News Digest: NHRC seeks report from govt on unexploded bombs in ordnance factory

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Friday, December 18, 2015
		Today's Headlines

		India
		NHRC seeks report from govt on unexploded bombs in ordnance factory The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a report from the defence ministry in two weeks’ time on thousands of unexploded and rejected bombs of the 1999 Kargil war awaiting disposal at Ordnance Factory, Khamaria (OFK) in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Parl panel for simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha & assemblies The parliamentary standing committee on law and personnel has strongly recommended holding of simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections all over the country. Afghanistan to have India-built Parliament building by month end Afghanistan will finally have its new Parliament building at Kabul, built by India’s premier government-owned construction agency Central Public Works Department (CPWD), by this month end. More India News»

		Business
		Idea Cellular mulling hiking data tariff: Sources Sources said there are plans to increase the price points for data in the next few weeks but the hike will vary from market to market and would depend on competition. Imported of HR coils undervalued: Steel industry Industry body Indian Steel Association (ISA) has approached the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) alleging undervaluation in import of 35,000 tonnes of steel products originating from South Korea. Maruti gets minority shareholders nod on Gujarat plant Maruti Suzuki India today announced receipt of approval from its minority shareholders to let its Japanese parent Suzuki invest and own upcoming plant in Gujarat, where a total investment of Rs 18,500 crore has been envisaged in the long term. More Business News»

		Environment
		NGT orders inspection of Delhi's waste-to-energy plants Concerned over delay in the operationalizing the waste-to-energy plants in capital, the National Green Tribunal today constituted a "high-powered team" to inspect these plants while directing it to submit a report within three weeks. Climate change warming world's lakes at alarming rate Climate change is warming lakes around the world at an alarming rate, threatening freshwater supplies and ecosystems, says the largest study of its kind led by an Indian-origin researcher. CSE comes up with telling stories on India's health A number of public health catastrophes - arising largely out of environmental reasons — are staring the people of India in the face. While the debate over polluted air and how to control it rages on in the national capital, people have also had to contend with a host of other health challenges this year, ranging from strange pathogens to heightened risk from lifestyle ailments. More Environment News»

		World
		Putin rules out reconciliation with Turkey Russian President Vladimir Putin fired off an angry tirade against Turkey on Thursday, ruling out any reconciliation with its leaders and accusing Ankara of shooting down a Russian warplane to impress the United States. Regular flights to resume between US and Cuba The United States announced Thursday the resumption of regular flights to and from Cuba, the latest step in a historic thaw in relations. San Bernardino shooters buried in quiet funeral Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik, who opened fire on a San Bernardino holiday party earlier this month, were buried on Tuesday in a quiet, graveside funeral guarded by FBI agents. Many of those who attended mosque with the couple refused to attend, two mosque members said. The couple is accused of killing 14 people at a Christmas party last month. More World News»

		Entertainment
		Blockbusters we wish Kajol hadn't rejected! There is a long list of Bollywood movies the actress rejected which went on to be huge hits. 'Bajirao Mastani' will leave a legacy behind As Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s dream project Bajirao Mastani finally hits the theatres, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone tell us that it is a surreal feeling. Priyanka triggers 'Punjab versus Bihar' war Priyanka Chopra has a large family and they are all very possessive about her. While her bhua is Punjabi, her mausi is Bihari. More Entertainment News»

		Science
		Vegetarians lead a healthier life than meat-eaters: Oxford study Non-vegetarian food may lose its charm beyond your taste buds. Vegetarians have been found leading a healthier life as compared to meat-eaters. Incidence of diseases such as pancreatic cancer and respiratory problems are also less common among vegetarians than in those who consume meat regularly, according to a latest study. Cancer caused by environmental factors such as smoking, radiation and toxic chemicals, not 'bad luck', study reveals Modern lifestyles are causing 90 per cent of cancers, according to new research. Environment, not 'bad luck', mainly to blame for cancer: Study Environmental factors such as sunshine and tobacco smoke cause more cancers than random DNA mutations, researchers have affirmed — contesting another team's conclusions that "bad luck" was mainly to blame. More Science News»

		Sports
		Jose Mourinho sacked as Chelsea manager Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been sacked after a disastrous start to the Premier League season, according to widespread British media reports on Thursday. Akashdeep shortlisted for Rising Star of the Year Award Indian hockey player Akashdeep Singh has been rewarded for his stellar performance through the year as the young striker was nominated for Rising Star of The Year Award by FIH. Suarez treble sends Barcelona into Club World Cup final Luis Suarez fired a hat-trick as Barcelona overcame the loss of Lionel Messi to kidney problems to beat China's Guangzhou Evergrande 3-0 and reach the Club World Cup final. More Sports News»

