World’s largest bee feared extinct for 38 years found in Indonesia
North American and Australian biologists have spotted a single female Megachile pluto, or ‘Wallace’s giant bee’, the world’s largest bee feared extinct for 38 years, in Indonesia. “It was absolutely breathtaking to see this ‘flying bulldog’,” photographer Clay Bolt said. First collected by British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace in 1858, the bee was considered extinct until rediscovery in 1981.
Photographer makes Moon image using 50,000 individual shots
California-based photographer Andrew McCarthy has created an 81-megapixel image of the Moon using about 50,000 individual shots. McCarthy said the illuminated part of the Moon’s image was processed using 25 ’tiles’, each being a stack of the best 50% of 2,000 images captured, that were stitched together using Photoshop. The Moon’s dark part was made using around 13 tiles.
Musk tweets wrong 2019 Tesla production figures, clarifies
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has added a clarification to his tweet estimating 2019 car production, saying he meant to post the production rate and not numbers. Musk had tweeted, “Tesla made 0 cars in 2011, but will make around 500k in 2019.” Musk revealed delivery estimates are still around 4 lakh, while production rate may hike to 10,000 per week.
Paytm Money appoints ex-Amazon exec Suresh Vasudevan as CTO
Paytm Money, the wealth management arm of fintech startup Paytm, has appointed Suresh Vasudevan as its Chief Technology Officer (CTO). “Suresh will also be working on building Data Science and AI capabilities,” Paytm Money said. Vasudevan had been Amazon’s Engineering Head for Alexa Catalog Operations since 2016, before being hired as Engineering Vice President for Paytm Mall in 2018.
K’taka BJP in Opp’n due to unholy Cong-JD(S) alliance: Shah
Addressing an event in Karnataka, BJP President Amit Shah has said the party is sitting in Opposition due to ‘unholy’ Congress-JD(S) alliance in the state. He added there’s “2.5 Chief Ministers’ rule” in Karnataka as HD Kumaraswamy calls himself a “clerk CM”, Siddaramaiah is “super CM” and G Parameshwara is “half CM”. He also paid tribute to Pulwama attack martyrs.
Lalu Prasad Yadav moves SC seeking bail in fodder scam cases
Citing ill-health, ex-Bihar CM Lalu Prasad Yadav has moved the Supreme Court seeking bail in three fodder scam cases. The bail application challenges the order of the Jharkhand High Court rejecting Yadav’s bail petition. The fodder scam is related to fraudulent withdrawal of government funds from various districts’ treasuries of undivided Bihar in the 1990s when Yadav was the CM.
Pak must be very happy listening Congress’ pressers: Prasad
Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has criticised the Congress’ remark that PM Narendra Modi was “busy shooting a movie” even after learning about the Pulwama attack, saying, “Pakistan must be happy today after listening to Congress’ pressers.” He added that the Congress’ style may be different but the party’s content bears “striking resemblance” with that of Pakistan PM Imran Khan.
India safe under PM Modi’s leadership: Ravi Shankar Prasad
Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday said that the country is safe under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership. His comment came after the Congress alleged that PM Modi was busy “shooting for a movie” even after learning about the Pulwama terror attack on February 14. Prasad also criticised the Congress for not supporting the government in this hour of difficulty.
We are only giving warnings since Pathankot, Uri: Shiv Sena
In an editorial in Shiv Sena mouthpiece ‘Saamana’, the party questioned the Centre’s response against the Pulwama terror attack and said, “We are only giving warnings since Pathankot, Uri and now Pulwama [attacks].” The Sena added there are only rhetorics of teaching Pakistan a lesson. It further said that the Centre should take action against Pakistan first and speak later.
Our finances very stable, not interested in Rafale offsets: HAL
Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) on Thursday said its financial condition is “very stable” and its “reserves and surpluses are very good at this point”. CMD R Madhavan said the state-owned defence company is not interested in offsets for the Rafale deal. “The Rafale thing has been going on for a while now, and that has not affected our morale,” Madhavan added.
Reliance Capital offers its 43% stake in mutual fund biz to partner
Anil Ambani-led Reliance Capital on Thursday said it has invited joint venture partner Nippon Life Insurance to buy its entire 42.88% stake in Reliance Nippon Life Asset Management (RNAM). Japan’s Nippon Life already holds a 42.88% stake in RNAM, India’s first listed mutual fund company. RNAM shares surged 20% on Thursday, taking the company’s market value to nearly ₹11,500 crore.
