News Digest: Maya Kodnani walks free after HC rejects plea for stay on bail

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Friday, August 01, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Maya Kodnani walks free after HC rejects plea for stay on bail he Gujarat high court on Thursday dismissed the plea of Supreme Court-appointed special investigation team (SIT) to stay the bail granted to Maya Kodnani. Pune landslide: Kolhapur collector orders survey of hills The district collectorate has ordered its tehsildars to collect information about villages and hamlets located at the foothills. Falling tree cover in Sahyadri hints at more tragedies Environmentalists have expressed concern over the uncontrolled deforestation of private forests in southern Maharashtra. They said the trend of hilltop farming, developing farm houses, roads, installing wind mills and mining is causing deforestation in Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara districts. More India News»

		Business
		Insurers to be liable for agents' misdeeds The move will come as a relief to millions of policyholders, who often complain that the policy sold to them was not what was promised to them and companies pass on the blame to the agents. Core sector rebounds, posts fastest growth in 9-mth The country's infrastructure sector expanded at its fastest pace in nine months in June powered by robust electricity, cement and coal sectors, adding to the optimism over the economy's turnaround prospects. Maruti profit surges 21% Higher sales and cost reduction measures boosted the first quarter earnings of the country’s top carmaker Maruti Suzuki in a day when Osamu Suzuki, chairman of the company’s parent Suzuki, called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. More Business News»

		Environment
		Tree truths: Dense forests mowed down and new, sparse cover can't hold the soil The government's recent report announcing an increase in forest cover looks more like a case of the state agency playing the slippery slope of statistics. Goa's Carambolim lake to have bird watching site Goa's Carambolim lake will have a bird watching site near the second watch tower, environment minister Alina Saldanha told the Goa legislative assembly on Wednesday. Bees select best flowers even before landing The study used bumblebee foragers housed under controlled conditions to test whether they do learn about flowers during pollen collection. More Environment News»

		World
		US, UN announce deal on 72-hour Gaza ceasefire Israel and Hamas have agreed to a 72-hour humanitarian ceasefire beginning Friday, during which time there will be negotiations on a more durable truce in the 24-day-old Gaza war, the United States and United Nations announced Thursday. Taiwan gas explosions kill 20, injure 270 A series of underground gas explosions killed 20 people and injured 270 others late Thursday in Taiwan's second-largest city, authorities said. Libya Islamic militias declare control of Benghazi Islamic hard-line militias, including the group accused by the United States in a 2012 attack that killed the ambassador and three other Americans, claimed control of Libya's second largest city, Benghazi, after overrunning army barracks and seizing heavy weapons. More World News»

		Entertainment
		'I love Varun Dhawan' Ali Fazal officially debuted with Always Kabhi Kabhi but it’s only after playing Tasavur in Bobby Jasoos that he has become a heartthrob. To know more, go to follo.co.in/alifazal BA Pass bags the best lovemaking scene While Bollywood films may be a long way away from Hollywood when it comes to showcasing sex on screen, it’s heartening to see how filmmakers no longer consider lovemaking a taboo in films and are showing passionate sex in an aesthetic way. 'I owe Kick to Salman Khan' Nawazuddin Siddiqui has proved his versatility and acting prowess in a range of distinct roles before. And with Kick, he has touched new heights of commercial success. An overwhelmed Nawaz talks of his first negative character and more… More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Now, breathe easy in space with artificial leaves An inventor in the UK has developed the world’s first synthetic biological leaf that absorbs water and carbon dioxide to produce oxygen just like a plant, and it could enable long-distance space travel. 'Booze bracelets' to monitor binge drinkers in UK Binge drinkers across the UK will now be fitted with electronic ankle tags that constantly monitor their alcohol intake. The “booze bracelets” are to be worn by persistent offenders who are banned by the courts from drinking after they are charged for alcohol-fuelled crimes such as drink driving. Drug resistant strain threatens fight against Malaria British scientists on Thursday said that drug-resistant Malaria parasites have spread to critical border regions of Southeast Asia seriously threatening global efforts to control the disease. More Science News»

