Manipur blockade lifted, pact signed with one group

The economic blockade in Manipur was called off after 92 days Tuesday following a written assurance by the state government to create a new hill district, striking leaders said.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/November/01.11.2011/manipur_blockade_lifted.htm

China mulls sending female astronauts into space

China is considering sending female astronauts into space during its space docking missions next year, a chief designer for the astronaut programme said Monday.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/November/01.11.2011/china_to_send_femalw_astronauts.htm

Hormonal contraception drives joy out of sex for women

Despite its known benefits and convenience, newer forms of hormonal contraception could hamper arousal, orgasms and frequency of sex in women, driving joy out of act for them.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/November/01.11.2011/hormonal_contraception.htm

Life is beautiful, finds KBC winner's family

Neighbours have suddenly become courteous, shopkeepers are eager to help and long-forgotten friends have started calling again -- the family members of Sushil Kumar, the first contestant to win Rs.5 crore (Rs. 50 million) on "Kaun Banega Crorepati", are trying to make sense of all that is happening around them.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/November/01.11.2011/kbc_winner_on_life.htm

Israel declines to accept Palestine's Unesco membership

Israel has refused to accept Unesco's decision to grant full membership to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) and threatened retaliatory measures.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/November/01.11.2011/israel_on_pales_unesco_vote.htm

Palestine's Unesco membership may cause financial implications: UN chief

The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has said the admission of Palestine to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) may create funding problems for the organisation.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/November/01.11.2011/un_chief_on_pales_unesco.htm

US halts $60 mn contribution to Unesco over Palestine

The US government Monday halted its $60 million financial contribution to the UN Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) after the latter admitted Palestinian National Authority (PNA) as a full member, Xinhua reported.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/November/01.11.2011/us_halts_aid_to_unesco.htm

Over 100 Air India pilots threaten to resign

Trouble seemed to be brewing again for the national carrier Air India as over 100 pilots owing allegiance to the Indian Pilots Guild (IPG), which represents pre-merger pilots of Air India, have threatened to resign over alleged discrimination by the airlines' management.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/31.10.2011/air_india_pilots_threaten_to_resign.htm

Mirchpur killings: Three awarded life term

A court here Monday awarded life sentences to three of the 15 people convicted for burning alive a 70-year-old man and his physically challenged daughter in the arson attack on a Dalit settlement at the Mirchpur village in Haryana's Hisar district last year.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/31.10.2011/punishment_in_mirchpur_killing.htm

NIA not to oppose bail of Malegaon blast accused: Chidambaram

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will not oppose the bail plea of nine accused in the 2006 Malegaon blast case, being heard by a special court in Mumbai.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/31.10.2011/chidambaram_on_malegaon_bail.htm

New e-payment system will bring down corruption: Pranab

A new electronic payment system, inaugurated Monday, will usher in transparency in the way ministries and various government departments pay their vendors and financial beneficiaries and will help in bringing down corruption, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said here.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/31.10.2011/new_e_payment_system.htm

US pressure failed; Palestine becomes Unesco member

In a vote at the 193-member UN agency's general conference in Paris, the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) got 107 votes for its membership bid, with 14 countries against, Xinhua reported citing a Unesco statement.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/31.10.2011/palestine_becomes_unesco_member.htm

Malegaon attempts to convince AMU experts one last time

Amid intense political pressure being built on the AMU experts to finalise Khuldabad near Aurangabad as the final site for the proposed AMU centre in Maharashtra, Noble Education & Welfare Society (NEWS) through records giving details of the existing institutes and other related details attempts to convince the AMU authorities one last time so as to save the AMU Maharashtra from falling into a major controversy and a certain catastrophe.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/31.10.2011/malegaon_makes_one_last_attempt.htm

Mumbai most populated city, Delhi NCR largest urban spread

Mumbai is India's most populated city with over 1.84 crore (18.4 million) people, followed closely by Delhi with 1.63 crore (16.3 mn) and Kolkata with 1.41 crore (14.1 mn), making these India's "mega-cities", according to the preliminary Census 2011 results.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/31.10.2011/mumbai_biggest_city.htm

Bhopal makes mark on national sports map

Thanks to a 20-time increase in the sports budget, central location, astro-turf grounds and new infrastructure, the Madhya Pradesh capital is fast emerging as a host for national sporting activities and international events as well.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/31.10.2011/bhopal_on_national_sports_map.htm

With bitterness and longing - remembering victims of 1984

Twenty-seven years since Indira Gandhi was assassinated, 27 years since 2,700 Sikhs were killed in the capital in the terrible aftermath. As a host of VIPs headed towards the late prime minister's memorial Monday, thousands of families also remembered their loved ones massacred in the riots - and renewed their pledge to continue the fight for justice.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/31.10.2011/memories_of_anti_sikh_riots.htm

Hindu temple in Pakistan reopens after 10 years

A historic Hindu temple has reopened after 10 years in Pakistan's Peshawar city after a woman devotee fought a long legal battle.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/31.10.2011/hindu_temple_in_pakistan.htm

Kashmir Haj pilgrims duped by travel agency

Despite paying all expenses, more than 500 Kashmiris cannot perform the Haj pilgrimage this year thanks to a local travel agency that backed out at the last moment, the victims say.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/31.10.2011/kashmir_haj_pilgrims_duped.htm

World's 7 billionth baby born in Uttar Pradesh village

A girl child named Nargis born in this village Monday has been declared the seven billionth baby of the world based on the law of probability and an intricate set of calculations by the UN.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/31.10.2011/worlds_7_billionth_baby.htm

Bail to Malegaon blast accused: Court directs NIA to submit stand on Nov 04

The National Investigating Agency (NIA) today sought more time from the Special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) Court to submit its stand on the bail applications filed by the nine Muslim accused arrested in the 2006 Malegaon blast case.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/31.10.2011/court_hearing_deferred_til_nov_4.htm

Pakistan, Turkey may ink currency swap agreement

Pakistan and Turkey are expected to sign a currency swap agreement to boost trade, a media report said. The agreement may be signed during the visit of President Asif Ali Zardari to Turkey, Associated Press of Pakistan reported from Istanbul.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/31.10.2011/pak_turkey_may_ink_pact.htm

Unravelling the Truth: Godse’s Children- Hindutva Terror in India

Terrorist violence has been one of the major problems of recent times. This phenomenon came to popular notice more so after the 9/11 attack on WTC, which was followed by, apart from other things, popularization of the terms ‘Islamic Terror’, ‘Jehdi terror’.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/31.10.2011/hindutva_terror_in_india.htm

Cream of Indian community, richest Australian felicitate Ansari

The cream of the Indian community in Western Australia, prominent local politicians, cricketer Adam Gilchrist and, well, the richest Australian - all of them turned out here Sunday evening to felicitate visiting Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/31.10.2011/ansari_greeted_in_australia.htm

BBC prepares for the Queen's death!

