News Digest: Fourteen SC judges dealt with Yakub's petitions since 2013

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Friday, July 31, 2015
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Fourteen SC judges dealt with Yakub's petitions since 2013 Yakub Memon has been executed but he has left behind a litigation record that will be difficult to break – his petitions were dealt with by as many as 14 judges of the Supreme Court in a span of two years. Embarrassed Congress disowns Digvijaya, Tharoor remarks on Yakub hanging Congress on Thursday scrambled to disown the controversial remarks of its party leaders Digvijaya Singh and Shashi Tharoor over the hanging of Yakub Memon. 26 lakh TB patients in India; Nearly 42,000 died in 2013-14 There are around 26 lakh tuberculosis patients in India while the estimated mortality attributable to the disease is 2.4 lakh, minister of state for health Shripad Naik told Rajya Sabha on Thursday quoting estimates of World Health Organisation. More India News»

		Business
		BNP acquires Sharekhan for Rs 2.2k crore European banking major BNP Paribas will buy domestic online retail broking major Sharekhan for an undisclosed sum of money. Composite capital to help retail, insurance business The decision will allow greater flexibility to FIIs in several sectors, including retail, brownfield ventures in pharmaceuticals as well as insurance and pension, where they can invest up to 49% without having to seek government approval. 'India's gold exports can soar 400% in 5 years' Indian gold jewellery exports can increase by 400% in the next five years if domestic hallmarking standards improve, the World Gold Council said on Thursday. More Business News»

		Environment
		NGT slaps Rs 15 lakh penalty for felling trees in Jodhpur The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has slapped a penalty of Rs. 15 lac on a former sarpanch and a gram sevak for felling 3000 trees in the forest area of a village. Tiger is ambassador of India's conservation efforts: Experts On the occasion of Global Tiger Day today, wildlife experts said the majestic big cat emerged as the ambassador of India's conservation efforts. Two new species of spiders found in Mumbai A team of young naturalists has discovered two spider species at Aarey Milk Colony. More Environment News»

		World
		Six stabbed at Jerusalem Gay Pride in 'repeat attack' An ultra-Orthodox Jew allegedly stabbed six Gay Pride marchers in Jerusalem Thursday, gravely wounding one of them, just weeks after completing a 10-year sentence for a similar attack, police and medics said. US opens probe into Cecil the lion killing US authorities opened a probe Thursday into the killing of a beloved lion in Zimbabwe, as the American doctor who hunted the big cat remained in hiding amid mounting global outrage. IMF: Greece, EU need sustainable plan before new loan The International Monetary Fund said Thursday it would not join a new bailout program for Greece until conditions for debt sustainability, including debt relief and economic reforms, are clearly assured. More World News»

		Entertainment
		'Salman is like the elder brother I missed' A chat with Sonu Sood... 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' breaks the record of 'Dhoom3' In a scenario where change is constant, Salman Khan’s Bajrangi Bhaijaan, that has been galloping at the box office, breaking records along the way, crossed the Dhoom3 box office collection yesterday. John Abraham: Lesser known facts On the actor's birthday, let's take a look at some lesser known facts about him. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		How a brain surgery helped defeat Napoleon Napoleon Bonaparte likely would have conquered Russia in 1812 if not for a life-saving brain surgery performed on Russian general Mikhail Kutuzov by a French surgeon, scientists have found. This drug could help fight global obesity epidemic Scientists of the United States have designed a new class of compounds that may reduce weight gain by preventing the body from absorbing fat particles. Psychotropic drugs have utility as lifesaving medicines, say psychiatrists Anti-anxiety and other psychotropic drugs do not have a good reputation in India. However, psychiatrists from the city defend these medicines, even calling them as lifesaving drugs. More Science News»

		Sports
		Paytm wins sponsorship rights for BCCI home matches till 2019 One97 Communications, owners of Paytm, were awarded the title sponsorship rights for India's international home matches for a period of four years with a winning bid of Rs 2.42 crore per match. BCCI is accountable to the public: Sports Minister Sonowal Sonowal said sports should be corruption free and transparent and sports bodies should be accountable to the public to maintain credibility. Australian Stuart Law keen on Team India coach's job Australia A assistant coach Stuart Law may be busy strategising India A's downfall during the second unofficial 'Test', but ex-cricketer is keen to coach India's senior team. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Motorola Moto G (Gen 3) vs Yu Yureka Plus vs Lenovo K3 Note Here’s a brief comparison of the Motorola Moto G (Gen 3), Yu Yureka Plus and Lenovo K3 Note Samsung profit falls, as Galaxy S6 sales disappoint Samsung Electronics reported Thursday a fifth straight drop in quarterly earnings as the Galaxy S6 failed to reverse its declining fortunes in the smartphone industry. How to prepare for your upgrade to Windows 10 Windows 10 comes with new features that make it an attractive upgrade. More Technology News»

