News Digest: Haryana to bring same criterion for civic polls

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Friday, December 11, 2015
		Today's Headlines

		India
		Haryana to bring same criterion for civic polls Elated over the apex court’s decision upholding his government’s minimum education clause for candidates contesting panchayat polls, Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday said he would bring the same model for municipal polls. SC order 'barring' illiterates from rural polls will redefine politics It’s final. Kavita Baloda (26), and not her mother-in-law, Jai Devi (52), will contest panchayat polls in Dhani Raju village in Haryana’s Hisar district this time, thanks to Supreme Court’s Thursday verdict giving a go ahead to the state government’s minimum educational qualification criterion for panchayat polls. SC should review its order on education qualification: CPM CPM on Thursday demanded that Supreme Court should review its order restricting the right to contest in local elections in Haryana. Party said the review should be by the full Constitution Bench of the apex court. More India News»

		Business
		US seeks new group for Chindia at WTO At the World Trade Organisation (WTO) headquarters in Geneva, there have been voices — largely from the US — suggesting that a new category of countries be created apart from the three main groups — developed, developing and least developed countries. India to tap low-interest loan from Japan for infra projects  The road transport ministry is mooting a proposal of setting up a framework to tap Japanese funds at cheaper interest rates for infrastructure projects. Litigation in road projects up after new land buy law : The new land acquisition law has not just pushed up the cost of acquiring land for road projects but has resulted in a spike in litigation as those affected are seeking higher compensation under the new legislation, even if the process had started under the old dispensation, National Highways Authority of India chairman Raghav Chandra said. More Business News»

		Environment
		Pollution on the rise as temperature dips in Delhi Overcast skies and a distinct layer of smog marked another highly polluted day in Delhi which saw further increase in the level of suspended particulate matter, with the average reading of PM 2.5 touching 204 microgram per cubic metre, keeping the air quality 'very poor'. Global warming could cause fall in oxygen: Study Earth's oxygen could dramatically fall due to change in ocean temperature of just several degrees, which may likely result in the mass mortality of animals and humans, a new study has claimed. Beijing smog reaches over 25 times safe levels Beijing ordered hundreds of factories to shut and allowed children to skip school as choking smog reached over 25 times safe levels on Tuesday, casting a cloud over China’s participation in Paris climate talks. More Environment News»

		World
		Kim says N Korea has hydrogen bomb, but world sceptical North Korean leader Kim Jong un appeared on Thursday to claim the country has developed a hydrogen bomb, a step up from the less powerful atomic bomb, but outside experts were sceptical about his claim. US Air Force to double number of drones The Air Force says it plans to more than double the number of squadrons that fly drones, and will spread them out in more locations across the US and overseas. Suicide car bombs kill 10 in northeast Syria At least 10 people were killed and dozens wounded on Friday in a triple suicide car bomb attack in a town in northeastern Syria's Hasakeh province, a monitor said. More World News»

		Entertainment
		'Now I have a chance to fight it out in court' In the wake of the CBI chargesheet filed against Sooraj Pancholi, the actor exclusively spoke to Bombay Times about his next course of action. Dilip Kumar's b'day to be a low-key affair Bollywood thespian Dilip Kumar turns 93 today. The legendary actor has been accepting birthday wishes since late last night. 'I can't say I have ever struggled' It’s easy to get blinded by his bling. His personality is over the top, too, but that comes as a package of being brand Mika. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Double delight: Meteor showers, comet to greet Earth this month Skywatchers are in for a double treat this month.While comet Catalina has now become visible in the early hours on the eastern sky, the Geminid meteor shower is expected to peak on December 13 and 14. First-ever test-tube puppies born in US Scientists in the US have created the world’s first litter of puppies conceived in a test tube, a breakthrough that may help eradicate disease in dogs and humans. New software uses words, gestures to detect lies Researchers are developing a unique liedetecting software that considers both the speaker’s words and gestures, and unlike a polygraph, does not need to touch the subject in order to function. More Science News»

		Sports
		Hurts when former players make adverse comments: Virat Kohli India's Test captain Virat Kohli has expressed unhappiness that some former international cricketers have run down the team despite their comprehensive 3-0 win against South Africa in the recently concluded Test series. Saina scripts sensational victory against Marin Saina Nehwal scripted a remarkable victory over Carolina Marin to turn around her campaign at the BWF Superseries Finals even as Srikanth faced exit after suffering his second straight loss. IPTL: Aces outscore Mavericks to cement top spot The Indira Gandhi Sports Complex erupted in utmost joy - screaming Rafa, Rafa - as the Spanish legend Rafael Nadal came out on the court for his first outing in the Indian leg of the IPTL. More Sports News»

