News Digest: For fearless Freya, it's gymming in air

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Thursday, February 19, 2015
		Today's Headlines

		India
		For fearless Freya, it's gymming in air Wingwalkers Stun Onlookers With Daring Air Stunts Policy to shape Modi's pet mantra Keen to flesh out PM Narendra Modi's Make-in-India campaign, the Centre is drawing up a separate policy, which is likely to be notified post-budget in April-May this year. Top gun Sukhoi rules the skies The deafening roar of soaring jets, agile aerobatic aircraft, hovering choppers... Aero India literally got off to a flying start, not seen during the previous edition's inaugural. More India News»

		Business
		When 'Cyrus Mistry' tricked Tata executives Tata Group chairman Cyrus Mistry is under cyber attack. RBI eases gold import norms In a move that will bring relief to jewellers and discourage smuggling, the Reserve Bank of India has allowed banks to import gold in bullion form on a consignment basis and given them a freehand in extending gold loans. Munjals raise Rs 1.9k crore for Pipavav stake A sale of 70 lakh equity shares by the Brijmohan Lall Munjal-led Hero Group in its flagship Hero MotoCorp to raise Rs 1,865 crore on Wednesday led to two contrasting reactions in the stock markets. More Business News»

		Environment
		Some animals 'enjoy' music like we do Certain birds can learn how to produce song-like vocalisations, a pre-requisite to learning new songs. Millions at risk from rapid sea rise in swampy Sundarbans Seas are rising more than twice as fast as the global average here in the Sundarbans, a low-lying delta region of about 200 islands in the Bay of Bengal where some 13 million impoverished Indians and Bangladeshis live. Javadekar raps states for not acting on plastic ban Union environment minister Prakash Javadekar on Tuesday pulled up state authorities for not strictly implementing rules on plastic waste management and ban of plastic carry bags. More Environment News»

		World
		Obama: US at war with those who have perverted Islam "We are not at war with Islam," Obama said."We are at war with people who have perverted Islam.". New Iran-US nuclear talks to be held in Geneva US negotiators will meet in the coming days in Geneva with their Iranian counterparts for a new round of talks on reining in Iran's nuclear program, American officials said Wednesday. Prokopis Pavlopoulos voted as new Greek president Greece's parliament has elected a conservative law professor and veteran politician as the country's new president, after he received support from the new left-wing government and main center-right opposition party. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Bollywood's most followed celebs on Twitter From senior actors to the new age lot, from Amitabh Bachchan to Varun Dhawan, we look at India's most followed Bollywood celebs on Twitter. World Cup WAGs Young, effervescent and not afraid of PDA, they are the brave new faces of Bollywood and Indian cricket. She’s our perfect choice for one-down. Nana Patekar returns with 'Ab Tak Chhappan 2' Nana Patekar is back with Ab Tak Chhappan 2, which also features Gul Panag, Ashutosh Rana, Vikram Gokhale, Mohan Agashe, Govind Namdev and Raj Zutshi. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Divers find ancient trove of gold coins in Mediterranean Scuba divers have discovered the largest trove of gold coins ever found off Israel's Mediterranean coast - about 2,000 pieces dating back more than 1,000 years, the country's antiquities authority said on Tuesday. Now, a cream for painless removal of 'permanent' ink A researcher in Canada has developed a skin cream that allows people to painlessly get rid of tattoos. Indian space mission not a medium of one-upmanship: K Radhakrishnan Indian space mission is not a medium of one-upmanship (over Western countries), but a mode to use it for the Indians, noted K Radhakrishnan, former chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). More Science News»

		Sports
		India are a very dangerous side, warns Ricky Ponting Ricky Ponting has rated India a "very dangerous side" and said the defending champions have got "too many class players" in their side to retain the title. I had to work the hardest to reach the top, says Tendulkar Sachin Tendulkar said he had to work the hardest to reach the top, while adding that he always believed in letting his bat do the talking in his glorious career. Raina wants to emulate Yuvraj's 2011 World Cup exploits Suresh Raina wants to fill in the shoes of Yuvraj, the hero of 2011 edition, in the ongoing showpiece event being jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Samsung Galaxy A7 first impressions We took the all-new Samsung Galaxy A7 out for a quick test drive and here's what we think about the smartphone... Sony's Google Glass rival SmartEyeglass goes on sale Sony has began taking orders for SmartEyeglass internet-linked eyewear, moving ahead in the market as Google steps back to revise its Glass strategy. Buying a budget smartphone? 5 things to remember The budget smartphone segment has grown by leaps and bound. More Technology News»

