian to win Pulitzer Award in 2011.

Congratulations to Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee for his work and achievement and good wishes for upcoming medical projects of Dr. (Prof) Siddhartha Mukherjee (Mukhopadhyay).

-Satya sai Baba's condition is stable
-Satya Sai Baba -

The Ratnakaram Raju Family

The Raju family of Puttaparthi was noted for its piety since the days of the renowned sage, Venkavadhootha, a saintly ancestor who was looked upon as a Guru in hundreds of villages around. Not only did the family build and endow the Gopalaswami Temple (dedicated to Lord Krishna), but Sri Ratnakaram Kondama Raju, the grandfather of Bhagawan's physical frame, dedicated a temple to Sathyabhama, consort of Lord Krishna, a deity to whom this type of homage is seldom offered in any part of India. Peasants by vocation, they were known for their musical and dramatic talent and were much involved in the propagation of the sacred scriptures through village plays and musicals. Consequently, the family was given the name ‘Bhat Raju’ (Bhat – priest).

Sri Kondama Raju was a pious soul who lived out his hundred and ten years of earthly existence in the unceasing contemplation of the Lord. His wife Srilakshmamma predeceased him by twenty years. They had two sons who were both named after Sage Venkavadhootha - Pedda Venkama Raju and Chinna Venkama Raju. Pedda Venkama Raju, the elder son, was married to Easwaramma, daughter of Sri Meesaraganda Subba Raju of Kolimigundla of Kurnool district. Pedda Venkama Raju and Easwaramma were blessed with a son and two daughters in that order, Seshama Raju, Venkamma, and Parvathamma.

Some years passed and Easwaramma longed for another son. She prayed to the village gods, performed Sathyanarayana Puja and observed a number of rigorous vows. One day, an extraordinary incident occurred that heralded the descent of the divine into her womb. Easwaramma had gone to the village well to draw water. There, she noticed a strange bluish glow that transformed itself into a luminous orb. The ball of light then glided towards her and entered her being. Shortly thereafter, to the joy of her family, Easwaramma found herself in the family way.

Divine Portents

After a while, mysterious indications of the impending incarnation occurred in Pedda Venkama's house. For example, there was the twang of the tambura! Since the brothers and the father were all interested in the village operas, there was a big tambura (a string instrument) and a maddala (drum). As the birth of the son for whom Mother Easwaramma prayed, announced itself as imminent, the house was awakened at midnight, and sometimes even later, by the tambura twanging automatically, and the maddala beating rhythmically as if an expert Hand was playing on it! One Shastri (Vedic scholar), whom Pedda Venkama Raju approached for an explanation, said that it was an auspicious occurrence: it meant the presence of a Shakthi, a beneficent Power, conferring harmony, spiritual elevation and joy.

The Advent

23rd of November, 1926, the Hindu year of Akshaya, meaning, the Never-declining, the Ever-full. It was the time of sunrise and the villagers were chanting the names of Lord Shiva, remembering that the day was still Karthika Somavara, a Monday of the Holy Month of Karthika, devoted to the puja (worship) of Shiva. That day was made even more auspicious for Shiva worship, because the ascendant star was Ardra (the star of Shiva). On this day, when these rare and propitious signs came together, the people thronged the temples of the Lord to offer special pujas and pray for His benediction.

The Mother had also just finished her Sathyanarayana Puja in accordance with her vows, for, even while she was going through the final rituals, the pangs forewarned her. When Easwaramma announced the pangs, word was sent to the mother-in-law, Lakshmamma, the pious lady of the house; but, it became known that she had gone to the house of the priest to perform the Puja of Sathya Narayana; the messenger discovered her there and urged her to return; but she was so confident of the Grace of Lord Sathyanarayana, so steadfast in her devotion, so disciplined in her religious adherence, that she refused to be hustled!

She sent word that she would bring with her the sacred offerings after the Puja and that on no account would she allow her prayers to be interrupted! She finished the entire ritual with full concentration, came home and gave her daughter-in-law the flowers and the sacred water. Easwaramma partook of the blessings of the Lord. Next moment, the Lord was born and the Sun rose above the horizon!

The Divine Child

A very significant event occurred soon after the birth of the child, which revealed the divinity of the baby. One day, it was noticed that the bed of clothes on which the baby was lying was being moved up and down in a peculiar way by something underneath. They watched with bated breath and when they looked under the bed they found a cobra underneath! The snake was playing the role of Sesha to the Seshasai! [Sesha, according to Hindu belief, is the serpent on whose bed of coil Lord Vishnu rests.

