News Digest: NDA alliance in TN coming unstuck

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Monday, December 01, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		NDA alliance in TN coming unstuck NDA alliance in Tamil Nadu appears to be coming unstuck with the BJP targeting MDMK chief Vaiko over his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Rajnath Singh besides the celebrations organized by him across Tamil Nadu last Wednesday to mark the 60th birth anniversary of slain LTTE chief V Prabhakaran. Army chief visits Southern Command HQ Chief of Army Staff General Dalbir Singh visited the Southern Command headquarters in the city on Saturday.The Army chief was received by Lt Gen Ashok Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command. Budding officers with defence background leave a mark at NDA The sentiment of continuing the family legacy of serving in the defence forces reigned supreme for the 127th batch that passed out from the city-based National Defence Academy (NDA) on Saturday. More India News»

		Business
		Investors reject USL-Mallya finance deals Retail and institutional investors overwhelmingly rejected USL’s existing financial agreements with various entities of Mallya’s UB Group, while they didn’t pass a resolution seeking better integration with its new parent, Diageo. Car companies 'discount' safety in sales pitch Are car makers taking Indian customers for a ride when it comes to additional costs for safety? RBI policy to set tone for markets Volatility is on the cards next week as stock markets take cues from the much-awaited RBI policy meet, developments in Parliament and economic indicators, including monthly auto sales, say experts. More Business News»

		Environment
		Rain not washing away Yamuna toxins The water samples were analysed for the most toxic heavy metals. Climate Parliament asks govt to create green energy fund Climate Parliament, a global network of legislators working to promote renewable energy, has urged the Urban development ministry to create a green energy fund to focus on utilisation of renewable energy in urban areas. Ganga cleanup start of mission to clean waterbodies: Javadekar The Centre's Ganga clean-up programme was the 'beginning' of the Narendra Modi-led NDA government's mission to clean up major water bodies in India, including southern rivers, Union environment minister Prakash Javadekar said on Saturday. More Environment News»

		World
		Pope calls on Muslim leaders to condemn terrorism Pope Francis on Sunday urged Muslim leaders worldwide to "clearly" condemn terrorism carried out in the name of Islam. Obama to meet with cabinet, civil rights leaders on Ferguson President Barack Obama will meet at the White House on Monday with cabinet members and civil rights leaders on issues related to Ferguson, Missouri, where a grand jury decided not to indict a white police officer in the death of an unarmed black teenager. Show a little class: GOP aide to Obama daughters Indian-American writers continued to make the White House reading list as President Obama took to his twin roles of reader-in-chief and consumer-in-chief in what is becoming a customary presidential outing after Thanksgiving. More World News»

		Entertainment
		TV actors who moved on from their exes Some of TV's biggest stars have also seen the end to their relationship and have eventually found love in the arms of someone else. Here, we look at some TV celebs who have moved on from their exes and found love once again! KJo reveals all about Aishwarya's comeback film Some people are super special. Whatever they do becomes the talk of the town. Karisma spotted with former husband Sunjay More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Brain has weak spot for Alzheimer's, schizophrenia: Study The human brain has a fragile spot for Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia, a study involving 484 healthy people aged between eight and 85 years has found. Texting neck: Using smartphone can be damaging to your back, expert claims Looking down at our phones isn’t just making us bump into one another, it’s also exerting a damaging amount of weight onto the back of heads and necks, says scientists. Art in a whisky glass, neatly explained Ernie Button, a photographer in Phoenix, found art at the bottom of a whisky glass. More Science News»

		Sports
		Bruno Pelissari takes Chennaiyin FC to doorstep of ISL semis Bruno Pelissari's individual brilliance saw Chennaiyin FC edge past Kerala Blasters 1-0 to all but ensure a place in the semifinal of the Indian Super League. EPL: Aguero undoes Saints as Man City go second Sergio Aguero created two goals as champions Man City leapfrogged Southampton into 2nd place in the Premier League table with a steely 3-0 victory. Baichung Bhutia conferred AFC 'Hall of Fame' Award Former Indian captain Baichung Bhutia was honoured with the AFC Hall of Fame Award on occasion of the Asian Football Confederation's 60th anniversary. More Sports News»

