News Digest: 'India and United States: Please Be BFFs'

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Wednesday, October 01, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		'India and United States: Please Be BFFs' An article by Bloomberg editors cheekily titled, “India and US: Please Be BFFs“, says that “before US companies begin to invest seriously , they'll need to see more action from policy makers in New Delhi." BFF is part of teenage slang for best friends forever. Gifts with touch of Gandhi and Martin Luther Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal gifts for President Barack Obama were both very special. US slaps sanctions on two Pakistan terror groups for helping LeT The US has targeted two Pakistan-based terrorist organisations and frozen the assets of their leaders for providing financial support to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) held responsible for the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. More India News»

		Business
		Microsoft to set up cloud data centres in India Microsoft will have local data centres for its commercial cloud services in India by the end of 2015, CEO Satya Nadella announced in the capital on Tuesday. SBI reduces fixed deposits rates Deposit rates have started moving down even as Reserve Bank of India governor Raghuram Rajan on Tuesday kept rates unchanged. Wiring Fault - Maruti recalls 70k units of Swift, Dzire & Ritz Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s biggest carmaker, said on Tuesday that it would voluntarily recall 69,555 diesel cars, including models of the Dzire, the Swift and the Ritz manufactured between March 8, 2010 and August 11, 2013, to repair a faulty wiring harness fitment. More Business News»

		Environment
		Greenland ice sheet more sensitive to climate change than estimated A new study has revealed that despite its apparent stability, the massive ice sheet covering most of Greenland is more sensitive to climate change than earlier estimates have suggested. Global wildlife populations down by half since 1970: WWF A shocking report from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has found that 52% of the world's animals have vanished in 40 years. World Land Trust raising funds for the 'ambitious' Chilkiya-Kota elephant corridor World Land Trust is an international conservation charity, which protects the world’s most biologically important and threatened habitats acre by acre. More Environment News»

		World
		Britain carries out first air strikes against IS in Iraq British fighter jets on Tuesday bombed an artillery post and an armed truck used by the Islamic State group in Iraq in the Royal Air Force's first strikes in the US-led air campaign. Islamic State uses grain to tighten grip in Iraq For Salah Paulis, it came down to a choice between his faith and his crop.A wheat farmer from outside Mosul, Paulis and his family fled the militant group Islamic State early last month. Hong Kong protests approach potential National Day flashpoint Thousands of pro-democracy protesters thronged the streets of Hong Kong early on Wednesday, ratcheting up pressure on the pro-Beijing government that has called the action illegal, with both sides marking uneasy National Day celebrations. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Bigg Boss 8: Gautam Gulati abuses Karishma Tanna Ranbir Kapoor undergoes surgery day after birthday Katrina Kaif reportedly threw a surprise birthday party for Ranbir Kapoor on September 28. 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
		A hospital where patients feel they are on a cruise A Russian billionaire has designed a huge boat-shaped hospital for the new Dubai-style Tunisia Economic City. An apple a day may keep obesity away An apple a day could help to keep the doctor away, at least as far as obesity is concerned, according to a new study. Opioid painkillers carry high risk of addiction, even death A new research has revealed that opioid painkillers carry higher risk of death, overdose, addiction or serious side effects than benefits in chronic, non-cancer conditions like headache, fibromyalgia and chronic low back pain. More Science News»

		Sports
		Live Blog: Incheon Asian Games 2014, Day 12 Indian women's boxing icon Mary Kom will try to add Asian Games gold to her collection of world titles when she contests the flyweight final. Vikas Gowda's silver helps India stay inside top-10 Ace discus thrower Vikas Gowda was the country's top performer with a silver as India added four medals to maintain their 10th position in the overall standings. India set up revenge clash vs Pakistan in hockey final India men's hockey team stormed into the finals of the Asian Games after a gap of 12 years with a 1-0 win over hosts South Korea on Tuesday. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Microsoft announces Windows 10, skips version 9 Microsoft says the next version of its flagship operating system will be called Windows 10, as the company skips version 9 to emphasize advances it is making. Apple continues to dilly-dally over iPhone 6 launch in India Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino and its management in India are locked in a tussle over the launch of the new iPhone devices in India. The incredible life of Bill Gates More Technology News»

