Warren Buffett shows flip phone, jokes Graham Bell lent it to him
World’s third richest person Warren Buffett pulled out his flip phone while talking about Apple during an interview. “Alexander Graham Bell lent it to me and I forgot to return it,” joked Buffett, whose Berkshire Hathaway owns a $47-billion Apple stake. “A fellow sent me a 10 (iPhone X) the other day, but I’m not using it yet,” he added.
Farting on colleagues is not bullying, rules Australian court
A 56-year-old engineer in Australia who accused his former supervisor of bullying him by farting in a “windowless” office and sought nearly $1.28 million in damages, has lost an appeal. The Victoria state Court of Appeal upheld a Supreme Court’s ruling that even if the man’s allegations were true, farting did not necessarily constitute bullying.
My nasal passage choked, I nearly died on Holi night: Actress Juhi Parmar
‘Kumkum’ actress and ‘Bigg Boss’ winner Juhi Parmar wrote an open letter, revealing she had a near-death experience on Holi night. She revealed she was unable to breathe after her nasal passage choked when she threw up at her best friend Aashka Goradia’s place. She added she had “conversation with god” and saw her whole life in front of her.
Rahul mistakenly says Congress will give ₹72,000 per month to poor
Addressing a public rally in Haryana, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday said, “Remember one number 72,000…this is your weapon…₹72,000 every month, ₹3,60,000 in five years directly to your bank account.” Gandhi added, “If you want to hear lies, go to Modi ji. We can’t give ₹15 lakh to all, but we can give ₹72,000 to the poor if elected.”
Australian bowlers wanted Warner banned, threatened to boycott Test
Australian bowlers Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon threatened to withdraw from the fourth Test of last year’s series against South Africa if Warner wasn’t banned, as per The Sydney Morning Herald. Warner, who was named the mastermind of the ball-tampering scandal, was eventually banned for one year. The 32-year-old had also quit Australian team’s WhatsApp group.
Spain refuses to apologise for conquering Mexico 500 years ago
Spain has rejected Mexico’s demand to apologise for human rights abuses committed during the conquest of the region 500 years ago. Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador had also urged the Pope to apologise for the crimes committed against the indigenous peoples. Rejecting Obrador’s demand, Spain called for a “constructive perspective” instead.
Nirav threatened to kill witness, tried bribing another, UK court told
During the hearing on the bail plea of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, the prosecution told Westminster Magistrates Court that the PNB scam accused sent a death threat to a witness and tried to bribe another. Opposing bail for Nirav, the prosecution added he may fly out and influence witnesses and destroy evidence. Nirav has been in jail since March 20.
Sensex gains 17.3% this financial year, highest since 2014-15
India’s benchmark index Sensex has rallied 17.3% or around 5,700 points this financial year, the highest since 2014-15. The index’s nearly 8% rally in March was the best monthly increase in three years. Foreign investors have bought equities worth a net $4.38 billion this month, the highest since March 2017, after last year’s net outflows of $4.4 billion.
India first country to have blockchain platform for coffee trade
India has become the first country in the world to have a blockchain-based marketplace app for coffee trading. Launched by the Coffee Board of India and developed by Eka Software, the platform aims to “premium-ise” coffee, add “bean-to-cup traceability” and cut the role of middlemen. Around 20 coffee farmers, exporters, roasters, importers and retailers are already registered on the platform.
She deserves it: Jayalalithaa biopic maker on Kangana’s fee
Reacting to reports about Kangana Ranaut’s fee for the upcoming biopic on former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, the film’s producer Vishnu Induri said, “Kangana deserves every bit of remuneration she’s getting.” “[T]he details [of her remuneration] can’t be disclosed,” he added. Earlier, reports suggested that the actress was being paid ₹24 crore for starring in the forthcoming biopic.
Boycott hotels owned by Brunei’s Sultan: Clooney over anti-gay laws
Hollywood actor George Clooney has called for a boycott of luxury hotels linked to the Sultan of Brunei, where homosexual acts will be punishable by stoning to death. Clooney even admitted to staying in some of them, until he found out who owned them. Out of the nine hotels, three are located in the UK and two in the US.
Present VVPAT counting method most suitable: EC to SC
The Election Commission on Friday told the Supreme Court that the present method of counting Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) is the most suitable. The court is hearing a petition filed by 21 opposition leaders to match at least 50% EVM votes with VVPATs. This comes ahead of the Lok Sabha elections which will begin from April 11.
