News Digest: Small-town US politician emerges as unlikely foe of Modi

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Saturday, September 27, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Small-town US politician emerges as unlikely foe of Modi Joseph Whittington of Harvey, Illinois, worked with a group of New York lawyers to found a nonprofit and file a civil lawsuit that said Modi failed to stop anti-Muslim rioting in 2002. 94-year-old ex-CM awaits flat under freedom fighters' quota In recent years, there have been several stories of how politicians and bureaucrats have preferred to keep more than one government accommodation in the national capital. Narendra Modi meets Nobel Laureate Harold Varmus Interestingly, 74-year-old Varmus, currently director of the US National Cancer Institute, had done his apprenticeship in a mission hospital in Bareilly in 1960s. More India News»

		Business
		Sensex falls 102 points on capital outflows Falling for the fourth straight session, the benchmark BSE Sensex fell by another 102 points in early trade today on persistent capital outflows amidst a weak global trend. Rupee down 15 paise against dollar The rupee depreciated by 15 paise to trade at fresh seven-week low of 61.49 against the US dollar in early trade today, extending its losing streak for the fifth day due to sustained month-end demand for the American currency from importers. DHL to hike prices by about 10% in India from January Leading logistics services provider DHL Express on Friday said it will increase prices by an average of 9.9 per cent for Indian customers from 2015 to counter impact of inflation and rupee depreciation besides taking into account industry specific costs and investments. More Business News»

		Environment
		Maharashtra's Rajapur forest belt sees 20% rise in deer, blackbuck population The forest belt of Rajapur in Yeola, 104 km from here, has seen 20% rise in the population of deer and blackbucks in the past couple of years, according to forest officials. Land-ice decay behind fast sea level rise Land-ice decay at the end of the last five ice-ages caused global sea levels to rise at rates of up to 5.5 metres per century, according to a new study. Roads emerging critical threats to leopards in Madhya Pradesh An adult leopard was run over by a vehicle at Raisen district in Madhya Pradesh (MP) on Wednesday night. More Environment News»

		World
		UK to join US-led airstrikes against ISIS in Iraq The UK will join US-led air strikes against Islamic State (ISIS) terror network in Iraq as Britain's lawmakers today overwhelmingly voted in favour of joining the fight against the dreaded militant group. Lebanese prime minister calls for world's help In an emotional appeal to world leaders meeting in New York, Lebanon's prime minister on Friday said his country is facing a "fierce terrorist onslaught" and a national disaster created by more than a million Syrian refugees flooding the tiny nation. Pak SC admits petition for Sharif disqualification The Pakistan Supreme Court on Friday accepted a petition for hearing calling for the disqualification of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif filed by Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf, for allegedly misleading parliament last month. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Shilpa Shetty meets with an accident Shilpa Shetty’s car was involved in a minor accident with another car in Kapurthala, Punjab on Thursday evening. 'Not expecting my film to be a Kick or a Krrish' The angry man of Bigg Boss 4, who was called the diplomat of the house, Sameer Soni, was recently in town to impress Delhiites with his acting chops on stage. PICS: TV's highest paid actors! More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Ebola vaccine to be ready by 2015? Thousands of experimental Ebola vaccine doses from British GSK and US NewLink should be ready for use by early 2015 in countries affected by the epidemic, the World Health Organisation said on Friday. Weight loss operaption doesn't curb depression Bariatric surgery is not a magic wand to curb depression, say scientists who found that not all obese people feel better after undergoing weight loss surgery. Space enthusiast says he's spotted 'traffic signal' in Nasa's Mars photo A British space enthusiast claims to have spotted a 'traffic signal' in a photo of the red planet taken by Nasa''s Curiosity Mars rover. More Science News»

		Sports
		Live Blog: Incheon Asian Games 2014, Day 8 India slip to 16th despite a silver and a bronze on Day 7 The men's pistol team clinched a silver medal, while Sandeep Sejwal scooped a rare bronze in swimming but India slipped to the 16th position in the overall standings. Sandeep Sejwal fetches bronze in 50m breaststroke Sandeep Sejwal gave India's floundering swimming campaign a massive fillip by fetching a rare bronze in the 50m breaststroke event. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Microsoft keen to team up with India: Satya Nadella Nadella said businesses were looking forward to an accelerated growth phase in India and technology could play a pivotal role in spurring that growth. Sony Xperia Z3 Compact: The no-compromise mini We find out if Sony's new Xperia Z3 Compact is the perfect mini flagship phone available in the market. 9 hidden Gmail features you must know Almost all of us have a Google account, but very few of us have any idea how we can use many of its hidden features. It is time you use your Gmail like a boss. Here are 8 tips you can use to make your email experience better. More Technology News»