		Education
		Government to set up innovation labs in every district: Smriti Irani Innovation labs will soon be set up in every district for students to think of new ideas which will be funded by the government under an ambitious scheme to encourage research at both school and university level. IIM-I suspends PGP at its Dubai campus Indian Institute of Management, Indore (IIM-I) has decided to suspend admissions to its 2014-16 batch of post graduate programme (PGP), at Dubai campus due to unforeseen reasons. MA lectures in toilet at Gurgaon college A government college in the heart of the Millennium City has been forced to convert a toilet into a makeshift classroom for its MA students in sociology after it ran out of space. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Stepdad gets 6 yrs jail term for sexually abusing minor girl A special Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSOA) court on Tuesday convicted a 45-year-old man, Pappu Kale, for repeatedly sexually abusing his minor step daughter. Revellers with a cause at college culture fests The IIT-Bombay annual cultural festival, Mood-Indigo, plans to reach out to younger students this year to help them deal with depression. The festival organizers have decided to address the issue of rising cases of suicide among younger students. Constables earning less than peons: HC Constables earn less than peons working in any other establishment, the Bombay high court observed on Tuesday while directing the state to inform it about their pay scale and whether they have assured career progression. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Corporation rapped for closing parking The Delhi high court on Tuesday summoned North Delhi Municipal Corporation commissioner to explain why he shouldn't be charged with contempt for flouting court orders to keep surface parking in Chandni Chowk and nearby areas functional. Placement agencies to be registered The Delhi government on Tuesday told the high court that it has issued an order for compulsory registration of private placement agencies providing domestic workers while making it clear that all unregistered firms will have to shut down after October 25. Parking, waiting hit traffic on road The right turn from the BRT corridor is the first bottleneck on the 4-km-long Press Enclave Road. A regional transport office (RTO) is located on the right-hand corner and many vehicles remain parked on the main road in the first half of the day as people await their turn to take a driving test. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Jaya's shift to hospital is more about power play Former Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa could go the way of all convicts – into the comfort of a hospital jail ward. If sources are to be believed, preparations are on to convert a jail ward in Victoria Hospital and Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology for Jayalalithaa to shift in any time. Money trail of tea estate deal led to conviction The conviction of AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa is based on a “paper trail of money" placed before the special court by prosecutors, in buying the picturesque Kodanad tea estate close to Udhagamandalam, in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. Karnataka cautious on SPP's appointment Keeping in mind the strange nature of the case, the government has adopted a wait-and-watch approach with regard to the appointment of a special public prosecutor (SPP) to represent the case in the high court. Jayalalithaa and her three associates have moved the high court for bail and quashing of their conviction by the special court. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Woman looted at knifepoint in Hyderabad Robbers threatened a vegetable vendor and stole Rs 1 lakh worth valuables from her a vegetable vendor after threatening her at knifepoint at Hayathnagar on Monday night. Man creates fake FB profile to 'defame' friend Cyberabad police arrested a private employee from Attapur on Tuesday for creating a fake online profile of his female friend and posting her personal number along with defamatory content on the page after the latter had started avoiding him. Army delivers final blow, full ban on civilian traffic Just a day after stating that traffic restrictions will be enforced in a "gradual manner" on five road stretches near AOC Centre, the Army authorities have told representatives of residential welfare associations that civilian vehicles will be banned completely on these roads from January 1, 2015. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Cop rewarded by Jaya attempts immolation A police constable, who received a cash reward and certificate from former chief minister J Jayalalithaa in 2003, attempted self-immolation at the DGP’s office in Chennai on Tuesday, apparently upset over her imprisonment. AIADMK targets judge as attacks sharpen In a shocking onslaught on the judiciary, AIADMK cadres and sympathisers gave vent to their anguish over the verdict against AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa in the assets case by putting up banners and raising slogans against special court judge John Michael D’Cunha. Plea against OPS attracts Rs 25,000 fine Throwing out a PIL which opposed appointment of O Panneerselvam as chief minister, as he owed allegiance to a “convicted person”, the Madras high court imposed an exemplary cost of Rs 25,000 on two petitioners on Tuesday. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Thara Ahmedabad's first woman civic chief The 1995-batch IAS officer, D Thara, is the new municipal commissioner of Ahmedabad. Thara will be the first woman civic chief in the history of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). The state government made the announcement on Tuesday. Pradeep Sharma's wife owned 30% of Welspun arm: ACB A day after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) attached his properties worth Rs 1 crore, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) early on Tuesday morning arrested suspended IAS officer Pradeep Sharma in an alleged corruption case. To fight local polls, toilet must at home No toilet, no eligibility to contest in any local body election. This will soon be the norm in the state. The Gujarat government has decided to introduce an ordinance to amend the Gujarat Panchayat Act 1993. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Police get anti-riot weapons Police have been equipped with latest weapons to control riots in the communally sensitive Bahraich district. Weapons like 12 bore pump action guns, tear gas grenades, anti-riot and pepper guns have been made available at all the police stations. Special premium train between Indore, Patna In view of the heavy rush of passengers, railway administration has decided to run a special premium train between Indore and Patna. Back home from far off places to celebrate puja As the festivity of Durga Puja begins across the city, this is an occasion when people who have moved to various parts of the country and aboard, come back home. Enjoying the stay, dominated by nostalgia of their childhood memories, they can be spotted in every barware, laughing and sharing their experiences. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Govt increases seats in 12 colleges The state government has increased the number of seats in Plus-II and degree classes in 12 aided colleges under Bhubaneswar and Berhampur regions. Man posing as CRPF inspector arrested Nayapalli police here on Monday arrested a man on charges of impersonating as a CRPF inspector.He was identified as Balaram Das, 29. Oppn dubs BJD nominee foreigner With campaigning for October 15 Kandhamal Lok Sabha (LS) byelection gathering heat, Congress and BJP on Monday targeted BJD, dubbing its candidate, Pratyusha Rajeswari Singh, as a 'foreigner'. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		MPBSE to tweak exam pattern to suit disabled students Taking a leaf out of CBSE, MP Board of secondary education is in talks with NGOs like Arushi to collaborate with them to make board examinations more disabled-friendly. No northeast actor in Mary Kom lead role unfortunate: Aamir Khan Bollywood actor Aamir Khan said it was really unfortunate that an actor from the North East was not cast as lead for recent blockbuster Mary Kom. 24X7 power will continue despite coal blocks cancellation: Shivraj Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday said despite cancellation of coal blocks by Supreme Court, the state will continue to supply 24x7 power under its flagship Atal Jyoti Abhiyan scheme. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Flag politics in Haryana polls While covering the stretch of national highway-10 from Rohtak to Hansi, TOI walked down to some villages to know about "flag politics" and found that displaying of party flags was a major factor in the poll-bound state. SD college students' documentary wins award With over 300 young widows of drug addicts, the village Maqboolpura near Amritsar has infamously earned the title of 'Village of Widows'. Barricade IAF restricted zone entry points, HC tells Gurgaon, Faridabad administrations The court has also directed the commissioners of Gurgaon and Faridabad to share their personal phone numbers so that the air force authorities can immediately alert them about the illegal activities through SMS. More Chandigarh News»

