Your News Digest from Times of India

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Friday, March 07, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Modi remark makes CPM see red What was bandied by CPM as a coup of sorts when it managed to rope in former bureaucrat Christy Fernandez to contest in the prestigious Latin Christian-dominated Ernakulam Lok Sabha constituency—most likely against incumbent and Congress bigwig K V Thomas –became an embarrassment for the party. In Modi land, Kejriwal scoffs at 'Vikaspurush' The ‘Vikaspurush’ sobriquet that Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi carries along came in for some sharp criticism from Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal, who is on a four-day “reality check” tour of Gujarat. In Srinagar, students tell a different story Joining the simmering row, Kashmiri separatist leaders, including Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and JKLF chief Yasin Malik, called for a complete shut down of the Valley on Friday. More India News»

		Business
		Flipkart sales run rate hits $1 billion India’s e-commerce posterboy Flipkart said on Thursday that its sales have hit an annualized run rate of $1 billion. India's envoy to UAE backed Jet-Etihad deal? It has now emerged that India’s envoy to UAE, T P Seetharam, had written a note to the finance ministry last month pushing for the deal — a week after market regulator Sebi issued a show-cause notice to Etihad on the key issue of “effective control” of Jet after the Abu Dhabi-based carrier’s $379-million deal to pick up 24% in Jet. 'Number of desi billionaires set to double in 10 years' The number of ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWI) in India is expected to double over the next 10 years, rising by 126% in Mumbai and around 118% in Delhi. More Business News»

		Environment
		100 cameras to track tiger movement in UP forests Nearly 100 cameras will soon track the movement of tigers in the forest range adjoining the UP-Uttarakhand border. Environmentalists oppose Assam govt's move to dehorn rhino The Assam government's move to explore trimming of horns to save rhinos from poaching was opposed by an environmental activist body. Environment ministry clears Kerala demand on Western Ghats The centre has accepted the Kerala government's recommendations to keep agricultural land, plantations, and habitations out of the ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs) identified by an expert committee on the conservation of the Western Ghats. More Environment News»

		World
		Crimea MPs vote to join Russia Lawmakers in the largely-autonomous Russian-majority peninsula of Crimea voted in favour of leaving Ukraine and joining the Russian Federation, even as the US slapped visa restrictions on the separatists and began lining up financial sanctions against Moscow. Nigeria says 20 Islamists killed as schools shut after massacres Nigeria's military today said that it had killed 20 Islamist insurgents in the restive northeast, as schools were shut in the region to prevent further attacks targeting students. Pak to form new panel for Taliban talks Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday met Taliban representatives and agreed to form a new committee having decision-making powers to negotiate directly with dreaded terror alliance. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Madhuri playing my role not good for me: Sampat Pal Films being taken to court just before their release date is now an old story. However, in the recent past, the courts have, in some of these cases, stayed the release of the films just a day or two before the scheduled release date, throwing producers’, distributors’ and exhibitors’ plan out of gear. 5 Bollywood boyfriends we wish we had Sunny Leone not allowed to visit Indore for film promotion Recently, Sunny Leone was barred entry in Indore, where she was scheduled to visit a mall, as part of the promotions of her upcoming film Ragini MMS 2 More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Early treatment clears HIV in 2nd baby: Doctors When scientists made the stunning announcement last year that a baby born with HIV had apparently been cured through aggressive drug treatment just 30 hours after birth, there was immediate skepticism that the child had been infected in the first place. Spider-Man's tale: Silk that can stop train to be reality Scientists are developing super strong synthetic spider silk, five times stronger than steel, that could stop a speeding train, just like the scene in Hollywood flick 'Spiderman 2'. Frequent Facebook use may fuel eating disorders Frequent Facebook users might be sharing more than just party pictures, vacation videos and selfies - they also share a greater risk of eating disorders, according to a new study. More Science News»

