News Digest: Bengal BJP lacks credible face

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Sunday, May 03, 2015
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Bengal BJP lacks credible face Enrolling party members by giving a missed call to BJP’s toll free number is much easier than getting votes. Bengal BJP has learnt the lesson the hard way in the recently concluded KMC and municipal polls. Buying spectacles online could be a shortsighted move Glasses ordered online sometimes come with incorrect measurements and the buyer is often responsible for giving wrong prescription. Legalize medical cannabis, activists say Viki Vaurora, a passionate campaign er for medical marijuana, says it is time to bust the myths around the much maligned weed. More India News»

		Business
		Gold skids below Rs 27,000 mark Gold prices plunged sharply and closed below the psychological Rs 27,000 benchmark on the bullion market here on Saturday following frantic unwinding by stockists and speculative traders marred by heightened global volatility. India's forex reserves touch record high at $345bn India's foreign exchange reserves rose $1.4 billion in the week ended April 24 to touch $344.6 billion, creating a new record, the Reserve Bank of India said on Friday. No new bailout needed if debt restructured: Greek FM Yanis Varoufakis insisted Saturday that Greece would not require a new bailout from its international creditors if they would simply restructure its debt. More Business News»

		Environment
		Larks killed in lakhs in Birbhum for delicious meat Bird lovers have sounded the alarm bell on large-scale poaching of a migratory bird in Birbhum. 'Large herbivores face extinction' As per a new study, populations of some of the world's large herbivores are dwindling, raising the threat of an "empty landscape." Environment minister wants green orders to be practical Speaking exclusively to ET, Javadekar refrained from directly commenting on the National Green Tribunal but called for greater consultation on critical issues. More Environment News»

		World
		Islamic State kills some 25 captive Iraqi Yazidis Islamic State group militants shot to death at least 25 captive Yazidis at a prison camp in northern Iraq, a Yazidi lawmaker said Saturday, the latest mass killing carried out by the extremists targeting the sect. 'Maldives democracy at risk after mass arrests' John Kerry said Saturday that democracy was in danger in the Maldives as police made nearly 200 arrests at a protest over the jailing of the paradise islands' ex-president. Suicide attack kills 6 in Baghdad A suicide car bomber today attacked Iraqi forces west of the capital, Baghdad, killing at least six troops, officials said, as the Canadian prime minister paid a surprise visit to Iraq. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Deepika: Thank God, my dad's not like this Shoojit Sircar’s film Vicky Donor touched hearts despite dealing with a quirky subject like sperm donation. Divyanka says no to dance at Karan's sangeet It was an evening filled with many performances as Ankita Bhargava and Karan Patel exchanged rings at their sangeet ceremony. Pak Film Fest cancelled, Bhandarkar upset Bollywood filmmaker, Madhur Bhandarkar, is upset as the Rafi Peer International Film Festival in Lahore has been cancelled. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Scientists can foretell lightning Scientists can now estimate the months when lightning flashes are likely to be more frequent around Mumbai and Pune so that precautions can be taken to prevent loss of life and property. Extended cosmic ray exposure may leave Mars bound astronauts with dementia Astronauts who have extended mission on Mars may suffer dementia due to the exposure to galactic cosmic ray for long. Keen sense of touch allows bats to fly with precision Bats fly with breathtaking precision because their wings are equipped with highly sensitive touch sensors, cells that respond to even slight changes in airflow, scientists say. More Science News»

		Sports
		Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Chennai Super Kings by 22 runs Sunrisers Hyderabad registered their first victory against Chennai Super Kings at home when they beat the two-time champions by 22 runs in Hyderabad. Edgy Federer survives Schwartzman test in Istanbul Roger Federer survived a stern test from world No. 63 Diego Schwartzman to advance into the final of the Istanbul Open after a tense three set encounter. IPL 8: Mandeep wins an exciting match for RCB against KKR Mandeep Singh kept his cool under pressure as his breathtaking 18-ball-45 enabled Royal Challengers Bangalore pip Kolkata Knight Riders by 7 wickets. More Sports News»

		Technology
		15 accurate predictions Bill Gates made in 1999 In 1999, Bill Gates wrote a book titled "Business @ the Speed of Thought."In the book, Gates makes 15 bold predictions that at the time might have sounded outrageous. All-India MNP deadline delayed by 2 months The Department of Telecom (DoT) has extended the deadline to fully implement the mobile number portability (MNP) across the country by another two months. Wipro plans to cut costs by $300 million in FY16 At a recent Wipro executive meet, CEO TK Kurien articulated an ambitious plan to reduce $300 million from the company’s cost of operations in the current fiscal. More Technology News»

