News Digest: For 3 Haryana villages bordering UP, polls have no meaning

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Monday, September 15, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		For 3 Haryana villages bordering UP, polls have no meaning A day after Election Commission of India announced the date for Haryana assembly elections, residents of three villages of Yamunanagar district, bordering Uttar Pradesh, hung up banners declaring to boycott the polls. Statoistics: How powerful is your passport Passports issued by the US, UK, Finland or Germany allow their citizens easy access (visa-free or visa on arrival) to 172 other countries. Hyping ISI moles' stories sparked panic: Karunanidhi In a departure from his earlier stand on terrorism related issues, DMK chief M Karunanidhi on Sunday hit out at the ruling AIADMK government saying that the reports regarding recent arrest of ISI spies and their activities in Tamil Nadu have created panic among the people. More India News»

		Business
		SBI has 50% share in mobile banking The State Bank of India (SBI) has emerged a surprise market leader in mobile banking, accounting for half of all mobile transactions in the country. Govt to hear out US pharma companies' patent fears After months of skirmishes, the government is finally going to sit down with American pharma giants this week to hear out their concerns, a move that comes weeks before Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for the US. Indian IT companies battle it out for Rs 11k-cr Australian pie Indian IT companies will be fiercely competing with MNCs for five big IT contracts in Australia valued at over A$2 billion (Rs 11,000 crore). More Business News»

		Environment
		Leopard found dead in Betul Around seven-year-old leopard was found dead near Bhoura village in north forest division, a forest official said here on Sunday. Wild Chinese Sturgeon faces extinction Wild sturgeons usually swim all the way from the sea waters to the river area to lay eggs around mid and late November after they become mature. Creating climate change awareness through films To broaden awareness on climate change issues across India, Ennovate Global, a specialist in climate change research and communication, and Good Relations India, a strategic communications consultancy, in partnership with the United Nations Foundation, hosted the two-day Clima Film Fest 2014 that concluded at MOP Vaishnav College for Women on Saturday. More Environment News»

		World
		Arab states mull air strikes on ISIS Several Arab countries have offered to carry out airstrikes against militants from the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, senior US state department officials said on Sunday. Swedish prime minister resigns after election loss Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt says he will resign after his center-right coalition lost a parliamentary election to a left-leaning opposition led by the Social Democrats. Pak cops up ante, raid Imran's ally Qadir Pakistani police had arrested several protesters and a court on Saturday ordered that 100 opposition activists be sent to jail on a 14-day remand for holding illegal protests and for other violations. More World News»

		Entertainment
		'For me, Jhalak was a platform to meet Salman Khan' Nine-year-old Akshat Singh, who was eliminated from Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa this week, says he is not disappointed. 'Want to marry someone who accepts me the way I am' Ratan Rajput, best known as Laali from the TV serial Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo, says there was a time when getting married was the only aim in her life. Priyanka talks about contrast with Mary Kom's salary Priyanka Chopra is entertaining one and all with her intense performance in Mary Kom. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Isro scientist tours the edge of space In the last three decades, he has visited 115 countries and been to Antarctica, the southern most continent; Uganda, through which the Equator passes; and Ladakh to mark his journey at the top of the world. New project aims to send 1 of every 50,000 applicants to space Did Gravity make you want to don a space suit and lift off? Then here is your chance to be George Clooney/Sandra Bullock. How humans regenerate ribs decoded Unlike salamanders, mammals can't regenerate lost limbs, but they can repair large sections of their ribs — and now scientists have discovered what gives rib cells their healing power. More Science News»

		Sports
		United beat QPR 4-0 for 1st win in Premier League Manchester United ended its winless start to the Premier League season in emphatic fashion, beating Queens Park Rangers 4-0 on Sunday. India hopes hanging by thread after Somdev's heroics Somdev, who has endured a tough season coming into this tie, carved out a heroic 1-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 win over Dusan Lajovic to bring the tie to level terms. Roger Federer fires Switzerland into Davis Cup final Roger Federer has taken Switzerland to its first Davis Cup final in 22 years, beating Fabio Fognini of Italy in reverse singles for a winning 3-1 lead in semifinal. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Flipkart 'leaks' Google's Android One smartphone Spice Android One Dream UNO Mi-498 phone, priced at Rs 6,999, was listed on the website for a few hours. Apple India gives iPhone 5S an 'official' price cut Mahesh Telecom has tweeted that Apple has given an official price cut to the two iPhone 5S variants ahead of the India launch of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. First jobs of 10 of the biggest names in tech Everyone has to start somewhere. Although some of Silicon Valley's most iconic figures are worth millions and billions today, many of them started out programming software or delivering newspapers. More Technology News»