		Education
		Class X Assam boards begin Over four lakh candidates will take this year’s Class X examination conducted by the Board of Secondary Education (Seba). The High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) and Assam High Madrassa (AHM) exams will begin from Thursday Mamata Banerjee announces Sanskrit university in West Bengal Bengal is getting its first Sanskrit university, but little else other than the name has been decided. Airtel, UNICEF pact for education in Africa Bharti Airtel has partnered with UNICEF to provide health, education and youth-focussed content to its customers in 17 African countries. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Actor Sanjay Dutt to spend four extra days in prison, Maharashtra home minister says Four more days of imprisonment would be added to actor Sanjay Dutt's prison term, as he spent extra days out jail when his furlough period ended and a decision on extension of his furlough was pending, Maharashtra minister of state for home Ram Shinde has said. Theatre celebrates pioneer playwright's birth centenary Tuesday evening at NCPA, the students of Mumbai University’s Academy of Theatre Arts performed ‘Aazar Ka Khwab’, an Urdu adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s ‘Pygmalion’. Russian ship shut electronic system to avoid surveillance The Russian flag cargo vessel, MV Sevastopol was brought back to Mumbai anchorage on Tuesday night. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		City temperature to remain above normal, says Met Delhiites can expect another week of warm days with the Met department predicting that both maximum and minimum temperatures will be 2-3 degrees above normal. Light rain and thunderstorms are also on the cards next week, likely between Monday and Wednesday. Child rape trial moving at snail's pace While justice is expected soon for the survivor in the recent cab rape case, another case of sexual assault that triggered widespread outrage is far from reaching its conclusion. App-based cab firms get 7 days to submit details A notice has been sent to app-based cab companies who have applied to register as radio taxi providers by the Delhi transport department to submit relevant details missing in their applications within seven days. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Feline beauties to strut their stuff It'll be a catfight between Mumbai champ Bella and namma Bengaluru's Chotu. Threat of shutdown sends ESIC medicos into a tizzy Students of ESIC Medical College and Research Centre, Rajajinagar campus, staged a protest on Wednesday demanding clarity on the future of the institution. Hoax bomb threat at Karnataka CM's house A call to the police control room on Thursday evening that a% bomb had been planted at chief minister Siddaramaiah's residence, Cauvery, sparked off an alarm in the Bengaluru police establishment. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Coal supply shortfall hits Andhra Pradesh's power plan The Andhra Pradesh government's grand plan to supply 247 electricity across the state faced its first litmus test on Wednesday as the power demand soared and the coal supplies dwindled. A filmmaker like no other... Veteran film producer Daggubati Rama Naidu made more than 155 movies and created a world record.But not many know that he also introduced as many as 20 directors, 11 heroines and four heroes to the film industry. Harassed by in-laws, 2 women commit suicide Two women of a family allegedly committed suicide at Gannavaram here on Wednesday unable to bear the harassment of their in-laws. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		2 officials in Lankan mission in Chennai recalled Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has recalled 51 diplomats, including two from the Deputy High Commission in Chennai who were seen as "political" appointments made by the former government, from across the globe. Rocket science of south In the 1960s, when children of coastal Thiruvananthapuram remained outdoors even after nightfall, mothers employed a scare: “Get in, Maadan would be flying now.“ Maadan, the not-so-friendly local god would fly with a mace at night, spewing fire and threatening to knock down those who disobeyed parents. Under pressure from locals, foresters shoot tiger in Gudalur Villagers of Pattavayal near Gudalur in the Nilgiris heaved a sigh of relief on Wednesday afternoon after a male tiger, aged around eight years and declared a man-eater, was shot dead by special task force personnel. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		RPO helps wife of man assaulted by US cops The Regional Passport Office (RPO) on Wednesday helped resident of Pij village near Nadiad, Shakuntalaben Patel, in expediting her visa process so that she could go to her husband Sureshbhai, who was left partially paralyzed after a police officer assaulted him in the USA. 8-year-old raped in Ghatlodia, one arrested Ghatlodia police arrested Ashok Sharma, 41, a resident of Ghatlodia, for allegedly raping an 8-year-old girl. Zip line, amusement park along Sabarmati soon Very soon water sports enthusiasts will have a chance to zip along the Sabarmati River. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Several injured in leopard attacks Leopards attacked and injured several persons including a forest officer in two separate incidents under Suheldev Wildlife Sanctuary area on Wednesday. City girl tests positive for swine flu in Lucknow With a girl student of a city based engineering college testing positive for swine flu in the state capital, health authorities on Wednesday claimed to have intensified awareness campaign in the Sangam city and perked up preparations to tackle new cases. UP Board fails to implement plans While announcing the exam schedule, the UP Board had said that it would use social media, hologram on answer copies and CCTV cameras in galleries of examination centres to check copying. However, till Wednesday evening, merely 12 hours before the start of the exams, none of these announcements have been fulfilled. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Opposition ignored in proposed security panel, row erupts The Odisha Police Bill, 2015, which the state government recently introduced in the assembly, has sparked a controversy with the opposition on Wednesday seeking amendment in the proposed legislation. CMC procures pumps to drain out water The Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) has started procuring high-power motor pumps to check waterlogging in the city.Last month, the civic body got six pumps and another 10 will arrive on Thursday. Sorcery: 23 held for attacking man Police on Tuesday arrested 23 people, including three women, for allegedly attacking a 35-year-old man and feeding him excreta at Mayangi village in Ganjam district, accusing him of practising witchcraft. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Probe Digvijaya Singh's charges, CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan to SIT chief Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan urged the chief special investigation team (SIT) for MPPEB cases Justice (Retd) Chandresh Bhushan to immediately investigate the misleading complaint by senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh regarding exams and appointment of contractual school teacher-2, contractual school teacher-3 and assistant grade-3 conducted by MPPEB, a state government release said. Governor humiliated in assembly, Congress demands resignation For the first time in history of Madhya Pradesh assembly, opposition members questioned integrity of governor when he was about to address the House on first day of budget session. Congress MLAs question MP governor's integrity, boycott address Opposition Congress MLAs boycotted Madhya Pradesh governor Ram Naresh Yadav's address on the first day of the budget session on Wednesday and walked out of the assembly, accusing him and his family of corruption in the Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board (MPPEB) scam. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		In Moga, candidates try to pull in wannabe NRIs with IELTS In this 'Mecca of NRIs', candidates fighting the municipal corporation elections have come out with the USP of fulfilling the voters' foreign dreams by promising to regularlize IELTS (International English Language Testing System) centres and cracking down on illegal visa operators. Contestant from ward 10 files plaints A woman contestant from Mohali ward number 10 filled a written complaint with the returning officer, alleging that her opponents were removing her posters and banners. Get ready for a feast of roses A rosy treat awaits you.The municipal corporation, in collaboration with Chandigarh administration, will hold 43rd National Rose Festival from Friday. More Chandigarh News»

