News Digest: NREGS' essence is its problem now

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Friday, April 03, 2015
		Today's Headlines

		India
		NREGS' essence is its problem now Guarantee' and 'employment' - the very two words that brought sheen to NREGS for many years - have become the biggest challenge to one of the most ambitious pro-poor schemes in the world. Awarding of highway projects up by two times in 2014-15 Award of highway projects has increased over two-times during 2014-15 in comparison to 2013-14, a development that would help government push more construction in the next two years. Did the advent of ultrasound machines kill Gujrat daughters? In the past eight days, four repeat offenders have been caught in Ahmedabad and Surat performing sex determination — a process often followed by killing the girl child in womb. More India News»

		Business
		'Does Apple Inc knows how to build cars of future' As tech companies foray into the automobile sector and auto companies drive into the digitized future, the lines are blurring on both sides. Chennai power cos welcome solar tariff extn Opposition parties are crying wolf over the extension of solar power tariff but power producers say further reduction of per unit power price will dampen investor enthusiasm. World Bank's tech push for urban bodies in Chennai Administration of urban local bodies in the state is likely to get a great deal more efficient over the next few years as it piggybacks on a World Bank-funded technology enhancement drive. More Business News»

		Environment
		Himalayan vulture makes a comeback in the Aravalis The Himalayan griffon vulture, a threatened species was recently spotted in the Aravalis along Gurgaon-Faridabad highway, near Mangar Bani sacred grove. Mice sing like songbirds to woo mates Male mice sing surprisingly complex songs to seduce females, similar to songbirds, according to a new study. Some ants have more taste for human food than others It's not just people who love the food in New York City. So do certain ants. More Environment News»

		World
		2 NYC women arrested on charges they plotted to build bomb Two women were arrested Thursday on charges they plotted to wage violent jihad by building a homemade bomb and using it for a Boston Marathon-type attack. Ex-lawmaker says Obama is like crash co-pilot, stirs row Former Congresswoman Michele Bachmann went over the top on Tuesday, comparing Obama to the German pilot whose mass murder—suicide has captured the headlines in recent days. Netanyahu tells Obama Iran deal 'threat to Israel's survival' The framework nuclear deal agreed with Iran would jeopardise Israel's existence if implemented, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's spokesman quoted him as saying to US President Barack Obama on Friday. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Neha Sargam loses 7 kilos for a show Neha Sargam, who was last seen in Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon?... Ek Baar Phir has been finalised to play the lead in Sudhir Sharma's show titled Siddhi. Why Karanvir Bohra returned to 'Qubool Hai'? Actor Karanvir Bohra, who plays Aahil in 'Qubool Hai', was in the news recently for quitting the show. He shot his last episode last week and had then considered it the end of his journey on the show. However, the actor has decided to revoke his decision. He confirms, “I had a meeting with the production house recently and they convinced me to stay back.” Actors caught sleeping on the sets Daily soap actors are more prone to hectic schedules and back to back shoots. The long, never ending working hours sometimes takes a toll on their health and the actors fall asleep on the sets without realizing that they are actually at their work places. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		'Exploding head syndrome' hits 20% of US teens Exploding head syndrome sounds like a mock malady but it actually affects one-fifth of college students, according to a study published recently in the Journal of Sleep Research. This helmet will tell your way Motorcyclists will no longer have to rely on maps or GPS systems, both of which require riders to take their eyes off the road, once a new Russian smart helmet goes on sale this summer. Centre nod to mega research on mobile radiation Sixteen leading scientific institutions across India have been allowed to conduct research on the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF), particularly radiating from cell phone towers, on human health. More Science News»

