News Digest: Britain, Ireland inks visa deal to benefit Chinese, Indian travellers

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Tuesday, October 07, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Britain, Ireland inks visa deal to benefit Chinese, Indian travellers Britain and Ireland on Monday inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on visa cooperation to allow Chinese and Indian visitors to travel to the two island nations on a single visa. Numbers show Maharashtra ahead of Gujarat The main thrust of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s election campaign is about bringing Maharashtra on par with Gujarat on all fronts in terms of development. Crucial evidence in Burdwan blast 'destroyed' Sources said the local police had destroyed most of the explosives recovered from the spot. This made the task of the investigators more difficult. More India News»

		Business
		Flipkart sales run rate hits $3 billion Despite frenetic sales growth, Flipkart is said to be losing about $10 million monthly largely due to it doling out excessive discounts to shoppers. India remains our biggest base, says JK Tyre chief In an exclusive chat with TOI, JK Tyre CMD Raghupati Singhania talks about the challenges facing both his company and industry. Excerpts: Maruti rolls out Ciaz for Rs 6.9 lakh Making an aggressive pitch in the mid-sized sedan segment, Maruti Suzuki on Monday drove in the Ciaz at Rs 6.9 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) to take on established models like Honda’s City and Hyundai’s Verna. More Business News»

		Environment
		Barda suitable site for lion translocation: WII study Barda Dungar, a lion translocation site within Gujarat, should be an isolated lion habitat, which should not have connection with Gir Sanctuary, suggested experts of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). Air pollution increases river-flows: Study Air pollution has had a significant impact on the amount of water flowing through many rivers in the northern hemisphere, a new study has found. Keoladeo National Park faces survival threat With water bodies around the park drying up, no fish to feed, no nests to be raised, KNP is in for a catastrophe. More Environment News»

		World
		Spent over $1 billion on military operations in Iraq, Syria: Pentagon The Pentagon has spent as much as $1.1 billion on US military operations against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria since the mission began in mid-June, including more than $62 million alone in Navy airstrikes and Tomahawk cruise missiles. Brazil's Rousseff, Neves gear up for fierce run-off Brazil's leftist President Dilma Rousseff steeled herself Monday for a hard-fought race against center-right challenger Aecio Neves, who is seeking to unite frustrated voters to beat her in a run-off. Street fighting rages in Syrian town as IS moves in Street fighting raged between Kurdish defenders and Islamic State militants who advanced into Kobani on Monday after subjecting the Syrian border town to an assault lasting almost three weeks, residents and fighters said. More World News»

		Entertainment
		'Bang Bang' crosses Rs 100 crore mark in India Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif's action romance Bang Bang has raced into the Rs 100 crore club in less than five days. Katrina turns elder to Ranbir in Jagga Jasoos Ranbir Kapoor, 32, will apparently play a 19-year-old in Jagga Jasoos. Who prepared Minissha Lamba for Bigg Boss? We hear Minissha Lamba did a lot of research before going into the Bigg Boss house. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		400 genome regions responsible for deciding your height: Study A varying genetic make-up has now been found to be the cause behind why some people are taller than others. MOM sends first 3D image of Red planet Just 96 hours into the Martian orbit, the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) has released its first 3D image of the red planet. MOM had entered the Martian orbit on September 24. High stress levels among doctors leads to burnout For decades, the senior cardiovascular surgeon had followed the routine of scrubbing before surgery. More Science News»

		Sports
		It is important to maintain consistency: Jitu Rai Jitu said he is not too concerned about travelling for Rio Games but emphasized that he wants to perform consistently rather than be happy with his qualification. Koevermans steps down as Indian football coach After India lost to Palestine 2-3, Koevermans declared in the post-match presentation ceremony that that he isn't continuing as coach. MS Dhoni becomes ISL team Chennaiyin FC co-owner After the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni has become the latest cricketer to own a football team in the high-profile Indian Super League. More Sports News»

		Technology
		HP splits PC, printer and enterprise businesses The company says the PC and printer business will use the name HP Inc. Apple launching iPhone 6 in India for Rs 53,500, 6 Plus for Rs 62,500 Apple and its sales partners have also announced the pricing details for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. 9 things Apple got wrong big time Apple introduced devices that have collectively changed how we consume media today. But Apple didn't always get it right. Here are nine of the most notable instances More Technology News»