Kim Kardashian sues Fashion Company for using her name and image
American celebrity Kim Kardashian West sued fashion company Missguided USA seeking damages in excess of $10 million for allegedly using her name and image without permission for their designs. She shared instances where the company posted its versions of the outfits she was photographed wearing. “It’s devastating to see these companies rip off true designers’ designs,” Kim had earlier said.
Ready for another Cuban Missile Crisis if you want: Putin to US
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he’s ready for another Cuban Missile-style crisis if the US wants one. The US and Russia came close to nuclear war during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Putin’s statement comes amid tensions between the two countries over the termination of the INF treaty, which banned them from stationing land-based nuclear missiles in Europe.
CBI probe into alleged irregularities in appointments by UPPSC begins
The CBI has begun its probe into the alleged irregularities and misconduct involving unknown officials of the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) in the 2010 examination for the posts of additional private secretary. Some of the selected candidates were close relatives of the then UPPSC officials, reports said. The Centre had ordered for CBI probe in January this year.
Zebras got stripes to avoid flies, study involving horses suggests
A study involving horses, zebras, and horses camouflaged with stripes has suggested zebras evolved with black and white patterns in response to biting flies. While horseflies circled the animals at similar rates, they landed on the skin at a lower rate for zebras. The stripes possibly confuse flies and deter them from landing due to their low-resolution vision, scientists said.
Virgin Atlantic flight reaches 1,289 kmph; sets speed record
A Virgin Atlantic plane reached a record ground speed of 1,289 kmph during a Los Angeles-London flight on Monday due to rapid air currents. However, the Boeing 787-9 plane failed to break the sound barrier (1234 kmph) as its airspeed was less than the speed of sound. In 2018, a Norwegian Air flight broke records by peaking at 1248 kmph.
Supreme Court appoints Lt General Ravi Thodge as 3rd member of CoA
The Supreme Court today appointed Indian Army’s former Master-General of Ordnance (MGO), Lt General Ravi Thodge as the third member of the Vinod Rai-led Committee of Administrators, which is overseeing BCCI’s affairs. CoA initially had four members but after the resignation of historian Ramachandra Guha and National Stock Exchange CEO Vikram Limaye, only two members were left in CoA.
SC asks CoA’s Rai and Edulji to not go public over differences
The Supreme Court today pulled up CoA members Vinod Rai and Diana Edulji for their public stand-offs. “We’ve heard in newspaper reports that some sparring is going on between CoA members…Nobody should bring it in the public domain,” the bench comprising Justices SA Bobde and AM Sapre said. The court added a third member will be added to the CoA.
BCCI reserves right regarding participation in World Cup: Treasurer
BCCI Treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry has said that the BCCI hasn’t signed the Members Participation Agreement (MPA) yet and that gave the board the right to decide on whether India will play against Pakistan in the World Cup. “BCCI reserves all its rights…regarding its participation in any other multi-nation tournament or games not covered by the MPA,” he added.
Listened to Imran on retirement, hope he listens to me now: Gavaskar
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has asked Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to hand over those responsible for terror attacks and stop cross-border infiltration. “If Imran takes those [first friendly steps], you will see the steps India will take,” he said. “I listened to him when he told me not to retire, I hope he listens to me,” he added.
Play against Pakistan in World Cup and defeat them: Sunil Gavaskar
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has said that India can try to keep Pakistan out of the 2019 World Cup but it will not happen. “Other countries will not agree. If we don’t play them in World Cup, we are the losers. Play them and defeat them is the best way,” he added.
Ex-Army Gen who oversaw surgical strike heads Cong panel on security
Days after the Pulwama attack, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday announced to set up a Task Force on National Security to prepare a vision paper for the country. Lt General (retired) DS Hooda, who was the Northern Army Commander during September 2016 surgical strike, will lead the task force. The experts will chalk out strategies to guard the border.
India have the right to pull out of World Cup match vs Pak: Akhtar
Ex-Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has said India have the right to pull out of 2019 World Cup match against Pakistan scheduled to take place on June 16. “Their country was attacked…You cannot argue on that,” he added. “We strongly condemn…loss of lives. But…we’ll stand by our Prime Minister Imran Khan’s statement without having a second thought,” he further said.
US actor arrested for staging racial attack on himself
American drama series ‘Empire’ actor Jussie Smollett was arrested on Thursday after he allegedly faked a homophobic, racist attack. The 36-year-old actor, who is gay, claimed that he was physically assaulted by two apparent supporters of US President Donald Trump, who shouted homophobic and racist slurs at him. Police suspect Smollett paid two Nigerian brothers to stage the attack.
