2016 Miami Open Women's Singles SF's - Victoria Azarenka to meet Svetlana Kuznetsova in the finals

In-form Victoria Azarenka(Belarus) battled past an ailing but determined second seed Angelique Kerber(Germany) with a 6-2 7-5 victory on Thursday March 31,2016

As well as avenging the Melbourne defeat, Victoria Azarenka improved to 7-1 in head-to-head meetings against the German and took her 2016 record to an impressive 21-1

Svetlana Kuznetsova(Russia) beats Switzerland’s Timea Bacsinszky 7-5 6-3

Smartron launches brand with 2-in-1 notebook, smartphone,has Sachin Tendulkar as brand ambassador

Smartron, the new made in India brand with global ambitions, has announced its first set of products, initiating what it calls a “breakthrough with the Internet of Trons”.

The company launched a 12.2-inch Windows 10 2-in-1 t-book powered by Intel Core M processors with prices starting Rs 39,999.

It also announced a 5.5-inch t-phone with Tron-x based on Android to start selling mid-April 2016

With the tagline that it is building “Smart Things For Life”, the company has Sachin Tendulkar as brand ambassador and strategic investor

French honour for Kamal Haasan

Only recently Kamal Haasan became the first south Indian actor to speak at the Harvard University.

Now, the Ulaganayagan has been bestowed with another international honour — the Henri Langlois Award — for his contribution to cinema.

The award is instituted after celebrated French film archivist Henri Langlois, who had been honoured with an honorary Oscar in 1974.

"Received the Henri Langloise award in Paris. Wish Ananthu sir my guru had been alive to hear this. Heard of Langloise only through him," (sic) the actor tweeted

Dubai announces first airport tax on passengers Wednesday March 30,2016

he emirate of Dubai, whose airport is the world's busiest for international passengers, announced Wednesday March 30,2016 it was introducing a tax on travellers to help finance expansion, as Gulf governments grapple with plummeting revenues.

The 35-dirham ($9.50) fee will apply to all passengers, including those transitting in Dubai, on all flights from June 30,2016

It is the first time Dubai has announced a passenger tax, which is imposed in many airports worldwide.

More than 78 million passengers passed through Dubai International in 2015, keeping its place as the world's busiest for international passengers since overtaking London Heathrow in 2014.

Casa Grande launches Laundry Boy

Real estate developer Casa Grande has launched a laundry service through a new brand - Laundry Boy.

The company has also introduced the concept of a post-paid customer engagement model, through which pickup can be booked online, on the Laundry Boy app or by calling the call centre.

Ramprashanth, COO, Laundry Boy, said, "In the wake of a busier and hectic day to day schedule, Laundry Boy is the need of the hour as it could potentially free people from the hassles of laundry. We envisage that Laundry Boy could potentially become a smart and easy way to wash the clothes in every household."

Diet chart, tips for patients with liver disease

Liver is the largest gland of the body.

Conventionally speaking, most diseases take a long-time to destroy it and it also takes very long to heal.

There is always a scope to improve liver health by making food habit correction. 

Oil and alcohol are two biggest enemies of liver as both of them make it work harder. And if the liver is already diseased, it might get worse if right diet rules are not followed.

ARIES - India’s eye in the sky

India's largest ground-based optical telescope, in Devasthal in Uttarakhand, was switched on Wednesday March 30 ,2016 by the prime ministers of India and Belgium from Brussels, during Narendra Modi's day-long visit to the country

2016 Nuclear Security Summit in Washington,USA March 31- April 01,2016

The latest Nuclear Security Summit saw President Barack Obama invite about 50 world leaders to Washington for the 4th and final meeting of its kind under his presidency

More than 50 heads of state were invited to the summit, but the absence of leaders from Russia, North Korea, Iran and Belarus virtually ensures gaps in the united front.

The threat of militants getting their hands on nuclear material has gained fresh urgency since last week's attacks in Brussels, where it later emerged that two bombers had links to surveillance tape of a top official from a Belgian nuclear facility

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping wave during the family photo with world leaders attending the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington on Friday April 01,2016

As Nuclear Security Summit 2016 comes to an end, here's a look at key announcements by PM on India's national actions

1.India will continue to accord a high national priority to nuclear security through strong institutional framework, independent regulatory agency and trained and specialized manpower.

