New Delhi, August 11 : Union Minister for Steel, Chemicals and Fertilisers Ram Vilas Paswan on Monday assured Andhra Pradesh of additional supply of 20,000 tonnes of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) during this month.

The assurance was made when the State Agriculture Minister N. Raghuveera Reddy called on Paswan here today.

Reddy apprised Paswan of the demand for fertilizers in the State and said that the demand for DAP has increased compared to the initial assessment.

Paswan told the Andhra Pradesh Minister that the requirement of additional 20,000 tonnes of DAP will be met this month.

New Delhi, Aug 11 : The tough and prestigious Red Flag exercise formally began at Air Force Base Nellis, Nevada USA on Sunday with inaugural briefings and mission planning by participating Air Forces.

The Red Flag 08 has the participation of IAF with eight Su-30s, two IL-78 tankers an IL-76 aircraft and 247 Air Warriors along with the French Air Force with Rafale, South Korean Air Force with F-15s and US AF with F-15s and F-16s. IAF and other visiting Air Forces along with a large USAF element would be part of the Blue Forces (friendly) which would engage in combat with the Red Forces.

Mumbai/New Delhi, Aug 11 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh today announced a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh to Abhinav Bindra, who won the first gold medal in the men''s 10-meter air rifle event for India in Beijing Olympics, on behalf of the state.

Meanwhile, congratulating Abhinav for winning Olympic gold medal, Union Minister for Steel, Chemicals and Fertilisers Ram Vilas Paswan said, "Abhinav''s effort has brought smile to all Indians. This is a historic achievement which has made us all proud."

New Delhi, Aug 11 : President Pratibha Patil today congratulated Abhinav Bindra for winning the gold medal in the men''s 10-metre air rifle event at the Beijing Olympic Games.

New Delhi, Aug 12 : Minister of State for Defence Pallam Raju today felicitated National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets who will participate in the 62nd Independence Day function at the Red Fort on Friday.

In his brief address, Pallam Raju commended the children for their patriotism, zeal and excitement.

The Minister hoped that the cadets, who represent the India of the future, would keep the tricolour flying high and safeguard the hard fought freedom. He appreciated the cadets for their turnout, braving sweating heat and humidity.