		Education
		No plan to make teaching of yoga compulsory at schools: Govt The goverment on Thursday said there is no plan to make teaching of yoga compulsory at all the educational institutions in the country. CET students push the envelope again in Thiruvananthapuram The students of College of Engineering (CET), Thiruvananthapuram, conducted a token strike on Wednesday demanding extension of working hours of the library and curfew timings of the girls' hostel. Wings of Fire: Forever on library's reservation chart On Thursday, the mortal remains of former President APJ Abdul Kalam will be buried at his hometown Rameswaram.But, there won't be any dent in the charm of his ideas that inspire the youth and old alike. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Nestle agrees to Bombay HC's proposal for fresh Maggi test Nestle India, the manufacturer of Maggi instant noodles, on Thursday told the Bombay high court that it was ready for an independent lab testing of the product provided the tests were carried out in the presence of a reputed scientist. HC seeks B-school reply to special student petition The Bombay high court on Thursday sought a reply from Welingkar Institute of Management, Matunga, to a petition by a dyslexic ex-student seeking compensation for allegedly being failed on purpose for two years. Rane taxi union warned not to bully aggregators The state transport department has warned Nitesh Rane’s union to stop terrorising and threatening taxi aggregators. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Govt told to build 480 public toilets The Centre has swung into action to make Delhi government and the municipal bodies get going to meet the target of building public toilets. 3,000 illegal nurseries get NGT notice The National Green Tribunal on Thursday issued notices to around 3,000 illegal nurseries on the Yamuna floodplains. A first: Delhi rolls out witness protection plan Delhi has become the first state in the country to announce a scheme for witness protection. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Court stays land tribunal order against realty firms The high court on Thursday stayed for eight weeks the order of the land tribunal, Bengaluru south, against Salarpuria Profin Private Limited and Sattva Real Estate Private Limited. You'll soon get higher compensation under TDR The legislative council passed a bill on Thursday to increase the compensation under Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) to twice the size of property notified for a public purpose by the government. Bengaluru professor, students help restore Premchand's UP home Today, it wears a refurbished look. Literary legend Munshi Premchand's ancestral home has been transformed into a museum, all thanks to consistent efforts by a city-based Hindi professor and his students. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		For first time, AP 'tax'ies past T Surprising the pundits, the revenue receipts of Andhra Pradesh for the first time surpassed that of Telangana. Until bifurcation and, even a year after, tax revenue from the 10 districts of Telangana always bettered the collection in the 13 districts of the Seemandhra region. Changes in CRDA admin hamper capital plans The TDP government's ambitious plans of developing Amaravati as a world-class capital have run into rough weather barely three months before the inauguration of the works on Dasara. 3 Metro workers injured Three workers of Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) suffered injuries when rubble fell on them near an under-construction metro station at Kothapet on Thursday evening. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Man of integrity, Kalam insulated family from trappings of power The high integrity that A P J Abdul Kalam displayed in public life made him a role model not just for those who admired him but also for his extended family. They rode bikes, flew across miles to bid final adieu Tushkar Kshirsagar never met Abdul Kalam, but he rode his motorbike all the way from Pune in Maharashtra to pay his last respects. Rameswaram residents want Kalam memorial D MDK leader Vijayakanth on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare Abdul Kalam's birthday as National Students Day to mark his contribution to the student community to which he dedicated his life. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Sabarmati sinks parts of Ahmedabad More than 1,500 people, including 500 from the city, were evacuated to safer locations due to sudden floods in the Sabarmati river after water was released from the Dharoi dam, officials said on Thursday. Gujarat teen rape survivor to abort fetus today Following Supreme Court orders, a team of expert doctors at the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital on Thursday concluded that the termination of pregnancy of 14-year old rape survivor will not have adverse impact on her health. GFSU plans forensic filters for VVIP food Emperors and rulers down the ages have relied on ‘food tasters’ to ensure that what they were about to eat was safe and pure. In fact, US President Barack Obama is known not to eat any food without his official taster declaring it safe. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Balkhadia's nephew surrenders Chandra Prakash alias Khachachu Patel, the nephew of slain dacoit Sudesh Patel alias Balkhadia and the youngest member of the gang, surrendered before the Chitrakoot police at Bharatkoop police outpost on Wednesday. Rising Ganga, Yamuna head to low-lying areas Ganga and Yamuna’s water level rose suddenly on Wednesday and entered low-lying areas of Phaphamau, Naini and Daraganj threatening houses in catchment areas. The sudden increase in level was attributed to flooding of both rivers’ tributaries, including Ken, Betwa and Chambal, and continuous release of water from Haridwar and Narora Barrage. UP roads turn deadly in winters The winter season is infamous for road accidents, both under fatal and non-fatal category. In comparison to summers or rest of the year, reports of rash and negligent driving surge during winters, revealed the latest data of National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) 2014. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Air-cooling system in Puri temple The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) installed an air-cooling system in the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine on Wednesday. BMC sets September deadline for LED street lights The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has set September deadline for installing energy-efficient LED street lights. Jagannath Temple's senior servitor to move HC against chief administrator Jagannath Temple's senior Daitapati servitor Jagannath Swain Mohapatra, who was recently served a show-cause notice for allegedly allowing a woman onto a chariot in violation of the Orissa high court order, on Wednesday said he would file a defamation suit against temple's chief administrator Suresh Mohapatra. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Cong demand FIR against Vyapam book publisher, printer The Congress on Thursday demanded an FIR against the publisher and printer of book, ``Vyapam Bhram Aur Vastvikta'' (Vyapam - confusion and reality) for misusing government note-sheet and printing fake address. BJP plans to replace Vyapam issue with loan subsidy Shifting focus from Vyapam scam, BJP reiterates it is no more a big issue for party and government. Instead, the short term loan scheme announced for the farmers with 10 per cent subsidy, is a much bigger issue in rural areas. Low membership: BJP scraps makeover in Bhopal Putting all campaigns on hold initiated to justify chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's stand in Vyapam scam, BJP high command instructed state party leaders to focus only on mass membership campaign in Madhya Pradesh. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		3-day mock MUN conference begins today The sixth edition of the three-day, Bhavan Vidyalaya Chandigarh Model United Nations Conference' will begin on Friday.The theme of this year's conference is strength in solidarity'. Deface and face action: PU to student bodies Student organizations at Panjab University (PU) received a strict warning, a month before the student council goes to polls. Threat of dengue returns to haunt Mohali The threat of dengue has returned to haunt Mohali residents as the larvae of dengue has been found in the stagnant water of coolers and water tankers of houses as well as schools. More Chandigarh News»