		Technology
		How crowdfunding can help you fulfil your dreams Crowdfunding entails the art of raising small funds (mostly a few lakhs) over a small period of time (30 days or so) from multiple investors. Game review: Far Cry 4 Far Cry 4 is a fantastic game, especially if you’re new to the series. With it’s razor sharp signature style, beautiful open world filled with things to do and lots of mayhem to take part in, this game is one you will be savouring for a long time. Highly recommended. 5 free tools to unleash your creativity Graphics company Serif has a whole software suite that lets you edit photos, stitch panoramas, create vector graphics, design brochures, print layouts and visiting cards, and even personal web pages... More Technology News»

		Education
		Indian MOOC for a global platform US-based educational technology company Coursera, which offers massive open online courses (MOOCs) from various universities, has partnered with an Indian B-school. Q&A - 'Small companies to create jobs' Damien English, minister of state for education, skills and innovation, Ireland, on the highlights of his recent visit to India 2 Delhi students among Rhodes scholars-elect The postgraduate award is for two to three years (depending on the academic route) of study at the University of Oxford. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Man with ties to gangster goes missing A Dombivli resident, Karan Bagul, who was at loggerheads with a developer, has been missing since two months after he went to meet the latter. Condom 'quality' makes HIV drive flaccid At a time when the HIV campaign is steering towards ‘zero new infection’, its prevention among high-risk groups in the city hangs between bad quality of condoms and complete unavailability of the same. 'Return of Chembur stalls will rob us of pavements' Chembur residents, who have been able to reclaim public space after nearly 300 hawkers were evicted near the railway station, are wary of the vendors’ comeback. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Man throws kid bro-in-law into canal A 24-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly abducting and then murdering his six-year-old brother-in-law in Sarita Vihar to teach his in-laws a lesson. Man kidnaps wife's cousin in South Delhi A man in a marital dispute was arrested for kidnapping his wife’s six-year-old cousin from south Delhi’s Vasant Kunj area on Friday afternoon. BJP asks Centre to resolve Munak Canal dispute A day after Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar refused to release water in the Munak canal citing water shortage in the state, Delhi BJP has asked the central government to immediately resolve the issue. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		We need some space! Bengaluru's vibrant new co-working spaces are hubs of collaboration and innovation, and often double as party central after work hours Honey Badgers not so rare: Study The elusive Honey Badger has been spotted in Karnataka forests and that too in large numbers.  Gadag doctor tops ST category in AIIMS PG test When they got admission in Dharwad's Karnataka College in 2005, the Pujar twins - Laxman and Ramanna, from Gadag - survived on jowar roti and chilli powder for two months. When they ran out of rotis, a shared ten-rupee lunch was all they had the whole day.  More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		SCB polls 'semi-final' to GHMC elections All major parties plan to field candidates Fatal accidents: Cops ignore SC precedent If a murder happens in outside their jurisdiction, station house officers (inspectors) try their best to pass the buck. But if a road accident occurs, cops lose no time to jump into action and take up investigation without pondering much over jurisdictional issues. Two killed in explosion at toy-making unit Two persons were killed today and one was seriously injured in an explosion at a toy manufacturing unit on the outskirts of Karimnagar town. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Dharmapuri infant deaths: Panel to launch probe The Tamil Nadu Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) will be holding an inquiry into the deaths of 13 infants at the Dharmapuri Government Medical College Hospital, said A D Revathy, member, SCPCR. Italian white wine seeks Geographical Indication status Looking for sparkling wine that won’t burn a hole in your pocket? Crack open a bottle of Prosecco, an Italian white wine that non-connoisseurs sometimes confuse with champagne. Theatre personality Veenapani is no more Noted theatre personality Veenapani Chawla died at around noon at a private hospital in Puducherry on Sunday after suffering a heart attack. She was 67. Her last rites will be held at Karuvadikuppam in Puducherry on Monday. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Brijesh stars in Gujarat University's thrilling victory Just when it looked like all is over, things turned in the favour as Gujarat University (GU) team State tele-network boosts BSF link to remote outposts The Border Security Force (BSF) has finally found a reliable mode to have a speedy and regular interaction with its soldiers posted in the far-flung 200 border outposts in Gujarat Frontier. Loan disbursal for EWS, LIG houses begins today On AMC assurance on defaults, around 21 banks have agreed to take part More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		AU central library to start issuing books to PG students after 15 days The decision bears significance as it has been around 12 years since AU authorities have stopped issuing books to its UG and PG students. Teen crime: Rape, murder cases on rise in district The increase in cases of minor committing heinous crime of rape and murder has recently prompted the Union Cabinet to approve amendment to the Juvenile Justice Act. ADA official falls from court stairs FIR lodged for attempt to murder More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		State taxpayers' Rs 5 crore goes down the drain The daily expenditure of running the assembly is more than Rs 50 lakh, government sources said. Oppn moves Prez to end stalemate Congress and BJP MLAs on Saturday sought Governor S C Jamir’s intervention to uphold the ‘constitutional spirit’. Subhankar diary gives away officers A diary, seized by the CBI from Seashore conduit Subhankar Nayak, contained names of four SPs, one DIG, two collectors and several politicians, who were allegedly paid by the goup to protect his illegal money circulation business. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Tiger killed in Pench national park of Madhya Pradesh A day after forest officials arrested three people who allegedly chopped a claw of a leopard that got killed in an electric wire trap laid by poachers for tiger near Bandhavgarh National Park in Umaria district, a tiger was found dead in Pench national park of Seoni distirct. Kin of brave security guard still await financial help While kin of injured security guard, Amrit Lal, 65 struggle to bear medical expenses, his son Manoj is not very sure if he would receive any financial assistance from anyone. Denied meeting with lover, girl tries to kill self Irked over lover’s parents not allowing him to meet her, a 19-year-old girl attempted suicide by consuming rat kill and cutting her wrist near Khatlapura temple. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Missionary schools upload admission notice on their websites While St John's will admit children born from April 2009 to March 2010 in upper kindergarten, the rest three schools will admit to lower KG kids born from April 2010 to March 2011. Rs 1.1 crore heist cracked Closed circuit television (CCTV) footage, an indulgent alms donor and surveillance on a trusted employee helped the police crack the sensational Rs 1.10 crore bus stand robbery. 81-year-old, still wrinkle-free and priceless Kamini.Mehta@timesgroup.In times when everything comes at a price, this 81-year-old vintage car is priceless for its owners. More Chandigarh News»

