News Digest: Law on dam safety norms in the offing

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Sunday, November 30, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Law on dam safety norms in the offing Having a record 5,198 large dams in the country, third only after the US and China, the Centre is aggressively working on a new dam safety law to put in place good practices and procedures on safety parameters of large structures. Probe finds DM, SSP, PMC boss responsible for Patna stampede The committee constituted by the Bihar government to probe into the stampede causing 33 deaths at the Gandhi Maidan here after Ravanvadh on October 3 has recommended stern action against the then district magistrate, SSP, municipal commissioner and traffic SP. Nitish's next public contact programme from December Former Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday admitted his JD (U) lost the Lok Sabha elections because he had lost contact with the people when he was at the helm. More India News»

		Business
		Railwaymen's federation oppose FDI in railways All India Railwaymen's Federation on Saturday said that it opposes 100 per cent FDI in railways as it will "demolish the existing framework" of the organization. Vodafone, Airtel fined for tariff and MNP violations Telecom operator Vodafone has been fined the most for tariff rule violations till date, while Bharti Airtel has been penalized the maximum amount for breaching mobile number portability norms. As energy shares tumble, opportunity lurks Shale stocks have been hard-hit as investors see margins all but evaporating following the slide in crude oil prices, but the US shale energy boom is not over. More Business News»

		Environment
		Ganga cleanup start of mission to clean waterbodies: Javadekar The Centre's Ganga clean-up programme was the 'beginning' of the Narendra Modi-led NDA government's mission to clean up major water bodies in India, including southern rivers, Union environment minister Prakash Javadekar said on Saturday. Education makes people less vulnerable to natural calamities Education makes people less vulnerable to natural disasters such as floods, landslides and storms that are expected to intensify with climate change, says a new study. NGT to hold meet to implement order of banning 15-year-old vehicles In a path-breaking initiative,the National Green Tribunal on Friday directed holding of a meeting of stakeholders in its conference hall to devise modalities for implementation of its order banning plying of vehicles which are more than 15 years old on the city roads. More Environment News»

		World
		Ferguson officer who shot Michael Brown resigns The white police officer who killed Michael Brown has resigned from the Ferguson Police Department, his attorney said Saturday, nearly four months after the fatal confrontation with the black 18-year-old that fueled protests in the St. Louis suburb and across the US. Sarkozy chosen as French conservative party leader Returning from the political wilderness, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has taken a big step toward a possible re-election bid by winning the leadership of the conservative party. Taliban kill 11 Afghan troops in southern assaults An Afghan official said that at least 11 Afghan soldiers have been killed in two separate attacks in southern Helmand province, including on a base once held by Nato forces. More World News»

		Entertainment
		'I want to play Yuvraj Singh in a biopic' Rannvijay Singha, who was recently in Delhi, told us that he wants to do a sports biopic. Currently enjoying playing an Army officer on TV, he said that even though it’s tough shooting for the action-based show and he has sustained a lot of bruises and injuries, these are all ‘badges’ for him. He also spoke to us about why playing a man in uniform is like a dream come true for him. DDLJ: Jokes on film trend on Twitter! Here's taking a look at all the jokes, pertaining to the film, that are on Twitter Arpita-Hrithik dance on her wedding reception Hrithik Roshan serenaded Arpita Khan on the dance floor. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Earth's most abundant mineral named Bridgmanite The most abundant mineral on earth that has remained nameless until now will be called Bridgmanite. Are you a picky eater? Blame your genes If you have suddenly become choosy about your food choices, don't just blame bad food or environment. You may be genetically predisposed to become a picky eater. Willy Wonka-style lift is a reality A new test designed to rapidly diagnose Ebola virus infection is to be tried out at a treatment centre for the disease in Guinea, international health charity The Wellcome Trust said on Friday. More Science News»

		Sports
		ISL: Spirited Pune hold Atletico de Kolkata to a 1-1 draw Atletico de Kolkata's erratic run in their away matches continued as a spirited FC Pune City held them to a 1-1 draw in their Indian Super League encounter. Danny Welbeck returns to maintain Arsenal revival Danny Welbeck returned from injury to maintain Arsenal's recent revival as England striker's second-half goal sealed a 1-0 win at West Bromwich Albion. Defending champ Sindhu storms into Macau Open final PV Sindhu notched up a comfortable straight-game win in women's singles to enter the final but young shuttler HS Prannoy lost despite a valiant fight. More Sports News»

