News Digest: Belgium pays homage to Indian martyrs of World War I

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Tuesday, November 18, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Belgium pays homage to Indian martyrs of World War I Belgium has paid homage to the Indian troops who defended the country's territorial integrity 100 years ago in World War I. NHRC notice to Delhi govt, police for failing to act in child molestation case National human rights commission has issued notices to the Delhi government and police over reports of inaction in a case of sexual assault of two blind students and sought a report from them within two weeks. CBI chief files fresh perjury plea against Prashant Bhushan CBI director Ranjit Sinha has filed a fresh application on Monday seeking a perjury case against AAP leader and advocate Prashant Bhushan. More India News»

		Business
		Trade deficit widens as exports shrink in Oct India's exports contracted 5% to $26 billion in October due to a fall in shipments of engineering goods, gems and jewellery, and pharmaceuticals. Lower costs to turn rural accounts profitable for banks Opening rural branches, which used to be a social burden on banks, is turning out to be a business opportunity due to a sharp drop in operational expenses. RBI, govt in talks over gold curbs The Reserve Bank on Monday said it is in discussions with the government to curb gold imports which have seen a sharp surge in the recent months putting pressure on the current account deficit. More Business News»

		Environment
		Submit proposal to stop rhino poaching: Harsh Vardhan to Assam Union science and technology minister Harsh Vardhan on Monday asked the Assam forest department to submit a scientific proposal to stop poaching of one-horned rhinos and protect the species in the state. Sashimi trend helps edge Pacific bluefin tuna towards extinction The Pacific bluefin tuna, a fish used in sushi and sashimi dishes, is at risk of extinction as the global food market places "unsustainable pressure" on the species and others, a conservation body warned on Monday. 'Cyclone Phailin ravaged ecosystem of Odisha's Chilika lake' This decrease has resulted in the appearance of the toxic freshwater cyanobacterias that, the scientists feel, may be harmful for the fish population. More Environment News»

		World
		Man who killed two Chinese students in US given multiple life terms A man convicted of killing two Chinese graduate students was sentenced on Monday in Los Angeles to multiple life terms in prison. Over 30,000 march in Greece to remember student uprising Some 32,000 people took to the streets of Greece on Monday to mark the 41st anniversary of a deadly student uprising that sparked the country's return to democracy in the 1970s. Kenyan police shoot dead man and make arrests in mosque raids Kenyan police shot dead one man and arrested about 250 others when they searched two mosques in the city of Mombasa that they said had been used to recruit militants and stash weapons, senior officials said on Monday. More World News»

		Entertainment
		'Deols have carried on the lineage of short temper' It has been known for a while now that Sunny Deol’s elder son Karan will make his acting debut. Kareena Kapoor gifted a luxury watch for her cameo We heard that Kareena Kapoor Khan, who has a cameo in Happy Ending, did not charge even a penny for her role. Vivek Oberoi's wife pregnant with second child It seems like there’s really good news for Vivek Oberoi. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Forget crash diets, a Mediterranean diet quickly reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes A group of top British doctors have confirmed that eating a Mediterranean diet may be a better way of tackling obesity than calorie counting. Scientists find new cause of age-related blindness Scientists have revealed that they have a found a new cause that is one of the major factors behind age-related blindness. British scientists teach computer to create magic tricks Researchers working at Queen Mary University of London gave a computer program the outline of how a magic jigsaw puzzle and a mind reading card trick work. More Science News»

		Sports
		World Chess Championship: Carlsen-Anand settle for draw in Game 7 Trying to recuperate from a double blunder in the previous sixth game of the 12-game match, Anand did not show any signs of fatigue and matched Carlsen move for move in what was considered a grudge game. Chinese media plays down Srikanth, Saina whitewash Kidambi Srikanth and Saina Nehwal may have hit global headlines with their big wins against China's superstars of badminton but sadly they have not made it into the state-run Chinese media, which played down their herculean achievement. Raina does a Dhoni, becomes co-owner of a HIL team Indian batsman Suresh Raina on Monday joined the Hockey India League (HIL) franchise team, Uttar Pradesh Wizards, as its co-owner. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Infosys Edgeverve salaries on par with Google, Amazon Infosys subsidiary Edgeverve Systems is modelled like a software product startup and has stepped out of the shadows of the $8.2-billion IT services firm. Facebook working on LinkedIn rival: Report 'Facebook at Work' would allow users to "chat with colleagues, connect with professional contacts and collaborate over documents," the report said. 10 smartphones that got a price cut Planning to buy a new phone? These smartphones boasts of top features and have become affordable, courtesy the new pricing.So, take your pick from our list of ten such hot smartphones. More Technology News»

