Sachin Mehra to take over as MasterCard CFO from April 1
Global card payments company MasterCard on Wednesday said Martina Hund-Mejean will be retiring as the company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), following which Sachin Mehra will succeed her. Mehra, who currently serves as the company’s Chief Financial Operations Officer, will take over the position on April 1. He has been working at MasterCard for over eight years.
Blogger sues Twitter over ban on tweets against transgenders
Canadian blogger Meghan Murphy has filed a lawsuit against Twitter after being permanently banned from the platform last year for her tweets against transgender people. Murphy was banned for violating Twitter’s hateful conduct policy when she referenced a transgender woman as “him”. Twitter had previously locked Murphy’s account for tweeting, “Men aren’t women” and “How are transwomen not men?”.
Dubsmash, MyFitnessPal among 16 apps to suffer leak: Report
As many as 617 million online accounts from 16 websites and platforms including Dubsmash and MyFitnessPal have reportedly been leaked online and are for sale on the dark web for less than $20,000 in Bitcoin. The report claimed all the databases are up for sale by a single hacker. The information is said to have been stolen in 2018.
Artificial leaves to convert CO2 to fuel 10 times more efficiently
University of Illinois, Chicago researchers have proposed a design solution for present artificial leaves to convert carbon dioxide to fuel at least 10 times more efficiently than natural leaves. They will function like natural leaves after being enveloped inside a special membrane, researcher Meenesh Singh said. Present artificial leaves only work using pressurised carbon dioxide from tanks.
Russia ‘playing with the West’s minds’, says Putin advisor
“Russia is playing with the West’s minds,” Russian President Vladimir Putin’s advisor Vladislav Surkov has said, adding that they “don’t know how to deal with their own changed consciousness”. Calling “the Putinist system of government… the ideology of the future”, Surkov added that it would last for decades because it is native and “organic”.
EU adds Saudi Arabia to dirty money blacklist
The European Commission has added Saudi Arabia, Libya and Nigeria, among other nations, to a blacklist of countries that fail to tackle money laundering and the financing of terrorism. The EU’s banks will have to carry out additional checks on financial operations involving entities from the blacklisted countries. The list needs approval by all 28 EU member states.
GoAir CEO Cornelis Vrieswijk quits within nine months
Budget carrier GoAir on Wednesday said its Chief Executive Officer Cornelis Vrieswijk has resigned from the post within nine months, citing personal matters. The Dutch national had joined GoAir last June following the departure of Wolfgang Prock-Schauer. Managing Director Jeh Wadia will be discharging additional responsibilities of the CEO till it finds a successor to Vrieswijk, GoAir added.
R Venkataramanan quits as Managing Trustee of Tata Trusts
Tata Trusts on Wednesday said its Managing Trustee R Venkataramanan will step down by March 31 as his term ends. Noel Tata, half-brother of Tata Sons’ Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata, has been appointed Trustee of Sir Ratan Tata Trust, it added. Notably, Venkataramanan is under scanner in a money laundering case involving AirAsia India, which is being probed by CBI.
Reviewing Jet Airways’ flights schedule every 15 days: DGCA
Aviation regulator DGCA on Wednesday said it is reviewing the schedule of Jet Airways’ flights every 15 days. This comes after the cash-strapped airline had to ground some of its aircraft due to non-payment of lease rentals as well as other operational reasons. Jet Airways is currently working with lenders to restructure its debt as well as raise fresh funds.
6 US police officers shoot dead 20-year-old rapper sleeping in car
Six police officers in US’ California fired multiple rounds at 20-year-old rapper, Willie McCoy, who was sleeping in his car outside a Taco Bell, following which he died. McCoy had a handgun on his lap when the officers fired out of “fear for their own safety” on Saturday, police said. Police didn’t disclose the number of bullets that hit McCoy.
Aircraft parts falling on runway, is this HAL’s capability: Minister
Union Minister General VK Singh has raised questions over the capability of state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, saying, “Look at the condition of HAL…The parts of the aircraft fall apart on the runway.” Talking about HAL not getting work, he recounted the death of two pilots in the recent crash and stated, “Programmes at HAL are running late by three-and-a-half years.”