		Education
		Classmate Spell Bee returns with new season The spelling extravaganza Classmate Spell Bee is back again — and it is bigger than ever. Kids at Himachal Pradesh govt schools to learn English from Class 1 Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh on Monday announced that students at all government schools in the state would be taught English from Class 1 from the next academic session. 2600-acre plots identified for IIT in Kerala Kerala may finally get its IIT as the state government has identified two plots - 600 acres in central Puduserry and 650 acres at West Puduserry in Palakkad - to set up the premier institute. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Polls only a week away, 60% cops down with conjunctivitis & other ailments Round-the-clock bandobast duty for more than a month has taken its toll on the city’s police force, most of whom have been laid low by various health problems Numbers show Maharashtra ahead of Gujarat The main thrust of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s election campaign is about bringing Maharashtra on par with Gujarat on all fronts in terms of development. BJP, Sena and MNS compete to wrest Vile Parle from Congress More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		DMRC gets Rs 250cr for Ph III projects The Centre has released its equity contribution of Rs 250 crore to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation for construction work of Phase III projects. Swift action saved Jahnvi, but not all are lucky The mysterious disappearance and then the dramatic recovery of three-year-old Jahnvi Ahuja within a week demonstrate that missing children’s cases are not as tough to crack as the police portray them to be. Teen, friend molest girl, kill brother for resisting assault Angry with a 16-year-old who fought them for molesting his sister, a 14-year-old boy and his friend took him to a construction site in southeast Delhi’s Jaitpur where they bludgeoned the teenager to death. They ran away but were finally tracked down by police. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Girl, 8, washed away in Bangalore drain An eight-year-old girl was washed away in a drain along Bannerghatta Raod, Bilekahalli, south-east Bangalore, during heavy rain on Monday. Loo and behold, a movie with a message Chief minister Siddaramaiah is not known to be a film buff. But on Monday he sat for over two hours to watch a movie that had a message on cleanliness and sanitation. Top up Metro card via mobile Here's some good news for frequent Metro commuters. Now, you can recharge your Metro travel cards through your smart phones. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Hyderabad professor killed sons before ending his life ICFAI assistant professor, A Raghavendra Guruprasad, who had committed suicide on Saturday, also killed his two sons and buried them at his plot in Medchal before ending his life. Police reforms to cost a bomb Women police personnel are also supposed to be taught driving to ensure mobility, while women rakshaks, like that of the Delhi Police, are expected to be launched in all the major police commissionerates. Activists demand clarity on land pooling Taking strong objection at the AP government's attempts to take over green fields for the proposed capital city, various organisations have demanded that the government make its plans clear on the actual land requirement. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		All eyes on Panneerselvam on eve of hearing on Jaya's bail plea The stench of rotting garbage, close to the house, wafts through the air, attracting stray dogs. HC: No holiday for schools, colleges On the eve of Karnataka high court’s hearing on former chief minister J Jayalalithaa’s bail application, the Madras high court has warned that the Tamil Nadu government would be held responsible if any untoward incident took place in the state on October 7. It's a free-for-all, with no leader to steer protests Demonstrations by AIADMK cadres against former chief minister J Jayalalithaa’s conviction and imprisonment appear to be going out of hand. With no leadership to steer it or rein it in, the protests are spilling into public domain. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Youth shot in Ahmedabad riots dies A 20-year-old youth, Ashraf Khan Pathan, died on Monday due to the bullet injuries he had sustained during the riots in Shahpur on Sunday evening. Intercity air service before Vibrant fter a gap of almost three years and one failed attempt, the intercity flight service in the state is all set to take off right before the upcoming mega show of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors' Summit (VGGIS) scheduled to be held in January 2015. AAI chooses Amdavad, Surat airports to woo global players In a bid to attract more international airlines and enhance connectivity, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has begun an aggressive marketing activity for 29 non-metro airports, including Ahmedabad and Surat. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Woman jumps into Saryu with children A woman jumped into Surya with her son and daughter after quarrelling with her husband on Saturday morning. The bodies are yet to be fished out. Durga idols immersed in makeshift pond The four-day Durga Puja celebrations came to an end with the immersion of idols in the makeshift pond constructed by the district administration on the banks of Sangam, on Saturday. Some Barwaris immersed the idols on Friday. Youth drowns during immersion A 22-year-old youth died during an illegal immersion of Durga idol in Ganga at Jera village under Manda police station. The unconscious youth was rushed to a nearby hospital in Sirsa where doctors pronounced him brought dead. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		BJD 'violates' model poll code The BJD has been accused of violating the model code of conduct for October 15 Kandhamal Lok Sabha bypoll. Twin cities bid farewell to Durga Amid beating of drums, earsplitting music and frenzied dancing by devotees, the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack bade farewell to Durga on Sunday. CB paid no heed to Gajapati SP warning The Crime Branch (CB) of Odisha police was informed about a dubious money circulation company by Gajapati police in 2010.But it never took up the case, which the CBI is currently probing. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Man held for luring minor neighbour and raping her A man was arrested for luring a teenaged girl from his neighbourhood on the pretext of marriage and raping her repeatedly over the months.The girl is four months pregnant. Dalit woman dragged out of house, gang-raped in Bhopal A 23-year-old dalit woman, mother of two, was dragged out of her farmhouse while she was alone with her children and gang raped by five people in Gunga village on the outskirts of the state capital on Friday night. One portal to help log on to many decision makers A software engineer from Bhopal has developed a portal to help citizens upload ideas and file complaint to the office of prime minister and chief ministers of different states among others. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		'Will include Panchkula in list of proposed smart cities' In the city to campaign for BJP candidate Gian Chand Gupta, Piyush was interacting with traders, industrialists and poultry farmers during a programme organized by economic cell of the district BJP. 10k goats sacrificed for orphans' education After sacrificing the goats, Muslims gave away the hide to the religious schools.The money received goes into charity for educating orphans. Women conductors learn karate chops Pinki, 36, never thought she would need combat training.But when she became a conductor with CTU, she terribly felt its need. More Chandigarh News»