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News Digest: SC dismisses Yakub's last minute plea

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Thursday, July 30, 2015
		Today's Headlines

		India
		SC dismisses Yakub's last minute plea The Supreme Court just two hours before the scheduled hanging of Yakub Memon dismissed his plea for stay on execution. Yakub's plea: How the late-night action unfolded Yakub Memon, Mumbai blasts convict, will be hanged shortly with the Supreme Court dismissing his last-minute attempt to escape the gallows by rejecting his plea for a stay on the death warrant. IS wants to attack India to draw US into war: Report A recruitment document purported to have been written by Islamic State (IS) terrorists and obtained by the US media through a Pakistani intermediary outlines a strategy to draw the US into an all-out war by attacking India. More India News»

		Business
		Oliphans scores big in startup jungle Oliphans Capital has often strayed from the dominant narrative of India's startup investing - writing cheques to twenty-something IITians (better if they're dropouts), fuelling a consumer technology boom - with impressive outcomes. Microsoft rolls out Win 10 OS Microsoft launched the latest upgrade to its Windows operating system on Wednesday and threw it open for tablets and PCs. GM plans to invest $1bn for revival General Motors on Wednesday sought to make a renewed push to turn around its struggling Indian operations and announced a fresh $1 billion (Rs 6,400 crore) investment, while rationalizing its operations by shutting down its first plant in the country, at Halol in Gujarat. More Business News»

		Environment
		Tiger is ambassador of India's conservation efforts: Experts On the occasion of Global Tiger Day today, wildlife experts said the majestic big cat emerged as the ambassador of India's conservation efforts. Two new species of spiders found in Mumbai A team of young naturalists has discovered two spider species at Aarey Milk Colony. 15 Gharials to be released in Beas belt to boost tourism Punjab government on Tuesday announced that 15 Gharials will be released in the Beas belt as part of its plan to make it a habitat of the species. More Environment News»