The baby was named Sathyanarayana because there seemed to be a significant relationship between the worship to that God and the realisation of the mother's cherished desire. When the Namakaranam (Naming Ceremony) was performed and the name was whispered in the ear; it seems the baby smiled, for the suggestion to give that name must have emanated unobtrusively from Itself! The embodiment and exponent of Truth could not give Himself a more appropriate name.

The little “Brahmajnani”

Little Sathya soon became the pet of the entire village of Puttaparthi and the farmers and cowherds vied with each other in fondling it and feeding it and playing with its lovely silken curls. Its charming smile attracted every one. Like a lighted lamp, Sathya moved about the house and laughter tinkled in the street when He lisped His sweet vocabulary of sounds.

The villagers soon started referring to Him as “Brahmajnani”, the knower and proponent of Brahman or Godhood. Even at a young age, Sathya was known for His extraordinary love and compassion towards creation and aversion towards harming any creature. His heart melted at human suffering. Whenever a beggar appeared at the door and raised his cry, Sathya abandoned His play and rushed in, to force His sisters to dole out grain or food. The elders in the house tried to dissuade Him saying, "Look here! You may give him food; but, mind you, you will have to starve." That did not daunt the child; He used to run inside and bring food to the hungry man at the door; and stay away from dinner or lunch, himself. Nothing and nobody could persuade Him to come to His plate, which was left untouched!

While others in the family relished non-vegetarian food, little Sathya would advise them to desist from such cruel habits. Whenever such food was cooked in the household, the boy used to run to the Karnam's (village chief) house, and partake of the food offered by Subbamma, the aged lady residing there, for they were Brahmins and vegetarians.

So distinct was His behaviour that a wag once nicknamed Him "the Brahmin child"! Yes, it was a fitting description. Little did that wag know that, while in the previous body, this child, so laughed at now, had declared at Shirdi, "This Brahmin can bring lakhs of men on the White path and take them to their destination!"

The early school days

At the age of eight, Sathya was declared fit to proceed to the Higher Elementary School at Bukkapatnam, about two and a half miles from Puttaparthi. He had to start early, after a meal of cold rice and curds or cooked ragi (maize), rice and chutney, carry the afternoon meal in a bag, and with His companions make the arduous trek daily to Bukkapatnam.

Sathyanarayana was a precocious child, learning more things than anyone could teach Him and much quicker than most; He could sing all the songs and Stotras (prayers) that were recited at the village operas. He even composed at the tender age of seven or eight, some touching songs for the cast, which were gladly accepted by them for public presentation!

The Pandhari Bhajan group

When He was about ten years of age, Sathya formed a 'Pandhari Bhajan' group in the village of Puttaparthi. The group consisted of about sixteen to eighteen boys dressed uniformly in ochre clothes, holding each a flag in the hand and wearing jingling anklets. They all danced to the tune of folk-songs and ballads, describing the yearning of pilgrims for Lord Panduranga's Darshan. He also added some Bhagavatha songs of His own. It was noticed that He added to these traditional themes, songs on a pilgrimage to a new shrine of which no one had heard, and the majesty of a new Deity of whom they had not even the faintest idea, Shirdi and Sai!

Moreover, it was observed that when an infection of cholera swept like a poisonous miasma over the area and wiped out entire families in the surrounding villages, Puttaparthi did not feel the blast of death. Wise men told one another that the Divine Atmosphere generated by the Bhajan group was responsible for saving their lives.

At Kamalapuram

Sathya had to move to Kamalapuram, a small town about 200 kilometres from Puttaparthi, with His brother Seshama Raju. His parents planned to give Sathya a college education, so that He may become an officer! And hence, they were prepared to part with their beloved son and send Him to Kamalapuram to the Board Middle School there, so that His studies could be continued.

Sathya was a quiet, well-behaved boy and the favourite of His teachers. Once, He sang the prayer song before the curtains went up on a drama in the town and those who heard His sweet voice spread the news that a 'fine musician' had come to town. Prayer songs at functions like public meetings became His monopoly thereafter.

A merchant by name Kote Subbanna who sold medicines, tonics, glassware, umbrellas, etc. came to know of Sathya’s talents and approached Him for a ditty to market his new product. He gave Him the necessary information and by evening, Sathya was ready with an attractive Telugu song, which was sung in chorus by His friends and Him. They used to march along the streets, with placards in their hands, singing Sathya’s slogan-filled jingle and evidently enjoying their task!

