News Digest: Panchayats to have stake in solar power projects

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Thursday, February 12, 2015
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Panchayats to have stake in solar power projects The renewable energy ministry has “cracked the code” for overcoming any opposition from the local population to setting up of big solar power projects. Solar plan will not skid on oil prices, Piyush Goyal says “For us, renewable or solar is not only about economics. It’s a deep passion and our PM’s and nation’s commitment," says power, coal and renewable energy minister Piyush Goyal. HC junks PIL appealing it to act in Sunanda case The Delhi High Court Wednesday refused to entertain a PIL seeking its intervention in the probe into the mysterious death of Sunanda Pushkar, the wife of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. More India News»

		Business
		Pradhan in Pak to push TAPI pipeline According to agency reports from Islamabad, India made the suggestion at the steering committee meeting of the project held on Wednesday in the Pakistani capital with the aim of starting work this year. IKEA seeks changes in sourcing norms With its first store launch in India still a few years away, Swedish furniture and home accessories retailer IKEA Group has sought fresh changes in sourcing norms for single-brand retail. More than what meets the eye in Sahara deal: Amicus curiae to SC Court to explore other ways to get money from Sahara More Business News»

		Environment
		Act against illegal hotels around Gir: HC to Guj govt The Gujarat High Court has directed the state government to take action against the illegal establishments operating in the buffer zones of Gir wildlife sanctuary, the sole home of the Asiatic lions. Four new fish species discovered in Kerala Four new fish species have been found in Kerala, the college professor who made the discovery has said. Chinkara, GIB & peacock poaching continue unabated in Rajasthan State animal Chinkara, the state bird Great Indian Bustard and the national bird Peacock can all be offered over dinner in Rajasthan. More Environment News»

		World
		Obama says IS group 'going to lose' President Barack Obama urged Congress on Wednesday to authorize military action against the Islamic State militants who are cutting a swath across the Middle East, vowing their forces "are going to lose." Ukraine peace summit drags on as leaders wrangle A tense peace summit in Minsk between the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France dragged on into Thursday as they tussled over a plan to end 10 months of fighting in Ukraine. Hostage takers shoot selves in Taiwan prison: Official A top justice official in Taiwan said six armed inmates who held a warden and a head guard hostage at a prison in the island's south committed suicide early Thursday after releasing the hostages. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Exclusive: First look of Hamari Adhuri Kahani We bring you the first look of the Emraan Hashmi and Vidya Balan starrer Hamari Adhuri Kahani Neeraj Pandey's 'Phir Se' anthem for Team India The Indian team will predictably have the World Cup 2011 winning captain MS Dhoni leading the team. 10 Must See Bollywood Movies Before You Die More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Minds may brew a drug to cure love, hearts wary At one point or another, all of us have probably felt like love is more trouble than it's worth. 18th-century sword reveals Indians' craftsmanship For the first time scientists have used technology to analyse an Indian sword made in the 18th century and concluded that Indians were master craftsmen of weapons. Did pizza really originate in Naples? Pizza, the pride and joy of Naples cuisine, actually originated in a town in the neighbouring region of Lazio, a food historian has claimed, much to the chagrin of the southern port city. More Science News»

		Sports
		I thought of quitting cricket in 2007: Sachin Tendulkar Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar revealed he was so heartbroken by India's first round exit in 2007 World Cup that he thought of retiring from cricket. Ex-tennis champ allegedly told victim 'rape is enjoyable' Former tennis champion Bob Hewitt who is standing trial for rape and sexual assault in South Africa allegedly told one of his victims "rape is enjoyable", a court heard. Gavaskar, Chappell tip India to beat Pak again in World Cup Gavaskar and Chappell tipped India as favourites in their World Cup clash against Pakistan, saying that past history and better acclimatisation could tilt the balance in favour of the defending champions. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Sony SmartWatch 3 review Is the Sony SmartWatch 3 the perfect Android Wear watch we’ve been waiting for? Read our review to find out. IT industry growth to remain static in FY16: Nasscom IT industry body Nasscom has forecast that the industry growth in the coming financial year would be about the same as in the current one. 10 worst products Apple has ever made Apple is known for the hit products it has released in the last decade: iPod, iPhone and most recently iPad. More Technology News»

