Glenn McGrath once dismissed Sachin ‘shoulder-before-wicket’ for 0
Former Australia pacer Glenn McGrath, who turns 49 today, once dismissed Sachin Tendulkar LBW for zero after the ball hit his shoulder in front of the stumps. The dismissal happened in 1999 Adelaide Test when Tendulkar tried to duck an intended short ball which didn’t bounce as much as he expected. The dismissal led many to term it ‘shoulder-before-wicket’.
Salman was the first outsider to tell me DDLJ was great: Shah Rukh
Shah Rukh Khan on talk show ‘Signature Masterclass’ said, “The first person outside the production to tell me that ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ is a great film was my friend Salman Khan.” Shah Rukh also revealed that a friend told him, “If you weren’t in this movie, it would do really well.” “I felt very sad,” the actor added.
Anurag Kashyap renames ‘Womaniya’ as ‘Saand Ki Aankh’ after dispute
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has revealed his upcoming film, which was earlier titled ‘Womaniya’ will now be called ‘Saand Ki Aankh’ after a title rights dispute with Pritish Nandy. The title ‘Womaniya’ was already registered with Pritish Nandy Communications Ltd, and Nandy reportedly asked Kashyap to pay ₹1 crore for it. “I’m sorry…I had faith in Mr Nandy,” Kashyap tweeted.
BJP, Cong share ‘Gully Boy’ inspired rap videos to attack each other
Congress and BJP on Friday shared videos inspired by raps from upcoming Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt-starrer movie ‘Gully Boy’, both asking the voters to seek “azadi” from the other. While BJP focuses on alleged scams under previous Congress-led UPA government and ‘dynasty politics’, Congress highlights issues like mob lynching, JNU protests, alleged Rafale scam under the BJP-led government.
Mat pucho, next question: Khaleel as journo asks if Kohli is missed
After a reporter asked Khaleel Ahmed if Team India is missing Virat Kohli who is presently on a vacation, the 21-year-old fast bowler appeared to have no answer and burst into laughter. “Miss toh rehta hai ki achcha…lekin…arey yaar…Mat pucho…Next question please,” Khaleel responded. Reacting to it, a Twitter user wrote, “Arey Khaleel bhai…reporter is not asking about your girlfriend.”
Two startups claim IT dept seized ₹1 crore over ‘Angel Tax’
Delhi-based startups TravelKhana and Babygogo have claimed Income Tax officials withdrew ₹33 lakh and ₹72 lakh respectively over ‘Angel Tax’ notices, leaving no money to run their business. TravelKhana, which delivers food to trains, further alleged its bank accounts were wrongly frozen. The CBDT, however, said the money taken from TravelKhana was over unexplained cash credits and not ‘Angel Tax’.
One of Tesla’s biggest investors buys $32 mn shares for 0.07% stake
Tesla’s second-biggest institutional shareholder, investment management firm Baillie Gifford, has increased its stake from 7.64% to 7.71% by purchasing nearly 1,09,000 Tesla shares worth over $32 million. The UK-based firm now owns 13.2 million shares of Tesla stock, a regulatory filing stated. The entire stake of the firm now translates to more than $4 billion worth of Tesla.
Delighted to be back home: Jaitley returns to India after treatment
Union Minister Arun Jaitley, who was in New York for medical treatment, returned to India on Saturday and tweeted, “Delighted to be back home.” He had left for the US for a medical check-up for his kidney ailment in mid-January this year. Following his absence, the charge of Finance Ministry was given to Piyush Goyal by the President.
Maoist camp busted in Odisha, 5 tiffin bombs recovered
A Special Operation Group recovered arms and ammunition including five tiffin bombs weighing five kg each from a Maoist camp in Patdhara reserve forest, Odisha earlier this week. The seizure also included gun powder, electric wire bundles, grenade springs and a detonator. However, the Maoists managed to escape into the forest.
Food court in Telangana fines diners if they waste food
Lingala Kedari Food Court, an eatery in Telangana’s Warangal, levies a penalty on its diners for wasting their food. Display boards at the eatery caution customers that those leaving behind food would have to pay a fine of ₹50 per plate. The restaurant’s owner said that he has collected ₹14,000 so far and wants to donate it to an orphanage.
Heavy rain and hailstorm bring Delhi’s air quality to ‘moderate’
The overall Air Quality Index in Delhi has improved to ‘moderate’ category after heavy rains and hailstorm on Thursday washed away pollutants in the air, the authorities said. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of the city was at 142 on Friday, which falls in the ‘moderate’ category. On Wednesday, Delhi’s air quality was in ‘very poor’ category at 349.