		Education
		Delhi board, separate syllabi for government schools soon: Manish Sisodia In a bid to make a complete overhaul of the school education in Delhi, the AAP government is working towards setting up a state education board. Railway minister Suresh Prabhu to award gold medals to VTU rank holders Visvesvaraya Technological University’s (VTU) 14th convocation is scheduled on 9th May at Jnana-Sangama campus of the varsity in Belagavi. 20 million students affected by teachers' strike in Bihar Nearly 20 million students in Bihar's government-run schools have been affected due to an indefinite teachers' strike in support of over 3.5 lakh contractual teachers, officials said here on Saturday. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Mumbai in mess as BMC sits on Rs 41k cr cash A little-known secret of the city’s municipal corporation can now finally be told. Mumbai police inspector shot by junior dead In the drama that played itself out inside the Vakola police station premises on Saturday evening, ASI Dilip Shirke (55) shot at his senior inspector Vilas Joshi (53) and his orderly constable Babasaheb Aher with his service revolver before shooting himself dead. City in mess as BMC sits on 41k cr cash A little-known secret of the city’s municipal corporation can now finally be told. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which daily touches the lives of over 12 million Mumbaikars in some way or the other, is currently sitting on bank deposits totalling a mind-numbing Rs 40,643 crore More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Rahul homes in on middle class, takes up fight for flat buyers Rahul Gandhi said on Saturday he would support middle-class homebuyers just as he had stood by farmers, lending his voice to the cause of thousands of people in NCR cities plagued by inordinate delays in the delivery of flats. AIIMS exhibition for school kids Schoolchildren got a rare opportunity on Saturday to learn about essential topics of healthcare such as organ and blood donation at a two-day exhibition, Catalyst, organized by MBBS students of AIIMS. Street kids chip in for quake relief Street children have come together to do their bit for victims of the Nepal earthquake. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Industries in Bengaluru's Whitefield likely to be shoved out An alleged misunderstanding between two government departments more than 60 years ago is threatening the operations of industries located across a vast area in Whitefield. Long weekend: All roads lead to Kodagu On Friday, all roads from Bengaluru and surrounding areas led to the picturesque town of Madikeri, with weekenders packing their bags to make the most of the extended holiday. Complaint filed against ITI principal Students of SEA Industrial Training Institute lodged a police complaint against their principal N Padma Raju on Saturday for allegedly giving corporal punishment to them. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		MLA attacks cops for pulling the plug on blaring baraat Mangalhat MLA Raja Singh allegedly attacked policemen on duty when they tried to stop blaring music, causing nuisance to locals, at Dhoolpet late on Friday night. Proposed EMC awaits nod from Centre At a time when the Andhra Pradesh government is trying to woo investors in the manufacturing sector, the districts of Chittoor and Anantapur in Rayalaseema seem to be stealing a march over the Port City as destinations for the electronics manufacturing sector. IAS officers pile up prime properties When it comes to acquiring immovable properties, IAS officers seem to have the knack of zooming in on upmarket areas or areas that have a near-guaranteed growth prospect. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Outages unlikely this summer as TNEB bridges gap The city is set for another harsh summer. But, this summer might be the first in seven years without outages. Govt orders on disabled quota under HC scrutiny All government orders in Tamil Nadu allowing or disallowing disabled persons from applying for certain posts in government services have come under judicial scrutiny, with the Madras high court making it clear that it would go through all such orders and circulars to ascertain possible anomalies and discriminations. House painter dies in hosp, family alleges negligence Family members of a 22-year-old house painter who died at the Employee’s State Insurance Corporation hospital in K K Nagar on Saturday morning protested outside the hospital alleging that the hospital staff’s negligence led his death. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Members oppose Gujarat University notification Some members of the board of studies of Gujarat University on Saturday registered their protest against the notification issued by the university giving powers to the vice-chancellor for appointment of four members to each board of studies. Will persuade Kashmiri Pandits to return: Mufti Jammu & Kashmir chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Saturday said his government will persuade Kashmiri Pandits to come back and stressed that necessary actions will be taken against those who have unfurled the Pakistani flag in Kashmir Valley. Raids on vendors of plastic cups continue AMC health officials continued their raids on vendors selling plastic cups and poor quality plastic bags. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		NCC cadets prepare for International Yoga Day To celebrate the First International Yoga Day in a big way, at least 5,300 officers and cadets of National Cadet Corps (NCC) of all the universities, colleges and schools would be trained by yoga gurus for a massive exercise to be carried out on June 21. Karwarias' bail plea to be taken up today The bail application of former BSP MP Kapil Muni Karwaria and his brother MLC Suraj Bhan Karwaria in SP MLA Jawahar Yadav murder case will be heard by the additional sessions judge (ASJ) on Thursday. Interviews for principals' post from May 18 The long-awaited interviews for filling 900 vacant posts of principals in aided colleges across the state would start from May 18. More Allahabad News»

