News Digest: Govt cold-shoulders Hindu outfit's no-jeans diktat for girls

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Thursday, October 30, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Govt cold-shoulders Hindu outfit's no-jeans diktat for girls Haryana finance minister Captain Abhimanyu said on Wednesday that no civilized society gave right to any organization to dictate social conduct and life of people. 'Anti-Hindu' YouTube video creates flutter A video clipping on YouTube showing a person propagating non Hindu beliefs in Tirumala created a flutter in Tirumala Tirupati Devastanams (TTD) on Wednesday. Farmer suicides: Telangana Congress meets Sonia The Telangana Congress on Tuesday urged party president Sonia Gandhi to put pressure on the central government to aid farmers in the state. More India News»

		Business
		Construction FDI norms eased, may boost projects The government on Wednesday eased rules for foreign investment in the construction sector by allowing inflows into projects spread over a smaller area. Tax refunds hit collection growth Getting tax refunds are a problem not just for the aam aadmi but even for top babus, including a former finance secretary, who should have received the money at least two years ago. India tops consumer index again India continues to be on top of the global consumer confidence index but, given the slowdown in discretionary spends, it has dipped by two points in the third quarter (Q3) of 2014, according to a Nielsen survey released on Wednesday. More Business News»

		Environment
		DU professor discovers 7 frog species The 'frogman' of India, Delhi University professor S D Biju, has another feather in his cap. Global meet on climate change in Kerala in February Tackling climate change, disaster management are among the issues set to be discussed at an international conference to be held here in February next year. Growth should not be at the cost of environment: Jairam Ramesh While India venerates and respects its biodiversity on one hand, the other hand it treats it with neglect and disdain by destroying it, said former environment minister Jairam Ramesh. More Environment News»

		World
		Mounting crises takes toll on Obama's foreign policy team She was peppered with critiques of the president’s Syria and China policies, as well as the White House’s repeated delays in releasing a national security strategy, a congressionally mandated document that sets out foreign policy goals. On that last point, Rice had a sardonic reply. Egypt demolishes homes for Gaza buffer One day after an evacuation order, Egyptian Army bulldozers began demolishing houses along the border with Gaza on Wednesday, the first step in establishing what officials say will be a buffer zone intended to stop the passage of militants and weapons across the frontier. Nato reports spike in Russian military flights Nato aircraft tracked Russian strategic bombers over the Atlantic and Black Sea on Wednesday and sorties of fighters over the Baltic in what the Western alliance called an unusual burst of activity at a tense time in East-West relations. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Is there a rift between Bipasha and Harman? There are several theories floating around on what caused the alleged rift. But then again, is there a rift? Exclusive: Sonakshi and Ajay Devgn in Action Jackson Check out Elvis Presley clones in white and red bell-bottoms and sporting the popular 70s hairstyle, sharing screen space with Ajay Devgn and Sonakshi Sinha Akshay Kumar takes a dig at himself Akshay Kumar is playing himself in The Shaukeens, albeit with a difference More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Now, an app to monitor tweets to spot suicidal pals Suicide prevention charity Samaritans has launched a service to help people spot whether their friends could be at risk of taking their own lives.  Key to happy married life: Plan your children late Couples who postpone chil8d8bearing to later in life experience the highest and most lasting levels of happiness following the birth of their children, new research has shown. High milk intake tied to early death? Drinking more than one and a half pints of milk a day could increase the risk of early death, a new study has warned. More Science News»

		Sports
		ISL: Delhi draw 0-0 against NorthEast United Young NorthEast United FC goalkeeper T P Rehenesh made three spectacular saves to deny Delhi Dynamos a win as the two sides settled for a goalless draw. Murray on brink of World Finals after defeating Benneteau Murray, who was absent last year after undergoing back surgery, overcame the challenge of Julien Benneteau and advanced to the last 16, 6-3, 6-4. Hat-trick of titles for Harinder, double for Dipika Pallikal Harinder Pal Sandhu helped himself to his third title and Dipika Pallikal her second on the trot in the four-leg JSW Challenger Squash Circuit on Wednesday. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Samsung Galaxy Note 4 review: The most powerful phablet yet Should this phablet be your next buy at Rs 58,000? Find out in our Samsung Galaxy Note 4 review… Spectrum delay may hit Airtel, Vodafone services in Delhi, Mumbai Mobile networks in Delhi and Mumbai seem to be headed for major disruptions and outages as delayed allotment of spectrum by the government may impact coverage. 6 best Android smartphones under Rs 7,000 Here are six best Android smartphones in the sub-Rs7000 category. These devices offer value for money and come with the latest features and specifications. More Technology News»