		World
		Russia vetoes Security Council proposal on MH17 tribunal Russia on Wednesday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that would set up an international criminal court to prosecute those responsible for shooting down a Malaysia Airlines plane over Ukraine a year ago. Hillary Clinton to urge Congress to lift Cuba embargo Hillary Clinton will urge US lawmakers Friday to lift the trade embargo against Cuba, arguing that Republican opposition to normalizing ties reflects the past's "failed policies," her campaign said. US: New York man tried to support Islamic State group Arafat Nagi posted multiple photos of beheadings and severed heads in 2014 before flying to Turkey, where he stayed for 10 days before continuing on to Yemen for a month, a criminal complaint said. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Top 10 richest Bollywood celebs Shahrukh Khan is Bollywood's richest celebrity, beating his arch rival Salman Khan. We've had a lovely email exchange When a dancing icon like Hrithik Roshan praises someone else’s dancing abilities, the person is naturally flattered. Why Rishi deleted his message to Huma? Rishi Kapoor never shies from taking off on himself or his Bollywood colleagues. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Newly discovered frog species named after Goan forest officer Wildlife researchers today announced here that a species of frog discovered in South Goa's Netravali forest sanctuary has been named after State Range Forest Officer Prakash Salelkar as 'Indirana Salelkari'. Plants send animal-like signals when under threat In a new finding, scientists have shown that when plants encounter stress they use signals normally found in animals. This is all the more startling because plants do not have nervous systems or brains like animals. French archaeology students find 560,000-year-old tooth The tooth was found last week during excavations at Tautavel, one of Europe's most important prehistoric sites, where about 40 volunteers are working under the supervision of scientists. More Science News»

		Sports
		Kohli fails as India A bundled out for 135 on Day 1 Indian Test captain Virat Kohli's woeful form continued as hosts India 'A' were shot out for a paltry 135 by Australia 'A' in the second unofficial 'Test' match. BCCI ban on Sreesanth to stay, says Anurag Thakur The BCCI insisted that the ban on the 3 Rajasthan Royals players S. Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila would not be lifted. Michel Platini confirms he will run for FIFA president Michel Platini has launched his campaign to succeed Sepp Blatter as FIFA president, aiming to give the scandal-hit governing body ``the dignity and the position it deserves." More Sports News»

		Technology
		How to prepare for your upgrade to Windows 10 Windows 10 comes with new features that make it an attractive upgrade. TCS, Infosys, Wipro lost over 1,00,000 employees in four quarters India's $146-billion information technology (IT) industry is consistently hemorrhaging more people than ever before. OnePlus 2 first impressions OnePlus calls its new smartphone the ‘2016 flagship killer’ and says it competes with next year’s smartphones. We spent some time with the new OnePlus 2 and here are our first impressions of the phone… More Technology News»

