Chennai rains: 4 dead, schools shut for 2nd day as more downpour expected

Over the next few days, moderate to heavy rains will continue to lash Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu

Chennai and coastal parts of Tamil Nadu have received heavy rains for a third day in a row. Until now, four people have reportedly died across the state due to heavy rainfall.

The state administration has decided to keep the schools shut in several parts of the state.

In the past 24 hours, areas near Chengalpattu have received 100 mm rainfall, with most places receiving an average of 40 mm rainfall in the city.

Also Read : Indian Railways: New timings for 500 trains from Nov 1; know the details

While the rain stopped on Wednesday morning for a few hours before resuming, suburbs of Chennai faced water stagnation. Also, some local rivers and bridges were also flooded.

On Tuesday, a woman died in Cuddalore, 190 km from Chennai Rains , after a wall of her home collapsed, taking the total death toll to four.

TV footage showed rainwater beginning to enter houses in Krishna Nagar and Lakshmipuram at Mudichur in Chennai after two days of rain. Mudichur was also one of the areas worst affected by the 2015 floods. Residents of Varadarajapuram were moving out with their belongings as water from the Adyar flooded these areas.

At Thiruvanchery, water from the Selaiyur lake was flowing over open land and roads to reach the Madambakkam lake, instead of a proper channel.

The administration announced that schools in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Nagapattinam, Tiruvallur and seven taluks of Cuddalore would remain shut for one more day since the MET department has forecast more rains for the city. Read Full Story >>>

IPS officer arrested for cheating in UPSC mains exam with Bluetooth gadget

Safeer Karim, currently an Assistant Superintendent of Police in Tirunelvelli district, was caught talking to his wife during the exam

An Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, aspiring to enter the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), was arrested for cheating in the civil services main exam with Bluetooth equipment, a police officer said on Monday.

Safeer Karim, currently an Assistant Superintendent of Police in Tirunelvelli district, was caught talking to his wife in Hyderabad for answers, according to the officer.

The officer said being IPS Officer Caught Cheating in exams will have a serious effect on Karim's career.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Himachal polls: BJP manifesto is about 'mafia raj', jobs, free pilgrimage

The strong focus on measures to better the law and order situation comes in the backdrop of widespread protests over the Kotkhai rape and murder case and other incidents

Dismantling “mafia raj”, women’s safety, free ‘chardham’ pilgrimage for the elderly and jobs for youth are among the key focus areas in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP’s) “Vision Document” for the Himachal Pradesh polls which was released by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley here on Sunday.

The document promised a 24-hour helpline in the chief minister’s office for reporting all types of crimes, setting up of Somnath Vahini, a task force of ex-servicemen to take on drug mafia and crime.

The strong focus on measures to better the law and order situation comes in the backdrop of widespread protests over the Kotkhai rape and murder case and other incidents.

“The BJP government would have to do ten years’ work in five years as the present Congress government did not take up any developmental work while re-establishing the credibility of the government would be challenge,” Jaitley said while releasing the manifesto.

ALSO READ : HP polls: Palampur set for interesting contest

He was flanked by Union ministers J P Nadda and Thawar Chand Gehlot, former chief ministers Shanta Kumar and Prem Kumar Dhumal, state BJP chief Satpal Singh Satti and other senior leaders.

 

The vision document stressed on eradication of corruption while also claiming that the activities of land, forest, drug, mining, and building mafia would be curbed while transparency would be ushered in public life.

To ensure transparency, BJP MLAs would publicly declare all their assets, it said.

Safe drinking water to every house, road connectivity to all villages, emergency medical services in rural and remote areas, doubling the income of farmers by 2022, raising of compensation for land acquired by the government for developmental projects, social security pension and free “Chardham Yatra” for senior citizens are other salient features of the document…..Read More 

Samsung Galaxy J5 gets new security patch: Here's why it is important

The update addresses Blueborne vulnerability and is currently rolling out to Galaxy J5 users in Europe via over the air (OTA)

Samsung has released a critical software upgrade for its budget Galaxy J5 smartphone. The update addresses the Blueborne vulnerability, which was recently identified as a serious threat that spreads through Bluetooth and takes control over user devices.

The update with firmware number J530FXXU1AQI3 is currently rolling out to Galaxy J5 Update users in Europe via over the air (OTA). Recently, Samsung had released the security patches to address Blueborne vulnerability for several its flagship series smartphone-- Galaxy S, Note and A series.

Other smartphone manufacturers such as Motorola are also pushing out the security patch to address the vulnerability.

Here is what the Blueborne vulnerability is and why the security updates are important

BlueBorne is a malicious code that spreads from one device to another via Bluetooth. It allows hackers to take control of affected devices by running commands in devices that go unnoticed by the users. Unlike other malicious viruses, the BlueBorne does not require the user to click on a link or download something over the internet. It just spreads through Bluethooth, even if the other device is not paired with the affected device. It spreads even when the Bluetooth is set as undiscovered.

How to safeguard your device

The best way to keep your device protected from BlueBorne vector is to update your device with the latest security patches deployed from operating system (OS) developers or original equipment makers (OEMs). Most of the OEMs and OS developers have already started releasing patches to address the vulnerabilities associated with BlueBorne vector.

