News Digest: OPS: Sentinel who guarded Fort St George

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Tuesday, May 12, 2015
		Today's Headlines

		India
		OPS: Sentinel who guarded Fort St George O Panneerselvam, one of J Jayalalithaa's most trusted lieutenants, has proved his loyalty to his leader several times over. Panneerselvam earlier served as proxy chief minister in 2001-02, when a court order in the Tansi land case unseated Jayalalithaa. After the Supreme Court acquitted the AIADMK chief, he promptly vacated the seat. AIADMK gets rid of corruption tag, can inch closer to BJP The acquittal of J Jayalalithaa in the assets case would help AIADMK shed its corruption tag and build bridges with the Modi government which has been explicit on its zero tolerance to corruption. Soon to be chief minister again, Jaya may call snap poll within six months AIADMK legislators are likely to meet in a couple of days to formally elect J Jayalalithaa as the party's legislature party leader. Party sources said the swearing-in ceremony is likely to be held in a few days, and she would take oath as the chief minister again, along with a new cabinet. More India News»

		Business
		Audacious track record clinched the job for Kamath ICICI Bank chairman Kundapur Vaman Kamath’s success in another multilateral institution — the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and his track record as an audacious, development-oriented financier has helped clinch the top job at the BRICS bank. Govt adds shine to gold deposit plan A damaged bangle or your broken chain lying in a bank locker may help you earn 2-3% interest under the proposed Gold Monetization Scheme (GMS) that is being finalized by the government. Car sales up 18%, fastest in 30 months Car sales grew 18% in April, the fastest rate in the last 30 months, Riding on an improvement in sentiment after the Modi government took charge about a year back. More Business News»

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		World
		Separatists attack Mali army patrol, 9 killed Mali's separatist rebels attacked an army convoy in the north on Monday, killing at least 9 soldiers, the government said. The separatist group says it killed 30 soldiers. Dozens killed in tribal clashes in Sudan's East Darfur Dozens of people were killed in clashes between two Arab tribes in Sudan's troubled East Darfur state today, a politician told AFP. Saudi-led coalition pounds Yemen on eve of proposed truce Warplanes from a Saudi-led coalition pounded weapons depots on the edge of Yemen's capital Monday, one day before a humanitarian cease-fire is due to start and a UN envoy arrives on his first visit to try to end the war. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Bombay Velvet's certification revised Bombay Velvet, the upcoming Ranbir Kapoor-Anushka Sharma starrer, has got U/A certification from the Revising Committee of Central Board of Film Certification. While this rating deems the film can be viewed by people of all ages, it comes with parental guidance for those below 12 years of age. Flashback: Celebs pose with their moms Some of our favourite stars who posted photos to show how much they love their mother. 'It's hard to have a genuine relationship' The team of 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns' is buoyed by the response to the trailer and music. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Drug-resistant typhoid strain is spreading, warn experts An antibiotic-resistant “superbug” strain of typhoid fever has spread globally, driven by a single family of the bacteria, called H58, according to the findings of a large international study. New device blocks pain signals from reaching brain A new implantable device could soon put the minds of chronic pain sufferers at ease by distributing the body's own natural pain relief signals at just the right time. You could find diamond deposits near this plant A geologist has found a rare African plant that prefers to grow on diamond-bearing kimberlite rocks. More Science News»

		Sports
		Hyderabad overcome David Miller onslaught to stay alive David Miller's unbeaten 44-ball 89 went in vain as Sunrisers Hyderabad kept their playoff hopes alive with a five-run victory against Kings XI Punjab. Yuvraj's auction price was market determined: DD CEO Delhi Daredevils CEO Hemant Dua said that it was IPL market that decided Yuvraj Singh's price of Rs 16 crore and the franchise is firmly backing the star. I have been constantly targeted by umpires: Kieron Pollard Kieron Pollard taped his mouth in protest during Mumbai's game against RCB after being warned by umpire Vineet Kulkarni for sledging Chris Gayle. More Sports News»

		Technology
		10 best smartphones you can buy under Rs 30,000 Out in the market to buy a new smartphone? Not sure which one to buy? The wide range available -- both online and offline -- adding to the confusion? Here's help. Read on for our list of 10 best smartphones you can buy under Rs 30,000. Low appraisals trigger rise in IT-telecom hiring: Report Talent demand in the IT industry had slipped by 3% in March but hiring picked up again in April with the rolling out of appraisals, the report said. Net neutrality: VOIP calls not the same as mobile calls says IAMAI The IAMAI has disputed arguments of the country's top three telcos and industry associations on the financial loss. More Technology News»

