News Digest: Full text of PM Modi's address to the nation

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Sunday, January 01, 2017
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Full text of PM Modi's address to the nation PM's announcements will enable a cleaner GDP: Arun Jaitley Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation, BJP said the welfare measures announced by him were his way of thanking people for their unstinted support to demonetisation and will help the poor and boost economy. Focus on normalising cash situation as soon as possible, PM Modi tells banks "My effort is to take the banking system to normalcy as fast as possible in the new year. I have asked all concerned officers in government to focus their attention to this task," the PM said in his televised address to the nation on New Year's eve. More India News»

		Business
		IDBI Bank reduces MCLR for various tenors State-run IDBI Bank on Saturday said it has reduced its marginal cost of funds based lending rate (MCLR) for various tenors, effective from January 1. For overnight tenor, the bank has reduced its minimum lending rate to 8.50 per cent. After losing to India in FDI, China opens up economy more China, which last year lost the top position as an investment destination to India, has now opened up more sectors for foreign investors to catch up. It is offering segments like public transport and railway equipment to foreign players besides cutting down the number of restrictions from 93 to 62. At Rs 26,500cr, 2016's IPO kitty highest in 6 years In addition to the nearly Rs 26,500 crore through IPOs on the main board of the stocks exchanges, 2016 also saw Rs 495 crore raised through the SME platform and another Rs 13,000 crore through offer for sales (OFS) by listed entities, data from Prime Database showed. More Business News»

		Environment
		China to ban ivory trade by end of 2017 China says it plans to shut down its ivory trade by end of 2017 in a move designed to curb mass slaughter of African elephants. Chinese government will end processing and selling of ivory and ivory products by end of March as it phases out legal trade, according to a statement released on Friday. World's oldest male panda dies: Officials The world's oldest male panda, with more than 130 descendants, has died aged 31, officials said. Pan Pan Pan, whose name means “hope” in Chinese was a prolific father, siring many cubs over the years that have gone on to have offspring of their own. Delhi's air quality enters 'severe' zone yet again Level of pollutants had seen a rapid build up before Christmas; however, the situation improved a little thereafter and remained so for at least two days. Air quality had started falling again on December 27. The average AQI of December 27 and 28 were 329 and 385, both in the very poor category. More Environment News»

		World
		UN Security Council to vote on Syria ceasefire agreement The UN Security Council will vote on Saturday on a resolution that would endorse the ceasefire agreement in Syria brokered by Russia and Turkey, and reiterate support for a roadmap to peace that starts with a transitional government. Pakistan to hand over dossier on India to new UN chief Pakistan would hand over a dossier on alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav and evidence of attempted violation of maritime boundary by an Indian submarine to incoming UN secretary general Antonio Guterres on Monday, his first working day after assuming office. Two blasts in central Baghdad kill at least 21 Two bombs exploded at a busy market in central Baghdad on Saturday killing at least 21 people and wounding more than 40 others, police and medics said. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Hottest celebrity Instagram accounts of 2016 Priyanka Chopra can't say no to this director See: Bipasha-Karan's vacay pics from Australia More Entertainment News»

		Science
		NASA solar observatory to add leap second to master clock Pan Pan, whose name means “hope” in Chinese was a prolific father, siring many cubs over the years that have gone on to have offspring of their own. On Dec 31, official clocks around the world will add a leap second at 23 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). NASA's Curiosity rover discovers purple rocks on Mars The image captured from the Mast Camera (Mastcam) on Curiosity Mars rover shows purple-hued rocks near the rover’s late-2016 location on lower Mount Sharp. Variations in colour of the rocks hint at the diversity of their composition on lower Mount Sharp, NASA said. NASA may build ice homes on Mars to protect astronauts The surface of Mars has extreme temperatures and the atmosphere does not provide adequate protection from high-energy radiation. The researchers believe that their “Ice Home” design provides a sound engineering solution to offer astronauts a safe place to call home. More Science News»

		Sports
		Matter of time before I do well in all formats: Pujara Cheteshwar Pujara was one of India's most consistent batsmen in 2016. The 28-year-old, with 836 runs from 11 Tests in the year, is looking to keep the good work going and develop into an all-format cricketer. EPL: Pogba seals late Man United comeback win Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial scored late goals as Manchester United came from behind to beat Middlesbrough 2-1 on Saturday and spare Jose Mourinho the embarrassment of losing to his former assistant Aitor Karanka. Will assess Indian Olympic Association's situation: IOC Asked if the IOC plans to take action on IOA for elevating Kalmadi and Chautala to life presidents, IOC media relations manager Michael Noyelle said in a written reply that it will first get in touch with the NOC of India. More Sports News»