2.Development and deployment of technology to deter and defend against nuclear terrorism. These include physical and cyber barriers, technological approaches, setting up a facility for medical grade 'Moly-99' using low enriched Uranium and using vitrified forms of vulnerable radioisotopes such as Ceasium-137.

3.India will counter nuclear smuggling and strengthen the national detection architecture for nuclear and radioactive material. A dedicated counter-nuclear smuggling team has been set up.

4.India will support IAEA's central role in nuclear security: (a) Further contribution of $1 million to the nuclear security fund. (b) A workshop with IAEA experts on International Physical Protection Assessment Service (IPPAS) in India.

5.India will join trilateral intiative of NSS chairs circulated at IAEA by subscribing states as the joint statement on strengthening nuclear security implemenation.

6.India will also join three gift baskets for this summit in priority areas of counter0nuclear smuggling, nuclear security contact group in Vienna, sharing of best practices through Centres of Excellence such as India's own.

Note

The Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) is a world summit, aimed at preventing Nuclear Terrorism around the globe.

The first summit was held in Washington D.C ,USA, on April 12–13, 2010.

The second summit was held in Seoul, South Korea, in 2012.

The third summit was held in The Hague, Netherlands, on March 24–25, 2014

The 13 countries where being an atheist is punishable by death

It's often said that the world is becoming an increasingly secular place.

Just last week David Cameron sparked backlash when he used his Easter message to describe the UK as "a Christian country".

Critics pointed out that just 30 %of people in the UK describe themselves as religious, making Britain one of the least religious countries in the world.
53 % of people say they have no faith, while 13 % claim they are committed atheists.

However, despite the prevalance of atheism and humanism in the UK, many may be surprised to know that having no faith can be a life or death matter around the world.

In 13 countries, you can be sentenced to death for not having a faith

1. Afghanistan

2. Iran

3. Malaysia

4. Maldives

5. Mauritania

6. Nigeria

7. Pakistan

8. Qatar

9. Saudi Arabia

10. Somalia

11. Sudan

12. United Arab Emirates

13. Yemen

M Vasanthakumari ,Asia's first woman bus driver

When she first got behind the wheel at the age of 14, it was purely for the thrill of driving. But, more than a decade later, when M Vasanthakumari, said to be Asia's first woman bus driver, decided to hit the road, it was the only way she could support her family.

"I didn't have a degree to apply for a job but have always loved driving," says Vasanthakumari, one of the recipients of the Raindropss Women Achiever Award given in Chennai recently.

Born in Kanyakumari, her mother died when she was a toddler and since her father remarried, Vasanthakumari grew up with her aunt. "At the age of 19, I was married off to a widower with four daughters," says the 57-yearold.

Though the young bride did not complain, when she had two children of her own, life became tough. "My husband worked on a construction site and his income was not enough to support all of us," says Vasanthakumari, the then secretary of the Mahalir Mandram at Reethapuram church in Kanyakumari. It was in one of their meetings, while discussing 30% reservation for women in government jobs, that some of them suggested that Vasanthakumari apply for the post of a bus driver. 

Excited at the prospect, she trained in driving heavy vehicles and got a licence. "But when I applied for the government job, the officials told me there were hardly any women bus drivers in the world, and asked me how I would manage in a profession where men struggled," says Vasanthakumari.

After a few failed attempts, Vasanthakumari managed to meet the then chief minister J Jayalalithaa. "I told her that I wanted to drive a bus. She was excited by the idea and asked the transport ministry officials to conduct an interview and forward the file to the CM's office," says the woman who surprised her examiners.

"During one test, they asked me to drive along the figure eight formation. When I started, all the officials ran to safety thinking I may drive in a haphazard manner," she reminisces. But she cleared all the tests and was appointed on March 30, 1993, by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation. 

Life on the road has been relatively smooth with the support of policemen, transport officials, male colleagues and her family but she has never had it easy. "I have not been given any concessions and drive along the same routes as men do," says the regular on the Nagercoil- Thiruvananthapuram route who ends her day around 10pm. "When I began work ing, I did single duty and used to report by 6am and end the shift around 2pm," says Vasanthakumari, who would often leave her children with her neighbours.