Doctors leave forceps in woman’s abdomen, discovered after 3 months
Doctors at a hospital in Hyderabad mistakenly left a pair of forceps inside a woman’s abdomen during a surgery for hernia in November. The mistake came to light when the woman returned to the hospital on Friday with severe stomach pain. An X-ray of her abdomen revealed that a pair of artery forceps was embedded in her abdomen.
Arunachal our integral part: India after China opposes PM’s visit
After China opposed PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh, India said Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of it and Indian leaders visit the state as they visit other parts of India. China said it has “never recognised the so-called Arunachal Pradesh” and “urged India to refrain from any action that may lead to escalation of disputes”.
Blaming Crown Prince for journo murder ‘a red line’, warns Saudi
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman didn’t order the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and blaming him would be crossing “a red line”, Saudi Foreign Minister Ahmed Al-Jubeir said. His warning came after a report claimed that before Khashoggi’s murder, the Crown Prince had said he would use “a bullet” on the journalist, who was a critic of the government.
Boy found alive 2 days after Turkey building collapse
A teenage boy was pulled alive from the rubble of an eight-storey building in Turkey’s Istanbul on Friday, almost two days after it collapsed. Officials said at least 14 people have died as a result of the collapse. The city’s governor has said that three of the building’s top floors were built illegally.
N Korea will become ‘economic rocket’ under Kim Jong-un: Trump
Ahead of his second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the reclusive regime will become an ‘economic rocket’ under the leadership of Kim. “He may surprise some but he won’t surprise me, because I have gotten to know him and fully understand how capable he is,” the US President tweeted.
Facebook buys IITian’s AI startup that helps shop using pics
Social media giant Facebook has acquihired visual search startup GrokStyle that lets users search and shop for products online by clicking their pictures, with the help of artificial intelligence. The startup, which began as a research paper in 2015, was co-founded by IIT Bombay alumnus Kavita Bala. Bala is presently the Chair of the Computer Science Department at Cornell University.
Twitter CEO declines to meet parliamentary panel: Reports
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and other senior officials have reportedly declined a call by a parliamentary panel, headed by BJP leader Anurag Thakur. The panel was to discuss issue of “safeguarding citizens’ rights on social and online news media platforms” on February 11. Twitter cited “short notice of the hearing” despite having 10 days to travel, reports said.
BSP calls off alliance with INLD, forms alliance with LSP
The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) on Saturday called off its nearly nine-month alliance with Indian National Lok Dal (INLD). It further announced to forge ties with Loktanter Suraksha Party (LSP), a party floated by rebel BJP MP Raj Kumar Saini. This comes days after INLD was defeated in the recently conducted Jind bypolls.
Was Rafale deal meant for IAF or an industrialist, Sena asks PM
The Shiv Sena today asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi whether the Rafale deal was meant to strengthen the Indian Air Force or a financially-troubled industrialist. Referring to a media report claiming the Defence Ministry had objected to “parallel negotiations” conducted by PMO, Sena said the PM had a “personal interest” in the deal and called the report a “black page”.
NCP wants me to contest polls from Maharashtra’s Madha: Pawar
Nationalist Congress Party president Sharad Pawar on Friday said some of his senior party leaders are insisting that he contest the 2019 elections from Maharashtra’s Madha. “I haven’t taken any decision yet…I have no desire [to contest elections]. But [they]…said…I should respect their decision,” he added. Pawar further said that he will take the demands of his colleagues into consideration.
NASA shares last pic of Kepler space telescope’s 10-year journey
US space agency NASA has shared the “last light” image taken by the planet-hunting Kepler telescope, which was shut down in 2018 when it ran out of fuel after 9.5 years in space. Kepler’s last field of view overlapped with its successor, planet-hunting TESS, which has enabled astronomers to compare data, NASA said. “Last light” was taken on September 25.
Breastfeeding pods to be installed at Kochi metro station
Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has decided to install breastfeeding pods at four of its metro stations to make its premises women-friendly. One of the breastfeeding pods was inaugurated on Friday at the Aluva metro station. The 4 ft x 4 ft pod is equipped with a bench seat, privacy locks, a fan, lighting and charging points for mobile phones.
Case against ex-Bihar minister Manju Verma transferred
A Bihar court has transferred a case against former minister Manju Verma to a special court for cases against MPs and MLAs. Verma is lodged in jail in connection with ammunition found at her house during an investigation into the Muzaffarpur shelter home case. She had resigned after reports claimed her husband had close links with prime accused Brajesh Thakur.