		Technology
		10 top tech stories of the week Here's a quick look at what made news in the world of technology in the week just gone by... Amazon to help desi sellers go global Amazon is set to launch its first cross-border trade, or CBT, service here, which will enable small sellers in India to reach out to global customers, according to people familiar with the plans. 5 free tools to unleash your creativity Graphics company Serif has a whole software suite that lets you edit photos, stitch panoramas, create vector graphics, design brochures, print layouts and visiting cards, and even personal web pages... More Technology News»

		Education
		President Pranab Mukherjee calls for improving standard of education Noting that India has the largest secondary education system in the world, President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday said that the standard of education must be improved and made affordable for meritorious students of all backgrounds. Uphold principles of Constitution: Judge Students of law should dedicate themselves to upholding the cardinal principles that form the foundation of our constitutional edifice, said principal district and sessions judge M Ramesh Rao in the city on Wednesday. Upgrade education infrastructure, quality of teachers: Pranab Mukherjee President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday called upon educational institutes to upgrade infrastructure, improve quality of teachers and learning capacity of students. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Red tape holds up revamp of 100-yr-old SoBo bridges A tussle between the civic body and Central Railway (CR) has stalled the reconstruction of Hancock and Carnac Bunder bridges, which are more than a century old. BMC films to teach kids about diabetes The civic administration will soon release two short films, including an animation film targeted at schoolchildren, in order to highlight the problem of diabetes and obesity in society. Mumbai-Pune traffic hit as gas tanker overturns Traffic on the Pune-Mumbai highway was severely hit after a gas tanker overturned and developed a leak at Chakan phata in Talegaon Dabhade around 2.45am on Saturday. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		E-rickshaw drivers need no education for licence Thousands of illiterate e-rickshaw drivers would soon be eligible to apply for driving licence simply by undergoing 10 days mandatory training on how to operate the vehicle. Day after HC order, parents confused about nursery admission What Friday’s high court order on nursery admission and the government’s decision to challenge it have precipitated is confusion. IRS officer, two others acquitted in graft case An Indian Revenue Service officer and two others, including a personal assistant to the then minister of state for finance, have been acquitted by a Special CBI court after it found major discrepancies in the evidence produced by CBI in the 2003 corruption case. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Court orders cops to act, Kiss of Love put off The Kiss of Love event, scheduled to be held in Bengaluru on Sunday, was put off following an order from a magistrate court, directing city police to take strict action against the organizers. BBMP processes 65% of city's garbage, claims commissioner Kambala aficionados protest ban with buffalo march Over 5,000 patrons, organisers and well-wishers marched towards the deputy commissioner’s office from BR Ambedkar (Jyothi) Circle on Saturday to seek the lifting of the ban on this traditional sport. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Battle for seva of Lord Balaji  The management of the Tirumala temple has so far been the exclusive domain of the state of Andhra Pradesh. Where will governor take R-Day salute? A major constitutional crisis may be in the offing in the run up to Republic Day 2015. As per practice, the governor of a state has to take the salute in the state capital soon after the President does so in Delhi.  Citizens can monitor water board projects Citizens can soon monitor ongoing water and sewer works on the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board’s (HMWS&SB) official website. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Over 50 chickens found dead in Nilgiris hamlet Even as Kerala grappled with bird flu that hit thousands of ducks, panic spread across a few villages in Pandalur taluk in the Nilgiris after more than 50 chickens were found dead on Saturday. Moopanar made no sacrifice, says EVKS In an apparent move to distance the party from late Congress leader G K Moopanar, TNCC chief E V K S Elangovan on Saturday said the state unit would only project K Kamaraj, who made a lot of sacrifices for the country. NLC power plants await green signal as demand soars Even as the state suffers from power shortage, two thermal units – each with a capacity of 500 MW – which are almost ready, are unable to run for want of environmental clearance. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Gujarat has sowed family hope in lesbian NRG couple The journey to Gujarat of an NRG lesbian couple in the hope of starting a family has been successful. One of the women has become pregnant through IVF performed at Anand using the egg of her partner and a donor sperm. Two members of inter-state gang held in Naranpura A team of Naranpura police caught two persons, suspected to be part of an inter-state gang, near Naranpura crossing on Thursday night. The duo was found in possession of two laptops that they had taken on rent. 'Swachcha' work forced on prisoners awaiting trial Sabarmati jail prisoners who are on trial for eloping with girls under 18 have their task cut out for them in the prison. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Vigilant groups to confront those involved in eve-teasing Taking a novel initiative to confront those involved in eve-teasing on the campus of CMP Degree College, girl students of the college have decided to form small vigilant groups to teach a lesson to those who dare to pass objectionable comments. The initiative is the brainchild of the newly elected president of student union of CMP, Puja Mishra. Teen crime on a rise in Allahabad A student of class 7, Shyam Kumar (name changed) of Sangramgarh, Pratapgargh was 16-year-old when he reportedly committed rape July this year. Police lodged FIR under section 376 and under POSCO Act and sent him to Kishore Sampreshan Grih (Juvenile Home). At present his appeal is pending at session court after the bail was rejected. Board inter practical exams from Dec 26 The Madhyamik Siksha Parishad (UP Board) would conduct the practical exam of class 12 from December 26 to January 25. The announcement has paved the way for Board exams to be completed in given schedule. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Rs1-a-day insurance for Utkal students Utkal University on thursday announced it would launch a health insurance scheme for its students, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the state for a varsity that offers non-technical courses, from the next academic session. Midday meals question opens pandora's box 375 kids fell ill after meal in past two years State to make docu on Nabakalebara Tenders to be floated soon, film will help promote tourism, says Govt More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Aashirvad Dande performs at a ladies night event in a city-based club in Bhopal Bhopalites had a gala time recently when the 18-year-old magician and illusionist, Aashirvad Dande, performed at a ladies night event in a city-based club. Gang of teenagers on gift pinching spree Those going for wedding receptions in gardens beware. A gang of teens lurks around pandals , ready to pick and pinch gift packs given to bride and groom. Man ends life, leaves suicide note to donate body A 58-year-old official of an insurance company committed suicide by hanging himself in a hotel here on Friday. He left behind a suicide note that body should be handed over to a medical college instead of performing the last rites. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Missing child will come on his own: Police Nearly 20 days after an 11-year-old child, allegedly a drug addict, went missing from his house in Nayagaon, police have been unable to trace him. Rampal's lawyer calls weapon hoard in ashram 'normal practice' Unfazed by recovery of huge cache of arms and ammunition recovered from his ashram, controversial preacher Rampal has termed it as "normal practice" and said that keeping such quantity of weapons in the households of Punjab and Haryana is routine thing. After arrest, Rampal's land deal with farmers in a tangle Sukhbir.Siwach@timesgroup.With controversial preacher Rampal's arrest on sedition and other charges, a big land deal being struck by his Satlok Ashram with local farmers could be in a tangle. More Chandigarh News»

