News Digest

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Thursday, April 24, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Destination Varanasi for Narendra Modi's local fans too Hundreds of migrants, BJP workers and senior party leaders from Gujarat will be leaving for Kashi after April 30 to campaign for the BJP candidate for PM, Narendra Modi. Sources in the BJP said that hundreds of party workers from Gujarat are already camping in Varanasi for the electioneering. One lakh supporters expected to join Modi as he files papers Narendra Modi’s nomination procession in Varanasi on Thursday could end up surpassing many rallies held during this long poll season. Sudan national's surrogacy plea rejected Upholding the ministry of home affairs’ guidelines restricting single foreign nationals and unmarried couples from coming on medical visas to India for having kids through surrogacy, the Punjab and Haryana high court on Wednesday refused to give any relief to a Sudanese national. More India News»

		Business
		Deepak Fertilisers in hostile bid for MCFL After sitting on the fence for almost nine months, Deepak Fertilisers, the largest shareholder of Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilizers (MCFL), on Wednesday mounted an over Rs 190-crore bid to wrest control of the Vijay Mallya-promoted company. USL board seals $1bn Whyte & Mackay sale India’s largest distiller United Spirits (USL) is said to have finalized the divestment of its scotch whisky unit Whyte & Mackay (W&M) at a board meeting held in Dubai on Wednesday. Amazon takes kirana route to deliver goods E-commerce giant Amazon, whose founder and CEO Jeff Bezos recently spoke of the possibility of drones dropping goods to US homes in the near future, is embracing the neighbourhood kirana store to push the delivery advantage in India. More Business News»

		Environment
		Goa CM objects to ban on mining in Western Ghats Chief minister Manohar Parrikar has written to union minister of environment and forests Veerapa Moily, strongly objecting to MOEF's draft notification on the Western Ghats in Goa. Canada aims to ease whale protection as pipeline decision looms Canada has recommended taking humpback whales off the "threatened" species list, two months before the government is due to decide whether to approve a proposed pipeline that would lead to half a million barrels of oil being shipped through their Pacific marine habitat every year. In Spiti, hydro power projects seen as threat to fragile ecology To save their valley from being plundered by hydro power projects, tribals in a meeting of gram sabha held recently have decided not to give NOC to the project being proposed in their area. More Environment News»

		World
		US rejects Russia's 'ludicrous' claims The United States dismissed as "ludicrous" Wednesday claims by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that it was funding or running an offensive in Ukraine as Washington and Moscow again traded barbs. Armenian massacre: Turkish PM offers condolences Turkey's prime minister offered his condolences on Wednesday over the massacre of Armenians during World War I, calling it "our shared pain", the country's most significant overture yet over the deeply divisive episode. Aid access in Syria not improving: UN chief Access for foreign aid has not improved for millions of Syrians desperately in need, violating a Security Council resolution passed two months ago, the UN chief said on Wednesday. More World News»

		Entertainment
		'Madam (Rani Mukerji) lives at Chopras' residence' Looks like Rani Mukerji had shifted to her sasural — the Chopras’ residence at Vikas Park — much before her wedding. 'Actor's have boycotted or ganged up against me' Kangana Ranaut is bold and courageous in real life, but she was completely psyched when shooting for Revolver Rani in the Chambal valley Celebs attempt to revive their careers in politics More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Now, you can control devices with tongue Researchers have developed a device that can be installed in a helmet and senses the wearer’s tongue pressure through the cheek to control their smartphones. “The tongue is a well-developed muscle capable of fine-grain movements — so we thought it should be good for control interactions,” said Japanese scientist Kai Kunze at Osaka Prefecture University. Parents, pupils trolling teachers with abuses in UK Students and parents in the UK are using social media and other online forums to abuse teachers, a survey has found. Some teachers have even recieved death threats, a survey by the NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union in the country, found. Asteroids hit Earth with force of nuclear blasts The data shows “that asteroid impacts are not rare—but actually 3-10 times more common than we previously thought,” said Ed Lu, co-founder and chief executive of the B612 Foundation. More Science News»