		Education
		Science of computers Subhash Kak, Regents professor, department of computer science, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, talks to Aaditi Isaac on the emerging areas in computer science. How to crack the TOEFL Dinakar Ayalasomayajula, winner of the TOEFL scholarship, shares tips on how to crack the TOEFL. Scouting for change Participants at the 40th World Scout Conference in Slovenia vow to focus on the education of young people. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Lufthansa won't fly Airbus 380 to Mumbai for now Mumbai airport’s failure to allot Lufthansa the 2am time slot it had wanted for its proposed Airbus 380 operations spurred the German carrier to defer its plan to fly the world’s largest commercial airliner to the city. Rs 425 crore scam: 'Ferreira & kin under lens' Ferreira (76) has filed an anticipatory bail plea along with seven other suspects. The court hearing is scheduled to come up on Monday. Congress, NCP may hammer out deal today After a prolonged delay, the seat-sharing dispute between the Congress and NCP appears to be headed for a possible resolution, with Congress leaders maintaining that the differences are likely to be ironed out once party president Sonia Gandhi returns to Delhi. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Community policing by akhadas In yet another community policing initiative, Delhi Police has tied up with ‘akhadas’, traditional training centres for wrestlers, to reach out to youths and prevent them from drifting toward crime. 6,000 guest teachers for govt schools The directorate of education (DoE) recently inducted more than 6,000 guest teachers to deal with the shortage of teachers in government schools. Around 10,000 more teachers will also join soon. Water drawn near Lal Qila: Metro to reply National Green Tribunal has sought a reply from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation for illegally extracting groundwater during construction of an underground station in Lal Qila area. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Kids give big push to pedal power Chandana G, 18, was a bundle of energy as she hit the pedal at the Cycle Day event in Allalasandra Lake, Yelahanka New Town, early on Sunday. Youths' death: Pall of gloom descends on pilgrim village People in distress head for Chikka Madhure to seek the blessings of Lord Shani, but on Sunday the village did not know where it should go in its moment of despair. Uncle murders girl, boyfriend in Dharwad Tension prevailed in Shivalli village of Dharwad taluk after honour killing claimed two lives on Sunday afternoon. A 17-year-old girl and 19-year-old boy, who were allegedly in love, were murdered by the girl's uncle with lethal weapons, police said. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		New stamp papers for Telangana The stamps and registration department of Telangana is in the process of procuring new stamp papers with the state logo. World Congress members to get a glimpse of Hyderabadi wonders The secrets of delicious Hyderabad Biryani will soon be known farther and wider with organizers of the XI Metropolis World Congress cooking up plans to publish a handy guide to the wonders of Hyderabad. Naidu's e-cabinet meeting gives mantris the tech-blues Trying to live up to his ‘hi-tech CM’ image, Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandarbabu Naidu is all set to chair the first ever ‘eCabinet’ on Monday, which incidentally is turning out to be a big headache for some ministers as they are required to operate iPads to access the agenda. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		English to continue as link language in Pondy: Court Refusing to interfere with the four-language formula in the Union Territory of Puducherry, Madras high court has said English would continue to be the link language for transaction of official business and in the interest of public service. 'Caste outfits may hold sway as Dravidian movement stagnates' Grandstanding may make good political strategy during crisis. Though not strangers to highs and lows, DMK veterans would know that the party is now going through one of its lowest points in its history. Expo celebrates artist's work on 25th death anniversary The work of an artist can often get lost in the past unless revived and curated. But Saraswati Gopal made it her passion to keep her husband K S Gopal’s work alive. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Snag grounds AI flight in Ahmedabad Around 100 Mumbai-bound passengers had a narrow escape after Air India flight AI-614 made an emergency landing on Sunday morning. As soon as the flight took off at 7.30am, passengers felt vibration in the aircraft. Gujarat's fruit and vegetable production goes up After registering the highest yield in the country in onion and potato production, Gujarat has recorded an increase of nine lakh metric tonnes (MT) in fruit production in the country, while in the vegetable sector the production has increased by over 5 lakh MT. 21 sepoys were hanged in Ahmedabad during 1857 revolt The 1857 revolt started in north India but its tremors were felt across the country and Gujarat was no exception. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Pandas at Sangam go hi-tech Use FB, email to contact yajman during Pitra Paksha Pvt doctors' strike continues for the second day They have accused the district administration of laxity in initiating action against the perpetrators of the crime Teenager raped, poisoned to death in UP A 15-year-old girl was allegedly raped and administered poison in her house at a village under the Meja police station late on Friday night. It was also alleged that the accused thrashed girl’s three brothers and locked them in a room before committing the crime. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Not a run of the Mills story State athlete speaks of his experience of training with Bolt and Blake We believe in home-grown talent: Behera Sports Czar says state knows how to take care of its treasure Barabati worrying about rain If it rains for three days prior to the T20I, it will be a difficult proposition, says chief curator More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Brothers thwart robbery bid, sustain stab wounds In a brave act, two brothers thwarted a robbery attempt after being attacked by an armed robber and forced him to flee their house. Bijnor blast: Calls made by Khandwa jailbreak fugitives traced to Jabalpur Madhya Pradesh Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) has zeroed in on Jabalpur district tracing incoming and outgoing calls on one of the mobile phones left by Khandwa jailbreak fugitives before they escaped from their hideout in Uttar Pradesh's Bijnor on Friday. MP to teach lifestyle lessons in schools from next year From the next curriculum year, the Madhya Pradesh government will include a lesson on the importance of correct life-style in high school text-books. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Travel agents dupe businessman of Rs 17,500, give him fake tickets A travel agent and his woman employee have been booked for charging Rs 17,500 from a city based businessman for air tickets between Chandigarh and Chennai and giving him fake tickets. Don't imitate the west: Tully The concluding day of the Chandigarh Arts and Heritage Festival witnessed Sir William Mark Tully addressing the audience at the UT Guest House.The title of the talk was, "India: The road ahead". Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan teachers press demands before HRD minister A 50-member delegation of SSA teachers, under the leadership of Arvind Rana, president, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Teachers Welfare Association, UT, submitted a memorandum to HRD minister Smriti Irani. More Chandigarh News»

