News Digest: Erratic monsoon poses challenge to kharif crop

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Saturday, September 06, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Erratic monsoon poses challenge to kharif crop Parts of north and east India face drought while others have been hit by floods. A report on how farmers are coping with unusual weather. SC order to release undertrials will come to aid of Muslim prisoners Muslim prisoners are likely to be the biggest beneficiaries of the government's decision to facilitate release of undertrials languishing in jails for long. India confident of sealing Australia N-deal, but wary of US The India-Australia nuclear deal comes as a boost for New Delhi days after the Japanese government refused to lift a block on a nuclear agreement. More India News»

		Business
		RIL GenNext, Microsoft join hands to boost startups Reliance Industries’ venture investment management arm GenNext Ventures on Friday signed a pact with software giant Microsoft India to set up innovation hubs to offer resources to technology startups. Sahara chief seeks 15 more days for hotel deal Sahara chief Subrata Roy, in prison since March 4, on Friday told the Supreme Court that a deal he had struck with the Sultan of Brunei for sale of his three hotels in London and New York was in danger of getting cancelled because of a foreign media report and sought 15 more days to complete the deal. Retailers pin hopes on festive season The big fat Indian shopping season has begun, and early indications suggest that ‘acche din’ are ahead for retailers and consumer goods makers. More Business News»

		Environment
		Forest dept to open seventh vulture 'restaurant' in Gadchiroli today Even as International Vulture Awareness Day will be observed by the forest department on Saturday to highlight plight of vultures facing extinction, Naxal-infested Gadchiroli district is booming with vultures. White tigress mates with Royal Bengal tiger, gives birth to 4 cubs In a rare experiment, four cubs were born after the successful mating of a Royal Bengal Tiger with a white tigress at Kamla Nehru Zoo here. Surface ozone pollution in India killing crops: Study Researchers point out that surface ozone pollution owing to rising emissions in the country damaged six million metric tonnes of India's wheat, rice, soybean and cotton crops in 2005. More Environment News»

		World
		Ukraine signs ceasefire with pro-Russian rebels Ukraine and the Russian-backed rebels have signed a ceasefire deal that starts in less than two hours, a European official at the talks said on Friday. Iran fails to address nuclear bomb concerns: IAEA Iran has failed to address concerns about suspected atomic bomb research by an agreed deadline, the UN nuclear watchdog said on Friday, a setback to hopes for an end to an international stand-off over Tehran's atomic activity. Boko Haram attacks 'a challenge to sovereignty': Nigeria Nigeria's military on Friday said that increasing Boko Haram attacks were a challenge to the country's sovereignty but rejected claims it was in denial about the seriousness of the threat. More World News»

		Entertainment
		'I believe that you should never ask God for anything' While doing the aarti at Lalbaug,I looked at Ganpati and just knew that I am going to win. OMG: Actor's intimate scenes with co-star irks his wife Host-turned-actor Rannvijay Singh, who is paired with newcomer Anindita Nayar in thriller '3 AM', has shot for some very bold and intimate scenes in the movie. However, it seems his wife is not too pleased about it. Aishwarya Rai's comeback film copy of a Korean film? Sanjay Gupta’s 'Jazbaa' has been making news for several reasons. Not only is it Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's comeback film and will see an unusual cast but also if reports are to be believed it is said to be a copy of a South Korean film. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Isro to test-fire MOM engine on September 22 On September 22, about 48 hours prior to its crucial orbit insertion, the Mars Orbiter Mission's (MOM) 440N liquid apogee motor (LAM) will be test-fired for five seconds. US approves use of novel cancer drug The US Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved the first of an eagerly awaited new class of cancer drugs that unleashes the immune system to fight tumours. New 'smart chopsticks' to tell you if food is safe to eat From recycled cooking oil to fox meat and chemicals, a litany of food scandals have turned Chinese diners' stomachs, but a new smart chopsticks concept by Internet search giant Baidu could put the answer in their hands. More Science News»

		Sports
		Sania Mirza-Bruno Soares win US Open mixed doubles title Sania Mirza and Bruno Soares defeated American Abigail Spears and Mexico's Santiago Gonzalez 6-1, 2-6 and 11-9 (tie-breaker) in the US Open final. I feel like a footballer again, Barcelona's Luis Suarez says Luis Suarez is starting to "feel like a footballer" once again after being allowed to train with new club Barcelona following his appeal against a FIFA ban. Materazzi in Chennai Titans radar for ISL Former Italian World Cup winner Marco Materazzi could become the marquee manager-cum-player of Chennai Titans in the upcoming ISL. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Samsung launches first Android-powered printers Samsung has unveiled a fleet of office printers powered by Google's Android operating system at the IFA 2014 expo in Berlin. Motorola launches new Moto G at Rs 12,999, Moto X to arrive later this month Motorola Moto G sports a 5-inch HD (720x1020p) display with Corning Gorilla Glass. Twitpic is shutting down, blames Twitter Twitpic — that allows internet users to share photos on the Twitter— is shutting down due to what it said were legal threats from Twitter. More Technology News»