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News Digest: Bangladesh sleuths question JMB suspects

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Saturday, November 29, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Bangladesh sleuths question JMB suspects A Bangladesh intelligence team on Friday questioned three Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladeshi (JMB) operatives after the NIA sought their remand for five-days. IAF upgrades to computerized pilot selection system To select the best pilots to fly the advanced aircraft being inducted into the armed forces, the Indian Air Force (IAF) inaugurated the Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) at the No. 2 Air Force Selection Board here on Friday. CBI unfairly spared Kaushik, IB officer: Vanzara Retired IPS officer D G Vanzara, who is an accused in the 2004 Ishrat Jahan fake encounter case, on Friday asked why the CBI had spared the then police commissioner K R Kaushik and made him a witness instead of an accused in the case. More India News»

		Business
		Boeing hopes SpiceJet's 'fleet reduction' strategy will work Boeing commercial airplanes (VP-sales) Dinesh Keskar was in India recently and told TOI that the delivery of 737 Max to SpiceJet, Boeing's answer to Airbus' hugely successful A320 Neo, begins from 2018 onwards and by then the low cost carrier (LCC) "will find a way out". Anywhere, anytime bill payment for all Anywhere, anytime bill payment will soon be available for all citizens for all utilities under the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS). FII inflows in equities at half of 2010 levels The dramatic rise of the stock markets, which has resulted in the market capitalisation of companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) crossing the Rs. 100 lakh crore mark for the first time ever, has not brought rich rewards for all. More Business News»

		Environment
		NGT to hold meet to implement order of banning 15-year-old vehicles In a path-breaking initiative,the National Green Tribunal on Friday directed holding of a meeting of stakeholders in its conference hall to devise modalities for implementation of its order banning plying of vehicles which are more than 15 years old on the city roads. Machli goes blind in one eye, shifts base to Ranthambore's periphery Sources said that Machli who is now over 17 years old, at least 3-4 years more than the average life of a tiger, is not entering the park’s core area for the past few months. Proposal to document Kaziranga park's biodiversity The central government has asked scientists in northeast India to map and document the biodiversity in Assam's famous Kaziranga National Park. More Environment News»