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News Digest: Law on dam safety norms in the offing

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Sunday, November 30, 2014
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Law on dam safety norms in the offing Having a record 5,198 large dams in the country, third only after the US and China, the Centre is aggressively working on a new dam safety law to put in place good practices and procedures on safety parameters of large structures. Probe finds DM, SSP, PMC boss responsible for Patna stampede The committee constituted by the Bihar government to probe into the stampede causing 33 deaths at the Gandhi Maidan here after Ravanvadh on October 3 has recommended stern action against the then district magistrate, SSP, municipal commissioner and traffic SP. Nitish's next public contact programme from December Former Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday admitted his JD (U) lost the Lok Sabha elections because he had lost contact with the people when he was at the helm. More India News»

		Business
		Railwaymen's federation oppose FDI in railways All India Railwaymen's Federation on Saturday said that it opposes 100 per cent FDI in railways as it will "demolish the existing framework" of the organization. Vodafone, Airtel fined for tariff and MNP violations Telecom operator Vodafone has been fined the most for tariff rule violations till date, while Bharti Airtel has been penalized the maximum amount for breaching mobile number portability norms. As energy shares tumble, opportunity lurks Shale stocks have been hard-hit as investors see margins all but evaporating following the slide in crude oil prices, but the US shale energy boom is not over. More Business News»

		Environment
		Ganga cleanup start of mission to clean waterbodies: Javadekar The Centre's Ganga clean-up programme was the 'beginning' of the Narendra Modi-led NDA government's mission to clean up major water bodies in India, including southern rivers, Union environment minister Prakash Javadekar said on Saturday. Education makes people less vulnerable to natural calamities Education makes people less vulnerable to natural disasters such as floods, landslides and storms that are expected to intensify with climate change, says a new study. NGT to hold meet to implement order of banning 15-year-old vehicles In a path-breaking initiative,the National Green Tribunal on Friday directed holding of a meeting of stakeholders in its conference hall to devise modalities for implementation of its order banning plying of vehicles which are more than 15 years old on the city roads. More Environment News»

		World
		Ferguson officer who shot Michael Brown resigns The white police officer who killed Michael Brown has resigned from the Ferguson Police Department, his attorney said Saturday, nearly four months after the fatal confrontation with the black 18-year-old that fueled protests in the St. Louis suburb and across the US. Sarkozy chosen as French conservative party leader Returning from the political wilderness, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has taken a big step toward a possible re-election bid by winning the leadership of the conservative party. Taliban kill 11 Afghan troops in southern assaults An Afghan official said that at least 11 Afghan soldiers have been killed in two separate attacks in southern Helmand province, including on a base once held by Nato forces. More World News»

