HYDERABAD - Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah Monday defended the allotment of University of Hyderabad land to the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) for setting up its Hyderabad campus.

NEW DELHI - In a major step towards changing the pattern for the civil services entrance exams, the Union Public Service Commission Monday announced a new syllabus for the preliminary exam, replacing the optional subject with an aptitude test.

MUMBAI - Rohinton Mistry, author of the 1990 Booker Prize-nominated "Such A Long Journey", Monday said he was not surprised by Shiv Sena's agitation for the book's removal from the Mumbai University syllabus, but "dismayed" by the university's "expeditious decision" to yield to the demand.

HYDERABAD - Tight security arrangements are in place for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to the University of Hyderabad here Tuesday as a section of the students and faculty is planning a protest against laying of the foundation stone for the Hyderabad campus of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).