News Digest: Lawmakers from over 170 countries are urged to push on nutrition commitments

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Friday, November 21, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Lawmakers from over 170 countries are urged to push on nutrition commitments United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organisation Director-General José Graziano da Silva urged lawmakers from around the world meeting in Rome to play their part in transforming into positive results the commitments to provide healthier diets for all people which governments are expected to adopt at this week's global nutrition conference. Bengal, Bihar home to most homeless As many as 4.3 crore families in rural India do not have a house, with West Bengal leading the table followed by Bihar in yet another evidence of the eastern region’s backwardness. IIT-B breakthrough may cut dialysis cost by half Scientists at IIT-Bombay have developed a special membrane that promises to reduce the cost of dialysis by 50%, cut down time taken for the process by half and be safer for the patient. More India News»

		Business
		Tech Mahindra acquires US company for $240 million India’s fifth-largest IT services company Tech Mahindra said it will acquire Virginia, US-based Lightbridge Communications Corporation (LCC) for $240 million (over Rs 1,400 crore), making it the largest overseas acquisition it has ever made. RBI revises minimum balance norms The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has placed curbs on the charges imposed by banks for not maintaining minimum balance requirements. Britannia to e-launch its premium cookie Britannia Industries, the over 100-year-old biscuit manufacturer, is testing the waters of the fast-unfolding Indian e-commerce story. More Business News»

		Environment
		Cut emissions to zero by 2070: UN body The timeline for desired emission cut was suggested by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in its annual emission gap report, released in Washington on Wednesday. 3-year-old jumbo rescued from well in Nilgiris after four-hour operation After a four-hour operation, a three-year old elephant that fell into a well in Pandalur taluk in Nilgiris district was rescued by forest officials on Thursday. Disposal of solid waste near Ganga: NGT seeks Centre's reply National Green Tribunal has sought the Centre's response on a plea seeking directions for disposal of solid wastes on the bank of the river accumulated during Kartik Poornima fair in Uttar Pradesh. More Environment News»

		World
		Toll rises to 10 in killer northeast US snowstorm The death toll from a rare pre-winter snowstorm rose to 10 in the northeastern United States on Thursday, paralyzing communities for days and dumping more than six feet of snow near Buffalo. Ebola vaccine running into patent cover in Canada? A Canadian patent protection may be blocking an Ebola vaccine even as the world is struggling to stop the spread of the deadly virus. US increasing non-lethal military aid to Ukraine The United States plans to increase non-lethal military assistance to Ukraine, including deliveries of the first Humvee vehicles, having decided for now not to provide weapons, US officials said. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Kim Kardashian cancels her Bigg Boss 8 plans Kim Kardashian, who was all set to make her first visit to India, has cancelled the trip. Bigg Boss: Contestants who did not get along with Salman Khan We take you through some of the celebs (in their own right) who did not seem to gel well with Salman. Bigg Boss: Biggest breakups and friendships of the house The house has always been a place where relationships don’t sustain the test of time. Strangers become friends and good friends turn strangers after spending some time in the house. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Knights more likely to rescue damsels in heels: Study Ladies, if you want a man on his knees, try wearing high heels! Men are more likely to help a woman wearing high heels than one in flats, a new French study suggests. Horses and rhinos originated in India: Researchers The study was carried out by a team of John Hopkins researchers and colleagues, and published on November 20 in the online journal Nature Communications. Complex jobs may protect your brain: Study Complex jobs that require a lot of difficult analysis or social interaction such as management and teaching may protect the brain from mental decline, according to a new research. More Science News»

		Sports
		I still have some chances, says Viswanathan Anand Viswanathan Anand said he was fine with an easy draw in the ninth game and insisted that he still has a chance of posting a win in World Chess C'ship match. Kohli confirms he is seeing Anushka, asks for privacy India's top batsman Virat Kohli has asked the public to use common sense on his much talked about relationship with actress Anushka Sharma, saying they indeed are seeing each other and their privacy should be respected. Roger Federer set to face France in Davis Cup final Switzerland's Federer, who has been trouble by back spasms, has been named to play in second singles of Davis Cup final against France's Monfils on Friday. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Leading retail stores refuse to sell Android One phones Google's pet project to drive up adoption of smartphones in emerging markets seems to have hit a hurdle in India with leading mobile retailers refusing to stock Android One handsets. Infosys BPO irregularity on Apple account? Several junior and mid-level employees are said to have participated in the overbilling of the client. Infosys said disciplinary action had been taken against all employees concerned. 15 Android apps to make iPhone owners jealous From an app that lets you message your friends while still watching Netflix to an app that lets you hack your smartphone's LED lights for custom notifications, you're guaranteed to find something new. Here's our pick of Android apps that will make your iPhone-owning friends jealous. More Technology News»