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News Digest: Jet Airways flight from Dammam hits air pocket, six hurt

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Monday, October 06, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Jet Airways flight from Dammam hits air pocket, six hurt A Jet Airways flight (9W 565) from Dammam to Thiruvananthapuram hit an air pocket en-route, causing minor injuries to six passengers, said an official of the airlines.  Will not return to Maharashtra politics, Nitin Gadkari says Former BJP president and Union minister Nitin Gadkari is confident about BJP getting an absolute majority in Maharashtra. In an interview with Prafulla Marapakwar, he rules out returning to state politics. Digvijaya-Amrita pictures leaked from Manila? The Delhi Police may soon make a breakthrough in the case of mysterious leaks of intimate photos of journalist Amrita Rai with senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh which were released after her email was hacked by unidentified miscreants in June this year. More India News»

		Business
		Stricter norms for ATM cash handling companies likely The recommendations come from an IBA working group on outsourcing of cash management services by banks. India likely to join Asian infrastructure bank India is expected to join Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) as the second largest shareholder in what is being seen as a move by the government to ensure that it has a say in running the new multilateral lending institution being created at China's behest. Banks dig for information to check NPAs Forensic audit is becoming a standard feature for stressed loan accounts referred to the corporate debt restructuring cell - a forum where a consortium of banks decides on whether to restructure a loan. More Business News»

		Environment
		Surfactants do not harm environment: Study Scientists have found that common surfactants — soaps, shampoos and detergents — actually pose a minimal risk to the environment. Elephants still being subjected to torture in circuses: Peta Reacting to the allegations, AWBI asserted it is in the process of deregistering existing elephants at circuses and no new elephant has been registered in the past six months. Tiger all but extinct in Telangana The national animal, tiger, has all but disappeared from the newest state in the country. More Environment News»

		World
		Nato can put troops wherever it wants, new secretary general says New Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said on Sunday that the Western alliance could deploy its forces wherever it wants, apparently calling into question post-Cold War agreements that have been shaken by Russia's actions in Crimea and Ukraine. Harvard students receive apology for threat message Hundreds of students and other people affiliated with Harvard University who got a threatening email have received a second message with an apology that apparently came from the same email account. Underwater search for flight MH370 resumes The hunt for Malaysia Airlines flight 370 resumed Monday in a desolate stretch of the Indian Ocean, more than six months after the jet vanished. More World News»