		Education
		Nebraska varsity scholarships for Gitam students University of Nebraska, US, has come forward to give scholarships to Gitam University students under the Nebraska Advantage Scholarship program, said Prof Patrick McNamara, director of international studies at the University of Nebraska. PG course fee proposed by Mangalore University rationalised The Syndicate of Mangalore University has consented to rationalize the recent fee hike proposed for various post-graduate courses offered by it. AP govt to introduce Japanese language courses in 3 varsities With the Japan government agencies and private companies showing interest in investing in Andhra Pradesh and joining the development of the state capital, Japanese language courses are being introduced in three major universities in the state. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Raj slams those who sought cancellation of death penalty MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday demanded legal action against those who sought the cancellation of Yakub Memon's death penalty even after the Supreme Court upheld the sentence. Cops worked 24x7 to unravel conspiracy The conspiracy behind the blasts was cracked by a team of 42 police officers through meticulous investigation and hard work. Legal options over for Yakub Memon, say experts Legal experts said the law has run its course after the Supreme Court upheld the validity of Yakub Memon’s death warrant and paved the way for his execution. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		On potholed roads, Delhi trips & tumbles Capital's roads are crumbling due to heat and rain. But PWD has no immediate solutions as repairs in patches are clearly not helping. Delhi HC contempt notice to Meena In a setback to the lieutenant governor and the Centre, the Delhi high court on Wednesday issued a show-cause notice for contempt to their appointee, Anti-Corruption Branch chief M K Meena, and summoned him to appear in court on August 4. Chargesheet filed against Farooqui Delhi Police on Wednesday filed chargesheet in a trial court against “Peepli Live” co-director Mahmood Farooqui alleging that had he raped an American research scholar at his residence in Delhi. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		No consensus on support price for sugarcane crop The Sugarcane Control Board on Wednesday failed to resolve the issue of minimum support price (MSP) for the sugarcane crop in Karnataka for 2015-16. How will you change yourself for your city? Pen it on this wall So, what are you ready to do for Bengaluru - t he metro of infamous traffic jams, pathetic road infrastructure and dying lakes? This Saturday, you can ponder over it and scribble your thoughts on this wall. 200 cabbies seek verification daily Cab drivers are making a beeline to the Bengaluru city police headquarters on Infantry Road seeking police verification certificates. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Scuttling the Sprint to Success Last week saw two heart-warming stories of differently-abled boys who strove against odds to represent the country in international competitions. NHAI to re-examine Chilakaluripet highway plan Ticked off by the Hyderabad high court over its controversial decision to drop construction of a bypass road at Chilakaluripet in Guntur district and build a six-lane highway instead, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) said that it would review its decision soon. Roar back as aging tigress on the mend An old and infirm tigress that was rescued and shifted to Sri Venkateswara Zoo at Tirupati, after being found on the brink of death due to starvation, is now on the mend. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Liquor essential commodity: Judge Liquor is an essential commodity for 30% of people in Tamil Nadu, and hence the government-run Tasmac liquor shops could not be ordered to be closed during the funeral of former President A P J Abdul Kalam, the Madras high court has said. Corporation maps flood-prone areas, bus routes in Chennai With complaints pouring in on water stagnation and broken roads after the recent spells of rain, Corporation of Chennai has started collecting data on flood-prone areas in the city. For one last class with Kalam sir APJ Abdul Kalam was known to enjoy the company of students. He would meet them in scores and address their queries with the same sincerity as he would an issue of national interest. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		10 flights delayed, 1,800 fliers hit More than 1,800 passengers were affected as 10 flights, five incoming and five outgoing, from the city airport were delayed, from 50 minutes to 2 hours, on Wednesday due to bad weather in Ahmedabad and Mumbai. 12% increase in dam storage levels in 48 hours Dams in the state have received inflows of 12% of their total storage capacity in the last 48 hours, ending at 8am on Wednesday.Dams which were almost dry earlier last week are now overflowing. Flood alert sounded as water released from Dharoi A high alert was sounded in low-lying areas of Ahmedabad and 29 villages of Dholka located along the Sabarmati river. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Remembering a teacher, scientist and a philosopher People from all walks of life, including students, lawyers, social activists and leaders of various political parties expressed grief and remembered the contribution of APJ Abdul Kalam. Roadside eateries a major source of infections Anurag Nepali had recently joined the Allahabad University as a student. After a few initial days of euphoria, he was faced with harsh reality in an unknown Sangam City. Continuously plagued with an upset stomach, he contacted a doctor and was diagnosed to be suffering from food poisoning caused by consumption of food from open eateries. 8 BTC trainees selected on fake marksheets District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) principal has lodged a police complaint against eight aspiring teachers for allegedly procuring admission in BTC through fake marksheets. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		A meet with Kalam and Sudarsan shot to fame Fate smiled on the glob-trotting sand sculptor Sudarsan Pattnaik only after his meeting with APJ Abdul Kalam in 2005. People's President called Deogarh writer to thank him for letter On the afternoon of March 25, 2007, Pintu Mahakul received a call.When he answered the phone, he was taken aback at what he heard. Kalam was down to earth: Physicist His humility and simplicity were ingrained in his personality and he was not the one to change his body language according to place and situation, reminisced eminent physicist Trilochan Pradhan of his moments with former president APJ Abdul Kalam. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Vehicle lifter stole scooter to gift it to his girlfriend A youth lifted an Activa scooter for gifting it to his girlfriend. However, the girl refused to accept the gift. Alert residents help police bust interstate burglars' gang, 3 held In a major breakthrough, police succeeded in busting a three-member interstate gang of burglars with the help of alert Koh-e-Fiza residents on Wednesday. Immovable properties: e-Stamping and e-registration must in MP from August 1 The state government has made e-registration mandatory for purchase and sale of immovable properties from August 01. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Hip replacement which would help in squatting At the age of 25, any young boy would think of building a career, marriage or a beautiful life that lies ahead. However, Devinder Singh from Chamba, who is just married, has gone through a Total Hip Replacement surgery. Haryana whistleblower Chaturvedi win Ramon Magsaysay award Haryana’s whistleblower IFS officer has been chosen for this year's Ramon Magsaysay Award for his exemplary integrity and courage in public life. Ludhiana boy shares notes from Kalam's last audience Aditi Goel | He knew his first date with India's missile man would be a memorable one, but had never imagined it could be the last public appearance of India's favourite scientist. More Chandigarh News»

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