She is now no longer the only woman in the TNSTC crew and has seen many others take her road. "But only a few have continued. Many have shifted to desk jobs as the work is high-stress," says Vasanthakumari

Though she is due to retire in April 2017, she doesn't intend to stop driving.

"I want to start a driving school for women. Or else, I can always get a job as a driver in college campuses," she says. But her attitude to life still shines through. "Everyone asks me what challenges I faced as a woman driver. I tell that everything seems difficult but it is the way we deal with it that is important."

2016 Assembly Elections - What matters,what doen't

Assam, West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu — goes to polls

Beyonce Knowles on the covers of Elle UK

Beyonce Knowles recently launched her own fitness brand, Ivy Park.

And Beyonce Knowles proved to be her own best advertisement as she graced the cover of UK's Elle Magazine.

Posing for two editions, the 34-year-old singer put on a sizzling display as she showed off her toned thighs and slender pins. 

Non-subsidised LPG price cut by Rs 4 per cylinder, jet fuel price hiked 8.7% Friday April 01,2016

Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), or jet fuel, price was on Friday  April 01,2016 hiked by 8.7 percent but that of non-subsidised Cooking Gas  LPG was cut by Rs 4 per cylinder on global trends.

ATF price in Delhi was raised by Rs 3,371.55 per kilolitre (kl), or 8.69 percent, to Rs 42,157.01 per kl, oil companies said today.

The hike comes on the back of a marginal 1.3 percent or Rs 515.85 cut in rates on March 10. Prior to that, rates were hiked by steep 12 percent, or Rs 4,174.49, on March 1, almost neutralising a Rs 4,765.5 cut on February01,2016

The March 1 hike broke the cycle of three consecutive monthly price reductions.

Rates vary at different airports because of differential local sales tax or value-added tax (VAT).
Jet fuel constitutes over 40 percent of an airline's operating cost and the price increase will add to the financial burden on cash-strapped carriers.

Non-subsidised cooking gas (LPG) now costs Rs 509.50 in Delhi as against Rs 513.50 previously. This is the third reduction in rates in a row. Prices were last cut by Rs 61.50 on March 1. Rates were reduced by Rs 82.5 per 14.2-kg bottle on February 01,2016

Samsung Galaxy J3 launched in India at Rs 8,990; availalble exclusively on Snapdeal Thursday March 31,2016

Samsung has launched its new smartphone in India at Rs 8,990. The mystery around the next smartphone, which was for a while, being kept under wraps, has been revealed! It will be called as the Galaxy J3.
Here are the highlights from the event.
- Has an 8 MP F2.2 camera, 5 MP front camera
- The phone will be available in 3 colours --Gold, black and white
-Galaxy J3 S bike mode has an intuitive user interface so that users can see a log of all the calls after the ride
It will be available exclusively on Snapdeal from today Thursday March 31,2016

New financial year 2016-17 - Changes that will impact you from April 01,2016

List of things that will impact you. Click open the points to read in details.

1) New Financial Year shocker: Interest rates on PPF, NSC, other small savings schemes to be lower from today

2) Indian Railways: Cancellation of counter train tickets by a phone call from today  

Indian Railway is set to launch a facility from today for the hassled passengers who find it hard to reach its counters within the stipulated time to cancel their tickets.

One has to just dial 139, give details of the confirmed ticket and the sender will get a one-time password, which will help the passenger to claim refund.


3) New FY gift! First time home buyers to get additional tax benefit of Rs 50,000 from today

The Finance Bill 2016, which is likely to be approved by Parliament during the second half of the Budget session, provides for up to Rs 50,000 tax benefit on loan up to Rs 35 lakh taken for residential house.

"In furtherance of the goal of the Government of providing 'housing for all', it is proposed to incentivise first-home buyers availing home loans, by providing additional deduction in respect of interest on loan taken for residential house property from any financial institution up to Rs 50,000," said the Bill, presented to Parliament by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

This incentive is proposed to be extended to a house property of a value less than Rs 50 lakh in respect of which a loan of an amount not exceeding Rs 35 lakh has been sanctioned during the period from the April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017.


4) Get personal tax exemption of additional Rs 30,000 from today

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in Budget 2016 announcement hiked additional tax limit for people earning upto Rs 5 lakh.

Those earning up to Rs 5 lakh a year will now get a tax relief of Rs 5,000, up from Rs 2,000 previously.