BJP fields former Congress leader Ranjeet Singh from Madha
The BJP on Friday released its list of candidates for 11 seats for upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The party has named former Congress President of Satara district Ranjeet Singh Naik Nimbalkar, who joined BJP on Monday, as its candidate from Maharashtra’s Madha. Meanwhile, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Chief Executive Councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, will contest from Ladakh.
De Villiers 3rd overseas batsman to score 4,000 runs in IPL
Former South African international AB de Villiers has joined David Warner and Chris Gayle as only the 3rd overseas player to reach the 4,000-run mark in the Indian Premier League. De Villiers overall became the 10th batsman to achieve the feat. De Villiers, who retired from international cricket last year, has scored three hundreds and 29 fifties in IPL.
Ombudsman DK Jain to double up as BCCI’s Ethics Officer: CoA
The Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators has said that BCCI’s newly-appointed Ombudsman, Justice (Retd) DK Jain, will also be the organisation’s ad-hoc Ethics Officer till a permanent appointment takes place. The CoA had earlier requested the Supreme Court to appoint an Ethics Officer in addition to an Ombudsman for looking into the matters of Conflict of Interest.
La Liga football schools to hold training camps across India
The La Liga Football Schools will be hosting special training camps for students in eight cities in India, namely Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Kochi, Calicut, Thrissur, Pune and Surat. The camps, which have been made open to any child who wishes to join, would be using La Liga’s technical curriculum and detailed methodology.
Messi wins top three spots in vote for Barcelona’s best goal
Argentine forward Lionel Messi won the top three spots in the vote for Barcelona’s best goals. Messi’s goal against Getafe in the 2006-07 Copa del Rey semifinal was named as the top pick by the voters. The goal, which received 45% of the total votes, saw the Argentine go past four defenders followed by the goalkeeper.
Google removes anti-gay app same day it lost LGBTQ group support
Google removed a controversial app from Play Store which allegedly promoted ‘conversion therapy’ to members of LGBTQ community to change their sexual orientation and gender identity. Earlier in the day, the largest US LGBTQ group, Human Rights Campaign, suspended Google from its annual Corporate Equality Index rating. The app, Living Hope Ministries, denied promotion of conversion therapy.
After charging FB, US reviews Twitter, Google over ads bias
After Facebook was charged for alleged discrimination based on race, religion and gender in housing advertisements, US regulators said they are reviewing Twitter and Google over the same. In response, Google and Twitter said their policies prohibit targeting ads on the basis of sensitive categories. Facebook was charged by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
US startup unveils e-bike with 320-km range, 240 kmph top speed
Silicon Valley-based electric motorcycles manufacturing startup Lightning Motorcycle has unveiled its Strike electric motorcycle, which has a range of up to around 320 kilometres. Priced from $13,000 to $20,000 (up to around ₹14 lakh), the e-bike has options with 240 kmph top speed and 35-minute fast-charge time. The startup said deliveries of the e-bikes will begin from July 2019.
Next time we fly, we fly on Mars: NASA after helicopter test
After NASA’s Mars Helicopter took two test flights, project manager MiMi Aung said, “The next time we fly, we fly on Mars.” Mars has one-third of Earth’s gravity and 99% less air, which is like flying at 1,00,000 feet on Earth, Aung added. The helicopter is expected to be launched in July 2020 and reach Mars in February 2021.
BJP leader’s brother shot dead in West Bengal’s Malda
Patanu Mondol, the brother of a BJP Gram Panchayat member Utpal Mondol, was shot dead in West Bengal’s Malda on Thursday. According to the police, the assailants barged into the house of 27-year-old Patanu around midnight and shot him dead. Meanwhile, the BJP has accused TMC-backed goons of murdering Patanu but local TMC leadership has denied the allegations.
Afghanistan to send back envoy after Pak PM retracts comments
Afghanistan has said it will send back its ambassador to Pakistan after Prime Minister Imran Khan retracted his recent comments and a clarification was issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry. Afghanistan had recalled its envoy to Pakistan, accusing the country of interfering in its internal affairs after Khan suggested Afghanistan should form an interim government to facilitate US-Taliban talks.
