The South East division police arrested two members of the OG Kuppam gang known to use attention diversion to steal.

The police found weapons and other implements used in thieving such as catapults, several Rs 10 notes and other articles from the arrested suspects Seena and Babu.

One person would divert the attention of the subject, while the other would walk away with the valuables stolen from them. The gang has been wanted in several cases where attention diversion was used to steal valuables.

The police have also arrested 50 criminals involved in 158 cases of house breaking, vehicle stealing and attention diversion incidents. They seized Rs 3.37 crore worth items, including three kg gold and silver articles, 16 cars, five autorickshaws and 103 two-wheelers.

The South East division police arrested two members of the OG Kuppam gang known to use attention diversion to steal.

The police found weapons and other implements used in thieving such as catapults, several Rs 10 notes and other articles from the arrested suspects Seena and Babu.

One person would divert the attention of the subject, while the other would walk away with the valuables stolen from them. The gang has been wanted in several cases where attention diversion was used to steal valuables.

The police have also arrested 50 criminals involved in 158 cases of house breaking, vehicle stealing and attention diversion incidents. They seized Rs 3.37 crore worth items, including three kg gold and silver articles, 16 cars, five autorickshaws and 103 two-wheelers.

Vidwath L, the victim in the pub brawl incident involving Congress MLA N A Hariss son Mohammed Nalapad, was beaten up with knuckle-duster rings which fractured his ribs.

Though the complaint filed by Praveen Ventakachalaiah, Vidwaths friend, mentioned the weapon, the police have not included it in the FIR.

"It is a weapon and attacking the victim using such a weapon amounts to attempt to murder. Since the accused hit Vidwath with knuckle-duster rings, his nine ribs (right 4th to 9th and left 4th to 9th ribs) got fractured, said Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) M S Shyamasundar.

Vidwath was brutally attacked by eight men, including Mohammed, at Farzi Cafe in Bengaluru on February 17.

The complaint states that Vidwath was "hit with bottles and rings", but the FIR only states that the accused hit Vidwath with
"bottles".

"Vidwath collapsed soon after they punched him with rings. But it is not mentioned in the FIR. This raises suspicion over the police," Praveen said.

Shyamasundar said, "In the spur of the moment, it can be said that the accused hit the victim with the bottle because there were bottles in front of him. But hitting the victim with knuckle-duster rings clearly suggests that they intended to kill him." The SPP clarified that the court will only consider what is there in the complaint and not what the police have mentioned in the FIR.

Vidwath L, the victim in the pub brawl incident involving Congress MLA N A Haris's son Mohammed Nalapad, was beaten up with knuckle-duster rings which fractured his ribs.

Though the complaint filed by Praveen Ventakachalaiah, Vidwath's friend, mentioned the weapon, the police have not included it in the FIR.

"It is a weapon and attacking the victim using such a weapon amounts to attempt to murder. Since the accused hit Vidwath with knuckle-duster rings, his nine ribs (right 4th to 9th and left 4th to 9th ribs) got fractured,'' said Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) M S Shyamasundar.

Vidwath was brutally attacked by eight men, including Mohammed, at Farzi Cafe in Bengaluru on February 17.

The complaint states that Vidwath was "hit with bottles and rings", but the FIR only states that the accused hit Vidwath with
"bottles".

"Vidwath collapsed soon after they punched him with rings. But it is not mentioned in the FIR. This raises suspicion over the police," Praveen said.

Shyamasundar said, "In the spur of the moment, it can be said that the accused hit the victim with the bottle because there were bottles in front of him. But hitting the victim with knuckle-duster rings clearly suggests that they intended to kill him." The SPP clarified that the court will only consider what is there in the complaint and not what the police have mentioned in the FIR.

Karnataka Congress president G Parmeshwara will head the 43-member state election committee that includes Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and former governor Margaret Alva.

The pradesh election committee will recommend candidates to the central election committee for the Assembly polls and other matters related to the conduct of elections.

As a part of its elaborate candidate selection exercise, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has invited applications from aspirants.

Applications will be available at KPCC Office in Bengaluru from Monday and the last date for submission is March 10. The Election Commission is likely to announce the polls date in the second week of March.

Besides the 43 members, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, four AICC secretaries in-charge of the state and all MPs from the state are also on the committee approved by Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Senior leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, M Veerappa Moily, Oscar Fernandes, K Rahman Khan, C M Ibrahim, and young leaders Dinesh Gundurao and Krishna Byre Gowda are also part of the panel.

Interestingly, Ambareesh and Jarkiholi - who were vocal about the functioning of the party leadership - find themselves on the panel.

Karnataka Congress president G Parmeshwara will head the 43-member state election committee that includes Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and former governor Margaret Alva.

The pradesh election committee will recommend candidates to the central election committee for the Assembly polls and other matters related to the conduct of elections.

As a part of its elaborate candidate selection exercise, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has invited applications from aspirants.