		Education
		IIM Nagpur ready to begin operations from July: MHRD secretary In a positive step for the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) at Nagpur, a team from the ministry for human resources development (MHRD) made site inspections for the proposed institute on Wednesday and gave a positive feedback, indicating that the premier institution may commence operations from July. Govt moots KG to PG institutions The government could roll out an ambitious programme of setting up of 'kindergarten to post graduate' institutions in educationally-backward districts of the country. No braille textbooks for sightless college students in Odisha Absence of braille textbooks have forced sightless college students in Odisha to depend on either audio tapes or reading assistants. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Chembur temple hosts 10-day dance fest for Mahashivratri Lord Shiva’s status as the god of dance has inspired a temple in Chembur to devise a unique tribute at Mahashivratri. Each year during the festival, its members organize a 10-day festival of classical dance within the shrine. Airport agency staffer held with Rs 1.5cr gold An employee of a ground handling agency Rohan Surve, who was on duty at the international airport, was arrested by Customs officials on Wednesday for allegedly helping a flyer smuggle in gold worth Rs 1.51 crore. All domestic flyers to use T2 from this year The airport’s swanky international Terminal 2 completed one year of operation on Thursday. The highlight of this year will be the beginning of integrated operations, with domestic flights to be moved to the terminal. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		50k bounty for five murderers The Delhi Police commissioner has announced a reward of Rs 50,000 on the arrest of five men who were involved in the robbery-cum-murder of a businessman in northwest Delhi's Maurya Enclave on January 9. DoE centralizes nursery entry of disabled kids The directorate of education has centralized admission of disabled children in private unaided Delhi schools even as the nursery admission process is almost over. Posing as CBI cop, man dupes students of 8L Four students in Lajpat Nagar were duped into paying Rs 8 lakh to a man who posed as a senior CBI inspector and promised to recruit them as detectives with the agency. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Kidnapped 14-yr-old found murdered in B'luru A 14-year-old boy, Kiran Yadav, who went missing from near his Moodalapalya residence in West Bengaluru on February 4 was found with his throat slit in a grove on Jnanabharathi campus on Wednesday. Strays run riot as NGOs strike work They Cite Uncleared Bills By BBMP For Halting Dog-Catching Ops A Parichay with Avenue Rd's heritage Come Sunday, a group of 25 enthusiasts will take a stroll down the iconic road to discover its history. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Gift your partner a mammogram this Valentine's Day! It looks like Valentine’s Day gifts are breaking stereotypes as unconventional ideas like breast cancer screening or taking your loved one for a heart check-up are now competing with traditional fare such as flowers, candlelight dinners and chocolates. New software to identify fake vehicle number plates in Hyderabad Autorickshaw owner Mohammed Sarver was shocked to find multiple e-challans for a mindboggling fine of Rs 2,000, slapped by traffic police for various violations. Naidu rustles up Rs 20k cr capital bill for Centre The Chandrababu Naidu government has proposed the construction of about 15 buildings and complexes in the capital region of Andhra Pradesh in the first phase and has sought central funding for the same. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		UK-based app allows eye tests using smartphones Eye examinations using scary-looking equipments could soon be a thing of the past as technology has simplified it to an extent that soon eye testing can be done using smartphones. Chennai corporation dumps garbage near building of tax defaulter If creating a flap by making transgenders dance in front of property tax defaulters to shame them were not enough, Corporation of Chennai on Tuesday threw the kitchen sink at them, dumping a heap of garbage outside a commercial building on Thiruvottiyur High Road whose owner has tax arrears of Rs 5 lakh. Techie gets 10 yrs in jail for forcing third wife to abort twice Three marriages, two abortions and several years of harassment later, a mahila court in the city sentenced a 37-year-old techie to 10-years rigorous imprisonment. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		'Height of romance' for Valentine's Day! Love is in the air literally! Imagine cutting valentine day cake 4,000 ft above the ground to impress your lady love. This wristband monitors your glucose level NID student Neelam Gulrajani has designed a non-invasive wearable device that monitors their glucose level and alerts parents in case of emergency. 'Liar' boyfriend consumes poison after girl refuses to marry him A girl’s parents filed an application of complaint with the women cell of the city police alleging that their daughter’s boyfriend had cheated her by saying that he owned a big business in Surat and was now forcing her to marry him. However, the parents were unaware that the boyfriend had consumed poison after the girl refused to marry him More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Class XII practical re-exam from March 24 Class XII students, who failed to appear in practical exams due to some reasons, will get a second chance to make amends. The Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UP Board) has decided to re-exam of practicals from March 24 to 29. The exams would be conducted in the GIC and GGIC of each district for students of far-flung areas. MHRD seeks details, raises hope of medical faculty in Allahabad University The Allahabad University may soon get a medical faculty. The Union human resource development ministry, in a letter dated January 28, 2015, has information from university registrar about the existing condition of available health facilities for establishing a hospital on the varsity premises. AU runs dispensary with no doctors, medicines At the time when a former student of Allahabad University, Shreyansh Tripathi, has started the task of starting a medical faculty with state-of-the-art hospital at the university, varsity’s dispensary cries for attention. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		'Banker helped hacker steal from 11 accounts' More revelations came to the fore in Balangir MGNREGA online fraud with cyber experts piecing together evidences to ascertain how alleged hacker Dharmendra Thakur shifted funds to fake accounts. Posco may not renew MoU South Korean steel major Posco would not renew its MoU with the state government unless it gets raw material assurance. Cop job for sportspersons The state government will give sportspersons jobs in Odisha police.They will not have to take any competitive examination. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Pujari rapes woman, arrested A 34-year-old woman was drugged and raped by a middle-aged pujari at her house on February 6. Misrod girl murder: Ten days after, cops swing into action Ten days after the missing minor girl from Misrod was found dead in Sehore district, police on Wednesday said they suspect role of someone known to her behind the brutal killing. RTU struggling to stand on its feet Rajasthan Technical University (RTU), state only technical university is struggling to stand on its feet even after eight years has passed to its existence. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		High Court orders for SIT to probe Haryana forest officer death The Punjab and Haryana high court has directed the Director General of Police (DGP) Haryana to constitute a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the death of a forest range officer, who had died in 2014. Haryana to set up new drug testing laboratories Haryana health minister, Anil Vij said on Wednesday that four new drug testing laboratories would be set up in the state at a cost of about Rs 14 crore for keeping a check on adulteration and for testing of samples. HC notice to Centre, Punjab, Haryana over online sale of sex determination kits Taking cognizance of a public interest litigation (PIL) against the online sale of sex determination kits, the Punjab and Haryana high court on Wednesday issued notice to the union ministries of health and telecommunications. More Chandigarh News»

