News Digest: US-based Muslim body condemns Assam violence

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Friday, May 09, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		US-based Muslim body condemns Assam violence A US-based organization of Indian Muslims has condemned the recent violence in Assam in which at least 32 people were killed and demanded that additional paramilitary forces be deployed in the strife-torn area. High values of uranium recorded in granitic terrains: Study "The anomalously high values of uranium in Punjab are recorded generally in granitic terrains," says a study by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). Congress should have brought back all rebels: Virbhadra Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh said on Thursday that Congress would have been benefitted during parliamentary elections if the party has not adopted the "pick and chose" policy in the return of rebels. More India News»

		Business
		Cops probe PEs in battle for power companies A clutch of marquee global investors — Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, General Atlantic Partners and Everstone Capital — are facing a criminal investigation by the Hyderabad police in a corporate takeover battle gone ugly. Oberoi Realty to launch Ritz-Carlton in Mumbai The American brand hotel is being planned in Worli and is expected to come up by 2016 at a cost of Rs 750 crore. Airlines scoff at AirAsia's 35% low-fare profit claim The grant of licence to AirAsia India has set the cat among pigeons, with existing airlines flapping their wings furiously. More Business News»

		Environment
		This leopard doesn't fall for honey trap The leopard, which the forest department says could have strayed into the Icrisat compound at Patancheru from nearby Narsapur forest, is happily feeding on wild boars, porcupines and wild rabbits, found in abundance on the institute’s premises. Rhino carcass recovered in Assam Stating natural death, the officials said the carcass was recovered at Pipoliapi camp. Antarctic Treaty signatories make marine protection progress Antarctic Treaty signatories made progress on Wednesday towards future protection of the icy continent's marine life, NGO officials said. More Environment News»

		World
		Learn Islam: Malala tells Boko Haram "I think they haven't studied Islam yet, they haven't studied Quran yet, and they should go and they should learn Islam," the 16-year-old said in a TV interview. US: House panels approve anti-surveillance bill The House Intelligence Committee abandoned its own surveillance bill and unanimously approved the measure that sailed through the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. China shames 70-yr-old ex-editor for leaking state secrets The journalist, Gao Yu, was "criminally detained on suspicion of providing state secrets to sources outside China", the Beijing public security department said. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Struggling actress stripped, photographed and blackmailed In what seems like another disgusting case of outraging the modesty of a young woman, a 23-year-old struggling actress has alleged that she had been stripped, photographed and then blackmailed. SRK will not go on Hajj without daughter Suhana In December 2012, Aamir Khan accompanied his mother Zeenat Hussain on Hajj Deepika to shoot with Ranbir, Ranveer post 2 months break Once she wraps up 'Happy New Year' in the Mumbai heat, Deepika Padukone plans to escape to colder climes More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Experts create living organism with 'alien' DNA Scientists reported on Wednesday that they had taken a significant step toward altering the fundamental alphabet of life — creating an organism with an expanded artificial genetic code in its DNA. Soon, cheap portable chip for instant blood tests Scientists are developing a portable, credit-card-sized chip that can be used to run instant blood tests to detect anything from HIV to diabetes. First realistic virtual universe created Move over Matrix, astronomers have created the first realistic virtual simulation of the universe, tracking 13 billion years of cosmic evolution. More Science News»

		Sports
		Rosberg takes aim at Mercedes Hamilton While Lewis Hamilton keeps an eye on Red Bull, teammate Nico Rosberg will be taking aim at his Mercedes teammate at the Spanish Grand Prix. Nadal marches into Madrid Open last 8 World No. 1 Rafael Nadal remained on course to retain his Madrid Masters title with a comfortable 6-1, 6-4 win over Finland's Jarkko Nieminen on Thursday. McLaren 'miles' behind Mercedes: Button Jenson Button believes his McLaren team are "miles behind" pace-setting rivals Mercedes and have no chance of catching them in F1 Spanish Grand Prix. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Xperia Z2 review: Worthy rival to Galaxy S5, HTC One (M8) We review the Sony Xperia Z2 smartphone to see how well it compares with the rivals and if it calls for an upgrade if you are already an Xperia Z or Z1 user. Nintendo says no to same-sex relationships in new game Nintendo isn't allowing gamers to play as gay in an upcoming life simulator game. Cognizant: Europe outsources more Cognizant’s head of strategy Malcolm Frank spoke to TOI shortly after the announcement of the company’s results. Excerpts: More Technology News»