BBC journalists are being imparted special training about reporting the Queen's death -- when it happens -- so that any possibility of committing an embarrassing gaffe can be avoided.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/30.10.2011/bbc_prepares_for_queens_death.htm

Court to hear bail application of Malegaon accused Monday

The Special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) Court in Mumbai will hear the bail application of the nine Muslim accused arrested in the 2006 Malegaon blast case October 31 in the morning.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/30.10.2011/hearing_on_bail.htm

Lok Sabha speaker to to visit Iran

Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar will be visiting Iran in the first week of November, an official said Sunday.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/30.10.2011/ls_speaker_visit_to_iran.htm

Slice of Mughal history on sale at Sotheby's

A large painting of Delhi's Moti Masjid that will lead the auction of important Russian works by Sotheby's in New York Tuesday is regarded as the best of Russian artist Vasili Vasilievich Vereshchangin's India series in the 19th century.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/30.10.2011/slice_of_mughal_history_on_sale.htm

Is anyone listening, ask hapless Manipur residents as blockade continues

For some, it has become a way of life. As the economic blockade in Manipur crossed an unprecedented 90 days, its residents continue to wait for a miraculous breakthrough, even as the situation has only become worse - with prices of essential commodities touching the sky and health services worsening.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/30.10.2011/manipuri_on_blockade.htm

Indore NGO demands Bedi return excess airfare

A NGO in Madhya Pradesh's Indore city Sunday demanded that former Indian Police Service officer and Team Anna core committee member Kiran Bedi, who had charged it business class airfare but travelled in economy class for a function, return the excess amount.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/30.10.2011/indore_ngo_to_bedi.htm

Cleanup Indian Politics of Criminal MPs

Corruption and Criminalization are two distinctive features of the Indian politics. The crusade against corruption was loudly articulated by the social activist Anna Hazare, however, there is little noise being made by the civil society about the criminalization of Indian politics.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/30.10.2011/cleanup_indian_politics.htm

Curiosity helps students perform well at school

Curiosity may have killed the cat, but for students, it seems to be as important as intelligence in determining how well they perform at school.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/30.10.2011/curiosity_helps_students.htm

Whither Team Anna?

Anna Hazare is already planning his next move, with Team Anna having put up a united front in the face of controversies surrounding some key leaders, say his supporters. But political analysts say repairing the damage to the anti-corruption movement will be easier said than done.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/30.10.2011/whither_team_anna.htm

Dream content measured for first time

Scientists have for the first time successfully analysed brain activity during dreams.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/30.10.2011/dream_contents_measured.htm

Pakistan's 'ghost' schools worry donors

The World Bank and the European Union have voiced concern over the existence of "ghost" and closed schools in Pakistan's Sindh province and absenteeism of teachers from schools.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/30.10.2011/ghost_schools_in_pakistan.htm

Bank staff begin 72-hour march to Mumbai

Thousands of citizens along with employees of Pen Urban Cooperative Bank from Maharashtra's Raigad district Sunday started a march to chief minister's bungalow in Mumbai to press for their demands.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/30.10.2011/march_by_bankers.htm

After threat to Zardari, PML-N offices set ablaze

Unidentified miscreants set ablaze offices of the opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in different places of Sindh province Saturday night, a day after PML-N leaders threatened President Asif Ali Zardari to be ready to be hanged "upside down" or "resign and return looted national wealth".
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/30.10.2011/pml_n_office_set_ablaze.htm

IIT-Kanpur team burnt midnight oil to script Jugnu's success

The successful fabrication and launch of nano satellite Jugnu showcases how a band of enthusiastic IIT-Kanpur students burning the midnight oil pulled off the rare feat with their sheer hard work and sacrifices.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/30.10.2011/iit_kanpur_team_burnt_oil.htm

Caution! Efforts on to push AMU Maharashtra into a controversy

Their suddenly born interest in the AMU Maharashtra is also not only a clear attempt to keep people of Malegaon marginalised by denying them the AMU centre for which they have tirelessly worked in last three years, but it is also a move to push the project into a controversy. It is now up-to the AMU team led by Vice Chancellor Prof PK Abdul Azis to decide how it saves the AMU Maharashtra from going the Bihar way.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/30.10.2011/attempt_to_make_amu_maha_controversial.htm

Israeli air strike kills two Palestinian militants

Two Palestinian militants were killed and two others were injured Saturday nigh
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/30.10.2011/israeli_air_atrike_kill_pales.htm

16 foreign troops killed in single day in Afghanistan

The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) experienced a bloody day in Afghanistan Saturday as the military alliance lost 16 service members.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/29.10.2011/foreign_troops_killed.htm

Woman Congress leader shot dead in Mumbai

A Congress leader was shot dead and her grandson injured in an attack here Saturday evening, police said.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/29.10.2011/woman_cong_leader_shot_dead.htm

30 killed in Arunachal bridge collapse

At least 30 people, including children, were feared killed when a suspension bridge over the Kameng river collapsed late Saturday in Arunachal Pradesh, a police official said.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/29.10.2011/bridge_collapse_in_arunachal.htm

First Korku Community Radio Station of MP to go on air on Nov. 1

The first Korku Community Radio station of Madhya Pradesh will go on air at Khalwain Khandwa district. It will be run and broadcast by the tribal community in Korku dialect. The radio station has been set up by Vanya of Tribal Welfare Department.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/29.10.2011/first_community_radio.htm

12,000 walk in Dubai for breast cancer awareness

A massive crowd of 12,000 people walked for over three km in Dubai to help spread awareness about breast cancer and provide support to patients.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/29.10.2011/dubai_breast_cancer.htm

Facebook stops 600,000 hacking attempts daily

Social networking website Facebook has said it prevents at least 600,000 attempts every day by hackers trying to break into user accounts, using stolen usernames and passwords.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/29.10.2011/hacking_attempt_on_facebook.htm

Sensex soars 6 percent on positive global cues

Indian equities markets benchmark indices soared over 6 percent this week, as hopes of end of monetary tightening cycle and easing European debt crisis bolstered investors' sentiments.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/29.10.2011/sensex_roars.htm

Now Karnataka industries minister under scanner for land scam

Just a day ahead of senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader L.K. Advani's anti-corruption yatra enters the state, Karnataka Police Saturday began probe into charges that state Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani received kickbacks in a land scam.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/29.10.2011/karnataka_indus_minis_in_land_scam.htm

Pakistan thanks India for helping it to UNSC seat

Pakistan Saturday said India played a major role in supporting its successful bid to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/29.10.2011/pak_thanks_india.htm

NGOs, Kiran Bedi, The Media: Who’s the ‘Farest of them all?

“My own observation is that many NGOs working in India appear to be funded by organisations bent on ensuring that India never becomes a developed country."
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/29.10.2011/ngos_kiran_bedi_n_media.htm

Why Indian researchers fail to make news

Most Indian scientists working in the anonymity of their labs or research institutes seldom make news even if they achieve a vital breakthrough or invent something new. Their discoveries and insights go unreported, while those of their counterparts in the West are regularly highlighted and showcased by our own print and electronic media.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/29.10.2011/why_indian_researchers_fail.htm

Ramayana controversy: India's pluralism under threat again

As Delhi University's pusillanimous decision to scrap A.K. Ramanujan's essay on 300 versions of the epic Ramayana shows, vice chancellors and professors easily choose the discretion of trashing a book or a work of art over the valour of upholding the principle of intellectual freedom in a democratic country.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/29.10.2011/ramayana_controversy.htm

10 US schools locked down after gun battle: report

The gunfire broke out in Greenville, South Carolina, when a police officer was searching an apartment of a man she had previously chased for a suspected license plate on his vehicle, according to the local news outlet WYFF4, said Xinhua.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/28.10.2011/us_schools-locked_down.htm

10 US schools locked down after gun battle: report

The gunfire broke out in Greenville, South Carolina, when a police officer was searching an apartment of a man she had previously chased for a suspected license plate on his vehicle, according to the local news outlet WYFF4, said Xinhua.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/28.10.2011/us_schools-locked_down.htm

CAT resumes after Diwali break

Over 7,271 students appeared for the CAT exam Friday as it resumed after a two-day Diwali break.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/28.10.2011/cat_resumes.htm

For a day, Manipur forgets blockade and celebrates

The markets were buzzing with excited revellers - many haggling over the price of fish - and there was excited chatter at homes as people prepared various cuisines, all in celebration of Ningol Chakouba, one of Manipur's biggest festivals that came Friday amid the trauma of an economic blockade.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/28.10.2011/festival_in_manipur.htm

India seeks Qatari investment in oil and gas sector

Petroleum Minister S. Jaipal Reddy Friday urged Qatar to increase supply of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) and invest in Indian public sector energy firms.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/28.10.2011/india_seeks_qatari_investment.htm

