Watch Drug Mafia | SIT Summons 15 Tollywood Celebrities Till Now
Yanamala vs Jyothula – Big Loss To Babu!
The internal politics within TDP – especially between senior leaders – is said to be worrying party chief Chandrababu. Even before Naidu come to terms with the rivalry between Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao and Minister Ayyannapatrudu in Visakhaptanam, the politics of East Godavari district turned out to be a major headache. Given the fact that East Godavari plays a crucial role in the state politics – since trend is that whoever wins major seats in EG district have formed government , Chandrababu has taken a serious note over the issue.
The rift between party’s senior leader, Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu and MLA Jyothula Nehru is a major concern and it dates back to age-old rivalry. Yanamala said to had tried his best to stop Jyothula Nehru joining TDP from YSRCP. But he failed. Chandrababu has invited Nehru into the party and allegedly promised him a cabinet role.
However, in the recent cabinet rejig, Naidu couldn’t accommodate Nehru as per his promise. Nehru camp had been sulking over it and alleging that Yanamala had played spoilsport. Learning the situation, Chandrababu has called on Nehru and offered ZP Chairman post to Nehru’s son as compensation. Naid has asked the incumbent ZP Chairman Namana Rambabu to quit to accommodate Nehru’s son Naveen.
What Naidu didn’t expect is Rambabu’s defiance. Rambabu had openly alleged that it would set a bad precedent to take away posts from TDP leaders for people joining TDP from opposition parties. Many thought that Rambabu has got Yanamala’s backing. Despite strong defiance, Chandrababu has managed to kept his word by finally convincing Rambabu to quit ZP Chairman. And stage is all set for coronation of Jyothula Naveen as ZP Chairman.
Now this is seen as a major jolt to Yanamala Ramakrishnudu who is touted as No. 2 in the party in AP. While Chandrababu is trying to balance the equation and do justice for Yanamala as well as Jyothula Nehru, Yanamala is reportedly sulking over it. Political analysts are curious over how this entire episode shape up and what effect it is going to have in the next general elections in the district.
After Three Heroes, Two Heroines In Drugs?
From some time, drug menace is surely worrying Hyderabad city with a couple of Nigerians and Old City resident arrested in connection with the same. But today’s report in a leading English daily has started haunting Tollywood big time.
Other day Allu Arvind and Suresh Babu thanked the police department for not revealing names of celebs involved in drugs. But by then it is revealed that three heroes are into drugs and curiosity developed among netizens to find out who that is. Though there is no scope for sensationalisation without any information, today a news daily revealed that two heroines are also into this drugs thing, and one of them hails from Punjab.
With that keyword mentioned by the newspaper, many cinema lovers are now busy searching the database of currently active heroines in Telugu Film Industry who hail from the far north land. Of course, there are star heroines, struggling heroines and aspiring heroines who have come from Punjab and staying in Hyderabad. Some happen to Punjabis but staying in South India from a long time. So, our folks are finding it tough to zero on one.
But how far it is good to give clues and leaks about names of heroines, heroes, a couple of directors, an art director and a cinematographer who are summoned by Hyderabad police to be available for a meeting? Whether police will reveal the names or not, it looks like media will grab the list somehow.
‘I Want to Play Pawan’s Heroine, Not Sister’
No actor or technician generally rejects if offered a chance to be part of a Pawan Kalyan’s film. Talented actress Nivetha Thomas however has got this rare distinction of turning down a Pawan starrer. The ‘Ninnu Kori’ actress has now revealed why had to reluctantly let go of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Nivetha revealed that she was offered the character of Pawan’s sister. ‘Although I was excited to have got the opportunity of sharing screen space with Pawan Kalyan, I wasn’t willing to do it as his sister, I wanted to be his heroine,’ the short sensation reportedly said.
She didn’t mentioned for which film she was approached but Nivetha surely confirmed that she had to reject Pawan’s film since she was offered the character of the actor’s sister. She further said that she is looking forward for an opportunity to play his leading lady.
Nivetha has no regrets as got the opportunity to be part of a hit like ‘Ninnu Kori’ and an NTR starrer, ‘Jai Lava Kusa’.
MLA Promises to Give Rs. 32 To Megastar
An MLA has made fun of Bollywood Megastar Amitabh Bachchan by offering him Rs. 32 as royalty fee. Check out this interesting story.
