News Digest: Out of health ministry in just 5 months, Harsh Vardhan takes charge of science and tech ministry

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Tuesday, November 11, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Out of health ministry in just 5 months, Harsh Vardhan takes charge of science and tech ministry Barely spending a little over five months as country's health minister, the Delhi MP and medical doctor by training Harsh Vardhan on Monday took charge as the new minister of science & technology and earth sciences, replacing another doctor Jitendra Singh, and said he would work to infuse new energy into the research institutions of the government. BJP's Bengal face won't stop singing He may be designated junior minister in the urban development ministry, but Babul Supriyo is now Bengal's sole representative in Modi's 66-member ministry. Jitendra in a hurry, calls NE CMs' meet Minister for development of northeast region (DoNER) Jitendra Singh hit the ground running on Monday, convening a meeting with CMs of eight north-eastern states on November 19 and deciding on a separate interaction with 39 MPs from northeastern states when the House meets next. More India News»

		Business
		RBI tightens bad loan guidelines for NBFCs Besides opening its window for issuing new licences, the RBI has also eased the capital adequacy requirement for a section of finance companies. Govt to list AAI, Pawan Hans in 2015 The aviation ministry is going to list its profitable PSUs - Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Pawan Hans Helicopters (PHHL) - on stock exchanges next year, while a decision on whether the bleeding Air India is to be privatized is yet to be taken. No domestic LPG retailing by private producers: SG The company sold some quantities of LPG produced at its refinery complex and petrochemicals plants in Gujarat at market rate to commercial consumers and as automotive fuel in the western region. More Business News»

		Environment
		Migratory birds, fish and mammals get new UN protection Polar bears, whales, sharks and gazelles were among 31 new species granted new protection status by the UN conservation body, following six days of "intense" talks by leading conservationists. 31 endangered species added to UN protection list The 11th Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) has ended in Quito with a decision to include 31 endangered species in its list, the executive secretary of the convention, Bradnee Chambers, said. Great Indian Bustard declared 'critically endangered' In its Red List of 2013 announced recently by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) has been placed in the category of critically endangered species. More Environment News»

		World
		US says Iran has ceased controversial nuclear practice Iran has stopped a controversial practice that could allow it to enrich uranium faster, the United States said on Monday, ceasing an activity one expert saw as violating an interim nuclear deal. New protest hits Mexico over alleged student massacre Protesters angry at the alleged massacre of 43 Mexican students clashed with police and besieged Acapulco's airport for hours over a scandal shaking President Enrique Pena Nieto's administration. US Catholic bishops try to calm anxiety over pope America's Catholic bishops came together on Monday to project an image of unity, after a Vatican meeting on the family unleashed an uproar over the direction of the church. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Tevar trailer: Arjun Kapoor packs a punch After films like Gunday and Ishaqzaade, Arjun Kapoor has proved that he indeed looks impressive in rustic characters. 'Farhan does not let you see the monitor' Saif Ali Khan is proudly a Mumbaikar and very comfortable in being a part of Bollywood, but has never thought of the film industry to have a massive amount of family love for each other, even though they use the word ‘fraternity’ quite liberally No signs of reconciliation between Karisma and Sunjay It’s five months now that Karisma Kapoor and Sunjay Kapur filed for ‘divorce by mutual consent’ in the family court in Mumbai More Entertainment News»

		Science
		IUCAA scientists will study UV rays' radiation Since UV rays are harmful to human beings causing acute and chronic problems, scientists feel that it was important to find out its main source and behaviour. China unveils its Mars rover after India's successful 'Mangalyaan' Seeking to catch up with India's Mangalyaan mission, China has unveiled its Mars rover being developed to scurry the Red Planet's surface for signs of water and life and plans to test it in the rugged terrain of Tibet. China publishes photos of Earth, Moon taken by lunar orbiter China, on Monday, published photographs of the Earth and Moon together taken by the orbiting service module of the country's first unmanned lunar orbiter, which returned to Earth earlier this month. More Science News»

