New 100-shop $160 million mega mall opens in Auckland

A new 100-shop $160 million mega mall in West Auckland has been declared officially open. Named NorthWest, it is located at the new 56ha Westgate Town Centre. Already, a Mitre 10 and Pak'nSave supermarket have opened in the vicinity and nearly half a million Aucklanders live within a 15-minute drive of NorthWest.
This is reported in nzherald.co.nz dated 1 October 2015.

Hundreds of shoppers flooded through the doors of NorthWest as it opened for business and, while the shoppers milled through the mall, students from Hobsonville Primary School rendered songs to mark the occasion.
The mall allows plenty of natural light to enter and also has greenery in the center of the shopping area. A food court with large windows along one side was up one end near a Countdown supermarket, while a two-level Farmers store is at the other end. Service offered include banks, telecommunication stores, nail, hair and massage salons and others.
The mall has a 2.7ha of internal floor space and a third of a kilometer long – this is equivalent to the size of four rugby fields.
(Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org)

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Kalyan teenager learns how to steal motorbikes by watching internet videos

The internet is a wonderful medium of education but, there are some who misuse it like a 19-year-old boy who worked in a garage and took to stealing motorbikes. He had learnt how to do it through videos on the internet – and, he had two underage boys as his assistants.
This has been reported in timesofindia.indiatimes.com dated 1 October 2015.

The two-wheelers were stolen from Thane, Kalyan, Dombivli, Ulhasnagar and Virar and, after stealing, when the three tried to sell them, they landed in trouble because the wary buyers doubted that the boys were too young to own a bike.
The police stumbled upon them while probing a motorcycle theft case that led them to the 19-year-old Kalyan resident who worked at a garage, and was in possession of the stolen motorcycle. Subsequently, his accomplices were caught and 13 stolen bikes were recovered. All three of them hail from lower middle-class families.
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Flop show in Afghanistan as forces unable to retake Kunduz from the Taliban

It turned out to be a flop show as the counterattack promised by Afghan forces to retake the strategic city of Kunduz was unsuccessful. Kunduz is a city of 300,000 in northern Afghanistan and the region is one of the main bread baskets of Afghanistan – it also boasts of rich mining assets and lies on a strategic crossroads connecting Afghanistan to Pakistan, China and Central Asia.
This has been reported in foxnews.com dated 30 September 2015.

The efforts to retake Kunduz from the Taliban militants collapsed when hundreds of soldiers and civilians reportedly fled to the city's airport, where they were surrounded by insurgent forces. The Taliban fighters had fanned out across Kunduz and had closed the roads. They had also thrown up checkpoints and torched government buildings as fearful residents huddled indoors.
Obviously, the Afghan forces who tried to retake the city were stalled by roadblocks and ambushes and were not able to move closer than about a mile toward their target.
The US carried out air strikes but, fearing civilian casualties, they reverted to retake the city by painstaking street-by-street fighting.
The fall of Kunduz, the first urban area taken by the Taliban since the U.S.-led invasion ousted their regime 14 years ago, is perceived as a major setback to President Ashraf Ghani. He wants to bring peace to Afghanistan and wants to draw the Taliban to peace talks.
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Edward Snowden, the NSA whistleblower, joins Twitter

Edward Snowden, the NSA whistleblower had revealed plenty of secrets pertaining to the workings of the National Security Agency that led to generation of bad blood with the United States authorities. He has, at last, got a Twitter account.
This has been reported in nzherald.co.nz dated 30 September 2015.

Edward Snowden has sought for and got asylum in Russia. It is a temporary asylum and he managed to get it after he admitted that he was the source of the NSA documents leaked to several media outlets, including the Washington Post.
He still faces criminal charges in the United States but has succeeded in maintaining a pretty high profile. He is serving on the board of directors for the Freedom of the Press Foundation and is also making fairly frequent livestreamed appearances.
However, he has maintained a fairly discreet online presence while in exile.
This is because all web publishing platforms have massive amounts of analytics embedded in them. Like Facebook – it keeps record of how long you are on each page, what posts you click on, what pictures you have seen. These are store permanently. Obviously, any individual in a high risk situation has got to be careful.
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Drought fears return to Maharashtra with break in monsoons

The break in monsoon in the last leg has resulted in rainfall deficiency in Marathwada and central Maharashtra to increase again as fears of drought loom large on the horizon. This has been revealed by data made available by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
This has been reported in timesofindia.indiatimes.com dated 30 September 2015.