Another way to protect your device is by switching off your Bluetooth. The device security should be set to allow minimum access to Bluetooth-based services. This is no proper solution but can shield the device till you receive the security patch to address the vulnerabilities.

Top developments: Swiss couple attacked in Fatehpur Sikri; 5 held

Sushma Swaraj sought a report from the Uttar Pradesh government on the assault

One of the two Swiss tourists attacked and badly injured near Agra five days ago was discharged from Delhi's Apollo Hospital on Thursday even as five people, including three minors, were taken into custody for the crime. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who visited Agra, promised better security for tourists.

Sushma seeks report

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said while Marie Droz had been discharged from the hospital, her male friend Quentin Jeremy Clerc's condition was improving. The Swiss embassy in New Delhi confirmed the October 22 attack and said it was providing them consular services.

The ugly attack took place when the young couple was walking alongside a train track in Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. Clerc was left with a fractured skull and several bruises.

Senior Superintendent of Police Agra, Amit Pathak, said late on Thursday evening that five persons, including three minors, have been taken into custody for the crime.

Also Read : Latest Current Affairs

Sushma Swaraj sought a report from the Uttar Pradesh government on the assault. Minister of State for Tourism KJ Alphons expressed deep concern.

"You would kindly appreciate that such incidents negatively impact our image and are detrimental to our efforts in promoting India as a tourism destination," Alphons told the Chief Minister in a letter.

He said a "fast and speedy response in identifying and ensuring speedy action including conviction of the guilty would be reassuring" and would send a "good message of our efforts to prevent recurrence of such incidents". Read Full Story >>>

OnePlus 5T leaks hint 18:9 screen, fingerprint scanner on back: Know more

It is speculated that the smartphone would sport same specifications as that of OnePlus 5 except a potentially bigger battery

China-based smartphone maker OnePlus is reportedly working on the next iteration of its current year flagship. Dubbed as ‘OnePlus 5T’, the upcoming smartphone recently appeared in the tech forums.

Going by the purported report that confirms the existence of 5T model, it is believed that the device would sport a bigger screen in 18:9 aspect ratio format with FHD+ resolution. Also, OnePlus would shift the fingerprint sensor on the back side to accommodate a bigger screen on the front with small bezels.

An image shared by Android Authority, an online technology portal, gave a glimpse of the upcoming flagship model from OnePlus. In the picture, the phone is shown from an angle revealing the speaker at the bottom, same chassis as that of OnePlus 5 and a new wider format screen.

It is speculated that the smartphone would sport similar specifications as that of OnePlus 5 except for a potentially bigger battery…..READ MORE

Tips to crack Haryana govt job exams- know Ramdev, teej other cults

Lakhs of students prepare for various entrance exams every year to bag the much coveted government or banking sector jobs

Preparing for a government exams in Haryana? Here’s a tip – buck up your knowledge on cult-like figures and the job is youOver the last two years, some of the questions that candidates have been asked to answer in Haryana are related to Baba Ramdev and other such cult-like figures.

Here are such questions:

Where is the dera of Kali Kamali Baba located in Haryana? Who is the guru of Baba Ramdev? On which part of the body is the ornament ‘Chalkada’ worn?

Millions prepare for various entrance exams every year to bag the much-coveted government or banking sector jobs.

Why ask such questions?

Candidates and social activists are now questioning “the logic behind such questions” for recruitment to the posts of police constable, clerk, food sub-inspector, patwari (revenue official), statistical assistant and even pump operators.

Young job aspirants are often baffled as they do not find answers to these questions in any book and have to seek help from their relatives and grandparents. Appearing for these exams becomes a nightmare for many.

BJP backs such questions

Raman Malik, spokesperson for BJP in Haryana said, “the questions are related to the social fabric of the state that should be known by the aspirants.”

“Job seekers must be sensitive and aware of diversity in society. If those who know about the social fabric are selected, they will be able to serve people in a better way, he added”.

Modi-government schemes fill Civil prelims exam

In June, the BJP-led government was criticised for questions asked in this year’s civil services preliminary examination. The aspirants were asked questions related to Goods and Services Tax (GST), benami transactions and schemes run by the central government.

“What is/are the most likely advantages of implementing Goods and Services Tax?” reads a question. | Readmore

Father claims 3-yr-old Indian girl in Texas choked on milk, charged

A post mortem has been conducted on the child's body, but the medical examiner has yet to announce the exact cause of death

Police have charged the adoptive father of a three-year-old Indian girl in her death after he admitted that the child choked while he was making her drink milk and died in their home in Texas, according to court documents.

Wesley Mon Mathews had earlier told police that Sherin Mathews disappeared when he made her stand in a lane behind their house in Richardson city at 3 a on October 7 as punishment for not drinking milk.

After nearly two weeks of searching by police using drones, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and volunteers, her body was found on Sunday in a ditch near their house in the city near Dallas. While the search was going on, Mathews stuck to the story about Sherin's punishment and mysterious disappearance.