Pilot writes ‘I’m bored’ in the sky during test flight
A pilot in Australia wrote “I’m bored” in the sky during a test flight, which was only visible to those watching live flight tracking programs and websites. The pilot was assigned to test a new engine by flying at a particular power setting for two hours to bring the plane on board as an instructional aircraft, according to reports.
Pak bans Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud-Dawa
Days after the Pulwama terror attack, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday reinstated the ban on 2008 Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed-led organisation Jamaat-ud-Dawa and its charity wing Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation. The decision was taken at the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting at the Pakistan PM’s office. Earlier, the two outfits were kept on the watchlist of Pakistan’s Interior Ministry.
Teen in confrontation video sues Washington Post for $250 million
The family of Nicholas Sandmann, the teen captured in a standoff with a Native American elder in a video that went viral in January, has sued The Washington Post for $250 million for defamation. The lawsuit claims the newspaper “wrongfully targeted and bullied” the 16-year-old boy and published stories with a “false and defamatory” gist about the encounter.
Uddhav meets Fadnavis over reservation for Dhangar community
Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday met Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis over reservation for Dhangar community in the state. After the state government approved reservation for the Maratha community in government jobs and education, the Dhangar community also raised demands for reservation in jobs and education. Earlier, the community also agitated in various parts of the state.
1,018 infants died at Adani-run hospital in 5 yrs: Gujarat govt
The Gujarat government has said 1,018 infants died in the last five years at the Adani Foundation-run GK General Hospital in Kutch. A state government committee formed in May 2018 following deaths of 111 infants said the treatment by the hospital was according to “set protocols”. A total of 159 children have died in the hospital in 2018-19 so far.
ESA images reveal signs of ancient flowing water on Mars
The European Space Agency (ESA), using images obtained from its Mars Express satellite, has uncovered signs of ancient flowing water on Mars. A branching, dried out system of trenches and valleys hints at a warmer, wetter past for the Red Planet, ESA said. “This kind of ‘dendritic’ structure is also seen in drainage systems on Earth,” the agency added.
Telangana CM KCR to present the state’s budget himself
After Telangana Cabinet on Thursday approved the Vote-on-Account budget for the year 2019-20, CM K Chandrashekar Rao will be presenting the budget in the State Legislative Assembly on February 22. The Cabinet also approved the supplementary grant demands for the 2018-19 financial year. The Vote-on-Account budget will be presented both in the Legislative Assembly and Council on Friday.
I want 5G, even 6G tech in the US as soon as possible: Trump
US President Donald Trump on Thursday tweeted, “I want 5G, and even 6G, technology in the United States as soon as possible.” He added, “I want the United States to win through competition, not by blocking out…more advanced technologies.” Last year, the US reportedly warned its allies of perceived cybersecurity risks from using Huawei-made components to build their 5G infrastructure.
Ex-Apple lawyer charged for insider trading gets $500k bail
Former Apple lawyer Gene Levoff was released on a $500,000 bail bond after pleading not guilty to insider trading charges. The bond was reportedly set at a level which reflected Levoff’s flight risk. Apple had hired Levoff in 2008 as Director of Corporate Law to check insider trading and had fired him in 2018 over the charges.
J&K police chargesheets man held in 2016 for sheltering terrorists
Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday filed a chargesheet in a local court against a man for allegedly harbouring two terrorists in a residential house of Sopore town in Baramulla district. Abdul Wadood Lone was arrested in June 2016 for the same. This comes after a 20-year-old local attacked a CRPF bus in Pulwama wherein 40 jawans were martyred.
Mukesh Ambani meets Saudi Crown Prince during his India visit
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman met with India’s richest man and Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani on Wednesday during his India visit. They reviewed “promising investment opportunities” in their meeting, the Saudi Press Agency said. The kingdom’s state-owned oil company Saudi Aramco said that it’s in talks with Reliance Industries for possible investments in India.
SC blames Reliance Jio for RCom spectrum sale failure
The Supreme Court has blamed Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio for the failure of spectrum sale of Anil Ambani’s Reliance Communications (RCom). The court said the deal fell through because Jio refused to pick up RCom’s past dues and not because the telecom department refused to give its ‘No Objection Certificate’. RCom recently approached the bankruptcy court for debt resolution.