Hardik Patel barred from fighting polls over riot case conviction
Patidar leader Hardik Patel, who recently joined Congress, won’t be able to contest Lok Sabha polls after Gujarat High Court refused to stay his conviction in a 2015 riot case. Patel had sought suspension of court order in order to contest the elections. He was sentenced to two-year jail in July 2018, however, the sentence was suspended a month later.
Sehwag was the first Test batsman to get to 300 with a six
Virender Sehwag became the first player in Test cricket to reach triple century with a six when he hit Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq for the maximum in the Multan Test on March 29, 2004. Interestingly, Sehwag got out for 319 in the Chennai Test against South Africa on March 29, 2008 to record the highest-ever Test score by an Indian.
India thrash Poland 10-0, to face South Korea in Azlan Shah final
Varun Kumar and Mandeep Singh scored twice each as India thrashed Poland 10-0 in their final group match at Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2019 today. India won four of their five group matches, while their match against South Korea ended in a draw. India, who are currently on top of the points table, will face South Korea in the final.
IIT Kharagpur, Wipro partner for research in 5G and AI
Bengaluru-based IT services major Wipro said it has partnered with IIT Kharagpur to collaborate on applied research in the areas of 5G and artificial intelligence (AI). “Research outcomes will be leveraged by Wipro to develop solutions for its customers. IIT Kharagpur will benefit from the commercialisation of the joint research insights and Wipro’s real-world industry expertise,” Wipro stated.
Huawei crosses $100 billion revenue despite US warning on security
Huawei Technologies, the biggest maker of phone network equipment, has announced that the last year’s sales surpassed $100 billion despite the US terming it as a security threat. Huawei said, “We prioritize cybersecurity and privacy protection even above our commercial targets.” Huawei’s 5G technology has been banned in the US along with Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
Sonia Dhawan not rejoining until court case is over: Paytm
A day after it was reported that former Paytm executive Sonia Dhawan was spotted in Noida office premises and had rejoined the company, Paytm has said that “no accused is joining the company till the court matter is over”. Dhawan recently got bail, after being jailed in October for alleged data theft and attempt to blackmail CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma.
38 people undergo botched surgeries in Haryana, may lose eyesight
Thirty-eight people who underwent eye surgeries at a government hospital in Haryana were admitted to Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences after they complained of severe eye pain and infection. Doctors who have been treating them said mishandled procedures and incorrect medicine caused the side-effects, adding that their condition has become so critical that they might lose their eyesight.
India questions Pak over Khalistan separatist on Kartarpur panel
India has shared concerns and sought clarifications from Pakistan over the appointment of Khalistani separatist Gopal Singh Chawla to the Kartarpur panel. Chawla was present at the groundbreaking ceremony in Kartarpur last year. India also sought clarifications from Pakistan on key proposals put forward by India during the first meeting to discuss the modalities of the Kartarpur corridor.
UN Security Council adopts resolution to combat terror funding
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Thursday adopted a resolution calling upon nations to enhance efforts to combat and criminalise financing of terrorism. The French-drafted resolution orders all countries to ensure that their domestic laws are sufficient to prosecute and penalise those responsible for directly or indirectly financing terrorist organisations or individual terrorists.
Case filed against Ameesha Patel for alleged ₹2.5-cr fraud
Filmmaker Ajay Kumar Singh filed a case against actress Ameesha Patel and her business partner for allegedly failing to repay ₹2.5 crore that he loaned to them. The filmmaker claimed Ameesha had borrowed the money to make a film, which is yet to release. Kumar further alleged Ameesha and her partner gave him a ₹3 crore cheque, which had bounced.
SC refuses to stall release of film on Ayodhya land dispute
The Supreme Court rejected a plea seeking a stay on the release of the film ‘Ram Janmabhoomi’, centred around the Ayodhya land dispute. The apex court stated that there was no connection between the film’s release and the mediation proceedings in the Ayodhya dispute. The petitioner claimed the film will lead to communal tension and derail the mediation process.
Cong used Samjhauta blast to push fake Hindu terror theory: Jaitley
After an NIA court acquitted all accused in Samjhauta Express blast case due to lack of evidence, Union Minister Arun Jaitley blamed the Congress-led previous government of floating a theory of Hindu terror instead of going “towards the real culprits.” Jaitley said, “Congress floated the fake theory of Hindu terror to gain political mileage and tarnished the entire Hindu community.”