The hike will effectively raise the basic exemption for the taxpayers to up to Rs 3 lakh.

Currently government gives personal income tax exemption limit of Rs 2.5 lakh for all individual taxpayers.


5) Indian Railways: Full train fare for children from 5 to 12 years from today

Under the revised provision, full adult fare will be charged for children of age 5 years and under 12 years of age if for whom berth/seat (in reserved class) is sought at the time of reservation.

However, there shall be no change in the rule for child fare of unreserved tickets which means fare for children of 5-12 years for unreserved tickets shall continue to be half of the adult fare.

However, in case berth/seat is not sought for the children of age 5 years and under 12 years of age at the time of reservation, then half of the adult fare shall continue to be charged


6) Car, bike insurance to be costlier from today

Third party motor insurance premium for small cars (up to 1,000 cc) will now be up 39.9 percent to Rs 2,055 from Rs 1,468 being currently charged. The hike in mid-segment cars (1,000 - 1,500 cc) too is about 40 percent.

Premium hike in case of bigger cars and SUVs (above 1,500 cc) is 25 percent. It will now cost Rs 6,164 from April as against the current Rs 4,931.

"It is observed that the cost inflation index (CII) has increased by 5.57 percent over the previous year, i.E. From 1024 in FY 2014-15 to 1081 in FY 2015-16," Irdai had said while notifying the rates of third party insurance premium from April 1, 2016.

Similarly, premiums have gone up in case of bikes and scooters. The new premium rate for two-wheelers up to 75 cc is Rs 569 as against Rs 519. Two-wheelers falling in the category of 75 cc - 150 cc is up 15 percent to Rs 619 while there is increase of 25 percent for bikes in the category of 150 cc - 350 cc. However, premium has been reduced in case of motor-bikes which are about 350 cc to Rs 884.

Basic third party (TP) premium for three-wheelers too has been increased. A new category 'e-rickshaw' (capacity of up to 6 passengers) has been introduced and the basic TP premium has been fixed at Rs 1,125.

The premium increase in case of public carriers is in the range of 15-30 percent. However, there is no change in case of goods carrying vehicles having capacity up to 12 tonnes.
Motor third party insurance is mandatory for vehicles. Irdai has asked insurers to ensure that motor third party insurance is made available at their underwriting offices and through all available channels of distribution.


7) Good news for senior citizens! 50% more rail berths from today

Senior citizens will now have about 90 reserved berths for them in a train as the Railways has enhanced the reservation quota by 50 percent for the elders as part of the budget commitments.

Besides senior citizens, female passengers above 45 years of age and pregnant women are also eligible to avail the enhanced quota.

The reserved qouta for senior citizen was introduced in 2007. A combined reservation quota of two lower berths per coach in Sleeper, AC-3 tier and AC-2 tier classes was earmarked for them.

In 2015, the existing quota of two lower berths per coach in Sleeper class was enhanced to four lower berths per coach.

It has now been decided to enhance this quota to six lower berths per coach in Sleeper class and three lower berths per coach in 3AC and 2AC classes, Jamshed said.

It has also been decided that in Rajdhani, Duronto and fully AC Express trains, this quota in 3AC class will be four lower berths per coach as against three lower berths per coach in case of normal Mail/Express trains

8) List of items getting costlier and cheaper from today

Following is a list of items that will turn costlier

> Cars
> Cigarettes, cigar, tobacco, paper rolled beedis and gutaka > All services like bill payments, eating out, air travel > Ready made garments and branded apparel of more than Rs 1,000
> Gold and Silver; jewelery articles excluding silver > Water including mineral water, aerated water containing added sugar or sweetening matter
> Goods and services above Rs 2 lakh in cash > Aluminum foil
> Air Travel
> Plastic bags and sacks
> Ropeway, cable car rides
> Imported imitation jewellery
> Industrial solar water heater
> Legal services
> Lottery tickets
> Traveling by hiring stage carriage
> Hiring of packers & movers
> E-reading devices
> Instruments for VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) > Imported Golf Cars
> Gold bars

Following is a list items that will turn cheaper

> Footwear
> Solar lamp
> Router, broadband modems and set top boxes, Digital video recorder and CCTV cameras
> Hybrid electric vehicles
> Sterilised dialyser
> Low cost houses with less than 60 sq mt carpet area > Hiring of folk artists for performance > Refrigerated containers
> Pension plans
> Microwave ovens
> Sanitary pads
> Braille paper

Larger Pictorial Warnings On Tobacco Products From Today Friday April 01,2016

The notification implementing larger pictorial warnings on all tobacco products will come into effect from today. The move comes despite a parliamentary panel's recommendation for a drastic reduction in the size of the visual message.

