News Digest: Wakf employees await pay commission arrears

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Tuesday, February 17, 2015
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Wakf employees await pay commission arrears The employees of the state wakf board have been awaiting release of arrears under the 5th and 6th pay commission since 2009. Supreme Court fixes 90-day limit for suspension of govt employees Protracted period of suspension of delinquent government employee has become a norm and such practice must be curbed, the Supreme Court on Monday said while fixing a period of ninety 90 days for authorities to complete proceedings against such an employee. Hydro projects no reason for 2013 deluge: Uttarakhand govt The Uttarakhand government on Monday told the Supreme Court that the June 2013 deluge was not triggered by hydroelectric power projects (HEPs) in the state and rejected the findings of the Centre’s expert panel on adverse ecological and environmental impact of such projects. More India News»

		Business
		Inflation at 5-year low of -0.39%, raises rate cut hope Wholesale prices fell the most in five-and-a-half years in January as decline in oil and some food items resulted in a negative inflation or deflation of 0.39% for the month, raising hopes of rate cut by RBI. YES Bank floats first Rs 500cr green infra bond YES Bank has succeeded in floating the country’s maiden green infrastructure bond issue for Rs 500 crore, against which it has received commitments of over Rs 450 crore at sub-9% interest rates. 8 telecom companies in race for spectrum The telecom industry lined up for a new round of spectrum auctions — slated for next month — even as some of them have approached various courts with some “clarifications and queries” regarding the sale. More Business News»

		Environment
		Two highways have cut six wildlife corridors in region Among all the projects going through forests, highways seem to be the single biggest threat to tiger corridors in the Central Indian landscape, home to some 688 tigers or one-fifth of population in the wild. Land Rover to partner with project tiger Land Rover-the iconic brand of sports utility vehicles that operate in forests across the world including the vast African savanna-will support a collaborative tiger conservation project in central India. Swamps, wetlands key in fight against climate change Swamps and wetlands could be 50 times more effective than rain forests in storing carbon, an Australian scientist researching the topic said Monday. More Environment News»

		World
		Ukraine ceasefire may collapse as fighting rages on Intense artillery exchanges between Ukrainian government forces and Russian-backed separatists around a strategic town in the east persisted on Monday in fighting that threatens to dash a cease-fire deal brokered last week. Icy storm paralyzes central US, heads for nation's capital Record-breaking cold gripped the eastern United States on Monday while an icy winter storm crippled the nation's central states before it was expected to barrel toward the mid-Atlantic in time to snarl Tuesday's morning commute. Jihadis publicly flog men in Iraq for using mobiles ISIS have reportedly cut off the hands of three women as punishment for unknown charges and publicly flogged men for using mobile phones. More World News»

		Entertainment
		'Have never had a skinny model body' Sonam Kapoor is undoubtedly considered a style diva, who many girls look up to. She and her younger sister Rhea are not just best friends, but Rhea has been styling Sonam now for many years. It thus comes as no surprise that the two sisters have been working on a brand of clothes for years, which they will now be launching in India in September. Bollywood's popular patch-ups Unbelievably expensive gifts by Bollywood celebs More Entertainment News»

		Science
		'Newton knew how water in plants defies gravity' English physicist Isaac Newton very nearly uncovered the secret of how plants defy gravity by pulling water up from roots, almost 200 years before the process was described by botanists, new research has shown. LHC to kick off hunt for supersymmetry particle A sub-atomic particle even more stunning that the Higgs boson could be discovered this year, according to scientists working on the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at Cern. Pune scientists to be part of world radio telescope project A team of scientists from the National Centre of Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), located on the campus of the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), will team up with other research organisations in the country to design the brain and nervous system of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) — conceived as the most ambitious radio telescope till date. More Science News»

		Sports
		World Cup: India can match the best, says Sachin Tendulkar Sachin Tendulkar said India can match Australia and South Africa and advised the defending champions to take it "step by step" in the ongoing ICC World Cup. Yuvraj Singh fetches record price in IPL 8 auction All-rounder Yuvraj Singh set a new record as he emerged as the costliest ever buy in the Indian Premier League by going for Rs 16 crore to Delhi Daredevils. Yuvraj deserves every penny for his yeoman service: Gavaskar Sunil Gavaskar endorsed Delhi Daredevils splurging Rs 16 crore on Yuvraj Singh in the IPL 8 auction, saying the flamboyant all-rounder "deserves every penny for his yeoman service" to Indian cricket. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Apple working on self-driving electric car: Report Apple is gathering advice on parts and production methods, focusing on electric and connected-car technologies, while studying the potential for automated driving. FBI's most wanted cybercriminal arrested in Pakistan Pakistani officials on Saturday arrested two men wanted for cyber crimes by Interpol and the FBI for defrauding several companies and individuals. 7 phones that recently got a price cut Looking to buy a new smartphone but not sure if you’re getting the best deal? More Technology News»

