Pentagon approves $1 billion to build 92 km of Trump’s border wall
Acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan on Monday said he has authorised $1 billion to build part of the wall sought by President Donald Trump along the US-Mexico border. The amount will go towards building 92 km of 18-foot fencing, improving roads and other measures along the border. Earlier, Trump had declared national emergency over the border wall demand.
Kishore Biyani reappointed as Future Retail MD for 3 years
Future Retail on Monday said it has reappointed Kishore Biyani as its Managing Director for a period of three years effective May 2. The 57-year-old, who founded Future Group in 1987, also serves as the Group CEO. Future Retail also appointed Rakesh Biyani, who has been associated with the company for over 23 years, as its Joint Managing Director.
Roberto Cavalli creative director Paul Surridge resigns
Designer Paul Surridge on Monday announced that he will be resigning from his position as creative director at Italian fashion house Roberto Cavalli. “I now wish to focus on other projects I put aside in order to achieve our common goals with Roberto Cavalli Group,” Surridge wrote in an Instagram post. The 43-year-old designer joined the luxury label in 2017.
SC to hear plea on whether CJI’s office comes under RTI Act
The Supreme Court will hear a plea this week on whether the Chief Justice of India’s (CJI) office comes under Right to Information (RTI) Act. In 2010, Delhi High Court held that the office comes under RTI, but the judgment was later challenged in the apex court and for the past nine years, there has been a stay on it.
8 held in T’gana for allegedly cheating 600 people of ₹25 cr
At least eight people were arrested in Telangana for allegedly cheating around 600 people and collecting ₹25 crore from their bank accounts, police said on Monday. The accused used to contact people on the pretext of providing loans at low interest and then collected their debit card details, including OTP. The accused then transferred two month’s EMI to their account.
Cong releases list of 4 candidates for Odisha Assembly polls
Congress on Monday released a list of four candidates who will be contesting the upcoming Assembly elections in Odisha. The party has fielded Biren Senapati, Ramesh Purohit, Shyamghan Pradhan and Shambhunath Panigrahi from Rourkela, Patnagarh, G Udayagiri and Hinjili, respectively. Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in Odisha will take place simultaneously in four phases from April 11.
Observatory made into R2-D2 replica, Star Wars actor shares news
American actor Mark Hamill, who played the role of Luke Skywalker in ‘Star Wars’ films, on Twitter shared news of an observatory being turned into an ‘R2-D2’ replica in Germany. His tweet read, “R2-D2 Observatory Transformed Germans Into Giant Nerds”. A professor and his father-in-law, along with students had reportedly painted Zweibrücken Observatory of the Natural Science Association last year.
Hope I still make you smile: Arjun on his mom’s death anniversary
Arjun Kapoor on Monday shared an old picture with his mother Mona Shourie Kapoor on her seventh death anniversary, and wrote, “You were my smile & I hope wherever you are I make you smile still.” “[A]ll your son is asking you is come back na, please,” his caption further read. Arjun’s mother passed away in 2012 after battling cancer.
Tara to star with Suniel Shetty’s son Ahan in his debut film
Actress Tara Sutaria will star opposite Suniel Shetty’s son Ahan in an upcoming Hindi remake of the Telugu film ‘RX100’, which will mark Ahan’s debut in the film industry. “I feel that Ahan and Tara will make an interestingly romantic pair,” the film’s producer Sajid Nadiadwala said. Shooting for the film, directed by Milan Luthria, will commence in June.
Kapil Dev’s daughter turns assistant director for Ranveer’s ’83
Former cricketer Kapil Dev’s 23-year-old daughter Amiya is working as an assistant director on the sets of the upcoming Ranveer Singh starrer ’83’ as an assistant director. The film, which will see Ranveer portraying the role of Kapil Dev, is based on India’s victory at the 1983 Cricket World Cup. The film is scheduled to release in April next year.
Naresh Goyal worked as a ticketing agent before founding Jet Airways
Jet Airways Founder Naresh Goyal, who stepped down as the company’s Chairman on Monday, began his career as a ticketing agent for Lebanese International Airlines after graduating in Commerce in 1967. From 1967 to 1974, he underwent training in travel business through his association with several foreign airlines. In 1991, he founded Jet Airways, which began commercial operations in 1993.
Alcohol bottles to carry health warnings from April 1
From April 1, all alcoholic beverages will have statutory health warnings on their labels. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed Food Business Operators to put the warnings “Consumption of alcohol is injurious to health” and “Be safe-Don’t drink and drive” on the labels. FSSAI had given a year’s time to make the changes.
