News Digest: Separatists slam move to call off talks

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Tuesday, August 19, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Separatists slam move to call off talks Separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani on Monday described India’s move to call off talks with Pakistan unfortunate and said it vindicates his stand that New Delhi has a “confrontationist’’ policy on Kashmir. Bengaluru FC, Bopanna rise to Ice Bucket Challenge After Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Cristiano Ronaldo and Oprah Winfrey, I-League champions Bengaluru FC and doubles ace Rohan Bopanna have taken up the Ice Bucket Challenge, which has gone viral on social media. Pakistan violates ceasefire again, villager injured Pakistani troops on Sunday night resorted to heavy mortar shelling and fired with automatic weapons at 20 border outposts and civilian areas along the international border in Jammu sector, leaving a villager injured. More India News»

		Business
		Key posts vacant for months in telecom PSUs At a time when the NDA government is talking about efficiency and pace in decision-making, most crucial arms of the telecom ministry are headless. JSW Steel to buy Welspun Maxsteel Sajjan Jindal-led JSW Steel has entered into a definitive agreement with Welspun Enterprise (WEL), to acquire the entire equity shares held by the latter in Welspun Maxsteel (WMSL) for an enterprise value of Rs 1,000 crore plus net current assets as of August 31. Colgate-Palmolive rejigs top level management In a top level management reshuffle, oral care major Colgate-Palmolive has appointed Issam Bachaalani as the new managing director of India, while the current incumbent Prabha Parameswaran has been elevated to a regional role as president — Africa/Eurasia, in what marks yet another addition to the growing league of Indian managers occupying key roles in leading multinational companies. More Business News»

		Environment
		Lesser Floricans tagged to trace migration pattern Two Lesser Florican (males) birds were fitted with satellite transmitters in Ajmer by a team of scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) for tracing their migration pattern. Wildlife body voices concern over leopard poaching in India India has made progress in conserving tigers but leopards are killed in high numbers in the country for illegal trade, says a global study on four species of Asian big cats including lions in Gujarat's Gir forests and snow leopards in the Himalayas. Kanpur zoo to get new animals In the near future, the Kanpur zoo will have new additions in its animal kitty. More Environment News»

		World
		US aircraft hit 90 Isis targets in 3 days: Pentagon US military aircraft have carried out 35 air strikes against Islamic State militants in Iraq over the past three days, destroying more than 90 targets, the Pentagon said Monday. Chinese purchases push up property prices in Oz Panic sales by graft-tainted Chinese officials have resulted in the realty market tanking in several cities. One such official from Guangzhou, Cai Bin, nicknamed “Uncle House” in the Chinese social media, owned 20 homes. Deng Xiaoping's biography highlights China's ordeals in Mao era China has published the official biography and collected works of Deng Xiaoping which for the first time throw light on trials and tribulations the reformist leader underwent during Mao Zedong's leadership. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Salman Khan says NO to Sonakshi Sinha? Salman Khan, who will be seen in Sooraj Barjatya's next, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo had reportedly advised the director to not cast Sonakshi Sinha. Later, the role was grabbed by Sonam Kapoor. PICS: What you will find in a Salman Khan film Salman Khan is back to greet his fans this Eid as he turns Devil in the Sajid Nadiadwala film Kick. 'My ex-boyfriend cheated on me with four women' Muskan Arora lashes out at Manish Naggdev and reveals how she wants to file a mental harassment case against him More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Two new satellites for Europe's Galileo space network Europe is set to launch two satellites on Thursday for its Galileo navigation system, boosting the number in the Earth-orbiting constellation to six and bringing the network a step closer to becoming operational after a long delay. Ebola could be a result of biological warfare: Scientist from DRDO The Ebola outbreak could be part of a biological warfare unleashed on the world, feels M Durgaprasad, scientist from DRDO. Indian-origin student discovers and measures mysterious black hole Dheeraj Pasham will begin a post-doctoral research position at Nasa Goddard in late August. More Science News»