		World
		At least 120 dead in Nigeria mosque attack At least 120 people were killed and 270 others wounded on Friday when two suicide bombers blew themselves up and gunmen opened fire during weekly prayers at the mosque of one of Nigeria's top Islamic leaders. Pope Francis pleads for dialogue to end extremism Pope Francis on Friday called for dialogue between faiths to end the Islamist extremism plaguing the Middle East as he visited Turkey on his first trip to the overwhelmingly Muslim but officially secular state. US police kill gunman who targeted buildings in Austin Authorities shot and killed a man who they say opened fire on Austin police headquarters early Friday morning, and a bomb squad was called in to search his vehicle. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Jennifer Winget admits her marriage is over After covering up the cracks in her marriage with Karan Singh Grover, which has been in news for hitting choppy waters, Jennifer Winget has finally admitted that the two have separated. Manasvi proud of making it without father or Godfather Manasvi Mamgai, 26, is simple, sensitive and sweet. She is also restless, adventurous and hyper. Ranveer Singh's craziest acts in public More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Willy Wonka-style lift is a reality A new test designed to rapidly diagnose Ebola virus infection is to be tried out at a treatment centre for the disease in Guinea, international health charity The Wellcome Trust said on Friday. Japanese scientists develop hybrid silk using spider genes Japanese scientists have developed through genetic engineering using genes from spiders and silkworms a super resistant silk which could be used for textiles as well as in the surgical field, media reported on Friday. Ebola test results now in 15 minutes A 15-minute blood and saliva test for Ebola is to be tried in Guinea. More Science News»

		Sports
		Drag-flick in hockey a threat to player's life, says Ric Charlesworth The drag-flick, for long a subject of debate, comes under scrutiny not only for the speed at which it is delivered but also the hapless men who bravely attempt to thwart it in a penalty corner with hardly any protective gear. Former Australia coach Ric Charlesworth, who has for long argued for the elimination of the drag-flick and the dilution of the penalty corner, feels the hockey world is waiting for a disaster to happen on the field. ISL: Delhi Dynamos thump Mumbai City FC 4-1 Hans Mulder scored a breathtaking goal, before Mads Junker, Gustavo Santos and Manish Bhargav added to the tally to propel Delhi to a 4-1 win over Mumbai. Aguero can be better than Ronaldo and Messi: Pellegrini Aguero is one of the top five players in the world and Man City striker has the potential to be better than Ronaldo and Messi, manager Manuel Pellegrini said. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Mobile price war: RCom offers unlimited data at Rs 999 Reliance Communications unveils data plan with no cap on download a day after Bharti said it would offer 4G services at or below 3G rates. Apple iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3 launched in India Apple has finally launched its iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 tablets in the Indian market. Samsung employees fear layoffs as annual reshuffle nears Insiders say staff at Samsung Electronics have never been so anxious ahead of the annual reshuffle, as a weak smartphone performance and its worst earnings in three years are expected to cost many jobs. More Technology News»

