Trump obese, but in very good health: Doctor
US President Donald Trump is in very good health despite his weight being in the obese range, according to his official doctor Sean Conley. The doctor said he had found no significant health problems during the annual check-up. The White House released the memorandum after the US President underwent a four-hour physical exam that included 11 specialists last week.
CBDT plans 30-40% digital tax on global tech firms: Report
Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has reportedly proposed a 30-40% digital tax on global technology firms including Google, Facebook, Twitter, and Amazon, based on their user base and revenue. Existing rule based on physical presence no longer holds good for taxation of business profits in India, CBDT reportedly said. However, the final guideline may reportedly take a year’s time.
WWE’s Jimmy Uso arrested for alleged drunk dispute with cops
WWE’s Jimmy Uso, part of the multiple-time WWE tag team champion team ‘The Usos’, was arrested after an alleged drunken altercation with cops in Detroit. The incident reportedly occurred when Jimmy and fellow WWE female wrestler and wife Naomi were pulled up for driving in the wrong direction on a one-way street.
Mortal remains of martyrs brought to Delhi, PM Modi pays tribute
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tribute to the martyred CRPF personnel after their mortal remains were brought to the Palam airport in Delhi. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Congress President Rahul Gandhi also lay wreaths on the mortal remains of the CRPF jawans who were martyred in yesterday’s attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama.
Army Major martyred in blast near LoC, 2 days after Pulwama attack
An Army Major was martyred in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion near Line of Control in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. The Major was diffusing the IED planted by terrorists when the explosion occurred. This comes two days after a terror attack in Pulwama in which 40 CRPF jawans were martyred.
Big B to donate ₹5 lakh each to families of 40 martyred CRPF jawans
Amitabh Bachchan will be donating ₹5 lakh each to the families of the 40 CRPF jawans who were martyred in the Pulwama attack, the actor’s spokesperson has said. The veteran actor is currently finding out the correct process to do so, the spokesperson added. The jawans were returning from leave when a suicide bomber rammed his vehicle into a bus.
Defence Minister Sitharaman pays tribute to CRPF martyr in TN
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday paid tribute and laid a wreath on the mortal remains of CRPF Constable C Sivachandran, who was martyred in the terror attack in J&K. Reportedly, Sitharaman had cancelled her political plans for the day in wake of the attack. Around 40 jawans were martyred in the suicide bombing carried out by a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist.
Sehwag offers to take care of education of Pulwama martyrs’ children
Ex-India cricketer Virender Sehwag has offered to bear educational expenses of children of 40 CRPF personnel martyred in terrorist attack in J&K’s Pulwama. “Nothing we can do will be enough…but the least I can do is offer to take complete care of the education of the children of our brave CRPF jawans martyred…in my Sehwag International School, Jhajjar,” he tweeted.
Nehwal beats Sindhu to become national champion for 4th time
World number nine Saina Nehwal became the national champion for the fourth time, defeating world number six PV Sindhu in the women’s singles final of Senior National Badminton Championship on Saturday. Nehwal, who had previously won senior nationals in 2006, 2007 and 2017, won with the scoreline of 21-18, 21-15. Saina had defeated Sindhu in the 2017 final as well.
Train 18 was stopped as it possibly ran over cattle: Railways
After reports said that India’s fastest train, Vande Bharat Express (Train 18), suffered a brake failure a day after launch, the Railways Ministry has clarified the “disruption was due to a possible cattle run over”. “The train was standing 18 km from Tundla (UP) since 6:30 am. After removing the obstacle, journey to Delhi resumed around 8:15 am,” added Railways.
Lawyer, MBA grad held for fleeing with over 500 TVs taken on credit
Delhi Police has arrested three men, including a lawyer and an MBA graduate, and recovered around 510 LED television sets, which they had allegedly fled with after borrowing them for sale from dealers. They were caught during a raid at a Sonepat building. The lawyer said he lost over ₹40 lakh in betting and took the step to recover losses.
US woman hid mother’s dead body under 54 blankets for 44 days
A woman has been charged in Virginia, US, for hiding her 78-year-old mother’s dead body in their home for 44 days, officials said. Authorities found the woman’s body in a rocking chair covered under 54 blankets and surrounded by air fresheners. The woman told the authorities that she didn’t call anyone when her mother died as she feared being arrested.
Vadra’s bail extended, accuses ED of witch hunt as assets attached
Delhi’s Patiala House Court on Saturday extended businessman Robert Vadra’s interim protection from arrest till March 2 in connection with a money laundering case. Meanwhile, Robert Vadra accused the Enforcement Directorate of “relentless harassment” and “witch hunt” after ED attached assets worth ₹4.62 crore of a firm linked to him in connection with the Bikaner land scam case on Friday.