A word may be said about Sathya and His involvement in the theatrical activities at school. Sri Thammi Raju, the teacher in-charge, once asked Sathya, who was only twelve years old then, to produce a play in Telugu. Sathya plunged into the work very enthusiastically. The drama was a great success, not only because the hero of the play was a little boy, a role enacted by Sathya himself, but, chiefly because it had as its theme the eternal sin of man – hypocrisy. The title of the play was "Cheppinattu Chesthara?" meaning "Do we practise what we preach?"

Meanwhile, Seshama Raju was transferred to Uravakonda. He decided to take Sathya along with him with the intention of admitting Him at the Sri Karibasavaswami District Board High School there. Accordingly, Sathya accompanied His elder brother to continue His studies at Uravakonda. The town of Uravakonda would be witness to the grand and mysterious events that would mark the momentous transformation of the young child into a great spiritual master who would change the very destiny of mankind.

Mysterious Turn of events at Uravakonda

Sathya was sought after by people who had lost articles of value, for He had brought with Him to Uravakonda the reputation for intuitive perception, which revealed to Him the place where anything was! Baba says that in those days, He used to give His friends only the first and last letters of the names of the persons with whom the lost articles could be found. He left them with their own resources to recover the goods.

On March 8, 1940, the whole town was shocked to hear that a big black scorpion had stung Sathya in the twilight hours of the evening. However, Sathya slept that night without any sign of pain! Every one felt relieved, only to become anxious once again when the next evening, Sathya fell unconscious and became stiff; He would not speak and breathing appeared faint. Seshama Raju brought in a doctor, who gave an injection and left behind a mixture. Sathya was apparently unconscious throughout the night. The doctor came again in the morning and declared that the boy was out of danger!

An incident happened in the night which showed that Sathya was not 'unconscious' but, that He was actually supraconscious! Some one suggested that the local deity be propitiated, because the condition of the boy may be due to some evil spirit that possessed Him. So, volunteers hurried to the temple and offered worship, placed flowers and incense, and broke a coconut at the altar. At that very moment, Sathya, who was to all intents 'unconscious', said, "The coconut has broken into three pieces," and when the volunteers came home with the offerings, they had with them three pieces and not the usual two!

Sathya got up in a day or two and began to behave in an extraordinary way. Baba has said that He Himself initiated the process of manifestation, for He could not wait any longer, playing about as a mere boy, with 'brother' and 'sister' and 'classmates' and other secular bonds. He wanted to demonstrate that He was beyond both ‘Visha’ and ‘Vishaya', that neither the poison of the scorpion nor worldly attractions could ever affect Him.

Meanwhile, Sri Seshama Raju had informed his parents at Puttaparthi about the state of affairs at Uravakonda. He had written that Sathya was not answering anyone who spoke to Him, that it was a herculean task to make Him accept food, that He was spending the time mostly in silence but, sometimes bursting into song and poetry or reciting long Sanskrit slokas (hymns) and at times, expounding the highest Vedantic philosophy. The parents took about a week to reach the place, because of unforeseen and inexplicable difficulties.

Seshama Raju got nervous as to why the parents had not arrived. He decided to send someone to Puttaparthi to find out the reason for the delay. But, Sathya interposed and said, "You need not send for them now, they will be here in half an hour," and true to His words, they came in exactly thirty minutes later.

Divine Fortitude

The parents were beside themselves with worry at the condition of Sathya; He sang and spoke and behaved in such a queer manner. It was all so mysterious. At that time, someone gave information to the worried parents that there was an expert exorcist before whom no evil spirit dare wag its poison tail! He will cure Sathya perfectly and make Him fit to go to school, they assured.

The exorcist was a gigantic figure, terrible to behold, with blood-red eyes and untamed manners. He tried all his craft which he dared not experiment even with strong adult patients! For example, he shaved the head of the boy and, with a sharp instrument scored three ‘X’ marks on the scalp, from the top towards the forehead. Sathya sat through the pain without wilting. With the scalp injured and bleeding with those markings, the witch doctor poured on the open wound the juice of lime, garlic, and other acidic fruits.

The parents who were watching the proceedings in utter despair were surprised, for there was not even a tear, or a gasp of pain from the boy! But the exorcist was unrelenting and put the boy through even more terrifying trials until the parents could bear to see it no more. They wanted to save the boy from the jaws of that Yama (God of Death) in human form; they had seen and suffered enough. They paid him full fees and also gave some unasked gifts, and thanked him for all the 'learning' he had utilised.

