News Digest: Govt to appoint CEOs for smart cities

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Sunday, July 12, 2015
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Govt to appoint CEOs for smart cities For smart cities, the government will appoint CEOs, who will drive the concept and execution rather than leave these tasks to municipal bodies alone. Govt to upgrade highways much before they reach maximum capacity The expansion will be completed before the threshold capacity of the road is reached so that commuters have a smooth ride. Rahul Gandhi to visit Andhra Pradesh for first time after state's bifurcation Rahul's visit would at best have the salutary effect of showing the leadership's concern for the state unit. More India News»

		Business
		Vedanta hopeful of resuming iron ore mining in Goa Billionaire Anil Agarwal-led mining firm Vedanta Ltd on Saturday said it is hopeful of restarting iron ore mining in Goa from October. Gold ends steady; silver remains up Gold ended steady at Rs 26,330 per ten grams at the bullion market on Saturday on scattered buying by jewellers. Markets get the blues on China, Greece A sharp downward correction in Chinese stocks and uncertainties involving Greece kept Indian markets on edge, which ended the week in the red. More Business News»

		Environment
		Ambitious climate action plan on anvil, hints Javadekar Prakash Javadekar sought to drive home the point that India may be emitting more carbon as compared to many nations but it is still far behind the top polluting countries like the US and China. Dugongs on brink of extinction The Union government's Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) on Wednesday declared that dugongs among the five species to be the focus of conservation, but the marine mammals, ironically called the 'angel of the sea', continue to be poached for their meat. Sea levels to rise 20 feet due to climate change Sea levels could rise at least six metres or around 20 feet above current levels if current climate trends continue, says a study analyzing three decades of research on the historic effects of melting polar ice sheets. More Environment News»

		World
		Typhoon Chan-Hom lashes China Typhoon Chan-Hom was packing winds of 162 kph (101 mph) as it hit the city of Zhoushan, slowing from an earlier speed of 173 kmph. Mexico's 'Volcano of Fire' erupts Ash rained down from the so-called "Volcano of Fire" in western Mexico and people living in its shadow were evacuated after it spectacularly erupted. Iran's leader calls for continued anti-US struggle As negotiators at Iran nuclear talks labored to make headway, the country's supreme leader called Saturday for the struggle against the U.S. to continue. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Salman fans will celebrate Eid as 'Bhaijaan Day' Salman Khan is not just a megastar, but what makes him extra special is the unambiguous love that his fans have for him. Exclusive: First look of Athiya Shetty in 'Hero' The first look of Athiya Shetty from Nikhil Advani’s romantic entertainer Hero, being produced by Salman Khan and Subhash Ghai Films that earned Rs 100 cr without superstars Let's take a look at Bollywood films that entered the Rs 100 crore club without any superstar’s presence in it. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		`Mini ice age' coming in next 15 years There will be a “mini ice age“ in 2030, solar scientists have said. We are now able to predict solar cycles with far greater accuracy than ever before thanks to a new model which shows irregularities in the Sun's 11-year heartbeat. Now, people can live in grass houses While cannabis has had a long history as a fiber used in ropes, sails and paper products — Presidents Washington and Jefferson both grew it — James Savage, a former Wall Street analyst, is among those who have instead turned to a novel application known as hempcrete. Beyonce inspires skyscraper  Just when you thought the world had hit peak Beyoncé, the hippest city in Australia is going to build a massive skyscraper inspired by… Beyoncé. More Science News»

