Budget session of Maha Legislature to begin tomorrow

Mar 10 Issues like severe drought in rural parts of Maharashtra, the alleged rape and murder of three minor sisters in Bhandara district, SIT on irrigation are expected to dominate the Budget session of Maharashtra Legislature which will begin in Mumbai tomorrow. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar will present the state budget during the session on March 20. Speaking to media persons in Mumbai, leader of the opposition in the state Assembly Eknath Khadse said that the Shivsena-BJP while raising various issues, would give priority to the severe drought and water crisis in various districts of Maharashtra. He said issues of corruption in various departments and the Home Department's inability to handle various law and order-related issues would also be prominently raised. Meanwhile, the opposition Shivsena and BJP have decided not to attend the customary high tea organized by the ruling Congress NCP government today evening. UP celebrates Mahashivaratri with religious fervour Mar 10 In Uttar Pradesh, Mahashivaratri the day for worshiping Lord Shiva was celebrated today across the state with religious fervour and traditional gaiety. In the holy city of Varanasi, huge rush of devotees thronged Kashi Vishwanath temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of the country. Worshippers had started reaching the temple city two days earlier. Additional forces have been provided to the Varanasi district for deployment at all the temples of Lord Shiva and sensitive sites across the town. Besides Varanasi temples and places of worships at several other places including Chitrakoot, Ayodhya, Mathura and Naimisharanya in Sitapur district were tastefully decorated. Religious processions known as Shiv Baraats were also taken out in various parts of the state amid tight security. Two devotees were killed at Barabanki district this morning in a stampede at a Lord Shiva temple. Nagaland Assembly to chose its Speaker on March 14 Mar 10 In Nagaland, the Speaker of the newly elected State Assembly will be chosen on March 14, the first day of the six day session. Protem Speaker Namri Nchang would administer the oath of affirmation to the 59 elected members out of the 60 on the first day, which would be followed by election of the new Speaker. The Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who also holds the Finance portfolio, will seek the Vote on Account during the session which will continue till March 19. Jharkhand celebrates Mahashivaratri with traditional gaiety Mar 10 In Jharkhand, Mahashivaratri is being celebrated all over the state with full religious fervor. The ancient Baijnathdhan temple is one among the twelve Jyotirling temple in the country. Devotees have started worship in the temple from 3 in the morning in a large number.

Delhi Zoo draws up plan under which around 500 new animals to be acquired

Mar 10
Delhi Zoo authorities have drawn up an ambitious plan under which around 500 new animals including some exotic species will be acquired from various countries in the next few years. Zoo Curator Riyaz Khan said, the authorities have plans to increase the number of animals to 2,000 from the current 1,550.The zoo is also in the process of acquiring a pair of pumas from Russia.

Apart from foreign countries, the zoo has also been acquiring new animals from within the country. Mr. Khan said, shortly the zoo will get a pair Indian hyenas, chausinghas and foxes from Bilaspur.

At least 2 devotees killed, 10 injured in UP temple stampede

Mar 10
In Uttar Pradesh, at least two devotees were killed and 10 injured when a stampede broke out in a Shiva temple in Barabanki today. The incident occurred when 'kanwarias', devotees of Lord Shiva, broke through the queue of devotees to offer water at Lodeshwar Mahadev Temple.

Rabindra Rai declared as new president of BJP Jharkhand unit

Mar 10
In Jharkhand, Mr. Rabindra Rai has been declared as the new president of BJP unit. AIR Ranchi correspondent reports that the name of Mr. Rai was cleared by party high command in New Delhi this evening.

Mr. Rai was the minister in the first government of Jharkhand under Babulal Marandi. The former Chief Minister Arjun Munda had resigned yesterday from the post of leader of BJP legislature party.