News Digest: Early monsoon? Rains set to hit Andamans in 3-4 days

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Saturday, May 14, 2016
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Early monsoon? Rains set to hit Andamans in 3-4 days The India Meteorological Department has predicted an early onset of the southwest monsoon this year and has said that it would reach the Andaman and Nicobar islands in the next 3 or 4 days. The department's formal forecast of the monsoon's onset over the Indian mainland is expected in 2-3 days. PM Narendra Modi rubs in GST as 53 Rajya Sabha MPs call it a day Retiring members of Rajya Sabha would have left with greater pride had they participated in the passage of the GST (goods and services tax) and compensatory afforestation bill, PM Narendra Modi said on Friday as the Upper House bid goodbye to 53 MPs. Fertility rate in Indian cities lower than in US, Australia, France Data from the Sample Registration Survey on the total fertility rate shows that since 2006 the TFR in urban areas has touched 2 children per woman and from 2010 has fallen below that level. That means there aren't enough children born in Indian cities to replace the existing population of their parents. More India News»

		Business
		Six PSU banks report Rs 7k cr loss as defaults mount Nearly Rs 7,000 crore of fourth quarter losses reported by six public sector banks on Friday showed that the bad loan problem for banks is far from over. Apple invests $1bn in Uber's rival Apple is investing $1 billion in Didi, giving the Chinese ride-hailing startup a powerful ally and dealing a blow to Uber Technologies as it tries to build its business in the country. Sebi to review charges against Murugappa chief More Business News»

		Environment
		WHO report does not give right picture: Experts UN warns of rising air pollution levels in cities The agency, hoping to raise awareness and highlight national efforts, said its database now shows more than 4 in 5 urban dwellers worldwide live in cities that don't meet WHO air quality guidelines, 98% in poorer countries and 56% even in high income countries. Use of plastic may boost agricultural output manifold Tata Strategic Management Group (TSMG) said in its report that a wider use of plastics in agriculture for activities like drip irrigation and mulching may boost output upto 68,000 crore. Plasticuture together with sustainable development measures is sure to reign in harvesting losses. More Environment News»

		World
		German intelligence warns of Russian cybersabotage The agency said that Russian intelligence agencies appear to be behind electronic espionage known as the “Sofacy/ATP 28” campaign. Another campaign, codenamed “Sandworm,” that it said appeared to be aimed at sabotaging universities, telecoms firms and energy companies. Blaze breaks out at Spanish tyre dump near Madrid Local media reports said the fire, near the town of Sesena, is said to have begun at 2am. By daylight, plumes of smoke some 20 metres high could be seen at the tyre dump, one of Europe's largest at over 11 hectares. Emergency services said the fire's cause was unknown but that it was under control. Boy 'gang raped, strangled to death' in Pakistan A top police official from Tando Mohammad Khan district said police have arrested two suspects Abdul Sattar Sathio and Mashooq Ali Sathio who have confessed to the crime, Dawn online reported. The accused revealed that they have been involved in such acts before as well. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Tight security for Hrithik's next Hrithik Roshan and director Sanjay Gupta are extremely cautious and have upped the security on the set of their upcoming film Kaabil to ensure no details from the shoot are leaked out. Salman Khan: I think Varun Dhawan is like me Salman Khan's fans have much to be proud of their beloved star. At a recent event, the actor spoke about the current state of the Hindi film industry and one statement of his stood out. He said that Varun Dhawan reminded him of a younger version of himself! Zareen Khan goes wild in Khallas The raunchy number, Khallas, from Ram Gopal Varma’s 2001 crime thriller Company, will be seen in a new avatar in the director’s forthcoming film Veerappan. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Scientists identify protein to treat miscarriages The pioneering study shows that a protein called Syncytin-1, which was the result of a viral infection of our primate ancestors 25 million years ago, is first secreted on the surface of a developing embryo even before it implants in the womb. Rare blue galaxy may shed new light on Big Bang The galaxy nicknamed Leoncino, or "little lion," located in the constellation Leo Minor, contains the lowest level of heavy chemical elements ever observed. Since, the elemental make-up of metal-poor galaxies is very close to that of the early universe, this will aid in the study of Big Bang. Forbidding internet use not good for your kids: study An observational study in Washington has found out that allowing teenagers to develop their own coping mechanisms for online risk situations is a better strategy rather than banning their internet usage altogether. The study observed 68 kids over a period of 2 months. More Science News»

		Sports
		IPL: Kings XI Punjab beat Mumbai Indians by seven wickets Kings XI Punjab notched up a convincing seven-wicket win over Mumbai Indians. Marcus Stoinis led the way with four wickets as a disciplined Punjab restricted Mumbai to 124/9. In reply, Punjab chased down the target with as many as three overs to spare. Vijender Singh beats Andrzej Soldra to win sixth pro fight Facing the first eight-round fight of his fledging professional career, Vijender hammered his opponent right from the start, forcing the referee to stop the contest around two minutes into the third round. Novak Djokovic ousts Rafael Nadal in Rome quarters Nadal's last win over the seemingly unstoppable Serbian goes back to his victory in the final of Roland Garros in 2014. As a seven-time champion in Rome, Nadal commands plenty of support from the fans at the Foro Italico. More Sports News»

		Technology
		India's 'Patriotic' Bhuvan vs Google Maps: 6 things to know BJP legislator Tarun Vijay wants "patriotic Indians" to use the Bhuvan maps software developed by ISRO. Micromax Canvas 6 Review: Good, but nothing groundbreaking Till a year ago, Micromax phones were among the best choices for anyone wanting to buy a well-rounded smartphone without burning a hole in his/her pocket. Creo Mark 1 review: A promising start Useful software features and monthly updates are the primary USPs of the Creo Mark 1. But at a price tag of Rs 19,999, the Creo Mark 1 is unconvincing. Nevertheless, it’s a promising device. More Technology News»