Applications will be available at KPCC Office in Bengaluru from Monday and the last date for submission is March 10. The Election Commission is likely to announce the polls date in the second week of March.

Besides the 43 members, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, four AICC secretaries in-charge of the state and all MPs from the state are also on the committee approved by Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Senior leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, M Veerappa Moily, Oscar Fernandes, K Rahman Khan, C M Ibrahim, and young leaders Dinesh Gundurao and Krishna Byre Gowda are also part of the panel.

Interestingly, Ambareesh and Jarkiholi - who were vocal about the functioning of the party leadership - find themselves on the panel.

The BBMPs ambitious project to white-top several roads across the city could lead to clogged drains and flooding during the monsoon.

Though white-topped or cement roads last longer than tarred roads, the unscientific approach adopted by the BBMP has led to an increase in road surface levels by at least by six inches.

As a result, some residents and commercial establishments are forced to construct steps to climb down to entire their premises.

Road engineering expert M N Srihari told DH, "The level of footpath will increase when the surface level of the road goes up, as the flow of water is always from a higher gradient to a lower gradient. If the surface level of the footpath increases, then the flow of water will be affected as the civic body is not changing the level of pipes."

Srihari also said that the BBMP could have considered thin white-topping or ultra-thin white topping. "The thickness of thin white-topping would be about 40 mm and ultra-thin 10 mm. There is also a technology to complete the process within four hours," he said.

The thickness of roads in the current project is 170 mm.

Urban evangelist V Ravichander said that the BBMP should have undertaken surface milling of roads before beginning the project.

"They may have milled roads in some parts but definitely not all roads. If they mill the road before laying concrete blocks, this will prevent the surface level from increasing to some extent," said Ravichander.

The BBMP officers, who are implementing the project, claim that the increase in the surface level would not affect people much.

"Once concretisation is over, we will asphalt the road and the difference in the surface level will not be seen," said a senior BBMP official.

The BBMP's ambitious project to white-top several roads across the city could lead to clogged drains and flooding during the monsoon.

Though white-topped or cement roads last longer than tarred roads, the unscientific approach adopted by the BBMP has led to an increase in road surface levels by at least by six inches.

As a result, some residents and commercial establishments are forced to construct steps to climb down to entire their premises.

Road engineering expert M N Srihari told DH, "The level of footpath will increase when the surface level of the road goes up, as the flow of water is always from a higher gradient to a lower gradient. If the surface level of the footpath increases, then the flow of water will be affected as the civic body is not changing the level of pipes."

Srihari also said that the BBMP could have considered thin white-topping or ultra-thin white topping. "The thickness of thin white-topping would be about 40 mm and ultra-thin 10 mm. There is also a technology to complete the process within four hours," he said.

The thickness of roads in the current project is 170 mm.

Urban evangelist V Ravichander said that the BBMP should have undertaken surface milling of roads before beginning the project.

"They may have milled roads in some parts but definitely not all roads. If they mill the road before laying concrete blocks, this will prevent the surface level from increasing to some extent," said Ravichander.

The BBMP officers, who are implementing the project, claim that the increase in the surface level would not affect people much.

"Once concretisation is over, we will asphalt the road and the difference in the surface level will not be seen," said a senior BBMP official.

This youth from Jind district in Haryana a regular during the rallies of AICC President Rahul Gandhi across the country wants to see him as prime minister of the country. He has also taken a vow not to wear footwear until his dream is realised.

Pandit Dinesh Sharma an ardent fan of Rahul Gandhi has been following him across the country with party flags. Sharma will follow Rahul barefoot to all the venues during the second leg of Janaashirwad Yatra.

What an idea Sirji

Low turnout at the public convention at Mulawad forced the programme organisers to announce the closure of food counters for a while to make people attend the programme and later have lunch. After multiple announcements, crowds started to make their way into the pandal.

AICC General Secretary B K Hariprasad translated speech of Gandhi into Kannada to ensure that the message reaches the larger audience.

Roadshow from Mulwad to Mudhol

AICC President Rahul Gandhi staged roadshow from Mulawad in Vijayapur to Mudhol and greeted party workers and supporters at different places and villages along the route on Sunday.

As the bus carrying Rahul entered Mudhol, party supporters in huge numbers stood on both the sides of the road to greet him. A party worker, who was accompanying a girl child, succeeded in getting an entry into the bus and travelled some distance in Mudhol.

Crowd chants Modi, Modi...

Section of crowds raised slogans Modi, Modi along the route. At one place police personnel chased away those raising such slogans.

This youth from Jind district in Haryana a regular during the rallies of AICC President Rahul Gandhi across the country wants to see him as prime minister of the country. He has also taken a vow not to wear footwear until his dream is realised.

Pandit Dinesh Sharma an ardent fan of Rahul Gandhi has been following him across the country with party flags. Sharma will follow Rahul barefoot to all the venues during the second leg of Janaashirwad Yatra.