The Health Ministry's notification of September 24, 2015, for implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Amendment Rules, 2014, come into force today. These prescribe larger pictorial warnings on tobacco products.

The ministry had made a commitment to Rajasthan High Court on March 28 that it will implement the said rules from April 1, 2016.

2016 Assembly Elections - Election Commission of India Bans Exit Polls Till Assembly Election Voting Ends Friday April 01,2016

The Election Commission today banned exit polls between April 4 and May 16 when Assembly elections are held in five states.

Citing provisions of electoral laws, the poll panel said, "Exit polls cannot be conducted and publicised by means of print and electronic media or dissemination in any other manner starting from April 4 at 7 am to May 16 at 6:30 pm."

The election timings for Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry are between 7 am and 6 pm. The timings for West Bengal and Assam would be a little different depending on the topography of the constituency and the security situation.

The Commission also said that display of "any election matter" including results of any opinion poll or any other poll survey in "any electronic media" is "prohibited during the period 48 hours, including the hour fixed for conclusion of poll in each of the phases in connection with the elections."

The Election Commission bans exit polls from the time the poll begins till half-an-hour after the polling ends.

Partial Liquor Ban Across Bihar From Today Friday April 01,2016

A partial liquor ban has been brought into effect in Bihar from today Friday April 01,2016 following the state government issuing a notification in this regard.

"The state cabinet gave its nod to Excise and Prohibition department's proposal to issue a notification for implementing prohibition in rural areas besides putting a blanket ban on country-made and spiced liquor," a senior state government official, told

"A notification has been issued for implementing prohibition in rural areas besides banning country-made liquor across the state," Kunwar Jang Bahadur told

This means that the person indulging in manufacturing trade, transportation, sale and consumption of country-made and spiced liquor across the state will be punished for violating the stringent provisions of the Bihar Excise (Amendment) Act, 2016.

As per the provisions of the Act, complete prohibition will be implemented in rural areas besides a complete ban on country-made spiced liquor across the state from today April 01,2016

Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) will be sold in limited areas of the state i.e. municipal corporations and councils through the outlets of Bihar State Beverages Corporation Ltd (BSBCL).

Excise and Prohibition department and other government agencies and district administration are taking up measures to implement partial liquor ban in the state.

In Patna, around 13.50 lakh bottles of country made liquor were destroyed at BSBCL godown in Khagaul with the help of earth-mover machine amid tight security in the presence of other senior officials led by Patna District Magistrate Sanjay Kumar Agarwal.

"We have destroyed 13.50 lakh bottles of country made liquor... worth Rs. 3 crore... Shops are being sealed by the magistrates appointed for the purpose," Mr Agarwal told PTI.

From today, there will be a limited number of shops of foreign liquor and that too will be run by the state government undertaking BSBCL, the District Magistrate said.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, while replying to a debate in the Assembly, said on Wednesday, that IMFL would be sold only in urban areas through 655 CCTV fitted outlets run by BSBCL

Vendors selling foreign liquor were found offering heavy discounts to exhaust their stocks before March 31 to escape the stringent provisions of the new law.

On Nitish Kumar's appeal for 'charity begins at home', both the Houses adopted a resolution stating that they would not consume liquor and to discourage others from doing so.

Excise and Prohibition department has also issued toll free numbers of 15545 and 18003456288 on which people can dial for to inform about violations of liquor ban rules.

People can send their grievances and complaints regarding violations of new excise policy through 'fax' on 0612-2215843, email at 'excisecontrolroom@gmail.com' and send their SMS on 7762990523.

Note

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had announced on November 26,2015  on the occasion of 'Prohibition Day' that his government would implement a complete ban on country-made liquor from April 1, 2016.

