News Digest: Monsoon gets a boost, rains 13% above normal

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Tuesday, June 16, 2015
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Monsoon gets a boost, rains 13% above normal The monsoon has got off to a good start after a slightly delayed onset, with widespread showers over the past five days taking the countrywide rain tally to 13% above normal so far this month. Deal clears way for road trips to Bangladesh and Bhutan By next year you can go to Bhutan or Bangladesh in your own car as Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal on Monday signed the motor vehicle agreement for seamless movement of goods and passenger vehicles among the four Saarc countries. Artists too latch on to govt houses Politicians are not the only ones trying to hang on to their government accommodations long after their term has expired. Prominent artists too are overstaying their welcome. More India News»

		Business
		Nestle to take 320cr hit on Maggi recall Nestle India would take a hit of around Rs 320 crore from the process of withdrawal and destruction of Maggi noodles. Rosneft may buy 49% in Essar refinery Ruias-promoted Essar Group is said to be close to stitching up a multi billion dollar deal to sell a substantial minority stake in its 20-million tonne refinery at Vadinar in Gujarat to Russia’s Rosneft. RCOM, Sistema's Indian arm may merge in stock swap deal Anil Ambani-led Reliance Communications and Russian telecom operator AFK Sistema have entered into exclusive discussions on a merger between the Indian telecom business of Sistema Shyam TeleServices and RCOM through a stock swap, triggering a potential consolidation in the highly competitive telecom space. More Business News»

		Environment
		Himachal Pradesh has 4.8% of India's forest cover Out of total 55,673 sq km geographic area in the state, the forest comprises 37,033 sq km, which is 4.80% of total forests in the country. HP successfully sells its sequestered carbon Himachal Pradesh has successfully sold its sequestered carbon through plantations and has earned a financial incentive of Rs 1.93 crores as first installment from the government of Spain for implementing climate change mitigation project under Kyoto Protocol. Survey finds 113 butterfly species in Srivilliputhur sanctuary The survey found butter species like sawtooth, female albatross, commander and blue oak leaf. More Environment News»

		World
		Mexico's top court quietly legalizes gay marriage The Supreme Court in Mexico has legalized same-sex marriage in a landmark legal ruling. Kurdish fighters seize large parts of IS border stronghold US-backed Kurdish fighters captured large sections of a strategic town on the Syria-Turkish border on Monday, dealing the biggest setback yet to the Islamic State group, which lost a key supply line for their nearby self-proclaimed capital. Alaska wildfire quickly grows, forces homes to evacuate An Alaska wildfire that has mushroomed in size was prompting help Monday from people offering their homes to scores of displaced residents and their animals. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Salman, Bebo romance on the streets of Delhi Anything that involves Salman Khan gets eyeballs. Tanushree Dutta's sister impresses Ajay Devgn Tanushree Dutta (Miss India Universe, 2004) may not have signed films after her turning to spirituality, but now her younger sister Ishita Dutta is foraying into Bollywood. Films that got word-of-mouth publicity More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Amsterdam to get 3D-printed bridge A 3D printing company based in Amsterdam has developed a revolutionary robotic 3D printer that can 'draw' structures in the air. Sexting now the norm for teens Sexting between teenagers has become the norm, said the National Crime Agency as it launched a campaign on Monday to deal with a surge in cases of children sharing sexually explicit images and video. Fish oil may restore nerve damage in Diabetic neuropathy patients In a new study, scientists have found that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil may restore nerve damage in patients suffering from Diabetic neuropathy. More Science News»

		Sports
		ED to slap penalty notices in 16 cases against Lalit Modi, others The Enforcement Directorate is in the process of serving final penalty notices in 16 alleged forex violation cases of Rs 1,700 crore against Lalit Modi. Indian basketball the big loser in latest political stand-off The latest example of political infighting within the vast, jumbled and at times incomprehensible coterie that is Indian sports administration has cast a shadow over the country's basketball prospects - and yet again it is our athletes who stand to lose the most. I still see myself as a beginner, says Mohit Sharma Mohit Sharma, who calls himself a "beginner in international cricket" attributes his recent success in international cricket to ODI captain MS Dhoni. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Here's Apple India's plan for the next 3 years Apple is planning more than a twofold expansion of its retail reach in India to double iPhone sales in each of the next three years. How IT companies exploit H-1B visa loopholes Despite common perceptions about the H-1B law, it does not require companies to recruit American workers before looking overseas. 10 hot smartphones launched recently in India The month of May witnessed the launch of several new smartphones. Here’s the list of 10 hottest smartphones that were unveiled recently in the Indian market. More Technology News»