What an idea Sirji

Low turnout at the public convention at Mulawad forced the programme organisers to announce the closure of food counters for a while to make people attend the programme and later have lunch. After multiple announcements, crowds started to make their way into the pandal.

AICC General Secretary B K Hariprasad translated speech of Gandhi into Kannada to ensure that the message reaches the larger audience.

Roadshow from Mulwad to Mudhol

AICC President Rahul Gandhi staged roadshow from Mulawad in Vijayapur to Mudhol and greeted party workers and supporters at different places and villages along the route on Sunday.

As the bus carrying Rahul entered Mudhol, party supporters in huge numbers stood on both the sides of the road to greet him. A party worker, who was accompanying a girl child, succeeded in getting an entry into the bus and travelled some distance in Mudhol.

Crowd chants Modi, Modi...

Section of crowds raised slogans 'Modi, Modi' along the route. At one place police personnel chased away those raising such slogans.

Vidwath L, the victim in the pub brawl incident allegedly involving Congress MLA N A Hariss son Mohammed Nalapad, was beaten up with knuckle-duster rings that fractured his ribs.

Though the complaint filed by Praveen Ventakachalaiah, Vidwaths friend, mentioned the weapon, the police have not included it in the FIR.

"It is a weapon and attacking the victim using such a weapon amounts to attempt to murder. Since the accused hit Vidwath with knuckle-duster rings, his nine ribs (right 4th to 9th and left 4th to 9th ribs) got fractured, said Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) M S Shyamasundar.

Vidwath was brutally attacked by eight men, including Mohammed, at Farzi Cafe in Bengaluru on February 17.

The complaint states that Vidwath was "hit with bottles and rings", but the FIR only states that the accused hit Vidwath with "bottles".

"Vidwath collapsed soon after they punched him with rings. But it is not mentioned in the FIR. This raises suspicion over the police," Praveen said.

Shyamasundar said, "In the spur of the moment, it can be said that the accused hit the victim with the bottle because there were bottles in front of him. But hitting the victim with knuckle-duster rings clearly suggests that they intended to kill him." The SPP clarified that the court will only consider what is there in the complaint and not what the police have mentioned in the FIR.

Vidwath L, the victim in the pub brawl incident allegedly involving Congress MLA N A Haris's son Mohammed Nalapad, was beaten up with knuckle-duster rings that fractured his ribs.

Though the complaint filed by Praveen Ventakachalaiah, Vidwath's friend, mentioned the weapon, the police have not included it in the FIR.

"It is a weapon and attacking the victim using such a weapon amounts to attempt to murder. Since the accused hit Vidwath with knuckle-duster rings, his nine ribs (right 4th to 9th and left 4th to 9th ribs) got fractured,'' said Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) M S Shyamasundar.

Vidwath was brutally attacked by eight men, including Mohammed, at Farzi Cafe in Bengaluru on February 17.

The complaint states that Vidwath was "hit with bottles and rings", but the FIR only states that the accused hit Vidwath with "bottles".

"Vidwath collapsed soon after they punched him with rings. But it is not mentioned in the FIR. This raises suspicion over the police," Praveen said.

Shyamasundar said, "In the spur of the moment, it can be said that the accused hit the victim with the bottle because there were bottles in front of him. But hitting the victim with knuckle-duster rings clearly suggests that they intended to kill him." The SPP clarified that the court will only consider what is there in the complaint and not what the police have mentioned in the FIR.

BJP national president Amit Shah said that the BJP will settle the Mahadayi river water sharing dispute between Karnataka and Goa, if it comes to power in Karnataka.

"The issue would have been laid to rest if Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had cooperated with us earlier. Even now, there are people who are creating problems. Hence the delay. If the people of the state place their faith in us and bring us to power, a solution for Mahadayi will happen," Shah appealed.

Replying to questions from scribes, Shah said that the party does not support Union minister Anant Kumar Hegdes statements. "Why do you worry about his statements harming the image of the party?," he asked reporters at a media conference adding that it was the partys job to do it.

Shah said that most muslim women supported the ban on triple talaq and the BJP would bring a law forbidding it. "We are committed to provide equal authority and rights to women," he added.

He said that in the BJP even an ordinary party worker can become chief minister. Which means that even a dalit can become chief minister.

"The BJP central parliamentary party will name candidates. You leave giving K S Eswarappa a ticket for the polls-or not; to me. Taking care of the party leaders best interests is my job. Why are you worried about it? " he shot back to a question.

The state government has to buy the toor dal produced by farmers in the state at a support price. Waiving farmer loans by roping in nationalised banks is left to the new government that comes to power in the state.

"The centre has bought 25.67 lakh quintals of toor dal under the support price scheme. State government has to buy 1.74 lakh quintals only. Even if the state government had bought half of our purchase, it would have alleviated farmers problems to a great extent. We have bought farmers produce in all BJP ruled states like Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. Why cant Karnataka government do it?" he queried.