		Education
		Scrap CCE, bring back class X examination, schoolchildren tell Smriti Irani Students from eight schools including Delhi Public School, RK Puram, Indirapuram and a few Kendriya Vidyalayas also demanded that the NCERT textbooks be updated more regularly. Nilekani's project targets primary education 'gamification' After his Lok Sabha election loss, former UIDAI chief Nandan Nilekani has put all speculation to rest on his next move by starting work on a technology platform to boost primary education in the country. Education needs overhaul: President President Pranab Mukherjee has emphasized the need to revamp the academic system so that bright students don’t have to leave the country for further studies. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		CFSI screens 'Bandu Boxer' for underprivileged kids Coinciding with the launch of the National Children's Film Festival (NCFF) in New Delhi, the Children's Film Society of India (CFSI) held a special screening for underprivileged kids in Mumbai on November 14. Schools to give kids road safety lessons After active participation in the Bal Swachchta Mohim, schools will now be part of the state’s road safety programme. Congress may meet President to seek another trust vote If governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao does not issue directives to the minority BJP government to seek another motion for a vote of confidence, Congress leaders will knock on the doors of the President. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Judges express concern over drunk driving in Delhi Expressing concern over “increasing instances of drunk driving and fatal accidents” in Delhi, a trial court has observed that roads in the capital have become one of the most dangerous stretches due to such incidents. Sex assault: NHRC notice to cops National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Delhi government and police over reports of inaction in a case of sexual assault of two blind students and sought a report from them within two weeks. Punish women for false rape charges: Court A trial court has ordered action against two women in two separate false rape cases. “Women making false rape allegations to settle personal scores need to be prosecuted and punished,” the court said. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Withdrawal of German to hit Kendriya Vidyalaya students hard Thousands of Kendriya Vidyalaya students face the prospect of dumping their German texts and starting on the consonants and phonetics of the Sanskrit alphabet. Losing hair for cancer patients Volunteers went bald to express their solidarity with chemo patients Prasar Bharati requires professionalism and quality, says chairman Prasar Bharati chairperson A Suryaprakash feels the country’s biggest broadcaster requires more “professionalism and quality”, and has to go a long way before achieving complete autonomy. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Aadhaar card set to become lifeline for citizens The Aadhaar card is back in business. Collectorate turns tables on power company In a new twist to the standoff between the Hyderabad collectorate and the Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TSSPDCL) over power arrears, the district authorities have linked power dues to the tune of Rs 23.52 lakh to land provided for setting up sub-stations at various areas in the district. Dilsukhnagar blasts: IM operatives produced in court The National Investigation Agency (NIA) sleuths on Monday produced four alleged operatives of Indian Mujahideen (IM), including Mohammed Ahmed Siddibapa alias Yasin Bhatkal, all accused in the 2013 Dilsukhnagar twin blasts case, before the First Additional Metropolitan Magistrate in Nampally criminal court. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Ajuba to hire 1,000 techies in Chennai Healthcare BPO Ajuba Solutions, which has four development centres in Chennai and the fifth is getting ready, will hire nearly 1,000 techies for its expanded facilities. BSNL landlines to get features of smartphones BSNL will try to ring new life into its landline business with instruments that can support services like IPTV, e-commerce, tele-education, web portals, interactive games, multimedia content and call centre services. Contractors say govt depts made road cuts Contractors who were named by Chennai Corporation for shoddy road work have said they are not at fault. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Money doesn't grow on trees, learn investors It’s true that money doesn’t grow on trees. But lakhs of investors learnt this the hard way after losing money on various trees plantation schemes that had sprouted during the ‘economic boom’ of the 1990s. Clean sweep in heritage week Across the globe, people will celebrate the World Heritage Week from November 19 to 25, cherishing local heritage and working to conserve it. Kalupur blast case: 3 discharged A metropolitan court on Monday accepted the discharge recommendations for three accused persons — Afroz Pathan, Bilal Ahmed and Mustufa Saiyed — in connection with the February 2006 blast that took place at the Kalupur Railway Station. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Magh Mela to be held in four sectors Magh Mela would be organised in four sectors this year in place of five. Last year, the mela was held in five sectors. UPPSC fails to find suitable doctors; 6295 posts were advertised and 3,406 doctors selected in three attempts since 2013 After three attempts in the last two years, UP Public Service Commission (UPPSC) has managed to fill up only 3,409 out of 6,295 advertised vacancies for government doctors and lecturers in medical colleges across the state. Now, the commission is planning to re-advertise the vacancies once again. Schools record zero attendance as leopard attacks rise Not a single student turned up at primary and upper primary school in Jhawwa village of Balrampur district on Saturday. The village streets bore a desolate look as not a villager dared to venture out of the safe confines of huts. Even fields, that remained abuzz with activities till a week back, too remained untilled. Similar scenes were evident in Beninagar, Jhawwa and Madrahwa villages. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Naveen government corrupt, liar, says Dharmendra The BJP on Monday described the BJD government as one of the most corrupt and ineffective dispensations. 200 hotels flout pollution norms in Puri Nearly 200 hotels in Puri have not yet applied for 'consent to establish' and operate despite the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) asking them to do so four months ago. Akash trial successful Surface-to-air anti-aircraft missile Akash was successfully test-fired from launch complex-2 of Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur on Monday, defence sources said. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		MP Congress expels 11 rebels before civic body polls The state Congress on Monday expelled 11 members from various districts for anti-party activities. Botched sterilizations: Tribal rights activists press for invoking Atrocities Act Ekta Parishad, an organisation working for tribal rights, have already submitted a memorandum to state governor Balramdas Tandon, seeking his intervention to direct the state government to register cases under the provisions of Atrocities Act. Bhopal cops unable to get details on tampered petrol pumps Two days after the petrol pump tamper kit was busted and the kingpin arrested, police are now identifying pumps where it was installed. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		PGI's Professor Utreja awarded The award will be presented to him on November 21 at the inauguration of 49th Indian Orthodontic Conference in Kolkata. PSPCL lays wires, reduces road to half Traffic jam is a common site during peak hours especially during colleges opening and closing times. Pharma firm agent caught inside PGI centre If you come across someone in PGI treating you, be careful.He might not necessarily be from medical staff. More Chandigarh News»

