News Digest: J&K minister's guard goes missing with rifles

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Sunday, March 29, 2015
		Today's Headlines

		India
		J&K minister's guard goes missing with rifles Jammu & Kashmir police have sounded an alert after a constable posted at minister Altaf Bukhari’s Srinagar residence went missing along with two AK 47 rifles and magazines on Friday night. Antrix-Devas deal under scanner because PMO panicked after 2G scam, ex-ISRO chief G Madhavan Nair says Even as CBI is probing alleged irregularities in the Antrix-Devas spectrum deal and plans to examine former ISRO chairman G Madhavan Nair, the former space scientist has defended his decision. UP village finally sees light after 14 years of darkness The village has a population of over 2700 people and majority of the youths are well educated, yet it was lagging miles behind others due to lack of power supply. More India News»

		Business
		RBI to reduce bank's exposure in corporate houses With an aim to reduce risk in the banking sector, RBI has proposed to limit exposure of a bank to a business group to 25 per cent of its capital, down from the existing level of 55 per cent. India's forex reserves up $4.26bn India's foreign exchange reserves increased by $4.26 billion to $339.99 billion for the week ended March 20, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data showed. Saudi's influence on oil price volatility to decline With Saudi Arabia moving beyond its long-held role as a simple exporter of crude oil and reshaping itself as a supplier of refined petroleum products, the kingdom will be less able to influence prices and balance global oil markets, a study says. More Business News»

		Environment
		Environmental laws to be reviewed to give more teeth The Centre is reviewing all environmental laws with an aim to give them more teeth and hand severe punishment in cases of encroachment and violation, Union environment minister Prakash Javadekar said on Saturday. Extreme winter not a result of climate change: Study Contrary to popular belief, cold snaps like the ones that hit the eastern United States in the past winter are not a consequence of climate change, says a new study. Norway joins race of rich nations for a global climate deal Joining race of rich nations including Switzerland and European Union (EU) countries in submitting their respective ‘climate action plans’ well in time, Norway on Friday submitted its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) to the UNFCCC promising to cut at least 40% of its greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2030 compared to 1990 level. More Environment News»

		World
		45-day Ebola 'health emergency' declared in Guinea Guinean President Alpha Conde declared a 45-day "health emergency" in five regions in the west and southwest of the Ebola-hit nation in a bid to stem the spread of the deadly disease. Nigeria recaptures Boko Haram 'HQ' Gwoza Nigeria's military on Sunday announced that troops had retaken the town of Gwoza from Boko Haram, from which the group declared their caliphate last year. Islamic fighters led by al-Qaida in Syria seize major city Idlib, a major urban center with a population of around 165,000 people, is the second provincial capital to fall into opposition hands after Raqqa, now a stronghold of the Islamic State group. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Exclusive: Amitabh Bachchan chose a charpai over his van Amitabh Bachchan chose a charpai over his van while shooting for Piku at a dhaba Katrina Kaif: We have a mandir at our home Katrina Kaif has come a long way to become India’s most glamourous and sought-after star 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
		Race to build a better diet soda In a crowded lab in Copenhagen, food scientists at Swiss biotech company Evolva Holding are scrambling to help reinvent one of the world's most popular drinks. Calories in rice can be cut by 50% Rice is intrinsic to the diet of many populations across the world, especially in the subcontinent and China. Vizag's mysterious black hole Black holes are one of the most alluring mysteries in the universe.They are the last stage in a star's life cycle and are formed when a star collapses under the weight of its own gravity. More Science News»