Only a few days earlier, there was a fairly good spell of rains and it had reduced rainfall deficiency in these regions by almost 10%. But, due to the truant monsoons, Marathwada now faces deficiency of 39% - up from 34% as on September 20.
Similarly, the deficiency in central Maharashtra has increased to 32% from 28%.
In the opinion of experts, the situation is not likely to improve with just two days left for ending of the southwest monsoon. In fact, the deficit may increase further because the possibility of rains in whatever remains of September is a distant dream.
These regions in Marathwada and central Maharashtra (which includes Pune) have fallen victim of a strong El Nino this year.
A Central Water Commission (CWC) report has indicated that 14 of the 17 reservoirs monitored by it in Maharashtra had storage less than last year as well as less than the average of last 10 years, till September 23. Some of these are the Khadakwasla, Mula, Jayakwadi, Koyna, Ujani, Dhom and Kukadi.
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Gang of dacoits in Kolkata used a family front to carry out dacoities

The Kolkata police have cracked the number of dacoities in south Kolkata by arresting a 27-year-old woman who would drive a Zen with the other members of her gang. They would give an impression of a family on an outing and, she would park the car near the house of her target. Her accomplices would then go and complete the job and she would return with the loot. One of her men, a Bangladeshi man, would be with her on the return journey while the others would take separate routes.
This has been reported in telegraphindia.com dated 29 September 2015.

The gang of five or six had used the silver colored Maruti Zen during the robberies in Regent Park, Jadavpur, Sonarpur and Haridevpur. The woman would wait inside the car. The move was used to hoodwinking the cops by convincing patrolling cops that it was a family returning home from a late-night event.
The woman has been arrested with the Bangladeshi man – she used to supply dancers to bars off the Bypass. Two crooners we also in the gang and they have also been arrested.
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Taliban seizes half of Kunduz – residents flee in panic

Taliban insurgents seized half of Kunduz, an Afghan provincial capital, and locals fled in panic as the hardline Islamists breached, for the first time, a major city since being ousted from power in 2001. They hoisted their flag over the main square and freed prisoners from the local jail apart from setting on fire to the headquarters of the local intelligence agency.
This has been reported in zeenews.india.com dated 28 September 2015.

This incursion of the Taliban into Kunduz barely nine months after the NATO combat mission ended comes as a major psychological blow to the country`s Western-trained security forces. As admitted by the Kunduz police - half the city has fallen into the hands of Taliban insurgents. And, the local forces had yet to receive promised reinforcements from Kabul.
Incidentally, this was the Taliban’s third attempt this year to breach the city and, it coincides with the first anniversary of President Ashraf Ghani`s national unity government in power. Most of the NATO troops had left by the end of 2014 and a residual force of around 13,000 remains for training and counter-terrorism operations.
Obviously, Afghanistan is on its own and has to fend for itself.
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Human settlement on Mars possible with NASA finding proof of water on the Red Planet

The latest revelation of NASA about proof of water on Mars means human settlement on the Red Planet is now possible and, just, a matter of time. The presence of liquid water means it would make life easier for astronauts who would be visiting or living on Mars. This water could be used not only for drinking but, to also create oxygen and rocket fuel. NASA has a goal is to send humans there in the 2030s.
This has been reported in nzherald.co.nz dated 29 September 2015.

NASA has confirmed that there are flowing rivulets of salty water, at least in the summer. This, in the opinion of scientists throw up the possibility of life on the red planet.
It may be recalled that in 2008 scientists had confirmed the presence of frozen water on Mars and., now, the instruments onboard NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter have yielded the strongest evidence on that count. It is confirmed that salt water in liquid form flows down certain Martian slopes each summer.
Obviously, Mars is not the dry, arid planet that was once believed because, water in liquid form has finally been found. In fact, the rivulets measure about 12 to 15 feet wide and 300 feet or more long.
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70 crocodile heads discovered in a freezer in Humpty Doo, Australia

There is a small town called Humpty Doo in Darwin, North Australia, where as many as 70 crocodile heads were found dumped and left to rot in a freezer. The discovery was made a group of children who came across the freezer. It had been left behind in a local shop.
This has been reported in timesofindia.indiatimes.com dated 4 August 2015.

