News Digest: PM Narendra Modi to spend time with soldiers at Siachen ahead of J&K visit

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Thursday, October 23, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		PM Narendra Modi to spend time with soldiers at Siachen ahead of J&K visit "It's my good fortune that I will be able to spend time with our brave soldiers on this special day," Prime Minister tweeted on Thursday. BJP frowns on 'Gadkari-for-CM' clamour, sticks to Fadnavis as its CM choice for Maharashtra The central BJP leadership is sticking to Devendra Fadnavis as its first choice as Maharashtra chief minister and has taken a dim view of the lobbying for Union rural development minister Nitin Gadkari. Why is Congress so upset on black money issue? BJP asks BJP on Wednesday lashed out at Congress for challenging finance minister Arun Jaitley to name those who have black money stashed abroad. More India News»

		Business
		Diwali gift or bribe? Companies in a fix Some months ago, the communication department of a multinational bank faced a strange dilemma. Sensex gains 26% since last Diwali The just-ended Samvat 2070 has turned out to be the best in the last six years with the sensex gaining 26% and investors' wealth, measured by BSE's market capitalization, going up 37%. How gas price formula was cracked That formula, suggested by a panel under C Rangarajan, would have doubled the price to $8.5 per unit from $4.2 at present.This would have seen a spike in cost of CNG, power and of manufacture of urea. More Business News»

		Environment
		Fewer bird species back in Okhla Only seven species of migratory birds have arrived in Okhla Bird Sanctuary.Last year, 15 species were spotted at this time.However, this has been a general trend for most bird areas in north India, claim some birders. SmartCity Kochi gets environmental nod SmartCity Kochi, Kerala's ambitious information technology business township project, has received environmental clearance for the entire project covering 246 acres even as the construction of its first IT building is nearing completion. Insects have more efficient social networks! Insects like honeybees and ants live in groups that constantly communicate with each other and scientists are seeking a better understanding of their networks to improve the existing information processing. More Environment News»

		World
		Pakistan clerical panel endorses polygamy A Pakistani clerical panel has endorsed polygamy, saying a woman cannot object if her husband remarries. Bomb outside Cairo varsity wounds 9 A bomb exploded outside the gates of Cairo University on Wednesday, an Egyptian police official said, wounding at least nine people including policemen. Air strikes kills around 25 IS fighters in Iraq Coalition air strikes killed around 25 Islamic State fighters on Wednesday near the northern Iraqi city of Baiji, residents told Reuters. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Cinema, cricket and civic issues keep Juhi Chawla busy Juhi Chawla has had an eventful 2014 — she started the year on a high, winning accolades for her powerful performance in Gulaab Gang, followed by an award by the Dadasaheb Phalke Academy. Akshay Kumar's son Aarav heart broken On Sunday, Akshay Kumar lost his dog Okie to old age. We learnt that he and his family were terribly upset with the loss, specially his son Aarav, who was most attached to him. Celebrate this Diwali with Happy New Year Besides the Lakshmi Puja and the Diwali festivities that have been specially earmarked on people’s calendar this year, cinema lovers have also put in a reminder to watch director Farah Khan’s Happy New Year. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		'Cosmic rays threaten manned Mars missions' Radiation hazards in space caused by cosmic rays could threaten future deep-space astronaut missions such as those to Mars, a new study suggests. Fusion energy holds key to power dream The 25th Fusion Energy Conference is being attended by scientists from 43 countries including India. US probes medical devices for possible cyber flaws The US department of homeland security is investigating about two dozen cases of suspected cybersecurity flaws in medical devices and hospital equipment that officials fear could be exploited by hackers, a senior official at the agency said. More Science News»

		Sports
		Boxer Sarita Devi suspended for Asian Games protest Taking a strict action, AIBA has provisionally suspended India's woman boxer Sarita Devi for refusing to accept the bronze medal at Asian Games podium ceremony. Roger Federer cruises into Swiss Open second round Top seeded Roger Federer crushed Gilles Muller of Luxembourg 6-2, 6-1 in just 46 minutes to reach the second round of the Swiss Open on Wednesday. Ana Ivanovic downs Bouchard for first Singapore victory Ana Ivanovic recovered from her opening loss to race to a 6-1 6-3 victory over Eugenie Bouchard, to get back into the mix for a WTA Finals last-four berth. More Sports News»