		Sports
		Jwala slams sports ministry over funding scheme snub Jwala Gutta lashed out at the Indian government after finding herself left out of the scheme to fund the country's top prospective medal winners at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Kamal removed from ceremony after refusing to apologise It was only after Mustafa Kamal allegations on the integrity of the match officials which resulted in his removal from the World Cup presentation party. Saina Nehwal storms into Malaysia Open quarterfinals Saina Nehwal continued her rampaging international run, notching up straight games victory over China's Yao Xue to enter Malaysia Open Super Series Premier quarterfinals. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Centre working on new law similar to Section 66A: Fadnavis Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the Centre is working on formulating a new law under IT Act. Gionee gearing to launch Elife E8 in June Gionee president William Lu told TOI Tech the company’s new flagship phone will be released in June 2015 globally, including India. 17 things you didn't know your iPhone could do Most of us nearly attached to our iPhones — we use them all day everyday, but you may be surprised to learn that there are still a handful of things it can do which you probably didn't know about. More Technology News»

		Education
		Internal inefficiency hampers UGC functioning, says senior member Senior UGC member M M Ansari has said the regulator suffers from "internal inefficiency" while also blaming the HRD ministry for "dwarfing the body and crippling its role in regulation of higher educational institutions". Record 14% of aspirants clear central teachers test The Central Teacher Eligibility Test 2015 results have seen a significant improvement compared to past record. Seeking Gujarati heart in Kenyan economy When Misha Mintz-Roth worked as a financial executive in Nairobi a decade ago, he was intrigued by the extent to which Gujarati families populated Kenya’s business community. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Colaba cleared of hawkers again, but only for a VIP It seems to be turning into a routine. Hawkers are cleared from Colaba Causeway and lanes leading off it before a VIP pass-through and are allowed to return promptly afterwards. High costs a worry for renal failure patients Experts estimate that over 2 lakh Indians develop end-stage kidney disease every year. But less than 10% of these can afford treatment because of the high costs. Mulund dump fire under control Fires at dumping grounds in the city seem to have become a common affair. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Delhi corporation contractors plan strike from Monday After sanitation workers, municipal contractors are now threatening to go on strike over non-payment of dues. Waste now flung on North Delhi roads Sanitation workers of North and South Corporations have gone on strike as their demands for regularization of their jobs and a cashless medical insurance scheme have not been taken up. Delhi government won't take excuses for electric cuts Delhi government on Tuesday warned the city's three discoms BSES Rajdhani, BSES Yamuna and Tata Power Delhi of "serious consequences" if they resort to unreasonable excuses for load shedding and directed them to ensure uninterrupted power supply in the national capital. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Marg darshan speech: LK Advani doubtful, BJP hopeful Even as the three-day BJP national executive meet opened in Bengaluru on Thursday, party leaders are keeping their fingers crossed on whether the party’s patriarch LK Advani will give them “marg darshan” (guidance), a convention he established in 1980. Land bill takes centre stage at BJP meet in Bengaluru The land bill, a big concern of the Narendra Modi government, became the focal point at the BJP national executive meeting that took off in Bengaluru on Thursday morning. Bengaluru mourns its bright daughter Struck by grief and shock, Pavagada voluntarily shut down on Thursday to mourn the town’s teenager, Gouthami Ramesh, who was allegedly shot dead by her college attendant in her hostel room in southeast Bengaluru on Tuesday night. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Now, you can register property on the net The Andhra Pradesh government on Thursday formally put in place the “anywhere online registration“ scheme that enables a property owner or buyer to complete most of the process, including payment of the fee, online. They need to go to the sub-registrar office only for the final act of registration. Hyderabad HC suspends JNTU circular on faculty selection The high court on Thursday suspended the circular issued by the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) directing all engineering colleges to have one nominee from the university in the selection committees which are meeting to select faculty. Robotics may hold the key for autistic children Autistic children got rare lessons from a robot in a first-ever move that could eventually revolutionize the way these special children are taught better ways to communicate and learn. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Chennai woman who came to buy gilt goes with gold She came as if to buy gold-plated ornaments, and left with the saleswoman's seven sovereigns of gold. TN asks AIR to vacate Marina campus Eyeing takeover of a premium piece of real estate, the Tamil Nadu government has asked All India Radio (AIR) to return the property opposite Marina Lighthouse leased to the broadcaster 60 years ago. ED action result of political vendetta: Maran A day after the Enforcement Directorate attached assets worth 742 crore belonging to him and his family in the Aircel-Maxis deal case, former telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran said on Thursday the move was a result of political vendetta. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Ahmedabad cops ask HQ of messaging app for leak details Despite several arrests in the Biology paper leak case, police now know that the leak is widespread but can’t identify the recipients of the leaked paper. Dengue-like virus rears its head in Ahmedabad Even as swine flu is receding because of rising temperatures, dengue seems to be raising its head in Ahmedabad. 1500 villages under scanner for Lion census beginning from May 2 The much awaited Asiatic Lion census, covering one of the biggest ever area in its census will cover over 1500 villages around the sanctuary. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Protest against PSC chief turns violent Violence broke out in the city on Wednesday during a protest against UP Public Service Commission with hundreds of aspirants and students going on rampage pelting stones at policemen, vandalising dozens of vehicles, including a Provincial Arms Constabulary (PAC) bus, setting city bus afire and raising slogans against the commission and the state government. CCTV footage help cops nab notorious auto-lifters Finding no other option for tighten the noose around auto-lifters, the men-in-khaki are now taking assistance of CCTV footages to nab them. Railway yet to launch train to Kanpur Even as the railway department had made a tradition to announce new trains during the railway budget every financial year, the much anticipated Prayag-Kanpur Intercity Express, announced in the past interim railway budget of financial year 2014-15 has not yet been launched. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Extra item on Berhampur menu Badi chips were served along with rice and dalma at four places here on Wednesday after the launch of Aahar scheme. 'Delay in MPLAD projects led to wasteful spending' The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) found that projects taken up with MP local area development (LAD) funds in the state suffered from slow progress. Medical college tag for IGH Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted Rourkela with a medical college and announced a second bridge over the Brahmani near Rourkela on the Biramitrapur-Barkote section of NH-143. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Harassment of minor on train: Kin demand watertight case Parents of 10-year-old survivor who was sexually harassed by a law graduate on a train between Jabalpur and Bhopal on March 16 have alleged police have not made a watertight case against the accused. Face of anti-tobacco campaign Sunita Tomar dies in Gwalior Sunita Tomar, 28, who became the poster girl of India's anti-tobacco campaign after the Union ministry made a 30-second video - 'Sunita' - highlighting the devastating effect of smokeless tobacco - died on early on Wednesday in Gwalior district. Sexual harassments on train A 21-year-old woman was sexually harassed by a drunk soldier on Rajdhani Express on Tuesday night.The woman managed to contact police after which the accused was arrested at Bhopal railway station. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Gang rape victim ends life in Sonipat of NCR In yet another shocking incident, a 17-year old girl, who was allegedly gangraped by two youths in September last year, committed suicide at her house in Sonipat city of NCR area of Haryana on Thursday morning. Yadav-Bhushan supporters to hold 'convention' in Chandigarh Days after Yogendera Yadav and Prashant Bhushan were expelled from the national executive of Aam Aadmi Party, their supporters from Punjab and Haryana would meet in Chandigarh on April 7. Three underpasses in Gurgaon get Haryana CM's nod For thousands of harried commuters who waste precious time and money to cross the Delhi-Gurgaon expressway, relief might soon be at hand. More Chandigarh News»

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News Digest: Togadia banned from entering into West Bengal

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Thursday, April 02, 2015
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Togadia banned from entering into West Bengal The Mamata Banerjee government on Wednesday banned VHP's International working president Praveen Togadia from setting foot in Bengal. Madan lodges FIR against Ponzi firm Transport minister Madan Mitra, in the dock for his alleged involvement in the Saradha scam, has filed an FIR against another Ponzi firm, alleging that it used his name for promotional purposes without his knowledge. Anxious families in Kolkata wait for news of Yemen workers The families of jewellery workers from Hooghly stranded in the strifetorn Yemen are spending sleepless nights. More India News»

