RBI fines SBI ₹1 cr for not monitoring fund use by borrower
The country’s largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) has said the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has slapped a penalty of ₹1 crore on the lender. The central bank found SBI guilty of not monitoring the end use of funds of one of its borrowers. SBI, however, did not share details of the borrower and the loan amount given.
Reliance Group blames L&T Finance, Edelweiss for stock fall
Anil Ambani’s Reliance Group blamed L&T Finance and Edelweiss Group for the 55% drop in market capitalisation of group companies in four trading days. The group alleged that the sale of pledged shares by the non-bank lenders was “illegal, motivated and unwarranted”. Creditors including L&T Finance and Edelweiss sold around 31.9 crore shares of four of the group’s companies.
SBI, Oriental Bank to sell stressed accounts for ₹5,740cr
State-owned State Bank of India (SBI) and Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) have put on sale various financial accounts to recover dues of around ₹5,740 crore. SBI has invited bids from asset reconstruction companies and financial institutions to recover an outstanding of ₹4,975 crore. OBC has put up for sale 13 accounts with a collective outstanding of over ₹764 crore.
Marks & Spencer to open 6 stores in India in next 60 days
British retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) will open six more stores in India over the next two months, Managing Director James Munson has said. The company, which opened its first store in the country in 2001, signed a joint venture with Reliance Retail in 2008 to form Marks & Spencer Reliance India. It currently has 71 stores in the country.
50 students fall ill after consuming ‘prasad’ in Jharkhand
At least 50 students of a school fell ill after consuming ‘prasad’ in Jharkhand’s Lohardaga district on Sunday. The students had started vomiting after eating the ‘prasad’ at a Saraswati Puja celebration, district Civil Surgeon Vijay Kumar said. The students had suffered food poisoning and are now out of danger, Kumar added.
Sad, stunned: Priyanka Gandhi on UP, U’khand hooch incident
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday said she was “sad and stunned” by the hooch (spurious liquor) incident that has claimed over 90 lives in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. “It couldn’t have been imagined that trade of illicit liquor flourished at such…scale in the two states,” she added. “No…condemnation is enough for this heart-wrenching incident,” she further said.
Virgin Galactic donates record-making rocket motor to museum
Billionaire Richard Branson-led aerospace company Virgin Galactic has donated the hybrid motor of its SpaceShipTwo (VSS Unity) rocket to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. The motor is recognised by the Guinness World Records as the most powerful hybrid rocket to be used in manned flight. The motor had powered the SpaceShipTwo to suborbital space on December 13, 2018.
BJP offered me ₹30 cr to resign: JD(S) MLA Srinivasa Gowda
Janata Dal (Secular) MLA K Srinivasa Gowda alleged that the BJP offered him ₹30 crore to resign from the party. “BJP’s CN Ashwathnarayan, SR Vishwanath and CP Yogeshwar came to my home…and gave me ₹5 crore in advance,” he added. “I spoke to (Karnataka CM) HD Kumaraswamy [about it] and told them to take back that money,” he further said.
We will take action against Twitter on Feb 11: Anurag Thakur
BJP leader Anurag Thakur has said “appropriate action” will be taken against Twitter on February 11 after CEO Jack Dorsey and senior officials declined to appear before a parliamentary panel. The Thakur-headed panel was to discuss issue of “safeguarding citizens’ rights on social and online news media platforms.” “It can be an issue of breach of parliamentary privilege,” Thakur said.
Australia refuse to play in Pakistan, PCB announces ODIs in UAE
Australia have refused to play an ODI series in Pakistan due to security concerns and as a result the two teams will now play a five-match ODI series in the UAE. “The PCB was optimistic that it will be able to convince Cricket Australia to send its side for some matches,” PCB’s Director Cricket – International, Zakir Khan said.
Australia can win WC with Smith and Warner in team: Ponting
Australia’s World Cup-winning former captain Ricky Ponting has claimed that Australia can win the ICC World Cup 2019 if Steve Smith and David Warner return to the side ahead of the tournament. “Conditions in England will suit our style of play. I think Australia will be the one of the main contenders for sure,” Ponting added.
Nantes fans, players pay final tribute to Emiliano Sala
Nantes observed a day of mourning for late footballer Emiliano Sala. The Nantes players walked into the field dressed all in black with Sala’s name on their backs as the crowd chanted his name. Nantes, where Sala played for four seasons, has retired the number nine shirt that used to be worn by the late 28-year-old Argentine striker.
Rajasthan Royals name Shane Warne as team’s brand ambassador
Rajasthan Royals have named their former title-winning captain and coach Shane Warne as the team’s brand ambassador. Warne has led Rajasthan Royals to its first and only IPL title in 2008, was the mentor of the side last season. “I’m very happy to be back with the Royals and I’m grateful to the team and the fans,” Warne said.