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News Digest: Many Indian accounts in HSBC Geneva may be legitimate, say officials

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Wednesday, February 11, 2015
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Many Indian accounts in HSBC Geneva may be legitimate, say officials Many of the Indian accounts that have emerged in the fresh HSBC Geneva list may not qualify for any penal action in India, officials familiar with the issue have said. 'TN govt has no role in Jaya case proceedings' Rejects order appointing prosecutor Navy vessel Mhadei clocks one lakh nautical miles The iconic INSV Mhadei has now clocked one lakh nautical miles while traversing the oceans around the globe. More India News»

		Business
		Growth agenda on track, says India Inc BJP’s massive defeat in Delhi, just two weeks before the Union Budget, is unlikely to impact the government’s plans of charting out a plan to boost economic growth. No basis for latest RIL notice: Oil ministry The oil ministry has found as legally and contractually untenable Reliance Industries’ notice for arbitration – fifth in a series – against an October 2013 order taking away 81% area of the Andhra offshore KG-D6 block, including several discoveries estimated to hold a trillion cubic feet of gas. Rel Infra, Tata Power may feel AAP heat The power distribution companies operating in Delhi, owned by the Reliance Group and the Tatas, may feel the heat after the Aam Admi Party’s (AAP) landslide victory in Delhi elections. More Business News»

		Environment
		Chinkara, GIB & peacock poaching continue unabated in Rajasthan State animal Chinkara, the state bird Great Indian Bustard and the national bird Peacock can all be offered over dinner in Rajasthan. Don't blame the sun for global warming A review of solar activity in the past 400 years has shown that the level of sun activity was not very different in the 18th century as it is now, suggesting that blaming the sun for global warming is simply barking up the wrong tree. Solar power generation: Gujarat may lose top spot State facing tough competition from Rajasthan, MP More Environment News»

		World
		Imminent IS-linked attack thwarted: Australia Australian counter-terrorism police said on Wednesday they had thwarted an imminent attack linked to the Islamic State militant group after arresting two men in Sydney a day earlier. Obama seeks some limits on ground troops for Islamic State fight US President Barack Obama will propose to Congress on Wednesday a new three-year authorization for the use of force against Islamic State with limits on US combat troops' involvement, lawmakers and congressional aides said. White House: Obama calls Putin, tells to agree Ukraine peace deal President Barack Obama called Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday to discuss escalating violence in eastern Ukraine and urged him to agree to a peace deal, the White House said. More World News»