When asked later as to why He chose to go through this diabolical adventure, Bhagawan remarked, "Even after seeing all that fortitude and the miracle of a little boy passing unscathed through all that terror, even now, you are not convinced that I am Baba; how then would you have reacted if I just made the announcement one fine day? I wanted to make known that I am Divine Stuff, impervious to human suffering, pain or joy."

Meanwhile, Sri Krishnamachari, a lawyer-friend from Penukonda, heard of these occurrences in the Raju household and came to the village to study the situation and offer what help he could. He had a good look and told Venkama Raju, “It is really more serious than I thought; take Him immediately to the Narasimha Temple (Lord Narasimha – the Man-lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu) at Ghatikachalam; that is the last chance". On hearing these words, Sathya said, "Funny, is it not? I am already there at Ghatikachalam and you want to take Me to Myself!" The lawyer had no further inclination to cross-examine.

I am Sai Baba

On 23rd May 1940, Sathya rose from bed as usual, but after some time, He called the members of the household around Him, gave them sugar candy and flowers taken from nowhere. At this, the neighbours too rushed in. He gave them each a ball of rice cooked in milk, flowers and sugar candy concretised by a mere wave of the hand. Meanwhile, Sri Venkama Raju came and he was incensed by what he thought was a trick, hiding things somewhere and producing them by sleight of hand. He wanted the chapter to be closed before it lengthened into a tragedy.

So, arming himself with a stick, he accosted Sathya and asked, "Are you a God, a ghost or a madcap? Tell me!" Prompt came the answer, the Announcement, that had been held back so long, “I am Sai Baba."

At this, Venkama Raju was stunned into silence; the stick slid from his hands. He stood staring at Sathya trying to grasp the implications of that announcement - “I am Sai Baba." But, Sathya continued, “I belong to Apasthamba Sutra; I am of the Bharadwaja Gothra; I am Sai Baba; I have come to ward off all your troubles; keep your houses clean and pure."

The elder brother, Seshama Raju went near Him, and asked, "What do you mean by 'Sai Baba'?" He did not reply, but only said this much - "Your Venkavadhootha prayed that I be born in your family. So, I came." The father felt that Sai Baba was a Muslim spirit speaking through the boy and so, he asked, "What are we to do with you?” Prompt came the answer; "Worship Me!" "When?" "Every Thursday! Keep your minds and houses pure."

One Thursday, someone challenged Sathyanarayana and asked Him, “If you are Sai Baba show us some proof, now!" Baba replied, “Yes, I shall" and asked for some jasmine flowers. With a quick gesture, He threw them on the floor and said "Look." They saw that the flowers had formed, while falling, the Telugu letters, ‘Sai Baba’!

Divine Omnipresence

On an invitation from some townsmen in Hospet, Seshama Raju decided to take Sathya on a picnic to see if it might improve the mental health of the boy. Hospet is a few miles away from the ruins of Hampi, the capital city of the Emperors of ancient Vijayanagara Kingdom in what is now the state of Karnataka.

There, they visited the temple of Lord Virupaksha, the patron deity of the Vijayanagara royal family. While the others in the party went into the temple to offer worship at the sanctum sanctorum, Sathya stood outside admiring the height and majesty of the Gopuram (tall pyramid-shaped roof of a temple). When the priest waved the flame of camphor before the Lingam (ellipsoid structure worshipped as Lord Shiva), they saw to their utter amazement, Sathya there inside the shrine! He was standing in place of the Lingam, smiling and accepting their salutations.

Thinking that Sathya may have slipped into the shrine evading everybody's notice, Seshama Raju went outside to verify whether He was still there. Yes, indeed Sathya was there, leaning on a wall and staring at the horizon! He rushed inside the sanctum sanctorum and, yet again, he found Sathya standing there and blessing everybody.

This incident confirmed their faith in Sathya as a Divine Manifestation. They offered special Puja (worship) to Him that day. Hospet was on its toes with expectation and excitement. The story that He was seen as Virupaksha had spread to that town long before they reached it. The next day He cured a chronic tuberculosis patient by His touch and made him get up and walk a mile; He materialized a variety of articles for the devotees and the enthusiasm of the people knew no bounds. Bhajan and Namasankirtan (singing the name of God) continued far into the night.