BJP national president Amit Shah said that the BJP will settle the Mahadayi river water sharing dispute between Karnataka and Goa, if it comes to power in Karnataka.

"The issue would have been laid to rest if Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had cooperated with us earlier. Even now, there are people who are creating problems. Hence the delay. If the people of the state place their faith in us and bring us to power, a solution for Mahadayi will happen," Shah appealed.

Replying to questions from scribes, Shah said that the party does not support Union minister Anant Kumar Hegde's statements. "Why do you worry about his statements harming the image of the party?," he asked reporters at a media conference adding that it was the party's job to do it.

Shah said that most muslim women supported the ban on triple talaq and the BJP would bring a law forbidding it. "We are committed to provide equal authority and rights to women," he added.

He said that in the BJP even an ordinary party worker can become chief minister. Which means that even a dalit can become chief minister.

"The BJP central parliamentary party will name candidates. You leave giving K S Eswarappa a ticket for the polls-or not; to me. Taking care of the party leaders' best interests is my job. Why are you worried about it? " he shot back to a question.

The state government has to buy the toor dal produced by farmers in the state at a support price. Waiving farmer loans by roping in nationalised banks is left to the new government that comes to power in the state.

"The centre has bought 25.67 lakh quintals of toor dal under the support price scheme. State government has to buy 1.74 lakh quintals only. Even if the state government had bought half of our purchase, it would have alleviated farmers' problems to a great extent. We have bought farmers' produce in all BJP ruled states like Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. Why can't Karnataka government do it?" he queried.

The carcass of a Black Merlin, an endangered species of exotic fish, washed ashore at the Rabindranath Tagore beach in Karwar, on Monday.

The fins and beak of the three-metre-long fish had been chopped off.

Oceanographer Dr ShivaKumar said that the fishermen who caught it must have probably left it behind because the carcass was decomposing.

Exotic fish

The Black Merlin is an exotic species of fish which lives deep underneath in the South Asian seas.

It is hunted for its fins and beak out of which artefacts are carved for the Japanese, Chinese and American markets. Its flesh sells at a high price at the fish market.

The Black Merlin can swim at a speed of 120 km/hr because of its huge backbone and grows to a length of four metres, said Shivakumar.

The carcass of a Black Merlin, an endangered species of exotic fish, washed ashore at the Rabindranath Tagore beach in Karwar, on Monday.

The fins and beak of the three-metre-long fish had been chopped off.

Oceanographer Dr ShivaKumar said that the fishermen who caught it must have probably left it behind because the carcass was decomposing.

Exotic fish

The Black Merlin is an exotic species of fish which lives deep underneath in the South Asian seas.

It is hunted for its fins and beak out of which artefacts are carved for the Japanese, Chinese and American markets. Its flesh sells at a high price at the fish market.

The Black Merlin can swim at a speed of 120 km/hr because of its huge backbone and grows to a length of four metres, said Shivakumar.

The Maharashtra government faced an embarrassment on the first day of the budget session of the legislature after it failed to provide a Marathi translation of Governor C.H. Vidyasagar Raos address to the joint session of the legislature.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis apologised for the mistake. "It is a grave mistake, it is serious...the Speaker and the chairman would be looking into it...the issue falls in their jurisdiction. However, I still apologise to all of you," Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.

The Governor started the speech in Marathi but after four minutes began speaking in English. "It is when we noticed that the Marathi translation is not there. I took the permission of the Chief Minister and went to the audio room and translated it," said Vinod Tawde, who holds several portfolios including School Education, Sports & Youth Welfare,Higher and Technical Education, Marathi Bhasha, Cultural Affairs, Minorities Development Department.

The government has failed 12 crore citizens of Maharashtra," said NCP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

In fact, such a faux pas had happed for the first time in the history of Vidhan Sabha.
Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagade and Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairman Ramraje Naik-Nimbalkar had taken cognizance of the issue.

Incidently, this took place on the eve of the Marathi Language Day, that is celebrated on 27 February across Maharashtra.

The Maharashtra government faced an embarrassment on the first day of the budget session of the legislature after it failed to provide a Marathi translation of Governor C.H. Vidyasagar Rao's address to the joint session of the legislature.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis apologised for the mistake. "It is a grave mistake, it is serious...the Speaker and the chairman would be looking into it...the issue falls in their jurisdiction. However, I still apologise to all of you," Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.

The Governor started the speech in Marathi but after four minutes began speaking in English. "It is when we noticed that the Marathi translation is not there. I took the permission of the Chief Minister and went to the audio room and translated it," said Vinod Tawde, who holds several portfolios including School Education, Sports & Youth Welfare,Higher and Technical Education, Marathi Bhasha, Cultural Affairs, Minorities Development Department.