		Education
		Nation honours teachers who are a study in selfless service The word ‘dedicated' occurs nearly thousand times in the 345-page directory of recipients of this year's national award to teachers. All awardees are dedicated to their profession. Yet, there are some who have gone the extra mile. National Institute of Advanced Studies gets new director Dr Baldev Raj, on Friday assumed responsibilities as the Director of the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bangalore, a premier multi-disciplinary institution. Applications invited for NPTEL online courses National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) has launched two new online courses -- Basic Electrical Circuits and Introduction to Programming in C. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Month to go, Mumbai already receives season's full rainfall quota Despite a dry spell in June and August this year, Santa Cruz has already received the full quota of rainfall that is required from June to September every year; the four monsoon months. Housewife killed in Mumbai high-rise Seema Pathare, a housewife, was smothered to death in her flat in a Borivli high-rise on Friday afternoon. Her body was found by her daughter on returning home from college. Police officials who were summoned to the crime scene soon after said robbery could have been the motive as some of the victim’s ornaments were missing Supply of water to coolers at CST cut The closure of water supply to three coolers at CST by Central Railway (CR) has left passengers fuming More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		8-year-old girl raped by minor An 8-year-old mentally challenged girl was allegedly raped by her landlord’s son, also a minor, in south east Delhi’s Jamia Nagar area. AAP to form youth wing in Delhi Aam Aadmi Party has announced formation of its youth wing as part of its restructuring and reorganizing the organization. Demand for power falls after rains Power demand plummeted by nearly 1,000MW with the city experiencing showers daily. A peak demand of 5,000MW was seen till last week, but the showers have given a relief to the government and discoms which have been battling reduced generation from coal and gas-based plants and a prevalent power crisis in the Northern Grid. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Kids endure tech glitches At 4.21pm, an otherwise restless crowd of kids screamed in unison when the projector showed ‘Alastair Cook (46), caught Dhoni, bowled Raina’ and the English bats-man trudged back to the pavilion. Modi Meshtru gives moral gyaan It was full house at Government Higher Primary School at Gandhipuram in Whitefield. Winning hearts, lingo no bar Prime Minister Narendra Modi may have achieved what he set out to do with his 90-minute talk and interaction with students; loud applause and words of appreciation indicated that he had hit home. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		More Hyderabad youth may be in touch with ISIS Kolkata police chief Surajit Kar Purkayastha told TOI the city police were not involved in the operation. "It seems Hyderabad police tagged with security agencies and intercepted the youth from Kolkata," a top STF official said. How Jagan was managed Jagan's statement of support on Thursday had baffled both Rayalaseema activists and many of his own party leaders. Rousing welcome for Naidu AP chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu was accorded a rousing reception on his maiden visit to the newly-declared capital city of Andhra Pradesh on Friday. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Higher ticket prices spell a hard ride for travellers Travellers will be the ones to pay this price — with trains perennially running full and government buses unable to meet the demand, frequent travellers have no choice but to accept the new fares. T A Sekar: From an unknown in Pak to training pacers It was 1983 and Tamil Nadu pacer T A Sekar, then 26, got an SOS to join the Indian team in the middle of the Test series in Pakistan. DMK inducts Karunanidhi loyalist into Kaliagnar TV board In a quiet move, the DMK appointed its organizing secretary and former MP T K S Elangovan as one of the directors of Kalaignar TV. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Teacher Modi's address tripped by election code of conduct In Gujarat, excitement Narendra Modi's `teacher's' address was interrupted by election code of conduct (ECC) in wake of bypoll elections to nine assembly seats and one MP seat scheduled to be held on September 13. Lewd letters: Zala kin gets anticipatory bail Additional sessions judge S J Raje granted anticipatory bail on Friday to Samat Bhatu, a close relative of Prof Sarman Zala of Gujarat University, in the case filed against the professor by Zala's female colleagues. Sowing crosses 95%, drought fears vanish Farmers of Gujarat have breathed a sigh of relief after August rains poured bounties on them.Fear of drought has almost vanished with the sowing activity going on in full swing. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Sirathu bypoll: Independent candidate goes missing An independent candidate contesting Sirathu bypoll assembly election, Dhirendra Kumar Saroj, went missing under mysterious circumstances on Friday. The Kokhraj police initially lodged a missing complaint but converted it into a case under Section 364 of the IPC after family members suspected abduction. The family members, however, denied enmity with anyone. Construction of Karchana Thermal Power Plant begin Karchana Thermal Power Plant project may see the light of the day as the authorities of Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (UPRVUNL) started work for constructing the boundary wall around 512 hectares of land. Two units, each producing 660 Mega Watt of thermal energy, would be constructed in the land spread in eight villages of Karchana tehsil. HC adjourns petition against Modi's election till Oct 31 The Allahabad High Court on Friday adjourned hearing in the election petition challenging PM Narendra Modi’s election from Varanasi Lok Sabha seat till October 31. The petition was filed by Congress leader Ajay Rai, who had unsuccessfully contested against Modi in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		18 AT agents quizzed in Sethy presence After interrogating top bosses of Artha Tatwa (AT) Group, CBI has turned the heat on agents, who collected deposits worth Rs 2 lakh and above. Fresh low pressure over bay Bhubaneswar/ Heavy rain lashed several parts of state on Thursday under the impact of a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal. No place to dispose of private hospitals waste The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) is in a fix over disposing biomedical waste of private hospitals in Berhampur and Burla. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Who is the 'Boss'? That's torture code In Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), they are called ?Boss'.In other engineering colleges, ?major major senior' unleash terror on junior students. After embracing Islam, Jatav duo return to Hindu fold Tularam and Manikram Jatav, who embraced Islam and even forced their wives to convert, decided to return to Hindu fold after being ostracised by their family and booked under MP Freedom of Religion Act, 1968. I-T department's 'clean chit' to Tinoo Joshi In a major relief to terminated IAS officer Tinoo Joshi, I-T department has reportedly given a clean chit to her in the disproportionate assets (DA) case considering her as a separate entity, sources said. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		State Congress launches counter offensive on INLD At the time when students and teachers communities were glued to their computers or TV screens to attend prime minister Narendera Modi's special sessions, Haryana Congress chose Teachers Day to launch a counterattack on Om Parkash Chautala-lead INLD for its "Gulabi Gang" ad campaign. India's contribution to WW-I grossly understated, Amarinder says in London Over one million Indians participated in World War-I, of these about 74,000 died and 67,000 were seriously injured. With material costs going up, fewer artisans reach Amritsar for festive season "Last year, more than two dozen artisans from Uttar Pradesh had arrived here for making effigies of demons but this year, only 13 arrived.Everything is getting expensive and buying power of consumers is going down. More Chandigarh News»