		Education
		SOL, colleges may get same courses Delhi University is likely to bring parity between courses offered at the School of Open Learning (SOL) with that of regular undergraduate syllabi from the next academic session. SC orders physical verification of red-flagged deemed universities Seven of the 41 deemed universities had agreed to subject themselves to fresh physical verification, and not clearance granted after scrutinizing photographs and videos of these institutions. SC order on 41 deemed universities creates a dilemma for UGC Supreme Court's order to carry out physical verification of 41 deemed universities has created a piquant situation for the University Grants Commission. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Uddhav is a gentleman, but he lacks maturity: Eknath Khadse BJP leader and leader of opposition in the assembly, Eknath Khadse, is emerging as a new force to reckon with in his party. He played a crucial role in seat-sharing negotiations with the Shiv Sena.  When it comes to growth of assets, ministers outstrip other legislators The assets of all outgoing MLAs rose from 2009 to 2014, but the assets of the ministers in the outgoing government grew more steeply, their affidavits show. Man held for funding 13/7 blasts discharged Over two months after a 50-year-old man was arrested at Goa airport for allegedly channelling funds for the July 2011 triple blasts, he was on Friday discharged for lack of evidence. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Gymkhana president faces poll in second year Many of the club members TOI spoke to seemed unhappy with the election this year since the club is breaking its convention. IIPM barred from offering MBA, BBA In a major blow to Arindam Chaudhuri and the Indian Institute of Planning and Management, Delhi high court on Friday restrained them from offering MBA, BBA courses or advertising as a management and business school. HC seeks response from zoo on safety Expressing concern over the incident of a tiger mauling to death a visitor in Delhi zoo, the high court on Friday asked for a response from the city zoo and Central Zoo Authority. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Wrecked city picks up the pieces On Friday morning, the sun was out and the fury of the previous night was clear. Self-defence is key to live like a Rani Training to defend oneself is the key to continue being a 'rani' (queen), actor Rani Mukherjee, fresh from her role as a tough police inspector implied on Friday. Chetan, the young boy, and his women Millions of young readers have turned him into a best-selling au thor, but the secret behind Chetan Bhagat's success is the 'young boy' who continues to live within him and the women who run his life. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Tata lauds KCR's vision After several corporate honchos, it was the turn of Tata Sons chairman emeritus Ratan Tata to heap praises on Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday. Tigers go missing from Telangana, AP sanctuaries Poaching continues to be the key threat to tigers in north Telangana and parts of Andhra Pradesh. The big cats are mysteriously disappearing heightening concerns that they are being poached frequently and with impunity. 'Seek alternative routes in SCB' The Hyderabad High Court on Friday declared that Army was well within its powers to regulate traffic in Secunderabad Cantonment area but should ask civic authorities to make alternative arrangements before blocking the roads. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Madurai lad who wowed the nation It is not easy for a cricketer from a district like Madurai to make it to the national side but M Venkataramana belongs to a rare breed. Corridors of power fall silent as top brass head for Bangalore Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jay alalithaa and her associate Sasikalaa are scheduled to reach Bangalore on Saturday morning by a chartered flight to be present at the special court for the verdict in the wealth case. Why the case dragged on for nearly 18 years The disproportionate assets case involving CM J Jayalalithaa dragged on for nearly 18 years, partly due to the DMK's insistence on having the trial shifted out of TN and also due to umpteen petitions and appeals filed by the accused. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Vav ustad uncovers stepwell secrets Rani-ki-Vav was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in June this year. But there are a very few scholars who have been able to interpret the monument — archaeologist Kirit Mankodi is one among them. Smriti advises VCs to bolster research Union HRD minister Smriti Irani met vice chancellors of universities in Gujarat at Raj Bhavan in Gandhinagar on Friday. She discussed the challenges universities face in higher education with them. Housewife-sleuth traces three missing minor girls Who would imagine that 35-year-old housewife Shivani, clad in a Gujarati saree, is a super sleuth for Gujarat police. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Gang of auto-lifters busted, 4 including kingpin arrested in Bahraich The police busted an international gang of auto-lifters and arrested four persons including the kingpin. Four bikes and fake registration certificates have been recovered from their possession. Railway staff to upload cleanliness drive photos online on Oct 2 Indian Railways galvanize its resources to make the cleanliness drive on Gandhi Jayanti a successful event on Prime Minister NArendra Modi’s directions. For this, the zonal railways and production unit of the Indian Railways have been instructed to upload photos and videos of the cleanliness drive. All the railway officers and staff except running and essential category staff will participate in the drive. Special arrangement at railway stations for pilgrims during Navratra Special arrangements have been made for pilgrims going to Vindhyachal and Maihar by North Central Railway (NCR) during Navratra festival. The NCR has provided stoppages of several trains for about two minutes during the mela period at Vindhyachal and Maihar stations till October 8. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Two candidates file papers for byelection Pratyusha Rajeswari Singh on Thursday filed her nomination papers before the returning officer at Phulbani as the BJD candidate for the forthcoming by-election for the Kandhamal Lok Sabha seat to be held on October 15. 'To be a good dancer, one has to be a scholar' Rahul Acharya is the first male Odissi dancer to be honoured with the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar by the government of India. One of the most promising male Odissi dancers, the artiste has performed in more than 30 countries across the globe at the age of 32. A scholar in Sanskrit, an expert in yoga, a prolific writer and also a post-graduate in bio-technology, Acharya shared his views with Minati Singha on his passion and profession. Power plant-affected launch hunger strike seeking jobs Families affected by Aditya Aluminium project at Sambalpur's Lapanga launched hunger strike in front of the collectorate here on Thursday, demanding jobs in the company. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Elderly man duped outside CM house An elderly man was allegedly duped outside chief minister’s house by a man on Friday morning. Raahgiri Day arrives with fanfare in Bhopal Raahgiri Day made its Bhopal debut at the Boat Club Road on Sunday morning, and what a debut it was! MANIT goes for e-waste clean-up Acutely aware of toxic metals in e-waste posing dangers to health, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT) administration has decided to get e-waste off campus by selling it. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Police clueless about assailants who brutally killed Mansa woman, injuring 3 others "We have questioned several persons.However, we are still clueless about the identity of the accused.Investigations are going on," said Mansa deputy superintendent of police, Rupinder Bhardwaj. Cooperative society member 'abducted' by sarpanch to win election, alleges wife Wife of a member of the cooperative society of Sohal Khalsa village in Shahkot subdivision of Jalandhar has alleged that her husband Jeet Singh has been abducted by the village sarpanch. From house to the hustings, women go beyond skewed sex ratio This election season however, both INLD and BJP have nominated 15 women candidates each for the 90-member state assembly polls. More Chandigarh News»