		Sports
		Team Anand seeks to gain lost ground against Carlsen The initial strategy has backfired and it's time for Viswanathan Anand to reconcile and come out with fresh ideas to recover the lost ground in the World Chess Championship match against holder Magnus Carlsen. Ruthless Wawrinka routs Berdych at ATP Tour Finals Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka opened his ATP World Tour Finals campaign in scintillating style with a 6-1, 6-1 demolition of Tomas Berdych on Monday. Ronaldo remembers Di Stefano at award ceremony Cristiano Ronaldo remembered former Real Madrid great Alfredo Di Stefano when receiving his award for scoring the most goals in the La Liga last season. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Tech sector hiring may nearly halve by FY18: Crisil Crisil said the information technology sector is likely to lose its position as a mass employment engine and new recruitments will nearly halve over the next three years. India's top 30 enterprise software companies worth $6.2bn The top 30 software product companies have an estimated valuation of $6.2 billion, according to a new index launched by Bangalore-based software product thinktank. 10 Android battery life tips and tricks Batteries are growing bigger with every passing year, but we're not seeing a huge benefit because our Android devices are demanding more and more out of them. More Technology News»

		Education
		Polish envoy tells students they are India's future Poland's ambassador to India, Tomasz Lukaszuk, urged students of a school here that they should see themselves as India's strength, and understand that the future of their country, its progress, greater acceptance and recognition in the international comity of nations, was in their hands. Vidya Sagar invites applications for certificate course in human rights Vidya Sagar, a Chennai-based organization working for the benefit of persons with disabilities, is offering a certificate course in human rights with focus on disability rights. Puducherry professional colleges admission scam: One more arrested Sleuths of the Puducherry crime branch – criminal investigation department have arrested an assistant engineer with the Tenkasi municipality, in Tamil Nadu, in connection with a professional colleges admission scam. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		PIL seeks ban on obscene, vulgar movies A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Bombay high court seeking a ban on the certification of ‘obscene and vulgar’ movies by the censor board. Relief for builders in land Act In a relief for developers in Mumbai, the SC on Monday issued a notice to the Maharashtra government and restrained the state from cancelling development schemes due to violations by developers to the repealed urban land ceiling law. HC notice to state over nod to probe govt officers A division bench of the Bombay high court comprising Justices VM Kanade and Anuja Prabhudessai issued a notice to the state government and Anti-Corruption bureau (ACB) in a PIL challenging the need for prior sanction to probe Class I officers in bribery cases. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Employment exam rigged: 5 held, cop main suspect Police on Monday revealed that Sunday's examination for filling various posts in different ministries and departments was rigged and a gang of interstate crooks had leaked out the paper and sold it to many youths in Delhi and Haryana. Revamp chokes Chandni Chowk The Chandni Chowk redevelopment plan has thrown life out of gear for not only traders but also shoppers due to closure of one carriageway of the main road. The problems have doubled with no parking plans in place to accommodate the large number of cars that come into the area. DMRC presents tram report at LG meet Lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung on Monday took stock of the Chandni Chowk redevelopment project being implemented by PWD. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		180 Bengaluru schools booked for flouting safety norms After a rash of sexual assault cases on campus came to the fore, police have booked 180 government and private schools in Bengaluru for failing to comply with child safety guidelines. Guidance value set to rise in Bengaluru, citizens rush to register Long queues were seen at sub-registrar offices in the city on Monday ahead of an increase in guidance value for properties by 15-30% this week. Guidance value is the base rate for fixing stamp duty and other charges to register an immovable asset. Bengaluru scientists develop nano drug for osteoporosis Quoting various studies, the team pointed out that at least nine million bone fractures occur annually due to osteoporosis, a progressive bone disease in which the bone loses both its mass and density. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		IMA elections see victory of Telangana panel A battle between two factions vying to capture the yet-to-be-formed Telangana Medical Association spilled over to the local polls. RTI activists get legal aid With RTI activists increasingly facing threats and roadblocks on seeking sensitive information, they finally seem to have got some legal backing to help them fight back. TJUDA takes protest to Rajaiah's door A team of 50 junior doctors from Telangana took their protest, against the compulsory rural stint to Kunoor on Monday. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Diabetes cases up tenfold in Chennai in 40 years There has been a quantum leap in prevalence of diabetes in Chennai and Delhi, and if the figures apply for other parts of the country, India would be home to the largest diabetic population on earth. 700 puppies, kittens abandoned on streets in 2 months Animal adoption drives get an overwhelming response in the city with celebrities turning out to pose with their new pets and support the case, but it turns out that a considerable number of pet owners abandon their animals. Slain pawn broker's son wants cops to speed up probe The 22-year-old son of L Heera Ram, a pawn broker who was murdered in his Arcot Road shop on October 23, wants the city police to speed up investigation in the case. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Lost Jain text on Indian thought reconstructed  Analyses contained in Dwadasharnayachakra - a fifth century AD Jain treatise on comparative Indian philosophy - are key points of reference for scholars from across the globe who come to Gujarat to study Indian religious thought, particularly that of Jainism.  Prosthetics give dogs new leash on life A couple of months ago, a paan shop owner in Ranip brought a puppy to Jivdaya Charitable Trust, which provides free medical treatment to stray animals and birds, with a severed hind leg. Spike recorded in water-borne diseases The heath department of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has released a health report for the first week of November and has registered 144 cases of diarrhoea and vomiting in city. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Protest to seek CBI probe into SSC irregularities Scores of aspirants of Combined Graduate Level Exams-2013 on Saturday staged a semi-nude protest at the statue of Chandrasekhar Azad in Azad Park demanding CBI probe into alleged irregularities and organised cheating in exams conducted by Staff Selection Commission (SSC). Modi's appeal fails to kick off Khadi sale Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to youngsters to buy and promote khadi, is yet to leave the desired impact on sale of khadi products in the city. Nehru defied British, made salt at Allahabad Although much has been written and said about the famous Namak Satyagrah undertaken by Mahatma Gandhi, only a few would know that a similar disobedience movement was carried out by Jawaharlal Nehru at Sangam city way back on April 11, 1930. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Fate of 18 mines uncertain The state government is yet to decide the fate of 18 of the 26 iron ore and manganese mines, which were closed following a May 16 Supreme Court order even though the deadline for renewal of their lease ends on November 15. Move to give '108' credit to Centre The state government has begun an exercise of re-branding 108 free emergency ambulance service. Vegetable prices go down Mercury dips. So does price of vegetables. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		BHEL taps get Narmada, it's still pipedream for neighbouring industrial area While BHEL residents will soon start getting their first Narmada water bill, just 2 km away in Govindpura Industrial Area, the Narmada pipelines are still running dry. Emulate Visvesvaraya, CS exhorts young technocrats Chief secretary Anthony de Sa exhorted young engineers to draw inspiration from eminent engineer Sir Mokshagundum Visvesvaraya's and contribute to country's development. 3 highway looters in police net, goods worth Rs 35 lakh seized Three members of a gang of highway looters were arrested on Saturday for their alleged involvement in targeting trucks carrying goods near state capital in past few months. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Relations between two communities in Punjab not on mercy of SAD and BJP alliance: Dal Khalsa Strongly contesting the arguments of Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal in co-relating the peace in Punjab With SAD’s alliance with BJP radical Siikh organization Dal Khalsa has said the relations between two communities were not on the mercy of the relations between Akali Dal and BJP. China's Jiangsu province to collaborate with Punjab for 'Twin Province' project Jiangsu province of China has principally agreed to collaborate with Punjab for a 'Twin Province' project for promoting fresh water fisheries in the state as a part of state government's crop diversification program. 60 years old patient successfully operated for spinal cord compression Elaborating about the patient, whom senior spine and joint replacement surgeon at Gian Sagar Hospital Dr MS Narula, director — spine and joint replacement unit successfully operated, said that the patient said that with the advancements in technology and latest equipments available at the Gian Sagar Hospital, even the complex spinal surgeries have the best of results. More Chandigarh News»

