BJP will lose LS polls if India goes to war with Pak: Farooq
Accusing BJP of divisive politics, National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said that BJP will lose the upcoming Lok Sabha elections if India goes to war with Pakistan. If a war takes place this time, the matter will directly go to the UN Security Council, he added. He further said that wars can never be a solution.
We’ll be collecting user location data: Leaked FB emails
Leaked confidential emails of Facebook officials show they discussed actively tracking Android users to increase advertising revenue, The Guardian reported. “We’ll be collecting users’ location data…that will allow us to roll out location-aware ‘feature phone’ products in future,” an executive wrote. They reportedly also contained past efforts to “curry favour with politicians around the world”.
Want to isolate Pak with other nations’ consensus: New CoA member
Lt. Gen. Ravi Thodge, the new member of CoA, said, “We want to isolate Pakistan by getting a consensus among the other ICC member nations not to continue cricketing ties as long as they are harbouring terrorism.” “We have to convince 15-16 other member nations but we are keen on doing this,” Thodge said about the plan to isolate Pakistan.
Sourav Ganguly just wants to gain attention: Javed Miandad
Reacting to former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly’s comments about cutting ties with Pakistan following the Pulwama attack, former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad said, “It is just a publicity stunt to gain the attention of his country mates.” “I think Sourav wants to run for elections in the coming days or wants to become the [C]hief [M]inister,” Miandad added about Ganguly.
Messi scores hat-trick as Barcelona beat Sevilla 4-2
Barcelona twice came from behind against Sevilla owing to goals from Lionel Messi, who then completed his hat-trick with Barcelona’s third goal. Messi has now scored 36 goals in 35 matches against Sevilla. With the win over Sevilla, Barcelona have now gone 10 points clear at the top of the La Liga points table.
Punjab issues helpline number for Kashmiris in distress
Amid reports of Kashmiris facing harassment following Pulwama attack, Punjab Police has set up helpline number, 181, to deal with complaints lodged by Kashmiris in the state. The toll-free number will ensure prompt response for Kashmiris facing any harassment or trouble in the state, an official statement read. The victims can also send an SMS or WhatsApp message on 76961-81181.
Leaders of Pak shouldn’t worry about Indian Muslims: Owaisi
AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday said, “Leaders of Pakistan should not worry about Indian Muslims.” He added that India presents a wonderful blend of religions and this character of India will be preserved. Talking about the Pulwama attack, he further said that PM Narendra Modi will “have to explain how 200 kgs of RDX came to India”.
Heart will always be heavy: Janhvi on mom’s 1st death anniversary
On her late mother and actress Sridevi’s first death anniversary on Sunday, actress Janhvi Kapoor took to her Instagram and wrote, “My heart will always be heavy. But I’ll always be smiling because it has you in it.” Sridevi passed away due to accidental drowning at the age of 54 while she was in Dubai to attend a family wedding.
Even at 88, prospect of buying a firm raises my heart rate: Buffett
Billionaire Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett has said he is hoping for an “elephant-sized” acquisition but the “prices are sky-high for businesses possessing decent long-term prospects”. Even at 88, the prospect of such a deal “causes my heart…to beat faster”, Buffett added. He said his inability to find a company to buy will lead to more stock buying in 2019.
Banks considering ₹500 crore interim funding to Jet Airways: PNB
An SBI-led consortium is considering interim funding of ₹500 crore for Jet Airways but a final decision is yet to be taken, PNB MD Sunil Mehta said. He added that banks are looking at long term resolution of Jet’s issues for which the “plan is already in place for discussions”. Shareholders of the airline on Friday approved banks’ bailout plan.
CBI team beaten up, held hostage while probing land scam in UP
A team of CBI officers was beaten up and held hostage by family members of another CBI officer who had been suspended over his alleged involvement in a land scam. The team had gone to arrest the suspended officer in Greater Noida on Saturday. CBI officers were later rescued by the local police and taken to a hospital for treatment.
All 7 girls missing from Patna shelter home found in Darbhanga
All the seven girls who went missing from a shelter home in Patna were found in the different parts of Darbhanga town, Bihar Police said on Saturday. After fleeing from the shelter home, the girls had boarded a train to Darbhanga. Out of the seven girls, five are witnesses of the Muzaffarpur shelter home sexual exploitation case.
CM Mamata victimised me for 10 yrs: Ex-IPS officer in suicide note
Gaurav Dutt, a retired 1986-batch West Bengal cadre IPS officer, allegedly committed suicide earlier this week. “CM Mamata Banerjee refuses to close my 2 pending proceeding cases…has victimised me for 10 years…demoralised me due to her single-minded vendetta,” his suicide letter read. In 2010, Dutt was sent on compulsory leave following allegations of sexually abusing a male constable.