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News Digest: HRTC taxis to serve only elderly, disabled in Shimla

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Friday, September 26, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		HRTC taxis to serve only elderly, disabled in Shimla In the sealed roads of Shimla, HRTC taxis would be not be available for all now. Deities to decide on animal sacrifice ban imposed by HC Around 250 Himalayan gods (deities) will assemble at Naggar village of Kullu district on Friday morning to decide the issue of ban on animal sacrifice at religious places recently ordered by Himachal Pradesh high court. Pakistan 'spoiled the talks' by talking to Hurriyat: Sushma Swaraj External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday said Pakistan "spoiled the talks" by talking to Hurriyat leaders just ahead of foreign secretaries of the two nations were scheduled to meet in Islamabad last month. More India News»

		Business
		Chinese answer to India's manufacturing push If the focus on Thursday afternoon was on ‘Make in India’, by evening ‘Made in China’ — a campaign that includes tax concessions from the Chinese government to promote high-tech imports and research and development — too had become part of the conversation. CEO quits after daughter lists 'missed events' The document presented to the financier included missing the child’s first day at school, her first football match and a Halloween parade. Govt plans to close down six PSUs, revive five The government on Thursday said it has begun the process of reviving five ailing PSUs and is working on one-time settlement involving voluntary retirement scheme entailing a cost of Rs 1,000 crore for employees of six state-run units not capable of revival. More Business News»

		Environment
		Protecting Western Ghats: Environment ministry gets green signal for final draft The green bench categorically said that no fresh environmental clearance or permissions should be issued by MoEF till it issues the final notification. Natural gas usage won't help curb CO2 emission: Study Increased use of natural gas will not help arrest carbon dioxide (CO2) emission significantly because it delays the widespread construction of low-carbon energy facilities, such as solar arrays, says a US-based study. Govt should ensure 'aviral' flow of Ganga, says environment scientist BD Tripathi After the UPA government constituted the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) in 2009 and announced “Mission Clean Ganga by 2020”, the NDA government led by Narendra Modi has set a target to clean the holy river in the next 18 years. More Environment News»

		World
		Britain to join coalition against IS, plot to 'attack' US unearthed While Arab countries have joined the coalition, Washington's traditional Western allies had been slow to answer the call from US President Barack Obama. 345 rescued 'refugees from Syria' refuse to leave ship The people were packed aboard a small vessel that issued a distress call. Obama urges world to do more to tackle Ebola The emergency UN session on Ebola reflected the deep concern about an outbreak that has so far killed nearly 3,000 people. More World News»

