News Digest: What matters, what doesn't

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Friday, April 01, 2016
		Today's Headlines

		India
		What matters, what doesn't Of the many issues that made national headlines in the past year, Dalit student Rohith Vemula’s suicide, the lynching of a man in Dadri over suspicions that he consumed beef and the “rise of intolerance” were three of the most hotly contested. EC bans exit polls between Apr 4 to May 16 The Election Commission on Thursday banned exit polls between April 4 and May 16 when assembly elections are held in five states. Lynching case: NHRC notice to Jharkhand It is also alleged that the traders were taking their cattle to a fair when they were stopped, beaten up and hanged. More India News»

		Business
		Mercedes S400 launched at Rs 1.31 crore Mercedes-Benz brought in the luxurious S400 to India on Tuesday at Rs 1.31 crore ex-showroom Delhi. The S400 is for those who don't want a diesel nor the immoderate S500 with the massive V8. The S400 goes up against the other two German super luxury sedans, the BMW 7-series and the Audi A8L. FM Jaitley sees FY16 GDP growth at 7.6% Pegging India's GDP growth rate at 7.6 per cent for the fiscal 2015-16, finance minister Arun Jaitley today said it is "much less" than its potential and expressed hope for better numbers in the coming year. Gas price down 20%, CNG, PNG to be cheaper More Business News»

		Environment
		Ban on big cars remains, no relief for auto majors Automobile giants like Mercedes, Toyota, Mahindra and General Motors on Thursday failed to get any relief from the Supreme Court, which extended till April 30 the bar on registration of diesel-run SUVs and high-end cars with engine capacity of 2000 CC and above in the National Capital Region. Lakes that supply Panama Canal battered by drought Water levels in the two artificial lakes, Gatun and Alhajuela, that nourish the Panama Canal and supply more than half the country's households are at historic lows and likely to continue receding over the next two months, the Panama Canal Authority, or ACP, said on Wednesday. Bison coming 'home' to US Indian reserve after 140 years Descendants of a bison herd captured and sent to Canada more than 140 years ago will be relocated to a Montana American Indian reservation next month, in what tribal leaders bill as a homecoming for a species emblematic of their traditions. More Environment News»

		World
		Suspect in bus station shooting dead; 3 others hurt: Police A gunman who shot a Virginia state trooper at a bus terminal on Thursday was shot dead by two other officers, police said. Obama, Xi vow to work closely on North Korea President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged on Thursday to cooperate to confront the North Korean nuclear threat while working to narrow persistent differences over cybersecurity, human rights and maritime conflicts. 'Veiled women are like negroes who support slavery' France's women's rights minister faced growing criticism on Thursday, including calls on social media to resign, after comparing women who wear the Muslim headscarf and veil to "negroes who supported slavery". More World News»

		Entertainment
		Arjun: Being a homemaker is a thankless job After stepping into a woman’s shoes, quite literally, Arjun Kapoor says he has a fresh perspective on how difficult it is to be a homemaker. Ali takes on eve-teasers at a shack in Goa Actor Ali Fazal was seen having a heated argument at a beach shack with a couple of guys in Goa earlier this month. Things got out of hand as the people involved got physical and started hitting each other. PIC: When Ranbir Kapoor was a teenager Ranbir Kapoor may be undergoing a low phase on the career front but we all know the Kapoor lad is the undisputed chocolate hero of Bollywood. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Zika linked to fetal brain damage: Finnish study infectious Zika virus from fetal tissue in cell culture.The virus. One in eight adults now obese: Global survey Over one in eight adults are now obese — a ratio that has more than doubled since 1975 and will swell to one in five by 2025, a major survey reported on Friday. Startup-built device can perform 8 health tests One device and eight tests using just one drop of your blood or urine, that too at an affordable rate. This is what the multi-analyte device developed by a startup working out of IISc aims to do. It can also tell you whether your liver and kidney are functioning properly. More Science News»