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		Bhopal
		Bride refuses to marry drunk groom in Madhya Pradesh's Singrauli district A bride in Madhya Pradesh has refused to marry a groom who reached the marriage venue in an inebriated condition on Friday night. 2 youths nabbed, 14 gold chains recovered in Bhopal Two youths were arrested on Friday and 14 gold chains worth Rs 4 lakh they allegedly looted from posh areas in capital were recovered from them. Coaching camp at Bhopal's BHEL Golf Club from May 4 Golf Club will organise a month long coaching camp from May 4 at golf course situated inside JP Narayanan sports complex. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		15 Punjab teachers to receive awards of Rs 1 lakh each Fifteen teachers – three each in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English and Social Science – from government higher secondary and high schools of Punjab have been selected for the Malti Gyan Peeth Puraskar 2015 for promoting quality teaching and encouraging education of girl child in Punjab. Moga teen's kin mourn over her drawings Tucked away in crumbling alley, deceased Moga teen's home in village Landeke was wrapped in an eerie silence on Friday. Punjab Congress to gherao Orbit buses in Mohali Demanding Union food processing industry minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal's resignation, Punjab Congress president Partap Singh Bajwa, on Friday, announced in Moga that Punjab Congress has decided to gherao Orbit company's buses at Mohali from 11am on May 4. More Chandigarh News»

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News Digest: Most smart cities to come up in UP, TN and Maharashtra

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Saturday, May 02, 2015
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Most smart cities to come up in UP, TN and Maharashtra Uttar Pradesh will get the highest number of smart cities, followed by Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, in line with a government-approved formula that gives equal weight to population and the number of "statutory towns” in each state. Indian scientists came close to predicting Nepal quake In a paper titled “Anomalous seismicity and earthquake forecast in western Nepal Himalaya and its adjoining Indian region“, it was forecast that the Nepal quake would occur in 2011. India lags behind China in border infrastructure, panel says India continues to lag far behind China in its plans to construct border military infrastructure for swifter mobility of troops and weapons, which Manohar Parrikar will realize during his first visit to the northeast as defence minister. More India News»

		Business
		Equity MFs see over $1billion flow in April Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) may be pulling money out of the country on taxation-related concerns. But equity mutual funds (MFs) have started the new financial year with a bang. Foodpanda raises $100m, led by Goldman Sachs Rocket Internet-backed mobile food delivery marketplace Foodpanda announced on Friday that it has raised $100 million in funds led by Goldman Sachs. Existing investors including Rocket Internet also participated in this round. In March, Foodpanda raised $110 million. Maruti, Hyundai, Honda post strong sales growth in April Top car makers Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Honda have begun the new fiscal on a high note by posting robust sales in April, riding mainly on new models. More Business News»

		Environment
		'Amreli lion numbers up, may need another reserve' The state may soon need a second sanctuary for Asiatic lions on the banks of river Shetrunji if the forest department’s initial estimate of the big cat’s population outside Gir sanctuary turns out to be true. Climate change could kill 1 in 6 of Earth's species One in six species on Earth could be threatened with extinction from climate change unless steps are taken to reduce global warming emissions, new research has warned. Emissions from power sector highest: Javadekar Environment minister Prakash Javadekar on Thursday said green house gas emissions from residential sector was around 6.3 per cent of total national emissions, while the highest was from electricity production. More Environment News»