		Sports
		Holder Rafael Nadal out of US Open with wrist injury Rafael Nadal will not defend his US Open title this month after failing to recover fully from a wrist injury, the world No. 2 said on Facebook and Twitter. Neymar set to feature in Suarez's Barcelona debut Neymar has been given the all clear to play his first game since suffering a broken vertebra in his back during World Cup when Barca play Leon on Monday. Resurgent Federer books ATP World Tour Finals berth Federer, 33, claimed his sixth Western and Southern Open title in Cincinnati with victory over David Ferrer, the last key tune-up event for the US Open. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Samsung is India's No. 1 smartphone maker: IDC IDC said Korean handset maker Samsung still continues to lead the smartphone market with 29% share, followed by Micromax at 18%. Vishal Sikka's 5-point strategy for Infosys Sikka has taken five key steps, early signs of which seem to suggest that there has been a change in mood, from near-despondency to excitement. 8 things iPhones can't do that Android, WP phones can iPhone 5S is Apple's best as of now. However, there are a few egregious omissions here — features that we want in our iPhone. More Technology News»

		Education
		Those appearing for civil services prelims cannot join foundation course The government on Monday said candidates allocated to IAS, IPS and other central services on the basis of Civil Services Examination 2013, who are now re-appearing for CSE prelims this year, would not be allowed to join the mandatory foundation course. IIM Calcutta first to enter elite B-schools club Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta is now in the elite list of 716 B-schools globally as Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business announced the new members of this exclusive club. Candidates for CS prelims cannot attend foundation course: Govt Candidates who have been allocated IAS, IFS and IPS among others and are also appearing for this year's civil services preliminary examination cannot attend Foundation Course, the government has said. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		CR gets commando unit to fight terror To deal with terror alerts, the Railway Protection Force of Central Railway has formed a specialized unit of 30 commandos, the focus of which will be largely on CST. Teachers wary of assembly election duty With the state gearing up for assembly polls, school teachers have once again raised concerns of polling duties disturbing the academic calendar. City cops undergo training in US to combat digital piracy A team of 13 state police officers who had gone to the US for a week for training in combating digital piracy and violation of intellectual property rights returned to the city on Monday. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Nurse gang-raped in a Delhi 5-star hotel A 27-year-old woman was allegedly gang-raped by two men in a suite at Oberoi Hotel, central Delhi, on the night of August 15. 1 Nigerian clears Ebola screening The government on Monday denied reports of a Nigerian admitted at Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital testing positive for Ebola Virus Disease. Schools to list best ways to solve issues Education department officials have just wrapped up a round of school inspections and decided it’s time they and the heads of schools put their heads together and work toward solutions. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Bengaluru FC, Bopanna rise to Ice Bucket Challenge After Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Cristiano Ronaldo and Oprah Winfrey, I-League champions Bengaluru FC and doubles ace Rohan Bopanna have taken up the Ice Bucket Challenge, which has gone viral on social media. CID: Mangala called candidates 450 times Mangala Sridhar, the suspended KPSC member chargesheeted by the CID in the cash-for-jobs scam, was in telephonic contact with at least 20 candidates before and after the exams for the recruitment for 362 gazetted probationers Group A and B posts. Karnataka Pollution Control Board failed to curb pollution, has no right to exist: HC Lambasting the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) for failing to control air and sound pollution in Bangalore, the high court on Monday asked the state government why the watchdog should not be superseded by the Central Pollution Control Board. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Move to link Aadhaar to benefits slammed Like the K Chandrasekhar Rao government’s move to hold a comprehensive household survey in Telangana, supposedly to weed out bogus beneficiaries of welfare schemes, his AP counterpart Chandrababu Naidu’s decision to link all social benefits to Aadhaar has drawn flak from various sections. Farmer attempts suicide Vexed with the failure of officials to restore his encroached land, a farmer attempt suicide outside the district collectorate here on Monday. New Vijayawada police commissioner promises better traffic management Keeping in view the growing traffic congestion in the city, particularly after it was declared the temporary capital of AP, the city’s new police commissioner AB Venkateswara Rao said that the traffic situation will be eased within three months. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Central agency says south India power shortage set to worsen Power shortage in the four southern states, including the erstwhile composite Andhra Pradesh, is likely to almost double from 6.8% in 2013-14 to 12.7% in the current financial year, says a report by the Central Electricity Authority. Man murders brother with grinding stone in Chromepet Police have launched a hunt for a construction worker who murdered his brother in a drunken brawl with a grinding stone at his house in Chromepet on Sunday. Rumours of girl's rape, murder in school bathroom spark fear Tension prevailed at St Theresa’s Girls’ Higher Secondary School in Pallavaram on Monday morning, after rumours that a girl had been raped and murdered in the school bathroom a few days ago spread and angry parents staged a protest. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Rs 22.8 lakh fine for breaking marriage deal Amid euphoria of Independence Day celebrations, Urmila (24) finds herself a prisoner of archaic social practice. 10 months' water supply pledged for floating restaurants The Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (SRFDCL) has promised 10 months of water to the interested operators for the proposed floating restaurants. 10 months' water supply pledged for floating restaurants The Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (SRFDCL) has promised 10 months of water to the interested operators for the proposed floating restaurants. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Hectic preparations afoot for Janmasthami celebrations Twenty-four hours before the Janmasthami, city markets on Sunday wore a crowded look as denizens were busy making hectic preparations for the birth of Lord Krishna. 'Gate mitras' for unmanned crossings soon North Central Railway is all set to appoint ‘Gate Mitras’ (counselors) who will be present at unmanned crossings. Facebook page of Allahabad cops a virtual police station The Facebook page of Allahabad police seems to have turned into a virtual police station for net savvy citizens. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		See the village through new eyes The Odisha Progressive Artists' Group, a group of young artists, have organized a unique exhibition ? Think Village ? at the Modern Art Gallery here. Norms soon to restrict inter-college transfers To check inter-college transfers of students under Biju Patnaik University of Technology (BPUT) in covert ways, the state government has decided to introduce stringent norms. Jyotivihar college teachers demand regularization Demanding regularization of services, both teaching and non-teaching staff of Jyotivahar Junior college of Sambalpur University have resorted to strike for an indefinite period from Monday. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		MP Congress candidate booked for abduction Madhya Pradesh Congress candidate for Bahoriband assembly by-polls, Saurabh Singh, has been booked for abducting two tribals on Sunday night. Dumper crushes man to death in Bhopal A 32-year-old man was crushed to death by a speeding dumper near Union Carbide Factory in Nishatpura under Gautam Nagar Police station area late on Sunday night. 2 held in Kolar shooting case Two persons, who shot at and a woman in Kolar area on Sunday leaving her critically injured were arrested on Monday. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Bishnoi not invited for Modi rally The BJP has not invited Haryana Janhit Congress (HJC) chief Kuldeep Bishnoi for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally at Kaithal on Tuesday. RSS has a women wing? Gul sparks Twitter debate “Also, can women join the RSS (largest voluntary cultural organisation in the world, not like ‘RSS feed’)?” This seems like an innocuous question but it has taken on a completely different twist on Twitter given that it has come from actress and AAP leader Gul Panag. Protests planned against film on Indira's killers Punjabi film 'Kaum De Heere' (Diamonds of the Community), which portrays the lives of former prime minister Indira Gandhi's assassins and is finally set for release this Friday, has caused a political storm even before it comes up on the big screen. More Chandigarh News»