		Education
		Iran, UAE blacklist Osmania University degrees If you have graduated from Osmania University through distance education and looking for a job in West Asia, you may be in for a rude shock. Petition in Madras high court for pre-school education in govt schools A petition has been filed in Madras high court seeking a direction to Tamil Nadu government to implement pre-school education by introducing LKG and UKG in government schools. Karnataka State Open University's convocation to be held on May 10 Of the 23,913 candidates who have been awarded degrees, 14,711, which is 61.51 per cent, are women. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Cop, revenue officer held for graft A police constable and a revenue officer were caught in separate ACB traps while demanding bribes on Thursday. Train mishap: Man unaware of wife's last rites The last rites of Surekha Nakti (35), who died in the Diva-Sawantwadi passenger train derailment on Sunday, have already been performed by her relatives without the knowledge of her husband and young daughters. Apps emerging new health tool Mobiles may emerge as one of the best instruments to control heart diseases. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Now, use an app to clear traffic “The application has been developed to ensure that a road user does not have to approach a traffic cop to solve his problems,” said a senior traffic official. DTC drive against vehicles crowding capital's bus stops The sight of bus stops overrun by Gramin Sewa vehicles and RTVs even as buses vie for space to stop could finally be over. Najeeb asks DDA to augment supply Dwarka residents may get some respite from their perennial water problem with lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung having directed Delhi Development Authority to explore options of augmenting supply to the area and of supplying water tankers free of cost to residents for the three months of summer. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		60% clear PU, Karnataka clocks 15-year best After a span of 15 years, Karnataka has managed to clock 60% pass in the II PU exams. Of the 6.13 lakh students who appeared for the March 2014 exams, 60.47% have passed. BIAL sitting on airport city land: Bangalore Political Action Committee A section of Bangalore’s citizens, led by some powerful corporate voices, is at war with the city’s airport authorities again, for what they see as unreasonably high airport charges being proposed by the latter. Asked to delete Facebook account, girl hangs herself Aditi (name changed), 13, was apparently distressed by mother, Mohana, berating her for spending too much time on Facebook. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Netas turn to gods for victory With polling over and their fates sealed, candidates are seeking divine intervention to ensure that they emerge winners. As a result, astrologers and pundits are having a field day and the bonanza for them is expected to continue till May 16. Couple on morning walk run over by car A couple, who were on their morning walk, died when an Indica car hit them near Down Town dabha at Narsingi in the early hours of Thursday. Techie held for molestation bid on maid An IBM engineer was arrested by Dabeerpura police for allegedly trying to outrage the modesty of a domestic help on Thursday.He was sent to judicial remand. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Mullaperiyar dam: TN-Kerala border tense Even as incessant rains kept the weather chilly along the inter-state border, the bandh call in Kerala kept the political temperatures soaring. ISI agent tailed US consulate officials, say investigators Sakir Hussain, the suspected ISI agent arrested in the city on April 29 had been tailing US consulate officials and looking for unoccupied buildings in the vicinity, probably for an attack, investigators said. Judge pulls up CBI for arresting SRMC head, grants bail Four days after it arrested Sri Ramachandra Medical University chancellor V R Venkatachalam in connection with alleged irregularities in the import of luxury cars, the CBI under fire in the Madras high court, which questioned the rationale behind the high-profile arrest. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Holy books bless new police chowki in Gujarat A newly-built police chowki in a sensitive suburban area of Ahmedabad was inaugurated with the blessings of both the Quran and the Bhagvad Gita. Stanford report slams low conviction rate in Gujarat riot cases Twelve years after the Gujarat riots, a study by Stanford Law School has concluded that the conviction rate in riot cases is less than 10%. Panel puts conditions for coal gasifier use The committee of experts has also recommended a third-party monitoring to ensure compliance of pollution norms - in addition to the routine checks by GPCB and CPCB - twice a year if gasifiers are allowed to be operated. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Mob attacks mayor's cavalcade A mob of people attacked the cavalcade of mayor Abhilasha Gupta on Wednesday evening when she went to Ghaus Memorial School following complaints of rigging at the polling centre.Her car was also damaged in the incident. For them voting matters more than distance He is not alone.In fact, a number of denizens employed in far-flung areas of the country returned home to cast their votes and make their presence felt in the 'festival of democracy' - the General Elections 2014. 'Solve problems of youth, instead of mud-slinging' The excitement among voters was palpable when they came to exercise their franchise during the polling in Allahabad on Wednesday. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Extortionists held in Jajpur, Odisha With the arrest of two men, police have claimed to have busted a gang of extortionists in Jajpur district. Blood plasma 'sale' may hit voluntary donation Senior officials justified giving away the surplus component of blood to a private company, as otherwise it had to be disposed of as biomedical waste. Guidelines framed for inter-college transfer of students Following allegations of irregularities in transfer of students from one college to another on medical grounds, the Biju Patnaik University of Technology (BPUT) on Wednesday laid down new guidelines. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Wedding turns bloody: Bride shot by jilted lover A bride was shot dead at a marriage garden in Lal Ghati by her jilted lover on Thursday evening. At least two bullets pierced her body. Poll employee caught pants down sodomising 5-year-old boy A 47-year-old government employee on poll duty was allegedly caught red-handed attempting an unnatural sex with a 5-year-old boy in Chhatarpurdistrict of Madhya Pradeshon on Thursday. Notices to Shahrukh, Sunil Shetty and Devgan for 'promoting' liquor in Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh high court on Thursday issued notices to five Bollywood stars for alleged violation of state excise Act by promoting liquor brands in the state. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Pakistan's trade show begins in Amritsar Aiming to bring two Punjabs together, the five-day event 'The Pakistan Show 2014' opened in Amritsar on Thursday. HC stays Punjab order to remove 6 assistant public relation officers The high court on Thursday stayed the Punjab government's orders, removing six assistant public relation officers (APROs) and replacing them with six new candidates. 30 villagers booked for attack on SGPC team Three members of the team, including the Muktsar gurdwara manager, were injured in stone-pelting by villagers on Wednesday. More Chandigarh News»