		Sports
		Sacked Moyes 'proud' of United tenure David Moyes declared that he was "proud" to have managed Man United, but said that he understood the "frustration" that had led to his dismissal. Rafael Nadal struggles into third round Spain's Rafael Nadal, overcame his 103rd-ranked opponent to reach third round, defeated compatriot Albert Ramos 7-6 (2), 6-4 at the Barcelona Open. Ana Ivanovic beats Lisicki in first round Serbia's Ana Ivanovic defeated Germany's Sabine Lisicki 6-1, 6-3 to send the Wimbledon finalist out in the first round of Porsche Grand Prix on Wednesday. More Sports News»

		Technology
		5.5-inch iPhone delayed till 2015: Report The 5.5-inch version of Apple iPhone has been delayed till 2015 according to a new report. Octa-core processor in Windows Phone? Not anytime soon Though to be fair to Microsoft, the benefits of eight-core processors in a phone are not yet apparent. WhatsApp in numbers: 500m users, 700m photos The numbers released by WhatsApp shows that the instant messaging app continues to find users at an astounding pace. More Technology News»

		Education
		No Tamil Nadu engineering college has over 90% pass rate in first semester Not a single engineering college of more than 500 students in Tamil Nadu has secured a pass rate of more than 90% in the first semester of the 2013-14 academic year. Separately, not one student in 56 colleges has passed all subjects in the first semester. Ghaziabad parents' stir over fee hike intensifies The agitation against public schools here for raising fees has widened and is garnering support from various quarters. IIM-Shillong completes placements The Indian Institute of Management, Shillong (IIMS) completed its placement process for the graduating batch of 2014. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		State mantris, netas' relatives in fray today Public works minister Chhagan Bhujbal, controversial water resources minister Sunil Tatkare, veteran Congress MP Manikrao Gavit, former medical education minister Vijaykumar Gavit’s daughter Heena and leader of the opposition Eknath Khadse’s daughter-in-law Raksha are among the prominent candidates in the fray for the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections in the state on Thursday. Will city make up for lowest turnout in 2009?  Since 1991, Mumbai has struggled  to reach 50% mark in voting  Why Mumbai doesn't turn out to vote  When it comes to polling percentage, the city hit rock-bottom in the 2009 elections with only 41.4% polling. The figure was not only well below other metro cities, it was also the worst in Mumbai’s history.  More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Only 1 truck out of 15,000 gets challaned Every day, about 75,000 trucks enter Delhi—sources put the number at 1 lakh—and of these, only about five are challaned for traffic violations. Breadwinners dead or hurt, kin grapple with crisis When her husband was sent to Chhattisgarh recently for poll duties, 40-year-old Vimla would pray every day for his safe return. 3 dead, 18 injured as truck hits CRPF bus Two days after a Gurgaon doctor and his three-year-old daughter were crushed to death, speeding trucks continued to claim lives in NCR. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		On Bangalore outskirts, water price doubles Water is GS Ramanna’s biggest headache. The 65-year-old resident of Sidedahalli, north-west Bangalore, buys water from private operators who supply through tankers. Measles mess: Bangalore sees a rash of cases This isn’t the season for measles yet 40 cases in the city have flummoxed doctors. Nearly 70 per cent of the afflicted are children below 14 years. Mango yield drops, price shoots up The king of fruits has arrived in the town this season,with king-size price tags. Buffeted by either unseasonal or deficient rain in the fruit-growing regions, mangoes are beyond the reach of the aam aadmi. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Vote-hungry netas fry samosas, gatecrash weddings     With barely days to go before polls, candidates of all parties are resorting to desperate 'poly-tricks' to win votes that have left wedding planners, butchers and even the local samosa walas stunned in Andhra Pradesh. Cops deny receiving request for KVP Ramachandra Rao's arrest Initially, the authorities may obtain a written reply from the MP and may even allow him to represent his case in the US court through an authorised attorney. Andhra Pradesh to get power from Haryana In response to a request by the state government, the Haryana government has agreed to provide 276.83 MW power to Andhra Pradesh from the Aravali Power Company at Jhajjar, Haryana. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		She is good, Air India says about grounded pilot At a time when the ministry of civil aviation is struggling to maintain the safety record of aviation in the country, Air India management has given a clean chit to a pilot who was grounded for using a mobile phone inside the cockpit. Bus, train ticket sales go up as many travel to cast vote Tamil Nadu may also clock record voter turnout like Delhi, Manipur, West Bengal and other states this election . This is not a forecast by poll pundits but an observation by a more unlikely group of trend readers — travel agents. DMK, BJP allege distribution of cash by AIADMK workers A day before the elections in Tamil Nadu, parties continued to trade charges over cash distribution. DMK, BJP and Left parties alleged large-scale distribution of money by opponents and urged the Election Commission to take stringent action against the offenders. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Sonia and Rajnath to canvass in Gujarat today A clash of presidents of the two main political parties is scheduled in the state for Thursday.  PIL over vehicles in police custody for years Gujarat high court on Wednesday issued notices over a PIL that demands proper disposal mechanism for the vehicles detained by the police and kept at police stations for years together. Police team off to Delhi to get Bhatkal Days after IM kingpin Yasin Bhatkal was charged by the NIA in the Jama Masjid firing case, the city crime branch has initiated the process to take his custody in connection with the July 2008 serial blasts case. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Lovers jump into river, man dies A 40 years old man and his 35 years old beloved jumped in Betwa river on Sunday evening near Nautghat bridge in Baruasagar.The passerby rescued the woman but the man could not be saved. Air Chief Marshal visits Central Air Command headquarters Air Chief Marshal, Arup Raha, PVSM AVSM VM ADC Chief of the Air Staff and his wife Lily Raha, president Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFWWA) visited headquarters Central Air Command (CAC), on Monday. Union minister who couldn't afford to buy house A Union home minister being rendered homeless for his inability to purchase the rented house seems unfathomable in today's scenario.  More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Two university VCs shortlisted for second term Vice-chancellors of Fakir Mohan University (FMU), Balasore, and North Orissa University (NOU), Baripada, have been short-listed for a second term of three years for the same positions. Thermal plants jack up mercury An Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) study revealed thermal power plants contribute to rise in ambient temperature (temperature of the surroundings) by 2 to 3 degree Celsius. Merciless mercury makes ACs, coolers fly off shelves Electronic appliances shop owners are having a field day as the demand for air conditioners, coolers and fans has climbed here with the temperature crossing the 40 degrees Celsius mark. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		On poll eve, video goes viral showing MP Congress chief hurling expletives at cops The seven-second clipping shows an incensed Arun Yadav sitting in a police station and letting off a string of obscenities in presence of a police officer and women party workers. Begum Parveen Sultana charmed music enthusiasts in Manav Sangrahalay in Bhopal A mellifluous evening in the city. State's failure to present DPR on lakes irks panel National Green Tribunal (NGT) has slammed state government for failing to present detailed project report (DPR) for Bhopal lakes before the panel on Tuesday. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		It's raining crorepati candidates in Punjab A battle of crorepatis (multi-millionaires) is being played out in Punjab. Almost all the national parties including Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have fielded a total of 56 crorepatis out of 253 candidates in the fray in 13 parliamentary constituencies in Punjab. Punjab roads kill 9 every day The killer roads of Punjab have snuffed out 9 lives every day for the last 5 years. According to National Crime Records of Bureau (NCRB), 17,079 people have died in this period, which saw promises of revamping of these arteries during two bitterly-fought polls - Lok Sabha in 2009 and Punjab assembly in 2012. Richest candidate gets ATM requests  The rural voters in Fatehgarh Sahib constituency, where Punjab's richest candidate Kulwant Singh - at the helm of a Rs 1,200-crore real estate empire and key SAD fund-giver - is fighting his maiden Lok Sabha election - are flooding the visiting Shiromani Akali Dal leaders with an unusual money related demand: Set up ATMs. More Chandigarh News»

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News Digest: West UP knows Kejriwal, but will it vote AAP?