		Sports
		Serena beats Muguruza to win sixth Wimbledon title Serena Williams completed a second "Serena Slam" with her fourth straight major championship, beating Spaniard Garbine Muguruza 6-4, 6-4. England beat Australia in first Ashes Test Australia, set what would have been a new Ashes fourth-innings record winning total of 412, were bowled out for 242 after tea as England went 1-0. Sumit Nagal reaches Wimbledon boys doubles final Indian teenager Sumit Nagal teamed up with his Vietnamese partner Nam Hoang Ly to reach the boys doubles final with a three-set win at the Wimbledon. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Apple iOS 9 features already available on Android Apple has released the first public beta version of iOS 9, its upcoming mobile operating system. Sony Xperia M4 Aqua Dual review Sony’s new Xperia M4 Aqua Dual, priced at Rs 24,990, seems like a fish out of water compared to smartphones by Chinese brands that offer better hardware at much lower prices. Google releases second preview of Android M Google has released a new version of its new Android M operating system. More Technology News»

		Education
		UGC asks varsities to display all info on website Amidst the ongoing admission season, University Grants Commission (UGC) has instructed vice-chancellors to upload all vital information related to admission process, fee structure and accreditation ranking on the official websites of their universities. Artist opens fine arts college for the disabled in Tamil Nadu Any disabled student who has passed Class 10, can apply for the diploma course. Admission on, many clueless about choice-based credit system Most taking admission into Delhi University’s undergraduate courses are likely to be blindsided by the choice-based credit system (CBCS). More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Minor sexually abused by school teacher A four-year-old kindergarten student from Nalasopara was allegedly sexually abused by her drawing teacher in the school last week. Sanskrit is at home in these Mumbai households All that the Katiras have to do is speak. MNS workers meet NSCI officials in Worli Three Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers met the officials of the NSCI at Worli and discussed jobs for Worli residents at the NSCI club. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Parliamentary secretary posts: BJP fires salvo The Delhi government has passed a bill to safeguard the position of 21 parliamentary secretaries by making the posts not office of profit, but it has no information about the rule under which these posts were created, BJP said. Ensure timely reply to PILs: Govt's legal team to depts The Delhi government’s legal team has written to all department heads to streamline their system of filing appeals and responding to public interest litigation (PIL). Seven Delhi schools raided for EWS scam proof Crime branch sleuths have raided at least seven schools in south and central Delhi on Saturday and seized documents. The raids were conducted on the instance of Punita, who was arrested earlier by the crime branch. Police are interrogating Punita further to get more details. School authorities are also been questioned. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Few takers for longer legislature session There seem to be few takers for leader of the opposition in the assembly Jagadish Shettar's suggestion that the legislature session in Belagavi be held for 20 days or a month instead of reducing it to a token gesture of a 10-day session. BMRC worker kills his elder brother over bill A party to celebrate their younger sister's birthday ended in a tragedy when a BMRC factory worker killed his elder brother over picking up the tab, on Richmond Road late Friday night. Dates for BBMP elections may be out this week Ending uncertainty, the state government seems to have finally made up its mind on holding BBMP elections in August without seeking any more time or restructuring the civic body. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		A shift in the centre Once upon a time, every tale about Hyderabad began and ended with its lip-smacking `royal' biryani and elegantly ornate pearl jewellery. Convenience over quality A quick detour from the main roads that house towering buildings, home to several global giants, brings one to the bylanes of Hi-Tec City swarming with rows of densely-packed, freshly-painted flats. Osmania, Kakatiya face severe staff crunch In what could adversely impact thousands of students, two major state universities of Telangana ­ Osmania University (OU) and Kakatiya University (KU) ­ are staring at a severe staff crunch with 40% of its senior professors across various departments up for retirement in 2015-16. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Lawyers sell chicken biriyani on Madras HC campus in protest Questioning the more than century-old practice of any of the three canteens on the Madras high court campus not serving non-vegetarian food, a group of lawyers sold chicken biriyani for willing purchasers. Centre defers decision on study on proposed dam The 149 feet high dam to cost Rs 663crores Former minister Chendur Pandian passes away Former Tamil Nadu Hindu religious and charitable endowments minister and Kadayanallur AIADMK MLA P Chendur Pandian died of cardiac problems at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai on Saturday. He was 64. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Gun supplier to Goswami gang caught The man who supplied firearms and ammunition to Vishal Goswami gang, Satnamsingh Chiklikar, 37, was nabbed by an armed team of the city crime branch during the early hours of Saturday from Sindha village of Madhya Pradesh. Poor monsoon leaves villages in state parched With the monsoon playing truant in the state, a large number of villages in north, central and Kutch regions of the state are being forced to rely on tankers. Dry spell likely to continue for 2 more weeks in state, says IMD Amdavadis' wait for rain just got longer, with India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting that the prolonged break is likely to continue for two weeks. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Plaint against Allahabad University professor: MHRD seeks details The human resource development ministry has sought details from Allahabad University vice-chancellor about the action taken against professor and former head of the department of ancient history, archeology and culture department of Allahabad University, Ranjana Bajpai, on a complaint filed against her in February 2013. Fake currency racket busted in Allahabad, two arrested In a major breakthrough, Special Task Force (STF) arrested two persons with counterfeit currency worth Rs 5 lakh and claimed to have busted a gang involved in the circulation of fake currency. Rain brings temp down, but maroons city Mild to heavy showers accompanied by high velocity wind gave much needed relief to the citizens from the sultry weather conditions on Saturday, but it also exposed the preparations of the Municipal Corporation to deal with waterlogging in over half-a-dozen localities. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		River waters flood settlements in jharsuguda and Sundargarh The Ib river wrecked havoc on villages and towns on its banks in Sundargarh and Jharsuguda districts on Saturday as continuous rain pounded both the western Odisha districts. Gadkari highway plan may face land hurdle Even as Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari’s has announced that the Centre would spend Rs 10,000 crore on road projects in Odisha by December, the projects may drag on for years, given the slow pace of groundwork at the state government level. Odisha's support to PM LPG plan The state government has decided to popularize Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘give it up’ movement, which encourages people not to avail themselves of LPG subsidy if they can afford refills at market price More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Cong writes to RSS chief on corruption Madhya Pradesh Congress on Saturday shot a letter to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat raising five questions on Vyapam irregularities and alleged corruption in the state. Congress gets ammo to bring down House Armed with Vyapam ammunition, Congress is preparing to launch a massive attack on ruling BJP in both Parliament and Madhya Pradesh assembly in the monsoon session. Vyapam trials on hold, outrage peaks After Vyapam scam investigations were handed over to CBI, hearing in cases relating to the recruitment fraud came to a standstill on Friday in all special courts in Gwalior. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		90-yr-old athlete struggles to gather funds for world masters meet in France Having proved his mettle in national and international competitions, 90-year-old veteran athlete Daulat Ram is now fighting a battle to arrange finances to participate in the World Masters Athletics Championship to be held in France from August 4 to 16. Readying girls to give them hell Once known as sword arm of the nation, Punjab is all set to create history again on July 25 with the commencement of the country's first armed forces preparatory institute for girls. Doctor held for illegal sex determination tests Following information, a team of Haryana health department, on Saturday, raided a nursing home in Ganaur, Sonipat, and caught the doctor who used to conduct illegal sex determination test. More Chandigarh News»