		Sports
		WT20: Windies beat India by 7 wickets to enter final Simmons's first appearance of the World T20 produced a match-winning 82 not out off 51 balls as West Indies stunned India with a seven-wicket win with two balls remaining. Dhoni invites Oz journalist on stage, engages in banter Asked by cricket.com.au's reporter how long he could go on, India's captain called him forward and engaged in a brief repartee. World T20: Dhoni satisfied by Rahane's replacement role MS Dhoni, India's captain, has backed the decision to drop Shikhar Dhawan for Ajinkya Rahane and praised the incumbent opener's innings of 40 from 35 balls on Thursday as being just what he had expected of Rahane. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Build 2016: Top 10 announcements by Microsoft he software giant gave a glimpse of what users can expect from Windows platform in the near future. Here are the ten important announcements made by Microsoft during the first keynote at Build, 2016. Xiaomi launches Mi 5 smartphone, priced at Rs 24,999 Xiaomi Mi 5 comes with 5.15-inch HD display, uad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor and 16MP rear camera with LED flash Samsung launches Galaxy J3 (2016) smartphone, priced at Rs 8,990 Samsung has expanded its product portfolio with the launch of Galaxy J3 (2016) smartphone with unique S bike mode. More Technology News»

		Education
		Time for DPUE to junk old system and follow other boards While its question papers are being leaked through WhatsApp, the Department of Pre-university Education (DPUE) is still following the age-old method of dispatching question papers on four-wheelers and safeguarding them at treasury offices in districts. PU paper leak: Experts see insider role, multiple question papers an eyewash Students livid as II PU paper leaks second time in 10 days More than 1.75 lakh II PUC students across Karnataka woke up to a rude shock on Thursday.The question paper for the chemistry re-examination that they were to write later in the day had been leaked. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Somaiya College organises seminar on Bhagavadgita the keynote address.He said, 'Bhagavadgita is a work that should. Cheeky Dhoni once again swats away 'retirement' murmurs Despite suffering a heart wrenching loss at the hands of West Indies today at the World Twenty20 semifinals in Wankhede, Mumbai, Indian skipper MS Dhoni seemed to maintain his upbeat attitude as he once again brushed off the never ending speculations on his retirement through a Syria's top cleric backs anti-IS fatwa from India The fatwa, initially given by Mumbai-based Mufti Mohammed Manzar Hasan Khan Ashrafi Masbahi, and later endorsed by 1,070 Indian muftis and imams, pronounces IS non-Muslims and enemies of Islam. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Green cess delivers the goods in three months There has been a drastic fall in the number of trucks entering the city after the imposition of the green tax, the Supreme Court was informed on Thursday. According to documents submitted by the Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) to the apex court, around 9,000 vehicles enter Delhi after paying the mandatory environment compensation charge (ECC) every day. The figure used to be somewhere between 22,000 and 38,500 earlier. For capital problem, 250 proposals pour in from across the globe The University of Chicago has received 250 proposals from across the globe on improving Delhi's environment.A majority of them offer solutions to the problem of toxic air in the city. Anand Vihar station a clean winner The parking lot in front of the slate, blue and sand-coloured structure is impossibly clean for a railway station.But that's the Anand Vihar railway station for you. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		PU paper leak: Experts see insider role, multiple question papers an eyewash Sea of mourners pay last respects to Biocon scientist A pall of gloom descended on Dattatreya Nagar, south Bengaluru, on Thursday.The white duplex house which once resonated with the laughter of Revathi PR was a spectator to her silence. PU paper leak: Students in anger, tears and frustration The frustrated voices of hundreds of students were heard above the walls of the PU building in the heart of Malleswaram, early Thursday morning. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Cops crack down on SIM sales With the sale of pre-activated SIM cards to unknown customers becoming a dangerous trend in the city, the Telangana police may have finally woken up to the menace after the recent murder of Class X student Abhay Modhani. Freed prisoners can work at petrol bunks The 251 prisoners released on remission from jails on Tuesday have been given the option of being associated with the prisons department to earn their livelihood. Authorities intend to utilise their services at three petrol bunks.The pay could range from Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,000 per month. 