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News Digest: Cong taunts BJP for inducting 'tainted' minister

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Monday, November 10, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Cong taunts BJP for inducting 'tainted' minister Congress slammed BJP’s Cabinet expansion as flying in the face of the Supreme Court order of August 27 that asked the government to desist from installing tainted persons as ministers. Karan Singh's son Ajatshatru joins BJP Ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls where BJP hopes to make big gains, Cong leader Karan Singh’s son Ajatshatru Singh joined the party in the presence of BJP chief Amit Shah, hours after the first expansion of PM Narendra Modi’s Cabinet on Sunday afternoon. Old and young flock to Berlin Wall to mark 25 years of the fall For the past one decade that Angelika Laumer has been conducting guided tours of the Berlin Wall Memorial, this weekend, she says with a half-smile, is going to be the most memorable. More India News»

		Business
		Flipkart to raise fresh funds at $10 billion valuation India's largest online commerce player Flipkart is in the market to raise anywhere between $500 million and $1 billion in a fresh financing round. 'Only 37% graduates employable, women beat men' An assessment of three lakh students across 29 states and seven Union territories has found only 37% to be employable with women candidates faring better than men. Healthcare biggies eye SevenHills Well-known foreign and Indian names are eyeing to acquire SevenHills Healthcare. More Business News»

		Environment
		Biomass burning a major source of pollution in India Vehicles, air conditioners and industries may be the usual suspects contributing to the rise in pollution levels across the country, but the practice of biomass burning is an equal threat, if not bigger. Green tribunal issues notice to govt over Chambal river pollution The National Green Tribunal, central zone has issued notices to the principal secretaries (urban development and forests & environment) and the district collector of Kota seeking a reply on discharge of industrial effluent, mainly from thermal power plants, and sewerage water into Chambal river. Wildlife enthusiasts capture the 'unsung story' of Bhadra The Unsung is the first documentary film on the forest spread across Chikmagalur and Shivamogga More Environment News»

		World
		Iraqi officials say ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi wounded in air strike Two Iraqi officials and state television say an airstrike in western Iraq wounded the leader of the Islamic State group, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Pentagon officials said they had no information on such a strike or al-Baghdadi being wounded. UK Falklands veteran looks for kin of soldier he killed British soldier Gordon Hoggan still has horrifying nightmares about killing an Argentinian marine with his bayonet during the Falklands War. Fight against ISIS now in new phase: Obama The deployment of an additional 1,500 American troops to Iraq marks a “new phase” in the campaign against ISIS jihadists, US President Barack Obama said on Sunday. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Nigaar Khan: Gauahar is far more headstrong than me Nigaar Khan is all set to make a wild card entry in the Bigg Boss house today. The actress was offered the show last year, but couldn’t take it up owing to her busy schedule What makes Randeep Hooda's Rang Rasiya special Randeep Hooda is known for stretching his limits with each role he does. After playing a Haryanvi kidnapper in Highway, he will now be seen as a painter in the contemporary film Rang Rasiya. Kapoor Khandaan: Meet the less famous members More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Sex will be just for fun by 2050 as we all switch to IVF, Pill inventor claims One of the developers of the contraceptive pill has predicted his own invention will become redundant as more people choose to be sterilized, making sex purely recreational by 2050. Higgs Boson not discovered yet: Study The elusive Higgs Boson may not have been discovered despite claims of it being detected last year, according to a new study. Shape-shifting aircraft wings clear Nasa test Nasa has successfully flight-tested a revolutionary shape-changing aircraft flap for the first time, which could pave the way for lighter, quieter and more fuel-efficient airliners. More Science News»