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News Digest: Hero or arch-villain? Context holds the key

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Monday, November 17, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Hero or arch-villain? Context holds the key Power is vitamin, but it is also poison. In 2002, in the aftermath of the Gujarat riots, Narendra Modi was projected as the “Hero of Hatred” on magazine covers. Twelve years later, he was being celebrated as “the Conqueror” and a “Governance Icon”. PM Modi woos business leaders in Brisbane, leaves for Sydney "I know that most of you are aware of the opportunities in India and have looked at the market. You will begin to find a difference in India, " PM Modi said inviting business leaders to India. Omar's National Conference gets a jolt as Mehboob Beg quits party Mehboob Beg, son of late National Conference stalwart Mirza Afzal Beg, announced his decision to quit at a workers meet at his residence at Sarnal in Anantnag district. More India News»

		Business
		BSE, NSE eye setting up small banks Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange are looking to set up small banks in the country once the Reserve Bank of India opens the window for applications. Keys Hotels may sell some assets Billionaire investor Nicolas Berggruen is evaluating the sale of some of the prime properties housed under his mid-market chain Keys Hotels as the German-American businessman fine-tunes his hospitality interests in Asia's third largest economy. JSW Energy to buy 2 hydro projects of JP Power for Rs 9,700 cr JSW Energy will acquire two hydro-electric projects of Jaiprakash Power Ventures in Himachal Pradesh for about Rs 9,700 crore. More Business News»

		Environment
		'Cyclone Phailin ravaged ecosystem of Odisha's Chilika lake' This decrease has resulted in the appearance of the toxic freshwater cyanobacterias that, the scientists feel, may be harmful for the fish population. India's 10 famous bird habitats in serious danger, says study Unsustainable developmental policies and rising insensitivity towards nature have put "in serious danger" at least 10 of the country's famous bird habitats including Gujarat's Flamingo City, a new study says. Modi charmed by Australian Koala bear at G20 summit Prime Minister Narendra Modi got a delightful Australian welcome when he was charmed by a cuddly koala bear during a break at the G20 summit here. More Environment News»