As indicated by the local authorities there are at least 50 crocodile heads - but could be as many as 70 – that had been stuffed inside the freezer. The NT national parks and wildlife officers have begun investigations.
Crocodiles are a protected species in Australia and anyone convicted of killing the animal has to shell out a fine of $55,779 or five years in jail. Every year, a few permits are issued for local hunters – mainly to kill or remove crocodiles that pose a danger to the community.
Incidentally, the skin of the crocodiles are extremely valuable in the global fashion industry.
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Ban on saggy jeans, trousers – Alabama plans to take necessary action

A councilor of Alabama wants to see a ban imposed on saggy jeans, trousers and shorts. The legal team of Dadeville is, at present, engrossed in drafting the wording of the public dress code before it goes to a vote.
This has been reported in news.sky.com dated 15 September 2015.

As a City Council member has remarked - God would not go around with pants down and has sought Divine intervention to change the thinking. The ordinance is being rewritten to include a ban on short skirts – because, they also need a bit of policing and it would not be only the men who would fall foul of the fashion police.
In the opinion of a woman councilor, the girls go in for shorts up so high that they look like under garments and the dresses are so short.
Incidentally, Opa-Locka, Florida, and Wildwood, New Jersey, are other communities that have already imposed ban on low-slung clothing. This trend, known as sagging, has spread through the hip-hop culture of the 1990s.
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Super typhoon ‘Dujuan’ headed towards Taiwan, thousands flee

Taiwan is in the grip of yet another typhoon – it is the Dujuan super typhoon and it has led to the evacuation of thousands. The Hong Kong Observatory has labeled it as a "super typhoon" as it intensified to reach gusts of 227-Kms per hour.
Taiwan is a favorite tourist spot and almost 3,000 people, mostly tourists, have been evacuated from Green Island and Orchid Island. Another around 4,000 more had been shifted out before the storm broke.
This has been reported in zeenews.india.com dated 28 September 2015.

The super typhoon on the east coast has led to torrential rains and high winds and landfall is predicted late night. Crashing waves were already battering the northeastern coast by midday and fishing boats have been called back to shore.
Taiwan`s weather bureau has upgraded Dujuan to a "strong typhoon" as have other regional weather bureaus.
Over 24,000 troops are on standby for disaster relief and evacuations and 100 shelters have been set up apart from emergency response centers in the north and east. The storm poses a major threat to the long-weekend plans for many as Taiwan gets ready celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival.
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Garden city Bangalore to introduce vehicle-free weekends in Whitefield and MG Road

In an effort to bring back the glory of the Garden City Bangalore and to create a pollution free clean environment, the administration plans to declare vehicle-free weekends in Whitefield and MG Road. There will be some more streets which will be included. The objective is to promote walking and non-motorized transport, and improve air quality.
Moreover, cycling, painting and contests will be held on weekends.
This has been reported in timesofindia.indiatimes.com dated 28 September 2015.

As explained by Tourism minister RV Deshpande, the government intends to introduce the concept of open streets in the city and the pilot project would happen on MG Road and in Whitefield. It will, subsequently, be extended to other parts of the city.
He made these remarks on the sidelines of an event to mark World Tourism Day at Rangoli Art Centre on MG Road. Many global cities had pedestrianized some streets to attract tourists and Bangalore wants to join such cities.
HSR Layout in southeast Benglauru had recently held the city's first no-traffic day and, while the organizers claimed it as an overwhelming success, some residents were upset with the blanket ban on vehicles.
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Western Europe's largest mosque Baitful Futuh in Morden engulfed in fire

It was a massive fire in South London as a team of 70 firefighters try to battle an enormous blaze that engulfed Western Europe's largest mosque Baitful Futuh in Morden. Ten fire engines were dispatched to handle the fire which started burning around midday.
This has been reported in dailymail.co.uk dated 27 September 2015.