		Technology
		Facebook is selling old wine (Internet.org) in a new bottle (Free Basics), users be aware Facebook has been pushing Internet.org also known as Free Basics (which is the opposite of free) with a lot of belligerence. Recently, Tim Berners-Lee, who is a computer scientist and creator of the World Wide Web, came down hard on Facebook’s internet.org/Free Basics, as it violates the principles of Net Neutrality YU Yutopia smartphone, a OnePlus 2 rival, launched at Rs 24,999 YU Yutopia features a 5.2-inch 2K display, 64-bit octa-core Snapdragon 810 chipset, 4GB RAM, 3,000mAh battery, 21MP rear camera, 8MP front camera, metal unibody design and 'Around Me' digital assistant. Moto G Turbo review: Tough contender under Rs 15K Moto G Turbo Edition has most of its specs similar to the Moto G (3rd Gen) apart from improved hardware specs. We reviewed the smartphone to find out where it ranks in the sub Rs 15,000 market. More Technology News»

		Education
		Education system needs to comply with present needs: President President Pranab Mukherjee today said there is no dearth of talent in the country but the education system needs to comply with the present requirements. The Sanskrit College and University Bill passed in WB assembly In a bid to create a nodal center in learning of Sanskrit, a bill was passed in West Bengal Assembly today. Maharashtra Council gives nod to form Marathi language committee The Maharashtra Legislative Council today unanimously adopted a resolution for the formation of Joint Parliamentary Committee for development of Marathi language. More Education News»

		Mumbai
		Hema's family wants her hubby booked for murder The family of celebrated artist Hema Upadhyay lashed out against her estranged husband Chintan Upadhyay on Thursday, demanding that he be booked for her murder. 'Spread awareness on child sex abuse' MUMBAI: With cases of child sexual abuse frequently coming to light, there is a great need to educate young children in personal safety to create a safe environment for them, felt experts speaking at the personal safety education (PSE) conference organised by Arpan, an NGO, which works to address the issue of child sexual abuse in the country. Dance bars: State plans its moves before SC hearing MUMBAI: Armed with a renewed strategy to oppose dance bars, the state government is all set to move the Supreme Court citing cases of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai youths enticed by dance bars and eventually, squandering their family resources and dying in mishaps under the influence of alcohol. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		Shelterless shiver outside AIIMS despite SC order Four years since a Supreme Court order mandated night-shelters for outstation patients and attendants at AIIMS, the poor from far-off places jostle for living space on pavements outside the country’s top referral hospital, shivering in the night chill with temperatures plunging below five degrees Celsius. Can't drive every day: Let's work from home This January, Delhi experiments with an ambitious road-rationing scheme that will force people out of their cars for some of the time. But instead of worrying about how to get to work, how about letting work come to us? Govt dusts off old plan, success suspect In an effort to control road dust, which contributes to Delhi’s polluted air, the state government is drawing up a plan to vacuum-clean arterial roads from April 1. It isn’t for the first time that the administration is resorting to mechanical sweeping machines, and experience showed that the road cleaners aren’t very efficient or cost-effective. More Delhi News»

		Bangalore
		Namma Metro services hit, partially on north line A strange power supply glitch stopped the metro services between Sampige road station and Rajajinagar at 7:30 am in the northern line of Namma Metro, on Thursday. Budgetary allocation not spent proportionately: Suresh Kumar Taking the state government to task, BJP spokesperson Suresh Kumar said when a meagre three months are left before the presentation of the annual budget, many departments including agriculture have not spent even 20% of the funds allocated so far. BJP strongly condemns 'beef party' in Raibag The issue of the ‘beef party’ organized by the workers of Karnataka Praja Vedike (KPV) on the premises of Raibag tahasildar office recently triggered a war of words between the Congress and the BJP. More Bangalore News»

		Hyderabad
		Businessman subjects minor girl to unnatural sexual abuse A 46-year-old real estate businessman was arrested by Shalibanda police on Thursday night for allegedly indulging in unnatural sex with a four-year- old girl from last six months in Phoolbagh under Shalibanda. A stylish launch party in Hyderabad A stylish launch party in Hyderabad Hyderabad Google campus will be huge, says Pichai Reiterating Google’s commitment to the ‘City of Pearls’, Chennai-born Sundar Pichai, who was appointed Google Inc’s CEO this August, on Wednesday announced that the company will be setting up a “huge” facility in Hyderabad. More Hyderabad News»