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News Digest: Leave note for successor, says DoPT note to babus

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Tuesday, September 30, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Leave note for successor, says DoPT note to babus The department of personnel & training (DoPT) has directed all officers to leave behind a "note for the successor" before they get transferred or demit office, so as to ensure that the knowledge of their respective work areas is not lost during transition. Khem Cho Mr PM? Obama asks Modi; Michelle Obama not present at dinner As Obama hosted Modi for dinner, the local Indian-Americans celebrated the Modi-Obama meeting by organizing a cultural event in front of the White House. Congress takes barbs at Modi over 'Gandhi slip' Congress took potshots at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for referring to Mahatma Gandhi as "Mohanlal Karamchand Gandhi", questioning his commitment to the father of the nation's ideals. More India News»

		Business
		Lenders look to hive off Dabhol assets Bankers refused to comment on the issue but it is not clear if the plan enjoys the blessings of the Reserve Bank of India. White-label ATMs face viability hurdle A desktop ATM— the size of a coffee vending machine—ATMs inside kirana stores and battery-powered ATMs with wireless dongles are some of the innovations that operators of white-label ATMs (WLAs) are looking at to ensure viability of rural machines. Auto portal Cardekho acquires Gaadi.com Sequoia Capital-backed Cardekho has acquired Ibibo Group-owned Gaadi.com in the first big consolidation move in a fragmented online auto classifieds market. More Business News»

		Environment
		World Land Trust raising funds for the 'ambitious' Chilkiya-Kota elephant corridor World Land Trust is an international conservation charity, which protects the world’s most biologically important and threatened habitats acre by acre. New snake species found in Ganjam named after Odisha The Russian Journal of Herpetology, an international science journal, has published a research paper on the new species in its latest edition published on Friday. NGT fines water packaging unit for not taking permission The National Green Tribunal has directed a water packaging unit in Greater Noida to pay Rs 1 lakh to the UP Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) for operating without permission from any of the competent authorities and causing damage to the environment. More Environment News»

		World
		Edgy China warns of strong police action against Hong Kong protests As pro-democracy movement intensified in Hong Kong, China on Monday signaled it won't tolerate "disrupters" and "mischief-mongers", even as it betrayed its own increasing nervousness about the protests by canceling the island's national day celebrations on October 1 and ordering Chinese websites to delete any mention of the unrest. UK supports Hong Kong protest The UK on Monday expressed concern over the developing situation in Hong Kong and said that its prosperity and security were based on its fundamental rights and freedoms including the right to demonstrate. Goan origin Costa is Portugal's PM candidate Portugal's main opposition Socialist Party on Sunday chose Lisbon mayor Antonio Costa as its candidate to be Prime minister in next year's election, hoping to breathe new life into the party's drive to regain power. More World News»