The government has failed 12 crore citizens of Maharashtra," said NCP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

In fact, such a faux pas had happed for the first time in the history of Vidhan Sabha.
Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagade and Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairman Ramraje Naik-Nimbalkar had taken cognizance of the issue.

Incidently, this took place on the eve of the Marathi Language Day, that is celebrated on 27 February across Maharashtra.

The Centre on Monday released a list of 9,500 "high risk" Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) which also includes Adani Groups non-banking financial company (NBFC), Adani Capital Pvt Ltd. These companies have been found non-compliant to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) rules as on January 31.

Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the national agency responsible for receiving, processing, analysing and disseminating information relating to suspect financial transactions, released the list early Monday.

As per the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), all NBFCs have to appoint a principal officer in the financial institutions and report all suspicious and cash transactions of over Rs 10 lakh to the FIU.

The "high risk" companies whose were released Monday have been found not following PMLA norms, the FIU said.

Some other names in the list are ABM FINLEASE PVT Ltd, a Delhi based NBFC known for giving loan against gold, Birla Financial Corporation Ltd and Indigo Fincap Pvt Ltd.

NBFCs came under the government lens after they were found exchanging unaccounted old currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 post-November 8, 2016 demonetisation.

The Centre on Monday released a list of 9,500 "high risk" Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) which also includes Adani Group's non-banking financial company (NBFC), Adani Capital Pvt Ltd. These companies have been found non-compliant to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) rules as on January 31.

Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the national agency responsible for receiving, processing, analysing and disseminating information relating to suspect financial transactions, released the list early Monday.

As per the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), all NBFCs have to appoint a principal officer in the financial institutions and report all suspicious and cash transactions of over Rs 10 lakh to the FIU.

The "high risk" companies whose were released Monday have been found not following PMLA norms, the FIU said.

Some other names in the list are ABM FINLEASE PVT Ltd, a Delhi based NBFC known for giving loan against gold, Birla Financial Corporation Ltd and Indigo Fincap Pvt Ltd.

NBFCs came under the government lens after they were found exchanging unaccounted old currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 post-November 8, 2016 demonetisation.

Ballari MP B Sriramulu said that BJP national president Amit Shah has said that, barring state BJP president B S Yeddyurappa, tickets for the upcoming polls will not be given to any other BJP MP. He spoke at the Huligemma temple in Koppal taluk on Monday.

Sriramulu said that as per his own statement, Janardhana Reddy will not contest the elections this time. Reddy will canvass for the party. He has identified a house in the border district of Chitradurga at Anegundi, near Gangavati where he will set up base for the campaign.

Anand Singh was well provided for by the BJP. But now he has joined Congress out of arrogance, said the MP.

"Siddaramaiah has become arrogant. He does not see the pain of the Ahinda group. He has spent the money meant for reserved communities for other purposes, " he alleged.

Ballari MP B Sriramulu said that BJP national president Amit Shah has said that, barring state BJP president B S Yeddyurappa, tickets for the upcoming polls will not be given to any other BJP MP. He spoke at the Huligemma temple in Koppal taluk on Monday.

Sriramulu said that as per his own statement, Janardhana Reddy will not contest the elections this time. Reddy will canvass for the party. He has identified a house in the border district of Chitradurga at Anegundi, near Gangavati where he will set up base for the campaign.

Anand Singh was well provided for by the BJP. But now he has joined Congress out of arrogance, said the MP.

"Siddaramaiah has become arrogant. He does not see the pain of the Ahinda group. He has spent the money meant for reserved communities for other purposes, " he alleged.

AICC president Rahul Gandhi who is on a three-day Janashirvada Yatra tour of Mumbai-Karnataka districts spent time with farmers of the region.

By going to their fields and paying heed to their woes on Monday, Rahul who is on the last day of the tour, gave a patient ear to farmers who spoke of their crops, loans and incomes.

Rahul told them that industrialists and middle class people were supporting BJP, but farmers, poor people, workers support the Congress.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has not appointed a Lok Pal even after four years of passing the law speaks of corruption. There is no Lok Ayukta in Gujrat since 2002," Rahul pointed out.

Chief minister Siddaramaiah and KPCC chief Dr G Parameswara were with him.

AICC president Rahul Gandhi who is on a three-day Janashirvada Yatra tour of Mumbai-Karnataka districts spent time with farmers of the region.

By going to their fields and paying heed to their woes on Monday, Rahul who is on the last day of the tour, gave a patient ear to farmers' who spoke of their crops, loans and incomes.

Rahul told them that industrialists and middle class people were supporting BJP, but farmers, poor people, workers support the Congress.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has not appointed a Lok Pal even after four years of passing the law speaks of corruption. There is no Lok Ayukta in Gujrat since 2002," Rahul pointed out.

Chief minister Siddaramaiah and KPCC chief Dr G Parameswara were with him.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday said that non-fulfilment of commitments made to the state by the Centre was causing unrest among people.