Delhi asked to probe BJP's school uniforms distribution

India's child rights panel has asked the Delhi government to probe and report to it on a complaint that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders were distributing uniforms and satchels to students of schools run by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/28.10.2011/bjps_school_uniform_dist.htm

Wedding wows! 120-year-old man marries 60-year-old

If their respective ages were to be added up, they'll date back to India's first war of independence in 1857. So, when 120-year-old Hazi Abdul Noor tied the knot with 60-year-old Samoi Bibi, the 500 guests at the wedding ceremony were bound to be left gaping.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/28.10.2011/120_yr_60_yr_wedding.htm

Some contraceptive pills more likely to cause blood clots

Certain contraceptive pills are more likely to cause serious blood clots, new research says. One such clot is VTE or venous thromboembolism. This forms in the deep veins in one leg and may travel to the lungs, which can prove fatal in one out of three people.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/28.10.2011/pills_cause_blood_clots.htm

Blood from stem cells likely within next decade

A research team has developed a method of taking adult stem cells from bone marrow and growing them in the lab to produce blood cells which look and act like their real counterparts.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/28.10.2011/blood_frm_stem_cells.htm

Dinosaur herd migrated over huge distances

A herd of dinosaurs that lived 145 million years ago migrated huge distances to find food, a study says.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/28.10.2011/dinosaur_herd.htm

Cabinet discusses AFSPA, reviews situation in Kashmir

Against the backdrop of a raging debate over a proposal to withdraw the contentious Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from certain areas in Jammu and Kashmir, the Cabinet Committee on Security met at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's residence here Thursday.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/28.10.2011/cabinet_discusses_afspa.htm

India's first telecom business incubator in Kerala

The Indian Telecom Innovation Hub will focus primarily on student start-ups from college campuses and would be modelled on technology incubators in the Silicon Valley, an official press release said Thursday.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/28.10.2011/indias_frst_telecom_incubator.htm

Gaddafi's son ready to surrender in international court

Former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's son Seif al-Islam has offered to surrender in the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague if he is guaranteed his safety, Libyan officials said.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/27.10.2011/saif_to_surrender.htm

US pastor plans to run for president

US Quran-burning pastor Terry Jones announced his plans to run for the country's president next year, ABC News reported.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/28.10.2011/us_pastor_fr_pres_elec.htm

Indian students continue to shun Australia

Even while the number of international students coming to Australia continues to fall, Malaysia has replaced India as the second largest source of students in the field of Higher Education.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/27.10.2011/indians_to_shun_in_aust.htm

Rumours of public distribution of 'black money' in Andhra

Long queues of men and women were seen outside post offices in Kakinada town of Andhra Pradesh Thursday following rumours that the government would deposit seized "black money" in postal savings accounts of people, police said.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/27.10.2011/black_money_used-in_andhra.htm

Digvijay targets Sri Sri, renews attack on RSS-BJP

Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh Thursday renewed his attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) saying the RSS was using spiritual gurus to divert attention from its terror activities.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/27.10.2011/digvijay_targets_sri_rss.htm

AMU team winds up Maharashtra tour; to decide on location in few days

The high level AMU expert team which was in Maharashtra on a three day tour to inspect the land for its proposed centre in the state left for Aligarh via New Delhi today morning. During its stay in Maharashtra, the team inspected the lands in Aurangabad and Malegaon that were identified for the purpose. Flowers and protests both greeted the team during its three-day stay in team.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/27.10.2011/amu_team_visits_maha_tour.htm

Hindus, Muslims celebrate Jamghat - with kites

Hundreds of kites resembling butterflies, dragons, fish and birds Thursday fluttered in the Lucknow sky, particularly in the old city where Hindus, Muslims and others came together to celebrate the festival of Jamghat.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/27.10.2011/hindus_muslims_celebrate_jamghat.htm

Where Diwali is dark and celebrated a month later!

The country celebrated Diwali Wednesday, but there are some pockets in Himachal Pradesh where the festival of lights is celebrated almost a month later. Reason? Locals believe the news of Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya reached late in these parts.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/27.10.2011/where_diwali_is_dark.htm

Removing AFSPA no reflection on army, says Omar

The proposal to remove the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) from some parts of the state was neither a reflection of the role of the army nor an effort to undermine it, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/27.10.2011/omar_afspa.htm

Sabiha Tabassum wins prize at National Meet of Research Scholars

Ms. Sabiha Tabassum, Research Scholar, Department of Mathematics, Aligarh Muslim University has won the third prize in the National Meet of Research Scholars in Mathematical Sciences 2011 organized by the Department of Mathematics, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/26.10.2011/sabiha_of_amu_wins_award.htm

AMU team arrives in Maharashtra, begins inspecting land for sub centre

The AMU on its part is keeping everyone guessing. Rumours mill also began rolling when amid the euphoria in Malegaon, the AMU decided on the request of Minister of State for Primary Education Mrs. Fauzia Khan to inspect simultaneously with Malegaon two locations near Aurangabad to see if they are better options.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/26.10.2011/amu_team_in_malegaon_today.htm

101,072 Indian Hajis reach Saudi Arabia

A total of 101,072 Indian Haj pilgrims have reached Saudi Arabia. And 46 have died.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/25.10.2011/indian_hajis_in-saudi.htm

Turkey quake toll rises to 432

The toll from a powerful quake in southeast Turkey rose to 432 Tuesday, officials said. Over 1,350 others were injured in Sunday's 7.2 magnitude quake in Van province, the Disaster and Emergency Administration said.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/25.10.2011/turkey_quake_toll_rises.htm

Don't create rift between government, civil society: Khurshid

A day after veteran activist Anna Hazare blamed the government for trying to defame his team members, Law Minister Salman Khurshid Tuesday cautioned against creating a divide between the government and civil society.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/25.10.2011/khurshid_on_civil_soc.htm

Lauki juice, healthy? Take care before you drink it

Bottle gourd or lauki juice may not be the best health drink and certain precautions must be observed, including discarding bitter-tasting lauki, the health ministry said in an advisory issued Tuesday.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/25.10.2011/lauki_juice.htm

Chidambaram, Antony need to concur on AFSPA: Khurshid

Differences in the central government over withdrawing the special powers for the armed forces in Jammu and Kashmir came out in the open Tuesday, with Law Minister Salman Khurshid saying Home Minister P. Chidambaram and Defence Minister A.K. Antony needed to concur on the issue.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/25.10.2011/khurshid_on_afspa.htm

Wage board recommendations for media cleared

The government Tuesday presented a Diwali gift to journalists and other employees of newspapers and news agencies by approving the recommendations of their wage boards.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/25.10.2011/wages_for_media_persons.htm

Alladin's chirag or naga deep, man with lamp has it

When retired banker Makrand Karandikar caught a glimpse of the metal scraps, he instantly knew what he had found. He bought the stray pieces for a dime at Mumbai's chor bazaar, knowing they would take the shape of a beautiful spherical lamp when assembled.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/25.10.2011/alladins_chirag_n_naga_deep.htm

Probe disappearances, mass graves: activists

Human rights activists have called for investigations into enforced disappearances and unidentified graves in Jammu and Kashmir.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/25.10.2011/activists_on_mass_grave.htm

Indians hit as Australia axes 15,000 student visas

Immigration authorities in Australia have cancelled 15,066 foreign student visas in the last one year, and the worst hit are Indians. Of the total, 3,624 students lost their visas because they flunked in some or all subjects or were no-shows to class, the Herald Sun reported. This was a 37 percent rise in visa cancellation.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/25.10.2011/australia_axes_studtent_visas.htm

India ready to play a role for Mideast peace

Stressing dialogue and negotiations rather than resorting to arms to address people's grievances, India has said it stands ready to play its role to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/25.10.2011/india_on_mid_east_peace.htm