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News Digest: Consent: Underage wives can have sex, not teens

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Saturday, July 11, 2015
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Consent: Underage wives can have sex, not teens When the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was enacted way back in 1860, the age of consent -the minimum age at which a girl is legally competent to have consensual sex -was fixed at 10. In other words, even if she was a willing partner, sex with a girl less than 10 was deemed to be statutory rape. UP number one in awarding death penalties Uttar Pradesh awarded 506 death sentences between 1998 and 2013, the highest in the country during that period, shows a study by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI). Run Maharashtra government like Rajasthan and MP, Sena taunts BJP Uddhav Thackeray has hit back at BJP national president Amit Shah, by telling the party to go solo if it wanted to run the Maharashtra government like the Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh governments. More India News»

		Business
		Small service providers on tax radar Small service taxpayers will soon find themselves subjected to detailed manual scrutiny by the taxman. ICICI may farm out housing finance arm The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has indicated to banks that they should conduct home finance business in-house rather than duplicate the process through a wholly owned subsidiary. RBI shocks bond St with extra G-sec sale RBI’s announcement of a sale of government securities (G-secs) worth Rs 10,000 crore, announced within hours of concluding a scheduled auction of gilts worth Rs 15,000 crore on Friday afternoon on behalf of the government, has stumped the bond market. More Business News»

		Environment
		Akshardham fined for expansion without clearance The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday slapped a fine on Akshardham temple, amounting to 5% of the property value, for not seeking environmental clearance before expanding its building complex. Lions benefit from elephant poaching in Mozambique park The lion population has increased in a major wildlife park in Mozambique partly because heavy poaching of elephants has provided the carnivores with a bounty of carcasses to eat as well as vulnerable elephant calves to hunt, a conservationist said on Thursday. 2000 academics call for action ahead of climate conference Our Common Future under Climate Change (CFCC 15), a scientific committee of about 36 academics held a meeting in Paris from July 7 to 10. Setting the tone for a crucial UN climate change conference or COP21 which is expected to achieve a legally binding agreement among 196 countries, the committee concluded that keeping dangerous impacts of climate change at bay would require a massive effort which could even mean ensuring zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by the end of this century. More Environment News»

		World
		During Ramzan, IS mixes charity & brutality During the Muslim holy month of Ramzan, the Islamic State group is showing two faces to the millions who live under its rule in Iraq and Syria — handing out food and alms to the poor to tout their adherence to the month's spirit of compassion while meting out sharp punishment to anyone caught breaking the daily fast Xi assures Pak of China's special support China's president Xi Jinping hailed the entry of India and Pakistan as members of Shanghai Cooperation Organization saying it will "inject new impetus into the organization's all-ranging cooperation", the official media, Xinhua, said here on Friday. US welcomes Modi-Sharif meeting The US has welcomed the bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif in Ufa, Russia on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Bollywood celebs with short lived success Tusshar Kapoor debuted in Bollywood with Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai opposite Kareena Kapoor. Bollywood reel romances that turned real Aishwarya and Bachchan Junior shared screen space in films like Kuch Naa Kaho, Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke, Umrao Jaan, Raavan and Sarkar Raj. Exclusive: First look of Sooraj Pancholi in Hero The first look of Sooraj Pancholi from Nikhil Advani’s romantic entertainer Hero, being produced by Salman Khan and Subhash Ghai. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Smoking could raise mental illness risk: Study Scientists have suggested that smoking may be a factor for developing psychotic illnesses like schizophrenia. How good is your love life? Think on both feet Balancing on one leg may test the stability not just of your body but also of your marriage, according to a remarkable new study of how bodily posture may affect emotional thinking. Study links Prozac, Paxil use with birth defects A sweeping government study of thousands of women has found links between the older antidepressants Prozac and Paxil and birth defects, but has cleared other popular treatments in the class, including Celexa, Lexapro and Pfizer's Zoloft, which is the subject of a major lawsuit over birth defect claims. More Science News»

		Sports
		1st ODI: India beat Zimbabwe by 4 runs in a last-ball thriller India survived a Chigumbura special to beat Zimbabwe by 4 runs in a thriller in the first ODI of the 3-match series to start their campaign on a winning note. Federer sets up Wimbledon title clash with Djokovic Federer produced a display of clinical majesty to down Andy Murray and maintain his bid for a record eighth title with a sparkling 7-5 7-5 6-4 win. Cavendish wins 7th stage of Tour; Froome keeps overall lead Cavendish, seeking his first Tour stage win since 2013, timed his attack to perfection to catch German sprinter Andre Greipel near the line. More Sports News»