		Sports
		Saina Nehwal creates history, becomes world No. 1 Saina Nehwal on Saturday etched her name in the history books when she became the first Indian female shuttler to reach the world No.1 ranking. New Zealand 'fearless' ahead of World Cup final against Australia New Zealand are sticking with the same team, and the same fearless approach, for Sunday's World Cup final against Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Saina Nehwal true role model for sportspersons: Sachin Tendulkar Sachin Tendulkar and other eminent sporting stars congratulated Saina Nehwal on becoming the world number one on Saturday at the India Open. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Google should be terrified right now Facebook is conducting an all-out assault on Google. Apple is Hitler: Chinese CEO The text across the top of the poster compares the attributes of the Android and iOS ecosystems. Countries with world's fastest internet Curious which are the countries that offer highest internet speeds and where India stands? Here’s a look… More Technology News»

		Education
		Delay in MU exams may run into next academic yr While the Mumbai University accepted the demand from students and senate members to postpone the dates of 23 exams, the delay is likely to spill over to the next academic year or ruin vacation plans. CET candidates threaten hunger strike over scores Upset with the responses from the state Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) candidates, who took the state's common entrance test (CET) for MBA/MMS admissions, have threatened to go on an indefinite hunger strike. CBSE to review feedback over 'tough' Class XII maths paper Taking cognizance of the students’ outrage about the difficulty level of the CBSE class XII mathematics paper, the board has decided to review feedback before evaluation begins. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Hunt for dad with posters, hope A telecom engineer, along with her two sisters, are going from station to station in Mumbai suburbs with a picture of their cancer-survivor father who had gone missing from Goa three months ago. As others watch, boy flies in with help for thirsty bird In this fast-paced city where people are always on the run, a touching sight unfolded in Kanjurmarg on a sweltering Saturday afternoon. Illegal hoardings case: 11 years on, Cong leader acquitted A metropolitan magistrate’s court recently acquitted a Congress leader charged with illegally putting up cutouts 11 years ago. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Some dues paid, but stir on Following large-scale protests by sanitation workers, the East Delhi Municipal Corporation on Saturday evening released their salaries for the month of February. Man ran fake notes ring in 3 states, held A man was arrested on Saturday by the special cell for smuggling fake currency notes into the country. The accused, identified as Shahjahan Sheikh, was running a wide network of fake Indian currency notes from Delhi, Gujarat and Maharashtra. 2 PWD engineers in CBI net for graft CBI has arrested two PWD engineers of Delhi government for allegedly taking a bribe of Rs 50,000 from a person in lieu of clearing his pending bills with the department. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		KEA will verify papers tomorrow The Karnataka Examination Authority which conducts the CET has advised students who have not taken printouts after submission of online applications, to do so. BJP hopes to make big pre-poll impact The three-day national meet of the BJP, to be held in Bengaluru from April 2, is essentially to build the party in South India, where all states are election-bound in one way or another. Varthur lake to be fenced in 2 months: Upa Lokayukta He ordered the stakeholders, including the deputy director of land records, to meet at his office on April 6 to decide on encroachments on the lake bed and fencing the lake. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		MRO records capital region's rich past in book The proposed capital region that comprises 29 villages spread over three mandals in Guntur district has a rich history dating back to the second century BC. Veena, Vani parents in catch-22 situation Barely able to make ends meet, couple want govt to sponsor to foot med bill of conjoined twins T entry tax to hit AP hard Travelling as well as transportation of goods from Andhra Pradesh to Telangana is set to become a very costly affair from April 1 as the TRS government has decided to levy tax on all stage carriers, private vehicles and goods carriers. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Opposition bandh over Karnataka dam evokes mixed response in TN As many as 4,200 people were arrested across the state, including 437 in Chennai. Protesters blocked trains at Chennai Egmore and Central stations. Inquiry on against officer involved in capitation fee racket The state government has initiated disciplinary action against transport department deputy secretary V Mohanraj, a 2006 batch IAS officer, against whom the Madras high court has ordered an FIR registered for allegedly cheating a doctor of 50 lakh. Onus on lawyers to ensure smooth functioning of courts, says CJI A lawyer wears two robes — the black robe of an advocate in court and an additional robe of a social reformer — said chief justice of India H L Dattu here on Saturday. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Suicidal intern soothed by women cops; cause of distress a mystery At about 3am on Saturday, staffers of a women’s helpline entered the women’s police station at Mithakhali, with a 22-year-old girl. Goswami sold 4kg of blood gold in Agra Dreaded gangster Vishal Goswami sold 4kg of gold jewellery to an Agra-based jeweller for Rs 18 lakh. During Goswami’s interrogation it came to light that after killing and robbing a jeweller in Bangalore in 2013, they sold the booty to a jeweller in Agra, said a crime branch officer. Rural Ahmedabad on TB watch list Directly Observed Therapy-Shortcourse (DOTS) model for treatment of tuberculosis (TB) is followed across the country. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Couple killed for 'honour' in Allahabad In a suspected case of honour killing, an aged man and girl were attacked with sharp-edged weapons and later strangulated to death by unidentified assailants in Kohna village late on Thursday night. RLD blames state, Centre govts for farmers' plight Rashtriya Lok Dal general secretary Jayant Chowdhry on Friday blamed rampant corruption in the corridors of power for the problems being faced by the poor. 800 ECC students to get degrees after a year There is a good news for 800 students of Ewing Christian College, who completed their under-graduate course in 2013-14. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		CMC to set up working women's hostel in Satichoura for 50 lakh In view of the problems faced by working women in the city in finding suitable accommodation, the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) has decided to build a hostel for them. Board aims to publish matric results early Encouraged by the timely completion of evaluation of answer sheets, the Board of Secondary Education aims to publish the matriculation results early this time. May deadline for projects: Chief secy With Banajaga Yatra (search for timber for creating idols of deities), the first ritual of Nabakalebara in Puri, beginning Saturday, chief secretary Gokul Chandra Pati on Friday set May deadline for completion of all development projects. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Rs 2.5L, mobile stolen from parked car in MP Nagar Four bags carrying cash, live cartridges and other goods kept in a SUV went missing from a parking in MP Nagar on Friday. Incident was committed by accused after confusing vehicle’s driver. Serial rapist who ensnared minors nabbed A 27-year-old serial rapist on the prowl was nabbed on Saturday for kidnapping a four-year-old with an intention of rape on March 25. He dumped her near Kaliasot dam and fled after he sensed police presence in the area. Cong gulps down protest as Chouhan govt looks away Congress on Friday ended its four-day agitation in state assembly against Shivraj Singh Chouhan government by gulping down glasses of lemonade More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Ram Navmi celebrated with fervor in Chandigarh Devotees thronged the Sai Mandirs across the region as the Ram Navmi was celebrated with fervor across the country on Saturday. Nobel Laureate's talk floors school pupils at PU campus Over 300 school students from the city and around received exposure of a unique kind at the Panjab University campus on Friday morning. Chandigarh's heritage items auctioned in US for Rs30 lakh The heritage items of the Chandigarh Administration and the Punjab and Haryana High Court were auctioned in USA on Thursday night for $48,750 (approximately Rs30 lakh). More Chandigarh News»