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News Digest: Ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops in Jammu & Kashmir

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Monday, August 18, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops in Jammu & Kashmir Reports say 20 BSF posts were targeted by Pak troops in Arnia and RS Pura sectors. Hindutva is the identity of our nation, RSS chief says Stoking yet another controversy, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat today said India is a Hindu nation and Hindutva is its identity. Flood situation in Assam grim, toll rises to 3 The flood situation in Assam remained grim on Sunday, with the death toll rising to three. More India News»

		Business
		Desi carriers' insurance costs rise 20% on global crashes The spate of serious aviation mishaps globally is all set to impact the financials of already struggling Indian airlines. Diageo CEO takes pay cut in FY14, no hike this year Top spirits maker Diageo's Indian-origin CEO, Ivan Menezes, has seen his pay package decline in his first year at the top post and would not get any salary hike in the second year as well. The UK-based company cited sluggish financial performance in some key markets as a reason. Government asks PSBs to post women close to family Employees at public sector banks (PSBs) have much to cheer, with the government announcing a series of feel-good steps. More Business News»

		Environment
		Artist accused of damaging environment in Mexico A Polish artist famed for slipping crocheted covers around unlikely objects has run afoul of environmental authorities in Mexico for slipping her brightly colored work around underwater sculptures near Cancun. In a first, tigress set free in Sunderbans In a first, the foresters of Sunderbans have released a tigress, that had undergone treatment in captivity for a year-and-a-half, in the wild with a collar on its neck Rhino carcass found in Jaldapara national park A rhino carcass minus its horn was found in the north range of Jaldapara National park in North Bengal, a top forest official said on Saturday. More Environment News»