		Sports
		Shami runs risk of being overburdened Had the sturdy pacer not been in love with his craft, Shami would have struggled to cope with the workload he has had to shoulder since his sensational debut. End of the road for Formula 1 in India? F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone made it clear that the Indian GP, which was taken off this year's calendar, will not be making a comeback in 2015 as well. Placed friendly bets, Gurunath told cops It has now emerged that Gurunath had answered a set of questions prepared by the investigating officers and admitted to indulging in "friendly" betting. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Nadella, Gates were against Microsoft-Nokia deal: Report Microsoft founder Bill Gates and new CEO Satya Nadella were reportedly against the Nokia buyout, as were many other unnamed board members. Samsung launches India's costliest Android tablet Samsung has launched the Galaxy Note Pro tablet in India at a whopping Rs 65,575, making it the most expensive Android tablet in the country. First look: Apple iWork Apple's iWork won't replace Office, and Google Docs is better in some ways. More Technology News»

		Education
		No Indian university in top 100 global list, Harvard voted best None of India’s 700 universities and 35,539 colleges has made it to the top 100 list of the Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings released on Thursday. Indian universities fail to make global top 100 cut Harvard University in the US has yet again topped the annual Times Higher Education magazine's 2014 'World Reputation Rankings' released today. A new SAT aims to realign with schoolwork Saying its college admission exams do not focus enough on the important academic skills, the College Board announced on Wednesday a fundamental rethinking of the SAT, ending the longstanding penalty for guessing wrong, cutting obscure vocabulary words and making the essay optional. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		'Rajiv got PCs, BJP claimed credit; will do same with RTI, NREGA' Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi hit the campaign trail on the second day of his Maharashtra visit, taking on the BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi and hard-selling the Congress' sops, both at the central and state levels. Don't issue warnings to us: Gadkari to Shiv Sena The Maharashtra BJP may have gone on the back foot on the question of breaking bread with the MNS after Uddhav Thackeray firmly rejected the idea. Cops often frequented Sanap sister's eatery The sister of Chandrabhan Sanap, the accused in the Esther Anuhya murder case, used to operate an eatery that was frequented by many Kanjurmarg policemen and railway police staff. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		5 held for selling fake degrees Five people have been arrested for selling fake degrees, certificates and diplomas in east Delhi. Women's bike rally to rock Delhi This International Women’s Day, 13 cities will hear the roar of freedom. Youth gets 10-year jail for sodomy A youth has been sentenced to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment for sodomizing and illegally confining a six-year-old boy. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		9 of a family sustain burn injuries The children are in Vani Vilas hospital, two women and their father-in-law in Victoria and two men in a private hospital on Hosur Road. Ambareesh taken off ventilator Actor and housing minister MH Ambareesh was taken off the ventilator on Thursday. Ambareesh taken off ventilator Actor and housing minister MH Ambareesh was taken off the ventilator on Thursday. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		K Chandrasekhar Rao: Telangana's sole spokesman K Chandrasekhar Rao insists he's the sole spokesman for Telangana. Known to be a man who breathes fire, his tongue a whip that makes mincemeat of rivals, KCR was once part of Chandrababu Naidu's development story till he fell out with him in 2001. Former CM's plan may spoil YSRCP, Congress chances The entry of the political party floated by former chief minister Kiran Kumar Reddy could spell trouble for the Congress, put up a new obstacle to the YSR Congress and gladden the Telugu Desam Party. Kiran Kumar Reddy floats new party Ending the suspense and threatening to upset the calculations of the YSR Congress in the Seemandhra region, former chief minister and Congress leader Kiran Kumar Reddy announced on Thursday that he is floating a political party that will fight for the selfrespect of the Telugu people. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Four killed in three separate accidents Four people, including an assistant professor and a techie, were killed in three separate road accidents in the city on Wednesday. Prison inmates get fresh start, to start men's salon Just as one can turn over a new leaf, prisoners too can turn knives and blades to good use. EU likely to block cargo flights from Chennai airport If the airports authority does not shape up its cargo security system by July, freighter jets may not be able to fly from Chennai to European Union (EU) countries. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Sisodia's car damaged in Gujarat A day after Arvind Kejriwal’s car was damaged in Kutch, AAP leader Manish Sisodia’s car was attacked near the BJP office in Himmatnagar on Thursday evening. Man kills self after hurting wife, daughter A 35-year-old man wounded his wife and daughter and committed suicide by jumping in front of a speeding truck on the ring road near Odhav on Thursday morning. Slump slows down tax collection Rising bad loans in banks and economic slowdown have led to slower rate of tax collections in the current fiscal year. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Polling in Allahabad, Phulpur on May 7 Following the announcement of Lok Sabha election schedule by the Election Commission of India, district magistrate, who also acts as district election officer announced that polling in Allahabad and Phulpur would be held on May 7. Five farmers offer land for poly-house Five vegetable and flower growers have offered their land to district horticulture department for setting up a poly-house in around 5,000 square metres for the protective cultivation of highly improved varieties of flowers and vegetables. UPPCL stops power rostering in Sangam city ahead of LS elections It is elections time again and what better way could it be to appease the voters of Allahabad, than to minimize the hours of daily power cuts. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Naveen attacks NaMo, RaGa Coinciding with the Election Commission announcing the poll schedule, BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday mounted a strong attack on BJP's Narendra Modi and Congress' Rahul Gandhi, accusing them of "shedding crocodile tears" for Odisha to get votes. Maheswar likely to be discharged soon Recuperating from bullet injuries, law minister and Puri MLA Maheswar Mohanty is hopeful of recovering soon to contest the upcoming elections. Jhina Hikaka ready for election battle BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka, who was abducted by Maoists in 2012, is keen to contest assembly elections from Laxmipur constituency this time too. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Broke man sets ablaze ailing wife, stabs mother to death A 40-year-old broke man pushed his ailing wife into a trunk and set her ablaze in Bhind district on Wednesday.Later, he also killed his 60-year-old mother. National Green Tribunal for quick survey, rehabilitation policy Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) is yet to get on with survey of encroachments around Siddique Hassan Khan Talab. CBI files FIR into Umaria scribe, kin murder case Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday registered an FIR to investigate 2012 killing of journalist Chandrika Rai and three members of the family. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Unhappy with GM, Pepsu employee sets himself on fire Jagir Singh and Barjinder Singh doused themselves in diesel in a bid to set themselves alight.Jagir Singh sustained 40% burn injuries while Barjinder was saved by other employees. Bhagwant Mann wields his pen With a view to adding some humour to upcoming Lok Sabha elections, satirist-turned-politician Bhagwant Mann is planning lyrics to suit the ideology adopted by Aam Aadmi Party. 'Bathinda wants Harsimrat's defeat, not my victory' Former finance minister in the previous Badal government, Manpreet, was talking to media persons on Thursday after paying obeisance at Golden Temple for his success in ensuing Lok Sabha elections. More Chandigarh News»