		World
		Putin leaves G20 summit, hints at resolving Ukraine impasse Russian President Vladimir Putin left the G20 summit a day early on Sunday after assuring world leaders that there was a good chance of resolving the conflict in Ukraine. Grappling with 'China Policy' at home, Taiwan keen on FTA with India, other nations Struggling to forge a domestic consensus on its outreach to Beijing for strengthening economic ties and days after China and South Korea signed on the outlines of a free trade agreement (FTA), Taiwan is keen on fast-tracking such trade pacts with India and other nations, particularly those in the Asia-Pacific region. Malaysian state mulls guillotine as punishment for thieves A minister in Malaysia's Kelantan state has suggested that a 'mini' guillotine could be used to amputate those convicted of stealing in the Muslim state, which is ruled by a fundamentalist party. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Ajay Devgn at Ajmer Ajay Devgn is currently on a tour in Rajasthan to promote his latest film Action Jackson. The women in Shahid Kapoor's life Read on to know about the many women in 'casanova' Shahid Kapoor's life... 10 Bollywood affairs that create a stir even today! More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Bid to revive the extinct mammoth sparks war Will woolly mammoths stride the Siberian plains once again? DNA samples from an exceptionally well preserved extinct Mammuthus, found in the snowy wastes of Siberia, have raised the prospect of cloning. Heart stents may require longer blood thinner use Millions of people with stents that prop open clogged heart arteries may need anti-clotting drugs much longer than the one year doctors recommend now. Nasa shows satellite images of Earth's sanctuaries in book From the weaving waterways of the Sundarbans to the iconic Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Nasa has unveiled stunning satellite images of Earth's last untouched sanctuaries in a new book. More Science News»

		Sports
		ISL: Delhi's listless show continues, lose 0-1 to Kerala Delhi Dynamos extended their dismal run in the Hero Indian Super League as they lost by a solitary goal to Kerala Blasters to remain at the bottom of the table. Djokovic wins ATP year-ender after Federer pulls out Federer sensationally pulled out of his ATP Tour Finals showdown with Djokovic just before the final was due to start on Sunday because of a back injury. Srikanth stuns Lin Dan to win China Open Super Series title The 21-year-old K Srikanth showed nerves of steel to produce a dominating performance which helped him see off five-time world champion Lin 21-19, 21-17. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Android, iOS or Windows Phone — which OS is best for you? It’s not about which OS is the best, but rather which OS is the best for you. We all have different needs and usage habits. How to find out everything Google knows about you By visiting a site called "Ads Settings" you can see what Google knows about you. 10 best value-for-money phones you can buy today The year 2014 has witnessed the rise of the ‘value for money’ smartphone category with new and old players introducing devices that offer top-notch features.Here we bring to you a list of 10 hottest value for money smartphones available in the Indian market… More Technology News»

