In the 2012 Maruti factory violence case, a Haryana court on Saturday pronounced life imprisonment to 13 and five-year jail term to four convicts.

“2012 Maruti factory violence case: Haryana Court imprisons 13 for life; 5 year jail-term for 4,” reports stated.

The “sentence served by other 14 is sufficient,” it added.

On March 10, 31 former workers were found guilty of murder and attempt to murder in the Maruti Suzuki Manesar plant violence case. The incident took place on July 18, 2012.

In the violence, Maruti Suzuki’s Human Resource Department General Manager Ashwin Kumar Dev was killed and over 50 others were injured.

The violence erupted as a result of continued strikes by workers at the auto major’s factory, demanding trade union rights.

Centurion Cheteshwar Pujara's marathon effort helped India whittle down the lead to 91 runs as the hosts reached 360/6 at stumps on day three of the third cricket Test against Australia here on Saturday.

Pujara (130 not out) and wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha (18 not out) went undefeated after adding 32 runs for the seventh wicket when the umpires dislodged the bails for the day at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association Stadium here.

India lost the crucial wickets of Karun Nair (23) and Ravichandran Ashwin (3) in the final session, with pacer Pat Cummins emerging the wrecker-in-chief taking four for 59.

As women saftey becomes a matter of serious concern to the society following the increasing number of crime against women across the country, Taapsee Pannu wants to spread awareness among girls and women of the biggest weapon to safeguard themselves.

The actress feels that "the biggest weapon every female has for her safety is herself", and is keen on teaching kudo to wowmen, sources close to her said.

Taapsee, who is playing a role of an undercover agent in her new release Naam Shabana, wants to highlight the importance of self-defence for women.

The actress is keen on teaching kudo to women, and is looking forward to teach the basics of the martial art kudo, which is an offical Japanese cultural Budo sport. The sport consists of kicks, punches and submission techniques on the ground.

I’ve learned the basics of kudo and mixed martial arts (MMA), which will help me in my self-defence," Taapsee said.

The actress stressed the importance of self defense in view of the rising violence against women.

"In view of the rising violence against women, it is important for every woman to know the basics of self defense, and I would like to take a step to teach them,” the actress said.

Taapsee stars in 'Naam Shabana,' India's first spin-off, based on her character in Neeraj Pandey's Baby. She essays the role of an undercover agent in the film.

To perform the stunts herself, Taapse has undergone intense training sessions in Mixed Martial Arts.

Baby's prequel Naam Shabana directed by Shivam Nair is all set to release on March 31, 2017.

Following media reports that the two missing Indian clerics are believed to be in the custody of Pakistan Intelligence Agency, Sajid Ali, son of one of the missing clerics Syed Asif li Nizami urged the Pakistan agencies to free both the missing clerics.

"Would like to request Pakistan agencies to free both of them and they were not involved in any unwanted activities," Sajid Ali, son of one of the missing clerics Syed Asif li Nizami said.

"Came to know through media about the ISI link. Both had complete documents, visa and everything required," he added.

Two missing Indian clerics of Delhi's Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah are in custody of Pakistan's intelligence agencies, an unnamed official was quoted as saying by a news agency.

Expressing deep concern over the case, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday had said that she has spoken to the Pakistani authorities about the matter.

The Pakistan Foreign Office had on Friday also said that they have taken the matter of tracing the two Indian Sufi clerics who went missing in Pakistan since Wednesday.

Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria had confirmed the request which had been received and forwarded to the Interior Ministry, who are pursuing the matter.

The two Indian nationals identified as Syed Asif li Nizami and his nephew Nazim Ali Nizami, who went to Pakistan on March 17, were reported missing after they landed at Karachi airport.

Syed Asif Ali Nizami is the head priest (Sajjadanashin) of Hazrat Nizammuddin Aulia dargah. The two priests had gone to Pakistan as part of exchanges between Hazrat Nizamuddin dargah in India and Data Darbar in Lahore.

NRI businessmen Hindujas have retained their position as the richest Asians in the UK in 2017 with an estimated wealth of 19 billion pounds, an increase of 2.5 billion pounds over last year, according to an annual ranking of the richest Asians in Britain.

Steel tycoon Lakshmi N Mittals secured the second place with a fortune of 12.6 billion pounds – up from 6.4 billion pounds last year – in the Eastern Eye Asian Rich List, Britain's 101 Wealthiest Asians 2017, released last night.