		Education
		Upgrade education infrastructure, quality of teachers: Pranab Mukherjee President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday called upon educational institutes to upgrade infrastructure, improve quality of teachers and learning capacity of students. DU exam paper an exact copy of earlier test The credibility of Delhi University’s examination system took a hard knock on Thursday when the question paper on financial management for fifth semester BCom students turned out to be an exact copy of the paper the varsity’s School of Open Learning students had got for their annual exam in May-June this year. IIM-A to begin three-day Confluence tomorrow Confluence, the annual business symposium organized by the students of the post graduate management program of Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A) will be held from November 28 to November 30, 2014. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Bangla probe team to grill JMB suspects NIA and the Bengal authorities on Friday sought court permission for five-day police remand of three top Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh operatives so that they can be questioned by a visiting Bangladeshi intelligence team. Sunni conference calls for saving, empowering girls Senior clerics and Islamic scholars on Friday called for ending atrocities on women, saving the girl child and empowering daughters with knowledge. Cops must act against founder of Kharghar school: Experts Even as the Kharghar police search for the third accused in sexual abuse of a minor girl in a school van, legal experts opined that action should also be taken on the school founder for not reporting the first instance of child abuse to the police. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Stop burning of farm waste or face coercive order: NGT The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday warned the environment ministry of “coercive” order if its policy for preventing pollution from burning of agricultural waste in open fields did not show improvement on the ground. Maid death: Cops identify her employer Mumtaz Khatun, who hailed from Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, had come to the capital two years ago and was engaged at Khanna’s house to look after her son. Children's day out at book fest Children come from as far as Bhopal and Gangtok, and teachers from Badaun and Ojhani in Uttar Pradesh drop in as well. Bookaroo, the children’s literature festival, has grown spectacularly since its inception. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		The magic of Rajkumar All roads lead to Sri Kanteerava Studio on Saturday morning and Palace Grounds in the evening. The Kannada Renaissance Man On November 16, 2000, returning from his 108-day ordeal in the forest, Dr Rajkumar touched the Karnataka soil in reverence. The image encapsulated the man's organic relationship with the land and its people. No dramatic pauses in dance Bharatanatyam audiences desire novelty , and the solo dancer is being replaced by dancers in groups. These are some of the observations made by dance historian Asish Mohan Khokar on the changes that he sees among present day Bharatanatyam audiences. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Five farmers die of electrocution in Andhra Pradesh Five farmers from the same family, were electrocuted to death after they accidentally came in contact with 11 kv live overhead electric wires at Cheekalagurthi village of Vidapanakal mandal in Anantapur district on Friday. Five farmers electrocuted Five farmers of the same family were electrocuted when they accidentally came in contact with an overhead live 11 kv electric wire at Cheekalagurthi village of Vidapanakal mandal in Anantapur district on Friday. AP ministers unwilling to tighten their belts Though the state is facing severe financial crunch, many ministers prefer to conduct review meetings with officials in star hotels rather than utilising the facilities in government offices and universities in Vijayawada or Guntur. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		When govt quashed her Olympic hopes Ex-national table tennis champion and Commonwealth silver medallist B Bhuvneshwari counts playing to packed galleries at YMIA on Armenian Street among her fondest memories. Tech adds speed to growth of cab business in Chennai All it took was technology to transform the 15-year-old call taxi sector in Chennai. 'Child care units need competent officers' Professionals with knowledge of child rights alone should be appointed in child protection units as the very constitution of Child Welfare Committees and Juvenile Justice Boards has raised questions, said Indian Council for Child Welfare (TN) vice-president Andal Damodaran on Friday. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Two members of inter-state gang held in Naranpura A team of Naranpura police caught two persons, suspected to be part of an inter-state gang, near Naranpura crossing on Thursday night. The duo was found in possession of two laptops that they had taken on rent. 'Swachcha' work forced on prisoners awaiting trial Sabarmati jail prisoners who are on trial for eloping with girls under 18 have their task cut out for them in the prison. Eight hospitalized after gas leak near Dudheshwar Eight students and school staff members were hospitalized on Friday morning after a suspected gas leak in Dudheshwar. While the patients at VS Hospital are stable, officials have started a search for the source. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		UPSRTC mulls hike in ticket penalty Officials at the corporation claimed that the present fine is 10 times of the fare, with a maximum of Rs 500 Ganga water turns red on Magh Mela eve The authorities received complaints that the colour of the Ganga water has turned red on Wednesday morning after which the UPPCB collected some samples of the water for examining the level of pollution. Gulabi Gang to hold martial art camps for girl These camps would be held in different places of the city for the next three months and thrice a week More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Rs1-a-day insurance for Utkal students Utkal University on thursday announced it would launch a health insurance scheme for its students, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the state for a varsity that offers non-technical courses, from the next academic session. Midday meals question opens pandora's box 375 kids fell ill after meal in past two years State to make docu on Nabakalebara Tenders to be floated soon, film will help promote tourism, says Govt More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		SC rejects CBI probe into biggest examination scam of Madhya Pradesh In a major relief to Shivraj Singh Chouhan government and a boost to state's special task force (STF), Supreme Court on Friday refused to admit any of the four petitions that demanded a CBI probe into the pre-medical test (PMT) and medical pre-PG organised by the MP Professional Examination Board (MPPEB) citing investigations is heading in the right direction. Kidnapped minor recovered, was sold for Rs 10,000 A woman and man were arrested for allegedly selling a 9-year-old girl for Rs 10,000. Youth hits executive with car when told to keep off cousin A youth hit a bike-borne 34-year-old with a speeding car near Birla Mandir when the latter asked him not to harass his cousin. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Missing child will come on his own: Police Nearly 20 days after an 11-year-old child, allegedly a drug addict, went missing from his house in Nayagaon, police have been unable to trace him. Rampal's lawyer calls weapon hoard in ashram 'normal practice' Unfazed by recovery of huge cache of arms and ammunition recovered from his ashram, controversial preacher Rampal has termed it as "normal practice" and said that keeping such quantity of weapons in the households of Punjab and Haryana is routine thing. After arrest, Rampal's land deal with farmers in a tangle Sukhbir.Siwach@timesgroup.With controversial preacher Rampal's arrest on sedition and other charges, a big land deal being struck by his Satlok Ashram with local farmers could be in a tangle. More Chandigarh News»

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