Pak PM didn’t even offer lip sympathy to martyrs’ families: Jaitley
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday said “there has been a universal condemnation of gruesome act of terror in Pulwama, but Pakistan PM Imran Khan didn’t even offer lip sympathy” to the families of 40 CRPF martyrs. Jaitley further condemned Khan’s demand for proof of Pakistan’s involvement, adding “the evidence is in your own home” as Jaish-e-Mohammed has claimed responsibility.
Pulwama terror attack a horrible situation: US President Trump
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday described the terror attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama as a “horrible situation”. “It’d be wonderful if they (India and Pakistan) get along,” he added. Following the attack, the US had called on Pakistan to “end immediately the support and safe haven provided to all terrorist groups operating on its soil”.
CRPF jawan left bus blown up in J&K on last-minute sanction of leave
A CRPF jawan from Maharashtra got off the bus that was blown up in Pulwama attack after his leave was sanctioned at the last minute. Thaka Belkar, who reached home on Sunday, is yet to come to terms with the reality, his cousin said. “Since he got home, he hasn’t spoken much. Just replies only in monosyllables,” his cousin added.
Afghan talks to be affected if India acts over Pulwama attack: Pak
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, Zahid Nasrullah, has said the talks between the US and Taliban to end the Afghan war, will be affected if India retaliates over the Pulwama terror attack. “Any attack by India will affect the stability of the entire region,” Nasrullah added. Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed has claimed responsibility for the attack, in which 40 CRPF jawans were martyred.
We should build a wall at Indo-Pak border: Cong MP after J&K attack
Speaking on the Pulwama terror attack, Congress MP from Ludhiana Ravneet Singh Bittu suggested, “On lines of US-Mexico border, we should also construct a wall at India-Pakistan border.” Stating that the US decided to construct the wall to restrict the entry of immigrants, he added, “India should…construct a wall on border with Pakistan so that entry of terrorists is checked.”
Kashmiri student suspended from university for post on J&K attack
A Kashmiri medical student was suspended from the SGT University in Gurugram and asked to leave the hostel after she posted objectionable statements on the Pulwama attack, a university official said. She had shared an Instagram post stating, “This is returns of what you did with Kashmiri people.” The university has constituted a four-member committee to probe the matter.
Man arrested for raising pro-Pakistan slogans in Jharkhand
A 22-year-old man named Anas Razi was arrested for raising pro-Pakistan slogans in Jharkhand’s East Singhbhum district, said the police on Tuesday. The police rushed to the spot upon being informed that Razi, along with several friends, was raising the slogans. Although his friends managed to escape, he disclosed their names and a hunt was launched to nab them.
Brazil, Sweden, Pak, who could be behind 26/11: Javed to Pak anchor
Calling Pakistan PM Imran Khan’s statement on Pulwama attack “a no ball”, lyricist Javed Akhtar recalled his interview with a Pakistani TV anchor. Javed tweeted, “After [26/11 Mumbai attack] a pak TV anchor asked me why you’re so sure it’s Pakistan it can be any country. I said fine I’ll give you 3, you choose one. Brazil, Sweden and Pakistan.”
Russia to send 2 tourists to ISS by 2021 via Gagarin’s route
Russian space agency Roscosmos has signed a contract with US firm Space Adventures to carry two ‘non-professional’ astronauts to the International Space Station before the end of 2021. The same route taken by Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space, will be taken, Roscosmos chief Dmitry Rogozin revealed. This is the first such contract after around 10 years, he added.
Alibaba-backed logistics startup Xpressbees raises ₹35 crore
Alibaba-backed e-commerce logistics startup Xpressbees has raised around ₹35 crore from Temasek-backed debt lending firm InnoVen Capital. The Pune-based logistics provider had last raised over ₹220 crore from Alibaba in January 2018. Founded by Amitava Saha and Supam Maheshwari as the logistics arm of baby products startup FirstCry, Xpressbees was relaunched as a separate entity in 2015.
Will contest Lok Sabha polls: NCP chief Sharad Pawar
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar has announced that he will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. “Parth Pawar, Rohit Pawar and Ajit Pawar would not contest Lok Sabha elections,” Sharad Pawar said about his family members. The 78-year-old former Maharashtra Chief Minister is currently a Rajya Sabha member.
We respect SC verdict, will comply with it: RCom on Ericsson case
Reliance Communications (RCom) on Wednesday said it respected Supreme Court’s ruling in the Ericsson case and “shall comply with the same”. The court ordered Chairman Anil Ambani and two other directors to pay ₹453 crore to Ericsson within four weeks or face a three-month jail term. RCom shares fell as much as 10% after Ambani was found guilty of contempt.
Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson’s Twitter account suspended
Micro-blogging platform Twitter has suspended the personal account of Mohammad Faisal, the spokesperson of Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry. However, the Pakistan Foreign Ministry’s official account remains active. The Pakistani media quoted sources as saying that Faisal’s account was suspended ‘following a complaint by the Indian authorities’.
7 children from same family killed in Canada house fire
Seven children from a family said to be Syrian refugees were killed in a house fire in the Canadian city of Halifax on Tuesday, the Halifax police said. The two-storey home appeared completely gutted by the fire. The children killed in the fire ranged in age from 3 months to 17 years old, according to Canadian public broadcaster CBC.
IPS officer who retired last year found dead at home, note recovered
A retired IPS officer, Gaurab Chandra Dutta, was found dead under mysterious circumstances at his home in Kolkata, police said. The police added that his body was found in a “pool of blood” and a note was recovered from the spot. Dutta lived alone at his home and had retired from the service last year.
3 of a family killed after truck overturns on Audi in Delhi
A 29-year-old man, his mother and his wife died on their way to home from an engagement ceremony on Tuesday night when a speeding dumper truck hit their Audi and overturned on it in Rohini, said Delhi Police. Further, the couple’s four-year-old son was grievously injured. The truck driver escaped but his vehicle was seized and a case was registered.
India-Arabian Peninsula ties are in our DNA: Saudi Crown Prince
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is on his first state visit to India, said on Wednesday that the relationship between India and the Arabian Peninsula “is in our DNA”, adding that Indians are part of building Saudi Arabia. “(We) want to be sure that this relation is maintained and improved for the sake of both countries,” he added.
We invested $44 bn in India, opportunity for $100 bn: Saudi Prince
During his 36-hour India visit, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said, “PM [Narendra] Modi visited Saudi Arabia in 2016 and we have achieved success in these years.” “We have invested around $44 billion in India. There are opportunities to invest over $100 billion,” he added. Prince Salman had signed deals worth $20 billion on Monday during his Pakistan visit.
PM Modi is my elder brother, I admire him: Saudi Crown Prince
Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is on a diplomatic visit to India, on Wednesday said, “We (PM Narendra and I) are brothers. Modi is my elder brother. I’m his younger brother, I admire him.” “Today, we want to be sure [India and Saudi Arabia] relation is maintained and improved for the sake of both countries,” Salman added.
Saudi becomes 73rd nation to sign India-led Int’l Solar Alliance
Saudi Arabia on Wednesday became the 73rd nation to sign the International Solar Alliance, which was unveiled by PM Narendra Modi and former French President Francois Hollande in 2015. “We welcome Saudi Arabia joining the International Solar Alliance,” PM Modi said. Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is on a diplomatic visit to India.
In air show, IAF aircraft honour pilot killed during rehearsal
Three Indian Air Force aircraft flew in the ‘missing man’ formation during the ‘Aero India 2019’ air show to pay tribute to Wing Commander Sahil Gandhi who lost his life on Tuesday in a mid-air collision during rehearsals. The 12th edition of the air show began at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru on Wednesday.
4.0-earthquake strikes UP’s Baghpat district, tremors in NCR
Tremors were felt in several parts of Delhi-NCR around 8 am on Wednesday morning after a 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district. The depth of the earthquake was 6 kilometres, according to the India Meteorological Department. Further, an earthquake of magnitude 2.9 struck Maharashtra’s Palghar district around 10:15 am on Wednesday.
Rafale very good aircraft, will join IAF in 6 months: French envoy
Amid controversies over the Rafale deal, French Ambassador to India Alexandre Ziegler said, “I don’t see any scandal, what I see is a very good aircraft (Rafale) which has been purchased by Indian government”. He also stated the aircraft will be part of Indian Air Force within six months. Rafale jet took part in air show in Bengaluru on Wednesday.
Stay calm, they’re coming: Student comforted pilot after jet crash
After two jets crashed in Bengaluru on Tuesday during rehearsals for an air show, students of an engineering college near the site rushed to the injured pilots’ aid. In a video, a student could be seen holding a pilot’s hand while comforting him and saying, “Stay calm sir, they’re (help) coming.” The pilot is reportedly recovering at the Command Hospital.
Trying to put Masood Azhar on UN terror list for 2 years: France
Alexandre Ziegler, the French Ambassador to India, has said France has been trying to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist for two years. He added that France is “very much pushing” to move a proposal at the United Nations to place Masood Azhar’s name on the terrorist list. JeM claimed responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack.
Take immediate steps to defuse tensions: UN asks India, Pak
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has asked India and Pakistan to take immediate steps to defuse the tensions between the two nations following the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama. “The Secretary-General stresses the importance for both sides to exercise maximum restraint”, while also offering to mediate should both sides ask, the UN chief’s spokesperson said.