BJP MLA beaten by 1st wife, mother on birthday over 2nd marriage
Maharashtra BJP MLA Raju Narayan Todsam’s second wife Priya Shinde was beaten by his first wife Archana and mother on Tuesday, videos of which have gone viral. When Todsam attempted to shield Priya, he was also attacked by his mother and the mob, demanding justice for Archana. Todsam was celebrating his 42nd birthday with party supporters at a Kabaddi event.
IPS officer keeps dad’s dead body for 1 month, says being treated
IPS officer Rajendra Kumar Mishra claimed his 84-year-old father, who was declared dead by a hospital in MP in January, was responding to Ayurvedic treatment. Several staff members working for him said tantriks were called to resurrect the body, although the officer denied this. The MP DGP said, “This is a situation without precedent…Some senior officer will talk to him.”
62-year-old Punjab man wanting to marry daughter-in-law kills son
A 62-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly killing his 40-year-old son in Punjab’s Faridkot after rift over the accused’s alleged affair with his son’s wife. The man killed his son with a sharp weapon, cut his body into pieces and dumped them in a sewer in plastic bags. Police said the accused was planning to marry the victim’s wife.
NASA declares Opportunity rover dead after 15 years on Mars
NASA on Wednesday declared its longest-running Mars rover ‘Opportunity’ dead after over 800 failed attempts to make contact with it. The solar-powered rover went into hibernation in June 2018 after being hit by a planet-wide dust storm that blocked sunlight. Launched in 2004, Opportunity travelled over 45 km despite being designed to travel only 1 km and last 90 days.
You’re like sisters: K’taka Speaker withdraws ‘rape victim’ remark
After disapproval from women MLAs for comparing himself to a “rape victim”, Karnataka Assembly Speaker Ramesh Kumar said he has directed his office to remove his remark from the records. Adding he had no intention to cause pain to women, Kumar asserted, “All of you are like mothers and sisters.” He also blamed media for “adding masala” to the issue.
His son should also accept truth: Yogi on Mulayam praising PM
After Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav claimed he wanted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to become PM again, UP CM Yogi Adityanath said, “His son (Akhilesh) should also accept this truth.” Yogi added, “Truth always wins. What Mulayamji said in Parliament is the truth.” Akhilesh-led SP has entered into an alliance with BSP to defeat BJP in Lok Sabha polls.
Puducherry CM stages dharna, sleeps outside LG Kiran Bedi’s house
Puducherry CM V Narayanasamy began a dharna with state ministers on Wednesday and spent the night outside Raj Nivas after blocking its entrances, in protest against Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi. Demanding that Bedi accord sanction for 39 government proposals, he accused her of stalling development projects and said, “She is being encouraged by PM to create problems for our government.”
Smart bed that changes temperature at night for better sleep made
American company Eight Sleep has unveiled a smart bed called ‘The Pod’, which changes its temperature throughout the night to improve the user’s sleep. “Body temperature changes during the night,” said the company’s CEO. The bed also uses its AI and biofeedback sensors to determine the best temperature for sleep between 55 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the night.
Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt starrer ‘Gully Boy’ hits the theatres
Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt starrer ‘Gully Boy’, which released today, “is a film to enjoy”, wrote The Indian Express. ‘Gully Boy’ is a “fun and moving entertainer that’ll…resonate with the youth,” said Bollywood Hungama. Hindustan Times (HT) called it the “first great Hindi film of 2019”. It has been rated 3.5/5 (The Indian Express, Bollywood Hungama) and 4/5 (HT).
ACB to fall under L-G & electricity dept under Delhi govt: SC
In Delhi government vs Lieutenant Governor case, the Supreme Court ruled that Anti-Corruption Bureau and inquiry commission fall under Lieutenant Governor’s jurisdiction. Delhi government will have control over electricity and revenue departments and revision of minimum rates of agricultural land, the court stated. A larger bench will decide on who’ll have jurisdiction over ‘services’ in Delhi.
PNB to e-auction 4,000 properties to recover ₹26,000cr loans
Public sector lender Punjab National Bank (PNB) on Wednesday said it has decided to place more than 4,000 properties all over the country on e-auction as part of its loan recovery effort. The action will help in achieving the recovery of ₹26,000 crore during the current fiscal. The bank had recovered ₹16,600 crore up to December 31, 2018.