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News Digest: EC steps up efforts to enroll voters in Maharashtra

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Friday, September 05, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		EC steps up efforts to enroll voters in Maharashtra For maximum registration of voters ahead of Maharashtra assembly polls, the Election Commission has sent over 26 lakh letters along with the enrollment form to people whose names were deleted in Mumbai, Thane and Pune. Secular Hindus allies, don't need al-Qaida: Indian Muslims The country's Muslim leaders say they're allied with secular forces and don't need a foreign, jihadist outfit like al-Qaida to fight for them. Al-Qaida's jihad call a recruitment gimmick? Multiple sources in the security establishment said they have no evidence yet of any Indians joining al-Qaida, but some Indians are now in Afghanistan or Pakistan, fighting for Taliban and other terror organisations. More India News»

		Business
		Perception and not truth is driving so called backlash: Mallya India Inc watchers call it the most spectacular fall.Vijay Mallya, 58, has suffered serious setbacks to his assiduously built Brand Mallya, which has for long been synonymous with flamboyance. Maruti eyes a big play in premium segment with Ciaz sedan Maruti Suzuki, the country’s leader in small cars, is gearing up for yet another shot at the premium segment with the Ciaz sedan, that aims to take on strong-going Honda City and Hyundai Verna. I-T department to scan high-value disputes I-T returns for the year ended March 31, 2014, are filed by taxpayers in the current financial year, which commences from April 1.For instance, salaried employees had to file their I-T returns by July 31. More Business News»

		Environment
		Lokhandwala Lake a birder's paradise lost? Over the last five years, naturalist and bird watcher Sunjoy Monga has spotted 102 species of birds over and around Lokhandwala Lake. China to live telecast newborn twin Pandas A Chinese website has said it will live telecast pictures of newborn twin panda cubs who will open their eyes for the first time on Thursday, 40 days after their birth. Key Pacific panel agrees to 50% cut in young tuna catch Countries and regions that fish in the northern Pacific agreed on Thursday to cut by half the number of young bluefin tuna they catch in a bid to double the ocean's stock over 10 years. More Environment News»