		Business
		India must surpass China in steel production: Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday linked steel production to India's defence preparedness and said India cannot afford to lag behind China in this field. Price cut for petrol, diesel, CNG and PNG The Modi government on Wednesday turned falling international prices into a bonanza for fuel consumers by way of cuts in the prices of petrol, diesel, CNG and PNG. Sops for SEZs in government's export boost The government on Wednesday announced a slew of incentives and new institutional mechanisms as part of the new Foreign Trade Policy to nearly double country’s goods and services exports to $900 billion by 2019-2020. More Business News»

		Environment
		Air pollution worsens as govts sit on action plans The national capital's poor air quality may be killing silently and slowly, but successive governments, irrespective of which political party headed them, have seemed in no hurry to act. Delhi can't cut air pollution alone A day after Union environment minister Prakash Javadekar slammed the Delhi government for not submitting an action plan to counter air pollution, the AAP government sent the Centre a rebuttal on Wednesday. Animals can predict earthquakes: Study For the first time scientists have been able to capture and document how the behaviour of wild animals changes prior to an earthquake - a development which may help with short-term seismic forecasting. More Environment News»

		World
		Iran nuke talks extended once again Negotiations over Iran's nuclear program headed for double overtime on Wednesday, beset by competing claims and recriminations after differences forced diplomats to abandon their March 31 deadline for the outline of a deal. US Senator Menendez indicted on corruption charges US Democratic Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey was indicted on corruption charges, allegations that the high-ranking lawmaker said he would address at a news conference on Wednesday night. California governor orders mandatory water restrictions California governor Jerry Brown ordered officials Wednesday to impose statewide mandatory water restrictions for the first time in history as surveyors found the lowest snow level in the Sierra Nevada snowpack in 65 years of record-keeping. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Akshay Kumar: Bebo is my lucky charm Akshay Kumar, who is currently busy with promotions of Gabbar Is Back, was overheard saying that Kareena Kapoor Khan's song in the movie, Teri Meri Kahaani, is a treat Emraan anxious to show son Ayaan Mr. X? Emraan Hashmi’s son Ayaan has now turned five. While he loves his father and has loved movies since he was born, Emraan chose to not show him his earlier films due to the kisses in them. What's brewing between Hina Khan and producer? What’s brewing between TV actress Hina Khan and her show’s supervising producer Rocky (Jaywant Jaiswal)? Sources say that the two are more than just friends and they were even spotted recently in South Africa sharing good moments with each other. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Moon's first settlers may live in giant city-sized lava tubes The first human settlers on the moon may live inside giant lava tubes large enough to house cities, which were formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, new research suggests. Revealed: Story of how Earth got its continents Scientists have unveiled how continents were formed on Earth over 2.5 billion years ago — and how those processes have continued for the last 70 million years to profoundly affect the planet's life and climate. Bionic ants could power tomorrow's industries Robotic ants the size of a human hand that work together could be the future of factory production systems. More Science News»

		Sports
		Winning Ranji Trophy on debut best career moment: Ganguly Former India captain Sourav Ganguly rated his debut in the Ranji Trophy winning final moment in 1989-90 was perhaps the best moment in his glittering cricketing career. IPL 8 opening ceremony to be held in Kolkata on April 7 The opening ceremony of the 2015 Indian Premier League (IPL) will be held at the Salt Lake Stadium on April 7, a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) statement said on Wednesday. Open to play any role for Chennai Super Kings: Hussey Michael Hussey is happy to be back at the Chennai Super Kings and the 39-year-old Australian is open to performing any role for the two-time IPL champions. More Sports News»