Pak started war but we’ll end it: Maj Gen (Retd) GD Bakshi
Referring to the Pulwama attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were martyred, Major General (Retired) Gagandeep Bakshi said, “This was not an act of terror. It was an act of war. Pakistan started it.” Stating that India had finished previous wars started by Pakistan, Bakshi referred to the Pakistani PM and added, “We will do it again Mr (Imran) Khan”.
Pulwama attack case transferred to NIA: Report
The Ministry of Home Affairs transferred the Pulwama terror attack case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday, according to a report. The NIA is expected to file an FIR in this regard on Wednesday. Over 10 NIA officers, led by an Inspector General-rank officer, have reportedly been assisting the Jammu and Kashmir Police in probing the attack.
Day after his death, Sibal calls Pak ‘Karl Lagerfeld of terror’
A day after fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld passed away, Congress leader Kapil Sibal called Pakistan the “Karl Lagerfeld of terror.” He also took a jibe at Pakistani PM Imran Khan for demanding “actionable intelligence” of Pakistan’s involvement in the Pulwama attack. Referring to Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, Sibal tweeted, “The actionable intelligence is under his country’s protection!”
Bowler once gave away 77 runs in just one over
Wellington’s Bert Vance conceded 77 runs in an over in a first-class match against Canterbury on February 20, 1990. Canterbury needed 95 to win in two overs and to encourage them to go after the target and lose wickets, Vance bowled a 22-ball over, including 17 no-balls. Interestingly, only five legitimate deliveries were bowled as umpires lost track of proceedings.
Pay ₹453 cr in 4 weeks to Ericsson or face jail: SC to Anil Ambani
The Supreme Court on Wednesday held Reliance Communications Chairman Anil Ambani and two Directors guilty of contempt of court on a plea filed by Ericsson India against them for not clearing dues of ₹550 crore. The court also said they would be jailed for three months if they don’t pay ₹453 crore to Ericsson within four weeks.
We’ll cooperate with India to combat terrorism: Saudi Crown Prince
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, during a joint address with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announced Saudi Arabia will cooperate with India on all fronts to combat terrorism, including intelligence sharing. “Extremism and terrorism are our common concerns,” he added. Meanwhile, PM Modi said the two nations agreed that there is a need to increase pressure on countries supporting terrorism.
Leopard killed by speeding car in Maharashtra, driver held
A five-year-old male leopard died after being hit by a speeding car on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, forest department officials said on Wednesday. Gujarat resident Harikumar Jagjivandas Prajapati, who was driving the car, was arrested under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Prajapati’s wife and son were also injured in the accident.
Drugs are not cool, their use not a style statement: PM Modi
In a video address for the Campaign for Drugs Free India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Drugs are not cool. It is a big misconception that drugs are a style statement.” Stating that it is alarming to see many youngsters indulging in substance abuse, PM Modi added that narcotics trade is a big threat to India’s safety and security.
MobiKwik Chief Operating Officer Mrinal Sinha quits
Mrinal Sinha has quit as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Gurugram-based mobile wallet startup MobiKwik. Sinha had joined the fintech startup in December 2014 as the Strategy Head, after his co-founded food logistics startup Brattle Foods was acquired by a unit of Kishore Biyani-led Future Group. Sinha was elevated to the role of MobiKwik COO in August 2015.
Intel buys Hyderabad semiconductor startup to make GPU chips
American chipmaker Intel has acquihired Hyderabad-based semiconductor startup Ineda Systems for an undisclosed amount. Around 100 engineers from the startup will join Intel to “help build a world-class discrete GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) business”. Founded in 2010, Ineda has raised around $60 million cumulatively from investors including Qualcomm Ventures, Samsung Catalyst Fund among others.
18-yr-old US student held for making iOS app to sell drugs
Collin Howard, a California University Santa Cruz student, was charged for allegedly developing an iOS app called ‘Banana Plug’ to sell drugs. Undercover police officers used the app to purchase drugs including cocaine from the 18-year-old and arrested him on the fourth such setup. The app with tagline ‘We have what you want’ is still available on Apple’s App Store.
UK industrialist Swraj Paul to donate ₹1L each to CRPF martyrs’ kin
British NRI industrialist and parliamentarian Lord Swraj Paul has announced to donate ₹1 lakh each to the families of the CRPF jawans who were martyred in the Pulwama terror attack last week. “We have read about the great tragedy which has happened in India…I would like to send my heartfelt condolences,” he said while announcing the donation.
Imran Khan’s friendship comes first for Sidhu, says Kejriwal
Criticising Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu for his statement on the Pulwama attack, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said, “For Sidhu, friendship (with Pakistani PM Imran Khan) comes first and then the nation.” Kejriwal said Sidhu’s statement had hurt sentiments of Indians. Sidhu had called for dialogue with Pakistan, stating, “For a handful of people, can you blame the entire nation?”