		World
		Former Virginia governor and wife convicted of corruption Former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell and his wife were convicted on Thursday of using his office to promote a dietary supplement in exchange for gifts in a public corruption case that derailed the career of a onetime rising Republican star. Editor, PR executives held in China for extortion Chinese police have detained eight journalists and public relations (PR) executives for alleged extortion in Shanghai. S Africa denies visa to Dalai for 3rd time For the third time in a row, South Africa has refused to grant a visa to the Dalai Lama for attending World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates here next month, fearing that the Tibetan spiritual leader's trip would jeopardize relations with China. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Actor flirts with a girl 20 years younger Not many men will be comfortable dating a girl who is two decades younger, but for Kiran Janjani, it’s just a ‘cakewalk’. Look who bought Rajesh Khanna's bungalow at Rs 85cr For the first time, Shashi Shetty reveals how he snagged the 85 crore deal to buy Bollywood’s iconic superstar’s house and the plans for his new home. When Priyanka copied Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez Priyanka Chopra has come a long way in her career with newly found fame in the international arena. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Coffee genome could lead to better brew, tougher plants An international team of researchers on Thursday released the sequenced genome of coffee, saying it could help improve the flavor of one of the world's most popular beverages. Bacteria from belly can power cars, heat homes Scientists have for the first time engineered the harmless gut bacteria Escherichia coli to generate renewable propane, a gas that can power cars and heat homes. Argentine dinosaur may shed light on huge beasts Researchers studying the remains of an enormous dinosaur — a creature that was bigger than seven bull elephants — have given it an equally colossal name: Dreadnoughtus, or "fearing nothing." More Science News»

		Sports
		Sania Mirza reaches US Open mixed doubles final with Soares Sania Mirza is in line to win her third Grand Slam title and first with Bruno Soares as they beat Yung-Jan Chan and Ross Hutchins to reach the US Open final. Mercedes drivers manage to keep their distance The Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton show rumbled into Monza on Thursday and this time the Mercedes team mates kept their distance. What's wrong if I want to train with someone else, asks Saina Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal has begun her two weeks training with coach Vimal Kumar in Bangalore before she heads out for Asian Games in South Korea. More Sports News»

		Technology
		First impressions: Samsung Galaxy Note 4, Edge Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and Note Edge are finally official, and we had some to play with them at the launch event. Here are our first impressions of the new phablets... First impressions: Samsung Gear VR Here are our first impressions of Samsung's new Gear VR virtual reality headset... Hottest gadgets of consumer electronics show IFA 2014 Hottest gadgets of consumer electronics show IFA 2014. More Technology News»