		Technology
		These IT skills can get you 25% hike Niche skills and domain expertise will rule the roost in the information technology sector this year. Facebook accused of tracking all users even if they delete accounts A new report claims that Facebook secretly installs tracking cookies on users’ computers, allowing them to follow users around the internet even after they’ve left the website. Pros and cons of buying a gadget from abroad It's a common dilemma — should you buy that latest laptop, camera, phone or projector from India or from abroad? More Technology News»

		Education
		Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University prepares for new choice-based credit system Appointment of principals in non-granted affiliated colleges, disaffiliating institutes who do not have staff as per sanctioned number of posts for postgraduate sections are some of the tough measures Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University (BAMU) has mooted as a part of its resolve for introducing the choice-based credit system (CBCS) from 2015-16. IGNOU admissions to begin in May Admissions to the next session of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) for the graduate, postgraduate, certificate and postgraduate diploma programmes will begin around the first week of May and end by the first week of July AAP slams private schools for flouting norms A delegation of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Noida members on Wednesday met officials of the district administration and informed them that private schools have allegedly been flouting admission norms. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		7-year-old UK girl killed in Matheran riding mishap A seven-year-old British national who was visiting Matheran with her family, died on Tuesday after the horse she was riding went out of control and dragged her up to 100 meters. Rail portal helps identify dead man who fell off outstation train The railway police’s website ‘Shodh’ recently proved instrumental in solving a puzzle of a 22-year-old pharma employee’s mysterious disappearence from a long-distance train. Child access: HC to frame new guidelines The Bombay high court (HC) on Wednesday said it is in the process of framing fresh guidelines for grant of access of minor children in custody battles between parents. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Four arrested for murder of ex-MLA in Delhi Closing in on the perpetrators of ex-MLA Bharat Singh's murder, special cell has rounded up four members of the Naveen Khati gang. Too many mishaps, rein in errant DTC drivers: Police Concerned over the number of fatal accidents involving DTC buses, the traffic police have asked the transport authorities to rein in the errant drivers. Car hits Delhi school cab, 4 kids hurt Children from a school in northwest Delhi had a close shave when their cab was hit head on by a speeding car. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		I hope my daughter's face is restored, says Shirisha's dad Who is this Mahesh? How did he get a gun? Why did he shoot my daughter?“ Srinath BR, father of Shirisha, the girl who was shot through her mouth, sat benumbed by Tuesday night's murderous attempt. Needed: Intelligent design solutions Church Street is perhaps one of the most well-connected and accessible roads in Bengaluru. In fact, its name has been derived from the fact that it used to lead directly to St Mark's Church, which was also visible while walking on the street. As thieves thrive, women wield cane Cane-wielding women from Belagavi could teach men in khaki a thing or two. When cops failed to curb increasing chain-snatching incidents, these women didn't lose heart. Instead, they secured their safety by sourcing a simple weapon - a stick - to keep the miscreants away. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Murder accused astrologer shot at in Hyderabad The murderous rivalry between two families of West Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh bared its fangs in Hyderabad when two armed assailants shot at a 62-year-old astrologer, an accused in a murder case, at Saroornagar on Wednesday. Investors in Andhra Pradesh to get nod in 21 days In a first of its kind industrial policy, the AP cabinet on Wednesday decided to accord in-principle approvals within 21 days to all industries, except heavy units. Andhra Pradesh seeks to set up HC in capital region The Andhra Pradesh government on Tuesday told the Hyderabad high court that it wants to set up its high court at its capital region in Guntur district. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Tangedco to lose Rs 10,000cr due to solar power tariff extension: TNERC member Knives are out at the three-member Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission with the rebel member S Nagalswamy differing with member G Rajagopal and chairman S Akshay kumar on the move to extend existing solar power tariff rates by one year. 5 killed, 43 injured as truck overturns in Villupuram Five people including two teenage boys were killed and 43 others injured when the truck in which they were travelling overturned near Kandachipuram in Villupuram district on Wednesday. Udangudi plant lands in HC again An Indo-Chinese consortium of power engineering companies, which emerged as the lowest bidder for the 8,016-crore 1,320MW thermal power plant at Udangudi, has moved the Madras high court challenging the controversial cancellation of the entire tender process by the state government. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Bookies partied hard, invested in property The accused in the Rs 4,000 crore international cricket betting racket unearthed last month loved to party and had even held a grand party in Mumbai days before they were caught in a raid by Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 18. Education neglected in state's tribal areas: CAG The implementation of Right to Education (RTE) and other educational schemes in the tribal areas of the state has been poor, says the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India in its latest social sector audit of the Gujarat government. Court lifts stay on Lakhota lake beautification in Jamnagar Gujarat high court on Wednesday gave the green signal to the beautification project for Jamnagar’s famous Lakhota Lake by dismissing two public interest litigations which took exception to the civic body’s project on the grounds that green laws were ignored. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Now link your aadhar number with voter-id data Voters can now link their Aadhar number with elector’s photo identity card number (EPIC) data using web service like national voters’ service portal (NVSP) under a project, National Electoral Roll Purification and Authentication Programme (NERPAP) of the Election Commission of India. Evaluation of UP Board answer copies yet to begin Future of around 64 lakh students, who appeared in class 10 and 12 exams of UP Board is hanging in balance with teachers continuing to boycott the evaluation work for the third consecutive day on Wednesday. Even the ongoing talks between education department and Madhyamik Shikshak Sangh to end the stalemate failed. Students Set PAC Bus Afire After Police Cane-Charge A protest against UP Public Service Commission (UPPSC) turned violent on Wednesday after hundreds of aspirants and students went on a rampage pelting stones at policemen, vandalising vehicles, including a Provincial Arms Constabulary (PAC) bus, and raising slogans against the commission chairman and the state government. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Hartal hits normal life in state The dawn-to-dusk shut down called by Bidyut Upabhokta Mahasangh demanding immediate rollback of increase in power tariff announced by the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) hit the life across the state on Tuesday. E-solution to Plus II re-checking problems The Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE) has decided to provide soft copies of answer-sheets to Plus II science students who apply for re-checking after publication of the results. Rourkela rolls out red carpet for PM All eyes are on what Prime Minister Narendra Modi would announce for Odisha during his visit to the Steel City on the occasion of Utkal Divas on Wednesday."Odisha became a separate state on this date in 1936. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		MP BJP fails to achieve Amit Shah's membership target Even as BJP is getting ready to declare itself as the largest political party in the world beating Communist Party of China at the national executive meeting starting in Bangaluru on Thursday, the party’s Madhya Pradesh unit failed to reach its membership target. 3 arrested from MP dy speaker's farm for poaching tiger cub day after a male tiger cub was killed by poachers inside the farm owned by deputy speaker of Madhya Pradesh Assembly Rajendra Singh, state forest officials have arrested three people including farm's caretaker Kundan Sahu. Spread over 50 acres Singh's farmhouse house is located in buffer zone of Bandhavgarh National Tiger Reserve in Umaria district. 2 minors sexually assaulted in Betul, Satna Two minors including an eight-month-old infant were sexually assaulted in Betul and Satna districts on Madhya Pradesh on Sunday. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Yadav-Bhushan supporters to hold 'convention' in Chandigarh Days after Yogendera Yadav and Prashant Bhushan were expelled from the national executive of Aam Aadmi Party, their supporters from Punjab and Haryana would meet in Chandigarh on April 7. Three underpasses in Gurgaon get Haryana CM's nod For thousands of harried commuters who waste precious time and money to cross the Delhi-Gurgaon expressway, relief might soon be at hand. Inspired by Pataudi, Baljit plays on Back in 2009, former national hockey team goalkeeper Baljit Singh Dadhwal had suffered a career-ending eye injury during a practice camp in Pune. More Chandigarh News»

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