		Education
		Cheating in exams a national phenomenon Images of parents and friends scaling walls and clinging to windows to help Bihar students taking their Class X exams are still fresh. Everyone finds ground to flay school Act changes Turns out, the draft Bill to amend the Delhi School Education Act and Rules 1973 has pleased no one.  Even more sign up for DU this year The number of applications for Delhi University’s undergraduate seats has increased but only marginally. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		From today, pay 8% more water charges As a part of a regular annual hike, water charges in the city will go up by 8% from June 16. It also means that sewerage charges, calculated as 70% of the water charges, will increase. 20-year-old slits throat in Bandra court A 20-year-old man, Jigar Makwana, slit his throat with a razor blade inside the Bandra metropolitan court on Monday. He was protesting against his brother’s arrest by the Khar police. No noodles barred: Leading down the 'lead' path Medicine has always made heavy weather over the presence of heavy metals in the body. Heavy metal poisoning occurs when it builds up in the body over a period of months or years. The controversy over noodles now brings our attention to lead poisoning. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Govt to seek 'fair share' in pulse import To control rising prices of pulses in the city, the Delhi government will be writing to the Centre to ask for a “fair share” in the import of pulses to ensure that there is an adequate supply of food grains in the capital. Everyone finds ground to flay school Act changes Turns out, the draft Bill to amend the Delhi School Education Act and Rules 1973 has pleased no one. Even more sign up for DU this year  The number of applications for Delhi University’s undergraduate seats has increased but only marginally.  More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Karnataka CM meets governor to broker peace Chief minister Siddaramaiah called on governor Vajubhai R Vala on Monday and reportedly discussed for three hours various issues as part of his efforts to improve the strained relationship between the government and Raj Bhavan. All pets, domestic animals need licence It's not just your pet dog that will need a licence. That cow grazing on the footpath or the buffalo which suddenly parks itself in the middle of the road need one too. Stay on processing applications extended The high court on Monday extended by two weeks, the stay on processing of applications for Akrama-Sakrama, a scheme to regularize unauthorized constructions and developments in urban areas. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Vijayawada takes a fancy to haleem Not very far from the 'haleem capital' of India - Hyderabad -Vijayawada is also getting ready to dig into a piping hot bowl of the rich delicacy just days ahead of the Ramzan season. President coming, Nilayam wakes up President Pranab Mukherjee will arrive in the city on June 29 for his 10-day southern sojourn. As always, he will stay at the Rashtrapati Nilayam in Bolarum, the only presidential retreat in south India. Mobile phone towers in Hyderabad driving migratory birds crazy Increasing radiation from thousands of mobile phone towers in Hyderabad is playing havoc with the natural flight paths of migratory birds, experts said on Monday. Rare species of birds are unable to find their way back home after winter, they added. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Parties' demand to share power puts pressure on DMK DMK’s efforts over the past few months to lay the base for a united opposition alliance for the next assembly elections has not met with much success as various smaller parties are insistent on sharing power in 2016. Ramanathapuram to get south India's largest solar plant Power major Adani group is setting up a 700MW solar power plant, the largest in south India, at an investment of 5,000 crore in Ramanathapuram district. Child trafficking: TN gets NHRC notice The National Human Rights Commission, responding to media reports that children are being trafficked frequently from many districts in Tamil Nadu to Kerala, issued notices to chief secretaries and directors general of police of both the states on Monday. They have been asked to reply to the notices within eight weeks. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		2003 Sadiq Jamal encounter: Two accused cops get bail The Gujarat high court on Monday granted conditional bail to two former cops accused in the 2003 Sadiq Jamal Mehta encounter case. Lower cut-off may engineer students' admission dream Admissions to engineering colleges this year could turn out to be a dream neatly machined for students. Statewide Congress stir against education business Congress party has threatened to stage a state-wide protest against commercialization of education in Gujarat. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Proposal for Green Park renovation to be sent to govt today The proposal for renovation and alteration of Green Park Stadium, jointly prepared by the district administration and Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association, would be sent to the government on Monday. Yoga secular but BJP giving it political colour, says Azam State urban development minister Azam Khan on Sunday said that yoga was secular but the saffron brigade was indulging in divisive politics over it. High humidity leaves city sweating After a short relief with the first pre-monsoon showers on Saturday high humidity was back with bright sunshine in the city on Sunday. Despite the drop in temperature there was no relief due to sultry weather condition. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Govt to fast-track acquarium project Problems in land acquisition and alterations in design have delayed the proposed aquarium in Puri. Foundation stone of the Rs 5-crore project was laid in January 2013. Man arrested for 1-cr land fraud Police on Sunday arrested a man on charges of duping some doctors of nearly Rs 1 crore by promising them land in the city. Uliburu scam: Govt nod to prosecute forest officer The state government recently gave permission to the vigilance to prosecute 1992-batch Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Pradeep Raj Karat in connection with the multi-crore illegal mining in Uliburu reserve forest of Keonjhar district. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		MP ministers rehearse yoga with CM for June 21 Early on Monday morning, red-beaconed ministerial vehicles sped towards 6, Shyamla Hills, the official residence of Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Cabinet ministers Sartaj Singh, Babulal Gaur, Jayant Malaiyya, Gopal Bhargava, Bhupendra Singh, Narottam Mishra, Paras Jain and ministers of state Lal Singh Arya and Surendra Singh reached CM House. Farmers suffering from depression, need support: BJP BJP national vice-president and Madhya Pradesh party in-charge Vinay Sahasrabuddhe on Monday said that not making crop insurance a priority in the country has resulted in increasing cases of depression and addiction with our rural population. Madhya Pradesh linked to AIPMT-2015 paper leak case, one booked In yet another shocker for the Madhya Pradesh government after MPPEB and DMAT scam, medial students from the state have been found involved in May 3 - All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT) leak case too. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Last day to submit BCom fee As many as 8,714 students have submitted online applications for centralized admission to BCom first year in colleges of Panjab University (PU) in Chandigarh and department of evening studies at PU. Capitol biggest property vying for heritage tag Chandigarh's Capitol Complex is the biggest property vying for Unesco's heritage tag among the nine countries in the fray. Beat workout blues with aqua zumba Mercury is rising and stepping out in the Sun has become very difficult.The idea of workout in such scorching heat is certain to leave you baffled. More Chandigarh News»