Went to Pak 17 times in 18 yrs: Delhi man admits to spying for ISI
Rajasthan Police on Monday arrested a 42-year-old man from Delhi for allegedly spying for Pakistani intelligence agency ISI. During questioning, he revealed he was in contact with ISI handlers and had travelled to Pakistan 17 times in the last 18 years, ADG (Intelligence) Umesh Mishra said. The accused allegedly honey-trapped Indian Army soldiers through fake identities to collect information.
Pina Coladas on me: McGregor announces retirement from MMA again
Ex-UFC featherweight and lightweight champion Conor McGregor has announced his decision to retire from mixed martial arts (MMA) for the second time in three years. “I now join my former partners on this venture, already in retirement. Proper Pina Coladas on me fellas!” he added. He had earlier retired in April 2016 but returned after four months.
OMG, OMG: 28-yr-old leader as BJP picks him for B’luru South seat
After BJP declared Tejasvi Surya, a Karnataka High Court lawyer, as its candidate from Bengaluru South seat, the 28-year-old tweeted, “OMG OMG!!! I can’t believe this.” “I thank PM [Narendra Modi] for…this opportunity…I promise that I shall work ceaselessly for our motherland till my last breath. That is the only way I can repay this debt of gratitude,” he added.
#MeToo movement became more of PR ploy: Tamannaah Bhatia
Actress Tamannaah Bhatia, while speaking about the #MeToo movement, said, “Somewhere I feel #MeToo movement lost its gush because it became more of a PR ploy which shouldn’t have been.” “It should have been given its due respect and should have been treated with more serious sense and more serious note,” she added.
Rahman composes ‘Marvel anthem’ for Avengers: Endgame India release
Singer-composer AR Rahman has composed India’s ‘Marvel anthem’ ahead of the release of the upcoming superhero film ‘Avengers: Endgame’. “Being surrounded by Marvel fans…there was…pressure to come with something really satisfying and apt…I hope Marvel aficionados and music lovers enjoy the track,” AR Rahman said. The song will be released in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu on April 1.
Man tries to board flight naked, says clothes affect aerodynamics
A Russian man stripped naked before boarding his flight at Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport because he believed clothes made him ‘less aerodynamic’. However, he was caught by the security staff while he was trying to run to the jet bridge and was later detained by the police at the airport. As per reports, the man showed no signs of being drunk.
Uber to buy Middle East rival Careem in a $3.1 billion deal
Uber on Tuesday confirmed a $3.1 billion deal to buy its Dubai-based rival Careem wherein Uber will pay $1.4 billion in cash and $1.7 billion in convertible notes. Founded in 2012, Careem’s investors include Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal’s investment firm and Japan’s Rakuten. The deal is the biggest-ever technology industry transaction in the greater Middle East, the companies said.
Volvo Cars launches ‘EVA’ to ensure car safety for all genders
Volvo cars found that women are more likely to be injured in a car crash as male crash test dummies are used as the standard by the industry. Hoping to make cars safer for everyone and not just the average male, it launched ‘Equal Vehicle for All’ initiative, wherein it released data for automakers to study and take necessary precautions.
928 elephants died unnaturally during 2009-2018: Forest Ministry
As many as 928 elephants died due to unnatural causes like train accidents, poaching, poisoning or electrocution, Ministry of Environment and Forest said in response to an RTI. Of these, 565 (over 60%) elephants died due to electrocution. The Ministry added that 151 elephants died in train accidents, 150 were poached and 62 died due to poisoning.
4 Maoists killed in encounter in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma
Security forces killed at least four Maoists during an encounter in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district on Tuesday morning, police said. The encounter took place during a search operation by CRPF’s special commando unit CoBRA force of 201st battalion and the District Reserve Guards (DRG). The forces also recovered two INSAS and two .303 rifles from the encounter site.
Ola launches auto rickshaw service in UK’s Liverpool
Ride-hailing startup Ola has launched a fleet of auto rickshaws or ‘Tuk Tuks’, made by automakers Bajaj and Piaggio, in UK’s Liverpool. The startup offered free rides to users on the first two days of the launch of the service. Ola had entered the UK in August 2018 and has since spread across multiple regions including Bristol, Bath and Exeter.
Amazon to launch 100 kiosks in malls by year’s end: Report
Amazon is reportedly planning to launch over 100 kiosks in malls across the country to sell its products including Kindle ebook reader and Echo speaker, by the year’s end. It’s looking for 70-80 sq foot kiosk spaces, which will be run by third-party franchisees, the report added. Customers can approach kiosks and take assisted live device demos, as per Amazon.