		Education
		Madras HC puts onus on SC for delay in MBBS admissions A single judge of the Madras high court on Thursday said the Supreme Court, which had laid down a strict schedule for MBBS admissions, allowed high courts to breach it several times. Shivaji University, Kolhapur revised syllabus of 146 courses in 4 years: Report As many as 146 academic courses (23%) were revised between 2009 and 2012 at the Shivaji University, Kolhapur (SUK), a university report has revealed. 60% of schools named for aid in Maharashtra found ineligible The state school education department has found that over 60% of the 469 private unaided secondary schools that were recommended for aid from the government were actually ineligible for it. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Bhatt third time lucky It was sheer luck that helped film producer Mahesh Bhatt dodge a planned third attempt on his life on November 15. Had the crime branch officials been late by four hours in reaching the producer’s office and nabbing the three shooters, they may have succeeded in firing at him. Times Celebrate Bandra festival: The queen of suburbs to provide a platform for Mumbai's musical acts With more than 30 popular artists to choose from over nine days, the Times Celebrate Bandra festival could stand on its own against a premier music festival. Times Celebrate Bandra festival: Feast on Bandra's best bites and coolest drinks If you celebrate a prominent part of the city and exclude food from it, it will be bitingly bland and boring. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Dhabas, India's culinary signposts In our gastronomic memory, dhabas aren’t just eateries by the highway; they are bookmarks of unforgettable experiences. Green panel not formed as per norms: RTI reply An RTI enquiry has found that a high-level committee, formed by the ministry of earth sciences and climate change to review environmental laws, was not constituted according to requisite administrative procedure. MP Parvesh adopts Najafgarh village Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma, BJP MP from West Delhi, has adopted Jharoda in Najafgarh to develop it as a model village under Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		3 held for attack on Manipuri student; kin call it 'hate act' Wednesday's attack on a Manipuri youth in the city was a hate crime, his family has alleged. Police said Samuel T Haokip, 22, was attacked by three labourers at Byrathi Cross, near Kothanur, after he objected to them harassing his woman friend. However, Samuel's family and a witness to the attack said there was no girl on the scene. Cubbon Park continues to shrink: Survey Cubbon Park, the city's premier lung space, is shrinking at a frightening pace. The %240-acre park is believed to have dwindled to 192 acres, according to the horticulture department. A recent survey has found further shrinkage of the park, which is yet to be quantified. Karnataka HC stays closure notice to international school The advocate further submitted that the Bengaluru city police commissioner who visited the school found it had complied with 80% of the safety requirements. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Naidu plans unique irrigation project Chief minister Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday said that the state government will soon come up with a comprehensive water resources plan to provide irrigation water to all drought-hit areas in AP. Draft bill vests CRDA with supreme capital powers The Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) will be supreme in the state capital region comprising the limits of Vijayawada-Guntur-Tenali-Mangalagiri Urban Development Authority which straddles Krishna and Guntur districts. AP neta rules out shifting of capital location Agriculture minister Prattipati Pulla Rao on Thursday ruled out shifting of the proposed capital city from Tulluru mandal in Guntur district. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Despite Centre nod, monorail project in Chennai remains stuck The Union ministry of urban development has approved the monorail project in the city, with a set of conditions. Sagayam seeks HC clarification on mining probe ambit IAS officer U Sagayam, who has been handpicked by the Madras high court to probe mining irregularities, has sought to know whether the investigation would cover all 32 districts in the state and all forms of mining, including sand and granite. Realtor told to refund Rs 72 lakh to NRI couple for stalled project State consumer disputes redressal commission has slapped a fine of 10.5 lakh on a Coimbatore-based realtor for shirking his liabilities on a false pretext. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		'Missed' bail adds to banker's misery Dipak Kumar Kohli, 64, has spent more time in jail as an undertrial than he would have if convicted. He was arrested in a Rs 3.5 crore fraud case and would have got a maximum of 10 years’ jail if found guilty. IPS officer Rahul Sharma seeks retirement In an unexpected development, IPS officer Rahul Sharma has sought retirement from service with effect from March 1, 2015. Drainage mapping of main cities soon: IMD official Mapping of drainage will be carried out in all cities of the country as it is necessary if flooding is to be prevented in these places, said LS Rathore, director general of meteorology, Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), on Thursday. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Two elderly women killed in road accident Two elderly women were hit by a speeding container near Sashoon Crossing under Sarayinayat police station, in the wee hours of Thursday. Drive against illegal school vehicles from Nov 26 In a fresh attempt to ensure safety of schoolchildren and also to tighten the noose around vehicles flouting the set norms, the joint teams of district administration, police, RTO, and education department are all set to launch a special checking drive from November 26 to December 9. District magistrate, Bhavnath Singh said, “the drive would be held on November 26 and 29, December 2, 5 and 9.” ADM (city) SK Sharma has been entrusted to lead the drive. Allahabad corporators apprise Dy EC of anomalies A delegation of corporators met deputy election commissioner Sudhir Tripathi at Circuit House on Thursday and apprised him of anomalies in voter’s list. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Keonjhar project oustees threaten to stop work People displaced by Kanpur Irrigation Project (KIP) have threatened to stop construction work from December 15 if their demands of resettlement and other issues are not solved. No OJEE for engineering: Govt It is official. The first year engineering (BTech) admission in state will be through the national-level JEE Main and not Odisha joint entrance examination (OJEE). 23 colleges running without principals While schools in the state are grappling with acute shortage of teachers, several colleges are running without principals. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Drunk MANIT grad enters girls' hostel, triggers ruckus A passout of Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT) entered into girls’ hostel on the campus and created ruckus under the influence of liquor on Thursday. Tiger Pataudi's daughter Saba recasts Auqaf-e-Shahi Board Saba Sultan, daughter of Tiger Pataudi, the only women custodian of royal endowment properties in Saudi Arabia, appointed a new secretary and member, here on Monday. 400 Kendriya Vidyalaya students in Bhopal hit by German switch, unhappy Union human resource development ministry’s decision to scrap German as third language in schools and make Sanskrit compulsory has hit nearly 400 students of Kendriya Vidyalayas in Bhopal. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		10 passages in Sector 17 to be razed The engineering wing of Chandigarh municipal corporation has decided to demolish as many as 10 connecting passages in Sector 17. Returning from Barwala, scribe dies in accident A 24-year-old reporter, who worked with a news channel, died late on Wednesday night when the vehicle he was travelling in collided with stray cattle and went off the road on the highway near Kaithal. Baba's backers back out In the past few days, thousands of acolytes formed a formidable human network to help him escape his nemesis. But when he finally met it, Baba Rampal found that he will have to plough a lonely furrow in the court, where he was made to appear on Thursday. More Chandigarh News»