		Entertainment
		'I want to play Yuvraj Singh in a biopic' Rannvijay Singha, who was recently in Delhi, told us that he wants to do a sports biopic. Currently enjoying playing an Army officer on TV, he said that even though it’s tough shooting for the action-based show and he has sustained a lot of bruises and injuries, these are all ‘badges’ for him. He also spoke to us about why playing a man in uniform is like a dream come true for him. DDLJ: Jokes on film trend on Twitter! Here's taking a look at all the jokes, pertaining to the film, that are on Twitter Arpita-Hrithik dance on her wedding reception Hrithik Roshan serenaded Arpita Khan on the dance floor. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Earth's most abundant mineral named Bridgmanite The most abundant mineral on earth that has remained nameless until now will be called Bridgmanite. Are you a picky eater? Blame your genes If you have suddenly become choosy about your food choices, don't just blame bad food or environment. You may be genetically predisposed to become a picky eater. Willy Wonka-style lift is a reality A new test designed to rapidly diagnose Ebola virus infection is to be tried out at a treatment centre for the disease in Guinea, international health charity The Wellcome Trust said on Friday. More Science News»

		Sports
		ISL: Spirited Pune hold Atletico de Kolkata to a 1-1 draw Atletico de Kolkata's erratic run in their away matches continued as a spirited FC Pune City held them to a 1-1 draw in their Indian Super League encounter. Danny Welbeck returns to maintain Arsenal revival Danny Welbeck returned from injury to maintain Arsenal's recent revival as England striker's second-half goal sealed a 1-0 win at West Bromwich Albion. Defending champ Sindhu storms into Macau Open final PV Sindhu notched up a comfortable straight-game win in women's singles to enter the final but young shuttler HS Prannoy lost despite a valiant fight. More Sports News»

		Technology
		10 top tech stories of the week Here's a quick look at what made news in the world of technology in the week just gone by... Amazon to help desi sellers go global Amazon is set to launch its first cross-border trade, or CBT, service here, which will enable small sellers in India to reach out to global customers, according to people familiar with the plans. 5 free tools to unleash your creativity Graphics company Serif has a whole software suite that lets you edit photos, stitch panoramas, create vector graphics, design brochures, print layouts and visiting cards, and even personal web pages... More Technology News»