Dilip Kumar granted relief in ₹25 crore property dispute
Bombay High Court granted relief to actor Dilip Kumar in a dispute with a builder involving property worth ₹25 crore owned by the actor. The court struck down an arbitration tribunal’s order directing Kumar to give an undertaking to secure the property. The builder was demanding ₹176 crore in damages from Kumar for terminating an agreement to redevelop the property.
It’s a key moment in my life: Jaya Prada after joining BJP
After former MP Jaya Prada joined BJP on Tuesday, the veteran actress said it is a “key moment” in her life. “It is the first time that I have joined a national party and I’m honoured to work under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership,” she added. Jaya has earlier been part of TDP, SP, Rashtriya Lok Manch and Rashtriya Lok Dal.
Video shows morgue in Russia being used to store baby food
A video shared by a Russian MP shows baby food from various brands being stored in a morgue alongside dangerous chemicals allegedly in the country’s Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region. “At first, I thought that it was some kind of a sick joke, but…it was all confirmed,” the MP said. “Expired baby food was temporarily kept there,” the region’s government said.
20-yr-old found after a week in Himachal, survived on spring water
Delhi-based Maharaja Agrasen College’s 20-year-old student Himanshu Ahuja, who went missing on the Triund trek in Himachal Pradesh about a week ago during a college excursion, was found alive by rescuers on Monday morning. He was found below the Triund hilltop with a broken foot. “I found shelter under an overhanging rock and drank water from nearby spring,” Ahuja said.
After Air India, GoAir withdraws boarding passes with PM Modi’s pic
GoAir has withdrawn its boarding passes with photographs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, the airline said on Tuesday. This comes a day after state-run airline Air India rolled back its passes with images of the two leaders. The airline had taken a “cue from the Election Code of Conduct”, a GoAir spokesperson said.
1st all-women spacewalk cancelled over lack of right-sized spacesuits
NASA has cancelled its plans for the first all-female spacewalk, in part due to spacesuit unavailability on station. Christina Koch and Anne McClain were supposed to perform the spacewalk on Friday, but McClain realised a medium-sized upper-half of her spacesuit fits her better. “Because only one medium-size torso can be made ready by Friday…Koch will wear it,” NASA said.
If anyone abuses Pakistan, I will abuse them 10 times: NC leader
Asserting that the friendship between India and Pakistan should “intensify”, National Conference (NC) leader Muhammad Akbar Lone in Jammu and Kashmir said, “If anyone will abuse them (Pakistan) once, I will abuse him ten times from here.” “India and Pakistan should have a friendship with each other and I am an admirer of this friendship,” Lone added.
Focussed on fixing issues: Justin announces break from music
American singer Justin Bieber shared a post announcing that he will be taking a break from his musical career to focus on his health. “I’m now very focused on repairing some of the deep-rooted issues that I have…so that I don’t fall apart,” Justin wrote on Instagram. Earlier, reports suggested that the 25-year-old singer was receiving treatment for depression.
Israel strikes Hamas targets in Gaza after rocket attack
Israel began carrying out strikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip on Monday, hours after seven people were injured in a rocket attack near Tel Aviv. Hamas fired at least 30 rockets towards Israel in response to the strikes, the Israel Defense Forces said. Hamas said that Egypt has brokered a ceasefire between the two parties following the escalation.
Veteran actress Jaya Prada joins BJP ahead of Lok Sabha elections
Veteran actress and former MP Jaya Prada has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. She will reportedly contest elections from Rampur constituency in Uttar Pradesh against Samajwadi Party’s Azam Khan. Jaya Prada, who won the Rampur Lok Sabha seat in 2004 and 2009, joined Rashtriya Lok Dal in 2014 after being expelled from SP.
Grasim challenges ₹5,872 cr income tax demand in Bombay HC
Grasim Industries on Monday said it has challenged the ₹5,872 crore income tax demand over its merger with Aditya Birla Nuvo and Aditya Birla Financial Services, before the Bombay High Court. The textile company contended before the court that the tax demand order was “wholly unsustainable in law”. The court has granted a stay against the recovery, it added.
Non-bailable warrant against Ansal brothers in Uphaar tragedy
Chief Metropolitan Magistrate of Delhi’s Patiala House Court on Tuesday issued a non-bailable warrant against brothers Sushil Ansal and Gopal Ansal for allegedly tampering with evidence in Delhi’s 1997 Uphaar cinema fire tragedy case. 59 persons had died in the fire during the screening of ‘Border’ in June 1997. The fire was started by a faulty transformer during the screening.