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News Digest: Indian embassy in US outsources visa, passport services to new firm

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Thursday, May 08, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Indian embassy in US outsources visa, passport services to new firm Indian embassy in the US has announced to outsource its passport and visa related services to a new company for all its diplomatic missions in America following complaints against the current service provider. Several Himachal Pradesh villages boycott polls Unhappy with political parties for not fulfilling their demands, several villages in Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti district boycotted the Lok Sabha elections on Wednesday. Mullaperiyar dam case: Kerala to file review petition in apex court Stunned by the Supreme Court order allowing Tamil Nadu to raise water level in the Mullaperiyar dam to 142ft and nullifying the Kerala Irrigation and Water Conservation (Amendment) Act, Kerala has decided to file a review petition before the seven-member constitutional bench of the SC. More India News»

		Business
		Jignesh held in Rs 5.6k cr market fraud The economic offences wing (EOW) of the Mumbai police, which is probing the Rs 5,600 crore cheating case involving the National Stock Exchange (NSEL), on Wednesday arrested Jignesh Shah, chairman of Financial Technologies (FTIL) group, and MCX CEO Sreekanth Javalgekar for their alleged role in the biggest payment default in the Indian commodity market. Tata-AirAsia gets licence from DGCA Indian flyers are soon going to be spoilt for choice and low fares may make a comeback. Vodafone seeks arbitration in tax row The government had decided to withdraw its conciliation offer made to the telecom major for settling the nagging tax demand that arose from its 2007 acquisition of Hutchison Whampoa's stake in Hutchison Essar. More Business News»

		Environment
		US warns of wide climate impact The White House called on Tuesday for urgent action to combat climate change, saying in a major report that human-caused warming is already having a serious impact across the United States. More than 170 sharks caught in Australia cull policy More than 170 sharks were caught during a controversial cull policy in western Australia following a spate of fatal attacks, figures showed , with 50 of the biggest ones destroyed. Ongoing tiger census at Ranthambore shows two cubs missing The ongoing Phase IV tiger monitoring at Ranthambore National Park has revealed that at least two cubs are missing. More Environment News»