Ex-US Air Force intelligence agent charged with spying for Iran
Monica Witt, a former US Air Force counterintelligence agent, has been charged with spying for Iran, sharing information about her colleagues and US intelligence operations. Witt served in the US Air Force from 1997 to 2008 and worked as a contractor from 2008 to 2010. She allegedly defected to Iran in 2013.
World court to rule on Iran’s $1.75 bn case against US
The International Court of Justice has ruled it has jurisdiction over a case filed by Iran to recover $1.75-billion assets frozen by the US. The US Supreme Court had ruled that the money must go to the victims of attacks blamed on Iran. Iran says freezing of the funds violates terms of a 1955 treaty it signed with the US.
US asks its citizens to reconsider travel to Pak due to terrorism
The US State Department has issued an advisory to its citizens to reconsider travelling to Pakistan mainly due to terrorism and risks to civil aviation operating within or near the country. It asked its citizens not to travel to the provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).
Pak sends back Indian teenager who crossed border by mistake
Pakistan has sent back a 16-year-old Indian boy who had crossed the border by mistake and entered Pakistan in August last year. The teenager, identified as Bimal Narjee from Assam, was handed over to the Border Security Force via Wagah Border on Tuesday after the completion of all legal requirements and the verification of his identity.
OYO raises $100 mn from Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing
OYO Rooms has raised $100 million from Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing, according to documents filed with the Registrar of Companies. This marks the closing of the $1-billion financing round that OYO had announced last year at a valuation of $5 billion. OYO had raised $800 million in September 2018 led by SoftBank’s Vision Fund.
BJP set Northeast on fire, we’ll conquer it with love: Rahul
In an apparent reference to the protests that took place due to the proposed Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, Congress President Rahul Gandhi today said, “They (BJP) set the entire Northeast on fire, however, we will make sure we conquer it with love.” He added, “They spread hatred, abuse me and my family, and the Congress president… hugs them in the Parliament.”
Poor Akhilesh: Omar Abdullah after Mulayam praises PM Modi
After SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav claimed he wanted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to become PM again, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tweeted, “Poor Akhilesh!” SP, which is led by Mulayam’s son Akhilesh Yadav, has entered into an alliance with BSP to defeat BJP in the Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh.
Mulayam praised PM to distract from corruption charges: Amar Singh
Rajya Sabha MP Amar Singh accused SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav of praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha to divert attention from corruption charges against Mulayam and BSP chief Mayawati. Singh said Mulayam was trying to “create confusion” and ensure that “Modiji gets neutralised.” Mulayam had said he wished for another term for PM Modi.
Apple tech exploited to put hacked apps on iPhones: Reuters
Illicit software distributors are exploiting technology made by Apple to distribute hacked versions of iPhone apps including Spotify, Angry Birds and Pokemon Go to block ads or bypass fees and game rules, Reuters has revealed. The software pirates used digital certificates meant for corporations to skip App Store for their staff-only apps. “We’re…prepared to take immediate action,” Apple said.
Don’t make a 12th pass person PM again: Arvind Kejriwal
Addressing AAP’s ‘Tanashahi Hatao, Loktantra Bachao’ rally on Wednesday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, “Last time you made a 12th pass person the Prime Minister. Don’t do it again.” Kejriwal added, “The post of PM is very important… Find someone educated.” He further claimed, “A 12th pass person lacks the understanding of where he puts his signature.”
IIT student stabs classmate over proposing same girl on Valentine’s
A second-year IIT Madras MTech student named Manoj allegedly stabbed his classmate Pramod inside the campus on Wednesday. Hailing from Haryana, both were reportedly in love with the same girl and the fight was over who would get to propose to her on Valentine’s Day. Police have detained Manoj for questioning while Pramod is recovering at a local hospital.
Wholesale inflation drops to 2.76% in January, lowest in 10 months
India’s annual wholesale price inflation eased to a 10-month low of 2.76% in January, helped by a smaller increase in prices of manufactured goods and fuel products, government data showed on Thursday. It was 3.8% in December last year. Data also showed a decline in India’s retail inflation to an 18-month low of 2.05% in January.
Why isn’t PM instructing banks to take money I’m offering: Mallya
Talking about PM Narendra Modi’s speech in Lok Sabha in a series of tweets, fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya said, “I noticed that he (PM) referred to an unnamed person who ‘ran away’ with 9,000 crores.” “I respectfully ask why the Prime Minister is not instructing his banks to take the money I have put on the table,” he added.