		Education
		UGC overlooks rules in forming panel for inspection of deemed universities When the Supreme Court ordered inspection of seven deemed universities it had little clue how the University Grants Commission will dilute the process by disregarding its own rules. Innovation takes centrestage at IIT-Kharagpur When brilliant minds compete for a prize, the results are guaranteed to be astounding. Indian universities miss out on another global ranking Even as the ministry of human resource development readies an India-centric ranking of higher educational institutions, just four Indian institutions figure on another list of top universities in the world. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		TOI manifesto for new Maharashtra govt Maharashtra is politically the second-largest state in the country with 48 MPs in the Lok Sabha. But in economic terms, it towers above every other state—about 80% larger than the next state (UP) and more than twice the size of Gujarat. Shivaji-based theme to light up Fadnavis's oath taking In reminiscent of the glorious rule of Shivaji, the BJP has decided to recreate the coronation scene of the Maratha ruler as Devendra Fadnavis takes his oath at Wankhede Stadium tomorrow. Boy hangs self in Mumbai after parents reject demand to study in UK A 16-year-old boy allegedly hanged himself after his parents turned down his demand to go to London for studies. The incident took place on Tuesday night at a building at Clare Road in Byculla (W). More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		North Corporation to report on `illegal' mall A mall allegedly built illegally in Kirti Nagar came under the scanner of Delhi high court on Wednesday after it asked North Delhi Municipal Corporation to file a status report. Central govt offices in Delhi to shut early today After Delhi government offices remained closed on Wednesday in view of the holiday declared on Chhath, it is now the turn of some key central government offices to shut down early on Thursday. Memorial work to start on Nov 1 After a major controversy last year, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee is all set to start work on construction of the “November 1984 riots memorial” on November 1 at Rakabganj Gurdwara premises. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Women more worried than men about slums Women don’t have starkly different responses from men when it comes to issues dogging Bangalore, but they certainly have their own set of priorities. BJP takes Rashmi case to governor The BJP on Wednesday took the attack on bureaucrat Rashmi V Mahesh and cases of child abuse in private schools to governor Vajjubhai R Valla. Fed up with constant fights. man kills wife He made elaborate plans to kill his ‘annoying wife’ and pass it off as a murder for gain committed by strangers. But the 62-year-old’s game was up when hardnosed cops smelt something amiss in the crime. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Telangana martyr's wife attempts suicide The issue of non-inclusion of all those who lost their lives in the struggle for creation of Telangana nearly claimed its first victim when Sabitha, the wife of Pradeep, who lost his life during the agitation, attempted suicide in Vikarabad of Ranga Reddy district. 'Tortured' wife kills husband Two persons were murdered in separate incidents in the city on Tuesday morning. Shias peeved at civic inaction for Moharram Shia groups on Monday decried the lack of initiative on the part of the government, civic bodies and police to put in place necessary arrangement for the smooth conduct of Moharram processions in the city. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Ministers in place, but no chief secretary now In an unusual case, the state administration seems to be functioning without a chief secretary, who is the head of the bureaucratic set-up. Woman murdered near Tiruttani was raped, say police Police have identified the woman who was found murdered at a stone quarry near Tiruttani, 100km from Chennai, on Tuesday. 5 surrender in murder of AIADMK man Five people on Wednesday surrendered in connection with the murder of AIADMK man Ezhumalai in Velachery early on Tuesday morning. However, police are still on the lookout for the main suspect. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		NRI accuses senior politician of duping him of Rs 95 NRI Roshan Shah, who was booked on complaint of a BJP supporter for posting obscene comment on a senior BJP politician’s granddaughter on Facebook, has now accused the politician, her daughter and their two NGOs of duping him of Rs 95 in connection with an online purchase from the NGOs. Sardar's banyan still stands tall in Ras A centenarian banyan tree in Ras village of Anand district is still standing tall with huge trunk and big roots. Gujarat high court orders probe into Charanka land deals Gujarat high court has asked the principal secretary of the revenue department to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged land purchase scam by the state government for its solar park project at Charanka village in Santalpur block of Patan district. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		HC seeks report on black bucks at Akbar's tomb Taking serious note of consistent deaths of black bucks in the garden of Akbar’s tomb at Sikandara in Agra, the Allahabad High Court has directed UP’s chief wildlife warden to prepare a plan in consultation with the National Board for Wildlife for protecting the endangered species and submit a report within six weeks before the court. Mysterious explosion in shop leaves 1 injured An explosion in a tea shop at Bangad Dharamshala near Madhwapur under the Kydganj police station on Wednesday morning turned into a major puzzle for the police. Till the filing of the report, the bomb disposal squad and forensic experts were struggling to ascertain the nature and cause of the explosion that left a labourer injured and damaged three adjacent houses. AU students can now access British history online Students and teachers of the Allahabad University’s arts faculty, who want to access the records or proceedings of the British and Irish history, can now get it online. The Central library of AU would soon be getting an online access to the English Historical Document (EHD), one of the most comprehensive collections of documents on British history. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Cops take triple murder accused on remand Police on Tuesday took Sneha Swakhyar Samal, the accused of October 14 triple murder at Khandagiri, on two-day remand for interrogation. Top CMAS leaderNachika surrenders Nachika Linga, who waged a relentless battle against liquor and land of tribal people allegedly occupied by non-tribals, surrendered before police on Tuesday. Stop-salary threat if survey data is not provided by November 15 The state higher education department has threatened university and college authorities to stop their salaries if they fail to provide data for their respective institutions as part of the All-India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) sought by the Union human resources development ministry by November 15. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Doubting infidelity, man kills wife for saying no to sex Angry with wife not allowing him to consummate marriage and suspecting her of having an affair with someone else, a man murdered spouse on Tuesday. Beating Modi's jan dhan, MNREGS officials divert money to namesake accounts in Madhya Pradesh Babus often accused of corruption have found a unique way to beat PM Modi’s big-ticket financial inclusion programme — Jan Dhan scheme. MP BJP to gift Bhagwad Gita to party workers Taking the cue from Prime Minister Narendra Modi who gifted copies of the Bhagwad Gita to US President Barack Obama and Japanese emperor Akihito, the Madhya Pradesh BJP will now gift the holy Hindu text to its party workers at a two-day convention to be held here starting Thursday. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Cong activists begin 3-day 'silent protest' against police 'excesses' The protesters accused the state government of victimizing Congress leaders and workers by registering false cases against them. Theft-accused African students in judicial custody, police inform embassies The two African students, who were arrested by police on Tuesday after they were accused of theft by a shopkeeper and people tied them with a pole, were sent to judicial custody by a Jalandhar court on Wednesday. Trees to be pruned in all roads and markets The Environment and City Beautification Committee of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation discussed and decided that pruning of trees would be done in all the city roads, markets, and wherever required. More Chandigarh News»