		World
		Chinese and Vietnamese ships collide, Philippines seizes vessel China’s relations with Vietnam and Philippines came under severe strain on Wednesday after a mid-sea collision between ships and seizure of a Chinese vessel near disputed islands off the Philippine coast. Russia tightens web control with 'bloggers law' Putin’s action on Monday, just weeks after he disparaged the internet as “a special CIA project,” borrowed a page from the restrictive internet playbooks of many governments around the world that have been steadily smothering online freedoms they once tolerated. Seoul urges 'serious consequences' against N Korea South Korean foreign minister Yun Byung-Se on Wednesday urged the UN security council to threaten North Korea with "the most serious consequences" if it refuses to stop conducting nuclear tests. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Was Salman praying during the hit-and-run case hearing? Superstar Salman Khan, who came to the Sessions Court for the hearing of the 2002 hit-and-run case, was nervous about the case proceedings. Shah Rukh Khan says no to negative role in Race 3? Despite getting rave reviews for his performance as a villain in 'Baazigar' and 'Darr', superstar Shah Rukh Khan is not in a mood to play a baddie again. It's over between Vidyut Jammwal and Mona Singh Vidyut Jammwal and Mona Singh’s on-off relationship has finally come to an end More Entertainment News»

		Science
		A car system that detects pedestrians at night Researchers have designed a new system for cars that can detect pedestrians upto 40 metres away in low visibility conditions such as night time driving. 'Super pill' to prevent heart attacks The largest ever analysis on the use of a polypill in cardiovascular disease shows potential for improvements in patient care, researchers said. We yawn to cool our brains: Study Researchers led by psychologist Andrew Gallup of State University of New York at Oneonta, US found that yawning is linked with thermoregulation, and in particular, brain cooling. More Science News»

		Sports
		RVP sees Ferguson echo in Giggs's words United striker Robin van Persie believes he has seen signs of Alex Ferguson's management style during Ryan Giggs's brief time in the Old Trafford hotseat. Dada's team named Atletico de Kolkata Kolkata franchise of much-anticipated Indian Super League was christened Atletico de Kolkata, taking a cue from their Spanish co-owners Atletico de Madrid. Nadal strolls past Monaco into last 16 World No. 1 Rafael Nadal dismissed lingering doubts over his form with a resounding 6-1, 6-0 win over Juan Monaco to reach the Madrid Masters third round. More Sports News»

		Technology
		HTC One (M8) review: Will the king's reign continue? Is HTC One (M8) just an iterative update, or has HTC done an even better job this time? We try to find out in our review. Samsung Gear Fit review: Pretty, but won't make you fitter As consumers explore ways to keep a track of how many steps they are taking daily, there is a desire for better solutions. Apple withdraws iPhone 4 from Indian market Less than four months after relaunching iPhone 4, Apple decided to once again withdraw its only phone below Rs 20,000. More Technology News»