The Mission Begins

On the 20th day of October, 1940, the day after they all returned from Hampi, Sathyanarayana started for school as usual. However, within a few minutes, He returned to the house. Standing on the outer doorstep, He cast aside the books He was carrying and called out, “I am no longer your Sathya. I am Sai". The sister-in-law came from the kitchen, only to be blinded by the splendour of the halo around Baba's head! He addressed her, “I am going; I don't belong to you; Maya (delusion) has gone; My Bhaktas (devotees) are calling Me; I have My Work; I can't stay here any longer."

When the brother hurried home on hearing all this, Baba only told him, "Give up all your efforts to 'cure' Me. I am Sai; I do not consider Myself related to you".

In spite of repeated pleas, Sathya would not step into that building again. He moved in into the garden of the Excise Inspector Sri Anjaneyulu's bungalow, and sat on a rock in the midst of the trees. People came into the garden from all directions bringing flowers, fruits, incense and camphor to worship Him. The garden resonated with the voices of hundreds singing bhajans (devotional singing) and following the lines of the first prayer that Sri Sathya Sai taught them.

“Manasa Bhajare Gurucharanam Dusthara Bhava Sagara Tharanam “

(O Mind! Meditate on the Feet of the Guru, which will take you across the wearisome sea of Samsara or worldly existence.)

A photographer came with a camera to capture a beautiful picture of the young Swami. He wanted to remove a crude stone that was right in front of Him, but Baba did not heed to the prayer. He clicked nevertheless and lo! When the photo was developed, the stone had become an image of Shirdi Sai Baba!

A few days later, Baba left Uravakonda for Puttaparthi. There, He shifted to the house of Karnam (the village headman) whose aged and devout wife Subbamma attended on Him with love and affection and welcomed all devotees into her spacious house; she spared no effort to make their stay happy and comfortable. Baba often speaks about her dedicated service, working incessantly from dawn to dusk, cooking and making other arrangements for the hordes of devotees who began to land in Puttaparthi every day. As the number of devotees swelled, a mandir (temple) was constructed in February 1947, where He began to reside and grant darshan. On 23rd November 1950, Prasanthi Nilayam (The Abode of Supreme Peace) was inaugurated, which remains till today the central venue for Bhagawan’s darshan and the festival celebrations that take place in His Divine Presence.

Sri Sathya Sai Avatar

This was the story of the Advent of the Avatar and the early years of His life and mission, a mission that would bring millions to His Lotus Feet to taste the bliss of Divine Love and thus transform their lives. In a letter He wrote to His brother Sri Seshama Raju way back in 1947, Bhagawan emphatically declared the grand purpose for which He has come.

He said:

I have a Task: To foster all mankind and ensure for all of them lives full of Ananda (Bliss).

I have a Vow: To lead all who stray away from the straight path, again into goodness and save them.

I am attached to a Work that I love: To remove the sufferings of the poor and grant them what they lack.

I have a reason to be proud, for I rescue all who worship and adore Me.

The decades that have rolled by since that epochal letter was written have been witness to the grand manner in which His vision has taken shape. The world class super-speciality hospitals that offer tertiary level medical care free of charge, schools and colleges that impart values-based education, the mammoth drinking water supply projects and the numerous other service projects undertaken by Him stand as a testimony to His selfless Love and His compassion for humanity. However, even more significant than these activities have been His tireless efforts towards spreading the message of spirituality and inculcating love and brotherhood throughout the world. Through the Sri Sathya Sai Centers and the Education in Human Values (EHV) programmes, thousands all over the world have sanctified their lives by putting into practice His precepts, and by participating in service programmes such as Narayana Seva (feeding of the poor) and free medical camps. Truly, the Sathya Sai Avatar has heralded a Golden era in the history of mankind.

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Bank Nationwide strike by their employees demanding higher wages and pensions entered the second day.

Indian bank strike enters second day, trading hit, Around 900,000 employees announced the two-day strike after talks with Indian Banks' Association,representing the managements of various banks, collapsed earlier this week.

India has 80 commercial banks, including 29 foreign banks and nearly 3,000 urban and rural co-operative banks.India's state-run banks remained shut on Friday as a nationwide strike by their employees demanding higher wages and pensions entered the second day, hurting volumes in the currency and bond markets.