		Entertainment
		SRK or Aamir: Who's got best release dates in 2015? It’s proven that certain dates in the Bollywood film release calendar have been profitable. So naturally, the biggies use their might to ensure they bag these dates way in advance. Here’s looking at which hero will arrive when. Salman's sister's wedding date confirmed Wedding outfits are being ordered en masse by the Khan family. B-town A-listers who got injured on film sets Bollywood is ruled by stars who deliver the best of the Indian cinema laden with action, fiction and stunts. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		World's first solar battery developed American scientists have developed the world’s first solar battery which recharges itself using air and light. Astronauts to hibernate for Mars journey? A Nasa-backed study is exploring the feasibility of lowering the cost of a human expedition to Mars by putting the astronauts in deep sleep. Healthy environment can prevent cardiac ailments Want to take ‘control’ of your health and prevent heart attacks? Then ensure that your house, office and surroundings have a ‘heart-healthy environment’, the key to which lies in the refrigerator. More Science News»

		Sports
		I would have protested differently, says MC Mary Kom She understands the emotion behind Sarita Devi's tearful protest on the Asian Games podium but MC Mary Kom said faced with a similar crisis, she would have shown dissent differently. Mourinho denies Wenger again as Chelsea beat Arsenal Eden Hazard and Diego Costa scored as Chelsea beat Arsenal 2-0 in an incident-packed London derby to move five points clear at Premier League summit. Amid chaos, Dhoni the biker dazzles at Buddh Circuit MS Dhoni took time out for his passion for biking by careening around the Buddh International Circuit, a day after guiding Chennai Super Kings to their second Champions League T20 crown. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Internet of Everything: Will first online murder happen in 2014? Authorities need to address dangers posed by the “Internet of Everything” — a new world in which garage doors to hospital systems will be linked through computer networks. Google to make search faster on slow mobile networks in India Search results will remain the same, but elements like images and maps will only show up when they are an essential, Google said in a blog. 10 absurdly expensive gadgets money can buy Ever since smartphones and other gadgets have become a quintessential part of our lives, luxury designers have been launching jazzed up versions of popular devices that suit the rich and famous. Check out our list of 10 most expensive gadgets More Technology News»