CAG Mehrishi can’t audit Rafale, he was part of deal: Cong
The Congress on Sunday accused Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Rajiv Mehrishi of conflict of interest in the Rafale deal report and argued he can’t audit the deal as he was Finance Secretary between 2014-15 and a part of Rafale negotiation. The Congress has requested Mehrishi to recuse himself from auditing the deal and to accept impropriety he committed.
Hailstorm, rain expected in Delhi on Valentine’s day
Light rain accompanied by strong winds and hailstorm is expected to make a comeback from Wednesday and intensify by Thursday, making it a rain-drenched Valentine’s Day for the people of Delhi, India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. The minimum temperature is expected to rise by 3-4 degrees Celsius, it added. Rains might improve the air quality after February 14, IMD said.
Woman unable to walk after doctors perform surgery on ‘wrong’ leg
Doctors in an Odisha hospital operated on a woman’s right leg while she had visited the hospital for treatment of a wound on her left leg. The woman’s husband revealed that when he questioned the doctors about the wrong operation, they told him to not worry and operated on her left leg. The woman is now unable to walk.
Alcohol ban cannot be imposed everywhere: Sushil Modi
Bihar Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi on Sunday said prohibition on alcohol cannot work everywhere as it did in his state. Speaking on recent hooch incident in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, he said the incident was unfortunate and should not be linked with the feasibility of the idea of prohibition. He said alcohol consumption wasn’t a “taboo” in several states.
Hanif Syed, sentenced to death over 2003 Mumbai blasts, dies
Mohammad Hanif Syed, one of the three convicts sentenced to death in the 2003 Mumbai twin bomb blasts and currently lodged in the Nagpur Central Jail, has died at a hospital. Syed, his wife Fehmida and third conspirator Ashrat Ansari were convicted by a POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) court in 2009 over the blasts that left over 50 dead.
Have nothing to do with reports of Jeff Bezos’ affair: Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia said it has “nothing to do” with tabloid National Enquirer’s reporting of an extramarital relationship involving the world’s richest person, Jeff Bezos. Bezos accused the tabloid’s owner, AMI, of blackmailing him with the threat of publishing “intimate photos”. He also mentioned Saudi Arabia’s displeasure over the coverage on Jamal Khashoggi’s murder by Washington Post, owned by him.
Rahul Gandhi has ‘Rafale phobia’, says Ravi Shankar Prasad
Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Sunday took a dig at the Congress President Rahul Gandhi saying he has “Rafale phobia”. He added the kind of language Rahul was using against the Prime Minister does not suit him. Prasad further said, “Rahul Gandhi in the most irresponsible manner is playing with the security of India.”
Mayawati’s main purpose was to build own statues: Paswan
Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan on Sunday took a dig at BSP supremo Mayawati saying her main purpose in erecting statues of several Dalit icons when she was the Uttar Pradesh CM was to build her own statues. His comment came after the Supreme Court’s observation that Mayawati may have to return the money spent on the building of statues.
IndiGo cancels 32 flights on Feb 11 over shortage of pilots: Report
IndiGo has cancelled 32 flights on Monday following a shortage of pilots, a report said on Sunday. Due to a severe hailstorm in North India on February 7, 11 IndiGo flights were diverted. “As part of recovering our schedule, positioning of the crew and aircraft had to be readjusted. As a result, a number of flights were cancelled,” IndiGo said.
Get off my Instagram: Sammy to user calling Pakistanis ‘terrorists’
Ex-Windies captain Darren Sammy asked a user to get off his Instagram page after the latter called Pakistanis “terrorists” on the cricketer’s post. Sammy, who is PSL side Peshawar Zalmi’s captain, had shared a picture of himself being welcomed by Pakistanis, writing, “Nothing but love for the people of Pakistan.” The troll responded to the post, saying, “They r terrorists.”
Bollywood actor Mahesh Anand’s body was found rotting at his home
The body of Bollywood actor Mahesh Anand, who was found dead in his Mumbai flat on Saturday morning, was in a decomposed state. He is suspected to have died at least two days ago. The police have not ruled out suicide, even though no suicide note has been recovered. The actor was reportedly facing financial constraints for many years.
Defence corridors to create 3.5L jobs in UP, TN: Sitharaman
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said that the defence corridors at Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu will generate 3.5 lakh jobs at various stages of the supply chain. “Investments worth ₹3,200 crore have already been announced in the Tamil Nadu corridor,” she added. “The purpose of the corridor is to revive Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs),” she further said.
Over 100 cows die in UP villages in 2 days, probe ordered
Over 100 cows have reportedly died in villages of Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh over the last two days, officials said. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Vijay Kumar said that an inquiry has been ordered into the incident. The cows died in pastures and were suspected to have either eaten poisonous grass or consumed polluted water, he added.