Govt may relax FDI norms for single-brand retailers: Report
The Cabinet is reportedly considering a proposal to relax mandatory 30% local sourcing norms for foreign single-brand retailers. As per existing FDI norms, 100% foreign investment is permitted but with 30% of the value of the goods sourced from the country. The proposal also suggests that retailers may sell online before opening a physical store if they invest $200 million.
Cong trolls PM, BJP leaders with their cartoons on Valentine’s Day
Congress tweeted caricatures of PM Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders trolling them on Valentine’s Day. The party captioned PM Modi’s caricature, “The Accidental Chowkidar: Chori chori, Chupke Chupke”, while on Smriti Irani’s cartoon, it wrote, “The Walking-Talking Meme: Main Tulsi, Yale ke garden ki!” “The Fast and Furious: Chal chhaiyya chhaiyya x2,” read the caption on Piyush Goyal’s cartoon.
My hug finished PM Modi’s hatred for me, says Rahul Gandhi
Referring to his act of hugging Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Parliament during the no-confidence motion, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said, “Modiji had hatred for me. I went and hugged him and finished that hatred.” Rahul, who was addressing Congress workers in Rajasthan, added, “If the BJP and the RSS abuse us, we must fight them with love.”
Beaten by police, ABVP workers: SP youth leader
SP youth leader Richa Singh has claimed the police and members of RSS’ students’ wing ABVP “brutally attacked” her during a protest at Allahabad University. Accusing the police of framing false charges, Singh tweeted, “I am suffering jaw and head injury and admitted in hospital.” The protest was organised after SP chief Akhilesh Yadav was stopped from flying to Prayagraj.
Tarikh pe tarikh: AAP tweets Sunny Deol’s clip after SC verdict
After the Supreme Court referred to a larger bench the issue of whether the Delhi government or Lieutenant Governor should have jurisdiction over ‘Services’ in the National Capital, AAP tweeted a clip from actor Sunny Deol’s movie ‘Damini’. “Tarikh pe tarikh, tarikh pe tarikh milti aayi hai my lord, lekhin insaaf nahi mila,” Deol says in the video.
Unki umar ho gayi hai: Rabri Devi on Mulayam praising PM Modi
After SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav praised PM Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha, ex-Bihar CM Rabri Devi said, “Unki umar ho gayi hai.” Rabri added, “Yaad nahi rehta hai kab kya bol denge. Unki boli ka koi mayene nahi rakhta (His memory is failing him. His words aren’t valid)”. Yadav had said he hopes PM Modi comes back to power.
Martin Guptill gets interviewed by wife after his 15th ODI ton
New Zealand opener Martin Guptill was interviewed by his wife and TV presenter Laura McGoldrick after he won Man of the Match award for smashing his 15th ODI hundred, against Bangladesh on Wednesday. The 32-year-old scored an unbeaten 117 off 116 balls including four sixes and eight fours. Guptill also received a bottle of champagne from Laura for his award.
Ex-hockey captain booked for getting job with fake SC certificate
An FIR has been filed against ex-India hockey team captain Mukesh Kumar and his brother for allegedly obtaining fake Scheduled Caste (SC) certificates from a Secunderabad Tehsildar and securing jobs in the Indian Airlines in 2007. Mukesh, an Arjuna awardee, said he had been having the SC certificate from Class I. The brothers belong to BC ‘A’ Nayee Brahmin community.
Nehwal refuses to play national c’ships match due to poor surface
Defending champion Saina Nehwal refused to play her opening singles match of Senior National Badminton Championships in Guwahati, citing a “poor playing surface”. Saina was scheduled to play Shruti Mundada in a pre-quarterfinal clash. “The wooden planks came out at a couple of places after Sindhu played her match. So they are now going to fix it,” Parupalli Kashyap revealed.
Lawsuit filed against Rampal for failing to pay back ₹1 crore loan
A lawsuit was filed against actor Arjun Rampal in Bombay High Court for allegedly failing to pay back a loan of ₹1 crore which he took from YT Entertainment in May 2018. Rampal reportedly paid ₹7.5 lakh in November, but failed to pay the entire amount. According to the lawsuit, Arjun promised to pay back the loan within 90 days.