		Sports
		Nico Rosberg wins Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix Nico Rosberg kept alive his world title hopes when he won Brazilian Grand Prix ahead of his Mercedes team-mate and championship leader Lewis Hamilton. Chess: Anand fails as Carlsen takes early lead Magnus Carlsen drew the first blood by defeating challenger Viswanathan Anand in the second game of the World Chess Championship on Sunday. India beat Australia, win hockey Test series 3-1 The Indian men's hockey team delivered a fantastic performance to defeat World Champions Australia 3-1 to win their third successive match and clinch the four-match Test series 3-1. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Indian e-commerce to be worth $20 billion by 2015: Report The report said currently online travel dominates the e-commerce market but in the future, e-tailing will drive the growth. 19 crazy facts about Bill Gates's $123 million Washington mansion It took Bill Gates seven years and $63 million to build his Medina, Washington estate, named Xanadu 2.0. 10 horrible tech habits you must get rid of We're all guilty of it. There are plenty of times when we do things simply because they're easier or more convenient — even though they may be damaging to the gadgets we use every day. More Technology News»

		Education
		Vidya Sagar invites applications for certificate course in human rights Vidya Sagar, a Chennai-based organization working for the benefit of persons with disabilities, is offering a certificate course in human rights with focus on disability rights. Puducherry professional colleges admission scam: One more arrested Sleuths of the Puducherry crime branch – criminal investigation department have arrested an assistant engineer with the Tenkasi municipality, in Tamil Nadu, in connection with a professional colleges admission scam. Haryana to develop state universities as 'centres of excellence' Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday said his government plans to develop the state's universities as 'centres of excellence'. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Times Lit Fest: For true power, give up its trappings Power-like religion, technology or love-is only as good as the use we make of it. There's nothing inherently villainous about it, except that it tempts us to awaken the villain within. Kalyan youths' kin lose hope The families of three youths from Kalyan, who had reportedly joined militant group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria in Raqqa, said they are getting increasingly worried as they have not received a single phone call from any of the three youths over the two months. Mumbaikars come out, take over their roads If a picture could tell a thousand words, then there were 15,000 and more fascinating snapshots on a 6.5km stretch between Bandra and Santacruz on Sunday morning. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		NCR has five ministers in Cabinet now The national capital region (NCR) now has five members in the Union ministry with Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon and Faridabad finding pride of place that had been missing in recent years. Rampal ashram turns into fortress Despite all the preparations and heavy deployment in the area, police in Haryana’s Hisar district failed to arrest preacher Sant Rampal from his Satlok Ashram here on Sunday. Verdict on former railway minister murder case today A trial court here is likely to pronounce its verdict on a case relating to the murder of former railway minister LN Mishra at a function in Bihar nearly 40 years ago on Monday. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Allows us to collect more fees, say Bengaluru schools The Karnataka State Private Schools Managements Association (KSPSMA) will petition primary and education minister Kimmane Ratnakar on Monday seeking permission to collect additional fees from parents to install CCTVs in school buildings and GPS in their buses here. Upcoming IT zone hots up Nandi realty Between Karahalli and Majjigehosahalli lie Belmont and Belle Vue. Xanadu is next door to Chikkasagarahalli, there’s Hillsborough and Canterbury too. Green initiatives put Bengaluru folk on the saddle The bicycle is no longer a poor man’s mode of transportation; instead, it’s acquired multiple meanings, a green statement, a fitness marker, a style quotient and so on. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Man murders wife suspecting infidelity Two persons, including a married woman, were murdered in separate incidents in the city since Saturday night. TDP MLA defects to TRS Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MLA from Parkal Ch Dharma Reddy on Sunday formally joined the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS). Some ryots demand hike in compensation The cabinet sub-committee on land pooling was accorded a rousing reception at Nelapadu village in Tulluru mandal on Sunday. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Disability pension for army officer who took VRS Trashing the army’s arguments to deny disability pension to a woman officer, the Chennai bench of the Armed Forces Tribunal has directed the defence ministry to pay up the benefit. 9 out of 10 roads relaid in Trustpuram, residents of one left hanging In certain parts of the city authorities have developed an entire locality but neglected a single road. Rs 2.5 crore renovation plans for park in Gopalapuram Sports lovers of South Chennai have a reason to rejoice as the corporation has drawn up a 2.5 crore renovation plan for the playground at Conran Smith Road in Gopalapuram. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		After Maninagar, bikers maul Narol After hooligans went on rampage in Maninagar on Saturday evening, a group of 10 to 12 people on bikes ransacked three hotels near Narol Circle late on Sunday night. Torrent not to hike power tariff for now While Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) has moved a proposal to Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) to hike power tariff by Rs 0.37 per unit to recover fuel charges, a similar proposal by Torrent Power Ltd (TPL) has been put on hold by GERC. BJP's Gujarat in charge launches membership drive Dr Dinesh Sharma, mayor of Lucknow and the new in charge of the Gujarat BJP, in his first visit to the state, met party leaders from all the districts and also did the formality of making the chief minister Anandiben Patel and state party president R C Faldu members again to mark the beginning of a new membership drive. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Protest to seek CBI probe into SSC irregularities Scores of aspirants of Combined Graduate Level Exams-2013 on Saturday staged a semi-nude protest at the statue of Chandrasekhar Azad in Azad Park demanding CBI probe into alleged irregularities and organised cheating in exams conducted by Staff Selection Commission (SSC). Modi's appeal fails to kick off Khadi sale Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to youngsters to buy and promote khadi, is yet to leave the desired impact on sale of khadi products in the city. Nehru defied British, made salt at Allahabad Although much has been written and said about the famous Namak Satyagrah undertaken by Mahatma Gandhi, only a few would know that a similar disobedience movement was carried out by Jawaharlal Nehru at Sangam city way back on April 11, 1930. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		'Tainted' Tirupati attends policy plan body meet The presence of Hi-Tech Group chief Tirupati Panigrahi, who is out on bail after spending over a year in jail for alleged fraudulent land deals, in the policy planning body (PPB) meeting here on Friday to decide on technical courses' admission modalities has raised eyebrows. Invest in poverty eradication: Expert India should invest more in eradication of poverty and ensure cleanliness before it can aspire to become a global leader in medical research, Nobel laureate for medicine (1998) Ferid Murad said here on Saturday. Jumbo herd wreaks havoc in Nilgiri It is early winter. And elephants in a big herd have once again arrived in Nilgiri block, trudging all the way from Dalma forest in Jharkhand to devour crops in fields and houses. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Objectionable post on social media sparks tension in Jabalpur Tension prevailed at Katangi tehsil in Jabalpur district on Sunday after a group of people pelted stones at the police. Fugitive SIMI operatives suspect in MP bank heist Five members of banned Students' Islamic Movement of India who escaped during the Khandwa jailbreak in October, are suspected to be involved in the bank heist in Madhya Pradesh’s Satna district on Saturday. Breaking of rules, rulers continue in MP schools Students in the state are having a rough time in their schools. In the last 18 months, more than a 100 odd cases of corporal punishment have been lodged at the child's panel. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Sampla's success story: Plumber to minister About two-and-a-half decades ago, a bereaved and young dalit Vijay Sampla, then 27, was trying to find his feet against the oppressive landlords of Jalandhar's Sofi Pind. Birender is BJP's new Jat face With this move, the saffron party is trying to project Birender, who is the grandson of towering Jat leader Sir Chhotu Ram, as BJP's Jat face in the country. Property registry to be delivered at home in Haryana Haryana government today said it is working on a new policy to check corruption during immovable property registration at revenue offices in the state. More Chandigarh News»

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