		Technology
		First impressions: Apple iPad Air 2 With the iPad Air 2, you can snap 10 shots per second in a burst mode — great for restless kids, as you can choose the best shots later. 'Android One facing tough competition from Android devices' Android One campaign didn't “effectively convey how this device and its operating system that offered Google Services like Maps and Google Now, was different" Revisiting 1994: How tech was like 20 years ago Twenty years ago, your smartphone wasn't even a twinkle in Steve Jobs's eye. Nevertheless, 1994 was a momentous year for the tech industry. More Technology News»

		Education
		Internal power struggle threatens top management institute's future Management Development Institute, Gurgaon — controlled by Industrial Finance Corporation of India and among the top 10 management institutes in the country — is staring at an uncertain future. Top business school students in India score below industry standards: Survey Highlighting huge talent gap, a survey has revealed that a significant percentage of students from top business schools in India score below the industry standards in terms of sales acumen and customer focus. Jadavpur Universit students to hold referendum on VC's removal Jadavpur University students will hold a referendum Oct 30-31 in their bid to establish that students are unanimously demanding the resignation of vice-chancellor Abhijit Chakrabarty. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Man cooks up fake don link to extort, held A four-day stint as cook was all it took this 24-year-old to gather enough information about his employer to extort from him. Week after Nigerian teen was molested, cops register case Nearly a week after a 19-year-old Nigerian national was sexually assaulted by three youths in Nalasopara, the police on Wednesday registered a case of molestation against the unidentified youths, and have launched a manhunt for them. Activists brace for Diwali cracker scare Activists said greater civic sense needs to prevail among people so that firecrackers do not disturb those who don't light them. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		You click, they break their backs to deliver This Diwali when you celebrate the advent of e-commerce — and goods being delivered at your doorstep at a discount — do spare a thought for the boys carrying them. DPS principal's daughter ends life The daughter of the principal of Delhi Public School, R K Puram, allegedly committed suicide late on Tuesday night at their residence on the school campus, according to the police. Goods worth lakhs lost in 3 fires Three cases of fire were reported from different parts of central Delhi in a span of 24 hours, leading to loss of goods worth lakhs. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Sexual assault of three-year-old girl confirmed, says Bangalore police chief The sexual assault on a three-and-half-year-old girl student at a school in Bangalore has been confirmed by doctors, as police intensified the probe into the horrific incident. Sexual abuse of minor: parents protest, staff being questioned Staff members of a school here are being questioned in connection with the alleged sexual abuse of a three-year-old girl in its campus even as parents outraged over the incident held protests and demanded answers from the management. Mervin and Jentu twist by the pool at Hotel Sheraton, Bangalore Pool side party More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		'Garrison should be relocated' The call for relocating the Army garrison from Mehdipatnam, has grown shriller ever since 11-year old Shaik Mustafauddin was burnt alive, allegedly by the Army personnel. GHMC seeks Imams' help to combat diseases The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is mulling engaging with mosque managing committees to spread awareness in its efforts to combat dengue and malaria. Legal metrology sleuths raid jewellery, fire cracker shops Legal metrology sleuths have raided jewellery stores, fire cracker shops and sweet shops in Telangana and registered several cases in the past few days. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		GenNext of fireworks business believes in doing it the scientific way It's been happening across business India - traditional, family-run enterprises dispatching their offspring to business schools to power old engines with new tricks of the trade. Villagers give up firecrackers on Diwali for their winged friends Two villages in Salem district, Unathur near Thalaivasal and Agraharam Nattamangalam, have been celebrating cracker less Diwali for more than a century. Poachers under scanner of rangers ahead of Diwali As people prepare to celebrate the festival of lights, forest officials in wildlife sanctuaries have tightened their vigil to prevent any poaching activities so that wild animals do not end up as delicacies on the Diwali menu. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Gujarat University admin staff up in arms The Gujarat University administrative staff is protesting against the decision of the university to give Rs 30 per form to post offices for handling admission forms of external students. JEE Advanced to be held on May 24 The Joint Entrance Examination (Advanced) for admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) will be held on May 24. Board uploads provisional keys to sem I, III questions The Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) has released the provisional answer keys for the semester I exam of Class XI and semester III exam of Class XII. The exams were held recently. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Alert sounded on Indo-Nepal border Alert has been sounded on Indo-Nepal border in view of Diwali festival to thwart any infiltration bid by terrorists and anti-social elements. 124 clear judicial services 2013 round 124 candidates were declared successful in UP Judicial Services (Civil Judge) Examinations -2013, the result of which was declared on Wednesday by the UP Public Service Commission (UPPSC). The commission also released the schedule of PCS (mains) -2014, to be organized in Allahabad and Lucknow between November 7 and 21. Centre should start construction of Ram temple: Singhal Vishwa Hindu Parishad patron and senior leader Ashok Singhal on Wednesday demanded that Narendra Modi led Central government should start the construction of Ram Temple at Ramjanam bhoomi at Ayodhya. Citing Bharatiya Janata Party’s election manifesto, he said that the government should work towards fulfilling all promises made in it. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Odisha to conduct DGPS survey of 148 mines The state government on Tuesday decided to conduct differential global positioning system (DGPS) survey of more mines in order to check mining operations by lessees beyond lease-hold area. Odisha Mining Corporation starts process to raise ore production The Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) is planning to increase its ore production by roping in raising contractors (who use earth movers). Paradip school runs from a single room without walls The government-run Gholapada primary school at Paradip in Jagatsinghpur district resembles a cowshed. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Proxy & applicant in SI recruitment test booked Two persons including an imposter who appeared as a proxy for an applicant in the sub-inspectors recruitment test and the original applicant were booked for cheating on Monday. Gadkari's ex-political advisor appointed MP BJP in charge Union minister Nitin Gadkari's former political advisor and BJP vice-president Vinay Sahastrabuddhe has been appointed the new in charge for party affairs in Madhya Pradesh. 3 arrested for loot, thefts; 5 stolen bikes recovered Crime branch on Monday arrested three youths and recovered a looted chain, a smartphone and five bikes lifted from various parts of the city. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Syndicate to take up BE-MBA students' issue The institute had put in its request as these students don't find good placements in either management or engineering fields. Another minor raped in Mohali According to the victim's statement, she had gone to her friend's house in the neighbourhood from where the 35-year-old accused took her to his place nearby and committed the crime. Vision impacted in 75% eye injury victims on Diwali: PGI study Every year, there are at least 30 children who report with severe eye injuries at the PGI on Diwali and all of them were unsupervised by adults.Out of these, 75% developed a poor vision. More Chandigarh News»

