News Digest: Rainfall across the country in July lowest since 2002

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Saturday, August 01, 2015
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Rainfall across the country in July lowest since 2002 This year’s monsoon may have defied El Nino in June, but meteorological data for July rainfall paints a bleak picture. Kejriwals's 'Thulla' remark: Court admits case Fetus aborted, rape survivor in good health Doctors at Civil Hospital in the city performed medical termination of pregnancy (abortion) on a 14-year-old rape survivor late on Friday evening. More India News»

		Business
		Sebi panel eyes crowdfunding The Sebi-constituted committee headed by Infosys founder N R Narayana Murthy, which is working to boost India's thriving startup ecosystem by channelizing funds, has formed focused groups with experts from taxation, investment banking and software industry. Centre downplays RBI board change he finance ministry on Friday downplayed its decision to break from tradition and replace economic affairs secretary Rajiv Mehrishi with his deputy Ajay Taygi on the Reserve Bank of India board. Sharekhan, others face Rs 15cr penalty Just a day after online broking major Sharekhan was sold to BNP Paribas, market regulator Sebi has ordered it to return nearly Rs 51 lakh for unlawful gains made by its dealers through front-running its clients. More Business News»

		Environment
		NDMC to levy environmental compensation fee Following the directives of National Green Tribunal, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has decided to levy environmental compensation fees in areas under its jurisdiction with effect from July 1. 'Tree Fern' faces extinction threat due to mining in C'garh 'Tree Fern', a rare plant species found in Bailadila hills of Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district, is facing the threat of extinction owing to mining activities in the area, environment experts have warned. 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. More Environment News»

		World
		Debris brings MH370 mystery 'closer' than ever to answers Plane debris that washed up on an Indian Ocean island is from a Boeing 777, Malaysian authorities said Friday, making it almost certainly the first piece of wreckage recovered from missing flight MH370. Cameroon deports Nigerians in fight against Boko Haram Cameroon has deported more than 2,000 Nigerians who were living in the country illegally as part of new security measures intended to prevent suicide attacks by Boko Haram jihadists, sources said. 12 killed in Colombia military plane accident A Colombian military aircraft crash has killed 12 people, President Juan Manuel Santos has said, blaming the accident on mechanical problems. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Kajol-Kangana were polite to each other on flight One would imagine that the first-class of the London-Mumbai flight, on which Kajol and Kangana Ranaut travelled back together, would have felt too constricted for fellow travellers, especially considering the history shared by the two actresses. Newly married actor cheating on wife? An upstart of an actor, who has a king-size attitude to boot, is barely married but is besotted with his demure co-star who has turned out to be quite the man-eater. Riteish thought Pulkit was a snob The Bangistan duo Riteish Deshmukh and Pulkit Samrat are tinsel town’s newest backslapping buddies. But their friendship began on a funny note. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Mental stress can raise physical fatigue: study Worried about something at work? You may find yourself more exhausted at the end of the day, according to a new study by Indian-origin researchers who have found that mental stress can increase physical fatigue. Vaccine success holds hope for end to deadly scourge of Ebola The world is for the first time on the verge of being able to protect humans against Ebola, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday, as data from a trial in Guinea showed a vaccine was 100 percent effective. Portable washing machine needs no power, little water It's a portable washing machine, or rather, a washing drum. It needs no electricity, running on power generated by operating a pedal. More Science News»

		Sports
		England take 2-1 lead with 8-wicket victory over Aus England beat Australia by eight wickets to win the third Test at Edgbaston on Friday and take a 2-1 lead in the Ashes series. India A batsmen falter against Australia A on Day 3 India A top-order faltered once again to reach 267 for six at the end of third day's play against Australia A in the second unofficial 'Test' on Friday. Dale Steyn on the fast track to legendary status Dale Steyn has been on the fast lane since he broke into the South African cricket team almost a decade ago. And on Thursday, the 32-year-old joined an elite group of 13 bowlers with 400 or more Test wickets. More Sports News»

		Technology
		OnePlus 2 vs Asus Zenfone 2: Which one to buy The fight is pretty tough between the two smartphones. Here we take a look at all the key aspects to help you choose between OnePlus 2 and Asus ZenFone 2 and make the inal decision … Here's how you can get Windows 10 right now Microsoft is rolling it out in waves of customers at a time, so it may be a few days, weeks, or even months. Now buy 'cheaper' Samsung, Xiaomi phones on Amazon Amazon.in has started a pilot to sell brand-refurbished smartphones from popular brands like Samsung and Xiaomi to begin with. More Technology News»