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News Digest: J&K assembly poll: Rural Kashmir to turn out in good numbers

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Thursday, November 20, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		J&K assembly poll: Rural Kashmir to turn out in good numbers Even as separatists have issued poll boycott calls, most people in Kashmir know that such calls will be defied in rural areas. Pak Army returns teen who crossed LoC The Pakistan Army has repatriated a boy who inadvertently crossed the line of control in Jammu & Kashmir during a meeting with their Indian counterparts. 'Happy' Haryana CM thanks media, locals for support Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday expressed happiness over the success of operation carried out by state police to arrest 'godman' Rampal. More India News»

		Business
		Coal block auction to have cushion against tariff shock The government will protect power consumers from getting a tariff shock from coal block auction. Sebi tightens insider trading norms Market regulator Sebi on Wednesday approved stricter insider trading regulations, aimed at making the Indian market more transparent and provide a level-playing field to all traders and investors. RBI cautions on retail lending The meeting comes amid a note of caution by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) against too much retail lending by banks. More Business News»

		Environment
		Climate change not behind collapse of European Bronze Age: Study Scientists who studied a huge population collapse in Europe at the end of the Bronze Age have said climate change, commonly assumed to be responsible, could not have been the culprit. Wetlands facing threat in India Basai Wetland of Gurgaon in Haryana, one of the important bird areas of country, is facing threat of being lost forever. Panel, suggesting changes in green laws, submits its report The high-level committee, set up in August to review green laws and suggest amendments to bring them in sync with the Modi government's development agenda, on Tuesday submitted its report to the environment ministry. More Environment News»