Possible to make self-sustaining city on Mars by 2050: Musk
Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, replying to an article shared on Twitter on challenges of landing heavy payloads on Mars, said, “It’s possible to make a self-sustaining city on Mars by 2050”. However, he added it’s possible “if we start in 5 years” and “take 10 orbital synchronisations”. Elon Musk plans to send the first manned mission to Mars in 2024.
In a first, NZ company uses robot built to pick apples
New Zealand-based fresh fruit and vegetable firm T&G Global said it will use a robot in a “world’s first” to harvest apples. The robot, built by California-based Abundant Robotics, is the startup’s first deployment for commercial purposes. Google Ventures-backed Abundant Robotics was founded by Curt Salisbury, Dan Steere and Michael Eriksen and has raised $12 million till date.
No chance in hell I’ll become a B’wood actress: Sonam’s sister Rhea
Filmmaker Rhea Kapoor has said that despite coming from a family of actors, there is “no chance in hell” that she will become a Bollywood actress. “[I]t’s not my personality…I have no passion about [acting]. I don’t love it,” Rhea added. Rhea is the daughter of actor Anil Kapoor and the sister of actress Sonam Kapoor.
Reliance Industries buys ITC’s menswear brand John Players
Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries on Tuesday said its unit Reliance Retail (RRL) has acquired consumer goods company ITC’s menswear brand John Players. ITC said it sold the John Players brand and related trademarks and intellectual property to Reliance Retail as part of its restructuring plan. Reliance Retail operates more than 9,900 stores across 6,400 plus cities in India.
Pak court orders government to take custody of 2 minor Hindu girls
The Islamabad High Court has ordered the Pakistan government to take custody of the two minor Hindu girls who were allegedly abducted, forcibly converted to Islam and married to Muslim men. Pakistani authorities said the girls left home in Sindh willingly to be married in Punjab province, where the minimum legal age of marriage for girls is 16, unlike Sindh.
Couldn’t buy 30% Amazon stake as I didn’t have $30mn: SoftBank CEO
SoftBank Founder and CEO Masayoshi Son revealed he missed out on buying 30% stake in Amazon in its early years as he didn’t have $30 million. Son offered $100 million, but Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos insisted on $130 million for the stake, worth about $260 billion now. “We were laughing about it when I met him again recently,” Son added.
UK prison guards find dead rats stuffed with drugs, phones, cash
Suspected criminals have been stuffing the bodies of dead rats with drugs, phones and cash and throwing them over the walls of a British prison to smuggle drugs to inmates, the UK government said on Monday. Guards at Guys Marsh prison in Dorset grew suspicious when they found the bodies of three rats with stitches along their stomachs, officials said.
Airbus secures $35-bn deal with China amid Boeing crisis
French planemaker Airbus on Monday signed a $35-billion deal to sell 290 A320-series narrow-body planes and 10 A350 wide-body jets to China, during a state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping. This comes amidst US planemaker Boeing’s ongoing crisis involving its 737 MAX planes following the Ethiopian Airlines crash. It also coincides with the US-China trade tensions.
Student housing startup Oxfordcaps raises over ₹55 crore
Singapore-based student housing startup Oxfordcaps has raised $8 million (over ₹55 crore) in Series A funding. The investment was led by Times Internet with participation from existing investors Kalaari Capital and Silicon Valley-based 500 Startups. Founded in 2017 by Annu Talreja and Priyanka Gera, Oxfordcaps plans to expand operations to Indore, Jaipur, Pune, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad.
UK MPs take control of Brexit process from government
UK Members of Parliament (MPs) have voted 329-302 to take control of the Brexit process from the government for a day. The MPs will get a series of votes to allow alternative options to May’s Brexit deal to be considered. However, May has refused to say whether she’ll abide by the outcome of the votes.
Planes carrying 100 Russian troops land in Venezuela: Reports
Two Russian Air Force planes landed at Venezuela’s Maiquetía airport carrying nearly 100 troops, according to media reports. Russian military officials arrived in Venezuela to discuss defence industry cooperation, Russian government-owned news agency Sputnik said quoting sources. The Russian planes also delivered 35 tonnes of material to Venezuela, the reports added.
Duke University to pay $112 mn to settle lawsuit over fake research Duke University will pay the US government $112.5 million to settle a whistleblower lawsuit, which alleged a technician falsified research to obtain millions of dollars in government funding. The government alleged Duke knowingly submitted faked data to federal agencies in 30 grants between 2006 and 2018. The whistleblower will get $33.75 million and several research papers have been retracted.
