News Digest: At 59% in 5 constituencies, Rajasthan manages good strike rate in second phase

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Friday, April 25, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		At 59% in 5 constituencies, Rajasthan manages good strike rate in second phase Rajasthan continued with its record voter turnout in the second and final phase of general elections in the state on Thursday. Why 4 lakh people jailed across India can't vote One fact alone shows that neither the Constitution nor election rules look to achieving 100% turnout. Prison inmates, their population about the size of a tier-III city, do not vote — the right to exercise their franchise curtailed by law.  UP's Yadav belt posts high turnout High polling percentage continued in the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections in the state as well. More India News»

		Business
		Tata-SIA JV applies for schedule licence The Tata-Singapore Airlines (SIA) JV has applied for a schedule airline licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to start operations. Weak monsoon may hit recovery With the economic growth hovering around 5% and the job scenario remaining weak, a "below normal" monsoon will be the first challenge awaiting the new government that will take charge just before the rainy season sets in. BJP will eliminate discretion: Arun Jaitley Asked to comment on speculation that there might be a change of guard at the Reserve Bank of India, Jaitley said, "We are not getting into issues relating to persons.I don't think we have reached that stage at all.". More Business News»

		Environment
		Centre gets 10 days to set up environment super regulator The Supreme Court has given 10 days to the Centre to set up a national regulator that would take up comprehensive and independent environmental impact assessment (EIA) of projects, enforce conditions for approvals and impose penalties on polluters. Climate change likely to make climbing Everest riskier Nepal was left reeling when a sudden ice avalanche slammed down onto a group of Sherpa guides on Friday and killed 16 in the deadliest single disaster on Everest. 21 ponds dug up for elephants in Odisha To quench the thirst of elephants and other wild animals during summer, the forest department has dug 21 water bodies in Athagarh forest division at a cost of Rs 64.5 lakh. More Environment News»

		World
		S Korea ferry disaster may cloud Obama visit When President Barack Obama arrives in South Korea on Friday, he will be thrust anew into the role of consoler in chief in a time of crisis, a responsibility he has become all too accustomed to in the United States. Residents of Rio De janeiro slum stage protest The protest followed the burial of a young man, Douglas Pereira, whose shooting death sparked clashes. Nigerian leaders unite against Boko Haram Leaders from across Nigeria appealed for a united front against Boko Haram on Thursday, saying the Islamist insurgents were waging war on Christian and Muslim Nigerians alike. More World News»

		Entertainment
		'I like to be shameless in front of the camera' Aditi Rao Hydari likes doing films that are lauded for their content as much as she enjoys being part of mainstream, fun films. She doesn’t want to do an item number but would love to do a dance number. Top 10 hottest bond girls If reports are to be believed, Penelope Cruz could be the next Bond girl in Daniel Craig's fourth venture as Agent 007. We present 10 hottest Bond girls yet. Jackky Bhagnani is not my type: Neha Sharma Lately, there’s been buzz about Jackky Bhagnani and Neha Sharma being the new couple in town, but the actress asserts that there is no truth to the rumours More Entertainment News»

		Science
		This band of drones plays music Robot rockstars ! A US start-up claims to have developed a band of drones that can play music better than an average human . A cyber buddy that motivates you to exercise A software-generated partner — cyber buddy — can give exercise enthusiasts the extra nudge they need during a workout , a new study has found. Y chromosome appeared in mammals 180m years ago Scientists have found that the first sex determining genes appeared in mammals some 180 million years ago. More Science News»

		Sports
		Chosen One banner at Man Utd removed The last visible evidence of David Moyes' miserable reign was removed as the infamous 'The Chosen One' banner was taken down from the Stretford End. Sharapova reaches Stuttgart quarters Maria Sharapova reached the last eight of the Stuttgart WTA tournament on Thursday with a convincing 6-4, 6-3 win over fellow-Russian Anastasia Pavlychenkova. Chhetri, Ashley in line for FPAI awards Bengaluru FC, who created history by winning the I-League on debut, dominated the shortlist for the Football Players' Association of India Awards 2014. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Twitter co-founder talks of Indian farmers, 26/11 in new book Twitter co-founder Biz Stone's book talks about what drives the microblogging site's success across the world and in India. Hit by Heartbleed, tech giants pledge donations to OpenSSL Big tech firms have reportedly pledged to donate at least $100,000 a year for three years to OpenSSL Foundation. iPhone sales in India up 55%: Apple CEO Tim Cook iPhone sales in India have increased 55% over the past year, according to Tim Cook, CEO of the iconic smartphone maker. More Technology News»