		To manage your newsletter subscription settings, click here	Other Newsletters from TOI : Movie Reviews | Life & Style | Top Headlines

Your News Digest from Times of India

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Thursday, March 06, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Communalism will be major issue in polls: Congress Congress said communalism will be a principal issue in the Lok Sabha elections, a statement that points to the possibility of a focused attack on BJP and Narendra Modi in the campaign field. Antibiotics, syrups need prescription Now, you will need a doctor's prescription for buying common antibiotics, certain pain-relievers, anxiety-busters and sleeping pills. Baichung's got a goal... is it a winner? He’s scored many goals on the field, but it’s still far from certain if Baichung Bhutia can score a vital one for his new party, the Trinamool Congress, from the Darjeeling seat. More India News»

		Business
		'RBI likely to issue few bank licences' The Reserve Bank is likely to issue a few bank licences notwithstanding the model code of conduct which came into force from today, finance minister P Chidambaram said. Govt approves 8.75% interest on EPF deposit Government has approved payment of 8.75 per cent rate of interest on PF deposits in 2013-14 for over five crore subscribers of retirement fund body EPFO. Sensex rises 67 points to end near record close The benchmark sensex today rose over 67 points to end near its record close on positive global cues and as investors started taking positions with just about a month left for the Lok Sabha elections. More Business News»

		Environment
		Environment ministry clears Kerala demand on Western Ghats The centre has accepted the Kerala government's recommendations to keep agricultural land, plantations, and habitations out of the ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs) identified by an expert committee on the conservation of the Western Ghats. Global warming may threaten World Heritage sites Some of the world's most recognizable and important landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and Sydney Opera House could be lost to rising sea-levels if current global warming trends are maintained over the next two millennia, a new study has warned. China declares war on pollution with $35 billion fund China on Wednesday declared a war against chronic pollution choking the booming nation, allocating about $35 billion for environmental protection this year to combat toxic smog that frequently engulfs Chinese cities. More Environment News»