ETMONEY offers 100% interest cashback on loan for Valentine’s Day
Personal finance app, ETMONEY seeks to aid your mid-month cash crunch or shortage of budget this Valentine’s Day to help you fulfil your gifting plans. It is offering 100% interest cashback on the first personal loan taken from their app. With ETMONEY, everyone can now afford the perfect gift or romantic dinner date with their special one.
Andhra hires 2 trains for ₹1.12 cr for Naidu’s Delhi protest
The Andhra Pradesh government has hired two special trains to ferry people to Delhi for CM Chandrababu Naidu’s protest against the Centre on February 11, officials said. The General Administration Department has released ₹1.12 crore for the same. The protest is being held against the alleged non-cooperation of the Centre in fulfilling promises made during bifurcation of the state.
Mandate 2-child norm for candidates: BJP leader’s plea in SC
BJP leader Ashwini Upadhyay has filed a plea in the Supreme Court seeking a direction that disallows political parties from fielding candidates who have more than two children. The plea, likely to be listed for hearing next week, seeks a declaration of the two-child norm as a mandatory criterion for government jobs, aids and subsidies.
CRPF jawan donates blood to save Naxal injured in encounter
A CRPF personnel, CT Rajkamal, recently donated blood to save the life of a Naxal, who was critically injured during an encounter between Naxals and 209 CoBRA team. The force, in a tweet for him, stated, “Rajkamal said he considered his duty to help a fellow Indian in need.” Many people on social media praised Rajkamal for helping the Naxal.
Govt panel favours lowering GST on under-construction flats to 5%
A seven-member ministerial panel led by Gujarat Deputy CM Nitin Patel favoured the lowering of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on under-construction flats to 5% without credit for taxes paid on raw materials. Currently, GST on under-construction properties is 12% after allowing for the cost of land. Properties where the construction is completed, attracts only stamp duty, not GST.
PM lays foundation stone for Greenfield Airport in Arunachal
PM Narendra Modi on Saturday laid the foundation stone for the construction of Greenfield Airport at Hollongi in Arunachal Pradesh’s Papum Pare district. He also inaugurated an upgraded airport at Tezu in Lohit district. On his two-day Northeast tour, PM Modi also inaugurated DD Arun Prabha Channel, 110 MW Pare hydroelectric project and 50 health and wellness centres.
Gurugram policewomen to wear artificial jewellery to trap snatchers
Police Commissioner KK Rao has said women police officers wearing artificial jewellery, will be deployed on snatching prone stretches in Haryana’s Gurugram to trap snatchers. Around 200 women officers will receive special training for the task. This comes after the Gurugram Police announced plan to catch vehicle thieves by leaving cars unattended on isolated road stretches.
If criminal attacks, police won’t recite Hanuman Chalisa: Bihar DGP
Bihar DGP Gupteshwar Pandey on Friday said, “I have told the police force that if an absconding criminal being surrounded by policemen fires at them instead of surrendering, then the policemen will not sit there and recite Hanuman Chalisa.” While defending an encounter that recently took place in Muzaffarpur, Pandey said, “Encounters are not done; they happen”.
72-year-old Jain woman saint dies after 7 days of fast for samadhi
A 72-year-old Jain woman saint attained sallekhana samadhi on Thursday evening, seven days after she began fasting unto death by renouncing food and water. Sri Sugunthanmathi Mathaji began fasting on February 1 at Arihanthagiri Digambar Jain Mutt in Tamil Nadu. Doctor pronounced her dead after due examination of the functioning of vital organs, an administrator of the Mutt said.
Lawyer attempts suicide to demand special status for Andhra
A lawyer named Anil Kumar allegedly attempted to commit suicide by consuming pesticide at a court in Kurnool district to press for Special Category Status for Andhra Pradesh. Kumar wrote “special status is the right of Andhraites” on his forehead and recorded a video of the act. He is undergoing treatment and is said to be in critical condition.
Plane touches runway, takes off in seconds amid 112 kmph storm in UK
A British Airways flight at Heathrow Airport near London aborted landing amid winds at 112 kmph caused due to Storm Erik on Friday. The video of the incident shows the plane swaying in the air before touchdown and taking off just after it hits the runway. The airline said the plane went on to land safely after circling the airport.
Trump, Kim to meet for 2nd summit in Vietnam capital Hanoi
US President Donald Trump’s second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will take place in Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, later this month. “I look forward to seeing Kim and advancing the cause of peace!” Trump tweeted. Trump met Kim for the first summit in Singapore, where the North Korean leader agreed to “work toward complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.”
Thai King opposes sister’s PM candidacy; party withdraws support
The Thai Raksa Chart party has withdrawn its support to Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Varnavadi as the PM candidate following opposition by her brother, Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn. The King called his sister’s candidacy “highly inappropriate” and against “royal traditions”. The party said it accepts the King’s statement and would abide by election regulations and royal tradition.