		Entertainment
		'The 3 Khans are Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh of B'wood' Amrita Rao on roles, co-actors and fitness. Shraddha Kapoor's coolest Instagram pictures Remo D'Souza's dance sequel 'ABCD 2' will see the young heart-throb Varun Dhawan romancing Shraddha Kapoor. Bollywood's fascination for luxury cars Amitabh Bachchan could be old but has a freaky passion for luxury cars, and from what we hear he owns over 20 cars out of which around a dozen are luxury cars. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Robot cheerleading squad A team of cheerleading robots made their dancing debut in Tokyo on Thursday as creator Murata Manufacturing demonstrated its cutting-edge sensor technology. Study finds solar system's water older than the sun Water found in Earth's oceans, in meteorites and frozen in lunar craters predates the birth of the solar system, a study published on Thursday shows, a finding with implications for the search for life on other planets. Juggling e-devices may lower grey matter density Simultaneously using mobile phones, laptops and other media devices could be changing the structure of the brain. More Science News»

		Sports
		Live Blog: Incheon Asian Games 2014, Day 7 Dipika Pallikal and Joshana Chinappa would be leading India's charge in squash semifinals and Saina Nehwal will face a tough test in the quarterfinals on the seventh day of competition. Asian Games: India stand dismal 15th after Day 6 Indian rowers provided the spark with a couple of bronze medals, while the unfancied women shooters added another bronze as India maintained their 15th position. Somdev loses to Murray; Bopanna-Qureshi also crash out Somdev Devvarman put up a spirited fight but Andy Murray proved too good for the Indian, who bowed out of the ATP Shenzen Open. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Sony Xperia Z3 review: As good as it gets Has Sony finally achieved perfection with Xperia Z3, the latest and greatest in its Xperia Z series? We find out in our Sony Xperia Z3 review… Micromax Canvas Nitro review: The comeback phone? We try to find out if the Canvas Nitro is a better buy compared to other budget phones, in our review. 9 hidden Gmail features you must know Almost all of us have a Google account, but very few of us have any idea how we can use many of its hidden features. It is time you use your Gmail like a boss. Here are 8 tips you can use to make your email experience better. More Technology News»