		Education
		Mumbai spends most on studies in US, Delhi at No. 3 Indian students spent at least $3 billion in pursuit of an American degree between 2008 and 2012, according to a report released by Brookings Institution. Delhi University students to study Swachh Bharat Abhiyan's impact in Delhi The study will be limited to the campaign's impact in Delhi and will also take note of contribution of various stakeholders in the success of the campaign. Justice Verma committee recommendations must be included in legal studies: Advocate Jaising There is a need for concerted efforts to address the issue of sexual harassment at workplace and justice Verma committee recommendations made in this regard should be included in the legal curriculum, senior advocate Indira Jaising has said. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Late delivery, errant builders leave buyers flat-broke in Mumbai Despite assurances, promises and agreements, beleaguered flat buyers face an uphill task when builders fail to deliver on time. Congress confident of retaining Wadala, Sena counts on anti-incumbency factor All eyes are on Wadala, which during the Lok Sabha polls had a high turnout of 62.56%. In the wake of the Congress-NCP and Sena-BJP alliance splits, the contest here will see a clash of those who had worked closely in the recent past. Saffron split leaves Mumbai's Marathis confused, angry The recent Shiv Sena-BJP alliance split has deeply wounded the psyche of Mumbai’s Marathis and the community is confused and angry, say observers. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Kejriwal to meet e-rickshaw drivers at Jantar Mantar After BJP, it is now AAP's turn to woo e-rickshaw drivers.The Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal will be addressing a rally of e-rickshaw drivers on Wednesday to discuss their concerns. Two shoot at east Delhi realtor Two unidentified men barged into a property dealer's office in east Delhi on Sunday afternoon and opened fire at him.The property dealer, Sanjay Mehta, was severely injured. Govt starts cleanliness drive in night shelters and slums As part of PM Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat campaign, the Delhi government on Sunday conducted a massive cleanliness drive in night shelters and slums. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Private hospitals see red over cashless treatment for babus The yet-to-be launched health scheme which aims to provide cashless treatment for over 25 lakh government employees of Karnataka, has raised the hackles of private hospital managements. Grant of bail during pendency of appeal Under section 389 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the appellate court has the power to suspend a sentence given under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and release the appellant on bail. Helmetless ride: Cops say it's a perk Policemen in Bangalore have an air of Rajinikanth about themselves. Astride their bikes, they believe they have heads of iron and steel. They shun helmets as they patrol the roads with gay abandon. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Sand mafia sinking its roots deeper in Telangana What ideally should have ushered prosperity for the nascent state of Telangana is now bringing it face-to-face with a huge challenge: the sand mafia. KCR'S first public meet as CM in Hyderabad on Oct 12 Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is all set to address his first public meeting in Hyderabad after he took over the reins of the new state. Telangana govt mulls stronger legislation to curb crimes against women in the state On the recommendations of a high-level committee, the Telangana government is mulling bringing in a legislation, which may recommend stringent punishment for perpetrators of crimes against women, during the upcoming assembly session. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Jaya protests hit students: Tuesday declared holiday in Tamil Nadu Colleges affiliated to Anna University and schools have dragged students into the protests over the conviction of chief minister J Jayalalithaa in the disproportionate assets case by declaring Tuesday a holiday to show solidarity with the AIADMK supremo. Ramadoss asks DMK to intervene in Jayalalithaa's bail plea PMK founder S Ramadoss on Sunday demanded that the DMK intervene in the bail petition filed by AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa in the Karnataka high court.  DMK convenes meet to review law and order situation in TN  Short of demanding President's rule in Tamil Nadu, DMK has convened a meeting of its district secretaries on October 8 to discuss the "deteriorating" law and order situation in the light of protests by the AIADMK activists across the state condemning the conviction of its leader J Jayalalithaa.  More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		10,000 cops, drones to keep vigil on Bakr Eid in Ahmedabad Following clashes of cow poachers with city police on Saturday and Sunday, senior city police officials have left no stone unturned to ensure safe festivities on Monday as city’s Muslim community would observe Bakr Eid. High calf prices thwarted arrested rustlers Salman Ashrafkhan and Zakir Sadru, the two alleged cow poachers who were fired upon by city police on Saturday, were arrested by the city crime branch on Sunday. Be cautious with antibiotics, warn experts Two-month-old Vivan Shah had mild fever and was prescribed heavy antibiotics by doctors. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Woman jumps into Saryu with children A woman jumped into Surya with her son and daughter after quarrelling with her husband on Saturday morning. The bodies are yet to be fished out. Durga idols immersed in makeshift pond The four-day Durga Puja celebrations came to an end with the immersion of idols in the makeshift pond constructed by the district administration on the banks of Sangam, on Saturday. Some Barwaris immersed the idols on Friday. Youth drowns during immersion A 22-year-old youth died during an illegal immersion of Durga idol in Ganga at Jera village under Manda police station. The unconscious youth was rushed to a nearby hospital in Sirsa where doctors pronounced him brought dead. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		11 killed in Odisha road accident The vehicle with over 50 people on board was on its way from Dabugaon to Chandahandi, police officer GN Manipatro said. Byelection: 8,500 govt staffers miss vacation Over 8,500 government employees in four districts deputed for the October 15 bypoll in Kandhamal parliamentary constituency have missed the puja vacation this time. No signboard nearfoot overbridge site The ongoing construction of a foot overbridge (FOB) at Jayadev Vihar here has thrown traffic out of gear during the ongoing Durga Puja rush.The FOB work in front of a shopping complex started only recently. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Man makes parcel bomb for girlfriend, friend hurt instead A parcel bomb assembled by an engineering graduate to harm his girlfriend exploded at his friend’s house in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district. Dalit woman dragged out of house, gang-raped in Gunga A 23-year-old dalit woman was dragged out of her farmhouse, while she was alone with her two children, and gang raped by five people in Gunga village on the outskirts of the state capital on Friday night. Bhopal cops drag handcuffed accused to court in undergarments The barbaric face of police was exposed once again when a criminal was dragged to court by the Gandhi Nagar cops on Saturday. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Arms & the netas: Haryana candidates brandish gun power While gunning for electoral victory in Haryana assembly polls, netas in Khapland also ensure that they are suitably armed. VAT hike admission of failure: PPP People's Party of Punjab chief Manpreet Singh Badal has alleged that the hike in value added tax (VAT) on diesel in Punjab amounts to admission by SAD government that BJP led NDA government is not coming to its rescue on financial front as was expected. Teachers awaiting regularization to meet CM In Himachal Pradesh, around 20,000 contractual teachers have been awaiting regularization after six to nine years of their service. More Chandigarh News»

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