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News Digest: Even doctors find it difficult to get Tamiflu in Delhi

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Wednesday, February 18, 2015
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Even doctors find it difficult to get Tamiflu in Delhi Delhi may have contained swine flu deaths to six but there's panic in the city over medicine shortages and inadequate testing facilities. The Capital has so far reported 1,679 swine flu cases. Four factors that gave the swine flu virus more teeth Reports from swine-flu hit states suggest that a prolonged winter, inadequate testing facilities, limited Tamiflu availability and failure to rope in private hospitals are prime reasons for state governments' failure to check spread of the disease. Madhya Pradesh governor may resign Madhya Pradesh Governor Ram Naresh Yadav may resign after addressing Budget session on February 18. More India News»

		Business
		Anil Ambani plans defence smart city In a bid to move its defence play to the next level, the Anil Ambani owned Reliance Group is planning to set up India’s first smart city for the sector in an area of around 5000 acres to house a fully integrated defence and aerospace infrastructure facility. Sahara seeks 4 more weeks for deal Sahara chief Subrata Roy, who has been behind bars since March 4 last year, is all set to complete one year in Tihar jail. Blackstone may buy back Intelenet Private equity giant Blackstone has made a surprise offer to buy back the Indian BPO unit of the London-listed Serco, as formal bids were fired last week for the asset put on the block, people familiar with the matter said. More Business News»

		Environment
		Javadekar raps states for not acting on plastic ban Union environment minister Prakash Javadekar on Tuesday pulled up state authorities for not strictly implementing rules on plastic waste management and ban of plastic carry bags. Rajasthan's first all-birds park soon in Udaipur The zoo at Gulab Bagh will soon have a new identity. It will be known as the state’s first bird park with a variety of local and scheduled species. 'Implement green laws to protect environment' Environment minister Prakash Javadekar on Tuesday asked his ministry officials to "impose" the green laws to protect country's air, water and forest resources. More Environment News»