Amitabh Bachchan has recently threatened Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Kumar Vishwas of legal action for using a poem written by his father Harivansh Rai Bachchan in a video. The Megastar asked the AAP MLA for an explanation for using his father’s poem without taking copyrights.
In a quick reaction, Vishwas deleted the video from YouTube and sent Rs 32 as royalty fee, claiming it as the revenue generated from advertisements on that video. Bachchan hasn’t yet responded to this seemingly sarcastic reply from the AAP MLA.
The song featuring a poem by Mr Bachchan’s father Harivansh Rai Bachchan was uploaded on YouTube by Vishwa last week. For the unknown, Harivansh Rai Bachchan was a celebrated poet of his era.
Mahesh Fans Worried About Tamil ‘Smell’!
Language is no barrier for making films, directing them, working for them and creating them. But when it comes to big heroes like Mahesh Babu, generally people expect a Telugu-ised environment on the set. If you’ve any such exception, Sypder shooting spot is a different place then.
As AR Murugadoss happens to be the director of Spyder, technicians who are close to him have got on board for the prestigious Spyder. Notably, Tamil composer Harris Jayaraj is onboard for the second time for Mahesh. But it’s not about technicians however, even the direction department and other assistants comprise a lot of Tamil natives only. What’s surprising is that even Mahesh Babu felt very comfortable with all of them as he could converse very fluently in Tamil.
While Tamil smell is surely coming from the sets of Mahesh Spyder, what’s worrying Telugu folks is about the similar smell the team will bring to film as well. Over-dragged lengthy fights, loud dialogues and heroines doing massy stunts are said to be a trademark of Tamil “paithyam” as we could see in movies of many Tamil biggies. If Spyder also begets something similar, then it will be tough to get rid of this tamil flavour from the movie, says cinema lovers.
As the film happens to be a science-fiction movie, let’s not worry much about the Tamil flavour Murugadoss will bring to the movie through his Tamil teams.
Naidu Helps Lakshmi – Offers Group 2 Job
Lakshmi Prasanna, who lost her mother, two sisters and father after the latter killed the former and committed suicide earlier, has been offered Group-2 cadre job in AP state government. CM Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to approve a post to Lakshmi Prasanna after she met him at AP Secretariat in Velagapudi on Tuesday. Naidu ensured that Lakshmi Prasanna’s life would be normal and assured her that he would support her like a father.
Lakshmi Prasanna is the elder daughter of Ramasubba Reddy, Sulochana from Tadipatri town in Anantapur district, completed her M.Sc in Organic Chemistry. Ramasubba Reddy, who used to gambling, lost all money and killed his wife Sulochana (45), two younger daughters Pratyusha (20), Pratibha (18) in their house and he too committed suicide. Lakshmi Prasanna was not there at home when the tragedy occurred. This has caught the attention of the state.
Following the incident, CM Chandrababu Naidu promised to help ‘orphan’ Lakshmi Prasanna and even announced 20 Lakh to her at Mukthapuram public meeting.
Chandrababu told Lakshmi Prasanna to do higher-studies while working in Group-2 cadre job and asked her not to settle with the present job.
Hero Paid Rs 1.5 cr To Get Actress Nude Video?
The arrest of Malayalam star hero Dileep in a prominent Malayalam actress’ ‘Kidnap and Molestation’ case has sent shockwaves across the industry. Police are investigating allegations made on him that he offered a man Rs 1.5 crore in 2013 to assault the actress and wanted the her nude video to be filmed.
Dileep allegedly bore grudge against the actress, as she revealed about his affair to his first wife, which led to his marriage falling apart. Seeking the downfall of the actress for breaking his marriage, the star hero allegedly hired a man by paying him Rs 1.5 crore, and asked him to assault her and record her nude video.
In February this year, the actress was kidnapped and molested in a moving car for almost one hour. The gang took videos and photos of her in compromising positions, and threatened her of dire consequences if she reports the issue to police.
After the actor was arrested on Monday, his lawyer filed for bail, which was denied. The court said that it would hear the bail plea only after two days, allowing the police to interrogate him in the meantime. Six people were arrested earlier this year related to this case.
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Tipped To Release Ahead Of IPhone 8 And Here’s Why
Galaxy Note 8 could be the sole saving grace for Samsung after the lacklustre Galaxy S8 sales and the ill-fated Galaxy Note 7 battery explosion debacle.
The Note 8 was earlier expected to launch on September 10. However, a new report by The Investor quoting The Bell as its source, suggests that the new Note device will be launched on August 23.
