News Digest: 'Even Congress should free itself of Congress culture'

'Even Congress should free itself of Congress culture'

Aadhaar an 'improper gate to service', says Snowden
"Rarely do former intel chiefs and I agree, but the head of India's RAW writes #Aadhaar is being abused by banks, telcos, and transport not to police entitlements, but as a proxy for identity-an improper gate to service. Such demands must be criminalized," Snowden tweeted on Sunday.

India's a Hindu rashtra, says RSS chief Bhagwat
According to Bhagwat, it is Hindutva that has "united India despite diversity of language, religion, lifestyle and custom". He added, "Hindutva accepts diversity, not divisions. That is why India is a Hindu rashtra."

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PM says he is open to GST changes to plug loopholes
Six months into the rollout and after dozens of changes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said he is open to more changes in the GST to plug loopholes and make it a more efficient tax. He also attacked those opposing the Goods and Services Tax (GST), saying they were "insulting" Parliament.

Arun Jaitley likely to address Sebi, RBI boards on Feb 10
A senior regulatory official said the finance minister is likely to address the boards of Sebi and RBI on February 10, especially on topics related to the Budget. Soon after the presentation of Union Budget, it is a customary practice for the finance minister to address the boards of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

India to become fastest growing large economy in 2018: Report
"India will become the fastest growing large economy in the world, eclipsing China. Indian equity market will jump to become the fifth largest in the world," the report noted.

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Centre bans import of pet coke in Delhi, NCR states
As part of measures to control air pollution, the Union environment ministry has banned import of pet coke for purpose of trading in Delhi and its neighbouring states and notified do’s and don’ts for its sale and use in cement plants and other end user industrial units, including refineries.

Wildlife board panel to consider suggestions: Govt to SC

'Microwaves may be as harmful for environment as cars'
Microwave ovens across Europe alone emit as much carbon dioxide as nearly seven million cars, a study has found. The study found that microwaves emit 7.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year in the European Union (EU). This is equivalent to the annual emissions of 6.8 million cars.

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Taliban attack on Afghan hotel ends, 18 dead

Iran may try to loosen Revolutionary Guard's grip on economy
Iran's supreme leader has ordered the Revolutionary Guard to loosen its hold on the economy, the country's defense minister says, raising the possibility that the paramilitary organization might privatize some of its vast holdings.

Jordan's King Abdullah tells Pence of concern over Jerusalem
Abdullah, a key US ally, said he had "continuously voiced over the past year... my concerns regarding the US decision on Jerusalem that does not come as a result of a comprehensive settlement to the Palestinian Israeli conflict". "Jerusalem is key to Muslims and Christians as it is to Jews," he added.

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63rd Jio Filmfare Awards 2018: Winners' list
Members of the Hindi film industry came together to celebrate the best of Bollywood in the year 2017 at 63rd Jio Filmfare Awards 2018, held on January 20 at the NSCI Dome in Worli, Mumbai.

Jio Filmfare Awards: Irrfan's note of thanks

Priyanka to announce 2018 Oscar nominees
Global icon Priyanka Chopra is one of few stars officially selected to announce the nominees for the 90th Academy Awards.

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Commercial rocket from New Zealand deploys small satellites
California-based company Rocket Lab said its Electron rocket, which carries only a small payload of about 150 kilograms (331 pounds), successfully deployed an earth imaging and two other satellites for weather and ship tracking after blastoff from the Mahia Peninsula on North Island's east coast.

Blood Moon: A reflection of how much we've polluted the skies
Astronomers say that the Moon is red in colour during all eclipses and that only the shade differs. If there is anything spectacular about the Blood Moon, they say, it is how much we’ve polluted the Earth’s atmosphere, to make it look deep red.

Scientists showcase how to create low-cost solar cells
​A team of scientists at Stanford University, including a researcher of Indian origin, has shown how nanotechnology can be used to create crystalline silicon (c-Si) thin-film solar cells that are more efficient at capturing solar energy.

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Wounded India get down to business again ahead of third Test
Looking to salvage pride in the third Test beginning on Wednesday, team India got down to business at the Wanderers on Sunday with a practice session that lasted just under four hours.

Nadal fights off gutsy Schwartzman to reach quarters
Spain's Rafael Nadal fought off tenacious Argentine Diego Schwartzman to win through to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open on Sunday, ensuring he remains world number one after the tournament ends.

We didn't gain anything playing Sri Lanka: Harbhajan Singh
Senior off-spinner Harbhajan Singh is of the opinion that India's home series against Sri Lanka served little purpose ahead of the gruelling tour of South Africa.

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Google may sell audiobook on Play Store
In what could be a move to challenge Amazon's domination in the market, Google might soon sell audiobooks on its Play Store, media reported.