3-day biodiversity fete from tomorrow A three-day biodiversity festival will be held in the city from April 1 as part of the 3rd Kisan Swaraj Sammelan. The meet, organized by Alliance for Sustainable & Holistic Agriculture (ASHA) and hosted by Rythu Swarajya Vedika, is expected to discuss the future of Indian farm livelihoods. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		'Cash-for-vote may result in distribution of Rs 6,000-9,000 cr in TN' Holding an election in Tamil Nadu is not a significant logistical or even a law and order challenge for the Election Commission. Access to poll booths, their infrastructure, voter awareness, and a relatively efficient government machinery facilitate smooth polling. Ramanan, face of weather forecasting, takes final bow His matter-of-fact style of making announcements, rain or shine, made him a celebrity and even spawned many a meme. But S R Ramanan, who retired on Thursday as director of the Area Cyclone Warning Centre, after 36 years in service, is neither thrilled nor bitter. MAM's kin accuse 'son' of stealing cars The Chennai city police on Tuesday registered a case against three drivers for stealing a Mercedes Benz and Toyota Camry, belonging to the MAM Ramasamy Trust. They allegedly barged into the MAM Chettinad Palace in Raja Annamalaipuram on December 10 last year. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Karnavati Club election: Power Panel set to win control 44.81% Of Members Cast Their Votes AMC demolishes illegal buildings in Maktampura The demolition team of the civic body's New West Zone has embarked on an encroachment removal drive since Wednesday.In Maktampura, AMC targeted 12 illegal shops on Juhapura road. GU proposes 5-yr term for VC Passes Resolution That Will Now Be Sent To Govt More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Stoppages of trains change There is bad news for Allahabad-bound passengers as trains Howrah-Mumbai Mail and Patliputra ( Patna) -Pune Express will not halt at Allahabad and Naini junction and will be diverted to Chheoki station. Govt's 'Hausala Sajheedari' scheme finds only few takers Government's 'Hausala Sajheedari' scheme for male and female sterilization by joining hands with private health facilities and family planning surgeons and help Uttar Pradesh stabilize its population has found only few takers in Sangam city. Teachers' boycott centres day 2 Teachers associated with two prominent teachers' associations continued to boycott evaluation work of the answer sheets of class tenth and twelfth of the UP Board for the second consecutive day on Thursday. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Cong lashes at Odisha government, Assembly passes Bill Bhubaneswar, Mar 31 () The opposition Congress today hit out at the state government accusing it of failing to meet basic needs of the people like drinking water, primary education even as the ruling party continued to remain in power for over 16 years. Coming Raahgiri to disseminate messages on health, environment 79% Odisha primary schools don't have playgrounds More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		MP CM announces ministry of happiness Dengue alert in Bhopal dist, 23 test positive in Sehore Health department declared a dengue alert in Bhopal district on Thursday.The alert comes close on the heels of 23 dengue positive cases were reported from neighbouring Sehore district. Congress ruckus in MP assembly demanding discussion on water crisis More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Women cops to be deployed on Mohali PCR vehicles To raise level of sensitivity and women empowerment in security services, women constables will be deployed among male constables in police control room (PCR) vehicles in Mohali, on the pattern of Chandigarh. Exemptee ASI caught on bribe charges A vigilance team arrested an exemptee assistant sub-inspector (EASI) of Sector 5 police station from Majri chowk who was allegedly taking bribe of Rs 3,000 from a resident of Indira Colony, Sector 17. Housing society to refund Rs 7.67L for service deficieny District consumer redressal forum has directed Puncham Cooperative Society to refund Rs 7.67 lakh and compensation of Rs 50,000 to a city resident for deficiency in services. More Chandigarh News»

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News Digest: LS, RS to be prorogued for ordinance to help Uttarakhand with its finances

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Wednesday, March 30, 2016
		Today's Headlines