		Education
		Online search: Calicut varsity beats Ivy League University of Calicut, which was declared a fully digital varsity in 2013, has emerged the fourth most searched-for-university in the world, according to rankings by Google based on popular searches. SC insists on fresh physical verification of 41 deemed universities UGC had last inspected the 41 deemed universities in November 2009 following the P N Tandon Committee report classifying them as "unfit" to be declared deemed universities. Bar Council derecognizes Delhi University's law course Law graduates who passed out this year from Delhi University (DU) are staring at an uncertain future. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Tussle over CM's post tears apart saffron combine The 25-year-old Shiv Sena-BJP alliance breathed its last on Thursday, bringing to an end a robust and stormy era in coalition politics in Maharashtra and India. No break-up blues for Cong, feels prospects to improve The Congress expects the crumbling of alliances in Maharashtra — its own with the NCP and that between the Shiv Sena-BJP—has given it a lifeline just when it was staring at a crushing defeat in the assembly elections. BJP now 'free' to expand its footprint in state After its split with the Shiv Sena, the BJP senses an opportunity to spread its wings in areas in the state where it thinks its growth was curtailed by years because of the Sena’s hold and its own unwillingness to step in because of the saffron alliance. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		It's a dirty picture outside 2 hospitals The dhalao outside Saket City Hospital, which is located at the crossing on Press Enclave Road, has become a major cause of concern for both the hospital and the area's residents. Delhi zoo: CCTVs stuck in litigation Delhi zoo, which has received a lot of flak from people for not having adequate safety measures, is also facing a bizarre problem with CCTVs. Zoo design overhaul likely by 2021 Come 2021, the ‘iron and concrete’ environment at the Delhi zoo will give way to a ‘natural’ milieu as authorities there are likely to usher in a series of reforms as part of the midterm review of its master plan. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Spend a night homeless, learn the joy of giving For those who are keen on gaining first-hand experience and understanding their problems, an NGO is organizing a camp, Under the Stars, on October 1. 3-day feast for non-fiction movie buffs Thirty-five films from seven countries will be shown at the festival to explore different facets of what any city produces – whether it is political, social, economic or cultural. Rain in Bangalore: Trapped between hell and high water Two bursts of rain in an hour brought the city to its knees. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Hyderabad to soon have it's own Raahgiri Day In an attempt to take Hyderabad a step forward in its mission to evolve as a world-class city, and also empower its citizens, the Telangana government on Thursday announced the launch of the Raahgiri Day — India's first ever sustained car-free initiative. Produce Andhra Pradesh speaker's grandson in court: HC Seeking to know how the police could involve themselves in a matter pertaining to the custody of a child, the Hyderabad high court on Thursday directed the Jubilee Hills police to produce AP assembly speaker Kodela Sivaprasad Rao's four-year-old grandson in the court by Friday morning. Metro rail works lead to traffic mayhem at Jubilee Bus Stand With earth excavation work going on at Jubilee Bus Station (JBS)-YMCA junction for the metro rail project, traffic on the Rajiv Rahadari (Secunderabad Club-Patny) has become chaotic during rush hours. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Two workers killed as wall collapses at building site The workers were removing a section of a wall attached to Sri Arul Shakthi Mariamman Temple and were simultaneously digging at the site. 3,885kg banned plastic bags seized from 284 shops The Plastic (Manufacture, Use and Waste Management) Rules prohibit the use of bags less than 40 microns in thickness. Woman kills husband with help from boyfriend, held Rekha was upset with him for drinking every day, a police officer said. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Nadiad protesters demand justice for rape survivor Angry over the gang rape of a 16-year-old girl in Nadiad, members of the public staged a rally in the town in Kheda district on Thursday morning. Court rejects defamation plea against Madhu Kishwar A metropolitan court on Thursday turned down the defamation complaint filed against social activist and ardent supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Madhu Kishwar, for making a comment in her book as well as in a press conference that Congress leaders like Himmatsinh Patel were involved in the 2002 riots. AMC okays Rs 15 lakh for Swachchata Abhiyaan drive The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) on Thursday approved a budget of Rs 15 lakh for running awareness campaign for Swachchata Abhiyaan, which will be launched on October 2. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Gang of auto-lifters busted, 4 including kingpin arrested in Bahraich The police busted an international gang of auto-lifters and arrested four persons including the kingpin. Four bikes and fake registration certificates have been recovered from their possession. Railway staff to upload cleanliness drive photos online on Oct 2 Indian Railways galvanize its resources to make the cleanliness drive on Gandhi Jayanti a successful event on Prime Minister NArendra Modi’s directions. For this, the zonal railways and production unit of the Indian Railways have been instructed to upload photos and videos of the cleanliness drive. All the railway officers and staff except running and essential category staff will participate in the drive. Special arrangement at railway stations for pilgrims during Navratra Special arrangements have been made for pilgrims going to Vindhyachal and Maihar by North Central Railway (NCR) during Navratra festival. The NCR has provided stoppages of several trains for about two minutes during the mela period at Vindhyachal and Maihar stations till October 8. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Court reserves order on ED remand plea A trial court here on Wednesday reserved its order on an application by enforcement directorate (ED), seeking remand of Seashore Group's CMD Prashant Dash for interrogation. Heritage status for card game sought Artists, players and conservationists demanded heritage status for Ganjapa, a traditional card game, at a workshop here on Wednesday. AT scam: Ex-AG's bail plea rejected The 'jolt' followed a two-day ceasework agitation by Orissa high court lawyers, who are up in arms against the CBI action on Mohanty.The former AG had been in the CBI custody since his arrest. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Madhya Pradesh cops rub chili, insert rod in youth's private parts A youth was hanged upside down, chili rubbed in his private parts and a rod thrust inside after petrol was poured over him by policemen in Madhya Pradesh's Morena district. He was suspected of stealing a goat. Two biggest diamonds of Madhya Pradesh to be auctioned in Antwerp Indian mineral giant National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) may take two of its biggest ever diamonds, produced from Panna mines in Madhya Pradesh, for auction in Belgium after having failed to get potential buyers despite repeated attempts. Bhopal's Varsha wins bronze in Asiad Varsha Varman, a resident of Bhopal won bronze medal in the Asian Games at Incheon, South Korea on Thursday. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Weeklong cleanliness campaign launched Punjab government launched a cleanliness campaign as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan with all districts starting the week long campaign that will last from September 25 to October 2. Chaos on roads as BJP's Gupta files papers from Panchkula Chaos prevailed on some roads, and lack of preparedness on the part of the police came to the fore as BJP candidate Gian Chand Gupta filed his nomination papers from Panchkula assembly constituency on Thursday. Three held for raping minor Three youth allegedly abducted a minor girl at gunpoint and raped her in Jethunangal village near Majitha on Wednesday night.They also threatened her with dire consequences if she reported the matter to police. More Chandigarh News»

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