Samsung’s move to advance the Note 8 release could be attributed to the company’s plans to unveil its eighth iteration of Galaxy Note, ahead of Apple iPhone 8 launch in September. The lacklustre Galaxy S8 sales and stiff competition from the next-gen flagship iPhone could have actually forced the change in Note 8 release date.
The global launch for the Note 8 might still happen in September, if Samsung adheres to its traditional launch pattern of showcasing two flagship products every year – one from the S-series in the first half of the year and the second from the Note series at the IFA trade show in Berlin.
Samsung’s premium flagship phone, the Galaxy S8, has so far failed to live up to the fan expectations and resulted in poor sales of the handset. With the S8 failing to revive Samsung’s fortunes, the Galaxy Note 8 still remains the sole saviour for the South Korean tech giant.
As far as its pricing is concerned, the Note 8 is touted to be the most expensive Samsung phone yet. The handset is expected to retail around $1,000 in the Korean market while other markets might see a price hike of $100 across the globe.
You Can Buy LG G6 at $399.99: Price Cut of $210 Begins Today
LG’s flagship, the LG G6 (Unlocked) has received yet another price cut amid rumours that the South Korean technology giant is planning to release a new device called the LG V30. The 64GB variant of the device with model number H870DS is currently available at just $399.99 in the United States.
The LG G6 was announced at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this year before it was released in the home country in the following month, selling 20,000 units on the first day itself. It was released in India in April.
Online retailer eBay had earlier made the LG G6 available at $410, at a discount of $200, but the same retailer has made the deal even more attractive this time by making the 64GB and dual-SIM variant of the handset (international version) at $399.99 and free shipping. However, only silver colour is available for this discounted price.
However, it may be noted that the deal applies only to the international variant meant for Hong Kong, Russia, and Australia, which means it will support only AT&T and T-Mobile. You need to know you can’t use the handset on Sprint, Verizon networks or any other CDMA carriers.
The LG G6 features an ultra-fast fingerprint scanner and integrated Google Assistant. It has a 5.7-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with 1,440×2880 pixels (564 ppi pixel density), a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor, an Android 7.0 Nougat operating system, a 4GB RAM and a 32/64GB internal memory (expandable up to 2TB via microSD card), and a 3300mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0.
In terms of camera, the LG G6 mounts Dual 13MP main camera with f/1.8 aperture, OIS, 3-axis, phase detection AF) + 13MP sensor with f/2.4 aperture, dual-LED flash, 1/3″ sensor size and 1.12 µm pixel size and a 5MP front-snapper with f/2.2 aperture.
US Lawmaker Introduces Articles Of Impeachment Against Trump
A US lawmaker has introduced an article of impeachment against President Donald Trump charging him of obstruction of justice in the federal investigation of the Russian interference in the 2016 presidential elections.
This is the first time that a US lawmaker has introduced an article of impeachment against Trump, who was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States on January 20.
Democratic Congressman from California Brad Sherman, who often takes a tough position on Pakistan, was joined by Congressman Al Green from Texas in introducing an Article of Impeachment (H. Res. 438) against Trump for High Crimes and Misdemeanors.
The House of Representatives needs to pass it by majority vote for the article to move forward.
Trump’s Republican party has an advantage of 46 votes in the current House of Representatives and it is unlikely that the GOP lawmakers would vote on such an impeachment move.
“Recent disclosures by Donald Trump Jr. indicate that Trump’s campaign was eager to receive assistance from Russia.
“It now seems likely that the President had something to hide when he tried to curtail the investigation of National Security Advisor Michael Flynn and the wider Russian probe.
“I believe his conversations with, and subsequent firing of, FBI Director James Comey constitute Obstruction of Justice,” Mr. Sherman said after introducing the article of impeachment against Mr. Trump.
Every day Democrats, Republicans, and the entire world are shocked by the latest example of America’s amateur President, he said, adding that ignorance accompanied by a refusal to learn.
“Lack of impulse control, accompanied by a refusal to have his staff control his impulses.
“We’re no longer surprised by any action, no matter how far below the dignity of the office—and no matter how dangerous to the country,” he said.
“But the Constitution does not provide for the removal of a President for impulsive, ignorant incompetence. It does provide for the removal of a President for High Crimes and Misdemeanors,” Mr. Sherman said.
As the investigations move forward, additional evidence supporting additional Articles of Impeachment may emerge, he noted.