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News Digest: Sudipta had plans to invest in international yoga chain?

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Sunday, September 14, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Sudipta had plans to invest in international yoga chain? Did Saradha chief Sudipta Sen have plans to stash his ill-gotten gains in franchises of an international yoga chain run by a Kolkata-based couple? Did Saradha cash fund extremists in Bangladesh? The Saradha scam seems to be getting murkier by the day. Central intelligence agencies now claim they have sufficient evidence that Saradha funds were used by fundamentalist outfits in Bangladesh against the Awami League before the general elections in that country. Saradha-stung TMC unsure of bypoll score A win or loss in the two assembly constituencies won't make much of a difference for the Trinamool Congress when it has absolute majority in the West Bengal Assembly. More India News»

		Business
		Why FIIs consider Indian investments as safest bet NSE India VIX — volatility index or investors' fear gauge meter — is trading near its all-time low at 12.36%, impacting derivatives option price movement, thus making many F&O strategies futile. Lupin in deal to market US firm Salix's drugs in Canada Lupin Ltd, India's fourth-largest drugmaker by sales, said it entered into an exclusive deal to market some of US firm Salix Pharmaceuticals Inc's products in Canada to expand its footprint in that region. Gold extends losses for 3rd day on subdued demand Falling for the third day in a row, gold prices shed another Rs 45 to Rs 27,370 per 10 gram in the national capital on Saturday on easing demand from jewellers and retailers amid a weakening global trend. More Business News»

		Environment
		Creating climate change awareness through films To broaden awareness on climate change issues across India, Ennovate Global, a specialist in climate change research and communication, and Good Relations India, a strategic communications consultancy, in partnership with the United Nations Foundation, hosted the two-day Clima Film Fest 2014 that concluded at MOP Vaishnav College for Women on Saturday. Outfit flays move to renew ownership certificate for captive elephants Noted animal rights group Heritage Task Force has criticised the Kerala forest department's move to renew the ownership certificate for captive elephants, holding that the move will lead to the regularization of illegal ownership of many jumbos. Whale huddle braces for clash over Japanese hunting Nations will square off in Slovenia next week over the fate of hundreds of whales in the crosshairs of Japanese and Greenland hunters accused of sidestepping a commercial killing ban. More Environment News»

