Singapore, August 27: Voters in Singapore went to the polls Saturday in a presidential election seen as a referendum on the popularity of the Southeast Asian city-state’s ruling party.
The presidency is largely a ceremonial position in Singapore’s parliamentary government, but the election attracted four candidates, the most since Singapore began choosing its president by popular vote in 1993.
Jeddah, August 27: Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has called on Muslims in the Kingdom to look for the new moon of Shawwal on the evening of Monday, which is the 29th day of Ramadan (Aug. 29) and report the matter to the nearest court if any one sights the new moon either by the naked eye or with help of lenses.
The court directed that the lookers for moon join the committee for the purpose in each region.
The end of fasting and the day of Eid Al-Fitr are decided by the sighting of the Shawwal moon.
Abuja, August 27: A car loaded with explosives crashed into the main United Nations’ building in Nigeria’s capital and exploded Friday, killing at least 18 people in one of the deadliest assaults on the international body in a decade. A radical Muslim sect blamed for a series of attacks in the country claimed responsibility for the bombing, a major escalation of its sectarian fight against Nigeria’s weak central government.
Beirut, August 27: Syrian security forces have killed at least two people as tens of thousands of anti-government protesters flooded the streets on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, a time that many activists hoped would become a turning point in the uprising.
But more than five months into the revolt against President Bashar Assad, the conflict has descended into a bloody stalemate with both sides showing no sign of giving in. Activists chose “patience and determination” as the theme of Friday’s protests across the country of 22 million.
Tripoli, August 27: Tripoli has begun to look like a solidly rebel-held city, the calmest it has been in the capital since Moammar Gaddafi’s opponents swept in nearly a week ago. Some even celebrated in the streets, marching and chanting, “Hold your head high! You are a free Libyan.”
There were still occasional gunbattles on Friday, but nothing like the bloody firefight Thursday in which rebels drove loyalists from a neighborhood close to Gaddafi’s captured compound.
Taipei, August 27: Taiwan is warning ships passing through the Bashi Channel south of the island to stay alert of a strong typhoon.
The Central Weather Bureau said Saturday that Typhoon Nanmadol was centered at sea about 280 miles (450 kilometers) south of Taiwan’s southern tip, packing winds of 114 miles (184 kilometers) per hour.
It said Nanmadol may not make landfall but is expected to move north along Taiwan’s eastern coasts Monday and Tuesday.
The bureau predicted that the slow-moving typhoon would bring torrential rains and heavy winds to Taiwan.
Washington, August 27: US President Barack Obama declared Friday a state of emergency for New York state as Hurricane Irene is approaching the US East Coast, Xinhua reported.
Obama cut short his vacation in Martha’s Vineyard off the coast of Massachusetts Friday to return to Washington a day ahead of schedule.
Irene, estimated to threaten over 65 million residents living along the East Coast, is expected to hit the New York City and Long Island Sunday. It is threatening to wreak massive havoc on its path.
Hyderabad, August 27: The South Central Railway will run the following special trains: Train No.08003 Howrah- Mysore Weekly will leave Howrah at 16.10 hours on Fridays _ Sept 6, 23 and 30, Oct 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov 4,11 and 18 _ and arrive at Mysore at 05.00 hours on Sundays.
The 08004 Mysore-Howrah Weekly will leave Mysore at 00.30 hours on Mondays _ Sept 19, 26, Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, Nov 7, 14, 21 _ and reach Howrah at 14.50 hours on Tuesdays.
Hyderabad, August 27: Ex-paramilitary and retired police personnel can apply for the posts of Special Police Officers (SPOs) to be filled by the city police.
Ranks from police constables to sub-inspectors who are physically fit, retired from service not more than two years ago and residing in the city can submit their applications along with their certificates at the earliest, an official release said.
Nearly 150 vacancies are likely to be filled.
—Agencies
Hyderabad, August 27: In view of the huge scarcity of natural resources like coal and gas, the Union government has suggested to all states to fully gear up to implement energy conservation measures to bridge the gap between the demand and supply as it is a big challenge to the power utilities in next five years to meet the ever-increasing demand in various sectors like industry, business, transport, domestic and agriculture.
Hyderabad, August 27: The MMTS service is a great mode of transport to avoid traffic snarls during peak hours and lighter on the pocket as well. However, due to lack of bus services from the stations, passengers often have to depend on autos.
Many end up spending RS 40 for reaching a destination just three km from the station, whereas they would have to spend a fraction for 10-km journey on the train.
For instance, after alighting at the Begumpet station, one has to walk all the way beyond the Greenlands guest house or till Ameerpet to catch a bus.
Hyderabad, August 27: Buying any item at shops at APSRTC bus stations is likely to burn a hole in your pocket. A quick glance shows mineral water, soft drinks, biscuit packets and other food items are being sold above their maximum retail prices.
However, APSRTC authorities are yet to initiate action against shopkeepers who indulge in over-pricing, even after many complaints from passengers.