“However, as to Obstruction of Justice, as defined in 18 U.S.C.§ 1512 (b)(3), the evidence we have is sufficient to move forward now. And the national interest requires that we do so,” the Democratic lawmaker said.
Trump’s FBI Pick Vows Independence, Says Russia Probe No ‘Witch Hunt’
President Donald Trump’s pick to head the FBI, Christopher Wray, on Wednesday said he would refuse to pledge loyalty to Mr. Trump, rejected his description of the probe into Russian election meddling as a “witch hunt,” and vowed to quit if asked by the president to do something unlawful.
Mr. Wray, nominated by Mr. Trump on June 7 to replace the fired James Comey as Federal Bureau of Investigation director, sought to stake out independence from the President and protect the agency from partisan political influence. Mr. Wray even said it would be “highly unlikely” he would agree to meet Mr. Trump in a one-on-one situation, as Mr. Comey reluctantly did.
Mr. Wray, who seemed headed for U.S. Senate approval to fill the 10-year post, testified during a 4 1/2-hour hour Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing amid an uproar in Washington over 2016 emails released on Tuesday involving the president’s son, Donald Trump Jr.
The emails showed the Republican President’s son agreeing last year to meet a woman he was told was a Russian government lawyer who might have damaging information about Democratic White House rival Hillary Clinton as part of Moscow’s official support for his father.
Mr. Wray deflected specific questions from Republican Senator Lindsey Graham about the president’s son’s emails, saying he had not read them. But Mr. Wray said, “Any threats or effort to interfere with our election from any nation-state or any non-state actor is the kind of thing the FBI would want to know.”
Mr. Trump’s son did not notify the FBI and wrote “I love it” about the Russian’s offer of information on Ms. Clinton.
Mr. Trump fired Mr. Comey on May 9, igniting a political firestorm, and later cited the “Russia thing” as his reason. The Justice Department eight days later named Robert Mueller to serve as special counsel to investigate alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential race to help Mr. Trump win and potential collusion between Moscow and Trump associates.
The Russia matter has dogged Mr. Trump’s first six months in office. Mr. Wray said he had no reason to doubt the U.S. intelligence community’s conclusion that Russia interfered in part by hacking and releasing emails damaging to Ms. Clinton, a claim Moscow denies.
Mr. Wray worked at the Justice Department under Republican former President George W. Bush when Mr. Comey was deputy attorney general and Mueller was FBI director. Mr. Wray also represented New Jersey Governor Chris Christie in a political scandal.
Mr. Trump has called the Russia probe a “witch hunt.”
“I do not consider Director Mueller to be on a witch hunt,” Mr. Wray told Graham.
Mr. Wray said he was “very committed” to supporting Mr. Mueller’s investigation, calling him a “consummate straight shooter and somebody I have enormous respect for.”
Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein asked Mr. Wray to inform the committee “if you learn about any machinations to tamper with” Mueller’s probe.
“Understood,” Mr. Wray responded.
No Loyalty Oath
Mr. Wray said no one at the White House had asked that he pledge loyalty to Mr. Trump, as Mr. Comey said the President demanded of him on Jan. 26. Mr. Wray said he would not give such an assurance if asked.
“My loyalty is to the Constitution, to the rule of law and to the mission of the FBI. And no one asked me for any kind of loyalty oath at any point during this process, and I sure as heck didn’t offer one,” Mr. Wray said.
Mr. Comey previously told the same committee Mr. Trump pressed him in a one-on-one session to drop the FBI investigation into former national security advisor Michael Flynn’s ties to Russia. Mr. Comey said he felt he was fired in a bid by Mr. Trump to undercut the Russia probe.
Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy asked Mr. Wray, “If the President asks you to do something unlawful or unethical, what do you say?”
“First, I would try to talk him out of it. And if that failed, I would resign,” Mr. Wray replied.
The allegation involving Mr. Trump pressing Mr. Comey on Feb. 14 over the Flynn probe raised questions about whether Mr. Trump’s behavior amounted to obstruction of justice, a potential issue in any potential future effort in Congress to impeach the president and remove him from office.
Mr. Wray sought to differentiate himself from Mr. Comey. Mr. Wray was asked about Mr. Comey’s July 2016 news conference announcing that no criminal charges were planned against Ms. Clinton over her use of a private email server to handle classified information but faulting her conduct.
“I can’t imagine a situation where as FBI director I would be giving a press conference on an uncharged individual, much less talk in detail about it,” Mr. Wray testified.