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

News Digest: Maharashtra govt formation: Uddhav Thackeray blinks, to visit Delhi for talks with BJP top brass

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Wednesday, October 22, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Maharashtra govt formation: Uddhav Thackeray blinks, to visit Delhi for talks with BJP top brass NCP’s unconditional support to BJP has compelled Shiv Sena to give up its strident note, according to political analysts in the state. Congress denies deal to support Sena-led govt State Congress president Manikrao Thakre on Tuesday described as “baseless” statements by NCP president Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar that a senior Congress leader had called them up for supporting a Shiv Sena-led government. MNS may lose engine symbol After a major loss in the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s (MNS) ‘railway engine’ may derail soon. More India News»

		Business
		Rajan rejigs RBI operations, creates 4 clusters Reserve Bank of India governor Raghuram Rajan has finalized organizational restructuring of the central bank by reassigning responsibilities of deputy governors under four new clusters. India gains little from FTAs on services front If you thought India's services trade agreement with Asean is going to open the doors for Indian professionals to work in the 10-member trading bloc. China's economy grows at slowest pace in 5 years China's economic growth waned to a five-year low of 7.3% last quarter, raising concerns of a spillover effect on the global economy but falling roughly in line with Chinese leaders' plans for a controlled slowdown. More Business News»

		Environment
		Nagaland turning into 'Falcon capital' for conservation With the hunters of migratory Amur Falcon birds turning into protectors, Nagaland has become the "Falcon capital" of the world, officials said on Tuesday. Plea to overcome rifts during climate talks as heat busts record Fresh UN climate talks opened in Bonn on Monday with a plea for nations to overcome rifts as scientists reported record global temperatures for a month of September. Heavy rain will reduce man-animal conflict in TN, forest officials say There were several many incidents of wild animals like Indian gaurs, spotted deer and elephants straying into agricultural fields. More Environment News»