Naidu, who focussed on signing a Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) during the first two days of the Partnership summit, opened up on the last day to vent out his feelings on the key issue. Sharing the dais with spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at a session.

Naidu said, "The centre is not giving what they had committed, causing unrest among people".

He explained to the audience how the state was bifurcated in an unscientific manner and said that his efforts to put the state on the path of development are not complemented by the Centre. It is believed that the non-committal attitude of the Union Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu who was chairing the summit during the past three days prompted Naidu to speak up over the issue. Suresh was all appreciative of Andhras progress but did not come with any good news from the Centre.

Interestingly, Naidu made the remarks when the moderator asked for his views on the importance of patience.

In his address, Ravi Shankar said that he was not in favour of the division of Andhra Pradesh. "But see the better side, Naidu would have been confined to Hyderabad had the state not been divided," the Guru said. He complimented the state for coming up well and competing with the world. He said the state endowed with abundant natural and human resources with a vibrant atmosphere.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday said that non-fulfilment of commitments made to the state by the Centre was causing unrest among people.

Naidu, who focussed on signing a Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) during the first two days of the Partnership summit, opened up on the last day to vent out his feelings on the key issue. Sharing the dais with spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at a session.

Naidu said, "The centre is not giving what they had committed, causing unrest among people".

He explained to the audience how the state was bifurcated in an unscientific manner and said that his efforts to put the state on the path of development are not complemented by the Centre. It is believed that the non-committal attitude of the Union Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu who was chairing the summit during the past three days prompted Naidu to speak up over the issue. Suresh was all appreciative of Andhra's progress but did not come with any good news from the Centre.

Interestingly, Naidu made the remarks when the moderator asked for his views on the importance of patience.

In his address, Ravi Shankar said that he was not in favour of the division of Andhra Pradesh. "But see the better side, Naidu would have been confined to Hyderabad had the state not been divided," the Guru said. He complimented the state for coming up well and competing with the world. He said the state endowed with abundant natural and human resources with a vibrant atmosphere.

He also hinted that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will lead the next government if Congress is re-elected, by saying "Siddaramaiah and I" will take the state forward after the elections.

On the last day of the second leg of Janashirwad Yatra, Rahul addressed public gathering at Goadchi village in Ramdurg taluk on Monday.

Rahul said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP have money and media with them, but Congress will win the elections in Karnataka based on good governance.

Siddaramaiahs government has walked the talk. We have not seen any promises being fulfilled by Modi government but Congress government in Karnataka is different and people will support the party by re-electing it.

Attacking Modi for speaking about corruption in Karnataka, he said, Modi has not established Lokayukta in Gujarat when he was chief minister (2002) or Lokpal in Delhi during the last four years as prime minister.

"The prime minister speaks of corruption while his own party man in Karnataka B S Yeddyurappa and his four ministers have been to jail on corruption charges," Rahul charged.

Modi has accepted that Karnataka has been providing more jobs, but does not talk of his promises of two crore jobs per year not being met. We are aware of Karnataka governments successes, but youth have been betrayed by Modi, he said.

The AICC president said, Modi should take a cue from Siddaramaiah and learn on how to deliver premises. Modi has given a huge list of slogans, but none have been fulfilled. Prime minister favors people like Nirav Modi who flee with Rs 22,000 crore that belongs to people.

Rahul said, Modi gave Rs 33,000 crore for Tata Nano plant but not single car was seen on the roads.

He also hinted that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will lead the next government if Congress is re-elected, by saying "Siddaramaiah and I" will take the state forward after the elections.

On the last day of the second leg of Janashirwad Yatra, Rahul addressed public gathering at Goadchi village in Ramdurg taluk on Monday.

Rahul said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP have money and media with them, but Congress will win the elections in Karnataka based on good governance.

Siddaramaiah's government has walked the talk. We have not seen any promises being fulfilled by Modi government but Congress government in Karnataka is different and people will support the party by re-electing it.

Attacking Modi for speaking about corruption in Karnataka, he said, Modi has not established Lokayukta in Gujarat when he was chief minister (2002) or Lokpal in Delhi during the last four years as prime minister.

"The prime minister speaks of corruption while his own party man in Karnataka B S Yeddyurappa and his four ministers have been to jail on corruption charges," Rahul charged.

Modi has accepted that Karnataka has been providing more jobs, but does not talk of his promises of two crore jobs per year not being met. We are aware of Karnataka governments successes, but youth have been betrayed by Modi, he said.

The AICC president said, Modi should take a cue from Siddaramaiah and learn on how to deliver premises. Modi has given a huge list of slogans, but none have been fulfilled. Prime minister favors people like Nirav Modi who flee with Rs 22,000 crore that belongs to people.

Rahul said, Modi gave Rs 33,000 crore for Tata Nano plant but not single car was seen on the roads.