		World
		Ukraine seeks implementation of Minsk pact A senior Ukrainian diplomat here called for the full implementation of the latest Minsk peace agreement. 11 killed in suicide attack in northeast Nigeria Eleven people were killed in a suicide bomb attack on a checkpoint near the town of Biu in northeast Nigeria today, a vigilante and a resident said. Kiev, rebels claim ceasefire violated 139 times already Pro-Russian rebels and government forces fought street-to-street in a strategic town in east Ukraine on Tuesday and refused to pull back their heavy guns, all but scuppering hopes that a European-brokered peace deal will end months of conflict. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Nakuul Mehta to host Drashti Dhami's wedding Actor Nakuul Mehta, who is busy anchoring shows on TV, will host his best friend, actress Drashti Dhami’s wedding with Neeraj Khemka on February 20. Shah Rukh Khan's surprise for Manali on her wedding day Shah Rukh Khan surprised designer Manali Jagtap by attending the reception of her wedding with Vicky Shoor. Despite his frenetic schedule, the star spent some time with the newly-weds. Kareena Kapoor Khan's five BFFs in Bollywood More Entertainment News»

		Science
		1,000-km haze on Red Planet leaves scientists in a daze A mysterious haze on Mars has left scientists confused. Key to blocking Alzheimer's progress discovered A molecule that can block the progress of Alzheimer's disease at a crucial stage in its development has been identified by British researchers. Gold nanotubes can destroy cancer cells Gold nanotubes can act as internal nanoprobes for high-resolution imaging, drug delivery vehicles and agents for destroying cancer cells, scientists say. More Science News»

		Sports
		World Cup: Sachin Tendulkar warns India against complacency Tendulkar cautioned the Indian team to guard against complacency ahead of its World Cup game against South Africa, saying they are better than Pakistan. India can retain World Cup, says former coach Gary Kirsten Former India coach Gary Kirsten exuded confidence in the defending champions, asserting that they have what it takes to retain the cricket World Cup crown. Virat Kohli has the makings of a class cricketer: Michael Holding Praising Virat Kohli, Michael Holding said his knack of converting starts into three-figure scores shows that the batsman has the makings of a class cricketer. More Sports News»

		Technology
		8 telecom companies in race for spectrum The telecom industry lined up for a new round of spectrum auctions — slated for next month — even as some of them have approached various courts with some “clarifications and queries” regarding the sale. How Infosys challenges IT practices with Panaya deal Vishal Sikka described the buy as helping Infosys get freedom from 'the drudgery of repetitive tasks'. 7 phones that recently got a price cut Looking to buy a new smartphone but not sure if you’re getting the best deal? More Technology News»