		World
		Pistorius starts five-year jail term for killing lover Star athlete Oscar Pistorius began serving a five-year sentence behind the towering walls of a grim South African prison on Tuesday after a sensational trial for killing his girlfriend. Tahirul Qadri ends protest in Islamabad Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) leader Tahirul Qadri ended his sit-in protest on Tuesday, only to restart its new stage in December in the port city of Karachi. 3 US girls may have tried to join IS militants: FBI The FBI said on Tuesday that it's investigating the possibility that three girls from the Denver area tried to travel to Syria to join Islamic State extremists. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Sidharth and Katrina to do a love story together Katrina Kaif is the No. 1 female star in the country. Sidharth Malhotra is one of the hottest young stars. 'I hate it when people write about my personal life' He started off his showbiz career as a chocolate boy in Mamta, made his mark in 'Left Right Left', won hearts in 'Kis Desh Mein Hai Mera Dil', 'Tere Liye' and 'Dil Se Di Dua... Saubhagyavati Bhava', only to take a two-year sabbatical from soaps Bollywood's Top 10 must watch deleted scenes Action packed film ‘Dhoom 2’ was a super hit film with some of the most memorable scenes but there were a few which had to be left out while editing. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Ancient Scottish fish gave us the act of sex Scientists studying fossils have discovered that the intimate act of sexual intercourse was pioneered by ancient armored fishes, called placoderms, about 385 million years ago in Scotland. Brain has a calorie counter of its own: Study As you glance over a menu or peruse the shelves in a supermarket, your brain is making decisions based on a food's caloric content, according to a new study . Wave and pay: Apple could usher in era of mobile wallets Think of `Apple Pay' as taking the card out of credit card. More Science News»

		Sports
		ISL: Chennaiyin beat Kerala Blasters 2-1 Bernard Mendy scored through a stunning bicycle kick as hosts Chennayin FC beat Kerala Blasters 2-1 in their southern derby on Tuesday. India's hockey coach Terry Walsh resigns over pay dispute Terry Walsh who guided India to gold medal victory in the recently concluded Asian Games blamed sporting bureaucracy for his abrupt decision. Roger Federer flirts with perfection in late-season surge Life couldn't be better - or more surprising - for Federer as the 33-year-old takes aim at multiple major goals starting with a sixth title at his home Swiss Indoors. More Sports News»

		Technology
		BlackBerry Passport review: Good communicator if you can overlook flaws, price Does BlackBerry succeed in its quest to regain relevance in the highly-competitive mobile market? Review: Apple Pay in action Apple Pay will take getting used to — for consumers and merchants alike. 10 hottest Diwali gadget deals With Diwali just around the corner, you may be looking to light up your home with a cool new gadget. More Technology News»