		Entertainment
		'I had decided to lead a life of a pauper by choice' Kay Kay Menon, 47, may not have shirt-tearing fans, but he is highly respected for his craft as an actor. He is emotional and sensitive and likes to live in his own cocoon. Singer-turned-actress faints on the sets Singer Shibani Kashyap, who forayed into TV with the show Ek Veer Ki Ardaas...Veera, fainted on the set recently. Katrina throws a birthday bash for Ranbir? he actor, known for his stellar performances in films like Barfi! and Rockstar turned 32 and it seems Ranbir was in for surprise. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Black holes do not exist, claims study Black holes - the most dense objects in the universe that do not even let light escape- do not exist, a physics professor in the US has claimed. Soon, you may travel to space in a balloon A Chinese entrepreneur plans to set up a commercial space project to fly travellers in a manned capsule above the earth surface where they can see the curve of the planet and experience weightlessness. Graphene may allow for flexible, low-cost touchscreens Graphene-treated nanowires could soon replace current touchscreen technology allowing for more affordable, flexible displays, scientists say. More Science News»

		Sports
		Live Blog: Incheon Asian Games 2014, Day 11 Mary Kom will lead the Indian women boxers' bid to make it to the finals. Vikas Gowda starts as one of the favourites for a discus medal on the eleventh day of the competition. Asiad: With two more golds; India maintain 9th place Sania Mirza and Saketh Myneni clinched the gold in mixed double while Seema Punia also brought glory with her gold-winning act as India maintained the ninth position. Sania-Saketh grab mixed doubles gold Sania Mirza and Saketh Myneni combined well to clinch gold medal in the mixed doubles event as India's tennis campaign at the Asian Games concluded with a rich haul of five medals at the Asian Games. More Sports News»

		Technology
		India energizes me, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos says Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on his plans for bringing his 'Everything Store' to India First impressions: Samsung Galaxy Alpha Positioned as a high-end smartphone offering, the phone combines a premium form factor with high-end hardware specifications. 8 smartphones with unique features Most smartphones today have hardware and software quite similar to that of rivals, and there is very little that distinguishes one smartphone from the other. More Technology News»