Issue of price rise, We are sensitive to it

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said. In the Rajya Sabha,issue of price rise of essential commodities We are sensitive to it,

Intervening in the debate on the issue of price rise.we are responsible (government)... will take measures as and when necessary".While inflation measured by the Wholesale Price Index remained in the negative territory for the eighth consecutive week ended July 25 to minus 1.58 per cent, essential commodities, particularly food items like sugar and pulses have seen a sharp increase in prices in the recent weeks.

Death penalty to 2003 Mumbai blast convicts

Mohammed Hanif Sayed, his wife Fahimida and their associate Ashrat Shafique Ansari who were sentenced to death by a special court Thursday for the 2003 Mumbai twin blasts will join a list of over 300 people on death row in Indian prisons.

Special Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) court Judge M R Puranik today awarded capital punishment to all the three convicts in the 2003 Mumbai twin blast case. Pronouncing the order, Judge Puranik said --Ashraf Ansari, Sayed Mohammed Hanif Abdul Rahim and his wife Fahmida, were awarded death sentence under section-3 (2), (4) of POTA Act and 120 (b) read with 302, 307, 427 of IPC, explosive substance act, prevention of damage act and for murder and attempt to murder. He said three Lashkar-e-Toiba operatives will be hanged by neck till death for triggering blasts at various places in Mumbai in 2003 that killed 54 persons and left 244 seriously injured.

The convicts had planted a bomb in bus no 340 at Ghatkopar, that exploped at Andheri bus depot on July 28, 2003 and planted an explosive at Gateway of India and Zaveri Bazar on August 25 the same year.

Manmohan fill up several vacancies of governors.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after sworn in Friday for the second consecutive term. will be expected to fill up several vacancies of governors, whose terms come to an end in a few weeks,

Among the governors whose tenures at various Raj Bhavans are coming to end include Nawal Kishore Sharma (Gujarat), S.S. Sidhu (Goa), Balram Jhakar (Madhya Pradesh), S.S. Barnala (Tamil Nadu), Gopalkrishna Gandhi (West Bengal), D.N. Sahay (Tripura), S.F. Rodrigues (Punjab), R.L. Bhatia (Bihar) and R.S. Gavai (Kerala). “The prime minister will need to take a call soon as this is a big gubernatorial shake-up,” said a senior bureaucrat.

The Swine flu scare has hit India

The Swine flu scare has hit India. Two London-based NRI, who hails from Delhi, were admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital here with suspected H1N1 flu symptoms and have been kept under observation in the isolation ward.

He has a running nose, soar throat and cold but has no fever. He will be kept under observation for the next three days .

Gujarat is forgetting about the poor people

Gandhi said the Gujarat government has been more concerned about protecting the interests of the business community than helping the farmers and poor people.Gujarat is forgetting about the poor people.

Addressing an election rally Surat, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claims of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi that he had propelled the state on the path of development .Gujarat Government has not been sympathetic towards the farming community as no help has been extended to them.He saying his government was more concerned about the business class rather than helping the farmers.Gandhi also slammed the state government for not providing any help to the diamond workers of Surat, but the Centre had given so much money to Gujarat.

Highlighting achievements of the UPA government, Gandhi said it has done so much for the welfare of the downtrodden but wondered whether the benefits reached the poor people.

Prime minister became the target of a shoe attack

During the current election campaign Prime minister Manmohan Singh became the target of a shoe attack. when an engineering student hurled a sneaker towards him but it fell short of the dais from where he was addressing his first poll rally on sunday in Gujarat at the Tagore hall ground.

Shoe thrower identified as Hitesh Chauhan, a 21-year-old resident of Bapunagar pursuing a computer course in a local engineering college. Chauhan was sitting on the front row and took out his shoes and was about to hurl it in the direction of the Prime Minister who had just started his speech when security personnel grabbed him.

The shoe fell a few feet away from where the P M was seated. The distance between the security railing and the stage where the P M was seated on the dais was about 30 feet.

The Prime Minister did not want the police to register any case against the shoe thrower. After this incident PM continued with this speech before proceeding to attend another rally.

Modi's role in Gujarat riots, court orders probe it,

Gujrat Chief Minister Narendra Modi’s role in the 2002 post-Godhra riots,Supreme Court on Monday ordered that investigated.The court sought a report within three months.

A bench of Justices Arijit Pasayat and A.K. Ganguly handed over the investigation of the riots to the Special Investigation Team headed by former CBI director R.K. Raghavan. It also asked for a probe into the role of senior bureaucrats and police officers during the riots. The court’s order followed a petition filed by Zakia Jafri.