Mr. Graham questioned Mr. Wray about a January report by the U.S. news organization Politico that a Ukrainian-American operative who was consulting for the Democratic National Committee had met with Ukrainian embassy officials in Washington in a bid to help Clinton and expose links between Mr. Trump, top campaign aide Paul Manafort and Russia.
Mr. Wray said it would be wrong for Ukraine to meddle in the election and “I’d be happy to dig into it.”
Brazil’s Lula Da Silva Convicted Of Corruption
Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was found guilty of corruption and money laundering on Wednesday and sentenced to almost 10 years in prison, the highest-profile conviction yet in the sprawling graft investigation that has jailed dozens of Brazil’s elite.
The decision by Judge Sergio Moro was widely expected, even by Silva’s own defense team, but was still stunning. The charismatic leader left office on Dec. 31, 2010, with sky-high popularity and is credited with pulling millions of Brazilians out of poverty and turning Latin America’s largest nation into an important player on the world stage.
Brazil’s first working class president will remain free while an appeal is heard, but he is now also the country’s first ex-president to be convicted in a criminal proceeding at least since democracy was restored in the 1980s.
In many quarters, the man known to Brazilians simply as Lula remains revered both for his economic policies and his role in fighting for democracy during the country’s dictatorship. The 71-year-old has been considered a front-runner for next year’s presidential election.
Silva’s defense team issued a scathing statement after the ruling, calling the charges an attack on democracy and vowing to prove the former president’s innocence.
“President Lula has been the victim of lawfare, the use of the law for political ends, the famous method used to brutal effect in various dictatorships throughout history,” the lawyers said.
The case is part of the huge “Operation Car Wash” corruption investigation centered on state-run oil giant Petrobras that has led to the convictions of dozens of business executives and politicians, and threatens current President Michel Temer.
Silva was accused of receiving a beachfront apartment and repairs to the property as kickbacks from construction company OAS. Silva never owned the apartment, but prosecutors argued it was intended for him. Prosecutors also alleged that OAS paid to store Silva’s belongings, but Judge Moro dismissed that part of the case.
Silva also faces charges in four other cases. The former union leader has said all the charges are completely unfounded, and his defiant testimony in the case decided on Wednesday was billed as a showdown between himself and Judge Moro. Both men are viewed as national heroes by some parts of Brazilian society.
“The present conviction does not bring this judge any personal satisfaction. Quite the contrary, it is regrettable that a former president be criminally convicted,” Judge Moro wrote in his decision. “It doesn’t matter how high you are, the law is still above you.”
Judge Moro said he did not order Silva’s immediate arrest because the conviction of a president is such a serious matter that he felt the former leader’s appeal should be heard first.
“This makes Lula’s situation much worse since it is much more than a mere investigation,” said Claudio Couto, a political science professor at Fundacao Getulio Vargas, a Sao Paulo-based university and think tank. “But now he will do something he likes- Until the appeal is decided, he will rally his allies and supporters against a decision that is controversial.”
A few hundred supporters gathered in Sao Paulo on Wednesday night to denounce the ruling. A smaller group of people also rallied to support it.
“It was an obviously political decision to prevent Lula from becoming president,” said Armando Teixeira, an unemployed auto worker. “Everyone knows he will win if he runs.”
The case now goes before a group of magistrates. If they uphold the conviction, Brazilian law says Silva would be barred from seeking office. In addition to sentencing Silva to 9 1/2 years in prison, Judge Moro also ruled that the politician should be barred from public office for 19 years.
Silva’s presidency coincided with an economic boom fueled by high commodity prices and he used the profits to fund generous social programs that made him a hero among Brazil’s poor. He left office with popularity ratings of up to 87 per cent and Brazilians elected his hand-picked successor, Dilma Rousseff, to succeed him.
But a subsequent fall in commodity prices and economic mismanagement by Silva and Ms. Rousseff led Brazil’s economy to implode, and with it Ms. Rousseff’s popularity. Ms. Rousseff was later impeached and replaced by Mr. Temer.
The news of Silva’s conviction took the focus off of Mr. Temer, who himself is accused of taking bribes from a meatpacking executive in exchange for helping the company obtain favorable government decisions. Mr. Temer denies wrongdoing, and the lower house of Congress will decide if he should be suspended from office and put on trial.
A close Mr. Temer ally got some relief on Wednesday. A judge ordered former Legislative Affairs Minister Geddel Vieira Lima released from jail and instead put under house arrest while he faces an obstruction of justice charge.