₹3.5 crore in demonetised currency seized in Gujarat, 4 held
Police on Sunday recovered ₹3.5 crore in demonetised currency from a village in Bilimora, Gujarat. The police have also arrested four people in this regard and the seizure included an Accent car, 13,432 notes of ₹1,000 and 43,300 notes of old ₹500. This comes over two years after the government banned the notes in November 2016.
Unable to find job, 30-year-old man commits suicide in Delhi
A 30-year-old man allegedly committed suicide by jumping off the Mayur Vihar flyover in Delhi, police said on Sunday. Police said that they recovered a diary from his residence wherein he had written that he was frustrated over not getting a job. The man had completed his BTech from Bihar and had shifted to Delhi 2.5 months ago, police added.
Election Commission has turned into BJP office: Kejriwal
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday tweeted that the Election Commission has been converted into BJP office. This comes after the poll panel asked Delhi Police to investigate “misleading” calls claiming deletion of names from electoral rolls. The BJP on Friday met the Chief Election Commissioner and alleged that AAP had been making such phone calls.
Naidu begins day-long fast seeking special status for Andhra
Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu on Monday began a day-long fast demanding special category status for his state as well as fulfilment of promises made during bifurcation of the state. Naidu will also submit a memorandum to President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday. Leaders of various Opposition parties are expected to extend support to Naidu’s protest.
PM Modi stole from Andhra and gave it to Anil Ambani: Rahul
Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday said, “PM (Narendra Modi) has stolen from people of Andhra Pradesh and…given that money to Anil Ambani.” Expressing support for Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu’s day-long fast, Rahul added, “PM Modi…he goes to Andhra Pradesh, he lies about special status.” Naidu went on a fast on Monday demanding special category status for the state.
Aguero equals PL hat-trick record as City thrash Chelsea 6-0
Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero equalled Alan Shearer’s record of 11 Premier League hat-tricks as his side routed Chelsea 6-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Aguero, already City’s all-time leading goalscorer, also became the club’s leading scorer in the league on Sunday. With the win, Manchester City climbed back to the top of the English Premier League points table.
Army helps pregnant woman stuck in snowfall; she delivers twins later
A pregnant woman stuck in heavy snowfall delivered twin girls after the Indian Army came to her aid and took her to a hospital in Kashmir’s Bandipore. Soldiers carried her on a stretcher for two and a half kilometres on foot in waist-deep snow. She was then taken in an army ambulance to the hospital and later shifted to Srinagar.
Priyanka, Rahul Gandhi kick off mega Congress roadshow in Lucknow
Congress General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh East, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, kicked off the party’s mega roadshow in Lucknow with party President and her brother Rahul Gandhi. The approximately 20-km-long show started from Amausi airport and will end at Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee’s Nehru Bhawan office. Congress General Secretary for UP West, Jyotiraditya Scindia, is also attending the roadshow.
She doesn’t have brains: MLA caught on camera insulting woman IAS
CPI(M) MLA S Rajendran was caught insulting a sub-collector on camera after she questioned an unauthorised construction in Kerala’s Munnar. “She doesn’t have brains. Just because she is an IAS, she is trying to act smart,” he was heard saying in the video. Responding to the video, CPI(M) said it will seek an explanation from the MLA.
Been in 1 relationship, was dumped as I wanted to be actor: Kartik
Actor Kartik Aaryan has revealed he has been in one relationship and the girl dumped him because he wanted to be an actor. He said this during his appearance on ‘Koffee With Karan’. The actor further revealed that he used to live in a two-bedroom apartment with eleven boys during his struggling days in Mumbai.
AR Rahman attends Grammy Awards with daughter, shares pics
Singer-composer AR Rahman attended the 61st Annual Grammy Awards, held today, with his daughter Raheema. He shared several posts from the award ceremony, including a tribute to Dolly Parton and a video of Lady Gaga’s performance. Notably, Rahman won two Grammy awards in 2010 for his work in ‘Slumdog Millionaire’.
‘This Is America’ 1st rap track to win Song Of The Year at Grammys
Childish Gambino’s ‘This Is America’ won Song Of The Year award at Grammy Awards, becoming the first rap track in the history of the Grammys to get the award. It won over nominations including Black Panther’s single ‘All The Stars’ and Drake’s ‘God’s Plan’. ‘This Is America’ also won Record Of The Year, Best Music Video and Best Rap/Sung Performance.
Ariana Grande wins her 1st Grammy after boycotting the 2019 Awards
Singer Ariana Grande, who boycotted this year’s Grammy Awards, won her first Grammy in the Best Pop Vocal Album category for ‘Sweetener’. Grande was supposed to perform at the Grammys but pulled out, saying she won’t attend over a disagreement with Grammy producers over her set list. She beat artistes including Camila Cabello and Taylor Swift to win the award.