		World
		Ukraine PM slams Putin, ceasefire again under strain Fighting flared near an airport in eastern Ukraine on Saturday in breach of a fragile eight-day ceasefire as the prime minister accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of planning to destroy his country. Pakistan protest talks deadlocked after arrests Talks to end a month long sit-in by anti-government protesters in Pakistan were deadlocked Saturday after authorities arrested dozens of demonstrators, some of whom were accused of storming a TV station. 'New Scots' hold key to future On the south side of Glasgow, in the heartland of Scotland’s Asian community, support for independence from UK is strong as Thursday’s referendum nears. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Saifeena's wedding anniversary to have a Brangelina link Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan will ring in their second wedding anniversary on October 16. Rekha tries to ape the iconic Mother India pose Rekha, who plays the title role in her next film Super Nani, seems to be in a mood for some super fun. What celebs think about sex before marriage? Sherlyn Chopra, who is known for her bold and ultra glamorous image, has been known for pushing the envelope in Bollywood. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Spooning not good for bad back The painful sex lives of Britons suffering from bad backs are being worsened by medical advice that spooning is the best position for them, according to a new study. Training dogs to sniff out cancer McBaine, a bouncy black and white springer spaniel, perks up and begins his hunt at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center. His nose skims 12 tiny arms that protrude from the edges of a table-size wheel, each holding samples of blood plasma, only one of which is spiked with a drop of cancerous tissue. Scientists capture the sound of an atom For the first time, scientists have used sound to 'talk' to an artificial atom, demonstrating a curious phenomenon in quantum physics that sees sound waves take on the role of light. More Science News»

		Sports
		Putting country first, Dipika decides to play at Asian Games India's highest-ranked squash player Dipika Pallikal has decided to put the controversy over the dubious Asian Games draw behind and confirmed her participation for the upcoming Incheon edition. Paes-Bopanna magic keeps India alive in Davis Cup Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna won the crucial doubles match on Saturday to keep India afloat in the Davis Cup World Group play-off tie against Serbia. Striker Diego Costa hat-trick leaves Chelsea on top Striker Diego Costa scored a hat-trick to leave Chelsea top of the English Premier League as they came back from a goal down to beat Swansea 4-2. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Apple India gives iPhone 5S an 'official' price cut Mahesh Telecom has tweeted that Apple has given an official price cut to the two iPhone 5S variants ahead of the India launch of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Review: Acer Iconia Tab 7 voice-calling tablet Does the 7-inch voice-calling tablet Acer Iconia Tab 7 have what it takes to win over the market and position itself as a challenger to other models in this range? We find out in our review... First jobs of 10 of the biggest names in tech Everyone has to start somewhere. Although some of Silicon Valley's most iconic figures are worth millions and billions today, many of them started out programming software or delivering newspapers. More Technology News»