One person was shifted to hospital for smoke inhalation, but in the opinion of community leaders no one else appears to have been affected. The cause of the blaze is not yet known.
The enormous building occupies a 5.2acre site and can accommodate upward of 10,000 people and, when the fire broke out, there were only a handful of worshippers inside who were quickly evacuated. Fortunately, no one was at prayer when the fire broke out.
The effort to control the massive fire involved the police, ambulance services and the large fire brigade presence and, the A24 was shut down and traffic was tailed back for miles as a result. By evening, the London Fire Brigade announced that the fire had been contained.
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Two 17-year-olds kill a boy to get a chance to compete in TV reality show

The charms of gaining entry into a starry life through competing in TV dance reality show was the reason of why two 17-year-olds abducted a 13-year-old boy for ransom and finally killed him. They had been influenced by the success of another boy who came from a humble family, had made it big in a dance show and is now a celebrity of sorts. It seems the boy had been assured of moving to the next level of the competition if an amount of Rs 40,000 was paid.
This has been reported in timesofindia.indiatimes.com dated 26 September 2015.

The boy was the son of an electrician, the girl the daughter of a daily wage worker. Both were 17 years old and, obsessed with the idea of becoming dancing stars. The boy had left school after Class X and the girl is a first-year student in Delhi University living in an unauthorized colony. Therefore, they allegedly abducted and killed a 13-year-old for money.
The accused boy had apparently made it to the first round of the reality show on a previous occasion and someone had promised to take him through the second round if he could arrange Rs 40,000. The girl was his dance partner.
These teenagers are examples of how youngsters from lower middle class backgrounds passionately go in to practice dancing hoping to, one day, get a foothold on the ladder to stardom. Their hopes are based on examples of others who have made it big through dancing. A general opinion is that TV dance reality shows are proven avenues of social mobility for thousands of underprivileged boys and girls from small-town and urban India.
They have before them the example of the son of an auto-rickshaw driver from Mumbai's Ghatkopar, who won a major TV contest in 2012 and is now a star.
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Kulik Bird Sanctuary in Raiganj, north Bengal, losing birds due to poachers

It has been revealed that nesting birds at Kulik Bird Sanctuary in the outskirts of Raiganj town in north Bengal, are falling prey to poachers. The locals from nearby villages enter the sanctuary where several species of waterfowl, like open-bill storks, pond herons, egrets and cormorants, are nesting.
This is because a large portion of the boundary fence is missing and, with each bird fetching between Rs 100 and Rs 150, it is easy picking for the locals – many of them are unemployed and need to earn money. It seems these people enter in groups and, with very few guards, it becomes difficult to keep check.
This has been reported in telegraphindia.com dated 26 September 2015.

But, the divisional forest officer refused to admit that there is any poaching in the sanctuary. It has been conceded that the sanctuary lacked proper vigil. However, as per statistics, in 2013, there were around 65,000 birds of the three species while last year, the count increased to 68,000.
The 370-acre sanctuary is located 3-Km from Raiganj town and along NH34 with the Kulik River flowing nearby. The forest department, along with a local NGO, has taken up a week-long bird census.
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The Pentagon discloses that Russia conducted recee missions over Syria

The Pentagon has disclosed that says Russia has been building a forward operating air base in Latakia in northwestern Syria, and has dispatched at least 500 troops along with fighter jets, tanks, artillery and a slew of military hardware to the facility.
This has been reported in zeenews.india.com dated 26 September 2015.

Colonel Pat Ryder, the spokesman for the US military`s Central Command CENTCOM, which is overseeing efforts against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria, has made these revelations. It seems some ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) activity from Russian ISR aircraft have been seen.
The United States has indicated that it would welcome Russian involvement in the coalition fight against Islamic State jihadists. However, Moscow should steer clear of bolstering Assad`s regime by attacking moderate rebels on the ground. Any action against the common enemy of ISIS would be welcome but, if rebels are targeted, it would be a matter of concern.
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Giant laddoo weighing 11,111Kg offered to Goddess Ambaji at Ambaji temple

'Laddoo' is the most common sweet offered as prasad to Gods and Goddesses across the country – these are usually called boondi ladoo or besan laddoo.
The world now belongs to the big ones – therefore, while Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon offered a besan laddoo weighing 7858-Kg to Lord Ganesh at a pandal in Mumbai, the Arasuri Ambaji Mata Dvesthana Trust has prepared a bigger one of boondi weighing 11,111-Kg for offering to Goddess Mataji.
This has been reported in timesofindia.indiatimes.com dated 26 September 2015.