		Education
		Humanities are gaining currency in Mumbai colleges I personally think parents should not force their children over academics. Mumbai University faces crisis as pro-VC resigns Bang in the middle of a busy exam season, the Mumbai University could well be plunged into chaos. Its pro-vice-chancellor, Naresh Chandra, has resigned three weeks before his retirement, and TOI had recently reported that the controller of examination, Dinesh Bhonde, has expressed his desire not to continue. India gives China a lesson in sending students abroad In 2014 India sent less than half the number of students that China sent abroad for further studies but, in a sign that a reversal may be possible in the long run, India has bettered China in terms of growth rate in the number of students studying in foreign countries. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		BMC rushes to get nullah, road work in place The Met office’s prediction of monsoon hitting the Indian coast at the normal time came as an added pressure on the BMC; the big worry is desilting work (only about 40% of the scheduled work is complete) and engineers are also rushing to complete the massive road work the BMC has undertaken this year. School issues teen TC for opposing fee hike My son was detained and put through trauma and threats, says the mother of a 14-year-old boy who has moved the Bombay high court for quashing the transfer certificate (TC) issued by the school only because she was among parents who questioned the fee hike. Metro offers smart card users 5-10% cashback Now, you can save more money while travelling by Mumbai Metro on the Ghatkopar-Versova corridor. The Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd (MMOPL) has launched a “cashback” scheme for users of store value pass also known as trip-based monthly pass. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Delhi: Man molests women in Lajpat Nagar market, admits crime A 50-year-old engineer, who worked with a firm in Canada, has been arrested for allegedly molesting a woman inside a shop in Lajpat Nagar market on Sunday. Lawyers' strike in all courts to continue Unfazed by rising anger among litigants and resentment among lawyers, the Delhi High Court Bar Association on Monday decided to extend its strike till Wednesday. New plan for water supply in Delhi Delhi Jal Board has drawn up a new schedule to increase supply to water-deficit areas, by decreasing frequency of supply but increasing duration. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Jubilant fans celebrate with Tirunelveli halwa A techie from Tamil Nadu who works in Mumbai, travelled all the way to Bengaluru just to support his Amma. Nervous, yet excited as the appointed hour approached, he said, “Jayalalithaa is the Amma of Tamil Nadu. Jaya may visit Chamundi temple Supporters of former Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa on Monday of fered special puja at Sri Chamundeshwari temple atop Chamundi Hills in Mysuru, even as there are indications that she may visit the temple later this week. AIADMK workers deify judge On September 27, 2014, “justice had lost and injustice won“ -this was what an AIADMK party lawyer said after special court judge John Michael D'Cunha convicted AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa and three others in the wealth case and sentenced them to four years' imprisonment. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Bird flu fear back in Hyderabad After a brief lull, bird flu fear reared its head again following reports of nearly 10,000 chickens in poultry farms on the city outskirts dying over the past few days. Authorities on Monday began a decontamination drive to contain any outbreak of the dreaded H5N1. Woman's suicide bid: Husband calls in sick Husband of the 30-year-old woman, who had been to railway tracks near Gor no Kuwo on May 5 along with her daughter, surrendered to city police investigators - only to get admitted to a private hospital on health grounds. Key decision on RTC strike today Faced with the twin challenges of shoring up an ailing APSRTC and meeting the pay hike demand of employees, the Telangana government has convened a crucial high-level meeting on Tuesday. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Chennaiites take no chance on judgment day, stay at home Anticipation of the verdict in the disproportionate assets case in volving former chief minister J Jayalalitha kept most city residents in door on Monday morning, normally synonymous with unending traffic snarls. Even arterial roads wore an empty look. Fishermen rejoice, hope Amma will solve problem With Jayalalithaa's acquittal in the dispro portionate assets case, the fishing community is pinning hopes on the AIADMK chief taking up its cause yet again with the Centre. Acquittal may raise green flag for metro The Chennai Metro Rail's first line may soon be commis sioned as former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa has been acquitted from the disproportionate assets case. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Four Amdavadis launch mobile app on Swachh Bharat  Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is yet to fulfil his promise of building a mobile application to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat initiative, but four Amdavadis have already launched an app to enable citizens to participate in the cleanliness mission. Plump, bearded faces flummox witnesses Call it side-effects of a delayed trial — many of the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blast accused have put on weight and sport full beards confusing witnesses who are unable to identify them during their deposition. Cops stop marriage of 16-year-old The Nadiad police thwarted an attempt to marry off a 16-year-old girl on Sunday. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Construction of JK Institute annexe to start soon The incomplete annexe of JK Institute of Allahabad University may soon witness its completion. But the delay of four years has increased the cost of the project by around Rs 10 lakh. Arsenic found in tubewell water The onset of summer has led to depletion of ground water. However, the district administration is yet to devise a plan to keep a tab on tubewell borings in areas where it is banned. PCS re-exam papers transported in unprotected vehicle Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) again failed to make foolproof arrangements for sending question papers of the re-examination of leaked general studies I question paper of PCS (prelims)-2015. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Bhubaneswar celebrates Mother's Day Cards, gifts and special programmes were all dedicated to mothers on Sunday. Bhubaneswar's Bijay gets bigger role in BJP After three days of brainstorming, BJP on Sunday announced formation of a programme, planning and implementation (PPI) committee under senior party leader Bijay Mohapatra. Puri hotels told to check ID proof Hoteliers in Puri have been strictly asked to verify the identity (ID) proof of tourists before alloting them rooms during Nabakalebara. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Online applications invited for posting in Institute for Excellence in Higher Education A committee comprising subject experts will select assistant professors and professors at Institute for Excellence in Higher Education (IEHE), Bhopal. Desirous assistant professors and professors can apply online for this. Class 12 MP topper wants to become a collector Daughter of a small-time farmer, Umashankar Vishnoi from Neemgaon village in Harda district, Jyoti Vishnoi has a clear ambition outlined before her – to become district collector someday. Go for green belt, NGT to 9 polluting units in Mandideep, MP National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked nine heavy and medium polluting industries to set up a green belt to mitigate environmental impact due to their operations. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Toppers believe in own efforts, not tuition classes In the present day scenario where tuition classes figure on the daily menu of even a primary student, it's different for this year’s Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) examination Class XII toppers. They swear by the do-it-oneself approach. 4 cops suspended for manhandling PR official On a day when a Delhi Police traffic cop hurled a brick at a woman two wheeler rider, four Punjab Police cops have been suspended for manhandling a public relations department official and his driver while they were on official assignment of covering the ‘dharmik darshan yatra’ (religious display procession) on Monday afternoon. 12 Punjab panchayats' push for farmers: 5K lease rate cut A dozen village panchayats in Barnala and Sangrur districts have slashed the land lease rates in their areas by at least Rs 5,000 to shore up small and marginal cultivators reeling under the recent onslaught of unseasonal rain and hail. More Chandigarh News»

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