		Education
		102 schools eligible to reserve 25% seats Altogether 102 private schools in the city have been found eligible to reserve 25% of their seats for the economically backward students living within a radius of 3km from school in playgroup or Standard I in accordance with the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009. Assam govt joins hands with Curtin University to develop higher education Assam government today said it has joined hands with Australia-based Curtin University for development of higher education in the state. Online registration of schools under RTE begins in Nagpur After initial technical hiccups, the online registrations for schools under Right To Education Act got underway on Monday More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Jogeshwari college to be 'forcibly possessed'? Opposing the state government’s plan to develop Jogeshwari-based Ismail Yusuf College as an education hub, some Muslim groups have threatened “forcible possession” of the campus any day between last week of February and first week of March. Now 4G cells proposed on street light poles in Mumbai Close on the heels of citizens protesting against 4G towers in city gardens, there is now a proposal to install 4G cells on the streetlight poles in island city. Teesta's supporters say Gujarat cops on witch hunt A group of social activists have called the Gujarat police’s insistence on taking Teesta Setalvad and Javed Anand in custody as witch-hunt. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		E-auction of VIP numbers fetches Rs 39L Delhi government’s e-auction of fancy registration numbers for vehicles today fetched the government a whopping over Rs 39 lakh, with the number ‘0007’ selling for Rs 10.45 lakh. Staff crunch delaying Air India flights Air India's crew shortage is now causing immense trouble to passengers. Girls crash shaadi, take off with gold Next time there is a wedding in the house, beware of unknown children claiming to be part of your extended family and offering help. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Big defence deals in the air as 5-day Aero India starts today Aero India, Asia's premier air show, will begin in Bengaluru on Wednesday with over 300 foreign firms trying to align with 'Make in India' campaign in their bid to eye the Indian defence market. Cariappa's Rs 2.4cr is an unreal dream for family Maruthi Nilaya, a modest dwelling in Bagalugunte, an area adjoining bustling Yeshwantpur, was just another house until Monday afternoon. IIIT-B hosts India's first web observatory For those into web science research, here's some good news. India's first Web Observatory (WO) was launched at the International Institute of Information Technology - Bangalore (IIIT-B) on Tuesday. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Pranahita-Chevella will be redesigned: KCR Telanagna chief minister K Chandrasekahar Rao on Tuesday assured his Maharashtra counterpart Devendra Fadnavis that the Pranahita-Chevella lift irrigation project would be redesigned so as to minimise the submergence of villages in the neigbouring state. Capital farmers to take fight to Delhi, seek Anna Hazare's support Farmers of riverbank villages in the proposed state capital have decided to take their struggle to Delhi in a bid to mobilize national support. Zodiac keen to set up its plant in Andhra Pradesh Several industrialists met Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu here on Tuesday and presented their investment proposals. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Watchtowers at Pallikaranai marsh Bird watching at Pallikaranai this season appears to have been more enjoyable than in previous years and forest department officials attribute this to the three watchtowers put up along the marsh’s periphery. Engineering colleges can't be punished for not buying e-journals: HC The Madras high court has restrained the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) from taking “coercive action” against private engineering colleges for not subscribing to e-journals from a particular supplier for the academic year 2015-16. State seeks Centre's nod to extend metro line till Thiruvottiyur Amid the growing demand for extending the metro rail network to north Chennai, the state government on Tuesday sought clearance from the Centre to extend the line from Washermenpet to Thiruvottiyur. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Kin mourn Gujarat-origin businessman shot in US store Amit Patel, a native of Uttarsanda in Nadiad, had gotten married just over a year ago. Amit’s paternal aunt Kalpana Patel said his father had moved to the US with family 13 years ago to live the ‘American dream’. GPS to track big cat's exact location The two-day lion census scheduled to be held from May 2 will be the biggest ever since the formation of the state and will be conducted with the help of GPS technology to record the exact location of lions. Salt-making activity now under CRZ ambit The Centre’s recent notification on Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) has brought the salt manufacturing activity under the ambit of the CRZ Act. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Jansadharan special train The railways would run a Jansadharan Special between New Delhi and Bhubaneswar owing to upcoming festive season. The train will pass through Allahabad. 300 jail inmates among 64.23 lakh UP Board examinees The high school and Intermediate examinations, to be conducted Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad, would start from Thursday. The first paper of high school would be Hindi while that of Intermediate, it would be defence studies and Hindi. Written exam of history lecturers cancelled Uttar Pradesh Secondary Education Service Selection Board (UPSESSB) has cancelled the written examination of history lecturers for an indefinite period after questions of economics were asked in history papers. The exam conducted on February 15 was carried out to recruit trained graduate teachers in colleges across the state. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Cottage industry building in shambles Conservation of Swaraj Ashram has almost been completed, but the Orissa Poor Industry Cottage at Town Hall Road here, which Mahatma Gandhi visited in 1934, is still lying in a shambles. Swaraj Ashram gets facelift at last Swaraj Ashram here is now in its final phase of restoration with the state government taking steps at last to repair and renovate it. Government shatters state economy, says Congress Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Prasad Harichandan on Tuesday said finance minister Pradip Amat presented a regressive budget, a day before, without going for reforms. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		2 assistant sub-inspectors consume poison, 1 dies & another critical Jabalpur/ In two incidents, an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) died after consuming poison in Jabalpur city and another cop of the same rank from Umaria is battling for life after the two tried to end life on Monday. 13-year-old Bhopal girl was raped before murder in Sehore Thirteen-year-old city girl, who was reported missing on January 31 and whose body was found on February 2 in Sehore, was raped before being murdered. Mayor promises metro rail in Bhopal by 2018 Bhopal seems to have elected a magician as city's new mayor. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Pak Sikhs to follow 2003 Nanakshahi calendar: Minister Defying the directions of the Akal Takht, Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) will continue to follow the original Pal Singh Purewal-authored Nanakshahi Calendar (NC) implemented in 2003. Mohali scores a low on education infrastructure Children are the future of a country who need good education and infrastructure for their physical as well as mental growth. Political backing needed to tackle dog menace: Experts Vikram Jit Singh | Experts have said there has to be political backing and legislative intent to tackle the problem of dogs, monkeys and stray cattle menace. More Chandigarh News»

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