AFSPA revocation: Ball in Kashmir governor's court

Governor N.N. Vohra will have a final say in deciding whether special powers to the armed forces in Jammu and Kashmir are to be revoked from some areas and when, say highly placed official sources.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/25.10.2011/afspa_in_gov_court.htm

What ails the IITs

Most of the students complained that after passing the toughest exam in the world, called Joint Entrance Exam or JEE, they felt let down since they were not challenged or inspired by IIT teachers. The teachers said the students do not read or attend classes and are just not interested in studies any more. I think the truth lies somewhere in between.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/25.10.2011/what_ails_iits.htm

India elected to UN Economic and Social Council

India and 17 other countries were Monday elected as new members of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/25.10.2011/india_in_un_eco_council.htm

Turkey quake: Scores still under rubble, toll reaches 279

Hundreds of people are still believed to be buried under the rubble as the toll in Sunday's 7.2 magnitude earthquake in eastern Turkey rose to 279.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/24.10.2011/turkey_quake_toll.htm

Mumbai Congress MP Nirupam stirs hornet's nest

Congress MP Sanjay Nirupam stirred a hornet's nest Monday by publicly stating that north Indians, if required, could bring Mumbai to a grinding halt.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/24.10.2011/mumbai_cong_mp_on_up.htm

China to ensure quality food in schools

The State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) and Ministry of Education (MOE) have directed the local health and education administrations to immediately carry out checks on the entire process of food safety in schools.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/24.10.2011/quality_food_in_schools.htm

Hyderabad to host seminar on Islamic art, culture

A three-day international seminar on Islamic art and culture will be inaugurated by Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari here from Nov 25, organizing secretary Khalid Saeed said Monday.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/24.10.2011/seminar_on_islamic_art.htm

Hyderabad to host seminar on Islamic art, culture

A three-day international seminar on Islamic art and culture will be inaugurated by Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari here from Nov 25, organizing secretary Khalid Saeed said Monday.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/24.10.2011/seminar_on_islamic_art.htm

Blast in TV kills woman, injures parents

In a freak accident, a young woman was killed and her parents injured following a blast in their TV in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur district Monday, police said.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/24.10.2011/blast_in_tv.htm

Bhatta-Parsaul 'rape': Panel warns Uttar Pradesh

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) Monday said that it would initiate contempt proceedings against the Uttar Pradesh government if it fails to act against policemen who allegedly raped women in Bhatta-Parsaul villages in Greater Noida in May.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/24.10.2011/bhatt_paraul_rape.htm

Varsity row over 'singling out' northeastern students resolved

A row over an alleged attempt by the University of Hyderabad to single out students from the northeast in its drive against drinking and drug use on campus was resolved with the students expressing satisfaction over the vice chancellor's apology for the "inadvertent" move.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/24.10.2011/versity_row.htm

Indian must reduce dependence on agriculture: Australian study

India needs to improve farm productivity drastically to meet the food needs of the rising population, an Australian Treasury analysis has warned while saying that India also needs to reduce dependence on the agriculture sector significantly to improve the economy.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/24.10.2011/australian_study_on_indian_agriculture.htm

Help pours in for AIIMS patient Shehnaz

A day after IANS reported on 17-year-old Shehnaz, who spent over a month outside the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here, help poured in from across the country for the terminally-ill bone tuberculosis (TB) patient.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/24.10.2011/help_poured_fr_shehnaz.htm

India must move towards MMP electoral system: Experts at Int’l workshop in Berlin

Realizing the urgent need for electoral reforms in India towards a proportionate electoral system, the Campaign for Electoral Reforms in India, (CERI), and the Platform-Dalit Solidarity in Germany together organized an International Workshop of experts on electoral systems from Germany, Norway, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Nepal and India.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/24.10.2011/berlin_conf_on_indian_electoral_sys.htm

Found! Brain tumour culprit

An international team identified the key role played by kynurenine, by-product of the metabolism of amino acid tryptophan, in brain tumour growth, the journal Nature reports.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/24.10.2011/brain_tumour_culprits.htm

Amar Singh gets bail on medical grounds

The Delhi High Court Monday granted regular bail on medical grounds to ailing Rajya Sabha member and former Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh, arrested in the 2008 cash-for-votes scandal in parliament.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/24.10.2011/amar_singh_gets_bail.htm

AMU Maharashtra: Expert team to inspect lands for sub centre October 26

A high level team led by Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Vice Chancellor Prof PK Abdul Aziz is visiting Maharashtra on October 26 to inspect lands in Aurangabad and Malegaon to establish its off campus centre in the state. The expert team is arriving to Aurangabad from Delhi by air on October 25 in the evening.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/24.10.2011/amu_team_in_maharashtra.htm

The more the merrier, says Mizo man with 39 wives, 94 kids

Many would consider it an achievement of Biblical proportions! With 39 wives and more than 120 children and grandchildren, all staying together, a tribal Christian cult leader in the northeastern state of Mizoram could perhaps claim to head the world's biggest family.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/24.10.2011/mizo_man_with_39_wives.htm

138 bodies found after Turkey quake

At least 138 bodies have been found after a magnitude-7.2 earthquake hit Turkey's southeastern Van province Sunday, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said early Monday.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/24.10.2011/138_bodies_found_in_turkey.htm

Pakistan appreciated after Indian chopper returns safely

Signalling the spirit of the resumed peace process, an Indian Army helicopter that strayed into Pakistan in bad weather Sunday returned with its crew after Pakistani authorities let it go. India was prompt to appreciate Pakistan's understanding.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/23.10.2011/indian_chopper.htm

Powerful quake jolts Turkey, hundreds feared killed

About 1,000 people may have died in the 7.3-magnitude quake which hit Turkey's southeastern province of Van Sunday, an official said. The magnitude-7.3 quake's epicentre, with a depth of 7.20 km, was initially determined to be at 38.6270 degrees north latitude and 43.5349 degrees east longitude, the US Geological Survey said.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/23.10.2011/quake_in_turkey.htm

Blood pressure drug a boon for stroke patients

The discovery, based on a study using rats, occurred only because the team, led by Susan Fagan, professor of clinical and administrative pharmacy at the University of Georgia has opened a new path in stroke research by examining the healthy side of the brain after a stroke.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/23.10.2011/blood_pressure_drug.htm

Kashmir has talent but no infrastructure: Footballer Ishfaq Ahmed

The presence of star Kashmiri footballer Ishfaq Ahmed in the Salgaocar football club will see the valley rooting for the Goan giants, which will be looking to defend its I-league title this season. But he rues the fact that the state lacks sporting infrastructure, other than for polo and golf, and the "government is not doing much to exploit the talent".
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/23.10.2011/footbal_talent_in_kashmir.htm

Gaddafi's son vows to avenge father's death

Seif al-Islam, one of the sons of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, has vowed to take revenge for his father's death. Gaddafi was killed Thursday by the National Transitional Council (NTC) fighters near his hometown of Sirte.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/23.10.2011/gaddafs_son_on_his_fathers_death.htm

Gaddafi was shot in the head: Autopsy

Former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi died of a gunshot wound to the head, the chief pathologist said after doctors completed the autopsy Sunday.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/23.10.2011/gaddafi_was_shot_in_head.htm

Kudumbashree, a Kerala government initiative for poverty reduction that has become one of the largest women's movements in Asia, is a model that has no parallel, said a senior official Sunday.