		Education
		Himachal to make Bharat Scouts and Guides compulsory for students Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh announced on Tuesday that the state would make it compulsory for each school student to be a member of the Bharat Scouts and Guides. Accountant general: Odisha Plus II education poor The accountant general (AG), Odisha, has pointed out in a draft audit that the standard of higher secondary education (Plus II) in Odisha is extremely poor. Javadekar proposes communications university on IIMC golden jubilee Information and broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar on Monday proposed launching a communications university on the golden jubilee of the Indian Institute of Mass Communications in 2015. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		MNS may lose engine symbol After a major loss in the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s (MNS) ‘railway engine’ may derail soon. More MLAs with criminal cases elected in Maharashtra After sending more MPs with serious criminal cases against them to Parliament over the last time, Maharashtra has now elected a higher number of tainted politicians as MLAs NCP ditched Cong day Ajit Pawar faced ACB probe On the day then chief minister Prithviraj Chavan was expected to consider a proposal for an “open inquiry” against NCP leaders Ajit Pawar and Sunil Tatkare in the irrigation scam, NCP, by design or by a stroke of coincidence, withdrew support to the government, according to sources. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		VVIP chopper deal case: Gautam Khaitan's custody extended till Nov 3 A trial court on Tuesday extended till November 3 the judicial custody of businessman Gautam Khaitan, arrested in a money laundering case related to the Rs 3,600 crore VVIP chopper deal. Dhanteras ushers in record sales, spells achha din for retailers Festival discounts and positive buyer sentiment propelled Dhanteras sales through the roof on Tuesday. Last Metro to start at 8pm tomorrow In view of Diwali festivities, the last Metro train will operate at 8pm from all its stations on Thursday including the Airport Express line. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		RVCE team readying for solar challenge These bright young ones are working hard to earn their place in the sun. BJP takes up Rashmi's cause The BJP has taken up the cause of IAS officer Rashmi V Mahesh who was assaulted by some employees of the Administrative Training Institute (ATI) on October 15 and wants the state government to order a comprehensive probe into the attack. After Dinesh tweet, gag order on Congressmen State food and civil supplies minister Dinesh Gundu Rao's controversial tweet on the Congress debacle in Maharashtra assembly polls has prompted a gag order on his party colleagues. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		HC to hear case against judge's brother In a significant development, the Hyderabad High Court on Tuesday decided to hear a petition filed by a suspended magistrate that levelled allegations of criminal intimidation, physical and verbal abuse and also causing disappearance of key court files, etc., against additional public prosecutor C Pavan Kumar Reddy and some court staff in Rayachoti of Kadapa district. Secunderabad Cantonment Board likely to start its own school soon Currently, the SCB is running a special school for mentally-challenged children 'Spoorthy' at Rasoolpura. Centre to T: Stop using Srisailam water for power Seeking to put an end to the escalating tension between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over sharing of power and water, the Centre on Tuesday directed the Telangana government to immediately stop releasing water from the Srisailam left bank power house and desist from hydel generation using the same. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		GenNext of fireworks business believes in doing it the scientific way It's been happening across business India - traditional, family-run enterprises dispatching their offspring to business schools to power old engines with new tricks of the trade. Villagers give up firecrackers on Diwali for their winged friends Two villages in Salem district, Unathur near Thalaivasal and Agraharam Nattamangalam, have been celebrating cracker less Diwali for more than a century. Poachers under scanner of rangers ahead of Diwali As people prepare to celebrate the festival of lights, forest officials in wildlife sanctuaries have tightened their vigil to prevent any poaching activities so that wild animals do not end up as delicacies on the Diwali menu. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		After Diwali, astronomers will gather to gaze at celestial fireworks As the Diwali fireworks die down, on November 1 and 2 more than 150 astronomy lovers will enjoy the night sky and celestial fireworks. Jethava murder: Shiva Solanki gets bail A special CBI court on Tuesday granted bail to Shiva Solanki, an accused in the murder of RTI activist Amit Jethava. Seven on death row for Godhra carnage get bail When Mehboob Ahmed Yusuf Hasan alias Latiko goes to Godhra to attend his son's engagement, he will walk outside Sabarmati Central Jail for the first time in more than 12 years. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Designer 'diyas' to light Diwali With the festival of lights Diwali to be celebrated on Thursday, denizens of the Sangam city are leaving no stone unturned to light their homes with various decorative articles. Among these, designer diyas (earthen pots) are a favourite among the buyers as artisans have come out with innovative ideas depicting the tradition of the festival. Along with these, designer chandeliers of various sizes and price tags are being sold in the markets. 40 injured as bus turns turtle in Bahraich Forty passengers were injured when a bus headed towards Harkhapur overturned near Kutti village late on Monday night. The police rushed the injured to community health centre where condition of 12 was stated to be critical. Special trains during Kartik Mela from Oct 22 to 25 In view of the Kartik Mela which is going to be organised during the Diwali festival, railway administration has made special arrangements for the passengers at the Chitrakoot station coming under the NCR zone. Various mela special trains will be plied from October 22 to 25 and the regular trains have also been given additional stoppages during this period. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		BJD misused govt machinery: BJP The BJP on Monday alleged that BJD misused the state machinery and bought voters to win the bypoll to Kandhamal Lok Sabha seat, even as the ruling party celebrated its emphatic victory. Sweets made in animal shapes fly off shelves This Diwali, sweets made of sugar in the shape of a variety of animals are high in demand. Pricey crackers keep customers away Celebrating Diwali will be a costly affair this year as prices of firecrackers have increased by nearly 25 to 30 per cent compared to last year. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Nitin Gadkari's political adviser is new Madhya Pradesh BJP in charge Union minister Nitin Gadkari’s former political adviser and BJP vice-president Vinay Sahastrabuddhe has been appointed the new in-charge for party affairs in Madhya Pradesh. Dreaded dacoit Narpat Patel arrested Dreaded dacoit Narpat Patel alias Juggi, who is also known to be close to wanted dacoit Balkhadia, was arrested during a joint operation of Uttar Pradesh and state police in Satna district on Sunday night. Rukmani Swayamvaram held at Ayyappa temple Rukmani Swayamvaram and Kuchela Sadgathi programme was held at Ayyappa temple complex at Shivaji Nagar on Monday during the Shrimad Bhagwat Saptah Mahayagya. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Khattar: Haryana's own NaMo The similarities are too many to ignore.Apart from holding similar views on society and politics, both love to wear half-sleeve kurtas and jackets, prefer khichdi over delicacies and are active on social media. Making someone's festival 'special' Brands and stores are rolling out special Diwali offers, including gift options, but there's a bunch of people who are opting for goods that help a cause. Nota added another corner to fight, cut margins despite record voting In Rai constituency of Haryana, Jai Tirath of the Congress managed a victory by a margin of just 3 votes.In the same constituency, the number of voters who pressed none of the above (Nota) button on the EVMs was 477. More Chandigarh News»

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