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News Digest: Efforts to resurrect Janata Parivar gather steam

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Saturday, March 28, 2015
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Efforts to resurrect Janata Parivar gather steam Efforts for the resurrection of the Janata Parivar by merging SP, JD(U), RJD, INLD and its other offshoots have been revived, with a “rumour” about RSS’s interest in Bihar CM Nitish Kumar acting as the trigger. Janata Parivar to oppose land bill, but not under Cong's leadership Days after opposition parties marched to Rashtrapati Bhavan under the leadership of Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, the Janata Parivar has decided to launch a separate agitation against the BJP government’s controversial land acquisition bill. TN parties stand together on dam row, adopt resolution in House On the eve of an opposition-sponsored state-wide bandh over the Cauvery dispute, political parties in Tamil Nadu came together on Friday to demand the Centre’s intervention to stop Karnataka from building two reservoirs across the river near Mekedatu. More India News»

		Business
		Vedanta slaps claims notice on govt London-listed Vedanta group of NRI metals-to-mining tycoon Anil Agarwal has slapped a ‘notice of claims’ against the government of India, challenging a Rs 20,497 crore tax claim against its Indian subsidiary, Cairn India, using retrospective law. Lenders woo cabbies of tech-backed taxis As tech-based taxi services like Ola, Uber and Taxiforsure pick up speed in India, banks and other lenders are targeting a growing army of driver-entrepreneurs with tailor-made financing options and flexible repayment schemes. Emcure's antibiotics recalled in US Two different types of antibiotic injections manufactured by India's Emcure Pharmaceuticals sold in the US by Heritage Pharmaceuticals Inc are being recalled following concerns over quality control processes. More Business News»

		Environment
		Norway joins race of rich nations for a global climate deal Joining race of rich nations including Switzerland and European Union (EU) countries in submitting their respective ‘climate action plans’ well in time, Norway on Friday submitted its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) to the UNFCCC promising to cut at least 40% of its greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2030 compared to 1990 level. Four leopards die in Tripura zoo Four common leopards have died in Tripura's Sepahijala wildlife zoo and sanctuary since Monday due to Felina babesiosis, a tick-borne malaria-like illness, an official said here on Friday. India ready to impart training to conserve tigers: Javadekar India is ready to impart training and even donate tigers to other countries as part of efforts for the conservation of the endangered species, Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests, Prakash Javadekar said today. More Environment News»

		World
		Amanda Knox acquitted of murder by Italy's top court Italy's top court on Friday annulled the conviction of American Amanda Knox for the 2007 murder of British student Meredith Kercher and, in a surprise verdict, acquitted her of the charge. Time for Iran to make tough decisions in nuclear talks: US Negotiations between six world powers and Iran over its nuclear programme have been "tough and very serious" and the next few days will show whether Tehran is ready to make the necessary hard decisions, a senior US official said on Friday. Kamala Harris gets head start in California Senate race Kamala Harris is on track to become the first Senator of Indian origin – and the first black Senator from California – having gotten a head start by way of endorsements from key Democratic leaders and organisations. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Mohit about RGV: He is not bisexual Mohit Ahlawat, 32, was Ram Gopal Varma’s blue-eyed boy when he launched him in 'James' a few years back. Then hell broke loose in Mohit’s life and he went through a separation and got into drugs. Even though he comes from a wealthy background and his father owns a Bentley and Ferrari, he always wanted to make it on his own, just like his father had done. Rashami Desai and Nandish Sandhu in 'Nach Baliye' Rashami Desai and Nandish Sandhu will be part of Nach Baliye’s next season. India's defeat: B'wood rescues Anushka The knee-jerk reaction of trashing Anushka Sharma for India’s loss at the semis had a bigger and opposite reaction from those who jumped to her defence. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Patients looking for quick fixes, chemists & quacks spur antibiotics resistance Growing all-round abuse gets CMC Vellore started on a study Wearable device to help vision-impaired navigate Researchers have developed a new pocket-sized wearable device to keep vision-impaired people from colliding with high-level obstacles. Antarctic ice shelves rapidly thinning: Study The thickness of Antarctica's floating ice shelves has decreased by 18 per cent in certain areas over nearly two decades, warns a study that provides insights on how the ice sheet is responding to climate change. More Science News»