Breakdancing among sports given provisional nod for Paris 2024
International Olympic Committee’s President Thomas Bach has said that breakdancing was among four sports given a provisional green light for inclusion in the Paris 2024 Games by the committee. The Paris Games organisers have said they want to deliver a program that will be “in keeping with the times and inspire new audiences and attract young people.”
Former Australia captain Tim Cahill ends playing career
Former Australian national football team captain Tim Cahill has announced his retirement from football at the age of 39 to focus on a career in media and coaching. Cahill, who spent 15 seasons in England playing for Millwall and Everton, ended his international career after last year’s World Cup in Russia as his country’s top scorer with 50 goals.
WhatsApp Pay stuck in beta as it doesn’t comply with norms: RBI
The RBI has said WhatsApp’s UPI-based payments service ‘WhatsApp Pay’ is still stuck in beta mode as it does not comply with data localisation norms yet. The Indian government came out with the said norms in April 2018 to store data in local servers inside the country itself. WhatsApp Pay is restricted to 10 lakh users under the beta mode.
Bengaluru interior design startup Bonito raises ₹43 crore
Bengaluru-based interior designing startup Bonito Designs has raised $6.3 million (over ₹43 crore) in a pre-Series A round of funding. The investment was led by Mumbai-based early-stage strategic investment fund Tomorrow Capital. Founded in 2012, Bonito Designs is a customised interior space creator that offers cost-effective designs for customers and caters to both luxury and budgeted houses.
ArcelorMittal offers to repay Essar coal terminals’ debt: Reports
ArcelorMittal has reportedly agreed to repay the entire debt owed by Essar Group’s Hazira and Paradip coal terminals once its acquisition of Essar Steel is completed. Gujarat’s Hazira terminal has ₹1,364-crore debt while the Paradip terminal in Odisha owes ₹484 crore. The terminals are crucial to supply coal for operations to run smoothly at Essar’s steel plant in Hazira.
Reliance Jio acquiring Haptik for ₹200 crore to make chatbot: Report
Reliance Jio is acquiring chatbot maker, Haptik, for over ₹200 crore, to build its own conversational platform on the lines of Amazon’s Alexa, as per an Inc42 report. Founded in 2013 by Aakrit Vaish and Swapan Rajdev, Mumbai-based Haptik lets users chat with their voice assistants to complete daily tasks such as online shopping, travel bookings, food delivery, among others.
India backs UN move on terror funding, criticises ‘serial offender’
India’s permanent representative to UN, Syed Akbaruddin today welcomed UNSC’s resolution to combat terror funding and called for its proper implementation. However, he claimed terrorists will be “more creative in finding ways to violate the rule book,” adding, “States which are apologists will continue to provide alibis to justify their actions and inactions, as was done by a serial offender”.
England captain Harry Kane honoured at Buckingham Palace
England football team captain and forward Harry Kane received the MBE award on Thursday for services to football after leading the English national team to the World Cup semi-final in Russia last year. “A real honour and an enormously proud day for me and my family. A massive thanks to my England teammates and coaching staff,” Kane tweeted.
Gonzalo Higuain announces Argentina retirement
Chelsea’s Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain has retired from the Argentina national team with immediate effect. The 31-year-old made 75 appearances for Argentina, scoring 31 goals. His last appearance for Argentina was in the 2-1 win over Nigeria in the 2018 World Cup. “[I]t’s what I think is the best thing for me,” Higuain said about his retirement.
1,000 railway stations in India now free WiFi enabled
RailTel Corporation of India Limited under the Ministry of Railways has completed the work of turning 1,000 railway stations across India into free WiFi zones. The Reay Raod station is the 1,000th station to get a free WiFi connection. RailTel had started the project in January 2016 from Mumbai Central station in Maharashtra.
Congress fields Urmila Matondkar from Mumbai North LS seat
The Congress on Friday fielded actress Urmila Matondkar from Mumbai North Lok Sabha constituency, two days after she joined the party. After joining the party, she had said, “I have read a lot about Gandhi ji, Nehru ji. My family followed the ideology of the Congress party.” She had also said she was “here to stay”.
Gay sex to be punishable by stoning to death in Brunei Brunei is set to impose death by stoning as a punishment for gay sex and adultery under the new sharia law which will come into effect next week, authorities said. Under the new law, the punishment will be “witnessed by a group of Muslims”. The sharia law would apply only to Muslims, who make up about two-thirds of Brunei’s population.
