Ranchi, Jan. 22 : A shutdown called by Maoists to protest against rising prices, severely disrupted normal life here on Thursday.

Factories, shops, offices, and all educational institution remained closed as news filtered in about Maoists torching vehicles and destroying mobile phone towers in different parts of the state.

Road transportation and train services were also hit badly.

"The trains are not running. There is a shutdown. The naxals (Maoists) have called for a shutdown. We don''t know whether the train will come or not," said a local, Shabuddin.

Dhanbad, Jan 20 : A group of engineering students at Dhanbad in Jharkhand have designed an indigenous racing-cum-rally car named ''''MechISMU''''.

This unique car conceptualised and assembled by the mechanical engineering students is capable of manoeuvring through odd rough terrains.

For the racing car and adventure driving enthusiasts, ''''MechISMU'''' is a rare treat.

New Delhi, Jan 19 : Though the Union Cabinet has decided to impose President’s rule in Jharkhand, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav today, said that an alternate Government could still be formed.

When asked about the possibility of fresh elections in the state, Prasad diplomatically answered that President’s rule is not a solution.

Ranchi, Jan 19 : The Union Cabinet today approved President's rule in Jharkhand.

A Jharkhand assembly has also decided that the cabinet will remain in a suspended animation.

The meeting was held here this morning to consider Jharkhand Governor Syed Sibtey Razi's recommendation to impose President rule in the State after a consensus on appointing a new Chief Minister of ruling Jharkand Murli Morcha (JMM)-led coalition could not be reached.

No other political organization showed interest in forming an alternate Government in the state.

New Delhi - Five security personnel were killed and at least two injured in a landmine blast triggered by Maoist rebels in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand on Saturday, news reports said.

The blast took place on a national highway in Latehar district, about 140 kilometres north-west of Jharkhand capital Ranchi, IANS news agency reported.

"Five security personnel who were on long-range patrol were killed in a landmine blast by Maoists. The dead personnel include the officer in charge of Manika police station," a local police officer was quoted as saying.

Ranchi, Jan 17: Jharkhand Governor Syed Sibtey Razi has recommended President's rule in the State after a consensus on a new Chief Minister after the ruling Jharkand Murli Morcha (JMM)-led coalition could not be reached.

Earlier, the State unit of Congress hinted in Ranchi that a delay in choosing a successor to JMM supremo Shibhu Soren could result in the imposition of President's rule.

Governor, Syed Razi has sent a report to the President advising of Central rule in the state.