		Technology
		All that ruled the technology world in 2016: Glimpses It's again time to bid goodbye to the current year and welcome a new one. And with all this, it's aloso the time to look back at all that dominated the world of technology during the year -- good, bad and no-so-good. The hottest product launches of the year, the startups that made a mark and the ones that dissapeared and more ... This is the new smartphone Asus is working on As per the information available on Tenaa, it may have a 2GB, 3GB, or 4GB RAM configuration padded with 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB storage options. Android Nougat manual for Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge reveals more upcoming features A few screenshots seen in the manual show the behaviour of the new top row of Quick Toggles. More Technology News»

		Education
		Medical students will have to clear exit test for 'Dr' tag The draft Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill 2016 said the medical students will have to pass the National Exit Test (NEXT), which is expected to create a level-playing field in medical education. An official said NEXT would improve the quality of medical education and help benchmark students. Centre to set up five new universities for minorities The Centre has decided to set up five new universities for imparting higher education including medical to students belonging to minority communities, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi announced here on Thursday. Sharp fall in number of offers at IITs this year A 'global slowdown' has resulted in a sharp decline of job offers in the first phase of the recruitment process in IITs. Though the number of recruiters has gone up, number of jobs offered has gone down. India Inc, both public & private, though have not directly linked the trend to demonetisation. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Mumbaikar brutally assaulted in Dahanu local over seat Request for a seat share landed a youth in a Palghar hospital nursing his grievous injuries after he was brutally assaulted by a "group" in Dahanu train on Friday afternoon. Centre extends deadline for rabi crop insurance till January 10 The insurance is being offered by National Insurance Company and their officials will be facilitating enrollment of farmers in the scheme, the minister said. Mumbai: Woman found murdered in Nalasopara A 28-year-old married woman who had gone missing three days ago was found dead in a room in Nalasopara on Saturday. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		PM Modi's speech disappointing: Kejriwal He also hit out at the prime minister for "not offering any relief" to the people suffering due to demonetisation. Delhi University adopts new recruitment policy 2017's Big Shows Films that Hollywood might’ve had lined up for release in 2017 – if it worked out of Delhi. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Bengaluru: Brain dead man gifts life to three Bengaluru: Rescued bear undergoes MRI, CT scans, reports indicate good health Tipu jayanthi is being politicised by BJP: Siddaramaiah More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Hyderabad-based engineering & construction company bags Rs 242.56 crore project in Karnataka Rahul Gandhi likely to address rally in Hyderabad next month The party is demanding that the BJP Government adequately compensate women and small businessmen who have incurred losses during the past 50-days. Natotsav begins on an emotionally high note More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Shravanthi looked pretty partying at Gatsby in Chennai They were happy for all the good things they had in 2016 and this was how they celebrated it. Inspector, SI suspended for taking bribe from red sander smugglers Kapaleeswarar temple property retrieved Authorities of the Kapaleeswarar temple in Mylapore have retrieved temple property measuring 4,952sqft at Triplicane after the occupant failed to pay 34.12 lakh in rent dues. The property is worth 12 crore. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Gujarat goverment begins smart services under Wi-Fi project at Gandhinagar Chief Minister Vijay Rupani showed confidence that the capital of Gujarat is now equipped with Wi-Fi facility and will create not only prestige of Gujarat but of India among the national-international dignitaries to visit forthcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit-2017. Biggies bite dust, small firms shine Even as the sensex ended 2016 on a positive note, gaining 260 points on December 30 - the final trading session of the year, it was mixed bag for investors. BPA gets new Braille printer Thawar Chand Gehlot, Union minister of social justice and empowerment, inaugurated a state-of-the-art Braille press at the Blind People's Association (BPA) premises on Friday evening. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Cow's that! Learn with fun about bovines BJP poll pitch picks up with sloganeering To fuel Olympics dream, marathon winner seeks 'safai karmi' job Aradhana Bind is a gutsy long-distance runner. In November, without any training, she won the bronze medal at the prestigious Indira Marathon. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		State Election Commission imposes restriction on publicity of schemes and distribution of booklets Odisha government seeks public suggestions to prepare annual budget The state government on Saturday sought suggestions and inputs from common men, civil society organisations and different advocacy groups to shape the annual budget 2017-18. Cash worry hits rural poll aspirants in Odisha During poll season, money flows like liquor. From lunch to freebies to posters, candidates can’t do without ‘vitamin M’. But demonetisation has put a spanner in their works and with traders and contractors, people who would generally come forward to support aspirants, putting their hands up, those contesting the panchayat polls are in a bit of a fix. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		2 booked for hunting ducks at Bairagarh The forest department booked two men on Thursday for illegally hunting protected migratory ducks at Bairagarh near Sehore Naka. The two are being questioned to find out if they were involved in poaching in the past as well. Traffic cops on toes to check drunk driving on New Year Bhopal traffic police would run a dedicated vehicle checking drive to check driving under the influence of alcohol in the city on New Year's Eve. Officials said apart from traffic police, cops from police stations would also be deployed in the vehicle checking drive. Use khadi once a week, government staff told The Madhya Pradesh government has appealed to its employees to promote khadi and handlooms by wearing khadi clothes at work once a week. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Cleanliness drives marks the second day of NSS camp at Panjab University 'De-addiction centres to cover tobacco addicts' Punjab government has been making serious efforts to tackle the problem of tobacco use. In its endeavour to save the youth and children from addiction to tobacco/nicotine, the government has been strictly implementing various laws and provisions. Dalal sees scam in fishermen recruitment More Chandigarh News»