		Education
		MA lectures in toilet at Gurgaon college A government college in the heart of the Millennium City has been forced to convert a toilet into a makeshift classroom for its MA students in sociology after it ran out of space. Premier pundit of management: Bakul Dholakia energized IIM-Ahmedabad with series of initiatives Bakul Dholakia, a pundit of finance and economics, is acclaimed for his contribution to IIM-Ahmedabad while he was the institute’s director. PU deserves central varsity status, VC says Patna University vice-chancellor Y C Simhadri feels this premier university certainly deserves a special status, he said. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		26-year-old ex-model hangs self, blames boyfriend in suicide note The police said that she committed suicide coupe of days ago but no one knew about it. On Monday morning, Pande’s neighbours smelt foul stench emanating from her residence and they called the police. Unique outings will define travel by 2024 In today’s age, travel may be about self-discovery, appreciation of diverse cultures and relaxation but in the future, it seems, it will largely be about securing bragging rights. Man held for US national's murder in Bangkok in 2012 A Grant Road resident, Ritesh Sanghvi (26), was nabbed by the city crime branch on Sunday from Parbhani for killing a 52-year-old US national in Bangkok in 2012. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Soumya Vishwanathan case accused gets 3-year jail for escape bid The main accused in the murder of journalist Soumya Vishwanathan has been sentenced to three years imprisonment by a trial court in a separate case of trying to escape from custody by throwing chilli powder on cops. Man caught walking on Metro track A day after a fracas at the Rajiv Chowk station led to chaos on Delhi Metro, yet another breach of security was reported. Safdarjung to treat acid survivor The Delhi high court on Monday directed Safdarjung Hospital to conduct a corrective surgery on a 21-year-old acid attack survivor. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Cops hurt in sand shortage clash More than 5,000 construction workers clashed with police during a protest against shortage of sand supply near Suvarna Vidhana Soudha on Monday. Handset fault pushes customer to the wall Worried that the numbers to which he was making calls were not recorded, K Mohan Kumar took his gadget, a Samsung S-5282 (Galaxy Star), to the showroom, Univer Cell Telecommunications Private Ltd in Vijayanagar, to get the fault corrected. Schools told to implement safety norms by October 31 Aided and unaided schools in the city may have to face the music if they fail to implement the guidelines issued to ensure children's safety by October 31. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Tuda plans monorail from Tirupati to Tirumala If the proposal takes concrete shape, then the day will not be far off when devotees can go up from Tirupati to Tirumala in a monorail. A feasibility report to this effect was sent by Tirupati Urban Development Authority (Tuda) to the Union urban development ministry last month. Top central excise official's kin die in accident in Hyderabad The wife, daughter and brother-in-law of joint commissioner of customs & central excise (Hyderabad), MVV Suryanarayana, died in a road mishap on the Outer Ring Road (ORR) at Shamshabad here on Monday morning. Setback for capital dreams In a major setback to the Chandrababu Naidu government's plan to pool lands for the capital city, farmers in the proposed capital region have made clear their unwillingness to part with their lands. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Rs 1.91 lakh in cash robbed from Tasmac Miscreants escaped with Rs 1.91 lakh in cash after drilling a hole on the rear wall of a Tasmac shop on Poonamallee High Road near Periamet on Monday morning. 40-year-old man found dead on Egmore road A 40-year-old employee of a timber depot was found dead with injuries on his head in Egmore on Monday morning. Conservancy staff to guard pavements The city corporation has appointed its conservancy workers to double up as security to guard the recently widened city pavements in the city. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Judge gets justice after 21 years It has taken 21 years for a judge to get justice. The Gujarat high court has asked the state government to pay former judge R K Divyeshwar for the years of service he lost after he was dismissed allegedly for turning up 'drunk' at a female judge's house. ED attaches suspended IAS officer Pradeep Sharma's properties worth Rs 1 crore The Enforcement Directorate on Monday attached properties worth Rs 1 crore belonging to suspended IAS officer Pradeep Sharma in a five-year-old case. Youth is no guarantee against heart attacks, say doctors Hitesh Pathak, an engineering student of Ahmedabad, is lucky to be alive.He had been experiencing severe chest pain and heartburn, but he was being treated for acidity. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		No headway in 1.6 crore loot case Despite releasing the sketches of three prime suspects wanted in connection with Nawabganj Rs 1.60 crore loot case, the cops still haven’t been able to make a breakthrough. Glowing tributes paid to Bhagat Singh Various programmes were organised on the occasion of birth anniversary of Bhagat Singh on Sunday. People sang patriotic slogans and remembered the sacrifice of the great son of India. Many people marched from Gauhania Chauraha to Jasra market. 4 caught cheating in SSC exam Four examinees appearing in the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) examination were caught cheating on Sunday. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Boy 'sacrificed' for good health In a chilling incident of alleged child sacrifice, police on Sunday arrested Bankanidhi Behera on charges of strangulating a 7-year-old boy to death at Jhalipadar village in Balangir district. State schoolkids set to make a mark at Denmark climate meet They are the only group of children from Asia to be participating in the event along with children from six other countries - Denmark, Belgium, Sweden, Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia. Brown sugar worth Rs 50L seized in Puri Excise officers on Sunday seized brown sugar, worth over Rs 50 lakh, from a man, who allegedly wanted to supply it to some foreign tourists in Puri. The drug peddler, Amulya Kumar Swain, 40, was arrested with the contraband near Puri railway station. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Bloody Bhopal shootout exposes botched cop operation The bloody shootout at busy Habibganj area in Bhopal late on Saturday which left two policemen critically injured exposed the botched operation by Uttar Pradesh STF and MP police. Sex den at sharpshooter's Saket Nagar home Saturday night shootout in the city has left the police intelligence apparatus in tatters.It was just not about a criminal fleeing after pumping bullets into two cops in the heart of the city. State to set up venture firm with MSME fund: CM Ten days before the global investment summit to be held in Indore from October 8 to 10, Madhya Pradesh government has decided to set up a venture capital fund company with an initial sum of Rs 100 crore MSME fund (micro, small and medium entrepreneurs). Addressing a press conference, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Sunday that the company will help set up new industries. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		115-year-old loses mother, finds new home, family Dheeraj, 15, sits with ease while learning how to play tabla from Saurabh.They both stay in the same house, though they are not related.It is compassion that bonds Saurabh's family with Dheeraj. Pyar Ke Liye Kuchh Bhi Karega The girl and Joginder Singh, 23, a motor mechanic, were in a relationship for last five years.On Saturday, the girl went missing. Didn't take oath in 3 months, HC quashes councillor's election The Punjab and Haryana high court on Monday set aside the election of a woman councillor of Kalayat municipal committee of Kaithal district. More Chandigarh News»

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