Drake’s ‘God’s Plan’ wins Best Rap Song at Grammy Awards 2019
Drake’s ‘God’s Plan’ was named the Best Rap Song at Grammy Awards 2019. Other songs nominated in the category included ‘King’s Dead’ by Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Future and James Blake and ‘Lucky You’ by Eminem ft Joyner Lucas. Kacey Musgraves’ ‘Golden Hour’ won Album Of The Year and Childish Gambino’s ‘This Is America’ was named Record Of The Year.
Who won what at the 2019 Grammy Awards held today?
Kacey Musgraves’ ‘Golden Hour’ was named Album Of The Year and Childish Gambino’s ‘This Is America’ won Record Of The Year as well as Song Of The Year at 2019 Grammy Awards. The award for Best New Artist went to Dua Lipa. Meanwhile, Drake’s ‘God’s Plan’ won Best Rap Song and Cardi B’s ‘Invasion of Privacy’ won Best Rap Album.
Acting US Defence Secretary makes unannounced visit to Afghanistan
Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan made an unannounced visit to Afghanistan on Monday to meet US commanders and Afghan leaders amid a push for peace with the Taliban. He said it was important the Afghan government is involved in the peace talks. Shanahan added he has not received any direction to reduce the nearly 14,000 US troops in Afghanistan.
Indonesia police use snake to scare suspected thief, apologise later
Indonesian police have acknowledged officers scared a suspected thief with a snake after a video of the incident circulated online showing the man screaming in fear while the officers laughed. The police later apologised but also attempted to justify the officers’ actions by saying the snake was not venomous and that they hadn’t resorted to beating the man.
I will thrash those who talk about caste: Nitin Gadkari
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Sunday said, “I’ve warned everybody that if someone talks about caste, I will thrash him.” “We do not believe in any casteism… There’s no place for casteism in our five districts,” he added. He further said that society should be based on economic as well as social equality and unity.
TN govt announces ₹2,000 special assistance to BPL families
The Tamil Nadu government on Monday announced special assistance of ₹2,000 to each of nearly 60 lakh Below Poverty Line (BPL) families in the state. “Considering the impact of Gaja cyclone in many districts as well as the drought, the special assistance was being provided,” CM EK Palaniswami said. A total of ₹1,200 crore will be allocated for the same.
India will be world’s 2nd largest economy by 2030: PM Modi
PM Narendra Modi on Monday said India would continue to be the fastest-growing large economy and could be the world’s second-largest economy by 2030. The IMF and World Bank project the same trend to continue in coming years, he added. “In an uncertain global economic environment, India has shown tremendous resilience as an anchor of world economy,” he further said.
Jet cancels over 10 flights over operational issues: Reports
Jet Airways on Sunday cancelled reportedly more than 10 flights due to operational reasons. Affected guests have been re-accommodated while those seeking refunds have been compensated as per appropriate guidelines, Jet Airways said. This comes after the cash-strapped airline had last week said four of its aircraft have been grounded due to non-payment of lease rentals.
Ex-US First Lady Michelle Obama makes surprise appearance at Grammys
Former US First Lady Michelle Obama made a surprise appearance during the opening address at the 61st Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday and was met with a standing ovation. “Music helps us share ourselves, our dignity and sorrows, our hopes and joys…It allows us to hear one another, to invite each other in,” she said.
Thailand Election Commission disqualifies Princess as PM candidate
Thailand’s Election Commission has disqualified Princess Ubolratana, the sister of King Maha Vajiralongkorn from running for Prime Minister. The Election Commission released official list of parties’ candidates for PM without the name of the Princess, saying that royalty should be “above politics”. The King had said it’s “inappropriate” for members of the royal family to enter politics.
Thailand to free refugee footballer detained during his honeymoon
Refugee footballer Hakeem al-Araibi will be freed by Thailand and return to Australia after his home country Bahrain withdrew its extradition request. Hakeem, who fled to Australia in 2014 and was granted a refugee status in 2017, was arrested in Bangkok on November 27, 2018 when he arrived for honeymoon. He was accused of vandalising a police station in Bahrain.
2-week-old Yemeni conjoined twins die without treatment abroad
Two-week-old conjoined twin boys who were in urgent need of treatment abroad have died in Yemen, which has been hit by a civil war that has killed over 10,000 since it began in 2015. The airport in Houthi-controlled Sanaa, where the twins were being treated, has been closed to civilian flights because the Saudi-led coalition has control over Yemeni airspace.
We can’t wait forever to play vs India: Pakistan Cricket Board MD
Pakistan Cricket Board Managing Director Wasim Khan has said they can’t wait forever to play against India. “We keep on asking [India] to play us but let’s create a situation where they ask us to play,” he added. Adding it’s sad that they are not playing against India, Khan said, “Life continues. We need to move forward and carry on.”