The one at Ambaji temple is being claimed to be the world's largest 'ladoo' tipping the acales at a whopping 11,111-Kg. This 'boondi laddoo' made from mixture of chick pea flour, ghee and sugar is equal to the weight of two adult elephants and four Rolls Royce Phantom cars.
The ingredients that went into creating this giant of a laddoo are 2,600-Kg ghee, 2,650-Kg besan (chick pea flour) and 5,500-Kg sugar and, the total cost was approximately Rs 17 lakh.
As to size – it is 16 feet tall, has a radius of 14 feet and took nearly 33 hours to prepare. It would be distributed as prasad to over 3 lakh devotees who would be visiting the temple.
On the other hand, in Mumbai, in keeping with the outsize Ganesh Utsav festivities that Andheri Cha Raja, or King of Andheri, commands, the world's biggest laddoo was offered as prasad by Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon.
It was a besan laddoo and it took a team of 42 people five days to make. The weight is 8,645-Kgs and the organizers intend to break the world record. The current world record is held by a laddoo weighing 7,858 kilos and it was made by a sweetshop in Andhra Pradesh.
(Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org)

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Kolkata wants Europe flights to return – chief minister talks to civil aviation minister

Once upon a time the Kolkata airport had several International Airlines like BOAC, Lufthansa, Japan Air Lines apart from Air India operating services to different European countries – but, the absence of enough passengers and, more importantly, high-value business travelers led to their departure. Kolkata became a low-priority destination for European airlines.
However, chief minister Mamata Banerjee wants them to come back and, hence, she had a meeting with civil aviation minister P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju who has indicated that he would request Air India to consider reintroducing direct flights to Europe from Calcutta.
This has been reported in telegraphindia.com dated 25 September 2015.

In the course of a meeting held in Nabanna with chief minister Mamata Banerjee, the civil aviation minister remarked that the state government's major concerns were direct flights to Europe and inactive airports in the state. He agreed to take up the matter of direct flights to Europe with Air India.
He also added that Air India have to follow a system to follow but, everyone has to work together to motivate the airlines in order to bridge the gap. Air India, British Airways and Lufthansa had the permission to operate direct flights between Calcutta and Europe – they would require sufficient number of business-class passengers to get motivated.
Air India had withdrawn its direct flight between Europe and Calcutta in 2007 for "commercial and operational" reasons – a euphemism for lack of passengers.
(Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org)

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Worsening quality of air forces shutdown of Singapore schools

The quality of air in Singapore is affected as thick smog came in from forest fires on Indonesia's neighboring island of Sumatra and the administration ordered emergency closure of schools once air pollution reached "hazardous" levels. Singapore takes pride on its clean environment. The fire in Sumatra was an agricultural fire.
This has been reported in ibnlive.com dated 24 September 2015.

The shutdown order would affect primary and secondary schools apart from kindergartens run by the ministry and special education schools. However, parents who cannot make alternative arrangements because of the short notice can continue to send their children to school and they would be accommodated in air-conditioned rooms.
Due to the smog, there were fewer people on the roads and those who came out wore face masks. Moreover, Pizza Hut suspended its delivery service.
In the opinion of the National Environment Agency, the haze situation could become worse because of the prevailing winds.
(Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org)

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Pulses (dal) removed from the menu to balance the household budget

Dal roti khao, prabhu ka goon gao – this song appears to be out of place in today’s scenario of rising prices of pulses (dal) which is a must in every Indian household right from Srinagar to Salem. Families have reduced their requirement of dal due to the rising prices.
This has been reported in timesofindia.indiatimes.com dated 24 September 2015.

Not only in households but the effect of rising prices of the items have forced eateries to hike the prices of its offerings – and, sales have fallen. The hike in the prices of 'dal makhani', dal fry and dal tadka have seen customers hesitate before ordering the dish.
Some examples of increase - tur dal that was available at a price of Rs 80 to 100 per kg in wholesale market about 45 to 50 days back has now surged to a level of Rs 125 -140 per kg.
The popular chana dal has moved up from Rs 45-50 per kg to Rs 55-60 per kg while urid dal has shot up from Rs 90-110 per kg to Rs 110-120 per kg in the same period.
As a wholesale dealer of Aurangabad has admitted - the market is witnessing a 50% downfall in demand of many varieties of pulses due to soaring prices.
(Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org)

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Jharkhand sets a new trend in growing fish through the cage culture

Jharkhand has set in motion a new trend in fish cultivation – it is the cage culture that has seen its output grow from 14,000-metric tonnes in 2000 to a phenomenal 1.6-lakh metric tonnes in 2014. This cage culture of incubating fish in a controlled environment has paid rich dividends and has given the state the tag of a mentor fisherman for others.
This has been reported in telegraphindia.com dated 24 September 2015.