		Education
		Red tape cut for foreign students planning to extend stay in India Foreign students studying in India stand to gain as the union home ministry has empowered Foreigner Registration Offices to extend the validity of student visas. Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday approved the delegation of more powers to the FROs. High profile IIAS gets its first women chairperson Political scientist Chandrakala Padia, Vice-Chancellor of Maharaja Ganga Singh University, Bikaner will be the new chairperson of the prestigious Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla. Most teachers get a pittance for pay Teacher's Day was never so big, ever since it was designated as such, back in 1962. That's because of the planned address of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to thousands of school children. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Girl sexually assaulted by guard at school The Antop Hill police arrested a 37-year-old man on Thursday for allegedly sexually assaulting a seven-year-old girl at a school in Sion-Koliwada where she studies. The accused, Mukesh Mishra, is a security guard at the same school. Governor stays busy, meets babus, policemen and Raj Thackeray The new governor has been overtly active from the word go, meeting everyone — from senior bureaucrats and cops to political leaders like Raj Thackeray — to get to know the state better. US tour off, travel co to pay refund A travel agency, Kesari Travels, was on Wednesday ordered by a consumer forum to refund Rs 70,000 and pay up Rs 5,000 to a King’s Circle resident for a cancelled trip to the US. The firm failed to refund the complainant, Madhuri Lele whose visa application was rejected. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Govt to rope in pvt bodies for OFC connectivity The government has decided to expedite the optical fibre cable (OFC) connectivity to roll out its digitization program in the country. SC's orders flouted right at its doorstep The Supreme Court in its various orders has stressed on the right pedestrians and ordered for eviction of hawkers and demolition of illegal structures, including shrines, which have come up on roads or pavements. Kamla Nagar Market: Shops and cops encroach here alike The locals in Kamla Nagar Market have given up hope of seeing their pavements rid of encroachments as enforcement agencies like Delhi Police and North Delhi Municipal Corporation themselves are among the culprits. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Many kids may miss Modi's live telecast today Many students here will miss the live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech on Teachers’ Day. To Ma'am, with miniature love When her student randomly took pictures of her on his smartphone during the paediatrics lectures, Dr Pushpa G Kini, professor and head of the department of paediatrics at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, didn’t give it much thought. Guru Dakshina: Honour your mentors for showing the way September 5, 2008. I brought Mini home from the airport. Those were the days when the airport was a short drive from Whitefield. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Case against Mallika Sherawat for 'insulting national flag' On the directions of a local court, the Falaknuma police on Thursday registered an FIR against Bollywood actor Mallika Sherawat for allegedly insulting the national flag. Charminar project slowly inching forward The long pending Charminar Pedestrianisation Project (CPP), which seeks to protect the historic monument, seems to be inching forward as the GHMC has begun talks with shopkeepers to install uniform signage. Hyderabad roads fall short of IRC standards Most of Hyderabad’s roads are not fit for use. At least that’s what the rule book of the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) says. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Still Namma Chennai, not a global city Not too long ago multinationals were proclaiming that they belonged in Chennai. “We are showcasing this car to all our media friends in Chennai first. Buzz leaves state business as investors shy away On a warm but pleasant day in January, businessmen from the Coimbatore region were rolled out red carpets and ushered into Codissia Trade Complex hall in the city. Madras soldiers reason for both rise and fall of Raj, says book If ever there was a ‘piece of action’ that charted the course of history’, Captain D P Ramachandran believes it was the Battle of Adyar. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Gujarat on terror radar since 2002 Gujarat has been on the radar of terrorist groups since the communal riots of 2002 in which 1,169 people, most of them Muslim, were killed. Metro on track as Japanese agency gives Rs 5,900cr loan After a decade, the Ahmedabad metro rail project is finally on track. Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) has agreed to a long-term soft loan worth Rs 5,900 crore. This will take care of funding for the first phase of construction. In Patan, TV is a teacher and motivator Class VI students of the government school in Zazam, a small village in Patan district near the Greater Rann of Kutch, pull out their mathematics textbooks. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Music maestros get a 'stamp' of recognition India Post has paid tribute to legendary maestros of Indian classical music by releasing a set of stamps featuring eight of them on Wednesday. On the very first day, music lovers booked and purchased the precious stamps worth Rs 25,000 in Allahabad. Pitra Paksha spl train to Gaya from Sept 10 Railways would operate a ‘pitra paksha special train’ for people keen to perform ceremonies for the departed souls at Gaya. The train would ply between Jabalpur and Gaya passing through Chheoki. ontempt case: HC frames charges against Gr Noida officials The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday framed charges against chief executive officer and ADM (land acquisition) of Greater Noida Rama Raman and Shishir Kumar respectively on a contempt petition alleging disobedience of the order passed by it in a land acquisition case. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		NSE, Sri Sri University ink pact Sri Sri University (SSU) in association with National Stock Exchange (NSE) will launch an one-year PG diploma in financial markets (PGDFM) from the next academic session. Moral lessons for students The state government has drawn up yet another plan to prevent college students from committing crimes.The sports and youth services department would impart ?moral' lessons to Plus II and Plus III students from October. Maheswar attacker gets 4-year jail term A trial court in Puri on Wednesday sentenced a man to four-year rigorous imprisonment on charges of attempting to kill local MLA and former minister Maheswar Mohanty in 2012. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		BSNL DGM caught red-handed accepting bribe by Lokayukta in Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta police on Thursday caught a deputy general manager (DGM) of BSNL red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 42,000 from a contractor. Man pours acid onto wife's genitals for dowry in Madhya Pradesh A man allegedly poured acid into his wife's genitals after she failed to meet his demand for more dowry. Scindia School internal probe report admits brutal ragging on campus The committee report stated that sustained bullying and ragging of juniors for more than 12 days triggered acute anxiety in the boy's mind that finally drove him to attempt suicide. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Sector-wise inspection of building violations kicks off The UT estate office has decided to check building violations in commercial areas sector-wise. PM's address: Parents wonder why the fuss While private schools are disappointed over having to make arrangements for the telecast of Prime Minister's speech, parents are wondering why schools have been making excuses for not organizing the event of national importance. Schools make arrangements for PM's address After announcing that organizing the broadcast of Prime Minister's address is not mandatory for all schools, ministry of human resource and development (MHRD) has asked schools to send a report on the event, including videos, photographs, number of students attending it, mode of telecast, among others. More Chandigarh News»

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