The Bihar Assembly on Wednesday March 30,2016 unanimously passed the Bihar Excise (Amendment) Bill 2016 to enforce the ban on countrymade liquor from April 1. The 1915 liquor Bill was amended to incorporate stricter penal provisions, including death sentence, for manufacturers and distributors of illicit liquor in the event of a hooch tragedy

Small Savings Rates to Change from April 01,2016

The NDA Government substantially reduced interest rates payable on small savings like Public Provident Fund (PPF), Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP), Post Office Monthly Income Scheme, Post Office Fixed Deposit

Interest rate cuts on small savings sechemes:

Savings Plans	Revised Rate	Old Rate
Public Provident Fund	8.1%	8.7%
Kisan Vikas Patra	7.8%	8.7%
Post Office Deposit (1 Year)	7.1%	8.4%
Post Office Deposit (2 Year)	7.2%	8.4%
Post Office Deposit (3 Year)	7.4%	8.4%
Post Office Deposit (5 Year)	7.9%	8.5%
Sukanya Samriddhi Account	8.6%	9.2%
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme	8.6%	9.3%
Postal Savings Deposit	4%	4%

Scheme and Post Office Savings Account in a bid to align them closer to interest rates offered by other schemes including bank deposits.

It’s a move that will disappoint millions of small savers, who have invested in government savings schemes of less than five-year tenure.

 Many of the investors are government employees and lower income group people, who use these schemes as social security funds or savings for the rainy day.

As a part of its February 16 decision to revise interest rates on small savings every quarter, the interest rate on PPF scheme will be cut to 8.1 per cent for the period April 1 to June 30, from 8.7 per cent at present.

The interest rate on KVP will be cut to 7.8 per cent from 8.7 per cent. There is no change on Post Office savings at 4 per cent, but term deposits of one to five years
has been cut.

The five-year National Savings Certificates will earn an interest rate of 8.1 per cent from April 1, compared to 8.5 per cent, currently.

A five-year Monthly Income Account will fetch 7.8 per cent as opposed to 8.4 per cent now.

The girl-child savings scheme, Sukanya Samriddhi Account, will see an interest rate of 8.6 per cent as against 9.2 per cent, while the senior citizen savings scheme of five-year tenure would earn 8.6 per cent interest, compared to 9.3 per cent.

Post Office term deposits of one, two and three years command an interest rate of 8.4 per cent but from April 1, a one-year deposit will fetch 7.1 per cent, two-year deposit will earn 7.2 per cent and three-year deposit will attract interest of 7.4 per cent. Five-year deposit will fetch 7.9 per cent interest in the first quarter, compared to 8.5 per cent while the same on five-year RDs has been slashed to 7.4 per cent from 8.4 per cent.

New ITR For Those Earning Over Rs. 50 Lakh Notified for assessment year 2016-17

People with an income of more than Rs. 50 lakh per annum and having the pleasure of owning a yacht, aircraft or valuable jewellery will now have to disclose these costly assets with the IT department notifying a new set of Income Tax Return (ITR) forms for assessment year 2016-17.

Filing for the new forms begins with the onset of the new financial year today.

The Finance Ministry published a gazette order in this regard on March 30 and taxpayers can file their ITRs till the stipulated deadline of July 31.

The department has introduced a fresh reporting column in the new ITRs (ITR-2 and 2A) called 'Asset and Liability at the end of the year' which is applicable in cases where the total income exceeds Rs. 50 lakhs

Individuals and entities coming under this income bracket will also have to mention the total cost of such assets.

So, while immovable assets like land and building have to be furnished under the new ITR regime, movable assets like cash in hand, jewellery, bullion, vehicles, yachts, boats and aircraft will also have to be disclosed to the taxman.

The entity reporting these high-value possessions will also have to describe their "Liability in relation" to these items

"The new reporting mechanisms for people earning over Rs. 50 lakh per annum are made to check tax evasion by high-net worth individuals and entities. While their income returns used to cover this in a way till now, a new exclusive column was essential to keep the taxman informed," a senior official said.

For the first time, the ITRs, keeping in spirit the government's flagship agenda of promoting startup businesses has brought out a separate column for earnings made from this sector.

The ITR-2A, to be filled by those individuals and HUFs who do not have income from either business, profession or by way of capital gains and do not hold foreign assets, has the new column called Pass

Through Income (PTI) and seeks details from business trust or investment fund as per section 115UA and 115UB of the Income Tax Act (investments made in a venture capital company) which pertains to emerging companies or startup firms. 

