News Digest: PM Narendra Modi to spend time with soldiers at Siachen ahead of J&K visit

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Thursday, October 23, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		PM Narendra Modi to spend time with soldiers at Siachen ahead of J&K visit "It's my good fortune that I will be able to spend time with our brave soldiers on this special day," Prime Minister tweeted on Thursday. BJP frowns on 'Gadkari-for-CM' clamour, sticks to Fadnavis as its CM choice for Maharashtra The central BJP leadership is sticking to Devendra Fadnavis as its first choice as Maharashtra chief minister and has taken a dim view of the lobbying for Union rural development minister Nitin Gadkari. Why is Congress so upset on black money issue? BJP asks BJP on Wednesday lashed out at Congress for challenging finance minister Arun Jaitley to name those who have black money stashed abroad. More India News»

		Business
		Diwali gift or bribe? Companies in a fix Some months ago, the communication department of a multinational bank faced a strange dilemma. Sensex gains 26% since last Diwali The just-ended Samvat 2070 has turned out to be the best in the last six years with the sensex gaining 26% and investors' wealth, measured by BSE's market capitalization, going up 37%. How gas price formula was cracked That formula, suggested by a panel under C Rangarajan, would have doubled the price to $8.5 per unit from $4.2 at present.This would have seen a spike in cost of CNG, power and of manufacture of urea. More Business News»

		Environment
		Fewer bird species back in Okhla Only seven species of migratory birds have arrived in Okhla Bird Sanctuary.Last year, 15 species were spotted at this time.However, this has been a general trend for most bird areas in north India, claim some birders. SmartCity Kochi gets environmental nod SmartCity Kochi, Kerala's ambitious information technology business township project, has received environmental clearance for the entire project covering 246 acres even as the construction of its first IT building is nearing completion. Insects have more efficient social networks! Insects like honeybees and ants live in groups that constantly communicate with each other and scientists are seeking a better understanding of their networks to improve the existing information processing. More Environment News»

		World
		Pakistan clerical panel endorses polygamy A Pakistani clerical panel has endorsed polygamy, saying a woman cannot object if her husband remarries. Bomb outside Cairo varsity wounds 9 A bomb exploded outside the gates of Cairo University on Wednesday, an Egyptian police official said, wounding at least nine people including policemen. Air strikes kills around 25 IS fighters in Iraq Coalition air strikes killed around 25 Islamic State fighters on Wednesday near the northern Iraqi city of Baiji, residents told Reuters. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Cinema, cricket and civic issues keep Juhi Chawla busy Juhi Chawla has had an eventful 2014 — she started the year on a high, winning accolades for her powerful performance in Gulaab Gang, followed by an award by the Dadasaheb Phalke Academy. Akshay Kumar's son Aarav heart broken On Sunday, Akshay Kumar lost his dog Okie to old age. We learnt that he and his family were terribly upset with the loss, specially his son Aarav, who was most attached to him. Celebrate this Diwali with Happy New Year Besides the Lakshmi Puja and the Diwali festivities that have been specially earmarked on people’s calendar this year, cinema lovers have also put in a reminder to watch director Farah Khan’s Happy New Year. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		'Cosmic rays threaten manned Mars missions' Radiation hazards in space caused by cosmic rays could threaten future deep-space astronaut missions such as those to Mars, a new study suggests. Fusion energy holds key to power dream The 25th Fusion Energy Conference is being attended by scientists from 43 countries including India. US probes medical devices for possible cyber flaws The US department of homeland security is investigating about two dozen cases of suspected cybersecurity flaws in medical devices and hospital equipment that officials fear could be exploited by hackers, a senior official at the agency said. More Science News»

		Sports
		Boxer Sarita Devi suspended for Asian Games protest Taking a strict action, AIBA has provisionally suspended India's woman boxer Sarita Devi for refusing to accept the bronze medal at Asian Games podium ceremony. Roger Federer cruises into Swiss Open second round Top seeded Roger Federer crushed Gilles Muller of Luxembourg 6-2, 6-1 in just 46 minutes to reach the second round of the Swiss Open on Wednesday. Ana Ivanovic downs Bouchard for first Singapore victory Ana Ivanovic recovered from her opening loss to race to a 6-1 6-3 victory over Eugenie Bouchard, to get back into the mix for a WTA Finals last-four berth. More Sports News»

		Technology
		First impressions: Apple iPad Air 2 With the iPad Air 2, you can snap 10 shots per second in a burst mode — great for restless kids, as you can choose the best shots later. 'Android One facing tough competition from Android devices' Android One campaign didn't “effectively convey how this device and its operating system that offered Google Services like Maps and Google Now, was different" Revisiting 1994: How tech was like 20 years ago Twenty years ago, your smartphone wasn't even a twinkle in Steve Jobs's eye. Nevertheless, 1994 was a momentous year for the tech industry. More Technology News»