		India
		LS, RS to be prorogued for ordinance to help Uttarakhand with its finances The cabinet committee on political affairs on Tuesday decided to prorogue Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha so as to issue an ordinance to facilitate Uttarakhand to draw from its consolidated fund to run its finances after March 31. Centre rushes Rohatgi to Nainital, hopes for a stay The Uttarakhand HC order directing a floor test has raised the BJP's stakes in the outcome of the legal battle over imposition of central rule in the state. Uttarakhand crisis: As D-Day draws close, MLAs come out of hiding With HC ordering a trust vote in the Uttarakhand assembly on March 31, both Congress and BJP are aiming to keep their flock together before the acid test. More India News»

		Business
		Mercedes S400 launched at Rs 1.31 crore Mercedes-Benz brought in the luxurious S400 to India on Tuesday at Rs 1.31 crore ex-showroom Delhi. The S400 is for those who don't want a diesel nor the immoderate S500 with the massive V8. The S400 goes up against the other two German super luxury sedans, the BMW 7-series and the Audi A8L. RBI may go for a 'measured' cut next week, report says The Reserve Bank of India is likely to approach policy easing with caution and go for a measured cut next week amid recent bounce in global oil prices and partial implementation of a public sector wage bill, says a report by DBS. The RBI in Februaruary had left the key interest rate unchanged. In Sydney, Jaitley seeks Australian investment in India Finance minister Arun Jaitley invited businesses in New South Wales to invest in India, saying the country wants foreign sovereign wealth funds to be part of NIIF, pension and insurance funds in India. He also highlighted various initiatives undertaken by the government to boost the Indian economy. More Business News»

		Environment
		'Troublesome lion' in fresh escape from S Africa park A lion named Sylvester that escaped from a South African national park last year has escaped again, a park official said on Tuesday. During his last escape, he roamed 300 kilometres from the park, killing 30 animals over three weeks before being shot by a tranquilizer dart fired from a helicopter. Worst bleaching on record for Great Barrier Reef Aerial surveys of Australia's Great Barrier Reef have revealed the worst bleaching on record with few corals escaping damage. Bleaching occurs when abnormal environmental conditions, such as warmer sea temperatures, cause corals to expel tiny photosynthetic algae, draining them of their colour. Chinese man hands over rare Assam monkey to reserve A Chinese man returned a rare Assam macaque to a nature reserve in Yunnan province, after keeping it as a pet for 14 years, the local nature reserve bureau said. The man who kept the macaque in his home said he took it home after he saw people injuring its hands while trying to capture it. More Environment News»

		World
		Pakistan detains more than 5,000 after Easter bombing Over 5,000 people were rounded up in the two days since the Easter Sunday bombing in Lahore with more than 200 still in custody, Pakistan's Punjab province law minister said on Tuesday and announced that a joint investigation team has been formed to probe the attack. Brussels airport could take 'months' before normalizing The Zaventem airport in Brussels could "at best" resume very limited services soon but it will take months to get back to normal after suicide bombers destroyed the departure terminal, the airport's CEO Arnaud Feist said. Brussels is a major European hub and has flights to destinations worldwide. Hanged killer's backers continue protests in Islamabad Hundreds of hardline Islamists resumed protests in Pakistan's capital on Tuesday over the execution of a policeman Mumtaz Qadri who killed a secular governor Salman Taseer, in a show of defiance amid a government crackdown following a suicide attack two days earlier. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Are Virat and Anushka back together? After his stellar performance against Australia on Sunday, ace batsman Virat Kohli was undoubtedly the star of the evening. PIC: Tiger's date night with Disha  Tiger Shroff might be busy with his shoot schedules for ‘Baaghi’ and ‘A Flying Jatt,’ but that did not stop him from spending some quality time with his rumoured lady-love, Disha Patani. First Look: Randeep Hooda in 'Laal Rang' Randeep Hooda, who is known for choosing unconventional projects and pushing the boundaries as an actor, is upbeat about his upcoming film Laal Rang. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Humans, 'unicorns' may have walked Earth at same time: study Washington, March 29, 2016 (AFP) -A long-extinct animal known as the Siberian unicorn -- which was actually a long-horned rhinoceros -- may have walked the Earth 29,000 years ago, at the same time as prehistoric humans, researchers say. GMSH to get platelet separation machine Shimona.Kanwar@timesgroup.Soon, the only government hospital in the city, Government Multi Specialty Hospital, Sector 16, which did not have the facility of separation of platelets, will be equipped with a cell separator. Many in US ignorant of key facts on Zika virus: study Miami, March 29, 2016 (AFP) -Many Americans are unclear on key facts about the mosquito-borne Zika virus, which has been linked to birth defects and is of particular concern to pregnant women, US researchers said Tuesday, warning of a race against time. More Science News»