Mathews, who was arrested on Monday, was charged with causing injury to a child which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Also Read : Missing Indian-American toddler choked on milk and died: 10 key developments

As of Tuesday evening, he was being held in jail with bail set at $1 million. Mathews, 37, who works in information technology, is of Indian origin. He and his wife, Sini who is a nurse, had adopted Sherin from an orphanage in Bihar.

Richardson police officer V. Diaz said in court documents that on Monday Mathews came to the police with his lawyer and said that he "physically assisted" Sherin with drinking milk in the garage of their house after she had earlier refused to drink it. The child began coughing and choking, her breathing slowed and then there was no longer any pulse, he told police.

He "believed" she had died and admitted to removing the body from the house, Diaz said.

Mathews did not wake his wife, who is a registered nurse at Dallas Children's Medical Center, when that happened, the Dallas News reported.

Sini has not told police what had happened, according to the newspaper. It quoted police Sgt. Kevin Perlich as saying that she said the clothing found on the child's body could have been something Sherin wore and gave the dental records, which were used to identify the girl. Read More

Watch: Mirage 2000 fighter jets land on Lucknow-Agra Expressway

The exercise was conducted near Bangarmau in Unnao

Twenty aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF), including AN-32 transport, Mirage 2000 and Sukhoi 30 MKI, made a touchdown on the Lucknow Agra Expressway on Tuesday.

Two AN-32 transport and fighter planes such as Mirage 2000, Jaguar, Sukhoi 30 MKI are taking part in the exercise.The AN-32 are meant for humanitarian assistance and relief operations during floods or any other natural calamity.

Latest Current Affairs : The exercise was conducted near Bangarmau in Unnao.

The IAF's touchdown exercise, in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Government, is the first official IAF exercise on the expressway, which was inaugurated in November last year.

"It is for the first time any transport aircraft will land and then take off from the expressway. The AN-32 are meant for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief during floods or any other natural calamity," PRO, Defence (Central Command), Gargi Malik Sinha told PTI.

On November 21, six Mirage and Sukhoi jets had presented airshow and conducted their maiden training on its 3.3 km long specially built runway in Unnao district near Kanpur. Then Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav and then ruling Samajwadi Party (SP) president Mulayam Singh Yadav were present during the air show.

For October 24 exercise, a stretch of the 302-km long expressway would be closed for traffic during October 20-24. The training will help the IAF pilots to get acclimatise to the landing and takeoff exercise using public highways/expressway during emergency or war situations. Read More

Smokeless Diwali: Delhi, there is something foul in the air, don't make it worse

A ban is rarely a great solution, but we must recognize that no other agency is upholding our right to breath clean air.

Current Affairs : Go outside and get some fresh air. Go for a walk, it will clear your mind.” Fresh air and a relaxing walk are simple pleasures unavailable to residents of Delhi/NCR. Walking, running or cycling here might cause more damage to your health than any good.

Why do you say this?
Because on an average day in Delhi/NCR PM2.5 pollution is between 150-400 micrograms per cubic metre. This means the ‘baseline’ or ‘everyday’ pollution in the NCR due to essential or routine economic activities, in and around Delhi, is 2 to 4 times above the danger mark. Transportation, factories, coal-fired power production, waste burning, unending construction work, slash and burn agriculture in neighbouring states, and local climate effects are the major reasons. This has been the case for the last 5-10 years. It is a problem because PM2.5 levels above 60-100 micrograms per cubic metre are considered unsafe by the WHO.

What does PM2.5 do?
Such poor air quality is a contributor to chronic year-long complaints of cough, sniffling, irritability in the eyes, headaches, fatigue, asthma, bronchitis, and skin allergies. Common ailments in Delhi/NCR. These high levels of PM2.5, over longer periods, increase the risk of serious breathing disorders, developmental disorders in children, cardiovascular issues, and neurological problems. Shocking, but not unexpected, is the fact that 40 percent of children in the NCR have critically low lung function. Almost every day in Delhi is an attack on our health that we regretfully ignore.

If there are so many factors, why are people focusing on air pollution due to Diwali firecrackers?

Last year air pollution (PM2.5 and PM10) levels in the NCR were 14-16 times above the safe limit on the day after Diwali. Such levels have never been recorded in an Indian city before. It was a public health emergency for Delhi/NCR. Testing for breathing disorders went up by 10-20 times. Schools were shut. The number of sick days increased dramatically. If regular days in Delhi are a dose of hazardous air, last November, the day after Diwali, was a quite simply poison.

We can handle 14-16 times pollution for one day of celebration, okay?
If you really believe that you are completely wrong. Such levels of pollution are ‘anti-human’. Doctors don’t know if our bodies can cope with such pollution. According to Dr Arvind Kumar, one of India’s lead chest surgeons, in his 25 year experience, only patients that were smokers had black deposits on their lungs. In recent years, Dr Kumar has seen PM2.5 deposits aggregating on the lungs of nonsmokers, children, and even people that are active/healthy. And there is no mechanism to clean your lungs – these deposits are permanent. They decrease your lung capacity and eventually impacts your cardiovascular and neurological function. | Readmore…