The Maharashtra government faced an embarrassment on the first day of the budget session of the legislature after it failed to provide a Marathi translation of Governor C.H. Vidyasagar Raos address to the joint session of the legislature.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis apologised for the mistake. "It is a grave mistake, it is serious...the Speaker and the chairman would be looking into it...the issue falls in their jurisdiction. However, I still apologise to all of you," Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.

The Governor started the speech in Marathi but after four minutes began speaking in English. "It is when we noticed that the Marathi translation is not there. I took the permission of the Chief Minister and went to the audio room and translated it," said Vinod Tawde, who holds several portfolios including School Education, Sports & Youth Welfare,Higher and Technical Education, Marathi Bhasha, Cultural Affairs, Minorities Development Department.

The government has failed 12 crore citizens of Maharashtra," said NCP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

In fact, such a faux pas had happed for the first time in the history of Vidhan Sabha.
Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagade and Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairman Ramraje Naik-Nimbalkar had taken cognizance of the issue.

Incidently, this took place on the eve of the Marathi Language Day, that is celebrated on 27 February across Maharashtra.

The Maharashtra government faced an embarrassment on the first day of the budget session of the legislature after it failed to provide a Marathi translation of Governor C.H. Vidyasagar Rao's address to the joint session of the legislature.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis apologised for the mistake. "It is a grave mistake, it is serious...the Speaker and the chairman would be looking into it...the issue falls in their jurisdiction. However, I still apologise to all of you," Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.

The Governor started the speech in Marathi but after four minutes began speaking in English. "It is when we noticed that the Marathi translation is not there. I took the permission of the Chief Minister and went to the audio room and translated it," said Vinod Tawde, who holds several portfolios including School Education, Sports & Youth Welfare,Higher and Technical Education, Marathi Bhasha, Cultural Affairs, Minorities Development Department.

The government has failed 12 crore citizens of Maharashtra," said NCP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

In fact, such a faux pas had happed for the first time in the history of Vidhan Sabha.
Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagade and Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairman Ramraje Naik-Nimbalkar had taken cognizance of the issue.

Incidently, this took place on the eve of the Marathi Language Day, that is celebrated on 27 February across Maharashtra.

BSNL and Nokia have signed a network modernisation agreement to support BSNLs launch of 4G and Voice over LTE (VoLTE) services in western and southern regions of India.

Nokia would deploy the technology in 10 telecom circles in India-Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Goa, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh- serving large cities, businesses, technology and tourists hubs besides nearly 38 million BSNL subscribers, an official statement said on Monday.

"We are really proud to have technology partner like Nokia with whom we are working in South and West Zone of the country, rolling out the latest single RAN Technology and further moving towards 5G, in direction with our aim to offer the best, " Anupan Shrivastava, Chairman BSNL said.

Deployment of the Nokia Single Radio Access Network (RAN) software will simplify network installation, allowing BSNL to save operational costs while supporting 2G, 3G and 4G subscribers in a single radio unit. New VoLTE services will allow BSNLs 4G subscribers to experience HD-quality voice and faster call connections said the statement.

The network deployment will include Nokia Single RAN software, IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), Session Border Controller (SBC), CloudBand, Monetization Solution, Performance Manager, IP/MPLS and Wavence microwave technologies. Nokia Global Services will utilize its expertise and best practices to ensure high network and service quality.

"The deployment of our technologies will enable BSNL to launch exciting new voice and data services, satisfying growing demand in India," Sanjay Malik, head of India Market at Nokia said.

In 2017, Nokia and BSNL signed an MoU to explore and develop the applications of 5G for the India market.

BSNL and Nokia have signed a network modernisation agreement to support BSNL's launch of 4G and Voice over LTE (VoLTE) services in western and southern regions of India.

Nokia would deploy the technology in 10 telecom circles in India-Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Goa, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh- serving large cities, businesses, technology and tourists hubs besides nearly 38 million BSNL subscribers, an official statement said on Monday.

"We are really proud to have technology partner like Nokia with whom we are working in South and West Zone of the country, rolling out the latest single RAN Technology and further moving towards 5G, in direction with our aim to offer the best, " Anupan Shrivastava, Chairman BSNL said.

Deployment of the Nokia Single Radio Access Network (RAN) software will simplify network installation, allowing BSNL to save operational costs while supporting 2G, 3G and 4G subscribers in a single radio unit. New VoLTE services will allow BSNL's 4G subscribers to experience HD-quality voice and faster call connections said the statement.

The network deployment will include Nokia Single RAN software, IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), Session Border Controller (SBC), CloudBand, Monetization Solution, Performance Manager, IP/MPLS and Wavence microwave technologies. Nokia Global Services will utilize its expertise and best practices to ensure high network and service quality.

"The deployment of our technologies will enable BSNL to launch exciting new voice and data services, satisfying growing demand in India," Sanjay Malik, head of India Market at Nokia said.

In 2017, Nokia and BSNL signed an MoU to explore and develop the applications of 5G for the India market.