Bengali singer Pratik Choudhury dies of cardiac arrest at 55
Bengali playback singer Pratik Choudhury passed away at the age of 55 after suffering a cardiac arrest on Tuesday, his family said. He began his career in 1994 by singing jingles for commercials and went on to sing in Bengali films, including ‘Patalghar’ and ‘Bidroho’. Choudhury received the Lata Mangeshkar Award at Jaidev Film Sangeet Sammelan in 1992.
Sensex rallies 403 points, breaks longest losing streak in 8 years
Indian equity benchmark Sensex on Wednesday rallied 403.65 points to break its 9-day losing streak, the worst in nearly eight years. While Sensex ended the day at 35,756.26, the Nifty 50 Index rose 131 points to settle at 10,735.45. The Nifty 50 Index also ended its 8-day losing streak, its worst in nearly 4 years.
Looking at Reliance, others for India investments: Saudi Aramco CEO
Speaking at a panel discussion in Delhi on Wednesday, world’s largest oil producer Saudi Aramco’s CEO Amin Nasser said the company is in talks with Reliance Industries and others for more India investments. “India is an investment priority for Saudi Aramco,” Nasser added. Saudi Arabia’s oil minister Khalid Al-Falih had met Mukesh Ambani in December and discussed joint investment opportunities.
Aussie mammal world’s 1st to go extinct due to climate change
Australia on Monday officially declared a Great Barrier Reef rodent extinct, making it the first mammal believed to have been killed off by human-induced climate change. The rat-like Bramble Cay melomys, has not been spotted in a decade. Researchers said the key factor in its disappearance was damage to its native coral reef island due to climate change.
Aasteen ka saanp na banein: Minister Giriraj Singh to Mehbooba Mufti
Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Wednesday told former Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti, “Aasteen ka saanp na banein (Don’t be someone who is very closely related but practices deceit).” “Vo Pakistan prem karna chhod dein…Bharat ka khati hain, Bharat ka gayein,” Singh added. His comments come a day after Mufti said that Pakistan PM should be given a chance.
China unveils world’s first female AI news anchor
Chinese state-owned Xinhua news agency unveiled a female AI news anchor, which it claims to be the world’s first. The anchor named ‘Xin Xiaomeng’ will reportedly make her debut in March during the Two Sessions political meet in China. Xinhua, which unveiled the world’s first AI news anchor (male) in November last year, claims he has published over 3,400 reports.
Taylor overtakes Fleming as highest ODI run-scorer for New Zealand
Ross Taylor became the highest run-scorer for New Zealand in ODIs, achieving the feat during his 69-run knock against Bangladesh in third ODI today. The 34-year-old has now scored 8,026 ODI runs, overtaking ex-captain Stephen Fleming, who scored 8,007 runs for New Zealand. New Zealand defeated Bangladesh in the match to complete 3-0 whitewash.
Pak cricketers’ photos removed from museum at Dharamshala stadium
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) has removed photos of Pakistani cricketers from the museum at Dharamshala stadium following the Pulwama attack. “What our neighbour has done with us…our soldiers, it’s neither acceptable now nor will ever be. No country will ever tolerate such things,” HPCA general manager HS Manhas said. Forty CRPF jawans were martyred in the attack.
We should give Pakistan proof and see what they do: Mufti
Former Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said that we should give proof of the Pulwama attack to Pakistan and see what they do. She added that earlier Pakistan was given proof of Pathankot and Mumbai attacks but they didn’t take action. She said as Imran Khan is a new Pakistan PM, he should be given a chance.
Will back India in placing Masood Azhar on UN terror list: Russia
Russia’s Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov said on Wednesday that his country will “definitely” support India at the United Nations Security Council to declare Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. “(W)e would also like to convey our condolences about the (Pulwama terror) attack that happened. Russia supports India in (the) question of terrorism,” he added.
No indication of India-Pak match at World Cup being cancelled: ICC
ICC CEO David Richardson has said that there is no indication as of now of the India-Pakistan 2019 World Cup match being cancelled in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack. “Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this terrible incident, and we will be monitoring the situation with our Members,” he added.
Pak prisoner dies after fight with inmates in Jaipur Central Jail
A Pakistani prisoner, identified as Shakir Ullah, was allegedly killed by other inmates in Rajasthan’s Jaipur Central Jail following a quarrel, Jaipur Jail IG Rupinder Singh said on Wednesday. Senior police officials along with forensic experts have reached the jail, reports said. The deceased prisoner, who was lodged in the jail since 2011, was serving life sentence.
Justice Bobde returns from leave, SC to hear Ayodhya case on Feb 26
The Supreme Court will hear the Ayodhya land dispute case on February 26 as Justice SA Bobde has returned from his leave. Justice SA Bobde is a part of five-judge Constitution bench comprising the CJI and Justices DY Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan and S Abdul Nazeer, hearing the case. The bench will hear the appeals challenging Allahabad HC’s September 2010 verdict.