		World
		Attacks in Baghdad area kill 21 people Bombings mainly targeting Shiite areas of Baghdad and attacks on security force checkpoints in and around the capital killed at least 21 people Wednesday, officials said. TV anchorwoman criticizes Kremlin on Ukraine An anchorwoman on a Kremlin-funded TV network said on Wednesday that she is standing by her criticism of Russia's military incursion in Ukraine. 1 in 3 women sexually or physically abused in EU One in every three women in the European Union have admitted to experiencing either physical or sexual violence from the age of 15. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Sidharth-Pratyusha in Kamya Punjabi's cricket team Cricket fever seems to have gripped small screen stars as after Bollywood's Celebrity Cricket League, even our TV stars are gearing up for a Box Cricket League which will commence soon. Cola brand signs Deepika for whopping six crores! Bollywood diva Deepika Padukone is on cloud nine. After delivering four blockbuster hits in 2013, Deepika is the undisputed reigning queen of the film industry. Before & After: Hairy actors get waxed chests More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Cut sugar consumption by half: WHO The World Health Organization has recommended that sugar intake be reduced globally. IVF boost for 4 women after womb transplants In what will be a medical first, four women who were born without a womb have now got impregnated via IVF. Second success raises hope for a way to rid babies of HIV A second baby born with HIV and treated with drugs shortly after birth is now 9 months old and HIV-negative. The success of the treatment raises hopes for a path to rid babies of the virus that causes AIDS. More Science News»

		Sports
		India need Sehwag for World Cup: Lee Brett Lee thinks Virender Sehwag needs to be in India's mix of things for the team to make an impact on the bouncy surfaces of Australia in the World Cup. Ronaldo helps Portugal beat Cameroon Ronaldo made the most of shambolic defending by scoring twice to help his team to a 5-1 friendly win and become Portugal's all-time leading scorer. Australia push India to third spot Australia replaced India at number two position in the Test team rankings by the virtue of their 245-run victory over South Africa in the third and final Test. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Google launches indoor maps in India Google has announced the availability of indoor maps in India. Yahoo to disable Google, FB sign-in for its services Yahoo will stop letting consumers access its various online services by signing-in with their Facebook or Google credentials. Why gadget launches get delayed in India The problem is not much for TVs and many other products as most companies make or assemble these products within the country. More Technology News»