Kudumbashree, a Kerala government initiative for poverty reduction that has become one of the largest women's movements in Asia, is a model that has no parallel, said a senior official Sunday.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/23.10.2011/poverty_in_kerala.htm

The telecom debate: jumping to flawed conclusions

As the so called 2G case continues to engage national attention, a matter that continues to be sidestepped is whether there was indeed a presumptive loss of $39-billion to the exchequer due to allocation of spectrum, a scarce natural resource, to mobile telephone companies, rather than through an auction, as made out by India's official auditor.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/23.10.2011/telecom_debate.htm

Taj city frets in dark despite privatisation

This Taj city turns dark for several hours daily despite privatisation of power distribution last year and a clear Supreme Court directive to ensure "uninterrupted power supply" to the eco-sensitive Taj Trapezium Zone.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/23.10.2011/taj_city_in_dark.htm

Largest airplane makes emergency landing near Hyderabad

The world's largest airplane Airbus A380 made an emergency landing at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport near here Sunday, an airport official said.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/23.10.2011/largest_airplanes_land_in_hyderabad.htm

World leaders condole death of Prince Sultan

Messages of condolences poured in from world leaders, expressing their shock and sorrow and sense of loss. Crown Prince Sultan, deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, died Saturday outside the Kingdom following a prolonged illness. He was 80.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/23.10.2011/world_leaders_on_saudi_prince_death.htm

Saudi crown prince dies

Crown Prince Sultan, deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, died Saturday outside the Kingdom following a prolonged illness, the Royal Court announced. He was 80. The late prince's funeral will take place Tuesday.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/23.10.2011/saudi_crown_prince_dead.htm

12 run over by train in Chhattisgarh

At least 12 jaywalkers were mowed to death Saturday by a speeding train at a manned crossing near Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur town, railway officials said. Agitated locals later torched a few coaches and vehicles in protest.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/23.10.2011/run_over_by_train.htm

27 killed in Darjeeling bridge collapse

At least 27 people were killed and 60 injured when an overburdened old bridge collapsed in the Bijonbari area of West Bengal's mountain district of Darjeeling Saturday, district magistrate Soumitra Mohan said.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/23.10.2011/darjeeling_bridge_collapse.htm

New pattern but no surprises on day one of CAT

There was a new pattern but no surprises for students who appeared on the first day for CAT 2011. The exams which began Saturday were online, and went on without any major technical glitches or problems.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/22.10.2011/day_one_of_cat.htm

Russia to become Europe's largest internet market

Russia will soon become the largest internet market in Europe, the country's communications minister has said.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/22.10.2011/largest_internet_market.htm

Congress leaders lambast Modi for anti-PM remarks in planning body

Congress chief ministers Saturday lambasted Bharatiya Janata Party's Narendra Modi for having gone against the spirit of a non-partisan forum like the National Development Council (NDC) and spoken along party lines.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/22.10.2011/congress_to_modi.htm

No discrimination against states, assures PM

Faced with criticism of the government meting out step-motherly treatment to non-Congress states, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday assured chief ministers "there was no discrimination" against any state and their concerns over funds and programmes would be adequately addressed during the 12th Five Year Plan.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/22.10.2011/pm_on_state_discr.htm

Afghanistan to support 'brother Pakistan' if US or India attacked: Karzai

Aghanistan President Hamid Karzai has said that his country will stand by "brother Pakistan" if it was attacked either by the US or India, Xinhua reported."God forbid, if anytime war erupts between Pakistan and
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/22.10.2011/afghanistan_to_help_pak.htm

Spectrum of charges against Raja, 13 accused in 2G case

Ten months after his arrest, former telecom minister A. Raja was Saturday charged for criminal breach of trust, bribery, forgery and cheating in the controversial allocation of phone spectrum, a case that rocked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's government and became the talk of the nation.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/22.10.2011/chargesheet_agnst_raja.htm

Outside AIIMS canteen, Shehnaz lies waiting for death

Surrounded by hundreds of stretchers and anxious patients outside the bustling OPD canteen of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here, 17-year-old Shehnaz lies under the open sky on a sunny afternoon.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/22.10.2011/dying_shehnaz.htm

Shed pessimism, Indian economy intrinsically strong: PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday said there was no need for pessimism over the fundamentally-strong Indian economy, with the current slowdown just a short-term phenomenon due largely to the ongoing turmoil in the Western world.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/22.10.2011/pm_on_indian_economy.htm 

Centre tinkering with federal structure: Modi

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi Saturday accused the central government of attempting to tinker with the federal structure of the country and said the confidence of people had been shaken due to corruption.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/22.10.2011/modi_on_upa_govt.htm

UPA penalizing non-Congress states: Jayalalithaa

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa Saturday hit out at the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government accusing it of penalizing non-Congress-ruled states and said people living in those states were as much citizens of India as those in Congress-ruled states.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/22.10.2011/jayalalitha_on_upa.htm

Will Meira Kumar be Congress' surprise choice?

Does the Congress have an ace up its sleeve? If Mayawati's surmise is to be believed, the Grand Old Party is planning to announce the nomination of a Dalit prime minister just before next year's assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/22.10.2011/meira_kumar_congress_choice.htm

Fluctuating legal fortunes of a CM and two ex-CMs

It was a week of mixed legal fortunes for three leading politicians of two neighbouring southern states, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, with all the courtroom drama centred in Bangalore.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/22.10.2011/fortunes_of_a_cm.htm

Kejriwal siphoned funds for private trust: Agnivesh

Team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal had siphoned Rs.70-80 lakh belonging to India Against Corruption (IAC), headed by Anna Hazare, and diverted the money to his private trust, alleges activist Swami Agnivesh who has now parted ways with the anti-graft movement. Kejriwal has demanded evidence for the charges made by Agnivesh.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/22.10.2011/agnivesh_on_kejriwal.htm

US troops to pull out from Iraq by 2011 end

US President Barack Obama Friday announced that all US troops stationed in Iraq will pull out of that country by the end of this year.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/22.10.2011/us_troops_to_pull_out_frm_iraq.htm

Moscow questions NATO attack on Gaddafi

NATO actions preceding the death of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi should be scrutinised for their compliance with international law, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/22.10.2011/moscow_on_libyan_attack.htm

M. Aslam is acting vice-chancellor of IGNOU

M. Aslam Friday became the acting vice-chancellor of the Indira Gandhi National Open University.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/21.10.2011/aslam_acting_vc_of_ignou.htm

'Paid News' claims its first victim

In a landmark verdict, the Election Commission has disqualified Umlesh Yadav, a member of the Uttar Pradesh assembly from Bisauli constituency, for spending Rs.21,250 on "Paid News".
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/21.10.2011/paid_news_victim.htm

Editors Guild wants media out of Lokpal's purview

The Editors Guild of India wants the media to be kept out of the Lokpal's ambit as it is a private entity, sources said Friday. They said Guild representatives Friday conveyed this to the parliamentary standing committee on law and justice that is examining three versions of the proposed anti-graft ombudsman.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/21.10.2011/editors_guild_on_lokpal.htm

AIADMK sweeps Tamil Nadu civic polls

Six months after it won the assembly elections, the AIADMK Friday swept the two-phased Tamil Nadu civic polls. The party won five of the 10 mayoral posts while it was leading with a comfortable margin in the other five.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/21.10.2011/aiadmk_sweeps_civic_polls.htm

West Bengal pilloried for dismal educational record

A public hearing conducted by National Commission Protection Child Rights (NCPCR) unveiled a horrific picture of the rampant violation of the right to education act in West Bengal's government schools.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/21.10.2011/west_bengal_education_record.htm

'Infiltration from Bangladesh impacting demography'

Infiltration from Bangladesh is posing a demographic threat due to vast stretches of the India-Bangladesh border being unfenced, a top police officer said Friday.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/21.10.2011/infiltration_frm_bangladesh.htm

Now a table to perform virtual autopsies

The Sectra Virtual Autopsy Table, which was displayed at the Swedish embassy here Friday, provides a totally hassle-free way of performing an autopsy or making a diagnosis. It is also meant for students of medicine.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/21.10.2011/virtual_autopsies.htm

Now a table to perform virtual autopsies

The Sectra Virtual Autopsy Table, which was displayed at the Swedish embassy here Friday, provides a totally hassle-free way of performing an autopsy or making a diagnosis. It is also meant for students of medicine.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/21.10.2011/virtual_autopsies.htm