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News Digest: Israel issues travel warning for its citizens in India

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Saturday, December 31, 2016
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Israel issues travel warning for its citizens in India Israel has in the past issued such warnings too, especially for Goa, but this time the sources feel that all such places frequented by large number of western tourists in southern and western parts of India can be the target of a terror attack. January 1 meet may anoint Akhilesh Samajwadi Party president SP becomes Split Party as Mulayam expels son Akhilesh, cousin Ram Gopal for 6 years More India News»

		Business
		After losing to India in FDI, China opens up economy more It is offering a slice of tightly controlled segments like public transport and railway equipment to foreign players besides cutting down the number of restrictions by a third from 93 to 62. It is also worried about Donald Trump using China’s partially closed market as a reason to launch negative trade actions. At Rs 26,500cr, 2016's IPO kitty highest in 6 years In addition to the nearly Rs 26,500 crore through IPOs on the main board of the stocks exchanges, 2016 also saw Rs 495 crore raised through the SME platform and another Rs 13,000 crore through offer for sales (OFS) by listed entities, data from Prime Database showed. ATM operators to seek compensation ATM operators are entities that manage networks on behalf of banks and often make capital investments in these machines. Although the bank lends its name to the machine, the ownership and management of more than half the ATMs in the country are with operators who earn fees from banks for every transaction. More Business News»

		Environment
		Delhi's air quality enters 'severe' zone yet again Level of pollutants had seen a rapid build up before Christmas; however, the situation improved a little thereafter and remained so for at least two days. Air quality had started falling again on December 27. The average AQI of December 27 and 28 were 329 and 385, both in the very poor category. Delhi's air quality enters 'severe' zone yet again Delhi's air quality on Thursday entered the 'severe' zone yet again after steadily deteriorating over the last two days and it may dip further. Cooking emissions a contributor to air pollution The skyline on this part of the country turns grey by afternoon. By dusk, a thick layer of smog envelops the horizon. With winter setting in, millions living in rural and suburban India has many reasons to worry about, one of it being air pollution. More Environment News»

		World
		2016 pushes migrant arrivals in Italy over half million Nearly a fifth more migrants arrived in Italy by boat this year, setting a record and bringing the three-year total to more than half a million, the Interior Ministry said on Friday. What we know about Russia's hacking of US election Russia has pledged retribution after the US turfed out dozens of diplomats and imposed sanctions over alleged cyber attacks aimed at skewing the presidential election. Vladimir Putin says Russia will not expel US diplomats Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday decided not to expel any US diplomats in a shock move by Moscow after Washington turfed out dozens of its diplomats over alleged election interference. "We will not create problems for American diplomats," Putin said. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Hottest celebrity Instagram accounts of 2016 Priyanka Chopra can't say no to this director See: Bipasha-Karan's vacay pics from Australia More Entertainment News»

		Science
		NASA's Curiosity rover discovers purple rocks on Mars The image captured from the Mast Camera (Mastcam) on Curiosity Mars rover shows purple-hued rocks near the rover’s late-2016 location on lower Mount Sharp. Variations in colour of the rocks hint at the diversity of their composition on lower Mount Sharp, NASA said. NASA may build ice homes on Mars to protect astronauts The surface of Mars has extreme temperatures and the atmosphere does not provide adequate protection from high-energy radiation. The researchers believe that their “Ice Home” design provides a sound engineering solution to offer astronauts a safe place to call home. Single stressful event may lead to trauma: Indian scientists More Science News»

		Sports
		Sports ministry suspends IOA for appointing Kalmadi, Chautala Following the suspension by the sports ministry, the Indian Olympic Association will cease to enjoy the privileges and prerogatives bestowed on it by the government as the National Olympic Committee (NOC). 2016 in review: Test XI of the year We sift through the numbers, wickets and runs to pick the 11 most valuable Test cricketers of 2016 (and a very successful 12th man). Batra quits as IOA associate vice-president in protest Strongly expressing his reservations over the appointments, Narinder Batra, who recently became the International Hockey Federation (FIH) president, said he was strongly against the backdoor entry of Kalmadi and Chautala in the IOA. More Sports News»