		Sports
		Full coverage: Glasgow Games, Day 8 India added 3 golds to its tally on Day 8 as wrestlers Yogeshwar and Babita won golds while discus thrower Vikas Gowda gave India its first gold in athletics event. Babita, Yogeshwar bring smiles back India finished the wrestling event at Commonwealth Games with 13 medals including 5 golds, 6 silvers and 2 bronzes, second to Canada's haul of six golds. Gowda wins India's first athletics medal Discus thrower Vikas Gowda won India's first gold medal from athletics in the 2014 Commonwealth Games at the Hampden Park Stadium on Thursday. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Samsung profit falls as smartphone sales slow Samsung warned earlier this month that the second quarter would be its worst in two years as rapid growth in smartphone sales had faded. Flipkart's journey from Rs 4,00,000 to $5-6 billion Flipkart recently attracted a whopping $1 billion from its existing investors Tiger Global Management and Naspers. 10 hot gadgets launched in India recently Whether you have less than Rs 10,000 to spend or more than Rs 80,000, you have enough options to choose from. Here’s a look at 10 hot gadgets launched in India recently. More Technology News»

		Education
		Hindustan Aeronautics Limited sponsorship for tech students Defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, on Monday, said it will sponsor students at masters' level in technology and development programmes at the Centre for Technology Alternatives for Rural Areas at IIT-Bombay. Govt to formulate new education policy The government proposes to formulate a new education policy aimed at meeting the challenges posed by lack of quality, research and innovation in our educational institutions. Smriti Irani defends FYUP move One of the reasons for reverting to the three-year undergraduate programme in Delhi University was to ensure that its students are not “put to any disadvantage vis-a-vis students of other universities”, human resource development minister Smriti Irani told Parliament Wednesday. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Andhra techie rape: Charges framed against accused The sessions court on Thursday framed charges against the man accused of rape and murder of a woman software engineer from Andhra Pradesh. Boost for neonatal care with Wadia hosiptal's 110-bed facility Neonatal intensive care in the city got a shot in the arm on Thursday when Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital in Parel threw open a 110-bed facility for newborns. The hospital has also started the process to become a dedicated organ transplant centre for children. Former BMC commissioner Swadheen Kshatriya is the new chief secretary Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan on Thursday appointed bureaucrat Swadheen Kshatriya as the new chief secretary. An IAS officer of the 1980 batch, Kshatriya succeeds G S Saharia who retired. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Indian Museum official's kin move SC to trace him The case of the mysterious disappearance of Indian Museum official Sunil Upadhyay reached Supreme Court on Thursday with a relative filing a habeas corpus petition requesting an inter-state investigation to trace him. Cops to seize e-rickshaws, slap charges Delhi Police is gearing up to launch a crackdown on e-rickshaws in the wake of the Delhi high court's order banning them till a law is framed. AAP attacks BJP for its 'doublespeak' Pointing fingers at Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari, Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday said that the Centre must take responsibility for the temporary ban imposed on e-rickshaws by the Delhi high court. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Bandhs don't get any report cards What does a bandh achieve? Who is it supposed to help? What is its purpose? Is it necessary? Is it worth it? What have past bandhs achieved? Do they really make a difference? 1.6k messages relayed, 16k cops at work The police communication network was a busy hub on bandh day in the city. CWC seeks clarity on case, questions date In a sudden move, the Child Welfare Committee has urged police officials to submit to it all reports pertaining to the East Bangalore school case. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		7-year-old girl raped in Mangalagiri A seven-year-old girl was raped by an unknown offender at Mangalagiri on Thursday. Locals found the girl lying in an unconscious state near some bushes at an industrial area and rushed her to a government hospital. Special status for Andhra Pradesh under consideration by Plan panel The Planning Commission is considering the proposal to accord special category status to Andhra Pradesh, the Parliament was informed on Thursday. Lower Jurala power units get flooded Water entered lower Jurala hydro electric power house on the river Krishna at Atmakur in Mahbubnagar district leading to a loss of about Rs 20 crore for TSGenco on Thursday. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Wanted: An e-Iyer project to digitize rare books for online In the archives maintained by the Jesuit Mission of Madurai at Shenbaganur near Kodaikanal, there is a Tamil-Latin dictionary of Veeramamunivar — aka Father Beschi, the 18th century Italy-born missionary and scholar of Tamil. Pumping rusted iron for top honours Cramped with houses and having barely enough road space to allow a car to pass through one way, New Street could be anywhere in small town Tamil Nadu. Orphanage to get a large new building The inmates of Avvai Home, an orphanage for girls, will soon have a palatial new place to stay. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		2 cops in anti-corruption bureau net for accepting Rs 45,000 bribe A team of state anti-corruption bureau (ACB) caught two policemen of Shaherkotda police station for demanding and taking Rs 45,000 as bribe for not beating up an accused in custody. Maya Kodnani walks free after HC rejects plea for stay on bail he Gujarat high court on Thursday dismissed the plea of Supreme Court-appointed special investigation team (SIT) to stay the bail granted to Maya Kodnani.  A pen that seals wounds in a jiffy There is a serious accident on a city road, the victim is bleeding profusely and needs immediate first-aid to stop blood loss. The paramedics of the emergency services who rush to the spot instead of applying blood coagulating chemicals run a pen tip on the wound that emits a blue beam and voila the wound is sealed in a jiffy.  More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Police-villagers clash sparks tension Tension prevailed in Dhabhav village and adjoining areas under Naini police station on Wednesday following Tuesday night violence that led to a clash between villagers and police over the alleged rape of a minor girl. Allahabad University faces challenge of regularising session The varsity now faces the challenge of regularizing academic session as declaration of result of many classes along with admissions is pending. Carcass sparks tension in Shravasti village Carcass of a stolen cow found near Saryu canal sparked tension in Dharshwan village on Bahraich-Shravasti border on Wednesday. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Kalpataru asked to return 'extra' plots "In 2012, minister Bikram Arukh had set an example by surrendering an extra house allotted to his family in Bhubaneswar. Road safety clubs on the cards The Ganjam district administration has asked schools to open road safety clubs for students and educate them about traffic rules. State invites fresh applications Plus II Alarmed over huge number of vacancies in Plus II colleges, the state government on Wednesday invited fresh applications from students for admission in junior colleges. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Work has increased after BJP has come to power: RSS The Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh started its six-day long brain storming session with its intellectual unit here in the Thangdi Bhavan at the Depot Square on Thursday. MP BJP declares its bypoll candidates The Madhya Pradesh BJP on Thursday announced its candidates for the bypolls in three assembly constituencies. Three constituencies Vijayaraghogarh, Agar and Bahoriband are scheduled to go to the bypolls on August 21. CBI raids two districts in Madhya Pradesh in coal scam The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday booked the promoters of a Madhya Pradesh based cement company – Revati Cement – in connection with alleged irregularities in the allocation of coal blocks to it and carried out simultaneous raids on their official and residential premises at Indore and Satna district. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Team from Ghana in Punjab, to explore mutual ventures Benjamin Dagadu, deputy minister of energy and petroleum, Ghana, on Thursday met deputy chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, industrial advisor to Punjab chief minister, Kamal Oswal and chairman of Trident group, Rajinder Gupta. Smugglers abandon car with 236kg poppy husk Smugglers carrying poppy husk in a car left their vehicle behind as it got stuck in the mud after being hit by a tractor in Ishak village, near Pehowa, close to Punjab border, on Wednesday evening. Birender to join BJP in Kaithal on August 18 Congress' Rajya Sabha MP and rebel leader Birender Singh is all set to join the BJP at a rally organized by an NGO at Kaithal on August 18. More Chandigarh News»