After her recent stand-off with the public broadcaster, Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Minister Smriti Irani on Monday came down heavily on the Prasar Bharati, asking whether it was offering "good contents" to its audiences in return of about Rs 2,500 crore that it gets from the "honest taxpayers" every year.

"Every year, the honest taxpayers pay close to Rs 2,500 crore to keep the Prasar Bharati in the broadcasting arena alive and thriving. But, how much do we give back to the taxpayers by enriching content through our various mediums? That is an issue, I am sure, the CEO of the Prasar Bharati (Shashi Shekhar Vempati) will look at," she said.

The Minister was addressing the inaugural session of the 24th International Conference and Exhibition on Terrestrial and Satellite Broadcasting, organised by the broadcast engineers society (India).

Prasar Bharati CEO shared the dias with Irani at the event.

Irani also took on public broadcaster on the issue of bringing convergence between terrestrial broadcasting and digital broadcasting.

"There is a capacity for convergence between terrestrial and traditional broadcasting and digital broadcasting. And, while we talk about 5G and pathways in the future, how do we address the present and fill the gap of the past is a huge question that members of Prasar Bharati have to answer," she said.

Iranis comments on the functioning of the Prasar Bharati comes days after her ministry and the public broadcaster locked horns over their powers and jurisdiction in the appointment of an editor-in-chief for the Prasar Bharati News Service and engage consultants at the DD news.

The Ministry recently sent names of two senior journalists to the public broadcaster for appointing one of them as the editor-in-chief for the Prasar Bharati News Service with a fat pay package ranging from Rs 75 lakh per annum to Rs one crore per annum. But, the Prasar Bharati board rejected the Ministrys proposal.

The Prasar Bharati also irked the I&M Ministry after it refused to accept its order for discontinuing services of several consultants appointed by the public broadcaster.

"The tragedy is this that private broadcasters grew at the cost of Prasar Bharati. Good business will only make sense when there is good content.There is increased advertisement spent because of the sheer power of reach of Prasar Bharati." she said.

After her recent stand-off with the public broadcaster, Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Minister Smriti Irani on Monday came down heavily on the Prasar Bharati, asking whether it was offering "good contents" to its audiences in return of about Rs 2,500 crore that it gets from the "honest taxpayers" every year.

"Every year, the honest taxpayers pay close to Rs 2,500 crore to keep the Prasar Bharati in the broadcasting arena alive and thriving. But, how much do we give back to the taxpayers by enriching content through our various mediums? That is an issue, I am sure, the CEO of the Prasar Bharati (Shashi Shekhar Vempati) will look at," she said.

The Minister was addressing the inaugural session of the 24th International Conference and Exhibition on Terrestrial and Satellite Broadcasting, organised by the broadcast engineers society (India).

Prasar Bharati CEO shared the dias with Irani at the event.

Irani also took on public broadcaster on the issue of bringing convergence between terrestrial broadcasting and digital broadcasting.

"There is a capacity for convergence between terrestrial and traditional broadcasting and digital broadcasting. And, while we talk about 5G and pathways in the future, how do we address the present and fill the gap of the past is a huge question that members of Prasar Bharati have to answer," she said.

Irani's comments on the functioning of the Prasar Bharati comes days after her ministry and the public broadcaster locked horns over their powers and jurisdiction in the appointment of an editor-in-chief for the Prasar Bharati News Service and engage consultants at the DD news.

The Ministry recently sent names of two senior journalists to the public broadcaster for appointing one of them as the editor-in-chief for the Prasar Bharati News Service with a fat pay package ranging from Rs 75 lakh per annum to Rs one crore per annum. But, the Prasar Bharati board rejected the Ministry's proposal.

The Prasar Bharati also irked the I&M Ministry after it refused to accept its order for discontinuing services of several consultants appointed by the public broadcaster.

"The tragedy is this that private broadcasters grew at the cost of Prasar Bharati. Good business will only make sense when there is good content.There is increased advertisement spent because of the sheer power of reach of Prasar Bharati." she said.

ClearTax, a tax and compliance platform, has launched ClearTax EWayBill. Built to integrate with any ERP system, ClearTax EWayBill is an intelligent, superfast software aimed at substantially easing e-way bill compliance for businesses.

By default, the software validates e-way bill information to ensure zero duplicity and auto calculates distance to make sure that the validity period is accurate, a company release said. E-way bills can be regenerated or validity increased at a single click if the validity has expired. The software also notifies the user in real-time in case an error occurs and shows detailed analysis on pending, invalid e-way bills.

Multiple consignments may be loaded onto a single vehicle. For such dispatches, e-way bill can be generated all at once. It saves the user the hassle of copy-pasting line item data and generates e-way bills for multiple consignments swiftly and conveniently, the release added.

"Irrespective of the size of a business, having an automated e-way bill system can make compliance fast and smooth," said Archit Gupta, Founder and CEO of ClearTax.