		Technology
		All that ruled the technology world in 2016: Glimpses It's again time to bid goodbye to the current year and welcome a new one. And with all this, it's aloso the time to look back at all that dominated the world of technology during the year -- good, bad and no-so-good. The hottest product launches of the year, the startups that made a mark and the ones that dissapeared and more ... Apple to setup iPhone manufacturing facility in Bengaluru: Sources The Bengaluru manufacturing facility underscores India's importance for the Cupertino-based company. This flagship smartphone just received a Rs 10,000 price cut Taiwanese smartphone maker HTC has slashed the price of its flagship smartphone HTC 10. The smartphone, which was launched at Rs 52,990 in May this year, is now available at a discount of Rs 10,000. This brings down the price of the handset to Rs 42,990. ​ More Technology News»

		Education
		Medical students will have to clear exit test for 'Dr' tag The draft Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill 2016 said the medical students will have to pass the National Exit Test (NEXT), which is expected to create a level-playing field in medical education. An official said NEXT would improve the quality of medical education and help benchmark students. Centre to set up five new universities for minorities The Centre has decided to set up five new universities for imparting higher education including medical to students belonging to minority communities, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi announced here on Thursday. Sharp fall in number of offers at IITs this year A 'global slowdown' has resulted in a sharp decline of job offers in the first phase of the recruitment process in IITs. Though the number of recruiters has gone up, number of jobs offered has gone down. India Inc, both public & private, though have not directly linked the trend to demonetisation. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		ED to probe source of Zakir Naik's foreign funds I had no visitors, other patients did: Chhagan Bhujbal Brothers arrested in Rs 2 crore cheating case More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Before polls, south corporation junks tax-hike proposals Traffic curbs, special drive for 2 days Man loses life in accident, gives new lease to 3 More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		CM meets Modi, demands immediate release of funds for drought relief Soon, all state universities to fall under purview of single act BDA begins soil testing for steel flyover More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		SCB to impose hefty fines for transformers on roads Classical music needs revival: Soma Ghosh Forget the same ol' resolutions. All you need is this game plan More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Raided jewellers evaded levy this year Zooming back on a stormy year Sleepless in sabha: Ragas of yore to ring in New Year More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Cricket bookie nabbed along with 17 others The crime branch busted a cricket betting and a dabba trading racket from respective premises of a complex in Paldi area on Friday afternoon. Body of 3-year-old girl fished out from pond The body of a three-year-old girl was found floating in a pond on Friday afternoon. The girl had been missing for the past four days. Vibrant CEO conclave: 35 global honchos to attend On January 10, corporate leaders from across the globe and India will descend on Gandhinagar to attend the Global CEOs’ Conclave at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit. To be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the conference in the state capital will host 35 foreign business leaders and 23 Indian industrialists. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		To fuel Oly dream, Marathon winner seeks 'safai karmi' job Aradhana Bind is a gutsy long-distance runner. In November, without any training, she won the bronze medal at the prestigious Indira Marathon. Notorious thief held by government railway police The Government Railway Police (GRP), on Thursday, claimed to have arrested a notorious burglar, who was wanted in connection with five incidents of train thefts on Thursday. BJP poll pitch picks up with sloganeering In an attempt to make itself heard above the din of other political parties and strike a connect with voters ahead of the UP Assembly elections, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has come up with a host of slogans highlighting the various problems faced by residents of Sangam city. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Mahimananda Mishra's arrest may cast shadow on port works Odisha urges Centre to strengthen banking infrastructure in rural areas to promote cashless transactions Odisha Information Commission asks govt to give info on mining scam The Odisha Information Commission (OIC) has directed the state government to disclose information to an RTI applicant on the action taken following recommendations of the M B Shah Commission of inquiry into the mining scam. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		2 booked for hunting ducks at Bairagarh The forest department booked two men on Thursday for illegally hunting protected migratory ducks at Bairagarh near Sehore Naka. The two are being questioned to find out if they were involved in poaching in the past as well. Traffic cops on toes to check drunk driving on New Year Bhopal traffic police would run a dedicated vehicle checking drive to check driving under the influence of alcohol in the city on New Year's Eve. Officials said apart from traffic police, cops from police stations would also be deployed in the vehicle checking drive. Use khadi once a week, government staff told The Madhya Pradesh government has appealed to its employees to promote khadi and handlooms by wearing khadi clothes at work once a week. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Voting for Congress is like voting for drug peddlers: Arvind Kejriwal Votes polled to the Congress will be votes for the "drug dealers" of Punjab, AAP national convener and Kejriwal told rallies at Kalanaur and Kahnuwan in this district. SAD to contest Punjab polls on development, peace plank: Prakash Singh Badal The Akali leader claimed that his government had taken "historic" initiatives for the well-being of each and every strata of the society. Mohali: 300 Parents and tiny tots from tricity participate in Baby Show More Chandigarh News»

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