		To manage your newsletter subscription settings, click here	Other Newsletters from TOI : Movie Reviews | Life & Style | Top Headlines

News Digest: Three dead in cloudburst in Uttarakhand

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Thursday, July 31, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Three dead in cloudburst in Uttarakhand Three people were killed in a cloudburst in Uttarakhand's Tehri district on Friday, according to TV reports. US brackets UP with Syria, Iraq A United States report on the status of religious freedom in countries across the globe has slammed the Uttar Pradesh government for choosing “not to combat discrimination on the basis of religion and intolerance.” Kumbakonam school tragedy: Angry parents will appeal verdict The parents of 94 children who perished in the 2004 school fire in Kumbakonam have decided to appeal against the Thanjavur court’s verdict that acquitted 11 of the 21 accused. More India News»

		Business
		US economy up 4% in Q2, surge in new jobs The US economy rebounded sharply in the second quarter as consumers stepped up spending and businesses restocked, putting it on course to close out the year on solid footing. US disappointed with India's WTO stand: Penny Pritzker With the new BJP-led government firmly in place at the Centre and prime minister Narendra Modi’s impending trip to the US in September, the US has decided to step up the dialogue to improve trade and cooperation between the two countries. 34% jump in job growth in 8 years: Census The number of people employed in the country rose by 34.35% to 12.77 crore in eight years to 2013, reveals the Sixth Economic Census-2013. More Business News»

		Environment
		India, US hold joint panel meet on climate issues New Delhi stuck to its stand of handling the refrigerant issue under the multilateral UN convention which safeguards the interest of developing countries. Global Tiger Day: Nature photographers chip in for the green cause India's leading nature photographers have contributed their pictures for a collection of mugs on the occasion of Global Tiger Day. The day is observed July 29. North Korea ship damages Mexican coral reefs A North Korean cargo ship damaged nearly an acre (0.37 hectare) of coral reefs off Mexico's eastern coast when it ran aground two weeks ago, Mexican authorities said on Tuesday. More Environment News»