		Sports
		Mature fans accept end of India's World champion reign India's notoriously volatile fans showed rare maturity in accepting the end of their team's reign as world champions after semifinal defeat against Australia. Saina Nehwal storms into maiden India Open semifinal Saina Nehwal sailed past Hana Ramadhini to make her maiden semifinals at the India Open while H S Prannoy and RMV Gurusaidutt went down fighting. India vs Australia generates 24.5m interactions on Facebook Globally, 8.8 million people drove 24.5 million interactions around the match on Facebook. In India, 6 million people had 17 million interactions. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Infosys gives average pay hike of 6.5% Infosys has given an average salary increase of 6.5% to employees for the year starting April 1, like last year. Moto Turbo review: The costliest Motorola phone Moto Turbo is the perfect smartphone for you if you want a long-lasting battery and ultra-smooth performance and don't go into the details of the camera too much. Countries with world's fastest internet Curious which are the countries that offer highest internet speeds and where India stands? Here’s a look… More Technology News»

		Education
		Shivaji university focuses on better research facilities in its new budget The Shivaji University, Kolhapur (SUK) presented its budget for the upcoming academic year 2015-16 in the annual Senate meeting on Friday. The budget showed an expenditure of Rs 319.11 crore, compared to the Rs 314.73 crore deposits. Panjab University to introduce 'third gender' category Panjab University (PU) will soon introduce a column for transgenders (TG) under 'gender' category in all its application forms, academic testimonials and other relevant documents that are processed or issued by the university. Colleges, varsities must encourage research: Gadkari Emphasising on the importance of research, shipping minister Nitin Gadkari today said research is the only means to convert waste into wealth and it should be the top priority of education institutes. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		IITians' 2nd Mars rover a hit at fest Almost two years after completing the first Mars rover, Mars Society India, which is based at IIT-Bombay, has come up with a second hi-tech one. Partial relief for accused in Wadia deposition The sessions court has in a conditional order rejected a plea made by Kirti Ambani for an in-camera deposition by industrialist Nusli Wadia as a witness in a 25-year-old case of a murder attempt on his life. Cyber legal eagles to review IT sections Following the SC verdict scrapping section 66A of the Information Technology Act, cyber law advocates and activists will meet soon to review its other provisions. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Driving curbs in CR Park from next week With a surge in the number of vehicles in Greater Kailash-II and Chittaranjan Park over the past few months, Delhi Traffic Police has come up with a traffic circulation plan for the area. Cheque bounce case: Man jailed, asked to pay Rs 1.6 lakh damages A man was sentenced to two months in jail in a cheque bounce case by a city court, which noted that he had opportunity to pay but failed to do so. Mumbai don aide had 15 days to kill businessman Had it not been for swift police action, the owner of Relaxo Footwear would have been shot by the hired guns of Mumbai don Ejaz Lakdawala, sources have said. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Karnataka HC: How can headmaster work for Rs 13,600 per month? The Karnataka High Court on Friday asked the education secretary to appear before it on Monday to explain the rationale behind the fixation of school fees as well as the salaries and emoluments of teachers of private schools. An instrument for Lord Shiva Bringing the veena to the forefront is what inspired Pandit Salil Bhatt to create the Satvik Veena New voices raised in song Choral singing in Bangalore is going beyond chamber and gospel music to embrace different musical cultures More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Council poll debacle rattles Hyderabad TRS leaders After the TRS losing out to BJP-TDP combine in the MLC elections from Hyderabad-Ranga Reddy-Mahbubnagar graduates constituency, chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has come under pressure from his party cadre to lay down a fresh strategy for the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) polls. Octopus pitches for UAV to handle terror attacks The Organization for Counter Terrorist Operations (Octopus) wants to procure an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to boost its capacity in effectively handling terror attacks in Telangana. ED attaches Rs 216cr worth plots of Ramky The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is investigating the Jaganmohan Reddy assets case, on Friday attached plots worth Rs 216 crore belonging to Ramky Pharma City India Ltd under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Students design device to alert gas leak Water