Cognizant to pay US $25 million to settle India bribery charges
American IT major Cognizant has agreed to pay $25-million settlement to the US Securities and Exchange Commission after its former President and former Chief Legal Officer were charged for facilitating bribes to a Tamil Nadu government official. The complaint alleges that in 2014, the official demanded $2 million to grant permit for building Cognizant’s 2.7-million-square-foot campus in Chennai.
Film bodies to hold protest against Pulwama attack in Mumbai
In the wake of the terror attack in south Kashmir’s Pulwama, 24 film associations will protest on Sunday at Filmcity in Mumbai. All major film bodies, including Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA), will participate in the protest. TV and film shoots won’t take place during the protest.
Terrorism has become business today: Varun on Pulwama attack
Following the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama where over 40 CRPF jawans were martyred, Varun Dhawan tweeted, “Terrorism has become a business today…cannot allow these businessmen of hate to spread their agenda.” Manoj Bajpayee said, “Words will fall short to express our anger for this kind of heinous act.” Malayalam actor Mohanlal tweeted he is shocked and saddened.
Zarina Wahab to play PM Modi’s mother in his biopic
Zarina Wahab will portray PM Narendra Modi’s mother in his upcoming biopic. “This is going to be one of the most special roles I have ever played,” said Zarina. TV actor Barkha Sengupta, who played the role of Deepika Padukone’s sister-in-law in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Ram Leela’, will be seen as PM Modi’s wife Jashodaben in the biopic.
Smith, Warner will perform straight away on return: Clarke
Former Australia captain Michael Clarke said that the suspended trio of Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft will perform straight away on their return to the Australian team. “They deserve to come back because they’ve… suffered their time,” Clarke said about the trio. “Sports teams are a lot bigger than one or two players,” Clarke also added.
Education a better option: Ian Bishop on Shannon Gabriel
Former Windies cricketer Ian Bishop said that the suspension handed to Windies’ Shannon Gabriel is ‘harsh’ and that talking to him about his behaviour would have been better. “Look, we see you may not have meant great harm, but many of our players and stakeholders and people make their life choices to live by their own philosophy,” Bishop said.
Duo reaches doubles semis, will face each other in singles semis
Austria’s Dominic Thiem and his Argentine doubles partner Diego Schwartzman have reached the men’s doubles semi-final at the Argentina Open while also being set to face each other in the men’s singles semi-final at the event. The duo will face each other first in the men’s singles semi-final right before taking on a Spanish pair in the men’s doubles.
Apple buys Barbie voice-tech startup to improve Siri: Report
Apple has reportedly acquired voice-tech startup PullString, which develops apps for Amazon and Google’s digital assistants, to help improve voice capabilities of its own digital assistant, Siri. The deal is reportedly worth at least $30 million. Founded in 2011 by former Pixar executives, PullString helps develop the voice technology used in toys like talking Barbie and Thomas The Tank Engine.
Nun who opposed rape-accused Bishop receives warning letter
A Kerala nun, who participated in a protest against rape-accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal, has been issued a warning letter threatening her with expulsion from the congregation unless “she changes her mind”. In January, the nun, who published poems and bought a car, was issued first warning letter alleging that she had been “leading a life against principles of religious life”.
Need to question Vadra 4-5 times more: ED to Delhi court
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday informed a Delhi court that they need 4-5 more appearances of businessman Robert Vadra in connection with an alleged money laundering case. Lawyer KTS Tulsi, who appeared for Vadra, told the court that they are ready to support ED in the case. The court also extended interim bail granted to Vadra till March 2.
Case filed 40 years after idol goes missing from TN temple
Over four decades after an ancient Nataraja idol was stolen from a Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu’s Thandanthottam village, the state idol wing police have registered a case. The Nataraja idol along with five other idols were stolen between 1971-1972 and are worth ₹110 crore, police said. Though a complaint was lodged in 1971, no case was registered then.
Nigeria postpones elections 5 hours before polls due to open
Nigeria has delayed its presidential and parliamentary elections for a week, five hours before the polls were due to open on Saturday. The elections were delayed to address vital issues and maintain their “quality”, the Election Commission said, amid reports of a shortage of voting materials. Governorship, state assembly and federal area council elections will be held on March 9.
Siddhivinayak Temple announces ₹51-lakh aid for martyrs’ families
Shree Siddhivinayak Temple trust in Mumbai has announced ₹51 lakh as relief for the families of the CRPF personnel who lost their lives in the terror attack in J&K’s Pulwama on Thursday. Meanwhile, Maharashtra government announced a ₹50-lakh compensation for the families of the martyrs from the state. Two of the 40 martyred jawans hailed from Maharashtra’s Buldhana.