PM lists out steps to fight corruption

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Friday listed out a series of steps the government is taking to fight corruption in the country and said the nation should seize the moment to put an end to this malaise"
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/21.10.2011/pm_list_to_fight_corr.htm

Tackling corruption top of government agenda: PM

Institution of a "strong and effective" Lokpal, reducing discretionary powers of public authorities and ensuring transparency in government contracts were on top of his government's agenda, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Friday.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/21.10.2011/pm_on_corruption.htm

Court cancels acquisition in 3 Noida villages, hikes compensation

The Allahabad High Court Friday ordered cancellation of land acquisition in three villages of Noida and Greater Noida, besides declaring a 64 percent hike in the compensation for acquired land.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/21.10.2011/court_on_noida_land.htm

Housing societies in Karnataka become den of scams

Cooperative housing societies that are supposed to be a boon for the not-so-rich to own a plot or an apartment in cities seem to have become den of illegal dealings in Karnataka.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/21.10.2011/housing_scams_in_karnataka.htm 

Commonwealth English must assimilate: Hay Fest founder

English is a mongrel language and its strength in the Commonwealth world depends on the way it has absorbed new words and ideas from across the globe, says Peter Florence, director of Hay Festival, one of the biggest literary carnivals.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/21.10.2011/commonweath_english_fest.htm

Partial lifting of AFSPA in Jammu and Kashmir: Omar

The Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to lift the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act [AFSPA] from some parts of the state, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said here Friday.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/21.10.2011/partial_lifting_of_afspa.htm

IGNOU inaugurates 100-foot-high flag post

A 100-foot-high flag post with special lighting arrangements was inaugurated by the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Thursday, an official said.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/21.10.2011/ignou_inuagrates_flag_post.htm

Land acquisition cancelled in three Greater Noida villages

The Allahabad High Court Friday cancelled land acquisition in three Greater Noida villages. The three villages are Chakshabekri, Abdullapur and Devla. Farmers of 61 villages will get a hike of 64 percent in compensation, the court ruled.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/21.10.2011/sc_can_land_acqu.htm

Chhattisgarh Congress to give Advani corruption chargesheet

Chhattisgarh's main opposition Congress Friday said it would submit evidence of corruption against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government to senior BJP leader L.K. Advani.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/21.10.2011/chhattisgarh_cong_to_advani.htm

Obama honours Indian American activist Vijaya Emani

President Barack Obama has honoured Indian American activist Vijaya Emani posthumously with the Presidential Citizens Medal for "her courage in overcoming and speaking out against domestic abuse" in the Indian-American community.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/21.10.2011/obama_honoured_indian_activist.htm

Poignant scenes in Bhopal as first batch of 245 Hajis leaves for Makkah

Poignant scenes were witnessed as the first batch of 245 Hajj pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh boarded the buses at the transit camp in the premises of the historic Taj-ul-Masajid on their way to Raja Bhoj International airport to embark for their lifetime cherished dream to perform Hajj.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/21.10.2011/first_batch_of_hajis_frm_bhopal.htm

Moderate quake jolts Gujarat

An earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale hit Gujarat state Thursday night, the Seismology department said. There were no immediate reports of casualty or damage to property.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/21.10.2011/quake_jolts_gujarat.htm

Pakistan surveying poor for assistance

Pakistan has launched a nationwide survey to identify the poor for government aid, an official said Thursday. Farzana Raja, the chairperson of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), said the government will utilize all resources to help improve the lives of the common man.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/21.10.2011/pak_for_its_poor.htm

When a rural health centre works, it works wonders

Village woman Lajja was blessed with her second child in the wee hours of the morning at Chharch. The baby was born at the health centre in her village and she feels relaxed, safe and at home. The centre is taking care of her treatment, food and medicine - for free.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/21.10.2011/rural_health_centre.htm

No solution for web-generated pesky SMSes: Sibal

The government currently has no mechanism to control unwanted commercial calls and messages generated through the internet, Communications Minister Kapil Sibal Thursday.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/20.10.2011/web_generated_smses.htm

According to Cretz's wire, in one instance, Gaddafi initially refused to have his picture taken for a US visa application. An aide suggested that the US consulate instead photograph one of the hundreds of billboards in Libya that featured his image and shrink it to fit its criteria.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/20.10.2011/gaddaf_killed.htm

Gaddafi killed in Sirte

Muammar Gaddafi, who ruled Libya for 42 years after coming to power in a coup, was killed Thursday by National Transitional Council fighters in his hometown Sirte.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/20.10.2011/gaddaf_killed.htm

Additional construction to be allowed in Mumbai buildings

In a pre-Diwali gift, the Maharashtra government Thursday decided to allow additional construction of 0.33 percent in buildings in Mumbai's suburbs and extended suburbs after charging a premium, an official said.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/20.10.2011/addl_fsi_in_mumbai.htm

Apex court orders Soni Sori's medical checkup in Kolkata

The Supreme Court Thursday directed the Chhattisgarh government to take suspected Maoist conduit Soni Sori to a Kolkota hospital for a examination of injuries she allegedly suffered in police custody earlier this month.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/20.10.2011/sc_on_soni_checkup.htm

Bedi should stop giving lectures on corruption: Agnivesh

Kiran Bedi, a key Team Anna member, should stay away from public life till an inquiry clears her of allegations that she charged inflated travel expenses from institutions that invited her for seminars or meetings, social activist Swami Agnivesh said Thursday.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/20.10.2011/agnivesh_to_bedi.htm

Diesel price to go up if inflation comes down: Rangarajan

The government will hike diesel prices once there is a substantial easing in inflationary pressure, the prime minister's top economic adviser C. Rangarajan said Thursday.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/20.10.2011/diesel_prices_to_go_up.htm

Severely wounded Gaddafi captured: Reports

Libya's deposed leader Muammar Gaddafi was injured and captured Thursday by fighters of the Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) in Sirte, said a field commander.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/20.10.2011/gaddafi_captured.htm

Offence on facebook could be punishable

This is exactly what has happened in Hyderabad, where some anti-social elements studying in St. Francis Xavier Degree College at Kachiguda, posted some inflammatory photos of Holy Kaaba on the Face Book.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/20.10.2011/offence_on_facebook.htm

India's mobile subscriber base crosses 865.7 mn

The number of mobile phone subscribers in India rose to 865.7 million in August with Idea Cellular alone adding 2.33 million subscribers, official data showed Thursday.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/20.10.2011/indias_mobile_subscribers.htm

Over 180.59 lakh opt for mobile number portability

About 180.59 lakh (18.1 million) mobile phone subscribers have opted for mobile number portability (MNP) with Gujarat receiving the maximum number of 17.63 lakh requests till the end of August, according to official data released Thursday.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/20.10.2011/mobile_number_portability.htm

Jayalalithaa in Bangalore court for assets case

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa Thursday appeared in a court here to give her statement in an over a decade-old disproportionate assets case.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/20.10.2011/jaya_in_court.htm

AINRC clinches Puducherry by-poll, AIADMK leads in Tamil Nadu

The All India NR Congress (AINRC) Thursday won the Indira Nagar seat in Puducherry while the AIADMK was leading in the Tiruchirapalli West constituency of Tamil Nadu as counting of votes was held for the Oct 13 assembly by-polls.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/20.10.2011/ainrc_win_pon_jaya_lead_tn.htm

Modi can lose Shiv Sena support: Thackeray

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi would lose the Shiv Sena's support if he pressed for the relaxation of visa procedures for Pakistanis wanting to visit the Ajmer dargah in Rajasthan, party chief Bal Thackeray said Thursday.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/20.10.2011/thackeray_to_modi_on_sena_support.htm

Unique two-headed baby boy born in MP

A unique two-headed baby boy has been born to a woman, resident of Ghatod village near Dhar town, about 300 km from Bhopal, on Tuesday evening which has surprised one and all.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/20.10.2011/two_headed_baby.htm