World's first 'White Tiger Safari' to open for public at Mukundupur White Tiger Safari Zoo and Rescue Centre in Bhopal,Madhya Pradesh,India from Sunday April 03,2016

The roar of white tigers will once again reverberate in Madhya Pradesh's Vindhya region, where the feline was first found in 1951, with the world's first 'White Tiger Safari' to open for public at Mukundpur in Rewa division on April 3.

Union Minister of State for Environment and Forest Prakash Javadekar, Steel and Mines Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, among others, will dedicate to the public the world's first Mukundupur White Tiger Safari Zoo and Rescue Centre on Sunday April 03,2016,state Public Relations and Energy Minister Rajendra Shukla said.

The zoo will have three white tigers, including a male named Raghu and two females - Vindhya and Radha.

Actress Radhika Apte walks the ramp for Sonali Pamnani's 'The Meraki Project'

Actress Radhika Apte has impressed moviegoers with variations in many of her films but says walking the runway for the first time made her nervous.

"It was the first time I walked for ramp so I was very nervous and I hope it's just the beginning," Radhika Apte told post walking for label The Meraki Project By designer Sonali Pamnani.

Calling herself a cotton lover, the 'Manjhi-The Mountain Man' fame actress says that she is grateful for being the part of fashion show and loved the designs for being so comfortable.

"I am very grateful that I am the part of this show as I really love this collection. I personally wear cotton a lot and of course loose clothes and I think comfort is the first thing for me. I am not a flashy person at all so this collection really suited me," said the actress who was wearing a blue cotton Ikat knee length dress, with shoulder cut-outs. The pink bib detailing on the front added a playful touch to the ensemble.

The Meraki Project by Pamnani's collection 'All Work and No Play' delivered a message of pursuing passion for a living, and find true happiness in life.

The essence of the collection was portrayed through an eclectic mix of clothing, which reflected the heart and soul of the people who worked hard to create it. Classic silhouettes were creatively manipulated to present clean, minimalistic, anti-fit designs with a contemporary feel to them.

Soaked in natural, hand-woven textiles such as silk organza, pure cotton and hand-woven cotton Ikat, the collection was accessorised with sunglasses and gladiator sandals, rendered a modern appeal to the traditional Indian handloom.

Radhika Apte also says that she is happy to use lot of traditional textiles grabbing spotlights nowadays

"I am happy that these textiles are coming in . I feel these are the things that are celebrated most outside the country and sometimes we don't celebrate ourselves... so its good to see such textiles," she said.

40 years of Apple April 1976 - April 2016 - Apple is celebrating its anniversary on April 1,2016

n its 40 years of existence, Apple, which is celebrating its anniversary on April 1,2016 has revolutionized the history of the personal computer by widening the public's access to computing and excelling at innovation.

 Here's a selection of 10 iconic Apple computers

1976: The Apple I

This was the very first computer put on sale by the Californian company. Less than 200 copies were produced. Designed by Steve Wozniak, Ronald Wayne and Steve Jobs, this rather rudimentary product required a keyboard and a TV to be able to function. It is now a highly prized collector's item.


1977: The Apple II

Steve Wozniak's Apple II was a more complete model, with a screen, keyboard and data cassette storage. It made Apple a wealthy company. It was the first in a series of models which were produced until 1988, during which time a floppy disk drive and new peripherals were added.

1984: The Macintosh

Unveiled to the general public via a now legendary TV commercial (Ridley Scott's "1984," broadcast during the Super Bowl), the Macintosh 128K owed its name to its 128KB of Random Access Memory. It also had a 3.5 inch floppy disk drive and was delivered with the MacPaint (drawing) and MacWrite (word processing) applications. It's price, below 3,000 dollars, made it an attractive product at that time. A few months later, Apple launched the Macintosh 512K

1989: The Macintosh Portable

Audacious but too expensive (priced at over 6,000 dollars) and cumbersome (over 7kg) to attract the general public, this first portable model designed by Apple required a mouse to function.


1994: The Power Macintosh 

The long line of Power Macs used IBM's PowerPC processors. This range of computers was produced until 2006, when Apple began to use Intel chips.

1998: The iMac

This first range of all-in-one computers aimed at the general public was a factor in Apple's revitalization at that time. The iMac stood out from standard PCs because of its innovative design (all the components were integrated into the monitor) and its bright colors.