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News Digest: Court to rule on summoning Marans in Aircel-Maxis case

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Wednesday, October 29, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Court to rule on summoning Marans in Aircel-Maxis case The special 2G court is likely to deliver its order today on whether to summon as accused ex-telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran, his brother Kalanithi and six others against whom chargesheet was filed by CBI in the Aircel-Maxis deal case. Two days on, portfolios for Khattar ministers Two days after chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar and his nine-member team was sworn in, the ministers were finally assigned portfolios on late Tuesday evening. As graft cases on bigwigs loom, DMK goes mum on Amma The DMK has been reluctant -or unable, as some would say — to take the moral high ground on corruption following J Jayalalithaa's conviction. More India News»

		Business
		Govt plans to cut public sector banks stake to 51% Sources told TOI that the ministry has moved a cabinet note as the government is keen that banks are well capitalized to meet the funding requirement. Indian customers most tolerant: Survey Will online shoppers warm up to Flipkart again after it botched up their chances of landing a good deal on the Big Billion Day sale? It seems like they would, reveals a global survey. Kushagra drops Bajaj name from flagship Interestingly, the name change also comes at a time when Shishir has resigned from Bajaj Hindusthan as its chairman and managing director and Kushagra is taking charge More Business News»

		Environment
		Growth should not be at the cost of environment: Jairam Ramesh While India venerates and respects its biodiversity on one hand, the other hand it treats it with neglect and disdain by destroying it, said former environment minister Jairam Ramesh. Chimps plan for a good early breakfast Chimpanzees plan ahead, and sometimes take dangerous risks, to get a good breakfast, scientists say. 'Salt invasion in Indo-Gangetic basin has led to more health problems' Large areas of rich irrigated and fertile land in the Indo-Gangetic basin is being lost daily to salt damage, confirms the UN. More Environment News»

