Prez arrives in Manipur on 2 day visit

Apr 15 President Pranab Mukherjee has arrived in Imphal, capital of Manipur this evening on a two-day visit. Mr. Mukherjee was accorded a warm reception on his arrival at Imphal Airport by State Governor Gurbachan Jagat, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and Depurty Chief Minister Gaikhangam. The President immediately moved from the Imphal Airport towards Chingmeirong in Imphal where he is attending the diamond jubilee celebration of the Adim Jati Siksha Ashram. He has inaugurated the newly constructed amity hall and SC/ST Girls’ Hostel at the Ashram a short while ago. He has also laid foundation stone for construction of tribal working women and tribal boys hostels at the Ashram complex. K’taka polls: 766 nominations filed today Apr 15 In Karnataka, 766 nominations were filed today for the Assembly election to be held on May 5th. Speaking to media persons in Bangalore today, the Chief Electoral Officer Anil Kumar Jha said that a total of 1022 nominations were received till now. Mr.Jha added that five crore 20 lakh rupees worth cash and material were seized in the state till now after the code of conduct came into effect.

1080 yatris to embark on Kailash Manasarovar Yatra this year

Apr 15
A total of 1080 yatris will embark on Kailash Manasarovar Yatra-this year beginning 12th of June and will end on 9th of September. 18 batch of yatris have been formed.These yatris were selected on the basis of a computerised draw presided over by the External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid in New Delhi today. Addressing the media after the computerized draw Mr Khursid said that the Yatra is a symbol of cooperation between India and China and contributes towards deepening people-to-people contacts.

The Yatra will pass through Uttarakhand and cross into the Tibet Autonomous Region via Lipulekh Pass . During their journey, yatris will traverse through numerous places of tourist and religious significance.

Our correspondent reports, a number of facilities including medical assistance, security and escort cover are being provided to them by the government.

66th Himachal Day celebrated with enthusiasm & fervor in HP

Apr 15 In Himachal Pradesh, 66th Himachal Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor throughout the State today. On this day on 15th April, 1948 Himachal Pradesh came into existence after merger of 30 princely states. State Level function was held at the historic Dhalpur Ground at Kullu where Chief Minister Sh.Virbhadra Singh unfurled the National Flag, inspected the prade and took salute at an impressive march past presented by Police, Home Guards and NCC contingents . Thousands of people in their traditional colourful dress witnessed the ceremony. Speaking on the occasion Sh.Virbhadra Singh said that state had made rapid progress and Himachal Pradesh has emerged as a pioneer in development not only for hill States of the Country but for other States also. He said that the State Government was committed to ensure speedy and uniform development of the State. Chief Minister said that it was the endeavour of the State Government to ensure that the benefit of development reaches the person living at the lowest end. He said that focus of polices and programmes of the State Government was on speedy uplift of weaker sections of the society and also the betterment of common man. Sh.Singh said that Smt. Sonia Gandhi Chairperson of UPA and Dr. Manmohan Singh Prime Minister were always considerate towards the developmental needs of the State. Punjab CM, deputy CM meet PM in New Delhi Apr 15 Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and his deputy Sukhbir Singh Badal met Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in New Delhi today against the backdrop of the apex court refusing to commute death sentence of Khalistani terrorist Devenderpal Singh Bhullar. Talking to reporters after the meeting, Mr Badal said that he has urged the Prime Minister to find a way so that Bhullar can be granted clemency. He said that there is apprehension that the hanging could vitiate peace in Punjab. The Supreme Court had last week dismissed death row convict Bhullar's plea for commutation of his death sentence. Meanwhile,replying to a question on this issue, congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi said that Mr. Badal has submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister and appropriate action will be taken by him in this regard. MP HC gives interim stay on mandatory installation of set top boxes for Cable TV viewing Apr 15 The Madhya Pradesh High Court today gave interim stay on the mandatory installation of set top boxes for Cable Television viewing in three cities of the state. Hearing a petition regarding mandatory digitisation of Cable Television, the Bench of acting Chief Justice K K Lahoti and Justice Vimla Jain issued notices to the Centre and District Collectors of Bhopal , Indore and Jabalpur. They have asked to give reply within three weeks. The next hearing in the case will be held on 8th May. Bhopal, Indore and Jabalpur cities were selected by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for mandatory digitization of cable television by the 31st March.