		Education
		President Pranab Mukherjee calls for improving standard of education Noting that India has the largest secondary education system in the world, President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday said that the standard of education must be improved and made affordable for meritorious students of all backgrounds. Uphold principles of Constitution: Judge Students of law should dedicate themselves to upholding the cardinal principles that form the foundation of our constitutional edifice, said principal district and sessions judge M Ramesh Rao in the city on Wednesday. Upgrade education infrastructure, quality of teachers: Pranab Mukherjee President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday called upon educational institutes to upgrade infrastructure, improve quality of teachers and learning capacity of students. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Red tape holds up revamp of 100-yr-old SoBo bridges A tussle between the civic body and Central Railway (CR) has stalled the reconstruction of Hancock and Carnac Bunder bridges, which are more than a century old. BMC films to teach kids about diabetes The civic administration will soon release two short films, including an animation film targeted at schoolchildren, in order to highlight the problem of diabetes and obesity in society. Mumbai-Pune traffic hit as gas tanker overturns Traffic on the Pune-Mumbai highway was severely hit after a gas tanker overturned and developed a leak at Chakan phata in Talegaon Dabhade around 2.45am on Saturday. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		E-rickshaw drivers need no education for licence Thousands of illiterate e-rickshaw drivers would soon be eligible to apply for driving licence simply by undergoing 10 days mandatory training on how to operate the vehicle. Day after HC order, parents confused about nursery admission What Friday’s high court order on nursery admission and the government’s decision to challenge it have precipitated is confusion. IRS officer, two others acquitted in graft case An Indian Revenue Service officer and two others, including a personal assistant to the then minister of state for finance, have been acquitted by a Special CBI court after it found major discrepancies in the evidence produced by CBI in the 2003 corruption case. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Court orders cops to act, Kiss of Love put off The Kiss of Love event, scheduled to be held in Bengaluru on Sunday, was put off following an order from a magistrate court, directing city police to take strict action against the organizers. BBMP processes 65% of city's garbage, claims commissioner Kambala aficionados protest ban with buffalo march Over 5,000 patrons, organisers and well-wishers marched towards the deputy commissioner’s office from BR Ambedkar (Jyothi) Circle on Saturday to seek the lifting of the ban on this traditional sport. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Battle for seva of Lord Balaji  The management of the Tirumala temple has so far been the exclusive domain of the state of Andhra Pradesh. Where will governor take R-Day salute? A major constitutional crisis may be in the offing in the run up to Republic Day 2015. As per practice, the governor of a state has to take the salute in the state capital soon after the President does so in Delhi.  Citizens can monitor water board projects Citizens can soon monitor ongoing water and sewer works on the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board’s (HMWS&SB) official website. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Over 50 chickens found dead in Nilgiris hamlet Even as Kerala grappled with bird flu that hit thousands of ducks, panic spread across a few villages in Pandalur taluk in the Nilgiris after more than 50 chickens were found dead on Saturday. Moopanar made no sacrifice, says EVKS In an apparent move to distance the party from late Congress leader G K Moopanar, TNCC chief E V K S Elangovan on Saturday said the state unit would only project K Kamaraj, who made a lot of sacrifices for the country. NLC power plants await green signal as demand soars Even as the state suffers from power shortage, two thermal units – each with a capacity of 500 MW – which are almost ready, are unable to run for want of environmental clearance. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Gujarat has sowed family hope in lesbian NRG couple The journey to Gujarat of an NRG lesbian couple in the hope of starting a family has been successful. One of the women has become pregnant through IVF performed at Anand using the egg of her partner and a donor sperm. Two members of inter-state gang held in Naranpura A team of Naranpura police caught two persons, suspected to be part of an inter-state gang, near Naranpura crossing on Thursday night. The duo was found in possession of two laptops that they had taken on rent. 'Swachcha' work forced on prisoners awaiting trial Sabarmati jail prisoners who are on trial for eloping with girls under 18 have their task cut out for them in the prison. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Vigilant groups to confront those involved in eve-teasing Taking a novel initiative to confront those involved in eve-teasing on the campus of CMP Degree College, girl students of the college have decided to form small vigilant groups to teach a lesson to those who dare to pass objectionable comments. The initiative is the brainchild of the newly elected president of student union of CMP, Puja Mishra. Teen crime on a rise in Allahabad A student of class 7, Shyam Kumar (name changed) of Sangramgarh, Pratapgargh was 16-year-old when he reportedly committed rape July this year. Police lodged FIR under section 376 and under POSCO Act and sent him to Kishore Sampreshan Grih (Juvenile Home). At present his appeal is pending at session court after the bail was rejected. Board inter practical exams from Dec 26 The Madhyamik Siksha Parishad (UP Board) would conduct the practical exam of class 12 from December 26 to January 25. The announcement has paved the way for Board exams to be completed in given schedule. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Rs1-a-day insurance for Utkal students Utkal University on thursday announced it would launch a health insurance scheme for its students, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the state for a varsity that offers non-technical courses, from the next academic session. Midday meals question opens pandora's box 375 kids fell ill after meal in past two years State to make docu on Nabakalebara Tenders to be floated soon, film will help promote tourism, says Govt More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Aashirvad Dande performs at a ladies night event in a city-based club in Bhopal Bhopalites had a gala time recently when the 18-year-old magician and illusionist, Aashirvad Dande, performed at a ladies night event in a city-based club. Gang of teenagers on gift pinching spree Those going for wedding receptions in gardens beware. A gang of teens lurks around pandals , ready to pick and pinch gift packs given to bride and groom. Man ends life, leaves suicide note to donate body A 58-year-old official of an insurance company committed suicide by hanging himself in a hotel here on Friday. He left behind a suicide note that body should be handed over to a medical college instead of performing the last rites. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Missing child will come on his own: Police Nearly 20 days after an 11-year-old child, allegedly a drug addict, went missing from his house in Nayagaon, police have been unable to trace him. Rampal's lawyer calls weapon hoard in ashram 'normal practice' Unfazed by recovery of huge cache of arms and ammunition recovered from his ashram, controversial preacher Rampal has termed it as "normal practice" and said that keeping such quantity of weapons in the households of Punjab and Haryana is routine thing. After arrest, Rampal's land deal with farmers in a tangle Sukhbir.Siwach@timesgroup.With controversial preacher Rampal's arrest on sedition and other charges, a big land deal being struck by his Satlok Ashram with local farmers could be in a tangle. More Chandigarh News»

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