		Education
		Internal power struggle threatens top management institute's future Management Development Institute, Gurgaon — controlled by Industrial Finance Corporation of India and among the top 10 management institutes in the country — is staring at an uncertain future. Top business school students in India score below industry standards: Survey Highlighting huge talent gap, a survey has revealed that a significant percentage of students from top business schools in India score below the industry standards in terms of sales acumen and customer focus. Jadavpur Universit students to hold referendum on VC's removal Jadavpur University students will hold a referendum Oct 30-31 in their bid to establish that students are unanimously demanding the resignation of vice-chancellor Abhijit Chakrabarty. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Man cooks up fake don link to extort, held A four-day stint as cook was all it took this 24-year-old to gather enough information about his employer to extort from him. Week after Nigerian teen was molested, cops register case Nearly a week after a 19-year-old Nigerian national was sexually assaulted by three youths in Nalasopara, the police on Wednesday registered a case of molestation against the unidentified youths, and have launched a manhunt for them. Activists brace for Diwali cracker scare Activists said greater civic sense needs to prevail among people so that firecrackers do not disturb those who don't light them. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		You click, they break their backs to deliver This Diwali when you celebrate the advent of e-commerce — and goods being delivered at your doorstep at a discount — do spare a thought for the boys carrying them. DPS principal's daughter ends life The daughter of the principal of Delhi Public School, R K Puram, allegedly committed suicide late on Tuesday night at their residence on the school campus, according to the police. Goods worth lakhs lost in 3 fires Three cases of fire were reported from different parts of central Delhi in a span of 24 hours, leading to loss of goods worth lakhs. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Sexual assault of three-year-old girl confirmed, says Bangalore police chief The sexual assault on a three-and-half-year-old girl student at a school in Bangalore has been confirmed by doctors, as police intensified the probe into the horrific incident. Sexual abuse of minor: parents protest, staff being questioned Staff members of a school here are being questioned in connection with the alleged sexual abuse of a three-year-old girl in its campus even as parents outraged over the incident held protests and demanded answers from the management. Mervin and Jentu twist by the pool at Hotel Sheraton, Bangalore Pool side party More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		'Garrison should be relocated' The call for relocating the Army garrison from Mehdipatnam, has grown shriller ever since 11-year old Shaik Mustafauddin was burnt alive, allegedly by the Army personnel. GHMC seeks Imams' help to combat diseases The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is mulling engaging with mosque managing committees to spread awareness in its efforts to combat dengue and malaria. Legal metrology sleuths raid jewellery, fire cracker shops Legal metrology sleuths have raided jewellery stores, fire cracker shops and sweet shops in Telangana and registered several cases in the past few days. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		GenNext of fireworks business believes in doing it the scientific way It's been happening across business India - traditional, family-run enterprises dispatching their offspring to business schools to power old engines with new tricks of the trade. Villagers give up firecrackers on Diwali for their winged friends Two villages in Salem district, Unathur near Thalaivasal and Agraharam Nattamangalam, have been celebrating cracker less Diwali for more than a century. Poachers under scanner of rangers ahead of Diwali As people prepare to celebrate the festival of lights, forest officials in wildlife sanctuaries have tightened their vigil to prevent any poaching activities so that wild animals do not end up as delicacies on the Diwali menu. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Gujarat University admin staff up in arms The Gujarat University administrative staff is protesting against the decision of the university to give Rs 30 per form to post offices for handling admission forms of external students. JEE Advanced to be held on May 24 The Joint Entrance Examination (Advanced) for admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) will be held on May 24. Board uploads provisional keys to sem I, III questions The Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) has released the provisional answer keys for the semester I exam of Class XI and semester III exam of Class XII. The exams were held recently. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Alert sounded on Indo-Nepal border Alert has been sounded on Indo-Nepal border in view of Diwali festival to thwart any infiltration bid by terrorists and anti-social elements. 124 clear judicial services 2013 round 124 candidates were declared successful in UP Judicial Services (Civil Judge) Examinations -2013, the result of which was declared on Wednesday by the UP Public Service Commission (UPPSC). The commission also released the schedule of PCS (mains) -2014, to be organized in Allahabad and Lucknow between November 7 and 21. Centre should start construction of Ram temple: Singhal Vishwa Hindu Parishad patron and senior leader Ashok Singhal on Wednesday demanded that Narendra Modi led Central government should start the construction of Ram Temple at Ramjanam bhoomi at Ayodhya. Citing Bharatiya Janata Party’s election manifesto, he said that the government should work towards fulfilling all promises made in it. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Odisha to conduct DGPS survey of 148 mines The state government on Tuesday decided to conduct differential global positioning system (DGPS) survey of more mines in order to check mining operations by lessees beyond lease-hold area. Odisha Mining Corporation starts process to raise ore production The Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) is planning to increase its ore production by roping in raising contractors (who use earth movers). Paradip school runs from a single room without walls The government-run Gholapada primary school at Paradip in Jagatsinghpur district resembles a cowshed. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Proxy & applicant in SI recruitment test booked Two persons including an imposter who appeared as a proxy for an applicant in the sub-inspectors recruitment test and the original applicant were booked for cheating on Monday. Gadkari's ex-political advisor appointed MP BJP in charge Union minister Nitin Gadkari's former political advisor and BJP vice-president Vinay Sahastrabuddhe has been appointed the new in charge for party affairs in Madhya Pradesh. 3 arrested for loot, thefts; 5 stolen bikes recovered Crime branch on Monday arrested three youths and recovered a looted chain, a smartphone and five bikes lifted from various parts of the city. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Syndicate to take up BE-MBA students' issue The institute had put in its request as these students don't find good placements in either management or engineering fields. Another minor raped in Mohali According to the victim's statement, she had gone to her friend's house in the neighbourhood from where the 35-year-old accused took her to his place nearby and committed the crime. Vision impacted in 75% eye injury victims on Diwali: PGI study Every year, there are at least 30 children who report with severe eye injuries at the PGI on Diwali and all of them were unsupervised by adults.Out of these, 75% developed a poor vision. More Chandigarh News»

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