		Education
		Awarded B grade, Lucknow University now wants NAAC reassessment Lucknow University has been awarded 'B' grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). Vocational subject in Class XII no bar Good news for students with vocational and elective subjects in Class XII.Students not allowed admission due to vocational subjects in Class XII are now eligible for applying and getting admission in Delhi University. Colleges can't set additional eligibility criteria this time The Delhi University administration has taken away colleges' discretion to fix additional eligibility criteria, over and above the general cut-off for the 2014-15 admission season. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Dindoshi flyover snarls continue on Day 5 As repair work on the Dindoshi flyover entered its fifth day on Wednesday, the traffic situation was a bit better than previous days. But there were still delays and most motorists left home really early to avoid getting stuck on WEH. 4 flyers caught with Rs 2cr gold, 3 hid them in innerwear The total gold smuggled was 7.2 kg worth Rs 1.86 crore, officials said. All of them are believed to be carriers who agreed to smuggle gold for a commission. 1-4% rebate on property tax for early birds The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to give rebate in the property tax bills of people who pay early. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Lens on police, builder roles in Vasant Kunj slum fire There are allegations that 40 local builders distributed equal sections of the camp among themselves—not without the police’s knowledge. The builder who ‘invested’ the most money had got the biggest share of around 100 slum dwellings, sources said. Three rape woman, 2 land behind bars A woman in her late twenties has alleged she was gang-raped allegedly by three men inside a park in central Delhi on Tuesday night. 2 teens raped across Delhi A 14-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a relative in northeast Delhi's Khajoori Khas area on Sunday night.Police said 30-year-old Rafi took the girl to a friend's house and raped her. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Fashion designer hangs herself in flat A young fashion designer from Kerala was found hanging inside her apartment in Bellandur, HSR Layout, Southeast Bangalore. Work on new runway, terminal to begin year-end The Kempegowda International Airport has moved a step closer to getting its new terminal building (T-2) and second runway. The Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) will begin the civil works on both by the end of this calendar year. Woman's decomposed body found The highly decomposed body of a woman was found in a shed of a defunct marble company on Bannerghatta Main Road, on Wednesday afternoon. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		TRS, Congress make moves for alliances With the election results to be announced in less than 10 days, rival power aspirants TRS and Congress on Wednesday consolidated their moves at cobbling up alliances and at the same time preventing the other from forming the first government in Telangana. YSRCP-TDP clashes mar polling Around seven persons received injuries, of which three were admitted to hospital in the region following TDP-YSRCP cadre skirmishes. Suspended mutawalli blames Wakf Board for 'bypassing rules' Later in the day, a delegation of mutawallis, members of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board and prominent religious figures met chief secretary PK Mohanty and sought his intervention. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		EC rejects DMK plea for live coverage of counting process Election Commission has rejected DMK’s plea for live video coverage of the counting process on May 16, and has told the Madras high court that it is not necessary to install video cameras on every counting table and assistant returning officer’s table.  Mullaperiyar dam: Tamil Nadu politicians elated about SC order The mood was one of jubilation in Tamil Nadu with chief minister J Jayalalithaa terming the Supreme Court verdict permitting the state to raise water level in the 120-year-old Mullaperiyar dam to 142ft a “historic victory.” TN fixes salary of govt drivers between 4,000, 6,000 The government has fixed the salaries of drivers of various state departments between 4,000 and 6,000. A few departments had earlier fixed the salary between 5,000 and 9,000. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		AMC vigilance wing probes VS hospital receipt scam The vigilance wing of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is now investigating a major financial fraud at V S hospital. Fire safety: HC removes 21 buildings from watch list After ordering the issuance of bailable warrants on Monday, the court sought a list of buildings that did not receive its notices issued on March 25. Heat fries Kankaria fish The heatwave condition prevailing in the city is not only affecting humans but also taking toll on fish in Kankaria lake.On Wednesday, hundreds of fish were found dead in the lake. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		No progress in Bahariya killings Even after 24 hours of gruesome incident wherein four persons of a family were murdered in Ahirai village under Baharia police station on Monday evening, the cops are still searching for the assailants. Weather conditions to decide poll percentage in Allahabad As battle lines are drawn for the elections for Allahabad and Phulpur Lok Sabha seats, all eyes are set on weather condition. Allahabad people excited to cast vote, but waiting for voter's slip Binda Singh, a resident of Allahpur says, "I have not received the voter's slip till now.In Lok Sabha polls of 2009 the BLO came to my house and gave the voter's slip." . More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Odisha to set up bone bank, starts bone marrow transplantation The Odisha government has decided to set up a bone bank at the S C B Medical College Hospital in Cuttack. Police make a killing from fines as traffic gets chaotic The city has about 750km to 800km of roads.The vehicle population in the city now is about 8.5 lakh.Every year, about 80,000 new vehicles are added to the city roads. Cricketers stay put in hotel rooms Cricket fans are excited about the IPL match that will be played between Kings XI Punjab and Chennai Super Kings at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Wednesday. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Shatabdi Express may chug into Habibganj, but loss-making double-decker may be scrapped Earlier, Union minister of state (MoS) Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had specifically said Shatabdi would not be extended to Habibganj station due to logistical problems. Public assault on men in khaki dents their image Men in khaki attacked by offenders in public view creates a poor image of law enforcers in people's mind. CBSE provides breather for flunkees Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has provided a breather for those students who flunked in Class IX exams because of poor performance in their summative assessments (SA). More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		AAP warns against demolishing 4 colonies The Aam Aadmi party (AAP) submitted a memorandum to the governor on Wednesday against the UT administration's plan to demolish four more colonies in the city. Poison suicides highest in Chandigarh: Study The study, funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research, central government, reached the conclusion after poring over cases of suicides in the Tricity from January 2012 till December 31 of the year. Student caught cheating steals answer-sheet, booked According to the FIR, law department student Amritpal Singh ran away with his answer-sheet book number 8629814 and unfair means form from the law department of the university's Sector 14 campus. More Chandigarh News»

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