		Education
		Online registration of schools under RTE begins in Nagpur After initial technical hiccups, the online registrations for schools under Right To Education Act got underway on Monday 'IIM-Nagpur will popularize management education in Vidarbha' With Nagpur getting Indian Institute of Management (IIM), there is already a buzz among students of the region who aspire to make a career in management. Fest to foster ideas The University of Delhi's (DU) upcoming academic and cultural festival will feature a skill development plaza for the first time. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		BPO staffer puts up colleague's details on adult site, held A 29-year-old man working for a BPO in Malad was arrested on Saturday for allegedly harassing a woman colleague. Can Abu Salem be given the death sentence? After his first significant conviction since his extradition from Portugal a decade ago, the crucial issue is what would be the demand now for Abu Salem’s quantum of punishment in the case of murder and an act of terror. Will Victorias stay in city? HC to decide The Bombay HC on Monday reserved its judgment on a PIL seeking a ban on plying of horse-drawn carriages, popularly called Victorias, on Mumbai’s roads. Animal rights organizations, horse owners, BMC and the state, who were pitted on either side of the debate, concluded their arguments before a division bench of Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Anil Menon. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		RSS says Kiran Bedi was a mistake, roasts BJP brass for Delhi loss RSS has raised questions on the choice of Kiran Bedi as the CM candidate for Delhi even as it pointed out how ignoring party workers may have cost BJP in the polls. If Mumbai can party all night, why can't Delhi? The Mumbai police’s decision to let nightclubs and bars remain open 24X7 has rekindled the debate on why Delhi shuts down just past midnight. Women showcase might at police's 68th Raising Day Delhi Police celebrated the 68th Raising Day at police lines in north Delhi’s GTB Nagar, on Monday. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Government silent on Nirbhaya documentary; KFCC plans new one With no response from the government on Nirbhaya, a documentary directed by S K Bhagawan and Naganna, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) is thinking of making a new one. Infosys to buy American automation co for $200m Infosys is acquiring US-based automation technology company Panaya for $200 million (over Rs 1,200 crore). Governor: Keep off fashionable girl students Don't be drawn to the external beauty of girls who shape their eyebrows, wear attractive dresses and costumes — this was governor Vajubhai Vala's advice to students on Monday. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Facebook post helps cops nab temple thief A social media site has helped the Nallakunta police solve three temple thefts on Sunday. Cops arrested the thief along with two property receivers and recovered four stolen idols from their possession. Applicants languish as MWD sits on funds While the minorities welfare department (MWD) is struggling to utilise its budgetary allocation of Rs 1,030 crore for FY 2014-15, it has emerged that it is still behind target as loans under the bankable schemes for FY 2013-14 remained undisbursed. Experts fear rise in H1N1 cases post Shivaratri Fear is writ large on the faces of Telangana health officials as lakhs of devotees are expected to throng Shiva temples across the state for Shivaratri, on Tuesday, thus enhancing the chances of the H1N1 virus spreading among more people. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Saving Chennai's Putheri lake: Court asks municipality to act The Madras high court has directed the tahsildar of Alandur to consider and take suitable action on a petition alleging widespread encroachment near Putheri lake in Pallavaram municipality. Thief escapes with gold as man watches cricket in Chennai When India beat Pakistan in the World Cup match on Sunday, an engineer who remained glued to his television set lost 15 sovereigns of gold jewellery. 500 illegal bus shelters in Chennai to be revamped Around 500 illegal bus shelters across the city are set to be modernised.The shelters, built by agencies appointed by MTC, were put up to garner revenue via advertisements, say corporation officials. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Lack of enthusiasm in workers failed Congress to achieve new membership drive targets While Gujarat BJP claims 54 lakh new membership registrations during its ongoing membership drive, Gujarat Congress is not even in a position to claim of 1/10th from it’s own drive begun in October 2014 and which end on 18th February. Soon, state to have mangrove policy With the state government promoting coastal regions as industrial investment destinations and Gujarat ports being the most active ones on the western coast, the state government is planning an extensive mangrove policy for ‘protection and conservation of the marine ecology’. Medical devices to be under drug control The Move Will Help Indian Manufacturers, Standardize Devices: CDSCO officials More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Cops fall back on beat system of policing to tackle crime The city police, yet again, renewed its approach to curb crime and also planned out to strengthen the beat system to ensure effective policing. 6,645 lecturers yet to be appointed The vacancies of 6,645 teachers in government intermediate colleges would be filled before the start of the upcoming academic sessions. India's win in WC sparks celebrations Celebrations erupted on Sangam City roads as Team India romped home against arch-rival Pakistan in its first match of the ongoing ICC World Cup on Sunday. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Sardar awaits training under new coach Sardar Singh is eager to work with Indian team's new hockey coach Paul van Ass Gambhir-led Delhi better-placed In-form Delhi take on Mumbai in the quarterfinals of Ranji Trophy State to cancel MP's suite in Delhi With suspended Mayurbhanj MP Ramachandra Hansdah (BJD) in judicial custody since his arrest in the chit fund scam in November 4, 2014, the state government is planning to cancel his temporary accommodation at Odisha Niwas in New Delhi. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		2 commit suicide in new Bhopal Two persons ended life by hanging in their homes on Monday. Cops, babus & judges turn squatters in NTPC guest houses A surprise check by CBI's Jabalpur unit in coal-rich Singrauli district found several state government officials, including police officers, judges and collector illegally residing in NTPC guest houses and residential quarters. NTPC has four guest houses in Singrauli. Ballooning debt stares MP before budhopal, Madhya Praeshget session Madhya Pradesh is staring at a Rs 1 lakh crore debt as the budget session of MP assembly gets underway on February 18 amidst uncertainty over extent of Centre's support to various centrally-aided schemes. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Clash between dera followers, Sikhs averted in Faridkot village A clash was averted between Dera Sacha Sauda followers and members of Sikh organizations on early Monday morning at Pakka village of Faridkot district. HC notice to Union defence ministry, states over encroachment on defence land The Punjab and Haryana high court on Monday issued notices to the Union defence ministry and states of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh administration over encroachment on defence land by private parties. Private companies' contract cancelled, computer teachers call off stir Computer teachers in Haryana called off their month-long agitation on Monday after the government-appointed arbitrator recommended termination of the contract with three private companies hired to provide around 3200 instructors to the education department. More Chandigarh News»

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