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News Digest: Govt will consider joint panel's views on land bill, Sadananda Gowda says

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Monday, June 15, 2015
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Govt will consider joint panel's views on land bill, Sadananda Gowda says The government may not after all need a joint sitting of Parliament to clear the land bill, feels law minister DV Sadananda Gowda. Pokhran village wants radiation level checked A fresh committee of experts will investigate the problem of radiation from nuclear tests conducted during Pokhran I & II affecting residents of the Khetolai village. US curbs: Nestle hints at counterfeit Maggi Caught in a regulatory mess, Nestle India said most of the Maggi products rejected by the US food regulator for import in January were not exported from India. More India News»

		Business
		Cairn India merges with Vedanta in $2.3bn deal Anil Agarwal, chairman of London-listed Vedanta Plc, is merging his cash-rich oil and gas company Cairn India that he bought for $8.7 billion in 2011 with his debt-laden mining firm Vedanta Ltd, formerly known as Sesa-Sterlite, in an all-share $2.3-billion (Rs 14,500-crore) deal to create India’s leading natural resources company. Govt to revamp sourcing, testing of telecom gear The government is looking at a major overhaul of telecom equipment sourcing and testing in India as it fears that unfettered supplies from foreign vendors, including Chinese companies, are making the system susceptible to spyware and malware from unfriendly countries and anti-national activists. Air India to raise up to $350m via ECB route Air India is raising up to $350 million to meet its working capital requirement through the external commercial borrowing (ECB) route. More Business News»

		Environment
		Wildlife tales for Lanka kids, courtesy Indian naturalists The Indian school curriculum does not have a text book to connect the school children with nature and wildlife, but Sri Lanka may boast of one soon, and that too sourced from India. Mining of sand, gravel set to resume in Haryana Mining of sand, boulder and, gravel, halted for almost five years, is set to resume shortly in Haryana, a much-needed relief to construction sector. Coastal sand mining poses environmental hazard Mining in the dune sand along the coastal belt of Andhra Pradesh has raised many eyebrows. More Environment News»

