* Astronomy

There is a 70 percent chance of a 7-8 magnitude earthquake hitting Assam on Friday, a geologist from the University of Madras has predicted on the basis of planetary positions. But seismologists debunk his theory.

A statement issued by N Venkatanathan of the Department of Applied Geology says the alignment of the Sun, Moon and Mercury that day is exactly similar to the one that existed on Aug 15, 1950, when an earthquake of a magnitude of 8.5 on the Richter scale killed thousands in Assam.

Read more