Islamic State no longer holds any territory in Syria: US
The US Department of Defence announced on Friday that all Islamic State-held territories in Syria have been 100% eliminated. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) along with the US-led coalition had launched an operation to eliminate the militant group’s last stronghold in the town of Baghouz. Iraq had claimed victory over Islamic State in 2017.
We were offered huge bags of money to give Mindtree away: Founder
Mindtree Co-founder Subroto Bagchi has said he and three other Co-founders were offered “huge bags of money” to give away the software company but they refused. Amid the hostile takeover bid by L&T, Bagchi resigned as Odisha Skill Development Authority’s Chairman to rejoin Mindtree. “Please set aside your emotions because of the unfolding events and remain steadfast,” he urged employees.
Government bans Yasin Malik-led JKLF under anti-terror law
The government has banned Yasin Malik-led Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) under the anti-terror law. “Yasin Malik-led JKLF spearheaded the separatist ideology in the valley and it’s been at the forefront of separatist activities and violence since 1988,” Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba said. This ban is in accordance with the government’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, he added.
Relations with Pak very good, ready to meet new leadership: Trump
US President Donald Trump has said that he’s ready to meet the new Pakistani leadership, calling the current relations between the two countries “very good”. This comes despite the US’ repeated warnings to Pakistan to take action against the terror groups operating on its soil. Trump has suspended $1.3 billion in aid to Pakistan over its inaction against terror groups.
‘Microwave Challenge’ in which people sit & spin on floor goes viral
A new ‘Microwave Challenge’ where people act like they’re inside a microwave and sit on the floor and spin themselves like a microwave plate has gone viral. People taking the challenge spin themselves on the floor without moving their arms or legs. To complete the challenge, people are using the same background soundtrack of Joji’s “Slow Dancing in the Dark”.
Am I nothing in my party? RJD’s Manoj Jha when asked about Tejashwi
RJD Leader Manoj Jha, who announced RJD-Congress seat-sharing deal for Bihar on Friday, asked, “Am I nothing in my party?” on being questioned about Tejashwi Yadav’s absence. “You are making me insignificant? If format changes at the last moment, it’s a party’s decision, do not question that,” Jha added. On Wednesday, Yadav had said, “All is well in Mahagathbandhan”.
Disgraced English footballer Johnson out of jail after 3 years
English footballer Adam Johnson has been released from prison after serving three years for child sex offences. The former Sunderland and Manchester City winger was sentenced to six years in jail after being found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old fan in 2016. Johnson’s father was seen driving him out of prison in a blacked-out Mercedes.
20-yr-old Jacks smashes 25-ball 100, 6 sixes in an over in a T10
Surrey all-rounder Will Jacks smashed a hundred off 25 balls, including six sixes in an over, during a T10 match against Lancashire in Dubai. Jacks scored 105 off 30 balls, including eight fours and 11 sixes, to help Surrey post 176/3 in 10 overs. The 20-year-old overtook Alex Hales’ 87 to record the highest score in 10-over format.
Hope I can make some meaningful difference: Gambhir on joining BJP
After joining the BJP, ex-India cricketer Gautam Gambhir said that he has joined the party to serve the country with right intent and honesty. “I hope through this I can make some meaningful difference to the lives of my people,” he further wrote. The 37-year-old joined the party in the presence of Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Ravi Shankar Prasad.
Got Mustafizur married as he was very upset after NZ attack: Brother
Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who has represented Mumbai Indians and SRH, tied the knot with his cousin Samia Parvin on Friday. The 23-year-old’s brother Mahfuzur Rahman Mithu said, “Mustafizur was really upset…following the incident in New Zealand. That’s why we decided to get him married.” Mustafizur was part of Bangladesh team that escaped the terror attack in Christchurch.
India beat Nepal 3-1 to win 5th straight SAFF Women’s C’ship title
The Indian women’s football team won the SAFF Women’s Championship title for the fifth straight time with a 3-1 win over Nepal in the final on Friday. With this, India also extended its unbeaten run in the tournament’s history to 23 matches. India scored through Dalima Chhibber, Grace Dangmei and substitute Anju Tamang in the final.
Days after escaping NZ attack, B’desh cricketer Hasan gets married
A week after escaping the terror attack on mosques in New Zealand’s Christchurch, Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan got married to his fiancée Rabeya Akhter Priti on Thursday. The couple tied the knot after being in a relationship for around six years. Hasan was among 17 members of the team who were about to enter the mosque when the shooting began.
Homigo fraud case may go to Crime Branch, Founders missing: Report
The case against Bengaluru-based co-living startup Homigo’s Founders, accused of a ₹30-crore fraud, may reportedly be transferred to Central Crime Branch. Multiple complaints were filed at various police stations by tenants alleging Homigo being non-responsive while many others fearing loss of deposits. Homigo Founders, Nikunj Batheja, Jatin Mitruka and Aakash Verma, are missing, users alleged.
Assam TV journo attacked with knives by restaurant owner, workers
Chakrapani Parashar, a TV journalist in Assam, was allegedly stabbed with knives by owner and some workers of a restaurant adjacent to his office when he was on duty on Thursday. He was reporting a fight between the restaurant owner and some men. Parashar sustained serious injuries, following which he was rushed to a hospital and is out of danger.
US imposes first North Korea sanctions since Vietnam summit
The US has imposed sanctions on two Chinese shipping companies for doing business with North Korea, the first new sanctions since the Vietnam summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The US cited 67 vessels it said engaged in illicit trade. The sanctions have been imposed over North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missiles programme.
Jimmy Carter becomes longest-living US President at 94
Former US President Jimmy Carter has become the longest-living President in American history at 94 years 172 days old as of March 22. Carter surpassed ex-President George HW Bush, who died last year. “President and Mrs Carter are determined to use their influence for as long as they can to make the world a better place”, the Carter Center said.
We’re looking to buy land from distressed developers: Anand Piramal
Piramal Realty is looking to buy land from distressed developers and build a portfolio of commercial assets, Founder Anand Piramal said. “Five or six years ago, most of the people that came to sell to us were landowners; now most of the opportunities are coming from developers,” he added. “Developer-to-developer deals are happening because many…people are stuck,” Piramal further said.
Govt exceeds disinvestment target, proceeds touch ₹85,000 crore
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said the government exceeded its disinvestment target for the current fiscal by ₹5,000 crore and the proceeds have touched ₹85,000 crore. The government set a disinvestment target of ₹90,000 crore for the next fiscal year. It recently raised ₹14,500 crore when Power Finance Corporation acquired the government’s 52.63% stake in Rural Electrification Corporation.
Shiv Sena denies ticket to MP who slapped Air India staffer
The Shiv Sena on Friday released a list of 21 candidates for the Lok Sabha elections. The party has replaced Osmanabad sitting MP Ravindra Gaikwad, who had allegedly hit an Air India staffer at the IGI airport in Delhi in 2017, with Omraje Nimbalkar. Shiv Sena, which has formed an alliance with BJP, will contest on 23 LS seats.