According to the list, the Hinduja brothers – Srichand and Gopi in London, Prakash in Geneva and Ashok in Mumbai – have seen sharp increases in profitability in Ashok Leyland, InduSind bank, Gulf Oil, energy and real estate.

This has justified the family's long adopted policy of pursing the path of diversity, the list said.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who was the Chief Guest at the 20th Annual Asian Business Awards organised by the Asian Media & Marketing Group, presented the first copy of the Rich List to G P Hinduja, Co-Chairman of the Hinduja Group.

Britain's 101 wealthiest Asians are collectively worth 69.9 billion pounds, up from 55.4 billion pounds last year – a rise of 25 per cent.

According to the list, the recovery in the European steel market has enabled the Mittal family to double its net worth during the year.

Prakash Lohia, Chairman of the Indorama Corporation (Petrochemicals) is the 3rd richest in the list with a fortune worth 4 billion pounds – up 1 billion pounds over last year.

Anil Agarwal, executive chairman of Vedanta Resources, one of the fastest growing mining and metals group in the world, is fourth in the list along with Arora brothers – Simon, Bobby and Robin who own a chain of retail stores.

Leading NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul is 14th in the list with an estimated wealth of 800 million pounds as against 300 million pounds last year.

At the awards ceremony, Surinder Arora, founder and Chairman of the Arora Group, collected the prestigious Asian Business of the Year Award. The Arora Group is one of the UK's largest private owner operator of hotels.

Other winners included Young Entrepreneur of the year Aly Esmail, CEO of SME Group, Entrepreneur of the year Subodh Agrawal, Chairman of Euromax Capital and the Business Personality Award winner Prakash Lohia, Founder and Chairman of Indorama Group.

"London is home to one of the largest, and most diverse South-Asian communities in the world, which contributes a huge amount to the city's success – socially, culturally and economically," Khan said in his keynote speech.

NRI businessmen Hindujas have retained their position as the richest Asians in the UK in 2017 with an estimated wealth of 19 billion pounds, an increase of 2.5 billion pounds over last year, according to an annual ranking of the richest Asians in Britain.

Steel tycoon Lakshmi N Mittals secured the second place with a fortune of 12.6 billion pounds – up from 6.4 billion pounds last year – in the Eastern Eye Asian Rich List, Britain's 101 Wealthiest Asians 2017, released last night.

According to the list, the Hinduja brothers – Srichand and Gopi in London, Prakash in Geneva and Ashok in Mumbai – have seen sharp increases in profitability in Ashok Leyland, InduSind bank, Gulf Oil, energy and real estate.

This has justified the family's long adopted policy of pursing the path of diversity, the list said.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who was the Chief Guest at the 20th Annual Asian Business Awards organised by the Asian Media & Marketing Group, presented the first copy of the Rich List to G P Hinduja, Co-Chairman of the Hinduja Group.

Britain's 101 wealthiest Asians are collectively worth 69.9 billion pounds, up from 55.4 billion pounds last year – a rise of 25 per cent.

According to the list, the recovery in the European steel market has enabled the Mittal family to double its net worth during the year.

Prakash Lohia, Chairman of the Indorama Corporation (Petrochemicals) is the 3rd richest in the list with a fortune worth 4 billion pounds – up 1 billion pounds over last year.

Anil Agarwal, executive chairman of Vedanta Resources, one of the fastest growing mining and metals group in the world, is fourth in the list along with Arora brothers – Simon, Bobby and Robin who own a chain of retail stores.

Leading NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul is 14th in the list with an estimated wealth of 800 million pounds as against 300 million pounds last year.

At the awards ceremony, Surinder Arora, founder and Chairman of the Arora Group, collected the prestigious Asian Business of the Year Award. The Arora Group is one of the UK's largest private owner operator of hotels.

Other winners included Young Entrepreneur of the year Aly Esmail, CEO of SME Group, Entrepreneur of the year Subodh Agrawal, Chairman of Euromax Capital and the Business Personality Award winner Prakash Lohia, Founder and Chairman of Indorama Group.

"London is home to one of the largest, and most diverse South-Asian communities in the world, which contributes a huge amount to the city's success – socially, culturally and economically," Khan said in his keynote speech.

Do you have the habit of constantly checking Facebook or other social media sites while driving, in a work meeting, or at other times? Beware, it could lead to a deficiency in the balance between two systems in the brain, researchers warn.

The findings showed that when there is an imbalance between two cognitive-behavioural systems in the human brain, there is a higher rate of problematic use of social networking sites. 