		Education
		Prominent career options in the fashion industry There's more to the fashion industry than edgy couture designing. We bring to you some prominent careers options. Off beat thinking for the gennext The new generation is breaking out of the traditional mold and is ready to take risk and opt for offbeat careers. Q&A —With Susan Price, vice-chancellor, Leeds Beckett University Susan Price, vice-chancellor, Leeds Beckett University, shares her thoughts on the changing educational choices of Indian students. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Judgment highlights trauma of rape A recent detailed, 21-page judgment, sentencing a 57-year-old man to 12 years’ imprisonment for raping a minor who later committed suicide, explains why rape is so traumatic in the Indian socio-cultural context. Powai couple puts best foot forward for 24 hour marathon Whether they run or walk, Powai resident Sunil Shetty (52) and his wife Sangeeta (47) take every step of life together. HC: Get kids out of dilapidated Dongri home The Bombay high court, on the occasion of Children’s Day, came to the rescue of children whose lives are in danger due to the dilapidated state of the Children’s Home/ Observation Home at Dongri, Umerkhadi. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		'Architecture doesn't celebrate life any more' Compared to other visual arts like painting and sculpture, architecture rarely makes it into the gallery. 'Must ban cars during peak hours' Feted as the man behind the only successful model of the BRT corridor in Bogota, Colombia, Enrique Penalosa is a man with a vision, not just plans.He's also scathing about the lopsided transport policies which, he claims, have been hijacked by the rich. And Delhi's experiment with the BRT? The former mayor of Bogota called it a 'joke' in an interview with Rumu Banerjee. Cluster buses in Delhi to get colourful ads The orange cluster buses running in the national capital are soon set to get more colourful with a cover of advertisements. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Premature babies vulnerable to blindness, say docs World Prematurity Day Great Indian Bustard nears extinction The majestic Great Indian Bustards (GIBs) are vanishing from sight and their dwindling numbers have put them in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s critically endangered category (red list). Current inconvenience will be forgotten once project is completed More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		'Build sister-city ties between India, Pak Hyderabads' Pakistan’s high commissioner to India Abdul Basit on Sunday stressed on establishing sister-city relations between Hyderabad, Deccan and its namesake in the Sindh province of Pakistan. Complaints mar first day of CAT Over 15,000 students appeared in the first round of the Common Admission Test (CAT) conducted in the twin states on Sunday. 2 hurt as bike collides with police van clearing route for CM's convoy Two persons suffered injuries when a police vehicle clearing the road for Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao’s convoy rammed into a bike at Vanasthalipuram on Sunday evening. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Child labourers rescued from fish markets The officials of labour department in Trichy rescued 19 child labourers from three fish markets in the city in a surprise raid on Sunday.The rescued boys will be produced before child welfare committee (CWC) on Monday. Dam battle: Tamil Nadu tells Kerala not to interfere with flow regulation In Kerala, opposition leader V S Achuthanandan urged the state government to request the Supreme Court to interfere in the dam issue as water level has "crossed the danger mark". Broken road halts vehicles atbusy Kilkattalai intersection A busy intersection in Kilkattalai, where roads connecting to St Thomas Mount, Tambaram, Velachery and Pallavaram meet, has been driving motorists up the wall after the monsoon showers. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		UN chief likely to participate in Vibrant Gujarat summit The United Nations (UN)’s secretary general Ban Ki-moon, among the world’s top international leaders invited to the 7th Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit (VGGIS) in January 2015. Tea vendor learns recipe to decode ancient wisdom When 46 students received their certificates for successfully completing the course on manuscriptology offered by the BJ Institute of Learning and Research and the Institute of Jainology, at the Gujarati Vishwakosh Bhavan on Sunday, a shy youth stood out among the scholars. At 100, she gets a new hip after nasty fall Doctors at the civil hospital performed a hip joint replacement surgery on a 100-year-old woman on Sunday. The surgeons said the centenarian will be able to walk after a week. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Magh Mela to be held in four sectors Magh Mela would be organised in four sectors this year in place of five. Last year, the mela was held in five sectors. UPPSC fails to find suitable doctors; 6295 posts were advertised and 3,406 doctors selected in three attempts since 2013 After three attempts in the last two years, UP Public Service Commission (UPPSC) has managed to fill up only 3,409 out of 6,295 advertised vacancies for government doctors and lecturers in medical colleges across the state. Now, the commission is planning to re-advertise the vacancies once again. Schools record zero attendance as leopard attacks rise Not a single student turned up at primary and upper primary school in Jhawwa village of Balrampur district on Saturday. The village streets bore a desolate look as not a villager dared to venture out of the safe confines of huts. Even fields, that remained abuzz with activities till a week back, too remained untilled. Similar scenes were evident in Beninagar, Jhawwa and Madrahwa villages. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Trial run in NW-5 in 3 months If everything goes well, Odisha could achieve a milestone in reviving its ancient transport system through rivers in three months. Schoolteacher suspended for hitting student Nabarangpur district administration suspended woman teacher Jyoti Behera on Friday for reportedly hitting a Class VI student with a duster on Wednesday. Corporation status evokes mixed response There was mixed response to the government notification according corporation status to Rourkela. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Gang-rape & blackmail after Facebook tryst, cops on hunt of accused In a grim re-run of love, sex and betrayal, a 28-year-old woman was allegedly gang-raped by four people, including a friend she met on Facebook. Educated women most vulnerable to domestic violence in state United Nation's damning report this week about 6 out of 10 Indian men admitting to domestic violence unearths the horrific reality in society's underbelly. CBI raids Army Vehicle Factory official, pvt firm CBI on Friday raided residential and official premises of three people, including an officer of the Army's Vehicle Factory, Jabalpur (VFJ) in connection with alleged irregularities in awarding tender to a private firm. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Khap, BJP leaders hold talks with Satlok Ashram As the situation remained volatile around Satlok Ashram, where controversial preacher Sant Rampal remained entrenched in complete defiance of the Punjab and Haryana high court orders. Welcome step, says Manoj's mother This was her first reaction after TOI told her about the central legislation proposed to curb honour killings. Rescue teams guard Rohtang Pass Rohtang Pass, one of the most dangerous mountain passes of the world, is now under custody of two teams of mountaineers, rescuers, police and medical officers for next 45 days. More Chandigarh News»

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