		Education
		CHSE Plus II science results out A record 80.80% students cleared the Plus II science examination, result of which was published on Friday. IIM Calcutta alumni celebrate annual alumni congregation 'Common entrance tests for MBBS, BDS will go' The Medical Council of India announced that a nationwide entrance examination should be conducted for entry into these professional courses on Dec 27, 2010, which was opposed by many state governments. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Daisy Shah wants to do a love story Mumbai, May 14 (IANS) Actress Daisy Shah says that she wants to do a love story especially for the kind of songs in the genre. You won't hear Omung Kumar's voice on sets: Darshan Kumar Mumbai, May 14 (IANS) Actor Darshan Kumar says that his "Mary Kom" and "Sarbjit" director Omung Kumar's voice is never heard on the sets as he usually gives suggestions by whispering into the actor's ear. Lokayukta visits Dahisar to assesses extent of destruction to mangroves Lokayukta Retd justice M Tahiliani on Friday visited Dahisar to ascertain the extent of mangrove destruction in the area. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Met factors queered odd-even pitch: CPCB The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Friday informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) through its assessment report that the odd-even road rationing scheme had no "measurable" impact on air quality. Drive against aggregators to resume Days after the Supreme Court laid down conditions for All-India Tourist Permit taxis to operate in the city, the government said it would continue with its crackdown on cab aggregators. DCW notice to app-based cab services A week after a Belgian national was allegedly molested by a cab driver, the Delhi Commission for Women has issued notices to five app-based taxi operators. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		BDA engineer bribed CM with Hublot: ACB plaint Low pay a big turn-off for nursing students Many colleges have been asked to shut down because of inadequate infrastructure and lack of clinical experience of the faculty.Hospitals in other states are not ready to employ nurses from any institute. MIT alumnus film to be screened at Cannes Bhaskar Upadhyaya, alumnus of Manipal Institute of Technology, chucked his IT job to pursue his dream -- filmmaking.On Sunday, his debut movie will be screened at the 69th Cannes International Film Festival. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		People called to `bond with trees' at KBR Park NTR varsity bars 27 medicos from May exam `Rohith stir publicly funded' More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Party is greater and nobler than my family: Karunanidhi Muthuvel Karunanidhi, 92, says the DMK represents a self-respect movement and a political culture that values human rights. He believes the people of Tamil Nadu have placed their faith in him for 60 years “and they are sure that I will fulfil what I say.” Moulivakkam flat owners brace for long legal battle 750 additional buses to clear election rush With the polling for the state assembly scheduled on Monday, a lot more people are leaving the city on Friday night.To cater to the increase in demand, the state transport corporation added 750 extra buses. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		ATS traces drug truck The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad has traced the truck in which ephedrine worth Rs 270 crore was transported to Ahmedabad in the first week of April this year. Don't use criminal charges to get dues: HC Warns Against Acquitting Accused After Compromise Elderly man under pressure of loan sharks ends life A 60-year-old man living in Nikol area ended his life here on Friday by strangulating himself with a cloth tied to a window bar at his house. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		HC seeks information on IPL matches in Kanpur Hearing a PIL that challenged holding of IPL matches at the Green Park stadium in Kanpur on May 19 and 21, the Allahabad high court on Friday directed the state counsel to provide information in this connection. 'Overworked' teachers refuse to serve mid-day meal The Uttar Pradesh mid-day meal authority's plan to serve food to schoolchildren of 55 drought-hit districts in summer vacation is being opposed by the ones supposed to serve them: their teachers. Justice Shukla appointed acting CJ A senior judge of the Allahabad high court, Justice Vimlesh Kumar Shukla, was on Friday appointed as its acting Chief Justice after Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud's elevation to the Supreme Court. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Pyari thanks adversary Naveen in last RS speech For the first time ever after his unceremonious expulsion from the BJD in 2012, Rajya Sabha member Pyarimohan Mohapatra thanked chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday, sarcastically though. Rights panel noticeon hosp power cuts The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has issued a notice to the state government to submit an action taken report within four weeks on disruption of power supply to government hospitals in the state. Odisha to organize startup conclave in November To promote startups in Odisha, the state government is planning to hold a conclave in November.Around 600 entrepreneurs from across the world would participate in it.The dates are yet to be finalized. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Water crisis deepens in Shivpuri in Bhopal, 6 injured in attempt to loot tanker In a group clash ensued after an alleged attempt to loot a water tanker in parched Shivpuri, half a dozen people were injured including a local BJP corporator . Facing unprecedented crisis, water is being supplied in the city with the help of tankers only. Noronha Gallery to be inaugurated on May 15 Chief Secretary Anthony de Sa will inaugurate 'Noronha Gallery' at RCVP Noronha Academy of Administration and Management on May 15. Rajya Sabha Poll: BJP likely to reward outsiders, Congress unclear on names Madhya Pradesh will elect three members for Rajya Sabha seats on June 11, including two from BJP and one from Congress, as the election commission will issue a notification on May 24. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Teacher held for sexually harassing minor students A teacher of a government middle school here was arrested on Friday for allegedly sexually harassing the minor girls studying in classes VI to VIII in Ambala Cantonment. Haryana govt notifies quota in jobs, admissions for Jats, others The state assembly had, on March 29, unanimously passed a bill providing quota for Jats under a newly carved out Backward Class (C) category. Court cases avoidable Guest teachers are being compelled to come to the court every now and then. More Chandigarh News»

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