		Technology
		7 of Yahoo's biggest mistakes Internet pioneer Yahoo will break itself apart -- but just not in the way it had previously planned. As the internet company sets on a new course, here's a look back at where all it messed up. 4 most hackable tech gifts of 2015 Christmas is almost here, and so is the gifting time for many of us. Moto 360 (second-generation) review: An Android smartwatch that will last you day  The second-generation Moto 360 comes with a few improvements and new custom apps, along with more designs and size options. But, does it provide a good enough reason for you to shell out (the starting price of) Rs 19,990? We find out in our Moto 360 (second-generation) review. More Technology News»

		Education
		IEM conference in Vancouver Institute of Engineering and Management, Kolkata, in association with University of Engineering and Management, Jaipur, recently organized their 6th international conference and workshop on computing and communication at University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. Engineering colleges have cut 1.3 lakh seats since 2013-14 When 23 lakh candidates, including 2.2 lakh engineers, applied for 368 posts of peons in Uttar Pradesh recently, the story obviously grabbed headlines. MoU between Banaras Hindu University and Japan Foundation Ahead the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe on December 12, Japan Foundation, New Delhi and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote Japanese language in the city on Thursday. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		1 held in Jaipur for kidnapping SoBo bizman, 3 on the run The city crime branch has made a major breakthrough in the case of a 50-year-old businessman from south Mumbai being abducted with the arrest of a key member of a kidnapping gang from Jaipur. The anti-extortion cell has arrested Sakib Jumma Khan (27) and are looking for three other accused, including Rahul Jain, the gang leader. TOI was the first to report this case in its December 3 edition. Flyers miss flight to Mumbai after being made to wait at check-in counter Around fifteen Air India passengers missed their early morning light from Delhi to Mumbai on Thursday after the airline allegedly kept them waiting at the check-in counter, only to ssue boarding passes 10 minutes before departure. Mumbai needs flood buffer zones: NGOs NGOs have come together with a demand for a buffer zone around rivers in Mumbai to avoid the same fate as Chennai that faced massive floods a few days ago. Flood buffer zones must be marked in the BMC Development Plan, 2034, the NGOs said on Thursday . More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		CIC: Disclose names of those applying for Lokpal's posts The Central Information Commission directed the Centre to reveal names of applicants for the Lokpal’s posts to ensure transparent process. NGT decides record 209 cases in a day The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday disposed of 209 cases, breaking its record of disposing 100 cases in a day in January this year. It is 82% of cases filed during 2014. Boy dies after being hit for sex attack bid An 18-year-old boy died on Thursday after he was bludgeoned by a group of men on Saturday for allegedly entering a house and harassing a woman in southeast Delhi’s Pul Prahladpur. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Karnataka only southern state with villages in dark On Wednesday when the Karnataka energy department celebrated the 110th anniversary of electricity coming to Bengaluru - it was the first Indian city to get power supply -energy minister DK Shivakumar highlighted the state's achievements in the power sector and announced plans to provide 247 electricity supply to citizens. Lokayukta cops begin probe into DVS scam Lokayukta police have commenced a preliminary inquiry into the complaint filed against Union law minister DV Sadananda Gowda for allegedly allotting 10 acres in Avalahalli village near Yelahanka in January 2012 when he was chief minister. Cong overlooks minorities, Ahinda in candidates' list The three major parties that ignored women while choosing candidates for elections to 25 legislative council seats from local authorities constituencies, have also not given tickets to any Muslim or Christian. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Heritage activists lament govt apathy Activists from the city lamented state government's order to dismiss the heritage regulations that were put in place in 1955 to provide legal protection to the listed structures. Speaking at a session organised by Aga Khan Trust for Culture at Salarjung Museum on Thursday , historian Narendra Luther said the heritage of Hyderabad was not just limited to its heritage structures. Human rights violations: Activists say cops go scot-free Gross human rights violation by the police in Telangana is going unpunished, activists alleged on Thursday , which also happens to be the Human Rights Day , as the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has called upon the police top brass not to ignore delinquent behaviour of law enforcers. Road closure issue rocks cantonment board meet A motion moved by eight elected ward members for a discussion on proposed closure of roads for civilian traffic in the Secunderabad Cantonment was rejected by president cantonment board (PCB), Brig A S Negi, who chai red the meeting here on Thursday, saying the issue was not un der his purview. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		If it's not an emergency, surgery can wait While government hospitals continue to operate without a hitch in crisis-hit Chennai, private hospitals are yet to find their footing. Corporation man drowned trying to save aged mom, disabled sister In a cruel irony, a Chennai Corporation employee who helped save many marooned families by passing on distress calls while manning a helpline failed to get help at the most crucial moment - when the swollen Adyar river ravaged his Nandambakkam house on December 2. Officials responsible for flooding must be tried for manslaughter, says PIL Tamil Nadu government officials who are responsible for the delayed and unannounced release of a large quantity of water from Chembarambakkam reservoir that led to the loss of 280 lives must be tried for manslaughter, a PIL filed in the Madras high court has said. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		World's horses have common ancestor in Gujarat Just 40 km away from industrial town of Ankleshwar in south Gujarat lies the vast abandoned cavernous Vastan lignite mine spread over 1,500 hectares towards the edge of Cambay basin colloquially referred as Khambat. Amit Shah's man pips CM supporter to Ahmedabad mayor post BJP president Amit Shah's close associate Gautam Shah is likely to be the city's mayor with the party on Thursday recommending his name as the 'most probable' candidate for the post. 'My paper discussed Phobos disintegration 35 years ago' A paper by young researchers of University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) has suggested that in course of 20-40 million years, Phobos would disintegrate and the debris would form a ring. More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		Congress plan to regain Nehru-Gandhi bastion of Phulpur Basking in the glory of its recent electoral success in Bihar assembly polls and Gujrat civic polls, the Congress has embarked upon a mission to regain its lost political glory and stature in UP, with special focus on Allahabad – once known as the cradle of Nehru-Gandhi bastion. This winter season, traffic cops issue advisory to minimize road mishaps Acknowledging the fact winter season is infamous for road accidents, both under fatal and non-fatal category, the traffic police authorities have issued an advisory for commuters with an objective to ensure safety of drivers and commuters on streets, state and national highways. Allahabad high court permits installing loudspeakers at Ganga ghats of Varanasi The Allahabad High Court, on Thursday, has given permission to the state government for installing music system at three historical ghats of Varanasi during the scheduled visit of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi along with the Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on January 12. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Tribal students of KISS make longest human chain Over 25000 tribal students of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) formed the longest human chain of the world promoting world peace on the occasion of World Human Rights Day here on Thursday. 7 jumbos die in M'bhanj in 1 month An elephant, which was recently found dead in Similipal Biosphere Reserve, is believed to have been killed by a tusker."There was a wide injury mark on the pachyderm's abdomen. Surveillance beefed up in Chilika A day after the mysterious death of 18 peacocks, forest officials of Chilka wildlife division on Wednesday increased surveillance in the lake playing host to migratory birds. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		South Asian Student Design Competition begins at SPA A two-day South Asian Student Design Competition (SASDC) began at School of Planning and Architecture campus from Thursday. Uzbek woman nabbed for living in country without visa A 35-year-old woman from Uzbekistan was arrested for entering India without a visa. The woman, who was living in Jatkhedi area of the city for five days was booked by Misrod police on Wednesday. MP govt to give smart phones to college students with 75% attendance Madhya Pradesh higher education department may soon distribute smart phones to students in government colleges who have 75% attendance record. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Hisar MP takes up farmers issues in Parliament Senior Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) leader and Hisar MP Dushyant Chautala on Thursday raised the issue of inter-linking of the rivers in the country to ensure that farming community in the country should not suffer on account of the draught and water constraints. Teachers meet UT adviser A delegation of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Teachers Welfare Association (SSATWA),UT,Chandigarh met UT Adviser Vijay Dev and raised three issues including delay in salaries of over 1000 Junior Basic (JBT) and Trained Graduate teachers (TGT) working under SSA in government schools. AAP's decision not to contest Khadoor Sahib by-election draws flak from within In statement issued on Wednesday Sidhu said that the Khadoor Sahib by-election presented an opportunity to the people of Punjab to raise relevant issues pertaining to our collective future. More Chandigarh News»

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