		World
		17-year-old is 'UK's youngest ever suicide bomber' A 17-year-old boy who left the UK to join the dreaded Islamic state terror group is believed to have become Britain's youngest ever suicide bomber. Algerian jihadist killed in US strike Notorious Algerian jihadist Mokhtar Belmokhtar has been killed in a US airstrike in Libya. Niger: 18 migrants found dead in Sahara desert The bodies of 18 migrants who likely died of dehydration have been found in the Sahara desert in northern Niger. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Karisma Kapoor: 10 things you didn't know Amitabh Bachchan: Crazy things his fans do Amitabh Bachchan fans are crazy when it comes to expressing their love for the superstar. Here's taking a look at the things they do to please him. Masaba to design for Shahid-Mira wedding? Heard Masaba, who is the wife of Shahid Kapoor’s close buddy Madhu Mantena, will be designing the wedding outfits of the actor and his bride Mira Rajput. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Pet photo series aims to counter 'black dog' theory It was a summer day at the dog park when Fred Levy, a professional pet photographer, overheard a conversation that he couldn't shake off. Magna Carta scribes identified ahead of its 800th anniversary In a significant find, British scientists have identified the scribes who wrote two of the four original copies of the 1215 Magna Carta, ahead of the 800th anniversary of the historic charter on Monday. Active videogames better than outdoor play? Active videogames can be a better source of physical activity than outdoor play for children between the ages of five and eight, a new study suggests. More Science News»

		Sports
		Kohli backs Dhawan to replicate Sehwag's success India skipper Virat Kohli on Sunday said that Dhawan has it in him to replicate Virender Sehwag's heroics at the top. Nadal beats Troicki to win Stuttgart grass title Rafael Nadal earned his second title of the season as he defeated Viktor Troicki to become the first man to triumph on both clay and turf at Stuttgart Open. India-Bangladesh one-off Test ends in a draw As expected, the rain-truncated one-off Test between India and Bangladesh meandered to a dull draw on Day 5 at the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah. More Sports News»

		Technology
		10 hot smartphones launched recently in India The month of May witnessed the launch of several new smartphones. Here’s the list of 10 hottest smartphones that were unveiled recently in the Indian market. Buyer's guide: Digital cameras under Rs 15,000 If you are looking for greater control over shutter speed, aperture, exposure, etc, then opt for a 'bridge' camera. 'Death of net neutrality will kill media freedom' The proposal of doing away with net neutrality, as mooted by a Trai consultation paper, raises the possibility of media websites too falling prey to the carriage fee model. More Technology News»