		Entertainment
		When Ranbir Kapoor's car caught fire Roy, featuring Arjun Rampal, Ranbir Kapoor and Jacqueline Fernandez, is a thriller revolving around four pivotal characters. Leading fashion designer dating producer We have learnt from reliable sources that film producer Madhu Mantena is dating well-known fashion designer Masaba Gupta. Kapoor khandaan's lesser known members More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Found: Apollo 11 artifacts in Neil's closet Neil Armstrong, the first man to set foot on the Moon, had kept a secret stash of personal mementos — hardware items from the 1969 Apollo 11 mission — which were supposed to be left behind on the Moon. Core within core: Earth's deep secrets unveiled Scientists have for the first time used seismic waves to plumb the world’s deepest mystery: the planet’s inner core. Smart insulin' jab to help fight diabetes An experimental “smart insulin” that acts for 14 hours has shown promise in mice and could be tested in people with type 1 diabetes in two years, researchers said on Monday. More Science News»

		Sports
		We will wait and watch: Dhoni on World Cup bowling combination Captain MS Dhoni left the question on Indian bowling combination for the World Cup unanswered, saying the team will take a decision depending on the conditions. Sachin Tendulkar voted in greatest ODI XI of all time Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has been voted in the greatest ODI XI of all time, along with Adam Gilchrist, Chris Gayle and Wasim Akram. Ronaldo slump hurts Real as in-form Messi drives Barca When Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo collected his third FIFA Ballon d'Or award he was enjoying a run of form that was spectacular even by his standards. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Samsung Galaxy Note Edge review Though Samsung Galaxy Note Edge's secondary screen does everything it is supposed to do very well, it still does not warrant a purchase due to limited use-case scenarios. Cognizant to cut employee bonuses Going by early indications, for the first time in several years, the employees of IT major Cognizant Technology Solutions, a company that has been a generous paymaster in the industry, may not enjoy the same levels of variable pay (bonuses) they have seen in previous years. Xiaomi Mi 4 vs OnePlus One: Which one to buy Priced slightly higher at Rs 21,990, the ‘flagship killer’ is Mi 4’s biggest rival. Should you buy the new Mi 4 or go for the OnePlus One? More Technology News»