		World
		New US strikes in Iraq include land-based bombers The US has expanded its air campaign in Iraq with attacks aimed at helping Iraqi forces regain control of the strategic Mosul dam. Imran Khan calls for civil disobedience Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician, Imran Khan on Sunday called on thousands of anti-government protesters to stop paying taxes and practice civil disobedience until Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif steps down, raising fears of instability in the nuclear-armed US ally. UK needs to tackle ISIS militarily: David Cameron British prime minister David Cameron has warned that Europe could soon see “a terrorist state on the shores of the Mediterranean if a “firm security response” was not delivered to counter Isis jihadists in Iraq. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Hrithik never forgets a birthday in Sussanne's family Hrithik Roshan continues to remain a favourite with Sussanne Khan’s family. Things you did not know about Hrithik Roshan When he entered the film industry in 2000, he made everybody nervous and came into the limelight overnight. While Hrithik is a craze internationally too (amongst NRIs), read on to find out some lesser known facts of Duggu that might surprise you! Aishwarya admits having serious problems with costar Aishwarya Sakhuja opens up about the problem they faced with each other More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Search for new antibiotics takes bizarre turns Pampering leafcutter ants with fragrant rose petals and fresh oranges may seem an unlikely way to rescue modern medicine, but scientists at a lab in eastern England think it's well worth trying. Two ancient Mayan cities found in Mexico jungle Archaeologists have unearthed two ancient Mayan cities hidden in thick vegetation in the Mexican jungle. Injected bacteria can shrink human tumours In a breakthrough, scientists have developed a modified version of a bacteria that produces a strong and precisely targeted anti-tumour response in rats, dogs and humans. More Science News»

		Sports
		Federer downs Ferrer to capture sixth Cincinnati title Roger Federer won his 80th career title and sixth at the Cincinnati Masters, beating David Ferrer 6-3, 1-6, 6-2 to stamp himself a US Open favourite. Serena wins first Cincinnati title for US Open boost Serena Williams won her first Cincinnati title on Sunday with a convincing 6-4, 6-1 victory over Ana Ivanovic, just a week out from the defence of her US Open crown. India beat Pakistan 1-0 in landmark football series India defeated Pakistan 1-0 in an emotionally-charged opener to take the lead in a two-match football series, the first between the arch-rivals for nine years. More Sports News»

		Technology
		6 ways to recycle your old gadgets Instead of selling them to your local raddiwala, here’s a bunch of things you can do with your old gadgets... Karbonn Titanium Octane Plus review: Heavy on specs, yet a letdown We used Karbonn's top-of-the-line Octane Plus smartphone for a week and here's what we think... Bill Gates, Tim Cook, Jeff Bezos pour ice water on their heads The three took up the Ice Bucket Challenge to spread awareness about ALS by dumping a bucket of ice cold water on themselves. More Technology News»