RBI should not treat every default as NPA on 90th day: Piyush Goyal
Finance Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said, “Law cannot be blind, wherein in 90 days arithmetically it (borrower) becomes an NPA (Non-Performing Asset). We will discuss this and we hope to resolve it quickly.” Goyal’s comments come a day after the Reserve Bank of India said it is not having a relook at a circular about recognising of bad assets.
Gujjars demand 5% reservation, block train tracks in Raj
Several members of the Gujjar community on Friday blocked railway tracks at Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan, demanding implementation of 5% reservation promised to them by the state government. The ‘rasta-roko’ dharna has also affected train movement on the Delhi-Mumbai line. Currently, the community gets 1% reservation in educational institutions and government jobs.
Probe Robert Vadra, but give answers on Rafale too: Rahul
Claiming he has “no problem” if the government investigates his brother-in-law Robert Vadra or Congress leader P Chidambaram, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said, “Whatever inquiry you want to do, you do it… But you also give answers on the Rafale matter.” In separate cases, the Enforcement Directorate questioned Chidambaram on Friday and is expected to question Vadra again on Saturday.
Former Gujarat Congress MLA Asha Patel joins BJP
Former Congress MLA from Gujarat, Asha Patel, joined the BJP on Friday in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and BJP state unit chief Jitu Vaghani. Dismissing reports of Patel joining BJP as part of a “deal”, Vaghani said, “BJP never indulges in horse-trading.” Patel had resigned from Congress on February 2.
Ex-PDP leader Irshad Rasool Kar joins National Conference
Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Baramulla district president Irshad Rasool Kar on Friday joined the National Conference in presence of party president Farooq Abdullah. Welcoming him to the party, Abdullah said, “We hope just like his father, he will work dedicatedly for the welfare of people.” Kar is the son of Congress stalwart late Ghulam Rasool Kar.
BJP govt wrote off ₹3.5L cr debt of industrialists: Rahul
Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that the BJP government “wrote off ₹3.5 lakh crore loans of 15 big industrialists, but gave ₹17 per day to farmers.” “If you divide that amount further, it comes down ₹3.5 per person,” he added. This comes after the PM Modi government announced support of ₹6,000 per year to small and marginal farmers.
BigBasket to become unicorn with $150 million funding: Report
Bengaluru-based grocery delivery startup BigBasket is reportedly raising $150 million at a pre-money valuation of $1 billion, giving it the tag of a ‘unicorn’, or a billion-dollar startup. The round is reportedly being led by existing investor, Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba. Founded in 2011, BigBasket has raised over $885 million till date.
179 Kashmir students appearing for GATE airlifted to Jammu
As many as 179 students from Kashmir, scheduled to write Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) examination in Jammu on Sunday, were airlifted in an Indian Air Force (IAF) plane on Friday. “Due to heavy snowfall, the valley was cut off…due to closure of national highway and cancellation of flights…[following which] state authorities with IAF…airlifted the students,” officials said.
Andhra Cabinet approves construction of 2 new universities
The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet on Friday approved the construction of two new universities in the state. The Gurajada Apparao University would be set up in Vizianagaram while the JNTU Amaravati University would be set up in Amaravati. The Cabinet also approved a minimum time scale for contract employees and contract lecturers hired at Andhra Pradesh residential schools and universities.
Kejriwal’s car attacked in Delhi by 100 men, none injured
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s car was allegedly attacked in Delhi’s Narela on Friday, an official in the CM’s office said. “A group of about 100 men tried to stop Kejriwal’s car and attacked it with sticks. Nobody was hurt,” he added. The incident took place when Kejriwal had gone to the outer Delhi locality to inaugurate developmental works.
Woody Allen sues Amazon for ₹483cr for ending movie deal post #MeToo
Filmmaker Woody Allen filed a $68-million (₹483-crore) lawsuit against Amazon, accusing it of breaching contract by refusing to distribute his latest film. Allen claimed Amazon backed out of the deal in June 2018 because of an accusation that he molested his adopted daughter Dylan Farrow in 1992. The four-time Oscar winner had signed a four-film deal with Amazon in 2016.
Sindhu signs 4-year deal worth ₹50 crore with Chinese sports brand
Rio Olympic silver medal-winning badminton player PV Sindhu has signed a four-year sports sponsorship deal worth nearly ₹50 crore with Chinese sports brand Li Ning. The deal comes after Sindhu’s compatriot Kidambi Srikanth was offered ₹35 crore for four years by the Chinese company last month. Li Ning also reportedly offered Parupalli Kashyap a two-year deal worth ₹8 crore.