The cage culture had been introduced on an experiment basis in 2011 at Ranchi's Hatia dam and the success is attracting teams from across states to learn the technique and replicate it back home.
An 18-member Rajasthan team, consisting of 15 fishermen from tribal belts of three districts and three officials of the desert state's fisheries department have come to Ranchi for a week-long exposure trip on cage culture.
Earlier, between July-end and first week of August, a team from Jharkhand fisheries department had visited Telangana at the invitation of the state government to help them set up cages in six water bodies. That was after the Telangana fisheries department had sent 200 fishermen for a fortnight's training to Ranchi.
About cage culture – it is a proven method to grow fish faster in a controlled environment. It involves water-resistant cages that are covered with nets and released in water. Before releasing fingerlings or small fish freely in a large water body, they are kept in cages and nourished by means of artificial feeding. Drums are fitted below the cages to prevent them from drowning and to ensure that the fish get regular oxygen supply.
Already there are 2,000 cages positioned in 14 prominent dams/ reservoirs in Ranchi and another 1400 are proposed to be added.
(Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org)

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Mars Orbiter Mission Mangalyaan completes one year on Mars

Mars Orbiter Mission ‘Mangalyaan’ of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has helped put India on the elite global space club and it is celebrating the first anniversary of Mars Orbit Insertion by releasing an atlas of images taken by the Mars Color Camera (MCC) and some results from the Mars Methane Sensor.
This has been reported in zeenews.india.com dated 24 September 2015.

Mangalyaan had been launched on 5 November 2013 by ISRO and was successfully inserted into the Red Planet orbit on 24 September 2014, after a 298-day transit to Mars. That made ISRO become the fourth space agency to reach Mars, after the Soviet space program, NASA, and the European Space Agency.
Moreover, this successful Mars mission meant that India became the first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit, and the first country in the world to do so in its first attempt.
The life of Mangalyaan had, initially, been estimated to be six months. But, from present indications, it could last for many more years since it still has 35-Kg of fuel left.
(Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org)

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It may sound preposterous but vinegar can save the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is famous for its exotic corals but starfish feed on the corals and are posing a serious threat to the continued survival of the GBR. Each female is able to produce about 65 million eggs in a single breeding season and that is dangerous. Hence, Researchers at Queensland's James Cook University have experimented with vinegar to kill the menace and save the GBR.
This has been reported in nzherald.co.nz dated 24 September 2015.

The venomous, coral-eating starfish are considered one of the most significant threats posed to the Great Barrier Reef and, by using vinegar it has been possible to eliminate the starfish and success rate has been 100 per cent as revealed by the researchers of JCU.
At present, divers used 10ml-12ml of ox bile to kill each individual crown-of-thorns starfish and that is not only expensive but needs permits and has to be mixed to the right concentration.
In comparison, vinegar is cheap, readily available, and in the JCU lab trials, all specimens were dead within 48 hours of being injected. It would now be necessary to carry out actual field trials which are expected to begin by the end of the year. These large-scale field trials would be to ensure that the process was safe for other marine life.
The magnitude of the task would be evident from the fact that last year, divers were able to kill about 350,000 on the Great Barrier Reef – it required two full-time boat crews. But, there were estimated to be about four to 12 million starfish on the reef!!
(Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org)

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Dehradun fraudsters cheat 16 banks of crores to buy luxury cars

A gang of fraudsters operating in Dehradun have engineered in what could be the biggest auto loan fraud in Uttarakhand. The activities cover 16 branches of 11 leading banks and the amount is in the region of several crores of rupees.
This has been reported in timesofindia.indiatimes.com dated 23 September 2015.

The money was used to buy 400 cars, including SUVs and luxury ones and the loans were obtained by submitting forged documents. Investigators feel that there are highly-educated and white-collar people involved in this fraud apart from bank staff.
The Special Task Force STF claims to have cracked the case with the arrest of three persons and are trying to assess the magnitude of the fraud. Those arrested have revealed that there are about 12 members in the gang and they had duped the banks of nearly Rs 12-15 crore to purchase 375-400 cars.
The documents furnished to the bank by the gang members to get loans were fake. In fact, they had submitted vehicles papers of a scooter for the purchase of SUVs and luxury cars.
(Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org)

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