		Education
		IGNOU to launch courses for sex workers The officials from university's regional centre here recently contacted Indian Red Cross Society's office located in the red-light area, popularly referred to as Ganga-Jamuna. Nalanda university to start two new disciplines next month Nalanda University is all set to start the inaugural classes of the two schools of Historical Studies and Ecology and Environment Studies from September 1. Odisha to get its second agriculture university: Minister Odisha will soon get its second agriculture university in the poverty stricken KBK (Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput) region of the state. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		ACs welcome faithful in Mumbai mosques Moments before the muezzin calls for the evening prayers, the glass door and windows at Al Medina mosque in Agripada are shut. The mosque’s lanky, bearded khadim (caretaker) switches on over a dozen air-conditioners and its many chandeliers too start glimmering. Netas shun BMC cars as they lack in 'comfort' The BMC had bought brand new cars worth over Rs 70 lakh for corporators who hold key posts in the civic body. But these cars are lying unused as the netas are unhappy with the lack of comfort features in these vehicles. Untrained babus turning Mumbai into wild west: CM Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan has said the senior bureaucrats in the state are not trained to rule Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai and they were turning them into “wild west”. He said there is a huge manpower deficit to administer urban areas. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Khan market finally gets Wi-Fi; CP next The ambitious Wi-Fi project of the New Delhi Municipal Council has taken off with Khan Market becoming the first area where visitors can avail the facility. Connaught Place is soon to follow suit. Cabbie held for molesting 4-year-old A cab driver has been arrested for allegedly molesting a four-year-old girl while ferrying her to a private school in south Delhi's Hauz Khas area. 22-year-old shot at after fight over parking A 22-year-old man became the latest victim of road rage in Delhi when he was shot at and seriously injured in the abdomen on Sunday afternoon. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Rs 38 crore assets of Janardhana Reddy, his wife attached A special anti-money laundering court here has attached assets worth over Rs 37.86 crore belonging to former Karnataka minister and mining baron Gali Janardhana Reddy and his wife in connection with an alleged multi-crore iron ore mining scam.    She paints her memories at home, only to wash them off Philosophers, ancient and modern, attach a great deal of seriousness to detachment from physical properties. Seasoned artist Alaka Rao P has imbibed this in her living. Dissidence in JD(S) out in open; Gowda calls meeting today Rumblings of dissent in the JD(S) seemed to have peaked with reports of some senior MLAs cozying up to the Congress, prompting party supremo H D Deve Gowda on Sunday to ask them to remain loyal or quit. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Security fence back at Greenlands Barely two months after dismantling a security fence near the chief minister's camp office at Greenlands for the benefit of motorists, things are back to square one. Slain chain-snatcher's gang confess to committing 700 offences The Cyberabad police seized Rs 30 lakh worth property, including gold, cars and furniture, during a raid on notorious chain-snatcher Kadavaluri Shiva's house at Narsingi on Saturday. Windfall for pvt bus operators The scramble for bus tickets started on August 14, with a series of holidays (August 15-17) giving people an extended weekend.The Telangana government had also declared August 19 as a general holiday for the survey. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Jayalalithaa, DMK leaders congratulate Tamilisai Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa, DMK chief M Karunanidhi, DMDK leader Vijayakanth and PMK founder S Ramadoss on Sunday greeted Tamilisai Soundararajan on her appointment as BJP's state president. Family of three injured in blast caused by gas leak A three-member family suffered severe burns in a blast triggered by a gas leak in Vijayaraghavapuram, Saligramam on Sunday morning. Indian Maritime University recalls car of former vice chancellor over 'inflated claims' Indian Maritime University (IMU) has recalled one of the two official cars of former varsity vice-chancellor and current IMU, Chennai campus director P Vijayan, citing gross misuse of the vehicles and inflated fuel claims. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Dissolvable 'tampon' to protect against HIV Researchers have developed a dissolvable tampon-like product that can carry substantial loads of medicine and could offer fast-acting HIV protection. Abhay Chudasama reinstated Chudasama was under suspension for his alleged involvement in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case and had spent four years in jail - from April 2010 to April 2014. One more complaint against realty firm A brokerage firm has registered a complaint against the office bearers of Shukan Group, for cheating them of Rs 2 crore, with Navrangpura police. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		ADA, AMC demolition drive stops midway A joint demolition drive of Allahabad Development Authority (ADA) and Allahabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) was undertaken in Meerapur on Saturday. Joy, spirit of patriotism mark I-Day The spirit of patriotism and call of sacrifice marked Independence Day celebrations on Friday. Allahabad ready to celebrate birthday of Lord Krishna The city is all set to celebrate Janmashtami with a devotional fervour and this reflects in the brisk sale of items at local markets here on Saturday. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Kasturirangan at Ravenshaw University convocation Ravenshaw University will host its seventh convocation ceremony on August 23.Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, and former chairman of ISRO Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan will be chief guest. Government drive to spot 'powerless' villages The state government on Saturday began an exercise to find out details of villages without electricity in the state following a missive from the Centre-owned Rural Electrification Corporation (REC). Minister asks schools to ensure better sanitation The state government has asked all schools to take necessary steps for ensuring better sanitation and hygiene without fail. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Silent green revolution in BHEL sports club They are no fly-by-night photo-op stars, who plant saplings for their moment of glory under flash bulbs. 50 children fall ill after consuming special I-Day mid-day meal at Sehore More than 50 children of a government primary school fell ill after consuming special mid-day meal prepared at a government primary school in Sehore district. Tattered roads near Aishbagh forces Bhopal Hockey Association to put off Obaidullah Cup Here is a shocker. Famed all-India Obaidullah Gold Cup hockey tournament, synonymous with Bhopal, the nursery of hockey, has been postponed for a reason bordering on bizarre-bad condition of roads around venue Aishbagh stadium More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		ESIC director general for upgrade of hospital Director general, ESIC AK Aggarwal visited the ESIC Model hospital and found major problems in its functioning.The hospital has no waiting area, no fans or coolers for doctors as well as visitors. Trader robbed at gunpoint Eight unidentified miscreants allegedly robbed garments worth Rs 12,000 from a garment store after holding the owner at gunpoint in Badi Haibowal.The incident occurred around 200 meters from the police post. Lot needs to be done for women to feel free The recent incident of a girl being teased in an auto-rickshaw while she was on her way to Chandigarh to meet her brother on rakshabandhan has put the problem of harassment under the spotlight. More Chandigarh News»

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