		Sports
		World T20: India favourites, but Gayle backs West Indies for 'upset' Speaking to the media at the CCI on Tuesday, the West Indian opener said he was ready to attack India on Thursday. Flawless NZ face resurgent England in WT20 semi-final Following New Zealand's blueprint, England have undergone a resurgence in their limited-overs cricket and will aim to beat them at their own brand of cricket when they meet in the first semi-final of the World T20 on Wednesday. Horses for courses key to New Zealand success Unbeaten New Zealand have played smart cricket at the World T20 and at the heart of it is their young skipper Kane Williamson who has seamlessly taken charge from Brendon McCullum. More Sports News»

		Technology
		10 things to know about Google's biggest business Here are 10 things you probably don't about Google's search division, its biggest business... Oculus Rift review roundup: High-end VR is finally here They've been a long time coming -- the Rift started life as a Kickstarter project back in 2012, and showed promise when it blew past its $250,000 goal in under 24 hours. Samsung Galaxy A7 review: External beauty is what this phone is all about Launched at Rs 32,500, the Samsung Galaxy A7 smartphone picks up a lot of characteristics from the Galaxy S6. We reviewed the handset to find out where it stands in the Indian smartphone market. More Technology News»

		Education
		Fees upfront, no-refund policy play spoilers 'Fees once paid will not be refunded' in fine print on the admission forms of most coaching classes deters most parents and their wards from withdrawing their applications. Delays in RTE admission creates problems for stakeholders Admissions under the Right To Education (RTE) Act seem to be heading for yet another controversial year. Delhi University sets admission process in motion, likely to go online More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Manish Malhotra opens LFW with 'elements' of glamour, opulence Mumbai, Mar 29 () With young stars Arjun Kapoor and Jacqueline Fernandez as his muses, ace designer Manish Malhotra today raised the curtains on the Lakme Fashion Week, showcasing his beguiling spring summer collection “Elements”. Quite averse to this word 'bold': Patralekha Mumbai, March 29 (IANS) "Citylights" actress Patralekha, who will be seen in an opposite role in her next movie - Vikram Bhatt's "Love Games", says she is reluctant to call herself a bold actress. Judicial process must be speeded up: Victims' kin The constant refrain among victims and observers of the 2002-03 blasts was that the judicial process must be expedited so that justice is not only served but is seen to be served. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Heard at ICHR event: Bharat Mata ki jai, quotes from Vedas While the nation is still debating 'Bharat Mata ki jai', the slogan made its way to the Indian Council of Historical Research foundation day function on Tuesday addressed by RSS historian Satish Chandra Mittal. Madrassa boys thrashed for not saying 'Bharat Mata ki jai' Three madrassa students have alleged that they were beaten up by a group of men in outer Delhi's Ramesh Enclave for refusing to chant 'Bharat Mata ki jai'. Delhi Assembly faces uproar; Oppn stages walk-out New Delhi, Mar 29 () The Delhi Assembly today witnessed uproar after MLAs from Opposition BJP attacked Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over some civic projects and the AAP leader's accusation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi "surrendered" to Pakistan by allowing its investigators to probe the More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Nasscom lauds conditional foreign equity in e-tail segment Bengaluru, March 29 (IANS) Indian IT industry's representative body Nasscom on Tuesday welcomed the opening up the retail e-commerce segment to 100 percent foreign equity through the clause of automatic route. Government passes four major Bills amidst chaos BJP claims Guv has directed govt to table Waqf properties misuse report More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Hyderabad varsity: Arrested accused asked to furnish Rs 5,000 surety each Farmer burns self after crop loss A farmer allegedly committed suicide by setting himself ablaze after losing agricultural crop, at Raghunathapalli village of Siddavatam mandal in Kadapa district late on Monday night. Depressed cop ends life, takes friend with him A head constable of the excise department died after consuming drinks spiked with pesticides at a wine shop in Sullurpet on Tuesday. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Singer makes Guiness record Playback singer P Susheela Mohan has entered the Guiness Book of World Records and Asia Book of Records for singing more than 17,000 songs in 12 Indian languages over a five-decade long career. Summer rain brings relief to south TN, city remains dry Summer rain greeted parts of southern Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, with Tuticoring in the deep south recording 30mm.Rainfall may continue on Wednesday but will not persist longer, weathermen have predicted. 3 panchaloha idols stolen from temple Police are hunting for a burglar or burglars suspected of making away with three panchaloha idols from a Murugan temple near Ayanavaram on Monday evening. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Ahmedabad will have only 3% green cover by 2030: Study In 1990, the built-up area in Ahmedabad and within 10km of its entire periphery was 7.13% of the total area. HC orders "independent probe" of alleged assault by Radadiya Ahmedabad, Mar 29 () The Gujarat High Court today ordered an "independent investigation" by police into an alleged assault by BJP MP from Porbandar Vitthal Radadiya and others of a shop-owner at Dhoraji in Rajkot district last year. Police are accused of not registering an FIR in the case. NGO blames govt, police for 2015 riots in Bharuch Ahmedabad, Mar 29 () Inaction of the state government and police on complaints against illegal shrimp ponds at Aliabet in Bharuch district led to communal riots in the area in January 2015 in which three persons were killed, an NGO said in a report today. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Verdict in terror attack on Ayodhya temple on April 12 special court hearing the case of terrorist attack on the makeshift Ram temple at Ayodhya in Faizabad will pronounce its judgement on April 12. Widow dead, kin say in-laws 'murdered' her A 32-year-old widow was allegedly killed by her in-laws at Kukudhi village in the early hours of Tuesday.Initial police investigation revealed property dispute as the reason behind the killing of Sushma Devi. Chaitra Navratra: More booking counters, trains for pilgrims Preparations are on in full swing ahead of Chaitra Navratra being celebrated from April 8 to 19.Extra booking and enquiry counters have opened up at Vindhyachal station. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Farmers launch civil disobedience stir, court arrest Bhubaneswar, Mar 29 () A number of farmers today courted arrest, while participating in a civil disobedience stir demanding pension for them and asking the government to admit farmers suicide due to crop loss and loan burden. Opposition attacks Odisha government over ration card irregularities BJP, Cong demand FIR against sub-collector for farmer's suicide More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Bhopal's dark truth: Green cover has shrunk to 22% Bhopal's tree cover has shrunk from 66% to 22% over a two-decade span, says a new study by Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.By 2018, it will be 11% of city's area and might go to just 4.10% till 2030. Rape accused assaulted two more minors Chouhan bats for annual health check-up of MLAs Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday recommended annual health check-up for all legislators under the aegis of the state assembly. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		882 students receive degrees at MCM DAV Degrees were awarded to 882 first division holding students at the 44th annual convocation of MCM DAV College for Women, Chandigarh. Errors in electoral rolls to be rectified Clamping down the greens Chandigarh, which is known for its lush greenery may lose much of it to iron clamps around trees.The clamps are suffocating the trees they were supposed to protect. More Chandigarh News»

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