		Education
		Private engineering colleges in Karnataka fall in line, no fee change Private engineering colleges in Karnataka have agreed to go ahead with last year’s fee structure for professional courses. Many bankrupt colleges to shut shop in Andhra Pradesh Scores of private colleges, many offering courses in information technology, will wind up operations and those that remain will cut down their intake much before Andhra Pradesh is officially bifurcated. IAM to start MBA programme in fashion business The Institute of Apparel Management (IAM) in Gurgaon is set to launch a new course, MBA in fashion business, on Friday.Prominent fashion designers, Rohit Bal and Ritu Beri, are expected to attend the event. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Fire at office in Maker Chambers A minor fire broke out at a seventh-floor office in the posh Maker Chambers building at Nariman Point on Thursday. 'Custody death victim died of contusions' The key to the mystery in Kandivli youth Akash Kharade’s death in police custody lies in a medical examination that was done soon after his arrest. Mumbai sees 85% drop in malaria cases in three years The city registered a drop of 85% in incidence of malaria over the last three years, with only 10,000 cases registered in 2013. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		What are you doing with Chandni Chowk development plan: HC The Delhi high court on Thursday asked DDA to apprise it of the development plan, authenticated by the urban development ministry for Chandni Chowk. Wife can't run 'ill' man's estate A woman’s plea to manage her “mentally ill” husband’s property has been dismissed by a trial court which said the man was capable of handling his affairs. DU professor held for molesting student Three incidents of molestation have been reported from south and southeast Delhi areas. Those accused have been arrested and sent to judicial custody. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Children grab toxic toys as e-waste chokes IT city Not too far from the Sarjapur IT hub in East Bangalore, Nabi Hasan, 5, plays with a dysfunctional calculator, whose circuit board hangs by the last wire. Private engineering colleges in Karnataka fall in line, no fee change  Private engineering colleges in Karnataka have agreed to go ahead with last year’s fee structure for professional courses. Govt wakes up, to have new rules in lift safety Last week to her horror, Tulasi S Rao, a resident of Malleswaram, found herself stuck in her apartment lift.It had stopped five feet above basement.After over two hours, the 35-year-old was finally rescued. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Poll cash haul: Former Andhra minister Partha Sarathy made prime accused, wife held Former minister Partha Sarathy’s wife, Kamala, was on Thursday arrested by the Vanasthalipuram police and later let off on bail, less than a week after she was caught with Rs 45 lakh unaccounted cash.  Shobha Nagi Reddy, YSR Congress candidate, dies in accident; Allagadda poll to go on scheduled date Shobha Nagi Reddy, the YSR Congress (YSRCP) candidate for the Allagadda assembly constituency in Kurnool district, on Thursday morning succumbed to the injuries she suffered in a road accident near Nandyal on Wednesday night. Many bankrupt colleges to shut shop in Andhra Pradesh Scores of private colleges, many offering courses in information technology, will wind up operations and those that remain will cut down their intake much before Andhra Pradesh is officially bifurcated. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		AAP seeks re-polling in 3 stations AAP has sought re-polling in three Chennai South polling stations, Perungudi Bharat School, Okkiyam Thorapakkam Primary School and Guru Nanak College in Velachery.  Cities slow to push the button The democratic fervour experienced in other metros has not infected Chennai. The southern metro has recorded a dip in polling percentage when compared to the 2009 elections whereas polling in Delhi , Bangalore and Mumbai has seen a surge this time.  5 lakh new voters the key in Tiruvallur  Polling was peaceful in dalit-dominated Tiruvallur constituency (reserved) on Thursday, registering a voter turnout of 74.75%. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Jail officials deposit bribes in kin's accounts Murder convict Vishal Nayak, who was recently taken into custody by the crime branch, has made some startling revelations on corruption in Sabarmati central jail. New AMC structure threatens to put Sanskar Kendra out of sight The city's Sanskar Kendra Museum, designed by the renowned French architect Le Corbusier in 1951, will soon become invisible to the casual observer passing by on the main road. Cop, two home guard jawans injured in accident An assistant sub-inspector of police and two home guard jawans were injured in a road accident on Thursday morning.The three were going to a hospital on a bike when a speeding truck hit them near Chiloda circle. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		One gunned down, two injured in Naini In a broad daylight incident, miscreants travelling an SUV, intercepted a car and sprayed its three occupants with bullets killing one and injuring the other two on Thursday. Goods worth lakh gutted in fire Goods worth lakhs of rupees was gutted in major fire at a cotton godown near Karamat Chowki area under Kareli police station on Thursday.The reason behind the fire was yet to be ascertained. Road caves in near Banda village Around ten metres of a road caved in near Ganccha village, about five kilometres from Banda city on Thursday.The road connects ten villages.If not repaired timely, it may cause hindrance on polling day on April 30. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Bhubaneswar hottest in state The state capital was the hottest place in the state on Thursday recording 42.8 degree Celsius. 'Armed police required inside Jagannath Temple' The recent incident of two Indian Mujahideen operatives visiting the state by dodging the intelligence network of state police, and their plan to attack during the rath yatra in Puri set the alarm bells ringing. Orissa HC asks ASI to repair singhadwar by May 31 The Orissa high court on Thursday directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to repair gumuta and singhadwar of the Jagannath Temple at Puri by May 31. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		High court rejects ex minister aide's bail plea Madhya Pradesh high court (MPHC) on Thursday rejected bail application of former state higher education minister Laxmikant Sharma's aide O P Shukla. Woman traces body of husband after 'dream' Three years after her son’s eyes were gouged out with a knife, her husband was murdered and his body dumped. Cessna short flights to Satna resumes Ventura Airconnect, an intra-state airline may have resumed its services from Bhopal to Satna on Thursday, the operator is not happy with the airstrips at various other destinations where it wants to operate. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		3 of family run over by train A man, his wife and an infant were killed after being run over by a train while they were attempting to cross a railway track on Thursday. Mob ransacks hospital, blocks highway after boy's death Family members and relatives of a 14-year-old boy, who died in a private hospital after being allegedly given an injection prior to a surgery, went on a rampage and ransacked the hospital on Thursday afternoon. FIRs against 402 for claiming plots on false info: HUDA tells HC During the hearing, Justice Daya Chaudhary clarified that there was no stay on investigation against defaulters, irrespective of their status or position.The court, however, said that the stay on arrest would continue. More Chandigarh News»

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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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