		Education
		TN govt does a U-turn, says Annamalai medical college is self-financing institute In a weird U-turn, Tamil Nadu government has told the Madras high court that a constituent medical college of Annamalai University was a ‘self-financing institution’. Smriti Irani plans higher education overhaul In a bid to create uniformity among central universities, HRD ministry has decided to frame guidelines for common admission, common curriculum, student and faculty mobility as well as a national system of credit transfers. University of Wolverhampton keen to work with India: Lord Swraj Paul The University of Wolverhampton, one of the leading British universities, is keen to work with India to improve education standards, create opportunities, build and strengthen business innovation and help it become a leading economy, its chancellor Lord Swraj Paul has said. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Maha ordered to plant 44,000 trees for cutting Ghats forest The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the road transport authority to replant an entire forest with 44,000 trees, seven months after TOI front-paged a story on the destruction of 32 acres of forest in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats for a toll booth in an area that does not need one. Prompt help from airport staff saves cardiac arrest patient On September 5, when 75-year-old Fernandes collapsed at the city's new international Terminal 2, the airport medical team revived him two times before transporting him to a hospital for a bypass surgery within the golden hour. NCP politician accused of rape by member of staff at college he runs The Nalanda Law College in Borivli (W) is once again in the thick of controversy as a staff member has accused NCP politician Laxman Dhoble, the founder of the college trust, of rape. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		DU victory raises BJP's assembly election hopes BJP's city office burst into celebrations on Saturday with ABVP winning all four key posts in the DUSU polls.The victory also seemed to have boosted the morale of the party's Delhi unit. Former bank manager ran job racket, arrested The former manager of a private bank and four others have been arrested for duping people on the pretext of getting them jobs in the forest department. Shops steal Naraina walkways The construction of Naraina Flyover may have decongested Ring Road but residents of the area still have to battle heavy traffic. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Enter the baby whisperers A restless newborn, a toddler afraid of the dark, a youngster who sleepwalks -parenting often includes tiring, sleepless nights. Now, there are sleep experts to help you out. Police out of reach when we need them most: Expats On August 6, Anita (name changed), an expat, had a horrifying experience when her laundryman come at her place to deliver ironed clothes and abused her sexually. Minority card is passport to freedom from RTE When the controversial RTE clause of reserving 25% seats for the underprivileged came into force, the easiest way for private schools to wriggle out of it was to get minority status. Schools in Karnataka used this to maximum benefit. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		2 petitions against liquor bottles labels The association of liquor and beer suppliers, in its petitions, said that the distillery units were told to install the required hardware by May 30, 2014. AP gets support from GAIL The Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) has become the first company to lend its support to Andhra Pradesh government's ambitious skill development programme. NTR museum coming up at Nimmakur Plans are in full steam to set up an NTR international museum at Nimmakuru in Krishna district, the native place of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) founder and late chief minister N T Rama Rao. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		OTA passing out parade: 246 cadets 'graduate' to army The cadets marched into the ground a few minutes after 6am in a formation of four different companies of the academy. Following this, Major General G Murali, Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor of OTA, took the salute from the cadets followed by Lt General SS Jog, Commandant, Officers Training Academy. ISI suspect in TN posed as journalist too Suspected ISI agent Arun Selvarajan, who was arrested by NIA in Chennai on Tuesday, appears to have worn many hats in the process of collecting information for his handlers in Colombo. Macro pictures prove Nataraja brought from Australia is original The Nataraja idol brought to the state from Australia on Thursday, along with one of Ardhanareeswara, has been confirmed as that stolen from Sripuranthan in Ariyalur district. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Modi's absence hits turnout in bypolls Of the nine assembly seats and Vadodara Lok Sabha constituency where bypolls were held on Saturday, the voter turnout was lowest in Maninagar assembly constituency and on Vadodara parliamentary seat. Explanation sought from GU accountant Gujarat University (GU) has sought clarification from chief accountant Minesh Shah for not showing income from its convention centre either in the budget or in the annual report of the university. Ex-judge of apex court slams CBI chief Retired judge of the Supreme Court, G S Singhvi, criticized CBI director Ranjit Sinha’s claim to privacy after the media exposed his meetings with various people, including some of the accused in the 2G and coal block cases, at his residence. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Teenager raped, poisoned in Uttar Pradesh A 15-year-old girl was allegedly raped and poisoned in her house in Uttar Pradesh’s Allahabad district. The bleeding girl was rushed to hospital but she died on the way. 75-yr-old shot over old enmity Simmering enmity between two groups of villagers claimed life of an old man in Bendo village under the Naini police station here on Saturday morning. An FIR was later lodged in this regard. Cops nab three miscreants involved in bank robbery Police on Saturday worked out a bank robbery case at the Baroda Gramin Bank, Mugarshan Branch, Uttaraon. Five miscreants escaped with Rs nine lakh in broad day light on June 27. Cops arrested three accused involved in the robbery and recovered from them two pistols and Rs 50,000 along with other items. The three arrested are Haider Ali, Siyasat Ali and Babloo Khan from Sarai Inayat. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Veterinary varsity on minister's mind The state government has proposed setting up of a university dedicated to fisheries and veterinary science studies. HAL displaced sow seeds of protest Land losers, agitating against Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), sowed niger seeds on 50 acre of ploughed land on the company's campus at Sunabeda in the district on Friday, the fifth day of their agitation. Govt orders RDC probe into Nayagarh firing The state government on Friday transferred Nayagarh SP Niti Sekhar and ordered an administrative probe, a day after police opened fire on unarmed protestors, killing one person at Chandapur. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Missing Navodaya Vidyalaya student found hanging from tree A school student, who had been missing for a week, was found hanging from a tree here today under mysterious circumstances, a senior official said. Don drags Madhya Pradesh police in Portugal Supreme court Supreme Court of Portugal has sought status report on cases against Abu Salem from Supreme Court India and TADA court Mumbai following a petition moved by the gangster alleging that he was being tried for a case by Madhya Pradesh police in a 12-year-old murder case in violation of the extradition treaty. Woman dies after taking 'weight-loss' pills in Madhya Pradesh Overdose of 'slimming pills' apparently led to death of a 30-year-old woman in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Hooda's salary balloon for employees pricked Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda’s announcement of making salaries and pensions of state employees at par with Punjab was seen by many as an initiative that could keep the Congress fortunes afloat in a key assemble election. Villagers work overnight in gurdwaras to prepare food for flood-hit valley people Devotees worked overnight in gurdwara kitchens to send fresh langar (food) for flood victims in Jammu & Kashmir. CNI ties up with overseas churches for relief work in J&K Church of North India (CNI) has tied up with churches of various countries to begin rehabilitation drive in Jammu & Kashmir that witnessed the worst-ever natural calamity which left around 200 dead and rendered thousands homeless. More Chandigarh News»

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