Taiwan proposes Asia’s first same-sex marriage law
Taiwan has proposed Asia’s first same-sex marriage law, with the draft law unveiled by the cabinet on Thursday. The proposed law gives same-sex couples similar legal protections for marriage as heterosexuals. Voters in Taiwan opposed marriage equality in a series of referendums last year, opting to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
PM Modi can trace 3 kg of beef but not 350 kg of RDX: Cong leader
In the wake of Pulwama terror attack, Congress leader Haroon Yusuf on Thursday said, “PM Narendra Modi can trace 3 kg of beef but cannot trace 350 kg of RDX.” BJP MP Subramanian Swamy responded to the remark by saying, “They are saying all these things out of desperation”.
Juventus’ Ronaldo mocks Atlético Madrid after losing to them in CL
Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo angrily mocked Atlético Madrid after the Spanish side defeated the Italian side 2-0 in Champions League Round of 16 first leg at Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on Wednesday. Ronaldo displayed a five-finger gesture to media to imply he has won five Champions League trophies and then said that Atlético have won zero.
I hope I can live up to expectations: CoA’s Lt General Ravi Thodge
Lieutenant General Ravi Thodge, who has been appointed as the third member of CoA, which is overseeing BCCI’s affairs, said he’s looking forward to his maiden stint in sports administration. “I hope I can live up to whatever is expected of me,” he added. “I’m absolutely honoured…I’ve been given this opportunity by the honourable Supreme Court,” he further said.
Breakdancing proposed as new sport for Paris 2024 Olympic Games
The organisers of Paris 2024 Olympics have proposed that breakdancing should be included as a new sport in the Games. Skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing, which will all make their debut in 2020 Tokyo Olympics, have also been invited to return for the Paris Games. Breakdancing was included in the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires in 2018.
Day after getting all out for 24, Oman beat Scotland by 93 runs
Oman defeated Scotland by 93 runs in the second match of the three-match 50-over series on Wednesday, just a day after getting all out for 24 and being thrashed by 10 wickets in the first match. Oman posted 248/8 in the second match and dismissed Scotland for 155 in 40 overs. The series decider will take place on Friday.
Olympic quotas withdrawn from Delhi WC as Pak shooters denied visas
International Olympic Committee (IOC) today decided to scrap all 16 quota places for 2020 Tokyo Olympics which were on offer at Shooting World Cup in New Delhi. This comes after Pakistani shooters were denied visas by the Indian High Commission following the Pulwama terror attack. Pakistan had urged International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) to withdraw Olympic quota places on offer.
Pakistan not involved in Pulwama incident: Pak’s top security body
Pakistan’s top security body National Security Committee (Pakistan) said the country was “not involved in any way” in the Pulwama “incident” which was “conceived, planned and executed indigenously”. NSC Chairman and Pakistan PM Imran Khan asked Pakistan Army to “respond decisively” to any “Indian aggression”. Pakistan’s security situation in the wake of Pulwama attack was discussed at the NSC meeting.
Pakistan issues advisory to PoK villagers to build bunkers
Pakistan Occupied Kashmir’s (PoK) Disaster Management Authority has issued an advisory for the villagers residing near the Line of Control (LoC) to build bunkers amid the tension with India following the Pulwama terror attack. The residents have also been advised to avoid being in groups at a particular place and take precautions like using safe routes while commuting.
BCCI planning to request ICC to ban Pakistan from 2019 World Cup
The BCCI has prepared a draft letter asking ICC to ban Pakistan from the 2019 World Cup following the Pulwama attack, in which 40 CRPF jawans were martyred. The draft will be discussed at a top-level meeting on Friday. “We’ll take opinion from External Affairs Ministry, Sports Ministry and Home Ministry…and then take a call,” CoA member Diana Edulji said.
Not a new decision: ADG Water Resources on water sharing with Pak
Responding to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s statement of government’s decision to ‘stop our share of water which used to flow to Pakistan’, Neeta Prasad, ADG of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, said, “This is not a new decision.” “He is simply reiterating what he has always said,” she added.
Was on the bus attacked, changed my bus on the way: Pulwama survivor
Surender Yadav, a 28-year-old constable from Uttar Pradesh, was supposed to be on the bus attacked in Pulwama claiming 40 CRPF jawans’ lives. Over 190 kilometres from Jammu, the convoy halted and a friend asked him to join him on his bus, ten vehicles behind the bus that was attacked. “Everyone assumed I had died. My family panicked,” said Yadav.