Ex-Olympian Aslam Sher only Indian to be felicitated in Malaysia

Former hockey Olympian Aslam Sher Khan, who has been dabbling with politics after retirement, will be felicitated in Malaysia on October 21 for his contribution to the game of hockey.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/19.10.2011/aslam_sher_to_be_felicitated.htm

'Occupy Dalal Street' clamour on internet

After the 'Occupy Wall Street' campaign in New York, some Indians have started a move on social networking sites to 'Occupy Dalal Street' where the country's premier bourse, the Bombay Stock Exchange, is located.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/19.10.2011/occupy_dalal_steet.htm

Court notice to Delhi over right to education

The Delhi High Court Wednesday issued notice to the Delhi government on an NGO's plea seeking framing of rules to provide free and compulsory education to children in the capital under the right to education law.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/19.10.2011/court_to_delhi_right_educ.htm

India issues advisory for students bound for Eurasia

India Wednesday issued an advisory asking Indian students already pursuing or planning to study in the Eurasian region to cross-check facts about the security situation and education standards in countries in the region.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/19.10.2011/indian_advisory_to_students.htm

Over 40,000 students to participate in Salwan marathon

It is that time of the year again when school children across the country will put on their running shoes to participate in the much awaited Salwan Marathon which kicks off November 6 at the Army Equestrian Centre at Brar Square here.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/19.10.2011/students_in_salwan_marathon.htm

India to set up education planning institute in Burundi

Taking its capacity building initiatives in Africa forward, India has inked a pact with Burundi, a landlocked country in eastern Africa, for setting up an institute of education planning and administration.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/19.10.2011/india_to_setup_inst_in_burundi.htm

Hiring lower in India Inc: Survey

Barring the pharmaceutical and energy sectors, hiring in all other major industries is going to be subdued with a shortfall of 229,500 fresh jobs as compared to the projected levels of 2011, a survey said wednesday.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/19.10.2011/hiring_lower_inindia.htm

'Take up issue of stranded Keralites in Saudi Arabia'

Thousands of Keralites and other Indians are awaiting amnesty from Saudi Arabian authorities to be able to return home, opposition legislator K.V. Abdul Khader told the Kerala assembly Wednesday, urging Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to intervene in the matter.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/19.10.2011/keralites_in_saudi_arabia.htm

IVF clinics mushroom under toothless ICMR guidelines

While one-year-old Chirag takes small steps in the courtyard, his mother Savita Bhati lies still with swollen legs on a cot at her sprawling residence in west Delhi. Bedridden due to chronic osteoporosis, Savita gave birth after 34 years of marriage through in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) done at the age of 56.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/19.10.2011/ivf_clinic_mushroom.htm

Rights body sends notice to Chhattisgarh government

The National Human Rights Commission has issued notice to the Chhattisgarh government after taking cognizance of media reports alleging that one person died and 25 others became victims of botched eye surgery at a government organised health camp in Durg.
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/October/19.10.2011/notice_to_chattisgarh_gvt.htm

Rift in Team Anna deepens, more might leave core group

Two resignations and one more in the offing? The core group behind India Against Corruption (IAC) led by Anna Hazare is likely to be whittled down further with Delhi Archbishop Vincent M. Concessao distancing himself from the movement, sources said Wednesday.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/19.10.2011/rift_in_team_anna.htm

Rift in Team Anna deepens, more might leave core group

Two resignations and one more in the offing? The core group behind India Against Corruption (IAC) led by Anna Hazare is likely to be whittled down further with Delhi Archbishop Vincent M. Concessao distancing himself from the movement, sources said Wednesday.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/19.10.2011/rift_in_team_anna.htm

Chinese couple spent $940,000 thinking son is in Oxford

A man in China spent 6 million yuan ($940,000) of his parents' money who thought their son was studying in Oxford University. The couple sent money for six years, little realising that their son was in Beijing.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/19.10.2011/chinese_in_oxford.htm

The Hindu journalist wins first prize for Humanitarian Reporting

Aman Sethi of The Hindu Wednesday won the first prize of Rs.50,000 in the Humanitarian Reporting awards instituted by the ICRC and the Press Institute of India (PII).
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/19.10.2011/hindu_jrnlst_win_award.htm

Motorola launches world's `thinnest' smartphone

Motorola has launched what it called an "impossibly thin" Droid RAZR phone with a stainless-steel core, a Gorilla Glass screen and a nanotechnology Splash-guard that protects even the electrical boards inside.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/19.10.2011/motorola_launches_thinnest_phone.htm

Explosives found, blast averted in Kandhamal

With the seizure of a huge quantity of explosives from a forested area, police in Orissa Wednesday claimed to have averted a blast bid by Maoists in the communally sensitive Kandhamal district.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/19.10.2011/explosives_fnd_in_orissa.htm

Anna is the icon of banal Hindutva

He wants a comfortable existence, dislikes disorder of any kind, finds dissent and debate in his own circles to be a waste of time, and is happy to fit several air conditioners in his own home while signing petitions to save the ozone layer.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/19.10.2011/anna_icon_of_banal_hindutva.htm

Voting underway in Tamil Nadu civic polls' second phase

Polling in the second phase of the Tamil Nadu civic polls is progressing at a brisk pace Wednesday with people queuing at the booths across the state early in the morning.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/19.10.2011/voting_fr_tn_civic_elections.htm

No old wives' tale: Omega-3 prevents osteoarthritis

Omega-3-rich diets fed to guinea pigs, which naturally develop osteoarthritis, reduced disease by 50 percent compared to a standard diet, according to a University of Bristol study.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/19.10.2011/omega_prevents_osteoathritis.htm

Why women win which side of bed to sleep?

A survey carried out for bed manufacturer Rest Assured has found that to get a good night's sleep, barely one in 10 men insists on his preferred side. And while a quarter of couples disagree over sleeping arrangements, the woman nearly always gets her way, the Daily Express reported.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/19.10.2011/women_on_bedside.htm

Kalam calls for material convergence through ICT, nano

The Indian knowledge industry should integrate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and nano technology for achieving material convergence using silicon electronics and photonics, former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam said Tuesday.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/19.10.2011/kalam_on_knowledge_nano.htm

Stage set for 1st batch of Hajj pilgrims from MP to take off from Bhopal

Stage is all set for the first batch of pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh state for Hajj 2011 to fly off to Jeddah from the state capital Bhopal’s Raja Bhoj International Airport on Wednesday (October 19).
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/18.10.2011/haj_filght_frm_bhopal.htm

Throwing footwear: A trend to showcase anger

Throwing footwear on famous personalities by sullen people is becoming increasingly common as a gesture of protest. The latest to be targeted was Arvind Kejriwal, a close associate of Anna Hazare.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/18.10.2011/thrwoing_footwear.htm

Attempted attack on Kejriwal in Lucknow

An unidentified man tried to attack Team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal as he arrived at the venue of an event here Tuesday, witnesses said.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/18.10.2011/attack_on_kejriwal.htm

Haj VIP quota is bad: Supreme Court

Terming the VIP quota for Haj pilgrims as a "bad religious practice", the Supreme Court Tuesday said it would oversee the Haj policy for 2012.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/18.10.2011/sc_on_vip_haj_quota.htm

Now, skill development lab for surgeons in India

Surgeons in the country can now sharpen their skills and practise even after completing their masters in surgery (MS) as a national-level body -- College of Surgeons of India (CSI) -- will be inaugurated Wednesday.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/18.10.2011/skill_devlopment_fr_surgeons.htm

Four generations a facet of contemporary Indian art: Gulammohammed Sheikh

An interesting aspect of contemporary Indian art is the presence of four generations of artists-like a large family, says renowned painter and scholar Gulammohammed Sheikh, one of the founders of the second wave progressive movement in 1963.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/18.10.2011/experts_indian_art.htm