		Education
		When service can be a career Life in social sector allows one to make a difference. Alternative pathway American Honors (AH), a programme that allows students to transfer to a US univer sity for a Bachelor's degree after two years at a community college, is open to applications from India for the first time. Mission admission — season of confusion This is the season of confusion. Aspiring undergraduates still have some or the other query before admission time. At The Times of India's Mission Admission seminars in Delhi, many of them heard experts advising them about making academic choices and about different facets of the enrolment process at various institutions. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Diplomatic enclave project in Airoli shelved, for now Ten years on, a dream project to create a diplomatic enclave in Airoli by carving out a zone for embassies so as to shift their visa and other international services, has been shelved for now, reliable government sources said. Rain fails to cast damper on Vasai-Virar poll turnout The Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) polls on Sunday saw a voter turnout of over 50%, despite heavy rains in the region. Mangroves gutted in Wadala blaze The fire that broke out on the Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) land in the Wadala area on Saturday evening was extinguished by Sunday morning. Petrol leaking from a 14-inch MbPT pipeline that was being repaired had caught fire, and flames 20-30 feet high had led to the shutting down of the Eastern Freeway and burnt over half a kilometre of mangroves. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Travel fast and cheap as Metro shrinks Delhi Come 2016, and Delhi is all set to become smaller.Thanks to 18 more interchange stations--connecting two or more lines--in Phase III of Delhi Metro, distances will shrink. CM: Single helpline for civic issues The Delhi government is planning a one-stop helpline, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has said. But the helpline will have to wait till the municipal polls in 2017 which the AAP is hoping to win. Jamia Millia Islamia entrance paper leaked Jamia Millia Islamia has postponed its entrance test for bachelor of dental surgery (BDS), which was scheduled for Sunday, following reports of the test paper being leaked a day before the exam. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Civic complaints in Bengaluru fall between agencies The citizen, faced with traffic snarls, overflowing drains, long power cuts and fallen trees, finds there are too many helplines, many of which don't work Yoga is an antidote to restlessness, says Karan Bajaj The practice has a spiritual heritage, says this author Answer to water crisis blowing in air Bengaluru-based scientist and his team have developed a device that can literall y produce water capturing atmospheric humidity. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Four dead as rain wreaks havoc in city At least four people died as their house collapsed in heavy rain triggered by the southwest monsoon in Ranga Reddy district early on Sunday. The rains also wreaked havoc across the city, flooding streets and inundating several low-lying areas. Ban on plastic all set to be back in SCB The Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) is all set to ban use of polythene bags in its jurisdiction. Though the move is not new, being revived after a gap of five years, SCB officials want to enforce polythene ban strictly this time. Install CCTVs or pay fine, shops told With efforts to ring the city with closed circuit television (CCTV) network under the Public Safety Act failing to bring the desired result, the Hyderabad police have decided to crack the whip on business establishments that are ignoring the directive to install electronic eyes. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Beno wants to begin her journey by meeting Modi "I am grateful that the central government has modified some parameters in order to give me the assignment," Beno reiterated. 150 dead, now Madras HC to monitor ban on manual scavenging Pointing out that more than 150 people had died since 1993 while manually clearing sewerage blocks in Tamil Nadu, the Madras high court said it would henceforth monitor implementation of manual scavenging laws in the state. Chennai records 45 break-ins in two and a half months Summer temperatures may have eased off a bit but city residents are finding the heat is still on — from burglars. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Wash away diabetic foot fear Senior diabetologist Dr Mayur Patel On Sunday steered 'Save A Leg' campaign that saw 100 family members reviving the age-old tradition of washing feet of elders to raise awareness on diabetic foot. Man jumps to death in Sabarmati River A 33-year-old man committed suicide by jumping in Sabarmati River after alleged harassment by moneylenders.The body was fished out on Sunday from Ellisbridge. Woman abducted by estranged husband rescued in capital A 32-year-old woman was abducted from Ghatlodia by her estranged husband and brother-in-law late on Friday night but she managed to free herself in Gandhinagar and call the state capital’s police control room. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Allahabad University to start MSc rural development The students would be able to pursue a new MSc course in Allahabad University. Police constable run over by a truck in Kaushambi A police constable was killed in an accident after he was hit by a truck at Kokhraj toll plaza in Kaushambi district on Saturday. Chowkidars to lead anti-crime drive in rural Kaushambi Unable to check spiraling crime graph, Kaushambi police has once again turned to chowkidars to put a tab on anti-social elements of the district. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		BJP plans to showcase Modi's success in state The BJP plans to aggressively take up the "achievements" of the Narendra Modi government at the grassroots level and compare it with the "failure" of the Naveen Patnaik government here. Mentor institute gives final diagnosis for IIM What was being feared for a long time is almost certain now. In all probability, the proposed Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Odisha, will not admit students in this academic year. Nabard brings variety of mangoes to Bhubaneswar Mango lovers in the city have a sumptuous treat this year at the four-day mango festival organized by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) here. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Road accident claims lives of four Four persons including a woman and a child died in a road accident in a Dhar village on Sunday night. Communal tension spread in Dhar town after inflammatory posters Communal tension was spread in Khalghat village of Dhar district on Sunday morning after inflammatory posters were found pasted on the walls in the village. Veterans show strength on OROP issue in Mhow About 500 ex-servicemen of Mhow and nearby places gathered at the Dreamland square on Sunday morning to express solidarity with the nation wide protest of the veterans on the issue of One Rank One Pension (OROP) issue being raised by the Defence personnel since last four decades. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Sikh beats US army in court for turban right In a historic decision, a US federal court has allowed a Sikh student to enroll with its campus Reserve Officer Training Corps unit with his beard, long hair and turban. In 2013, Hofstra University student Iknoor Singh had been denied entry unless he got rid of all his articles of faith. Modi's visit to Anandpur Sahib off Taking some sheen off Punjab government's mega plans to celebrate the 350th foundation year of Anandpur Sahib shrine, the Prime Minister's Office on Sunday conveyed to the state government that Narendra Modi will not attend the event on June 19. Free Sikh convicts: RSS offshoot to HM At a time when the BJP was differing with its alliance partner SAD over the release of Sikh prisoners, Rashtriya Sikh Sangat, an affiliate of RSS, has landed at the doors of Union home minister Rajnath Singh making demands that could ruffle a few feathers in its political wing. More Chandigarh News»

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