		World
		As oil prices fall, Iran feels pressure to seal nuclear deal Mohammad Heydarian, an Iranian contractor, still has work finishing off a single-family home. But things look bleak after that, he said. He has already fired his workers, and he is struggling to make ends meet, providing for his wife and two teenage children. Wi-Fi hotspot named 'Al-Quida Free Terror Nettwork' delays US flight A passenger aboard a plane at Los Angeles International Airport picked up a Wi-Fi hotspot named after a terrorist group, but authorities who held travellers for hours as they investigated say no crime was committed. Obama says US can't shy away from Ebola battle President Barack Obama said on Tuesday that the United States can't be seen as shying away from battle against Ebola and must support health care workers who are returning from the front lines in Africa. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Shah Rukh Khan films that have crossed Rs 100 crore Shabana Azmi to fight Aishwarya Rai in Jazbaa We were the first to tell you that Sanjay Gupta has cast Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Irrfan in his action suspense thriller Jazbaa. Sahil-Ismail fight broke out because of Sana Khan? Contrary to reports that suggested that Sana Khan’s alleged boyfriend Ismail Khan got into a fight with Sahil Khan because the latter refused to sign their protein supplement business deal, Sahil claimed that Ismail beat him up as he believed the actor was maligning Sana’s name. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Why pop stars live fast and die young It’s long been said that pop stars live fast and die young, but a new Australian study has added scholarly credibility to the adage. Popular musicians in the US die up to 25 years earlier than the general population, with suicide rates among the performers between two and seven times greater, a “disturbing” new study has found. Slice of ancient Oz found under Vanuatu A fragment of ancient Australia under Vanuatu was found by researchers, raising questions about how continents are formed. Population explosion is unstoppable, say scientists Not even a third world war or a lethal pandemic, leave alone a one child policy globally, will be able to slow down the planet’s rocketing population rise, scientists say. More Science News»

		Sports
		ISL: Chennaiyin FC bounce back, thrash Mumbai City FC 5-1 Chennaiyin FC marquee player Elano Blumer and John Mendoza fired two goals each to steamroll a hapless Mumbai FC 5-1 in the Indian Super League. Anelka makes nightmarish comeback in India Nicolas Anelka suffered a heavy defeat in India after his return to action following a five-match ban for an anti-semitic gesture known as a "quenelle". After an 'amazing' 2014', Sania Mirza targets number one spot Having ended a successful year with victory in the WTA Tour Finals, Sania Mirza has set her sights on becoming the doubles world number one next season. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Amazon set to make its first Indian acquisition Amazon India is in advanced talks to buy a minority stake in gift card technology and retail firm QwikCilver Solutions. Japan's richest man to invest $627m in Snapdeal Masayoshi Son, Japan's richest man, is eyeing investments in e-tailing and technology companies in India. 6 best Android smartphones under Rs 7,000 Here are six best Android smartphones in the sub-Rs7000 category. These devices offer value for money and come with the latest features and specifications. More Technology News»