		Technology
		TCS: 6 key takeaways from Q1 results India's largest software exporter Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has reported its first quarter revenues for the fiscal year 2015-16. 10 WhatsApp tips & tricks you must know WhatsApp just keeps on growing, adding new features and users all the time. Sony Xperia Z3+ review: The 'hot' one The smartphone essentially retains the same design, look and feel as that of the Xperia Z3 and brings in some under-the-hood changes. More Technology News»

		Education
		JEE (A) may have subjective paper in 2017 IIT aspirants who cleared their class X exams this year may have to prepare for a subjective paper for their entrance test in 2017. The Joint Admission Board (JAB) of IITs is toying with the idea of having subjective questions in sections of the JEE (Advanced) paper. BMC tells schools to restart RTE admissions More than a month after it discontinued the online admissions for the Right to Education (RTE) Act quota seats, the BMC has started it again. DMAT examination postponed in MP In the first big fallout of the Vyapam controversy, the MP Dental Medical Admission Test (DMAT) scheduled for July 12 was deferred on Friday. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Bombay HC: Juvenile justice panels must function across Maharashtra The Bombay high court on Friday directed the state government to ensure juvenile justice boards are properly constituted and functioning all over Maharashtra. BEST GM sets sights on unexplored areas to woo commuters BEST general manager Jagdish Patil has set his sights on “unexplored areas” to maximise revenue generation and woo passengers for the cash-strapped bus undertaking. Bombay HC frowns on govt for silence over women's plea on Haji Ali Even as the Bombay high court on Friday appealed for resolving the dispute over the ban on women into the inner sanctum of the Hali Ali Dargah, it frowned upon the state government for not taking a stand in the matter. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		7yrs after land titling bill drafted, state govt told it has no jurisdiction The Delhi government's land titling draft bill, conceived in 2008, is back to the drawing board. Stabbing on record of AAP MLA Interrogation of AAP MLA Manoj Kumar, who was taken on a two-day police remand, has revealed that he was involved in a case of stabbing a man in 1998, but his father managed to go for an out-of-court settlement with the victim. Don't stay diesel car ban: Citizen Days ahead of a crucial hearing by National Green Tribunal, paediatric surgeon Dr Sanjay Kulshrestha filed an affidavit, appealing it to not stay the ban on diesel vehicles that are over ten years old in National Capital Region. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		If government has will to oust Lokayukta, there will always be a way: Hegde Former Lokayukta Justice N Santosh Hegde on Friday said chief minister Siddaramaiah and his government are showing lack of will in handling the crisis arising out of the alleged extortion racket run by insiders in the anti-corruption watchdog. Foxconn top executives meet startups in Bengaluru Taiwanese electronics contract manufacturer Foxconn’s founder Terry Gou is on a three-city India tour and will be in Bengaluru on Saturday. Part of his high-level delegation was in the city a day ahead of Gou to meet with startups and government officials. Infy elevates Reh, Purohit as EVPs Infosys has elevated several top executives as part of the “title holders’ promotion” that happens in July every year. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Pushkaralu: No dip, only a shower? The Godavari Pushkaralu in Telangana, set to begin on July 14, may not live up to the hopes of being an event that will rival the Maha Kumbh Mela at Allahabad. The reason, river Godavari is nearly dry at many stretches in the state. ACB banks on Sebastian's phone recordings to nail Naidu Bishop Harry Sebastian’s habit of recording calls in his cellphone might prove to be the nemesis of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Telangana as it is his phone which contains the crucial recording of the telephonic conversation between AP chief minister Chandrababu Naidu and nominated MLA Elvis Stephenson, the complainant in the cash-for-vote case. MCI raps Telangana over stipend collection from medicos The Medical Council of India (MCI) pulled up the Telangana state government over a controversial government order issued earlier this year in May, allowing private medical colleges to collect stipend worth Rs 50 crore from post graduate medicos. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Krishnamurthy Perumal: From umbrella hockey to leading India When he ignored anational camp to join the Madras team on an exposure trip to Japan, Thailand and Hong Kong in 1967, Krishnamurthy Perumal never thought his gamble would pay off. Stable population growth only after 2050 India's decadal population growth rate has declined significantly from 21.54% in 1991-2000 to 17.64% in 2001-11, but the country needs to do much more to promote reproductive rights of girls and women, says Population Foundation of India on the eve of World Population Day on Saturday. HC gives police free hand against strong-arm tactics Expressing shock at an incident in which a group of lawyers reportedly threatened civic officials and stopped them from sealing an illegal building in George Town in North Chennai, the Madras high court on Friday gave police a free hand to take action against the lawyers. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Stay on Sharma's arrest till Tuesday Additional sessions judge H J Joshi on Friday stayed the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) from arresting suspended IAS officer Pradeep Sharma till Tuesday in response to his anticipatory bail plea. Rumours cut short crime conference The crime conference being conducted at the city police headquarters on Friday had to be cut short because of rumors about a scuffle between two groups of the same community at a religious place in Karanj, kidnapping of three children and terrorists striking at a school in Bapunagar. ACB nabs constable and middleman for taking bribe A team of state anti-corruption bureau (ACB) caught a constable and a ' vahivatdaar' (middleman) accepting money from a Worli-matka operator from Isanpur late on Thursday night. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Processions to pay tributes to Hazrat Ali Processions were taken out in Old City to observe the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali on Thursday. Two killed in dacoity bid at BJP leader's house Two men, including a dacoit, were killed in a dacoity bid at the house of in-charge of Swadeshi Jagran Manch, Kashi Prant and BJP leader Suresh Nagar in Karari in Kaushambi district on Wednesday night. Saroj brothers fear about family's wellbeing Brijesh and Raju Saroj are apprehensive of their family’s well being in Rehua Lalgunj village in Pratapgarh as some neighbours have protested to a toilet being built for the Sarojs near their house. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		NABARD to launch financial literacy programme The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is planning to organize financial literacy and awareness programme (FLAP) to create awareness among the financially excluded people in rural areas. Nabakalebara first day cover on anvil nion telecom minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said here on Thursday that Centre would soon come out with a first day cover (a specially designed envelope) and postage stamp featuring Nabakalebara, fulfilling a long standing demand of the state government. Sriballav Panigrahi dies at 74 Former minister and senior Congress leader Sriballav Panigrahi died at a private hospital in Bengaluru on Thursday, family sources said.He was 74. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Lokayukta PIO refuses to disclose travel expenses under RTI The third party clause of the RTI Act empowers PIOs to withhold or deny information to protect confidential and personal details of citizens. 38 stolen vehicles worth Rs 15L seized, 7 nabbed All of 38 two-wheelers worth Rs 15 lakh were recovered from members of four gangs of vehicle lifters. The gangs, which were busted in city on Thursday, stole vehicles from busy places like malls and markets and kept them in parking lots till they found customers. Vyapam Munnabhais coached in UP hubs Mushrooming coaching schools in Uttar Pradesh have become breeding ground of Munnabhais, who helped students crack pre-medical tests conducted by Vyapam, now a global catchword for a mammoth recruitment scam. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Metro may run beyond Sohana and Panchkula The two Metro corridors planned from Mullanpur to Panchkula and Chandigarh to Sohana could be extended further in a phased manner to facilitate more people of adjoining and nearby areas. Cops file plea to cancel FIR against Dimpy, son Chandigarh Police have sought cancellation of an FIR registered against controversial former Youth Congress president, Vijay Pal Singh Dimpy, and his son Virender Singh, in the Arms Act and assault case registered in January, raising eyebrows. Make CCTV cams a must in school buses: HC to Punjab Punjab and Haryana high court on Friday directed the Punjab government to amend its 'Safe School Vahan Policy' and include provisions that make hydraulic doors and CCTV cameras compulsory in school buses. More Chandigarh News»

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