Goa CM Parrikar hospitalised, to be under observation for 48 hours
Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has been hospitalised at Goa Medical College and will undergo upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. According to Goa Chief Minister’s Office, 63-year-old Parrikar, who is suffering from a pancreatic ailment, will remain under observation for around 48 hours. His health condition continues to be stable, a statement added.
Asian snooker event in B’luru scrapped as Pak players denied visas
An Asian snooker meet, which was to be held in Bengaluru next month, has been called off after India refused visas to six Pakistani and Pakistan-origin players. “It was a decision taken by Asian Confederation of Billiard Sports board,” an Indian official said. Earlier this week, a three-member Pakistani team was denied visas to compete in the shooting World Cup.
Boycotting Pak match would be like shooting ourselves: CoA chief
CoA chief Vinod Rai has said boycotting World Cup match against Pakistan would be like “shooting ourselves in the foot”. “We should seek Pakistan’s ouster…and remove them from the cricketing committee.” “Make it a cricket apartheid for Pakistan on the terror issue,” he further said, referring to South Africa’s international boycott from 1970 to 1992 over its apartheid policies.
Kohli urges World Cup-bound to not pick up ‘bad habits’ during IPL
India captain Virat Kohli warned the World Cup-bound squad to not drift away from “one-day mould of things” during the upcoming IPL. “We’ll have to be very wary of…bad habits that might creep in during IPL,” he added. He further said that if players lose momentum, it will be very difficult to get it back in World Cup.
Sachin wants 2 points against Pakistan, I want World Cup: Ganguly
After Sachin Tendulkar said he would hate if India gives Pakistan two points by not playing them in World Cup, ex-India captain Sourav Ganguly said, “Sachin wants two points, I want the World Cup.” Earlier, Ganguly had said that India should not have any ties with Pakistan. Several former cricketers have called for India-Pakistan World Cup match to be boycotted.
No chance of nuclear war between India & Pak: Ex-Pak Prez Musharraf
In the wake of Pulwama attack, former Pakistan President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf ruled out the chances of a nuclear war. “It’s ridiculous to even say that there will be use of an atom bomb,” he said. “If Pakistan uses one bomb, India will use 20 bombs so Pakistan may have to use 50 – this is disastrous,” he added.
Case filed against Sonakshi for taking ₹37 lakh, not attending event
An event organiser has filed a case against actress Sonakshi Sinha for not attending an event despite taking ₹37 lakh. The event organiser claimed to have spent ₹9 lakh on the actress’ accommodation and travel. “I tried convincing her…and even told her that I’ll incur huge losses…but she refused to perform,” the event organiser said.
SEBI orders seizure of ₹1 crore from promoters of ADF Foods
Markets regulator SEBI has ordered seizure of alleged illegal gains worth ₹1.02 crore from ADF Foods’ promoters Bhavesh and Priyanka Thakkar and four others in an insider trading case. SEBI found “insider” entities had access to unpublished price sensitive information regarding the firm’s buyback of shares. The entities can file replies within 21 days of receiving the order, SEBI said.
Maha govt hikes bonus for paddy farmers to ₹500 per quintal
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday increased the bonus for paddy cultivation from ₹200 to ₹500 per quintal. He added that unlike previous governments, the BJP-led government gave the bonus every year, irrespective of polls. Fadnavis also waived annual lease for fishing in ponds up to 500 hectares of area.
Next Mann Ki Baat in May after Lok Sabha elections: PM Modi
Addressing his last Mann Ki Baat session in his present term, PM Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the next broadcast will be in May. “For next two months we will all be busy with the elections,” he added. He further said that the “feelings and emotions” of these months will be shared after the elections in Mann Ki Baat.
3 Maoists killed in an encounter in Jharkhand
At least three Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jharkhand’s Gumla district on Sunday. The security personnel also seized two AK-47 rifles, two .315mm rifles and a pistol from the encounter site. The special operation was carried out by Jharkhand police and 209 CoBRA battalion of CRPF, police said.
Parrikar’s condition stable, under observation: Goa CMO
Goa CM Manohar Parrikar’s health condition is stable and he is under the observation of doctors, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said on Sunday. Parrikar, who is suffering from a pancreatic ailment was admitted to the Goa Medical College and Hospital on Saturday for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. “Doctors will decide when he will be discharged,” an official added.
Telangana CM to induct two women ministers into cabinet
Telangana CM K Chandrashekar Rao on Saturday announced that he would induct two women ministers into his cabinet. We won the Assembly polls due to support from women, so we won’t ignore them at any cost, he further said. This comes after Opposition parties and women’s groups criticised Rao for not inducting a single woman into his cabinet.