		World
		Obama to act unilaterally on immigration, irking Republicans President Barack Obama will outline a plan on Thursday to relax US immigration policy for as many as 5 million people, bypassing Congress and angering Republicans. War in Iraq 'different' this time: US military chief US military action in Iraq has a better chance of success than the last war there because American troops are playing a supporting role to local forces from the start, top officer General Martin Dempsey has said. Cuban doctor in Sierra Leone tests positive for Ebola A Cuban doctor treating Ebola patients in Sierra Leone has tested positive for the disease and was being sent to Geneva for treatment, officials said, the first Cuban known to have contracted the potentially deadly haemorrhagic fever. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Salman teases Katrina, calls her Katrina Kapoor Salman Khan, who was clearly in high spirits, wasted no opportunity to pull ex-girlfriend Katrina Kaif’s leg Why Salman Khan may never marry! Promising actresses: Why did they disappear Diana Penty: Supermodel Diana Penty became an instant star with her to-die-for looks and natural acting skills. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Man to live another's life for 4 weeks A London man is to live the life of another person for 28 days, in an experiment that he hopes will give him insight into the nature of human existence but which experts have called potentially `extremely disturbing'. In 'exciting advance', poo to power your mobile phone Bacteria found in human and animal waste could be used to power a new generation of mobile phones, scientists have revealed. Scientists find 2 new subatomic particles at CERN Experiments at the world's biggest particle smasher have confirmed the existence of two theorized subatomic particles, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) said on Wednesday. More Science News»

		Sports
		ISL: Chennaiyin FC crush Pune 3-1, move to top of table Chennaiyin FC produced a crushing performance to beat FC Pune City 3-1 as they pipped Atletico de Kolkata to the top spot in the ISL points table. F1 driver Jules Bianchi out of coma and back in France Jules Bianchi has been brought out of an artificial coma and flown to France, nearly seven weeks after a Japanese GP crash that caused a critical brain injury. I am excited to be in Roger Federer's team: Sania Mirza Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza said she is excited to be part of same team as Swiss veteran Roger Federer in the upcoming International Premier Tennis League. More Sports News»

		Technology
		India to have more internet users than US by Dec end: IAMAI The number of internet users in India would reach 302 million by December 2014, registering a year-on-year growth of 32%, the study said. Infosys fires BPO business CFO Abraham Mathews Infosys has fired the CFO of its BPO business, Abraham Mathews, for not complying with its code of conduct. 15 Android apps to make iPhone owners jealous From an app that lets you message your friends while still watching Netflix to an app that lets you hack your smartphone's LED lights for custom notifications, you're guaranteed to find something new. Here's our pick of Android apps that will make your iPhone-owning friends jealous. More Technology News»