The AI wave and smartphones
Every year tech enthusiasts, experts look forward to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) with great anticipation. A week after the event got over, it’s clear that if there’s one technology that will grab headlines in 2018 then it will be artificial intelligence or AI.

AI, virtual reality make inroads in tourism sector
A hotel room automatically adjusting to the tastes of each guest, virtual reality headsets as brochures: the tourism sector is starting to embrace new technologies, hoping to benefit from lucrative personal data.

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Former President Pratibha Patil urges youth to purge politics

Second convocation held at Ajeenkya DY Patil University

After 'Shave Head' protest by female teachers MP CM announces huge merger of 'Adyapak' teachers

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Heart attack, stroke fell two runners at finish line; 1 critical
While fewer marathoners had to seek medical help as compared to last year, two half marathon runners had to be rushed to Bombay Hospital after one suffered a cardiac arrest and another a stroke. Four others had to be hospitalized for severe dehydration.

Flat buyers must check if builder has right to construct & sell flats
The law mandates that certain documents must be registered, yet even without registration, permits these documents to be admissible in evidence. Would this be construed to dispense with the requirement to execute the agreement, whether registered or otherwise?

E-learning firm MKCL now part of the CM's portfolio
In a move that is being viewed as a snub to education minister Vinod Tawde, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has transferred control of the state-promoted e-solutions company Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Ltd (MKCL) to the general administration department (which Fadnavis holds). Till now, MKCL was allied to the higher and technical education department.

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Bawana fire: Licence officials to be grilled
NEW DELHI: Delhi Police’s crime branch has begun investigations into the Bawana fire incident, which led to 17 deaths on Saturday. The police brass shifted the case to the department on Sunday afternoon as it requires extensive investigations and follow up.

Mini-polls within 6 months in Delhi as AAP loses 20 MLAs
Having had a poor electoral run in Punjab, Goa and Gujarat where it was looking to mark a presence, AAP will have its hands full in retaining its bastion against the challenge posed by BJP and Congress. For the BJP, despite its big wins in the Delhi municipal elections, factionalism and recent sealing drive are fatcors it has to overcome.

Video clip gives AAP ammunition, BJP sticks to its guns
A political blame game erupted over the Bawana fire tragedy after north corporation mayor Preety Agarwal was allegedly caught on camera whispering “we cannot say anything on this because the licensing of the factory is with us”.

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With traffic in chaos, Whitefield wants Metro work speeded up

Cauvery water still distant dream, say residents
Residents who attended a zonal event of The Times of India's Bengaluru Forward initiative on Saturday said they have to depend on water tankers and borewells, and their worries might just worsen with the onset of summer.

Design deadlock may force govt to put off state flag plan
Having pitched for an independent flag for Karnataka, the Congress government may be forced to put a formal decision on hold till the assembly elections as pro-Kannada outfits remain divided over its design.

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Blind to SC rules: Tinted glass back to haunt city roads
Even the Supreme Court order seems to have failed to put vehicles with tinted glass completely out of city roads, as cars with opaque screens are still being used in Hyderabad.

No more Anjalis: Schools miss the bus on rules

Spare the mobile, save your skin, say Hyderabad doctors
Doctors Get Half A Dozen Cases A Week

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Viral video helps cops nab chain snatchers
Police on Sunday arrested two men in connection with the robbery attempt in Velachery by a bike-borne duo which was captured on camera.

Incentive for bus crews cut by 44%
In what might be yet another setback for bus drivers and conductors, MTC has cut down incentives based on daily ticket collection by nearly 44%.

MTC to run 'budget' buses, make up for spike in fares

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'Women falling prey to disease at a younger age'

Dalpatram's works to be available online

Unique 'dine in the dark' event held at IIM-Ahmedabad

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Togadia will be shown the door, claims VHP leader
On January 16, Togadia caused ripples in political circles after he went missing for hours, only to be found unconscious in a park in Ahmedabad.He was rushed to a hospital and made the allegation after discharge.

Brain bee contest held at CBCS, Allahabad University

Harassed, 16-year-old girl commits suicide in UP

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BJP stalwart Murli Manohar Joshi showers praise on Naveen Patnaik

When you keep people first, there is no anti-incumbency: Naveen Patnaik
In office for fourth term in a row, chief minister Naveen Patnaik in Pune on Sunday said the simple mantra of ‘people first’ has helped him become one of country’s longest serving chief ministers.

Waiting for Godot: A tale of Intercity trains that never keep to timetables

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Eye on polls, CM announces one cadre for teachers

Nawab kin's claim on Upper Lake held up in technicality

BMC to rope in arbitrators to recover Rs150 crore dues

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Staff strength of new STF rises to 75

Kiran Choudhry accuses Manohar Lal Khattar of making Haryana unsafe for women

Two men shoot at vendor, refuse to pay Rs 40 for 4 eggs

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