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Wednesday, April 23, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		West UP knows Kejriwal, but will it vote AAP? If Arvind Kejriwal’s primary purpose for setting up candidates in western UP for the LS polls was to establish the brand presence of Aam Aadmi Party in these parts, the target has been achieved.  31 years and 3,000 deaths later, Nellie survivors wait for justice Abdul Karim survived the February 18, 1983 massacre here, often called the worst pogrom in the country since Independence. Angered by government apathy in giving survivors justice and a sense of closure, this native of Borburi village like others feels let down by parties eyeing central power. Stalin soldiers on, inspires party to get back into fight The generational change in the DMK leadership is evident when a youth wing activist from a remote district describes meeting Stalin. “I was shocked to see him in my house just as he had promised.  More India News»

		Business
		Buzz over L&T Finanace-YES Bank deal L&T Finance was at one time seen as a front-runner in the race for a banking licence. However, its aspirations remained unfulfilled with the Reserve Bank of India choosing to award a licence to IDFC and Bandhan Microfinance. Novartis buys Glaxo's cancer arm for $16 billion Novartis will focus more on cancer, GlaxoSmithKline on vaccines and Eli Lilly & Co on animal health as the drugmakers announced a series of deals for a total of as much as $28.5 billion. Fuel demand growth slows to 12-year low Oil ministry data for 2013-14 shows demand for petroleum products grew by 0.7% at 158.19 million tonnes, which is the lowest since the 0.4% growth in 2001-02 when consumption stood at 100.4 million tonnes. More Business News»

		Environment
		Elephants to arrive in Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary next month Wildlife enthusiasts willing to visit Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary to watch elephant herds in action from close will have to wait for some more time. Earth Day 2014 with 'Green Cities' theme celebrated around the world More than a billion people around the world celebrated Earth Day on Tuesday with the theme 'Green Cities' calling for transformation in the public transportation systems to make them more accessible, convenient, and clean fuel-run. Antarctica was once as warm as Florida, California Parts of Antarctica, one of the coldest places on Earth, were as warm as today's California coast about 40 million years ago with temperatures as high as 17 degrees Celsius, a new study has found. More Environment News»

		World
		Ukraine calls for new anti-rebel offensive Ukraine's acting president called for government forces to relaunch an offensive against pro-Russian rebels after a local politician from his own party was found dead with signs of torture. French hostage dead, Mali's jihadist group says One of Mali's top jihadist groups said on Tuesday a French hostage it had kidnapped in November 2012 was dead. Sherpas say no to Everest expeditions this year Nepalese guides on Mount Everest said on Tuesday they would abandon this year’s climbing season to honour 16 colleagues killed in an avalanche last week, throwing hundreds of mountaineers’ plans into chaos. More World News»

		Entertainment
		What led Adi to suddenly marry Rani in Italy? They have cried wolf so many times that when Rani Mukerji finally married Aditya Chopra — with whom she was in a serious relationship for close to a decade — in an unassuming ceremony on April 21 in Italy, it took a little time for the industry to digest the fact. Ex-lovers Ranbir-Deepika back as couple? Former lovers Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone might have moved on with their lives with Katrina Kaif and Ranveer Singh respectively. Celebs who were rumoured to be married/engaged Many stars are rumoured to be married or engaged and after the news of Rani Mukerji and Aditya Chopra tying the knot secretly in Italy is making headlines, we list a few other celeb couples who are rumoured to be secretly married/engaged. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Scientists discover new mineral in Australia Scientists have discovered a new mineral in Western Australia that is unique in structure and composition among the world’s 4,000 known mineral species. Experts 'edit' DNA to cure genetic disease Agenetic disease has been cured in living, adult animals for the first time using a revolutionary genome-editing technique that can make the smallest changes to the vast database of the DNA molecule with pinpoint accuracy. Toilet flushes may help power homes Tired of erratic power-cuts at home? Flushing your toilet may help! More Science News»