Europe, US slowdown affecting developing countries: PM

India, Brazil and South Africa must be proactive in finding solutions to revive the global economy as developing countries cannot be a mute spectator to the slowdown in Europe and the developed world, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said here Tuesday.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/18.10.2011/pm_on_recession.htm

AMU pays rich tributes to its founder Sir Syed Ahmad Khan

The 194th birth anniversary of the founder of the Aligarh Muslim University, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was observed with traditional gaiety and fervor at AMU.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/18.10.2011/amu_pays_tribute_to_sir_syed_khan.htm

Two top Team Anna members quit

Two prominent members of Team Anna, Magsaysay award winner Rajendra Singh and Gandhian activist P.B. Rajagopal, Tuesday resigned from the movement, citing Arvind Kejriwal's allegedly autocratic decisions and the political activities of the group.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/18.10.2011/team_anna_members_quit.htm

AMU Bihar Dharna! Media reports, political statements misled the nation

Situated in the north-eastern part of Bihar, the district of Kishanganj hit the headlines of national media this past week mainly for rail (Guwahati – New Delhi route) and road (NH 31) blockage. No need to explain the issue, because the media tried to portray in their own ways without caring much about facts.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/18.10.2011/amu_bihar_dharna.htm

The YATRA no one talked about

Much hullabaloo was made of Anna Hazare’s fast against anti corruption, so was about Narender Modi’s fast for communal harmony. LK Advani yatra too has attracted a great deal of attention, has anyone heard about the communal harmony Yatra (travel) that concluded in New Delhi on October 16, 2011. I guess very few.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/18.10.2011/yatra_no_one_talked_abt.htm

Supreme Court: Provide toilets in government schools

Provide toilet facilities in all government schools by Dec 31, the Supreme Court Tuesday told all the states and union territories (UT).
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/18.10.2011/sc_on_school_toilets.htm

DM Velrasu's vision for 'District Malegaon'

With the District Magistrate’s ambitious projects and his personal efforts for the devolvement of this region, people now feel that if he succeeds in converting his dream projects into a reality, it surely will compensate the sixty years of negligence meted out to them by the state and central governments.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/18.10.2011/collectors_dream_fr_malegaon.htm

Telangana: Coal production resumes, schools reopen

After over a month, coal production resumed in the state-run Singareni coal mines Tuesday while schools and colleges that were shut in support of a separate Telangana reopened in Andhra Pradesh.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/18.10.2011/schools_reopen_in_telangana.htm

Obama, New Yorkers back Occupy Wall Street

As the Occupy Wall Street movement against corporate greed turned one month-old, it won an apparent endorsement from the White House and the backing of New Yorkers alike.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/18.10.2011/obama_backs_wall_street_protest.htm

IIM aspirants, here's cracking new CAT format

With the CAT exams undergoing a format change this year, MBA aspirants are anxious, to say the least. But experts say starting out with the right section and scanning the questions before attempting the paper could help you crack it.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/18.10.2011/iim_for_cat.htm

20 students killed in Pakistan boat accident

Twenty students were drowned Monday in eastern Pakistan when their boat capsized in a canal.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/18.10.2011/boat_accident_in_pakista.htm

Government to set up aviation university: Vayalar Ravi

Civil Aviation Minister Vayalar Ravi said Monday that the government plans to set up an aviation university that will ensure minimum standards of aviation skills.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/18.10.2011/govt_on_aviation_uv.htm

Mayawati gives bonus to 15 lakh government employees, teachers

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati Monday announced a bonus for all Class III and Class IV employees as well as teachers of all government and state-aided educational institutions.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/18.10.2011/mayawati_bonus_fr_teachers.htm

Modi is a criminal who happened to be the Chief Minister: Sanjiv Bhatt

"For me, Modi is a common criminal and who happens to be the chief minister and that doesn't make any difference. As a police officer I see him as a criminal," he told news channel Times Now.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/17.10.2011/bhatt_on_modi_after_release.htm

A good act lands principal in trouble

The acting principal of a government school in Bihar has been using his own money to pay the nine teachers he hired to beat a teacher shortage.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/17.10.2011/principal_lands_in_trouble.htm

China ups pressure over India's Vietnam oil deal

Stepping up pressure on India to scrap oil deals with Vietnam, China has indicated that these agreements in South China Sea could potentially strain bilateral ties.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/17.10.2011/china_on_indo_vietnam_deal.htm

RTI Act will not be amended: Moily

Stating that the Right to Information (RTI) Act won't be amended, Corporate Affairs Minister M. Veerappa Moily Monday said certain "inbuilt weaknesses" in it must be addressed. At the same time, the bureaucracy should know "how to write in a file".
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/17.10.2011/moily_on_rti.htm

Bhopal Gas victims give call for indefinite ‘Rail Roko’ stir

The victims of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, the world’s worst industrial catastrophe, have given a call for indefinite “Rail Roko” (Stop trains) agitation if their demand for ensuring adequate compensation to all victims of the disaster is not met within the next one month.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/17.10.2011/bhopal_gas_victims_on_rail_roko.htm

Pakistani lawmakers condemn NATO airspace violation

Lawmakers in Pakistan's Balochistan province Monday accused NATO jets of violating Pakistani airspace and demanded that the government halt the intrusions.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/17.10.2011/pak_lawmakers_on_nato_viol.htm

The Catholic experiment to make yoga popular

Efforts to take yoga to the masses is nothing new. But they remain largely restricted to trained instructors and camps. In a rare initiative here, benefits of the ancient discipline are being publicised in a school exhibition.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/17.10.2011/catholic_yoga.htm

Yeddyurappa arrest fallout: Advani avoids direct media contact

It appears that Yeddyurappa has darkened the prospects of Advani's "Jan Chetna Yatra". This is the second shock for Advani after his Rath Yatra entered Madhya Pradesh. The incident of cash for coverage taking place at Satna town of the state and then the arrest of Yeddyurappa on corruption charges sending him on “Jail Yatra” has blurred BJP's.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/17.10.2011/advani_avoids_media.htm

President to open Maharashtra assembly platinum jubilee

President Pratibha Patil will inaugurate the platinum jubilee (1937-2011) celebrations of the Maharashtra legislature here Tuesday, official sources said.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/17.10.2011/pres_to_open_maha_plat_jub.htm

Excuse me, are you the PM? Indian woman asks Cameron

"Excuse me, are you the prime minister," an Indian woman asked when David Cameron, who was travelling in the London Underground, struck up a conversation with her.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/17.10.2011/indian_woman_to_uk_pm.htm

With four-zero score, electoral nought for Congress

In a bruising electoral blow, India's ruling Congress Monday lost the deposit in the Hisar Lok Sabha by-election in Haryana, where Anna Hazare campaigned against it, and was also defeated in the three assembly by-polls in Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Haryana.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/17.10.2011/cong_score_zero.htm

Patrons to traders: Royal patronage to arts, crafts changing

Art and craft in India have traditionally been patronised by the royalty, who spent the bulk of their wealth adding to the country's artistic heritage. But over the centuries, the nature of patronage has changed with the fall of kingdoms.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/17.10.2011/patrons_to_traders.htm

Away from Punjab - the south Indian Sikhs

South Indian Sikhs? The description may seem unfamiliar. While Sikhs are overwhelmingly associated with Punjab, much less known are those from the community who made their home in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra centuries ago.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/17.10.2011/south_indian_sikhs.htm

American troops mass near Pakistani border

American troops in Afghanistan are massing along the border with Pakistan's North Waziristan tribal region where insurgents hold sway, a tribal elder said Monday.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/17.10.2011/american_troops_near_pak_border.htm

Supreme Court notice to Hazare, Maharashtra, central government

The Supreme Court Monday issued notice to Anna Hazare as well as the central and Maharashtra governments on a petition seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged siphoning of funds given to the anti-corruption activist's Hind Swaraj Trust.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/October/17.10.2011/sc_notice_to_hazare_govt.htm