In the study, researchers from the DePaul University in the US applied the dual system perspective — an established theory in cognitive psychology and neuroscience — which holds that humans have two different mechanisms in their brain that influence their decision-making.

While System 1 is automatic and reactive, quickly triggered, often subconsciously, in reaction to stimulus such as a sight of or notifications from social media, System 2 is a reflective, reasoning system that moves more slowly, regulates cognitions and controls behaviours, according to Hamed Qahri-Saremi, assistant professor at DePaul University. 

The second system can help individuals control impulses and behaviours that are not in their best interest, he added.

For the study, detailed in the Journal of Management Information Systems, the team obtained responses from 341 undergraduate college students from a North American university who use Facebook.

The results showed that individuals who displayed higher levels of problematic use of Facebook had a strong cognitive-emotional preoccupation (system 1) and a weak cognitive-behavioural control (system 2), creating an imbalance. 

In fact, the greater the imbalance between the two systems, the more likely individuals were to engage in problematic social media use behaviours, the researchers said.

In addition, this problematic use of Facebook also negatively affected the students' academic performance. The higher the problematic use, the lower was the GPA score. 

"A slight increase in problematic social media use translates into significant grade loss, and this declined performance is persistent," added Ofir Turel from California State University. 

Do you have the habit of constantly checking Facebook or other social media sites while driving, in a work meeting, or at other times? Beware, it could lead to a deficiency in the balance between two systems in the brain, researchers warn.

The findings showed that when there is an imbalance between two cognitive-behavioural systems in the human brain, there is a higher rate of problematic use of social networking sites. 

In the study, researchers from the DePaul University in the US applied the dual system perspective — an established theory in cognitive psychology and neuroscience — which holds that humans have two different mechanisms in their brain that influence their decision-making.

While System 1 is automatic and reactive, quickly triggered, often subconsciously, in reaction to stimulus such as a sight of or notifications from social media, System 2 is a reflective, reasoning system that moves more slowly, regulates cognitions and controls behaviours, according to Hamed Qahri-Saremi, assistant professor at DePaul University. 

The second system can help individuals control impulses and behaviours that are not in their best interest, he added.

For the study, detailed in the Journal of Management Information Systems, the team obtained responses from 341 undergraduate college students from a North American university who use Facebook.

The results showed that individuals who displayed higher levels of problematic use of Facebook had a strong cognitive-emotional preoccupation (system 1) and a weak cognitive-behavioural control (system 2), creating an imbalance. 

In fact, the greater the imbalance between the two systems, the more likely individuals were to engage in problematic social media use behaviours, the researchers said.

In addition, this problematic use of Facebook also negatively affected the students' academic performance. The higher the problematic use, the lower was the GPA score. 

"A slight increase in problematic social media use translates into significant grade loss, and this declined performance is persistent," added Ofir Turel from California State University. 

Children with chronically disrupted sleep are likely to have defects in their brain cells that are associated with mental skills, mood and behaviour, researchers have warned.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep disturbance which affects up to five per cent of all children. 

The findings showed that children between 7 and 11 years of age who had moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea showed significant reductions of gray matter — brain cells involved in movement, memory, emotions, speech, perception, decision making and self-control.

Further, there is also a strong connection between sleep apnea and the loss of neurons or delayed neuronal growth in the developing brain.

"The images of gray matter changes are striking. There is also clear evidence of widespread neuronal damage or loss compared to the general population," said Leila Kheirandish-Gozal, Director at the University of Chicago in the US. 

For this study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, the team evaluated sleep patterns of 16 children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). 

Each child also went through neuro-cognitive testing and had his or her brain scanned with non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

They found reductions in the volume of gray matter in multiple regions of the brains of children with disrupted sleep. 

These included the frontal cortices — which handle movement, problem solving, memory, language, judgement and impulse control — the prefrontal cortices — complex behaviours, planning, personality — parietal cortices — integrating sensory input — temporal lobe — hearing and selective listening — and the brainstem — controlling cardiovascular and respiratory functions.

This extensive reduction of gray matter in children with a treatable disorder provides one more reason for parents of children with symptoms of sleep apnea to consider early detection and therapy, the researchers noted.

Children with chronically disrupted sleep are likely to have defects in their brain cells that are associated with mental skills, mood and behaviour, researchers have warned.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep disturbance which affects up to five per cent of all children. 