		Chennai
		Chennai floods: Corporation collects record 1.09 lakh tonne of garbage The Chennai Corporation cleared a record 1.09 lakh tonne of garbage in the city from December 7 and 16. IRCTC to operate Margazhi special train from Madurai to Puri The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) will operate a Margazhi Bharat Darshan special tourist train from Madurai to pilgrim centres like Bhadrachalam, Konark and Puri on December 21. Doctors at Chennai hospital perform complex surgery on Nigerian woman Doctors at a hospital in Chennai performed a complex surgery on a 30-year-old Nigerian woman and removed a tumour that was exerting pressure on her heart. More Chennai News»

		Ahmedabad
		Woman professor lodges complaint of mental harassment against GU officials Dean of Science faculty of Gujarat University Nisha shah has alleged in a complaint to Women cell of city police that she was allegedly subjected to mental torture by Registrar of Gujarat University HC Patel and Professor of Economics Dr PP Prajapati. No trace of two cash can robbers: Noman's last location at Mount Abu ven as there is no trace of two absconding cash van robbers Noman Rajput and Rafik Sama, Botad police on Wednesday rushed to the city crime branch office at Ahmedabad to record statement of the main accused Ravindra alias Ravi Chaudhary. Bhatol's 24-year reign at Banas Dairy comes to an end After 24 years there will be a change of guard at the Banaskatha District Milk Producer Co-operative Union (BDCMPU) here as the panel led-bay incumbent chairman, Parthi Bhatol, lost the polls on Wednesday . More Ahmedabad News»

		Allahabad
		UP board exam, the world's biggest, to start on February 18 After conducting one of the biggest panchayat elections, Uttar Pradesh is all set to conduct UP Board examination – world’s biggest, scheduled to begin fromFebruary 18, 2016. The examination would be conducted by Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Siksha Parishad (UP Board). Additional water to reach Allahabad for Magh Mela Lakhs of devotees, pilgrims and seers coming to the Sangam city for Magh Mela beginning from January 14, would be feeling happy after taking the holy dip thanks to adequate amount of clean and pure water. Drones and women spotters to safeguard this Magh Mela in Allahabad With an objective to offer foolproof security cover to lakhs of devotees, pilgrims, seers and kalpwasis arriving to take holy dip during the pious moth of Magh at Sangam – the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythological Saraswati -, the Magh Mela police administration has planned to rope in four drones and spotters to ensure an incident-free mela. Magh Mela is starting from next month. More Allahabad News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Operation Abdul Rehman carried out with clinical precision Operation Abdul - as police termed the arrest of Muslim cleric Abdul Rehman - was executed with clinical precision. In the eerie silence of the night, around 1am, a joint team of Delhi and Bhubaneswar police began the difficult operation and whisked him away around 4am. House adjourned sine die In the absence of opposition parties, the assembly on Wednesday adapted a resolution empowering the state government to place a demand before the Centre for conferring Bharat Ratna on former chief minister Biju Patnaik. He is being framed: Family Family members of Abdul Rehman, who was arrested by a joint team of Delhi and Odisha police for his alleged links with al-Qaeda, on Wednesday accused police of framing him and claimed that he is innocent and was harassed because he was Muslim. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Bhopal
		Madhya Pradesh Congress slams BJP for failing to control inflation The Madhya Pradesh Congress has come out strongly against BJP for recent hike in taxes and for failing to curb inflation. "The BJP government has failed to deliver on its promise of good days (achche din), which is contrary to it’s pro-people claim’’, said state Congress president Arun Yadav. CM for House panel on SC/ST land patta policy Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday advocated the constitution of an all-party assembly committee to chalk out a policy on land patta distribution to SC/ST communities and sale of properties by beneficiaries. House adjourned sine die The winter session of Madhya Pradesh Assembly was on Wednesday adjourned sine die, two days before its scheduled end. All listed business was taken up during the day. More Bhopal News»

		Chandigarh
		Now expression series on Atal Bihari Vajpayee After an expression series on Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, Mahatma Gandhi, Jayaprakash Narayan, APJ Abdul Kalam, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Pandit Madan Mohan Central board of Secondary Education has now come up with expression series on Atal Bihari Vajpayee. National Herald case, a classic example of political vendetta: Captain Amarinder Singh Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Captain Amarinder on Thursday said that the National Herald case pursued so vigorously by the BJP was a classic example of political vendetta. 2015 in flashback: Foul is fair Cheating capital of the country' is one moniker no state would take pride in. But, exam cheat ing cases, including leaking of the prestigious All India Pre Medical Test (AIPMT) in May, are what hogged the limelight for a better part of the year in Haryana, politics and social campaigns trailing far behind. More Chandigarh News»

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