		Education
		Entry tests: Parents can flag Maharashtra education department The state education department has urged parents to send a written complaint to the respective district education officers if they notice any school conducting screening tests of parents or children during admission process. HRD ministry lists its achievements during 200-days of Modi govt As many as 2,112 students and 528 school teachers will be visiting premier institutes like the IITs every year under a programme to provide academic exposure to students from the Northeast. Punjab Unaided Technical Institutions Association seeks release of SC/ST funds A delegation of Punjab Unaided Technical Institutions Association (PUTIA) headed by its president JS Dhaliwal and vice president Anshu Kataria met union minister Vijay Sampla at PHD Chamber in Chandigarh. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		'Quota students don't need to vacate seats' Students who got admission before the court stayed reservations for Maratha and Muslim communities will not be asked to vacate their seats till the final verdict is pronounced, said the education minister. State to probe Rushdie's 'filthy' tweet The state government has decided to take action against Indian-born Booker prize-winning author Salman Rushdie for insulting Jnanpith award winner Bhalchandra Nemade. Plan to launch 27,800 new vehicles in city in the limbo The Regional Transport Office’s (RTO) plan to ply more autos and taxis on the road has currently taken a backseat, as none of the meter testing institutes have applied for a licence from the legal metrology department. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Delhi elections 2015 results: Arvind's not so aam A-team They chucked up jobs, leapfrogged hurdles and overcame setbacks to pursue their avowed quest for swachh politics. From professionals to poets, geeks to journalists — meet the backroom boys and frontline fighters. Delhi elections 2015 results: 70% of AAP's funding came in last one month Although Aam Aadmi Party failed to meet its target of collecting Rs 30 crore for this election, its supporters say it did succeed in fighting and winning an election funded by transparent donations. Delhi elections 2015 results — 49 days of jhadu made BJP bite the dust: Analysts A positive impression made by the 49-day AAP government, especially among the underclass, and the Modi government’s inability to fulfill promises made during the Lok Sabha campaign were two key reasons behind AAP’s landslide victory in Delhi, said social scientists and politicians. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Man on a mission walks the talk for widows For Chris Parsons, 53, an international corporate lawyer from London, walking isn't just a healthy routine. After Delhi win, AAP sets eye on BBMP poll From Delhi to Bengaluru. Having conquered the capital, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has cast its eye on Bengaluru. Pvt varsities' test off to poor start Only One Varsity To Accept Scores of PG Medical Entrance Exam More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Central fund for minority welfare Union minister for minority affairs Najma Heptullah assured that the Telangana state has her full support with regard to schemes for the welfare of minorities, according to a press communiqué issued by deputy chief minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali’s office. Youth serious after police torture A charted accountancy student was seriously injured in an alleged attack by the police in the early hours of Tuesday. Hurdles ahead for land regularisation in SCB The Telangana government’s popular sop, regularisation of government land encroached by private individuals, may face hurdles in the Secunderabad Cantonment. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Online application to speed up SI recruitment The police recruitment process in the state has been shortened by five months, thanks to the e-portal services enabled for the first time in the selection of sub-inspectors. HC puts an end to 'anti-land grab' drive Quashes orders setting up special cells, courts T Nagar street name board shifted, residents cry foul T Nagar, the city's commercial hub, has always been a nightmare for its residents. But these residents now face a peculiar problem. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Deepak, Meenu are A N College champs Students Deepak Kumar and Meenu Kumari emerged overall champions at the two-day sports event at A N College which concluded on Tuesday. HK Arts sex harassment case: 1 more lecturer records statement A woman lecturer with HK Arts College recorded her statement with the probe committee appointed by the college to investigate sexual harassment charges, on Tuesday. DRDO to set up internal security research lab in Gujarat Gujarat is poised to become a laboratory for research and development of crime control technology with the help of Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Class XII practical re-exam from Mar 24 Class XII students, who failed to appear in practical exams due to some reasons, will get a second chance to make amends. The Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UP Board) has decided to re-exam of practicals from March 24 to 29. The exams would be conducted in the GIC and GGIC of each district for students of far-flung areas. MHRD seeks details, raises hope of medical faculty in AU The Allahabad University may soon get a medical faculty. The Union human resource development ministry, in a letter dated January 28, 2015, has information from university registrar about the existing condition of available health facilities for establishing a hospital on the varsity premises. AU runs dispensary with no doctors, medicines At the time when a former student of Allahabad University, Shreyansh Tripathi, has started the task of starting a medical faculty with state-of-the-art hospital at the university, varsity’s dispensary cries for attention. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Bowlers bat Odisha to victory Behera, Mohanty rule out relegation in Ranji Trophy with 2-wicket win over Saurashtra at Barabati Stadium Mahaprasad sale at Ananda Bazaar only To streamline sale of Mahaprasad at Jagannath Temple in Puri, the shrine administration has decided to identify vendors and allot them space at Ananda Bazaar. Schoolgirl delivers in government hostel, 2nd case in 14 days In successive developments that have sent shockwaves across Odisha, two minor schoolgirls, staying at government-run hostels, delivered babies within the last fortnight. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Squatters clash with BMC demolition squad near Bhopal Talkies Tension gripped Bal Vihar Road near Bhopal Talkies after squatters attacked a Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) squad that arrived to carry out anti-encroachment drive at the busy road on Tuesday. Sangai sighting punches holes in Ken-Betwa river link report Brainchild of Vajpayee and dream project of Narendra Modi, the Ken-Betwa river-linking project is embroiled in controversy over its environment impact assessment (EIA), which is replete with lies, say experts. Need to strengthen co-op federalism: CM at NITI meet There is a need to work together with Centre to strengthen cooperative federalism in the country, Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said while addressing the first meeting of the governing council of National Institute for Transforming India (NITI) on Sunday. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Cop-turned-ascetic kills college head clerk A policeman-turned-baba (ascetic) killed a head clerk of DAV College, Hoshiarpur and then went to the principal’s office to tell that he had finished the man and the police can be called to arrest him. Haryana terminates services of 325 guest teachers, lecturers Much to the disappointment of teaching faculty, the Haryana education department has terminated the services of 325 guest teachers and lecturers employed in government schools across Haryana. Victim learnt culprits' names and lost her life Disturbing details are emerging in the case of gang rape and murder of the Nepali women who was undergoing psychiatric treatment before she disappeared only to be found dead after three days. More Chandigarh News»

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