The findings showed that children between 7 and 11 years of age who had moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea showed significant reductions of gray matter — brain cells involved in movement, memory, emotions, speech, perception, decision making and self-control.

Further, there is also a strong connection between sleep apnea and the loss of neurons or delayed neuronal growth in the developing brain.

"The images of gray matter changes are striking. There is also clear evidence of widespread neuronal damage or loss compared to the general population," said Leila Kheirandish-Gozal, Director at the University of Chicago in the US. 

For this study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, the team evaluated sleep patterns of 16 children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). 

Each child also went through neuro-cognitive testing and had his or her brain scanned with non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

They found reductions in the volume of gray matter in multiple regions of the brains of children with disrupted sleep. 

These included the frontal cortices — which handle movement, problem solving, memory, language, judgement and impulse control — the prefrontal cortices — complex behaviours, planning, personality — parietal cortices — integrating sensory input — temporal lobe — hearing and selective listening — and the brainstem — controlling cardiovascular and respiratory functions.

This extensive reduction of gray matter in children with a treatable disorder provides one more reason for parents of children with symptoms of sleep apnea to consider early detection and therapy, the researchers noted.

The newly formed Punjab government has decided to formulate a well planned strategy on the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) as well as look into the existing power tariff policy.

Disclosing this, Irrigation and Power Minister, Rana Gurjit Singh, who assumed charge on Saturday, said that a number of industrial units from the state have shifted to other parts of the country during the last 10 years due to mismanaged power tariff policy.
 
The new Punjab government has also decided to formulate a well planned strategy on the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) issue after consulting with new Punjab advocate general (AG) Atul Nanda today in Chandigarh.
 
"Previous government failed to fight a strong legal battle on SYL. I have called Punjab AG to discuss this issue and frame a well-planned strategy to present Punjab's Case during the next hearing of the case in the apex court on March 28,”  Rana Gurjit Singh said.
 
He said that Congress in its manifesto has to reform power tariffs for domestic, industrial and commercial consumers. He had called a meeting with Secretary Power and Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) to discuss the issue. He said that the entire Congress leadership was committed to put Punjab back on the fast track of economic growth and prosperity.
 

Akshay Kumar is busy shooting for his upcoming projects currently. But nothing, not even his busy schedule can pulled him away from spending time with team Baby.

The actor is flying to Delhi to meet the cast and crew of Baby, who are on a promotional spree of its prequel – Naam Shabana. And, it is for the first time in Bollywood that a prequel to a movie is made. Baby was made in 2015.

The whole cast and crew of the movie Baby are seen in the trailer. They will be flying from different locations.

Thee team is set to showcase few unanticipated looks from the movie. The spin-off will see new characters which are played by Manoj Bajpayee and Prithviraj Sukumaran who join the Baby team for this outing.

Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi on Saturday announced that she will be leading a protest in the national capital for the early passage of the Women's Reservation Bill that aims to bring 33 per cent reservation for women in the Parliament and state legislatures.

The DMK women's wing president is expected to hold the protest on March 20.

"For the past 20 years women's reservation bill has not been implemented. DMK's women's wing along with several women's rights organisations will be holding an agitation on this issue," said Kanimozhi.

"Representatives of several parties will also be taking part in the protest," she added.

The move comes a day after DMK working president M K Stalin wrote to PM seeking his intervention for passage of the bill.

"BJP and Modi can definitely implement the bill if they give it a thought," Kanimozhi said.

Kanimozhi also accused the AIADMK-led government of not ignoring the plight of farmers of the Cauvery belt who have been protesting in New Delhi for the past few days for a drought relief package and loan waiver.

"AIADMK-led government is unable to solve its internal issues, and we cannot expect it to solve issues faced by farmers," she said.

Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi on Saturday announced that she will be leading a protest in the national capital for the early passage of the Women's Reservation Bill that aims to bring 33 per cent reservation for women in the Parliament and state legislatures.

The DMK women's wing president is expected to hold the protest on March 20.

"For the past 20 years women's reservation bill has not been implemented. DMK's women's wing along with several women's rights organisations will be holding an agitation on this issue," said Kanimozhi.

"Representatives of several parties will also be taking part in the protest," she added.

The move comes a day after DMK working president M K Stalin wrote to PM seeking his intervention for passage of the bill.

"BJP and Modi can definitely implement the bill if they give it a thought," Kanimozhi said.

Kanimozhi also accused the AIADMK-led government of not ignoring the plight of farmers of the Cauvery belt who have been protesting in New Delhi for the past few days for a drought relief package and loan waiver.

