News Digest: Centre to fast-track road connectivity in Uttarakhand

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Tuesday, June 24, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Centre to fast-track road connectivity in Uttarakhand For Narendra Modi and for his Cabinet colleague Nitin Gadkari, one of the concerns seems to be the faster restoration of road network in disaster-hit Uttarakhand. President accepts Chhattisgarh governor's resignation The President on Monday accepted the resignation of Chhattisgarh governor Shekhar Dutt. ISTM bags ISO certification The Instititue of Secretariat Training & Management (ISTM), has bagged ISO 9001:2008 certificate for its cadre training programme for the Central services. More India News»

		Business
		Crude hike, rains weigh on Budget Finance minister Arun Jaitley will present his maiden Budget on July 10 against the backdrop of hardening global crude oil prices, prospects of patchy monsoon rains and stubborn price pressures. RBI sets time frames for approvals Announcing the new regime, the RBI said that this was in keeping with the non-legislative recommendations of the financial sector legislative reforms commissions (FSLRC). AI set to join Star Alliance on July 11 Air India is all set to join the world’s largest airline grouping, Star Alliance, on July 11, bringing a host of benefits to desi flyers like earning-and-burning miles on any member carrier, apart from seamless connectivity across the globe and access to lounges at all airports. More Business News»

		Environment
		'Better fuel, stricter norms needed to curb air pollution' There is an urgent need to improve fuel quality and implement stricter norms to check vehicular emissions and poor air quality in Indian cities. Australian PM introduces bill to repeal carbon tax Prime Minister Tony Abbott has reintroduced legislation to the Australian Parliament that would repeal a carbon tax that the nation's worst greenhouse gas polluters have to pay. Emperor penguins adapting to climate change: Study Emperor penguins may be adapting to climate change better than expected, according to a new study which offers insights on the future of the species. More Environment News»

		World
		Obama calls Putin to discuss Ukraine situation According to a White House readout of the telephonic conversation, Obama called upon Putin to put pressure on the separatists to abide by the ceasefire and to cut the flow of weapons and materiel across Russia's border into Ukraine. Anti-govt cleric returns to Pakistan Prominent anti-government cleric-cum-politician Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri arrived in Lahore on Monday after the passenger plane carrying him was not allowed to land at the Islamabad airport amid clashes between the police and his supporters in the federal capital city. Pak SC overturns decision to lift travel ban on Musharraf The Sindh high court in a judgment of June 12 had allowed 70-year-old Musharraf to leave the country if its decision was not challenged in the superior court within 15 days. More World News»

		Entertainment
		OMG: 'Only mad people get hitched' While marriage has been lauded, celebrated and considered a holy union between two consenting adults across the ages and around the globe, there are quite a few people who do not believe in it. 'Mouni Roy is someone to look out for in Jhalak...' VJ turned Bollywood actor Purab Kohli, who was eliminated last night from dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa is disappointed that he forgot his steps during the act but is happy to have learnt so many new dance forms. Ramesh Sippy to direct Hema Malini again The cult classic Sholay was released 39 years back in 1975, when Ramesh Sippy created the character of Basanti with his favourite actress Hema Malini. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Indian scientist teaches robot how to adapt A team from Cornell University led by an Indian scientist is teaching a robot to understand instructions in its ‘natural language’ from various speakers, account for missing information and adapt to the environment. Say goodbye to selfie, 'dronie' is the new rage Over the last few years, drones have been finding jobs in industry. Soon, a pacemaker that matches heart beats with breathing A revolutionary new pacemaker that synchronizes the heart rate with breathing is now being built. The device is being developed by the universities of Bath and Bristol. More Science News»

		Sports
		Brazil beat Cameroon, enter 2nd round Neymar scored twice in the first half to lead Brazil to a 4-1 win over Cameroon on Monday, helping the hosts secure a spot in the second round of the World Cup. Neymar hails Brazil's 'best performance' Neymar hailed 4-1 victory over Cameroon as the hosts' "best performance yet" after a man-of-the-match display that fired Brazil into the last 16. Mexico advance with win over Croatia Mexico marched into the last 16 of the World Cup as Rafael Marquez, Andres Guardado and Javier Hernandez gave them a 3-1 win over Croatia. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Here's how Apple, Google, Samsung plan to revolutionise wearables For decades, medical technology firms have searched for ways to let diabetics check blood sugar easily, with scant success. India's ITeS sector sees double-digit attrition rate The country's ITeS industry is expected to see high double-digit attrition rates. Facebook is becoming Google and here's why As the world moves away from computers to phones, Facebook is taking advantage with the hope that it can emulate Google's success in mobile form. More Technology News»