NDTV suspends Dy Editor over ‘How’s the Jaish’ post after J&K attack
Media outlet NDTV has suspended its Deputy News Editor Nidhi Sethi for two weeks for putting up an objectionable post on her Facebook page about the terror attack in J&K’s Pulwama. “Where a grisly 44 has been proven to be greater than the mythical 56 #HowstheJaish”, she wrote. NDTV tweeted that company’s Disciplinary Committee will consider further action against her.
United against terror: All party meet resolution on Pulwama attack
The resolution passed after an all-party meeting on the Pulwama terror attack stated that all parties ‘stand united in fighting terrorism and in defending the unity and integrity of India’. The meeting was called by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and was attended by leaders from all parties including Congress, NCP, National Conference, TMC and CPI.
Railway TC chants ‘Pak Zindabad’ at J&K martyrs event; suspended
A junior railway ticket checker was suspended for allegedly raising ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogans at Shivaji Chowk in Maharashtra’s Lonavala, where some local residents had gathered to pay homage to the CRPF jawans martyred in Pulwama terror attack. People present there got angry and tried to beat him up. A court remanded him in police custody till February 18.
Vidarbha become 3rd Ranji team to win 2 successive Irani Cup titles
Two-time defending Ranji champions Vidarbha on Saturday won Irani Cup against Ajinkya Rahane-led Rest of India on virtue of first-innings lead. With this, Vidarbha became the third Ranji team after Karnataka and Bombay to win the tournament two times in a row. Bombay had won two or more straight Irani Cup titles four times, while Karnataka achieved the feat once.
CBI probe against Bihar CM Nitish Kumar in shelter home rape case
A Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) court has ordered CBI probe against Bihar CM Nitish Kumar over Muzaffarpur shelter home rape case. This comes after the Supreme Court transferred the case to the POCSO court, stating the trial should be completed in 6 months. The Supreme Court had rebuked the Bihar government over incomplete information on shelter homes.
Man kills 5 co-workers at US warehouse after being sacked; shot dead
A man opened fire and killed five co-workers at a warehouse in US’ Illinois after being sacked. Police said it was not yet clear if the man, who was shot dead, was carrying the weapon at the time he was being terminated or whether he “went to retrieve it” before opening fire. Five officers were also wounded at the scene.
US lawmaker gives her boyfriend a congressional email id; criticized
US Democratic lawmaker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was criticised after revelations that her office gave her boyfriend Riley Roberts a congressional email account. This was revealed by a Twitter user whose account was suspended by Twitter for violating the social media platform’s rules. Responding to the criticism, Alexandria said he was only given the email account so he could access her calendar.
Academy reverses plan to present 4 Oscar awards during ad breaks
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences reversed its decision to present four Oscar awards during the commercial breaks. The Academy had earlier announced the awards in the categories- cinematography, film editing, live action short, and makeup and hairstyling would be announced during the ads and that the winners’ walk from their seats to the stage will be removed.
US lawmaker Tulsi Gabbard condemns Pulwama attack
Tulsi Gabbard, the first-ever Hindu elected to the US Congress, condemned the terror attack in which 40 CRPF jawans were martyred in J&K’s Pulwama on Thursday. “We stand with the people of India in condemning the terrorist attack…and send our condolences and prayers to the (victims’) families. We must all stand up against these jihadists and their ideology,” she said.
Guptill’s second consecutive ton secures series for NZ
New Zealand opener Martin Guptill scored his second ton in as many matches to help his side clinch the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh with an eight-wicket win in Christchurch on Saturday. The third and final ODI of the series is set to be held in Dunedin next Wednesday. The teams will then play three Test matches.
Ronaldo, Dybala score in Juventus’ 3-0 win over Frosinone
Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala scored in Juventus’ 3-0 win over Frosinone in the Serie A on Friday. This was Ronaldo’s 21st goal of the season in all competitions. Juventus, who are 14 points clear at the top of the Serie A, will travel to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
Delhivery acquires Dubai logistics firm Aramex’s India arm
Gurugram-based logistics startup Delhivery has acquired Dubai-based logistics firm Aramex’s India business for an undisclosed amount and will take over the operations from March 1. However, Aramex revealed it will continue with its international business in India. Aramex had previously invested in Mumbai-based hyperlocal delivery platform Grab and Jaipur-based on-demand delivery startup Logisure.
60 feared dead in Zimbabwe gold mine flood
At least 60 miners are feared dead after water flooded two disused shafts near the town of Kadoma. Local Government Minister July Moyo said 60-70 miners were in the two shafts when they were flooded on Tuesday. The government has made an appeal for $200,000 (over ₹1.42 crore) to pump out water and feed the bereaved families, among others.