		Education
		Infosys plans Masters, Doctorate programmes Infosys is looking at creating an Infosys Masters — and may be even a Doctorate — programme. PU ranking: Academicians, industry experts, students to brainstorm today Just after the rankings were released, the VC had talked about materializing plans that have been in the pipeline in the recent past. Madhya Pradesh CM to lay foundation stone for Shramoday school Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is scheduled to lay the foundation stone of the state's first 'Shramoday' school on November 2, at Mugaliya Chhap in Bhopal for the children of labourers on the lines of Navodaya Vidyalayas. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Hospitals plan stroke mgmt teams for faster treatmen Every day, around 100 Mumbaikars suffer stroke or brain attack but barely 10% of them manage to reach hospital in time for treatment. Recognizing this emergency, city hospitals are planning special stroke management teams. BMC report shows no sign of dengue cases declining The incidence of dengue, a mosquito-borne viral disease, across Mumbai is not showing any signs of reducing, indicates the BMC weekly health report. 'When will state implement panel's suggestions to protect women?' The Bombay high court on Tuesday questioned the state government about the implementation of the recommendations of a panel set up to suggest measures to prevent crime against women. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Cops assault reporter in Trilokpuri A journalist working with Nav Bharat Times was allegedly assaulted by a group of policemen when he had visited the riot-hit Trilokpuri on Tuesday. Drone helps police scan Trilokpuri locality The search operation started on Monday evening after procuring warrants. Cops formed several teams comprising a senior officer, women personnel and constables, who were supported by Rapid Action Force sleuths. RTR flyover OK, but PWD gets 2 weeks for diversions Giving its conditional nod to PWD’s ambitious project to construct a three-lane flyover parallel to the RTR one, the Delhi high court said traffic police must decongest alternative routes within two weeks to ensure smooth flow of traffic. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Building collapses killing 80-year-old Built of mud, the five decade-old building was leaning dangerously and crashed within minutes of developing huge cracks, eyewitnesses said. Bangalore needs independent body to promote its heritage Thanks to the vigilance of citizens of Bangalore, Balabrooie has been saved. Let’s hope that the character of the building will be preserved and enhanced by putting it to a use that reflects the cultural heritage of the city. Govt to give heritage tag to only 6 Bangalore structures The most prominent among those excluded from the list is Balabrooie guest house, which was saved by citizens recently. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Experts Stress On Recording Rise In Sea Surface Temperature Authorities must immediately launch a study on the possible rise in sea surface temperature near Visakhapatnam, which could have caused the first-ever cyclone hitting the Port City, climate change experts said. India is the low birth weight capital of the world: CCMB Low birth weight of babies is a result of vitamin B12 deficiency in India. Wells in Telangana may go dry, says report In what could be more bad news for the Telangana government, the state groundwater department warned that wells in several parts of the state are likely to go dry. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Start razing Ooty illegal buildings: HC Nilgiris is set to witness a spate of demolitions as the Madras high court has ordered the Tamil Nadu government to start razing unauthorized structures after clearing 945 pending review pleas of violators. DMK's grand alliance plan hits roadblock DMK's grand plan to forge a larger alliance, comprising the opposition parties, to take on the ruling AIADMK in the 2016 assembly election seems to have hit a few roadblocks. `People in forest fringes must learn to live with animals' N Kannappan of Kuppepalayam village, nestled in the foot-hills of western ghats in rural Coimbatore, has reduced farming from his ten acre land to just two acres and hurriedly finishes harvest. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Tazia panel requests AMC to resurface city roads Ahead of the Muharram procession, city’s Tazia committee has written to Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), requesting the civic body to resurface roads and repair streetlights on the procession’s route. Beware of lion: Threat that keeps intruders away in Greater Gir In the Greater Gir, lions are not only tolerated by humans, but it appears that humans in the area also assiduously cultivate the company of the magnificent beasts. Amit Shah to participate in Chhath celebrations One of the most revered festivals of Bihar, Chhath is set to get bigger this year as BJP president and Naranpura MLA Amit Shah is expected to participate in the celebrations in the city on Wednesday evening. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Postal dept reaps benefit from teaching vacancies Postal department is reaping benefits from the new job vacancies for youths by the state and central governments. A glaring example is purchase of Indian postal orders (IPO) worth Rs 1.25 crore by applicants in ongoing recruitment drive for LT grade posts in the month of October. Civil Services Mains from Dec 14 nion Public Service Commission (UPSC) had declared the schedule of Civil Services Mains Examination-2014. The examination would be held from December 14 to 20 in two sessions. Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) too has declared the schedule of Combined State Lower Subordinate Services Mains examination. It would start from December 21, posing problem for those aspirants who have qualified in both. UP Board reverts to offline centre allocation Following UP Madhyamik Siksha Parishad secretary reportedly seeking voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) over discrepancies in examination centre allocation process, the state government has issued fresh guidelines for the process. On its part, the Parishad has fixed November 19 as the last date for the allocation of centres. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		'Most wanted' Nachika surrenders before police Alleged Maoist linkman Nachika Linga surrendered before the police at Bhaliaput village in Koraput district in the presence of a large number of villagers and elected panchayat members on Tuesday. Project to check spread of mastitis The Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) has launched a new programme to check the spread of mastitis among cattle in the state. Keep abattoirs clean: Centre to state government A parliamentary committee has asked the state government to take steps to ensure that abattoirs maintain hygiene. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Woman murders uncle to grab his property A middle-aged woman conspired with three others to murder her uncle, who lived alone, to lay hand on his property. Unraveling the murder mystery police said all accused have been arrested. They include two women and two male members. Locals in Bhopal celebrate Raahgiri Day at Upper Lake Running in its sixth week, it was yet another amazing start to the Sunday at Raahgiri Day, where it was all naach-gaana, Raahgirs clicking pictures and cyclists and skaters moving around Upper Lake. Shahdol hospital registration cancelled after wrong injection A day after a woman was allegedly administered an injection meant for animal at a private hospital in Shahdol district, registration of hospital was cancelled on Monday evening. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Badal will soon give 'panth in danger' call: Amarinder "Knowing Badal so well, I am sure that he will start saying 'panth in danger' the moment he realizes that Chandigarh ploy is not working," Amarinder said in a statement issued here. Cocaine market fast-growing in Punjab: Shashikant The retired cop has based his assertion on the feedback from drug addicts he met during the course of his tour of different areas of Punjab as part of his campaign against drugs. Locals tie 2 African students with pole for theft, hand them over to police Accusing three African students of theft, a group of locals here tied two of them with a pole on the roadside before handing them over to police. More Chandigarh News»

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