		Education
		Admit on 3-year pattern, UGC says The standing committee set up by UGC to advise it and Delhi University on scrapping the four-year-undergraduate programme (FYUP) and reverting to the three-year course held its first meeting on Monday afternoon and proposed a number of measures. DU colleges defer admissions as FYUP impasse continues The continuing face-off over the four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP) earned Delhi University a dubious distinction on Monday. All political parties welcome UGC's decision on FYUP All political parties, including Congress, have welcomed the University Grants Commission's decision on the four-year undergraduate programme. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		ATS opposes discharge of nine accused in Malegaon blasts case The anti-terrorism squad (ATS) has told the special MCOCA court that it has evidence against the nine accused in the 2006 Malegaon blasts case and their pleas for discharge from the case may be rejected. NCP plans shake-up after Lok Sabha poll shock A month after his party suffered a humiliating defeat in the Lok Sabha polls, NCP chief Sharad Pawar is all set to revamp the entire organization on Wednesday. BMC begins disconnecting power, gas to illegal Campa Cola flats The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation began disconnecting the utilities to illegal apartments in Campa Cola compound on Monday, more than a year after it first served eviction notices on their occupants. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Vrindavan widows come to Delhi with hopes from Modi govt A hundred widows from Vrindavan and Varanasi were provided a platform by NGO Sulabh International to give voice to the many inequities and injustices suffered by them on International Widows’ Day. Venkaiah Naidu asks DMRC to revisit IGI line fares Union urban development minister Venkaiah Naidu has rekindled hopes of hundreds of daily commuters using the Delhi Airport Metro Line by hinting at a possible reduction in fares. No urgent hearing for Tandoor case convict The Delhi high court on Monday refused to give an urgent hearing to the parole plea of Tandoor case convict Sushil Kumar Sharma. Sharma was awarded life imprisonment for killing and burning the body of his wife, Naina Sahni, in 1995. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Aspiring constable dies during physical test Chandrashekar Anandappa, a resident of Attibele and B.Com final student, was among the 140 short-listed applicants participating in physical tests for recruitment of constables by Bangalore Rural police Cellphone helps track and rescue injured trekker A defence research scholar, missing in the Madhugiri mountain of Tumkur district since Sunday evening, was rescued around 2am on Monday. Tiger sentinels poorly armed to tackle poachers Bissegowda (name changed) was pulled out of his bed one night about two years ago.He was part of a six-member team of forest guards and officers told to head straight to Bheeman Bidu, 10km from Bandipur, to nab poachers. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Chandrababu Naidu bursts Kiran Kumar Reddy's bubble The N Chandrababu Naidu government has decided to pour cold water on the Chittoor District Drinking Water Project, the pet scheme of former chief minister, N Kiran Kumar Reddy, who intended to spend a whopping Rs 4,300 crore on it. Benz Circle beats Banjara Hills! Vijaywada’s loss is turning out to be Hyderabad’s gain. At least that’s what the trend, currently prevailing in the real estate markets of the two states, suggests. K Chandrasekhar Rao to GHMC: Reclaim encroached govt land Even as Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are bickering over electricity and water, Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Monday directed his officials to reclaim the government land that was encroached upon by individuals and institutions as well as demolish the illegal structures that came up on such land in the GHMC limits. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		No trace of ship that rammed fishing boat off Chennai coast Almost two days after a cargo vessel rammed a fishing boat off Chennai coast injuring three fishermen, maritime agencies and the coastal security forces have no clue about the vessel. Jayalalithaa to visit Srirangam on June 30 Tamil Nadu chief J Jayalalithaa is scheduled to visit Srirangam, her home constituency, on June 30. Bird hits plane in Coimbatore soon after take-off Officials said the bird hit the cockpit windscreen, forcing the pilot to turn back and return to the airport for inspection. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Heart-pounding amusement coming up at Kankaria The Kankaria Amusement Park, work on which is close to completion, will provide Amdavadis five world class rides.The park coming up at the new Balvatika in Kankaria is scheduled to open to the public within a month. IIM-Ahmedabad centre secures 800 admissions under RTE The Centre was set up in 2013 to help parents of needy students overcome procedural difficulties in completing and submitting applications. Rath Yatra: Designer clothes for deities this year Dhirubhai Kapadia, trustee of the temple for more than 30 years, said that the beauty of a tradition lies in the little changes that keep it vibrant. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Bodies of couple found on railway tracks The bodies of a couple, aged between 20 and 23 years, were found lying near Madwapur railway tracks in Nawabganj on Monday.The identity of couple is yet to be ascertained. Padma Shri poet awarded at literary function Noted Padma Shri poet Ashok Chakradhar was awarded with prestigious 'Kailash Gautam Kavyakumbh Samman-2014' at a literary function organised by cultural organisation, Kailash Gautam Srijan Sansthan' at North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC). Last year, the award was given to veteran lyricist and poet Padma Bhushan Gopal Das Neeraj. No more victims, Allahabad girls fight their fears In the recent past, there have been five incidents in which girls have taught eve teasers a lesson. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		State to act against retailers selling veggies at high rates The state government has asked officers to check hoardings and take action against retailers who are selling potato, onion and other vegetables at a price higher than than its wholesale rate by Rs 2 or more. Minister in construction row The minister's reply said the case against Dasburma, who holds food supplies and consumer welfare and employment, technical education and training portfolios, for a real estate project at Bhimpur is pending in court. Two women labourers killed Two women labourers were killed when sand caved in on a river bank in Rayagada district on Sunday.The deceased were identified as Suko Majhi and Lachi Majhi. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Humid weather may fuel rise in H1N1 cases Following the reports of H1N1 positive cases from across the state including Indore and Mandla, the health department has issued a state-wide swine flu alert. Clogged Bhopal drains not ready for monsoon onslaught When the monsoon is staring at the state capital, drains are still chocked and a large number of roads and footpaths are in bad shapes with cable laying work still on. Cops rescue abducted Bhind woman from Morena A 25-year-old married woman from Bhind district was abducted, kept captive and gang raped by four in Morena for more than two months. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		US schools register with Punjabi university for courses in Gurmat Sangeet, Gurmukhi Within a year of launching of online study centre in Gurmat Sangeet (Sikh religious music) by Punjabi university, Patiala, two US schools have registered themselves with the varsity to provide elementary and PG diploma courses in Gurmat Sangeet and Gurmukhi (Punjabi script) to students in the US. Drunk man kills father A resident of Santnagar village in Sirsa district was arrested on Monday for killing his father when he tried to stop him from consuming alcohol. Govt prepares 14-page draft for Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Act To appease the 47 lakh Sikh voters of the state ahead of assembly elections, the Congress government has prepared a draft Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Act, 2014. More Chandigarh News»

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