		Education
		3,200 engineering seats vacant, govt makes Rs 14 crore A fundamental faux in this year's admission to elite Indian engineering colleges has resulted in 3,200 spots lying vacant at the end of the admissions process. J P Singhal is new VC of Rajasthan University Academician J P Singhal was today appointed as the new vice chancellor of University of Rajasthan here. DRDO to invest in IITs to kick-start aerospace defence technology DRDO is pumping in over Rs 400 crore into IIT Bombay and IIT Madras to kick-start advanced defence-related aerospace research and development. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		135 stories of Premchand take centrestage on 135th birth anniv Over a century ago, Munshi Premchand charted an extraordinary path of struggle to emerge as India’s finest author. 'VCs to have free run if senate members don't get extension' The state government has postponed the senate elections to the state universities by a year but has been mute on extending the term of the current members. 1st dedicated BEST bus lane opens at BKC next week BEST plans to inaugurate its first dedicated bus lane at the Bandra-Kurla Complex during its “BEST buzz” celebrations from August 4 and 7. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Arrested DU cons had IPL debts Investigations into the Delhi University fake admission racket has revealed that debt-ridden youths had been roped in by the kingpins—who have political patronage—to do the dirty job. Circle rate: Removed for advising LG's nod The issue of notifying a circle rate hike for agricultural land in Delhi is threatening to become a new flashpoint between chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and lieutenant-governor Najeeb Jung. New rules change game for taxi apps When the transport department modified its radio taxi scheme last December taking note of the entry of app-based taxi services, it had expected the companies to jump onto the radio taxi platform. Months later, the aggregators and the department continue to wrangle over the licence terms. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Paper boats in muck pool make a telling statement Orange, yellow, pink and blue paper boats of vibrant hues floated in a pool of muck right in the middle of Church Street, but not without purpose. Two green corridors, 3 organs, 2 lives, 1 hour Zipping through city roads, two ambulances transported the organs of a brain dead donor to two hospitals and saved two precious lives -in one hour, 20 minutes flat. Hubballi's jowar rotis now make it to Oz, US The humble jowar roti — the North Karnataka staple — is now crossing the seas to reach homesick Kannadigas yearning for its chewy wholesome goodness. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Ragging drives Inter student to suicide An intermediate first year student committed suicide allegedly due to ragging by his seniors at a corporate college. Steep hike in market rates of land in Andhra Pradesh The AP government on Friday hiked the market rates of land across the state. Policing influx of Rohingyas into city, say Cyberabad Police During the meeting between police and UNHRC, the former informed that several refugees have been staying illegally in Cyberabad despite completion of their two year refugee certificate, given by the concerned authorities. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Living apart, but staying together Hold on, the joint family hasn't signed off yet. The dynamics may have changed a bit, but there are families in the city still socketed in the joint family ideal. More elderly in TN find themselves home alone Valli, a pensioner, is among 6.88 lakh senior citizens (above 60 years) who are home alone in the state. Will it be pasta or pongal? The moderns weigh against tradition When Sukanya R got married nine years ago, she lived with her in-laws for a year. Her husband's work then took them abroad and when they shifted back to Chennai two years later, the couple opted to set up their own home. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		19 cops shunted for assaulting akhada men An entire squad of 19 police personnel were shunted out of the city crime branch on Friday for assaulting akhada members during the Rath Yatra. PIL seeks ATS probe in 5k cr hawala scam The Gujarat high court on Friday issued a notice to the state government in response to a PIL demanding a thorough probe by an independent agency of the Rs 5,395-crore hawala racket involving Afroz Fatta, a resident of Surat. Mufti stands by his book, rebuts Vanzara's charges Mufti Abdul Qayum Mansuri, who was acquitted by the Supreme Court in the Akshardham temple attack case, on Friday rebutted allegations made in retired IPS officer D G Vanzara's Rs 101-crore defamation suit over the contents of the former's book, '11 years Behind Bars'. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		HC seeks reply on vacant posts in colleges, universities While fixing August 14 as the next date of listing, the court asked as to why the state government would not decide to fill vacancies by direct recruitment in a time-bound manner. Homage to a great son of India In presence of all the judges at full court meeting, the Chief Justice further said that Dr Kalam achieved self-realisation during his life through his work. Stable Pakistan in India's interest Diplomat Vivek Katju on Thursday said that India was always for a peaceful, stable, strong and prosperous Pakistan. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Citing Rath ritual, Odisha lays claim to rasagulla, WB historians don't agree As Odisha seeks the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for one of its most popular syrupy “inventions“, the delectable rasagulla has found itself at the centre of a debate over its place of origin. Rath rolls back, debate over rasagola origin rages Onion sold at 45/kg in Bhubaneswar The soaring price of onion has once again brought tears to the eyes of common man.With the bulb in short supply, the price has spiraled to Rs 45 a kg from Rs 25 in the last couple of days. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		MP employees refuse to cope with five-day work culture The Madhya Pradesh government is considering to implement five day working for state employees in order to enhance working hours and give two days holiday to relax. But, the employee unions have rejected this move stating it would put more burden on them. Cong demand inquiry against CM's brother-in-law for Balaghat land deal The Congress on Friday made a scathing attack on Sanjay Singh, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's brother-in-law, for helping a rape accused and buying green belt land by evading stamp duty to the tune of lakhs of rupees. Shivraj announce to expand cabinet in August In the midst of CBI inquiry in highly infamous Vyapam scam, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on Friday to carry out an expansion of his council of ministers, next month. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Panjab University to form student panels on sexual harassment cases Panjab University (PU) will form student consultative committees that can refer cases of sexual harassment from students and advise them on filing complaints with the Panjab University Committee Against Sexual Harassment (PUCASH). City colleges to go ahead with student council polls Despite an initial resistance on part of city colleges over student council elections, it is now evident that colleges affiliated to Panjab University (PU) will hold polls along with PU in the end of August. Gehri interrupted: Barricades to stay at Panjab University girls' hostels After a trial run for a few days, Panjab University (PU) has decided to continue with barricading the area in front of its girls' hostels. More Chandigarh News»

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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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