purification using a banana peel, running a bike engine on hydrogen fuel, heavy metal extraction using prawn skin and a solar powered machine for farming– those were among the environment-friendly innovations by engineering students at the ‘innoWAH’ challenge of pan-IIT alumni leadership series (PALS) that kicked off on Friday. Rs 5-cr worth narcotic drug seized in Red Hills Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) sleuths on Thursday arrested four people and seized 50kg of narcotic drug amphetamine worth Rs 5 crore from a car near Red Hills. Couple travel miles with 'Poster Hatao' campaign For the last few weeks, retired Colonel Shivraj and his wife Laxmi have been travelling to Trichy, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, and Dindigul, talking to local people and tearing down posters that deface public walls. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		'BJP men damaged properties to make us scapegoats' Leader of opposition in the state assembly, Shankersinh Vaghela, on Friday said: "BJP men damaged the properties to make us the scapegoats.We condemn the move of registering a police complaint against us on Thursday. Pay damages, speaker tells Cong MLAs Speaker Ganpat Vasava on Friday directed that the damages will be recovered from Congress MLAs involved in vandalism in the assembly on Thursday.The speaker was acting on a motion moved by minister Pradeepsinh Jadeja. Rules flouted to give Abad land to private firm: Cong Shaktisinh Gohil, senior Congress MLA and the party's national spokesperson, alleged that there was a major financial scam by chief minister Anandiben Patel's Gujarat government. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		CCTVs, guards must for banks, ATMs, say cops The police pulled up the banks in the city for laxity in making adequate security arrangement at their premises. The cops have instructed the banks to install CCTV cameras sets in and around its premises within a month. 19 AU teachers bunk exam duty, show-caused Around 19 teachers of the Allahabad University, including national president of Samajwadi Mahila Sabha, have been show-caused for ‘bunking’ invigilation duty during the ongoing annual examination. Copycats hurl bombs on CMP college proctor A group of students in Chaudhary Mahadeo Prasad (CMP) Degree College on Thursday hurled crude bombs and bricks on college proctor's car for stopping use of unfair means in final examination. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Amit Shah to visit Odisha in May BJP president Amit Shah will visit Odisha again in May for strengthening party organization, a senior party leader said on Thursday. It would be Shah’s second visit to the state after taking over reins of the party. Free medicine service disrupted in Sishu Bhawan Patients at Sishu Bhawan here are left in the lurch as supply of free medicines to the state’s biggest government-run pediatric hospital has been stopped since Wednesday. Opposition nails govt in House, Patro outside it Opposition political parties on Thursday paralyzed the assembly for second consecutive day, demanding rollback of electricity tariff hike. Outside the assembly, former energy minister and BJD leader S N Patro embarrassed the government by endorsing the opposition’s view. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Fresh spell of relief: It could rain tomorrow City could witness a third spell of rain and thundershowers between March 29 and March 30. Officials of meteorological department, Bhopal circle, said moisture incursion from Arabian Sea and an upper air cyclonic circulation over south Rajasthan and adjoining areas of Gujarat would lead to showers. IIT aspirant raped, filmed & blackmailed A 17-year-old IIT aspirant was raped, filmed in the nude and blackmailed for months by owner of a hostel, where she resided. A case was registered in Govindpura police station on Friday. The accused is yet to be arrested. Wanted by FBI, cyber fugitive employed in state IT dept Shivraj Singh Dabi, who was declared a 'wanted' Indian-origin cyber fugitive by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in a 2007 case, was clandestinely working as consultant in Madhya Pradesh government’s IT department. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Nobel Laureate's talk floors school pupils at PU campus Over 300 school students from the city and around received exposure of a unique kind at the Panjab University campus on Friday morning. Chandigarh's heritage items auctioned in US for Rs30 lakh The heritage items of the Chandigarh Administration and the Punjab and Haryana High Court were auctioned in USA on Thursday night for $48,750 (approximately Rs30 lakh). Mohali kids write to HC chief justice As the civic authorities failed to address the stray dog menace, five students of a private school in Mohali wrote to the chief justice of Punjab and Haryana high court highlighting their problems in using public parks on the account of increasing number of canines. More Chandigarh News»

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