		Education
		Shift in teaching methodology still a challenge: Joshi It has been five years since CBSE introduced Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation at the secondary school level. CCE has improved scores, not teaching School standards in the country remain fairly low with CBSE’s subject evaluators rating 49.8% as average and 9.11% in need of improvement . Uttarakhand board students scoring over 80% marks to get laptops Laptops will be distributed among students who score over 80% marks in class 12 examination of state board as also to those who secure more than 70% marks in higher, technological and medical education in Uttarakhand. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Entries invited for journalism award The Press Club, Mumbai, has invited entries for the National RedInk Awards for Excellence in Journalism 2014. Act immediately on protection of witnesses: HC The Bombay high court on Wednesday told the state that if it does not issue a government resolution for giving immediate protection to witnesses by March 14, then it will direct it to do so. Illegal extension of eatery razed The BMC on Wednesday demolished the illegal extensions built by sea food joint Gajalee at Vile Parle (E). More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Model code may delay Reliance-Infra dues The minimum termination payment would be Rs 900 crore in case the GoM takes a decision. 'Surprise, but a huge challenge' He has been the face of Indian football for more than a decade and come the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, he’ll be the face of the Hills. Check electoral rolls this Sunday, it's the final call fter the show of strength in the December 2013 Delhi assembly elections, which saw a voter turnout of 65.86% with first-time voters and women registering their presence in large numbers, the office of the chief electoral officer of Delhi is preparing to launch a special drive to add to the over 1.20-crore strong voter list. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		You can eat heartily till 1am in Bangalore City police commissioner Raghavendra Auradkar on Tuesday issued a notification permitting all eateries in the city to stay open till 1am for a period of 90 days, on an experimental basis. Apps will help you interface with traffic cops You can now take a picture about a traffic violator, get alerts on traffic jams, complain against errant autorickshaws and carpool - all with mobile apps launched by Bangalore city traffic police on Wednesday. Unsung knights in khaki get their caps of fame The police department's backroom boys were on Wednesday honoured by Round Table India: some for their chilling encounters, others for routine, but crucial duties. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Two-phase elections for Andhra Pradesh On the verge of bifurcation, the Telangana region of united Andhra Pradesh will go to the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections on April 30 and the Seemandhra region on May 7. Ultimatum to Centre on Rs 150cr dues to private hospitals At a press conference on Wednesday, ASHA members said they would however continue to provide treatment to the beneficiaries at CGHS rates, but only after payments are made. TRS, YSRC go into poll mode A confident TRS and YSR Congress entered the election mode on Wednesday by claiming they were the ones to watch out for in Telangana and Seemandhra respectively. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Canteens to work, but no Jayalalithaa photos With the model code of conduct coming into force immediately, there will be a freeze on distribution of mixers, grinders, fans, laptops, milch cows and goats in Tamil Nadu . Left-Jayalalithaa deal may come unstuck Seat-sharing talks between AIADMK and the Left have taken a turn for the worse, Left sources suggesting that the alliance is on the verge of a break-up. Subbiah murder: Cops camp in Andhra Pradesh to nab accused lawyer The SI on special duty was bashed up when he tried to reach the duo on the Madras high court campus on September 19. Since then Williams has been absconding. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Deferred reward or bribe? It is not only a desire for academic distinction that is making many students work extra hard to excel in their board examinations but also the gizmos and foreign trips promised by their parents if they do well. 'Practice gets you the perfect score' Aditya Taneja secured 10/10 CGPA in class X exam last year.He shares his success formula with TOI . 2 areas cut from agriculture zone The state urban development department has agreed in principle to exclude Ghuma and Shela from the 'agricultural zone' category in the latest development plan for the Ahmedabad. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Hard work, perseverance must for success: Rai For Shashi Bhushan Rai hard labour and perseverance are two vital ingredients for success in PCS examination. 1 patient dies of burns as doctors refuse to relent on day 4 of strike A patient suffering from 98% burns died at SRN Hospital as Allahabad medicos' strike against police atrocities on their Kanpur counterparts continued on Tuesday. Train runs into stationary truck, 12 injured Over a dozen of passengers were seriously injured after a passenger train rammed into a stationary truck near railway track in Gonda-Mailani railway division on Tuesday morning. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		BJP smells a rat in CBI chief visit CBI director Ranjit Sinha's four-day visit to state during which he stayed in Raj Bhavan and met chief minister Naveen Patnaik has not gone down well with BJP. Ban on coaching centre posters The school and mass education department has banned coaching centres from putting up posters and banners near high school examination centres across the state. Lobbying in BJD intensifies in Nabarangpur Hectic lobbying has started in BJD for Nabarangpur Lok Sabha (LS) ticket, which is reserved for ST candidates.The seat is currently represented by Congress. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Newborn thrown into river, survives A newly born girl child was thrown in a river soon after birth but was saved. Rajnath parries questions on Modi's Lok Sabha seat BJP president Rajnath Singh parried a question on whether party's Ministerial aspirant Narendra Modi would contest from Uttar Pradesh saying that it was for the central election committee to take a decision on it. Two farmers attempt suicide, another suffers heart attack After hailstorms wrecked crops across the state, the spate of suicide attempts by farmers continued despite chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's compensation promise. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		BJP, Congress yet to name candidates Uncertainty continued to grip both the Congress and the BJP over the selection and announcement of their Lok Sabha candidates for the Chandigarh seat even as the poll dates were announced on Wednesday. Chandigarh's tryst with democracy on April 10 The 5.80-lakh strong electorate in Chandigarh would elect their Lok Sabha representative on April 10, the second of the nine-phase parliamentary elections that would be held between April 7 and May 12. 1 held for murdering canter driver The police arrested a man for murdering a canter driver, Sanjay Kumar, on Wednesday. More Chandigarh News»

		To manage your newsletter subscription settings, click here	Other Newsletters from TOI : Movie Reviews | Life & Style | Top Headlines