Virat Kohli postpones Indian Sports Honours after Pulwama attack
India captain Virat Kohli on Friday night announced ‘Indian Sports Honours’, award ceremony organised by RP-Sanjiv Goenka and Virat Kohli Foundation, has been postponed due to the Pulwama attack, in which 40 CRPF jawans were martyred. The ceremony was supposed to take place today. On Thursday, Kohli was criticised for tweeting about the ceremony hours after the attack took place.
Man cancels daughter’s wedding feast, gives ₹11 lakh for martyrs
Dewashi Manek, a diamond trader from Gujarat’s Surat cancelled his daughter’s wedding feast, which was scheduled to take place on Friday and donated ₹11 lakh to the families of Pulwama martyrs. He also donated ₹5 lakh to service agencies. A message was circulated among the guests, which stated that the wedding will be held in a simple manner.
We were shocked, kept sitting in bus for 10 mins: Jawan on J&K attack
Recalling the attack on CRPF convoy by Jaish-e-Mohammed suicide bomber in J&K’s Pulwama, a CRPF constable said, “We were so shocked that we kept sitting in the bus for at least 10 minutes.” Stating that they couldn’t hear anything for some time as “explosion was so loud”, he added, “Our whole bus was shaken and a few window-panes cracked.”
7 people detained by J&K police in connection with Pulwama attack
Jammu and Kashmir police on Friday detained seven people from Pulwama district in connection with the terror attack that claimed lives of around 40 CRPF jawans. They were held on suspicion of links with the planning of the suicide attack. Officials said the investigation has revealed that high-grade RDX of about 80 kilogram was detonated in the blast.
Support India’s right to self-defence: US on Pulwama attack
Following the Pulwama attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were martyred, US National Security Adviser John Bolton told his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval that the country supports India’s right to self-defence. The US had earlier asked Pakistan to “immediately end support” to all terror groups. Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has claimed responsibility for the terror attack.
‘Freeze without delay’ funds of designated terror groups: US to Pak
The US has asked Pakistan to “freeze without delay” the funds and other financial assets of the UN Security Council-designated terrorist networks and their leaders over the attack in J&K’s Pulwama. The attack has been claimed by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed. The US also said it fully supports “actions to prevent” Jaish-e-Mohammed “from conducting future attacks”.
Thousands gather to pay tribute to jawans martyred in J&K attack
Thousands of people in the hometowns of the CRPF jawans, martyred in the Pulwama attack in J&K, gathered to pay their last respects. ‘Veer Jawan Amar Rahe’ and anti-Pakistan slogans were raised when the mortal remains of the jawans were being carried for the cremation. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar also paid tribute to two martyrs in the state.
China bans tourists from Mount Everest base camp
China has banned tourists from accessing its Mount Everest base camp in Tibet amid an ongoing campaign to clean up waste in the region, the Chinese state media said. The ban does not apply to those with climbing permits. Clean-up sessions last year had collected over eight tonnes of waste, including human faeces and mountaineering equipment left behind by climbers.
Flights cancelled due to delay in foreign pilots’ joining: IndiGo
IndiGo COO Wolfgang Prock-Schauer has said a “mismatch” in the joining of foreign pilots has forced the airlines to cancel at least 30 flights per day. “We had planned induction of 120 expats, of these 20 have already joined and the remaining will join by June,” Prock-Schauer added. He assured the flight operations would be restored to normalcy from April.
Amitabh to return as host of Kaun Banega Crorepati season 11
Sharing his pictures from the sets of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’, Amitabh Bachchan confirmed that he will return as the host for the eleventh season of the quiz show. The first season of the show went on air in 2000. Except for one season that featured Shah Rukh Khan as the host, all the seasons have been hosted by Amitabh.
Urge fraternity not to work with Pakistani artistes: Madhur
Following the terror attack in south Kashmir’s Pulwama, filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar urged the film fraternity to stop working with Pakistani artistes till things get back to normal. “Seeing the jawan’s coffins…is very depressing. I believe that we should stop all cultural ties with Pakistan,” the filmmaker said. “We sleep peacefully in the cities because of these Jawans,” he added.
Pine Labs may raise $75 million, become billion-dollar startup
Noida-based digital payments startup Pine Labs is reportedly in advanced talks to close a $75-million funding round from existing investors including Singapore-based Temasek and America’s PayPal. The round could value Pine Labs at $1.2-1.4 billion, up from its previous valuation of $900-950 million. Founded in 1998, Pine Labs offers cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) solutions that simplify payments.