		World
		Attack on Gaza school 'shameful': UN "Nothing is more shameful than attacking sleeping children," Ban said on his arrival in San Jose, Costa Rica."I condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms." Libya Islamists seize Benghazi army base Islamist groups have seized the army special forces headquarters in Libya's Benghazi after days of fighting left at least 35 soldiers dead and plunged the country deeper into lawlessness. Ebola outbreak: Liberia's president closes schools Liberia's president is closing the nation's schools and ordering non-essential government employees to stay home as the country battles an Ebola outbreak. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Hrithik -Sussanne: No 400 crore alimony involved Rumours were rife that a shocking amount of 400 crore was involved in the divorce case of Hrithik and Sussanne Roshan. However clarifying the same, official sources state that there is no truth in it. Reasons that might have led to Hrithik-Sussanne divorce Hrithik and Sussanne Roshan have mutually filed for a divorce at a family court in Bandra. Sussanne subtly drops Roshan from her name Sussanne Roshan, whose divorce from Hrithik Roshan is expected to come through in October 2014, has been living apart from her superstar husband for the last eight months. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Blood test to spot suicidal tendencies Scientists may have developed world’s first blood test to predict if a person has suicidal tendencies. Milky Way not so massive The Milky Way galaxy is lighter than previously thought, according to new research published by UK-based scientists on Wednesday. First malaria vaccine may be ready next year The world’s first malaria vaccine will be available in the market by next year. More Science News»

		Sports
		Full coverage: Glasgow Games, Day 7 India are placed sixth in the overall standings, with a total haul of 41 medals with 10 gold, 19 silver and 12 bronze after seventh day of competitions in the CWG. Vijender packs a punch, wrestlers excel Vijender Singh assured himself of a medal after Indian wrestlers continued to excel winning four silver and a bronze on seventh day of competitions in the CWG. Indian wrestlers settle for silver medals The Indian wrestlers were left licking their wounds as all four grapplers in contention for a gold medal lost in the final, leaving India to settle for four silver medals. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Flipkart's Bansals nearly as rich as Infosys co-founders The Bansals of Flipkart — Sachin and Binny — now boast of a combined net worth in excess of $1 billion, inching closer to that of Bangalore’s iconic tech billionaires N R Narayana Murthy and Nandan Nilekani of Infosys. India set to become Amazon's fastest-growing market: Bezos Amazon will invest a further $2 billion in India just a day after Flipkart attracted $1 billion of fresh funds, raising stakes in e-commerce sector. 8 things Samsung Galaxy Tab S tablets can do that iPads can't Here's a quick look at the 9 things you can do with Galaxy Tab S that you can't do with an iPad. More Technology News»