1999: The iBook

This computer was considered to be a portable version of the iMac, with a round and colored design. The iBook range, which was a major sales success, was produced until 2006.


2006: The MacBook

In 5 years of existence, the Macbook had three different designs: a first body in black and white polycarbonate, then a unibody in aluminum, and lastly a unibody version, once again in polycarbonate. The MacBook remains an unprecedented success for Apple, and a new generation was launched in 2015.


2008: The MacBook Air  

This new ultra light laptop was a refined and even higher performance version of the MacBook. This series is still Apple's high-end laptop range.


2013:The "cylindrical" Mac Pro

This new generation of desktops mainly aimed at business clients is characterized by its unusual design, its 12GB (minimum) of RAM and its compatibility with 4K (ultra-high definition) screens. 










 
 
 

Kolkata bridge collapse death 23 dead and over 100 people are still trapped under the debris.Thursday March 31,2016

the noose over construction firm IVRCL responsible for building the bridge which collapsed on Thursday March 31,2016 in Kolkata, police are likely to arrest officials of the Hyderabad-based company. A four member team of Kolkata police has reached Hyderabad to question IVRCL officials in connection with the mishap.

Even as the death toll has reached 23, rescue officials suspect that over 100 people are still trapped under the debris.

Terming the mishap as "unfortunate", infrastructure major IVRCL had on Thursday said it will cooperate with the state authorities probing the collapse of an under-construction flyover in Kolkata.

"IVRCL grieves the loss of precious lives and injuries to people and will cooperate with the authorities in investigating this accident," IVRCL said.

The Vivekananada Flyover project in Kolkata J under execution by IVRCLJ has suffered an accident caused by an under construction section falling down, it said. "All necessary process and quality steps have been taken as per standard operating procedure and after obtaining all clearances. The collapsed section is the 60th," it said adding that in the Vivekananda Flyover project 59 sections with a total length of about 0.9 km have been completed successfully so far.

The design of the flyover has been made by a reputed consultant from Kolkata and the Project Manager and Engineers deployed at this site are highly experienced in constructing large and complex projects, it said.

The incident occurred on Thursday March 31,2016 in the dense Burra Bazaar locality. "Details are awaited to investigate the cause of the accident and IVRCL will do its utmost to find the causes. IVRCL stands by the family and friends of those who lost their lives and deeply regrets their loss," the company said.

IVRCL is a diversified infrastructure group with presence across the length and breadth of India with major offices in metro cities such as New Delhi (NCR), Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Guwahati. It has also operations in Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East.

Short-term loans set to get cheaper as banks shift to new lending rates

At the State Bank of India (SBI), the rate for loans up to one-year will be lower than current base rate of 9.30%. The new interest rates vary from 8.95 per cent for overnight to 9.35 per cent for three years, SBI said in a document posted on its website on Thursday March 31,2016

Banks will also add a credit risk premium, fixing final rates based on the quality of the borrower.
Both HDFC Bank and BoB matched SBI's lending rate of 9.20 per cent for one year and 9.3 per cent for a two-year loan. The rate of interest will be 9.35 per cent for a loan of three years duration.

BoB fixed interest rate of 9.65 per cent for 5-year loan. The bank has also decided to levy a strategic premium of 0.35 per cent over and above the marginal cost of funds based lending rate (MCLR) as above, BoB said in a statement.

PNB has pegged interest rate of 9.40 per cent for one year, 9.55 per cent for 3 years and 9.70 per cent for 5 years. Subsidiaries of SBI, SBBJ and State Bank of Travancore also announced lending rates.

According to India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) the implementation of Marginal Cost of Funds-based lending rate (MCLR) has the potential to channelise the recent surge of volumes in the commercial paper market towards bank credit.

Ind-Ra expects the shortest tenor MCLR for bigger banks to be around 90-100 basis points lower than the base rate, while making it comparable to commercial paper rates with similar tenor.

On the longer end (one year rate) considering the 70-75 basis points of tenor premium evident in the market, the difference from the base rate can be around 25-30 basis points.

The MCLR is expected to address the RBI's primary objective, of expediting monetary policy transmission along with augmenting uniformity and transparency in the calculation methodology of lending rates, it said.