		Sports
		Will be fit for French Open: Djokovic Novak Djokovic says his right wrist injury is "better than it first seemed" and he will try to return at next month's Madrid Masters. Better start no consolation for Moyes It will be no consolation to Moyes or United but, in stark statistical terms, Moyes enjoyed more success in his first 51 matches in charge than Ferguson did. Giggs named interim United manager Veteran midfielder Ryan Giggs was on Tuesday appointed interim manager of Man United, shortly after the club announced the sacking of David Moyes. More Sports News»

		Technology
		TCS joins top 10 global IT services companies club Tata Consultancy Services, has broken into the league of top 10 global IT services companies, moving from the 13th position in 2012 to the 10th spot in 2013. Apple to recycle all products for free The iPhone and iPad maker is detailing its efforts to cultivate a greener Apple in an environmental section on the company's website. Infosys, TCS, Wipro training staff to boost their skills The IT sector is trying to brand itself as an industry that will need niche skill workers and not just mass-scale coders. More Technology News»

		Education
		Gujarat Technological University tightens its exam norms Worried by the incidents of paper leak, the Gujarat Technological University (GTU) has put in place a set of stricter guidelines for the conduct of the examination beginning May 19. Schools see surge in enrolment but interest in science dips Not confident about science, not interested in humanities, and there is nothing in the Class X syllabus based on which one might exclusively take commerce. Yet schools in Delhi have seen a surge in the number of students enrolling in the stream. Commerce gateway to service sector Class XII marks are important when it comes to choosing the college or subject of one's choice.But what matters more is picking the right subjects in Class XI. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Offbeat canvassing adds to AAPeal  Autorickshaws doubled as campaign vehicles, as did refurbished trucks. Hordes of rickshawallahs, among AAP’s support base, had posters of Arvind Kejriwal pasted on the rear of their vehicles and the party’s signature jhadoo fitted on either side.  Boats too will ferry staff to poll booths In the Palghar Lok Sabha constituency, a section of poll officials and staff will undertake a gruelling boat ride to travel to polling stations EC keeps hawk's eye on expenses, lists cost of items for campaigning The Election Commission is keeping a hawk’s eye on spending by candidates by deploying observers and flying squads with video cameras to record rallies and also by exhaustively listing material needed for campaigning. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Most Muslim-majority areas in Delhi continue to be plagued by water and power woes Water shortage affects everyone in Delhi, but Muslims, many of whom live in unplanned areas, are especially hard hit. A survey by the Institute of Objective Studies shows 44% of the community in the capital does not have access to piped supply and has to buy water . Eagle eyes help police bring down street crime Ever since 60 plainclothesmen on bikes started patrolling three police station areas in south Delhi on Saturday, not one street crime has been reported from their jurisdiction. Warm day today in Delhi Delhi experienced a warm Tuesday with the maximum temperature recorded at 36 degrees Celsius, two notches below the season's average. Met has forecast similar weather for Wednesday. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		You will be inked on the left thumb Voters in Karnataka will be inked on their left thumb this Lok Sabha election. The state's 28 constituencies will vote on Thursday. Close shave for 100 factory workers Nearly 100 workers had a narrow escape when chemicals stored in a pharmaceutical company caught fire in Peenya Industrial Area II Stage on Tuesday afternoon. Government quota: HC raps state for indifference The Karnataka high court on Tuesday pulled up the government for its indifferent stand regarding government seats in PG medical courses in colleges run by deemed universities. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Netas dispense cash to voters via ATMs Despite the elaborate checking by authorities to curb distribution of unaccounted for money, candidates are pampering the electorate with wads of currency and the Election Commission (EC) is unable to do anything as it is being done in a perfectly 'legal' manner. Student under pressure to perform: Rights panel A day after suicide of an Intermediate student at a junior college in Kothapet, child rights commission team said the ward was put under immense pressure by his teachers to perform in the ensuing Eamcet. Jagga Reddy arrested Karkhana police on Tuesday arrested Sangareddy Congress MLA Toorpu Jayaprakash Reddy alias Jagga Reddy in an election-related bribery case. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Assam man, friend steal Rs 1.8 lakh, held A man from Assam and his friend were arrested during a vehicle check on Tuesday after they stole a bag containing Rs 1.84 lakh. Court asks panel to decide relief in school fire tragedy Brightening the possibility of a “just compensation” for the families of 94 schoolchildren who were charred to death in a thatched school in Kumbakonam about a decade ago, the Madras high court on Tuesday upheld a single judge order naming a one-man commission to suggest a compensation package. Jawan injured as basketball board crashes on his head A 21-year-old jawan was injured in the head during a basketball game at the army residential complex opposite Madras Medical College in Park Town on Monday. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Gujarat Technological University tightens its exam norms  Worried by the incidents of paper leak, the Gujarat Technological University (GTU) has put in place a set of stricter guidelines for the conduct of the examination beginning May 19.  Grieving dad Singhal plans suicide helpline Two years after his teenaged son took his own life, suspended IPS officer G L Singhal has undertaken a mission to prevent teenage suicides. Singhal, an accused in the Ishrat Jahan fake encounter case and whistle-blower in Snoopgate, plans to start a helpline soon. BJP complains against Kapil Sibal, Beni Prasad Verma too The Gujarat unit of the BJP has filed complaints against Congress leaders Kapil Sibal, Beni Prasad Verma and Madhusudan Mistry with the Election Commission of India for their alleged violation of the model code of conduct. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Lovers jump into river, man succumbs A 40 years old man and his 35 years old beloved jumped in Betwa river on Sunday evening near Nautghat bridge in Baruasagar.The passerby rescued the woman but the man could not be saved. Air Chief Marshal visits Central Air Command headquarters Air Chief Marshal, Arup Raha, PVSM AVSM VM ADC Chief of the Air Staff and his wife Lily Raha, president Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFWWA) visited headquarters Central Air Command (CAC), on Monday. Union minister who couldn't afford to buy house A Union home minister being rendered homeless for his inability to purchase the rented house seems unfathomable in today's scenario.  More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Two university VCs shortlisted for second term Vice-chancellors of Fakir Mohan University (FMU), Balasore, and North Orissa University (NOU), Baripada, have been short-listed for a second term of three years for the same positions. Thermal plants jack up mercury An Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) study revealed thermal power plants contribute to rise in ambient temperature (temperature of the surroundings) by 2 to 3 degree Celsius. Merciless mercury makes ACs, coolers fly off shelves Electronic appliances shop owners are having a field day as the demand for air conditioners, coolers and fans has climbed here with the temperature crossing the 40 degrees Celsius mark. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		State's failure to present DPR on lakes irks panel National Green Tribunal (NGT) has slammed state government for failing to present detailed project report (DPR) for Bhopal lakes before the panel on Tuesday. 25 years later, GMC finally scraps defunct CT scanner Gandhi Medical College (GMC) has finally replaced an old gamma CT-Scanner machine with a new one after 25 years of long wait.This comes as a major boost for college's nuclear medicine department. FDA raids 42 veggie farms for sewage contamination Vegetables grown on the outskirts of Arera Colony and being sold in the nearby vicinity are possibly being irrigated by contaminated sewage water, according to Food and Drug Administration (FDA). More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Orbit bus conductor tenders written apology for 'hijacking' passengers The incident took place at 8am on Monday, when a PRTC bus, just 10 minutes after it had left the Jalandhar bus stand, was stopped at Punjab Armed Police (PAP) chowk by the staff of Orbit Aviation company. Advancements in nephrology discussed in Continuing Medical Education Continuing medical education (CME) on the recent developments in the field of nephrology, dialysis and transplantation was held at PGI on Tuesday.It was attended by 150 nephrologists from all over the country. 91% residents use beauty soap: Survey The city, renowned for its beauty, has residents who prefer bathing to enhance their beauty rather than the medical purpose of fighting against bacteria.This accounts for falling ill frequently despite bathing daily. More Chandigarh News»

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