"AIADMK-led government is unable to solve its internal issues, and we cannot expect it to solve issues faced by farmers," she said.

Filmmaker Karan Johar feels Kangana Ranaut's was better than other celebrities on his popular chat show "Koffee with Karan".

The director-actress duo are in news these days thanks to the whole nepotism debate which was kicked off by Kangana with her remarks on Karan's show.

Karan, who was speaking at session moderated by actor Koel Purie on day two of India Today Conclave here today, says most guests on his show usually give 'politically correct' answers in the 'rapid fire' round.

When asked about performance of celebrities on the popular 'rapid fire' segment on his show, he says, "I think most of them quite under performed in rapid fire and we made up with other games as none of them wanted to be honest.

But when prodded as to who nailed it in the segment, Karan was quick to say, "Kangana Ranaut. She was really good." 

Raking up the nepotism issue when Koel asked Karan who was the "flag bearer of nepotism" in film industry, he says in a lighter vein, "It's me… you don't know or what." 

Filmmaker Karan Johar feels Kangana Ranaut's was better than other celebrities on his popular chat show "Koffee with Karan".

The director-actress duo are in news these days thanks to the whole nepotism debate which was kicked off by Kangana with her remarks on Karan's show.

Karan, who was speaking at session moderated by actor Koel Purie on day two of India Today Conclave here today, says most guests on his show usually give 'politically correct' answers in the 'rapid fire' round.

When asked about performance of celebrities on the popular 'rapid fire' segment on his show, he says, "I think most of them quite under performed in rapid fire and we made up with other games as none of them wanted to be honest.

But when prodded as to who nailed it in the segment, Karan was quick to say, "Kangana Ranaut. She was really good." 

Raking up the nepotism issue when Koel asked Karan who was the "flag bearer of nepotism" in film industry, he says in a lighter vein, "It's me… you don't know or what." 

US President Donald Trump used a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel to deflect criticism about his unsubstantiated claim that the Obama administration spied on him, reviving a sensitive diplomatic incident in which the US was revealed to have snooped on her cellphone.

During the press conference on Friday with Merkel, whose cellphone was tapped by the National Security Agency (NSA) in 2010, Trump quipped that he and the German leader had something in common, CNN reported.

"As far as wiretapping, I guess by this past administration, at least we have something in common, perhaps," Trump said, turning to Merkel, who did not smile at the joke. 

Merkel appeared to take several seconds to process what Trump had said, then frowned, and started shuffling her papers at an adjacent lectern in the East Room of the White House.

Trump was referring to a disclosure in 2013 by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden that the US had spied in Germany, including monitoring Merkel's cellphone. The revelation dealt a major blow to US-German relations at that time and damaged Merkel's standing at home, Los Angeles Times reported. 

The US President also took the opportunity to reject an unfounded report from a Fox News commentator asserting that British intelligence agents were involved in the alleged spying, even though White House officials had assured livid British leaders that they would no longer promote the claim. 

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer flatly denied that the White House apologised to the British government over spying allegations.

When the issue was raised during the conference, the President said that Spicer had been quoting a comment on Fox TV. 

"We said nothing. All we did was quote a certain very talented legal mind who was the one responsible for saying that on television. I didn't make an opinion on it."

Trump met Merkel at the front door of the West Wing of the White House, but there were signs of strained interaction a little later when they appeared before cameras in the Oval Office, CNN reported.

When asked to shake hands by reporters and photographers, Trump remained stationary. He did not look at Merkel, although it was not clear whether the leaders heard the request.

Later, in the news conference, Trump expressed strong support for NATO, following his criticism of the alliance during his election campaign. But he also knocked members who do not pay their "fair share" for their defence.

He praised Germany's efforts in Afghanistan and its contributions to the fight against the Islamic State.

Trump expressed appreciation for Merkel's assurance that Germany is committed to increasing its military spending.

More differences were evident on the subject of immigration.

"Immigration is a privilege, not a right, and the safety of our citizens must always come first, without question," Trump said in the wake of court rulings blocking his second travel ban.

The German leader, who has criticised Trump's travel ban, said that efforts to make borders secure and integrate immigrants must include "looking at the refugees as well, giving them opportunities to shape their own lives."

On economic matters, the Chancellor said she hoped Trump would consider reopening discussions on the TransAtlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, a proposed pact between the US and the European Union.

Merkel said she was in agreement with Trump that "trade has to be fairer, has to be a win-win situation."