		World
		Afghan delegation to meet with Taliban in Qatar An Afghan delegation is heading to Qatar for "open discussions" with representatives of Taliban insurgents over the next few days aimed at ending Afghanistan's long war, an official said on Friday. Banksy finds canvas, fan base in Gaza's ruins Very little of Abu Shadi Shenbari's family home remains in Beit Hanoun, in the northern Gaza Strip. US, allies stage 18 air strikes against IS: Coalition The US-led military coalition launched 18 air strikes in Syria and Iraq against Islamic State since early Thursday, the Combined Joint Task Force said in a statement. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Anushka will always be special for Ranveer Ranveer Singh, 29, has grown up in a very affectionate home and that clearly reflects in the warmth that he exudes all the time. Kaishav is asking me for 1.5 cr: Deepshikha For actress Deepshikha Nagpal, her second marriage is over. She filed a non cognisable complaint against her husband Kaishav Arora, restraining him from entering her house. In an exclusive chat with Bombay Times, Deepshikha speaks about what went wrong in her relationship... Shamita to participate, Shilpa to judge? While her sister Shilpa Shetty has judged dance reality shows on TV, Shamita Shetty might soon be a participant on one. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Warp drive space travel closer to reality? Nasa may have successfully tested a form of space flight that could carry people to the moon in a few short hours -and eventually let us fly at speeds approaching that of light. FDA approves jab to slim down double chin Even as a pigtailed child, Ashley Gallagher was self-conscious about a certain fullness in her face. “I was cute as button -and there was my double chin,“ she said. As an adult, she faithfully performed facial exercises purported to tighten the area under the chin. She stood ramrod-straight, head held high, to make the bulge less apparent. Nothing worked. Scientists monitor undersea volcanic eruption off Oregon coast An undersea volcano about 300 miles (480 km) off Oregon's coast has been spewing lava for the past seven days, confirming forecasts made last fall and giving researchers unique insight into a hidden ocean hot spot, a scientist said on Friday. More Science News»

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		Technology
		7 recently launched budget smartphones in India Wondering which are the 7 new low-cost smartphones worth buying? Read on to find out... Maharashtra FDA files FIR against Snapdeal CEO Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration has ordered filing of FIR against Snapdeal CEO Kunal Bahl in a case related to selling of prescription drugs online. Xiaomi Mi 4i review While the phone certainly proves the point that India is a high priority market for Xiaomi, is it a good buy? More Technology News»