Hyderabad, August 27: An unidentified person attacked a nurse of the ayurvedic hospital located on the premises of the Government Unani Hospital, popularly known as the Tibbi Hospital, in the wee hours of Friday and snatched away her gold ornaments. The nurse suffered knife injuries and was shifted to hospital for treatment.
Renuka, aged around 30 years, works in the Ayush wing of the ayurvedic hospital.
The hospital is run from a building in the unani hospital opposite Mecca Masjid.
Hyderabad, August 27: Traffic police have collected Rs 3.11 lakh in fines from government vehicles for flouting traffic rules while booking 1,485 cases against erring drivers.
They also collected Rs 3.53 lakh from police vehicles while issuing challans to 1,569 vehicles during the traffic drive.
In a statement, CV Anand, additional commissioner of police (Traffic) said they have been conducting the special drive against government vehicles from August 19.
“Traffic officers booked 1,485 cases on errant government vehicles so far.
Hyderabad, August 27: Is there a more breathtaking sight than that of eleven hundred pounds of raw muscles with flared nostrils and mane swept by the breeze, tearing through the air at a regal gallop and a proud polo player atop him, beaming with pride? Want to witness this exciting experience, the king of games which is also the game of the kings will start off with an all new season in the city.
The all new Hyderabad Polo Season 2011, which is set to begin in the first week of September, definitely has more to offer.
Hyderabad, August 27: Traffic restrictions have been imposed in Dhoolpet in view of sale and transportation of Ganesh idols by pandal organisers to their respective localities. The restrictions will be in force from 8 a.m on August 28 till midnight of September 1
Restrictions
* No vehicle will be allowed from Bhoiguda Kaman crossroads towards Gandhi statue, Puranapul via Mangalhat PS
* Traffic from Ek Minar Masjid and Malakunta towards Puranapul must take a left turn at Darusalam and proceed via Panmandi, Ghode ki Khabar, Jhinsi Chowrahi, Jummerat Bazar and Puranapul
Hyderabad, August 27: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation has finalised the list of 30 villages which are likely to be merged with the corporation.
The list was presented to chief minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy by mayor B.
Kartika Reddy and commissioner MT Krishna Babu on Thursday.
Adilabad, August 27: Uncared for by their sons, an aged couple committed suicide by jumping before a moving train in Mandamarri in Adilabad district on Friday.
According to sources, Mandati Veera Reddy (70) and Radhamma (65), who were thrown out from their house by their sons, had been taking shelter in their daughter’s house.
They had approached the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) which directed the local police to counsel their children. The commission posted the case to November 15 but their children continued to be indifferent.
New Delhi, August 27: Social activist Anna Hazare on Saturday said that he is fine and would continue his fast for another 3-4 days.
Addressing the gathering at Ramlila ground, Hazare said: ” I am fine. I can fast for another 3-4 days.”
Emphasizing that he will not die till the Jan Lokpal Bill is passed, Hazare said: “ “I am getting energy from my supporters. I will not break my fast till Jan lokpal bill is brought.”
Hyderabad, August 27: The hearing of petition challenging appointment of Dinesh Reddy as the DGP has been adjourned to September 5. The petition was filed by senior IPS officer P Gautam Kumar at central administrative tribunal, against the appointment of Dinesh Reddy. State government, Union Public Service Commission and Dinesh Reddy on Friday filed their counter affidavits during hearing.
The court adjourned the hearing to September 5. It must be recalled that earlier also Gautam Kumar had challenged the appointment of Arvind Kumar on the post of DGP.
Siasat news
Hyderabad, August 27: Mr. V S Bhaskar, deputy director general, regional office, unique identification authority of India, Regional office Hyderabad in a press note stated that enrollment work for Adhar numbers is in progress in various districts of Andhra Pradesh state. Acknowledgment receipt is the proof of enrolment hence is very important document. Therefore people should insist for slip after enrolment. If the operator doesn’t provide with acknowledgment receipt then the local people should immediately report enrolment centre supervisor.
Man electrocuted
Hyderabad, August 27 (Siasat News): An agriculturist, E Mahipal Reddy, 42, was electrocuted in his fields at Nadergul on Friday.
He went to his fields and switched on his agricultural motor when he got electrocuted. He was immediately shifted to a corporate hospital but died during the treatment.
Two held for selling fake mobiles
Hyderabad, August 27 (Siasat News): Two persons were arrested on Friday for allegedly selling fake mobile phones.
Hyderabad, August 27: Muslims support the fight against corruption but do not approve of the methods adopted by Anna Hazare to eradicate it, Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi said on Friday.
Hyderabad, August 27: Uncared for by their sons, an aged couple committed suicide by jumping before a moving train in Mandamarri in Adilabad district on Friday.
According to sources, Mandati Veera Reddy (70) and Radhamma (65), who were thrown out from their house by their sons, had been taking shelter in their daughter’s house.
They had approached the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) which directed the local police to counsel their children. The commission posted the case to November 15 but their children continued to be indifferent.
Mumbai, August 27: Kareena Kapoor is very impressed with her ‘Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu’ co-star, actor Imran Khan. Not just have the two become super friendly on the sets of Karan Johar’s film, but sources state that Kareena is also recommending Imran for other films.