		Education
		Smriti Irani defends FYUP move One of the reasons for reverting to the three-year undergraduate programme in Delhi University was to ensure that its students are not “put to any disadvantage vis-a-vis students of other universities”, human resource development minister Smriti Irani told Parliament Wednesday. Tamil Nadu moves bill, wants no more private law colleges Risking adverse judicial orders, Tamil Nadu government tabled a Bill in the assembly announcing its policy decision to prohibit establishment of private law colleges in the state. Government to formulate new education policy The government has proposed to formulate a new education policy to meet challenges posed by lack of quality, research and innovation in Indian educational institutions, parliament was told today. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		MNS wants 5-day school break for Ganesha, govt passes buck For a second year running, schools in the city are roiled by confusion over Ganeshotsav holidays, thanks to the government’s shilly-shallying. Trauma care centre continues to ail, patients move out Several patients took discharge on Wednesday even as the services at Bal Thackeray Trauma Care Municipal Hospital in Jogeshwari continued to suffer owing to lack of staff and ailing infrastructure. 75K pay, no evening duty to woo specialists to civic hospitals Can a monthly consultancy fee of Rs 75,000 plus the flexibility to practise privately in the evening appeal to super specialists? The BMC is certainly hoping so. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Smriti Irani defends FYUP move  One of the reasons for reverting to the three-year undergraduate programme in Delhi University was to ensure that its students are not “put to any disadvantage vis-a-vis students of other universities”, human resource development minister Smriti Irani told Parliament Wednesday. Criminals held in south west Delhi Two men have been arrested in the Chhawla area of southwest Delhi for their involvement in several cases of dacoity, car robbery and murder. BJP invites RWAs to talk budget with Jaitley While its national leadership analyzes Delhi’s political scenario, BJP is preparing to face all eventualities, including a fresh election. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Ayah, teacher on radar for hushing up crime An ayah and a teacher of the upscale school in East Bangalore where a six-year-old girl was allegedly raped on July 2 are now under the police scanner. Call it an apology for a road It’s a roller-coaster ride every day for close to 3,500 children up and about to school. But who cares? Residents of Thubarahalli in Whitefield are tired of appealing to the civic authorities to asphalt the 950-metre-long school road for the past many years. Miffed schools may not comply with cops' rules School managements in Bangalore on Wednesday came together to express discontent over guidelines proposed by police. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		All for solar power In order to turnaround the power deficit in newly-formed Telangana, its two distribution companies are wooing domestic power consumers with both subsidies and incentives to generate solar power under Solar Net Metering (SNM) scheme. Women power to the rescue? In a move that is expected to deal a death blow to the politician-backed sand mafia, the Andhra Pradesh government on Wednesday decided to entrust sand mining to time-tested women self-help groups (SHG) in the state. Forgotten promise! The Andhra Pradesh government's silence on cancelling the controversial Vanpic land deal left its original owners — the farmers fuming. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		It's official now: Ripon building to wear white Ripon Buildings, seat of the city corporation, will be seen in white after sporting an offwhite look for almost two years. Officials earlier were in a dilemma on whether to choose white or off-white and had even daubed sections of two adjacent pillars in the two shades. Rot within weakens building regulator Citing the fate of more than a dozen similar internal probes in the past which allowed corrupt officials to go scot-free, experts have also demanded immediate implementation of the Madras high court’s 2006 order directing CMDA to take action against illegal buildings and officers responsible for failure to enforce rules. HC orders ignored, erring officials let off Two years ago, the Madras high court asked the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) to take action against 31 officials, including four IAS officers, who were found to have allowed building violations and irregularities. But no action has been taken so far. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		2 more drenching days ahead When it rains, it pours. Weather officials have said that the present spell of rains will continue and moderate to heavy rains are expected at many places across over Gujarat for the next two days — Thursday and Friday. Reign of chaos over city After a wild and wet night on Tuesday, rains continued to lash Ahmedabad till 9am on Wednesday. Rains kill at least six across the state; school kid drowns in flooded cave-in in Gandhinagar At least six people, including three young boys and a girl, were killed by the heavy rains that lashed the city as well as most of Gujarat on Wednesday. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Kin seek action against doctor, nurse for negligence A nurse on duty in children's ward in district hospital allegedly kept on sleeping and two children died for want of treatment on Sunday. Markets abuzz with Eid shoppers The markets in the old city were buzzing with activity as people thronged shops for making purchase on Monday.There was enthusiasm among the people to see the streak of Eid moon. Ghaghra recedes, still above red mark The level of Ghaghra is receding but the river has started changing its course.Near Baundi, the river is flowing towards Belha-BehArauli dam.A distance of just 100 metres is left between the river and dam. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Nil admission in 43 junior colleges A total of 43 junior colleges and 14 degree colleges had zero admission in at least one stream, an analysis of the admission data after the second-round admission reveals. Three die after eating 'stale' food Three persons from the district have died after allegedly eating stale food.One of them was identified as Saraswati Dehury, 20, who died on Monday. Kalpataru clarifies 'who's family' Even as Rajya Sabha member Kalpataru Das here on Tuesday tried to justify legal and technical sanctity of availing more than one plot/quarters by his family members, excise and cooperation minister Damodar Rout chided him again on the controversy. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		MP to plant 7 crore saplings to increase forest area The Madhya Pradesh state government will observe a 'haryali mahotsav" for a week starting Thursday. MP asks Centre for Rs 59 crores to make home for Gir lions Prime Minister Narendra Modi as chief minister of Gujarat would not part with the state's Asiatic lions. MP Congress demands apology from BJP leader for remark on tomatoes India's leading nature photographers have contributed their pictures for a collection of mugs on the occasion of Global Tiger Day. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		CM okays land for defence institute Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Wednesday gave a nod for allotting two acres of land for setting up a Defence Services Officers Institute (DSOI) at SAS Nagar (Mohali). 4-kg opium seized; 2 held The police on Wednesday arrested two persons on charges of possessing four-kg opium in Derabassi. Police hold no-poll gun to PU's head The central division of the UT police sent a letter to PU on Wednesday, writing that it would not grant permission for the elections if they fight shy of cracking down on "illegal" activities. More Chandigarh News»

		To manage your newsletter subscription settings, click here	Other Newsletters from TOI : Movie Reviews | Life & Style | Top Headlines