		Education
		Germany to help set up new IIT, research centre Removal of German as the third language from Kendriya Vidyalaya schools might have caused some setback to India-German collaboration at the school level, but in higher education it seems it is business as usual. EVS paper scoring error may have failed many HSC students Nearly a hundred junior colleges in the Mumbai division botched up in evaluating the 50-mark Environment Education subject for the higher secondary examinations earlier this year, pushing up, in all likelihood, the number of students who failed. Univ includes students to frame zoology syllabus In a first, Mumbai University has included students in the syllabus committee, asking them for their suggestions to frame a curriculum for the first-year zoology course. Of the 27 members on the panel, six were undergraduate and postgraduate pupils from affiliated colleges. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Women stage rail roko to protest repeated delays It was a bad day for suburban railway commuters as services on all three lines were hit because of a protest, a rail fracture and a cable damage. Cops tell Twitter to delete Raj Thackeray's daughter's fake account Two days after a police complaint was lodged regarding fake Twitter accounts being created in the name of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray’s daughter, the Cyber Crime Investigation Cell of the city police has written to Twitter and other social networking sites, asking them to delete the fake accounts. Explore bungalows, bylanes and birdwatch It was in the mid-1800s that the bungalow typography gained popularity in Mumbai. By the 1960s and 70s, land prices boomed, families sold their ancestral homes and low-rise apartment blocks took their place. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Child's welfare key in splits Holding that the welfare of the child should not be affected due to a dispute between parents, a sessions court has allowed a man to meet his minor daughter, who is living separately with her mother. 'Inspector raj' abolished in ration supply In a bid to expedite the distribution process, the Delhi government on Wednesday abolished the four-decade-old system of ‘inspector raj’ in which an inspector had to first open the sale of rations before it being distributed. Tata Power says it's ready for winter Power distribution company Tata Power Delhi is gearing up to meet the challenges of the Delhi winter. With cold weather setting in, officials are “working relentlessly” to ensure 100% functionality of close to 1.6 lakh streetlights in north and northwest Delhi. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Bengaluru startup will bring Manipal Hospitals to your doorstep City-based Manipal Hospitals, which operates over 5,200 beds, has partnered with healthcare startup Portea Medical to expand its reach into the emerging home healthcare space. I'm high on Modi, says marketing guru Philip Kotler Renowned marketing guru Philip Kotler said he was `high on Modi' and the Indian Prime Minister was like 'a breath of fresh air'. Nagaland student beaten up in Bengaluru Another student from the northeast was beaten up in the city's Kothanur area on Wednesday evening after he objected to a group of youths harassing his female friend. This is the second such attack on northeast youths in the area in just about a month. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Notice to Venkatesh for illegal construction The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) on Tuesday slapped Tollywood hero Venkatesh with a notice for illegal construction. Ryots call Naidu meet 'disappointing' Even a promise of transforming farmers into industrialists did not go down well with the Tulluru mandal farmers as the meeting they had with chief minister Chandrababu Naidu in Hyderabad on Tuesday could not lift the uncertainty over the land pooling process. HC refuses to interfere in CLB hearing of DCHL case The Union ministry of corporate affairs filed its plea before the principal bench of CLB at Delhi through its probe wing SFIO. The Centre’s petition has been challenged by DCHL in the Hyderabad high court. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Modi's Swachh Bharat campaign spurs ASI The Archaeological Survey of India, which is celebrating Heritage Week from November 19 to November 25, has decided to do a 'Swachh' sweep of seven heritage sites in the state. 84 autos impounded on Day 3 of meter campaign On the third day of their campaign, authorities checked more than 2,500 autos in the city on Wednesday. Joint teams from the city traffic police and regional transport office checked 2,700 autos for meters, records and other violations. Marghazi comes early, sabha plans concerts by sisters The Margazhi music festival, which normally begins in the middle of December, seems to have kicked off early with some sabhas organising concerts of rising talents in the evenings. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		IPS officer Vipul Agarwal reinstated An accused in Tulsiram Prajapati encounter case, IPS officer Vipul Agarwal, was reinstated in the police force on Wednesday. “But Agarwal hasn’t yet got a posting and is currently on leave reserve,” said a senior source in the police department. CM calls for more cops in state In an effort to improve the law and order situation in the state, chief minister Anandiben Patel has doubled recruitment quotas for sub inspectors and assistant sub inspectors in the police department. CM expands cabinet, adds four new faces Chief minister Anandiben Patel on Wednesday inducted four new ministers into her Cabinet, increasing its strength to 23. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		UPPSC rejects online application of 131 aspirants At least 131 aspirants of government jobs in various state government departments are on the verge of losing their candidature after exam conducting body, Uttar Pradesh Public Servce Commission (UPPSC), rejected their online application citing photo related objections. HC to hear petition against AMU V-C's appointment on Nov The writ petition challenging the appointment of Lt Gen (ret) Zameeruddin Shah as the vice-chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University will now be taken up on November 27. HC for action against moderators of PCS (pre) papers The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday opined that the UP Public Service Commission (PSC) should take some action against moderators and setters of examination papers. The court was hearing a petition on irregularities in questions put to examinees in PCS (preliminary) examination 2014. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		5 arrested for Rs 3cr loan fraud The Economic Offence Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch on Tuesday arrested five persons for their alleged involvement in a fake loan racket, involving Rs 2.96 crore, at Bilahat branch of Odisha Gramya Bank in Cuttack district. BJP threatens to gherao RDC office from November 25 The BJP will gherao offices of revenue divisional commissioners (RDCs) and collectors in different districts, starting from Cuttack on November 25. Prisoners detain Sorada jail superintendent Jailor-cum-superintendent of Sorada sub-jail in Ganjam district was detained by prisoners inside a ward for hours on Tuesday. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Delhi girl thrown off train after alleged rape attempt in MP In another shocking incident of crime against women in Madhya Pradesh, two men allegedly threw a girl off Malwa express after a failed rape attempt on Wednesday morning. Cong turns blind eye to MP leaders who quit State Congress president Arun Yadav maintains he has not received any resignation letter or intimation from these leaders that they have quit their posts. Bhajan and Kirtan as part of Raahgiri celebration in Bhopal Bhopalites, who were expecting Kiss Of Love ‘teaser’ at Raahgiri, were quite surprised to see bhajan-kirtan instead. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		'Hamirpur only constituency with toilets for girls in all govt schools' BJP MP from Hamirpur and chairman of parliamentary standing committee on information technology, Anurag Thakur, said on Wednesday that Hamirpur is the only constituency in the country having separate toilets for girl students in all government schools. LCD screens at Attari gallery soon Border Security Force (BSF) has decided to install big LCD screens and online booking for watching the daily beating the retreat ceremony at Attari border. Dera Sacha Sauda planning base consolidation in Punjab When controversial preacher Rampal is facing sedition charges in Haryana, another dera head Sirsa-based Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is planning major consolidation of his base in Punjab. More Chandigarh News»

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