AHMEDABAD: Nearly half of the total cases of Malaria reported in India are from the western states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Goa and the union territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, according to a report. The report was submitted at the two-day conference of health ministers of the western region on Wednesday. Malaria was endemic in many parts of these western states, especially in tribal, remote and inaccessible areas, due to inadequate infrastructure, increased urbanisation and migration of the population, the report noted.

Train frequency

NEW DELHI: The frequency of Hazrat Nizamuddin-Bangalore Rajdhani Express (2429/2430) will be increased to thrice a week from December 1. The Northern Railway has, however, decided to reduce the capacity of Hazrat Nizamuddin-Secunderabad Rajdhani Express to once a week from December 1. While the Bangalore Rajdhani will depart from Nizamuddin on Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays, the return express will leave Bangalore on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The NR has decided to increase the passenger capacity of 2015/2016 Ajmer Shatabdi Express by attaching two AC Chair Cars to the train from September 25.

Srikrishna panel

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has fixed October 7 as the date for the hearing of a writ petition on the the report of the Srikrishna Commission which inquired into the riots which followed the demolition of the Babri Masjid at Ayodhya in December, 1992. The decision was taken by a Bench presided over by Chief Justice M M Punchchi.

EC order

NEW DELHI: Election Commission on Wednesday directed Chief Election Officers (CEOs) of the four states going for Assembly polls not to transfer any District Election Officers (DEOs), Returning Officers (ROs) and assistant ROs as the election schedule would be announced ``very soon.'' In a letter to the CEOs of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi and Mizoram, the commission said in case of any transfer arising out of an emergency, the transfer proposal should be cleared from the commission before being implemented.

Pilgirm rush

TIRUPATI: About 70,000 devotees from all over the country thronged the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala as the nine-day annual Brahmotsavam festival commenced on Wednesday. The presiding deity of Lord Venkateswara was adorned with rare and special diamond studded ornaments including the magnificient Vajrakreetam.

Gujarat plan

GANDHINAGAR: The Gujarat Government was considering to frame a disaster management plan and implement a flood forecast system in the state, Chief Minister Keshubhai patel said here on Wednesday. The government was also considering steps to control encroachment on the bank of Tapti River, which, Patel told reporters, was mainly responsible for the floods in Surat resulting in the death of 23 persons.