		Education
		Himachal Pradesh textbooks full of errors Tall claims of the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education (HPBSE) about providing quality education to its students have fallen flat with books for primary classes arriving at schools late and with full of errors. Higher education: Soon, India to have own ranking system India is set to evolve its own system of ranking of higher educational institutions. 15 engineering, management colleges cannot conduct admissions At least 15 engineering and management colleges in the state have been denied permission to take admissions in the first year by the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) for violating norms. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Implement `Horn OK Please' ban properly, say activists Activists here have welcomed the recent decision of transport commissioner Mahesh Zagade to ban the use of `Horn OK Please' on the rear side of commercial vehicles, such as trucks and tempos, across Maharashtra. 13 years on, Bandra bakery steps still used by workers to sleep on Thirteen years later the scene at night in the wee hours hasn't changed outside American Express Bakery and the American Express Cleaners on Hill Road, Bandra (west). Sustainable farming need of the hour: CM Terming the recent suicides of farmers a “shame” for Maharashtra, CM Devendra Fadnavis on Friday called for people’s participation to help the state achieve sustainable farming. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Disabled teacher detained for molesting 17 girls A physically challenged music teacher at an MCD run primary school for girls in Fatehpur Beri has been accused of molesting 17 students during music classes over the last six months. However, police said they are yet to arrest him and a probe has been initiated to prove his culpability. The man has been detained. Uber's SOS button to send real-time alert to police control room Months after an Uber driver was accused of allegedly raping a woman passenger, the company has brought in a dedicated safety feature for its users. The feature—an SOS button—will now connect the passengers directly to the police control room when pressed. Bring Jama Masjid under ASI: Experts A favourite destination for tourists in Delhi, the 17th century Jama Masjid is in the midst of a raging controversy. Many visitors complain of unfair charges for visiting the mosque and the chaos in the surrounding areas. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Not voting? You could be fined or put behind bars Karnataka is set to copy Gujarat by making voting compulsory through a carrot-and-stick approach. Hosur Road diversions leave residents fuming The new measures allow one-way traffic on the Hosur Road stretch between Madiwala police junction and the checkpost (towards the city). Traffic had been made one-way even on Sarjapur Road (towards Sarjapur). Metro gets delayed again, now wait till March 2016 Union minister of urban development and parliamentary affairs, M Venkaiah Naidu promised Bengalureans that the city will benefit from the Metro by March 2016. "We will finish the first phase by end of 2015 More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		New liquor policy: AP govt buying time The Andhra Pradesh government is planning to extend the term of the liquor licences by another three months as the new policy it wants to implement from July 1 is yet to take a concrete shape. Social media crusade changes army's heart Three weeks after it withdrew benefits under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) for terminally ill Mihir, the Army's top officials have hinted at a U-turn. Pushkarams nearing, but Godavari bone dry The Telangana government may want to celebrate the once-in-12-years Godavari Pushkarams on a scale that rivals the Maha Kumbh Mela at Allahabad, but it may well need some divine intervention as well as some good neighbourly help from Maharashtra to pull it off. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Youngsters get their hands dirty, clean up flyover at Pallavaram Early Friday morning, a group of youth walked towards the Pallavaram flyover, hands held together and an unmistakable resolve in their eyes. Within a short time, they had divested the bridge from myriad posters, rotting garbage and thick layers of filth. Govt replaces IAS officers in corporation with promotees The state government on Friday replaced corporation deputy commissioner (health) T Anand, an IAS officer, with R Kannan, a district revenue officer who was conferred IAS in March. Realtor asked to pay up for not handing over flat to buyer The State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed a realtor to refund 36 lakh, and pay a fine of 2 lakh, to a consumer for not handing over a flat within the stipulated time. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Mahatma Gandhi opposed son marrying young Mahatma Gandhi was married to Kasturba in 1883 when he was just 13 years old. No wonder he understood why the practice of child marriage was wrong and was therefore dead against it.  Gift City setting up cutting-edge data centre GIFT city is coming up with a state-of-the-art data centre equipped with Tier 4 facilities (such as cloud storage and advanced communication networks) on its campus. Oracle eyes Gujarat International Finance Tec-City to set up new base  Computer major Oracle is logging into Gujarat International Finance Tec-City.  More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		NCC cadets prepare for International Yoga Day To celebrate the First International Yoga Day in a big way, at least 5,300 officers and cadets of National Cadet Corps (NCC) of all the universities, colleges and schools would be trained by yoga gurus for a massive exercise to be carried out on June 21. Karwarias' bail plea to be taken up today The bail application of former BSP MP Kapil Muni Karwaria and his brother MLC Suraj Bhan Karwaria in SP MLA Jawahar Yadav murder case will be heard by the additional sessions judge (ASJ) on Thursday. Interviews for principals' post from May 18 The long-awaited interviews for filling 900 vacant posts of principals in aided colleges across the state would start from May 18. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Uttarakhand landslide: 54 pilgrims to board train back home today Fifty-four Bhadrak denizens, who were stranded in Uttarakhand due to landslide following heavy rain at Vishnuprayag since Tuesday, will board a train to Odisha from Haridwar on Friday, an officer said. Steep fine for unclear number plates If the registration plate of your vehicle is not clearly visible, be prepared to be taken to task and penalized heavily. State extends Rs 5 crore aid for earthquake-hit Nepal The state government on Thursday announced Rs 5-crore aid for earthquake-ravaged Nepal. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Sanchi Utsav begins in Madhya Pradesh A month long ‘Sanchi Utsav’ begins in the state from Friday. Month long awareness campaign is being organised by Sanchi dairy which supply milk and milk products to consumers. Theft methods in Bhopal dated, but recovery rate silver lining If you thought Bhopal is a safe city, here's a shocker. Valuables worth Rs 5 lakh are stolen on an average every day in state capital. And here's more damning statistics to expose poor policing in city. Bhopal's AC bus fleet goes off road in peak summer Unable to lure passengers, nearly the entire fleet of 28 air-conditioned buses plying on BRTS and other city routes has been taken off roads by the private operator in peak summer. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Moga teen's kin mourn over her drawings Tucked away in crumbling alley, deceased Moga teen's home in village Landeke was wrapped in an eerie silence on Friday. Punjab Congress to gherao Orbit buses in Mohali Demanding Union food processing industry minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal's resignation, Punjab Congress president Partap Singh Bajwa, on Friday, announced in Moga that Punjab Congress has decided to gherao Orbit company's buses at Mohali from 11am on May 4. Public transport tilted in favour of private players in Punjab Among other things, molestation and death of a teenaged girl in Moga has brought under the scanner Punjab's public transport scenario that is strongly tilted in favour of private players. More Chandigarh News»

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