PM-Kisan scheme is ‘bribe for votes’, says Chidambaram
Congress leader P Chidambaram on Sunday termed Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme as a “bribe for votes”. “The greater shame is that the Election Commission is unable to stop the ‘Bribe for Votes’,” he added. Under the scheme, ₹6,000 per year will be given in three instalments to around 12 crore farmers holding up to two hectares of land.
Shameful that a beef-eater defeated BJP in MP: BJP Gen Sec
BJP General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya on Saturday said that it was shameful for BJP workers that it was defeated by a beef-eater in Madhya Pradesh. He said this in reference to the defeat of SN Singh against Congress’ Arif Masood in the recent Assembly polls. Vijayvargiya added that it’s surprising that a nationalist government that stopped cow slaughter was defeated.
Ishan Kishan 2nd Indian to hit two consecutive tons in T20s
Jharkhand’s wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan became only the second Indian batsman after Unmukt Chand to score two consecutive tons in T20s after reaching the landmark for his state’s team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2019. He registered an unbeaten 55-ball 100 versus Jammu and Kashmir and has now followed it up with an unbeaten 62-ball 113 against Manipur.
Siddhant Chaturvedi to play lead role in Farhan’s film: Report
Actor Siddhant Chaturvedi, who played the role of ‘MC Sher’ in Zoya Akhtar’s latest directorial ‘Gully Boy’, will next star in Farhan Akhtar’s film and play the lead role, as per reports. The project will reportedly be produced by Farhan and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment. Siddhant recently received a handwritten note from Amitabh Bachchan who praised him for his performance.
Kim said he doesn’t want his kids to bear burden of nukes: Report
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un told US State Secretary Mike Pompeo he didn’t want his children to live with the burden of nuclear weapons, according to a report quoting a former CIA officer. Kim, who also expressed his desire to improve ties with US as a way to build confidence between the two countries, made the comments in April 2018.
Record number of civilians killed in Afghanistan conflict in 2018: UN
A record number of Afghan civilians were killed last year due to stepped up aerial attacks by US-led forces and more suicide bombings, according to the UN. The conflict claimed 3,804 civilian lives, an 11% spike in deaths as compared to 2017. “The best way to halt the killings of civilians is to stop the fighting,” the UN said.
Kim Jong-un leaves by train for summit with Trump in Vietnam
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un left by train on Saturday for his second summit with US President Donald Trump scheduled to be held on February 27-28 in Vietnam’s capital Hanoi, North Korea’s official KCNA news agency said. Kim is accompanied by senior North Korean officials. The North Korean leader’s sister Kim Yo-jong is also travelling with him.
Saudi Arabia appoints its 1st female ambassador to United States
Saudi Arabia has named Princess Reema bint Bandar as its first female ambassador to the United States. Bandar, the daughter of a former long-time ambassador to the US, replaced Prince Khalid bin Salman, the younger brother of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. She has been a leading advocate of female empowerment in the kingdom.
India’s fastest train hit by stones; windows, driver’s screen damaged
The main driver’s screen and windows of at least six coaches of India’s fastest train, Vande Bharat Express, were damaged when it was hit by stones during its Varanasi-New Delhi journey on Saturday. An official said the ballast came flying towards the train near Uttar Pradesh’s Achalda when the Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express, crossing on the adjoining line, ran over cattle.
Volunteers save around 25 cars from fire at Aero India parking lot
A group of volunteers managed to push around 25 cars away from the fire at Aero India 2019 show’s parking lot at Yelahanka Air Force Station near Bengaluru on Saturday. A taxi driver revealed that they broke open the windows and disengaged handbrakes before moving the cars to safety. As many as 300 cars were destroyed due to the fire.
India portraying legitimate Kashmiri struggle as terrorism: Pak to UN
Accusing India of defaming it over Pulwama attack, Pakistan in a letter told the UN that India was trying to “portray the legitimate Kashmiri struggle for self-determination as terrorism”. Pakistan said India was defaming it based on a suspect video, referring to the clip of suicide bomber Adil Ahmad Dar. The attack was claimed by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.
9 held for forcing Karachi Bakery in B’luru to cover name on board
A day after Karachi Bakery in Bengaluru was forced to cover up the word ‘Karachi’ on its main name board by a mob, police have arrested nine persons in connection with the incident. Those arrested were identified via CCTV footage. Meanwhile, the bakery said, “The essence of Karachi Bakery is absolutely Indian by heart and will remain so.”
Our founder migrated from Pakistan, we are Indian: Karachi Bakery
After a mob protesting Pulwama attack forced the Karachi Bakery in Bengaluru to cover up the word ‘Karachi’ on its name board, the bakery released a statement. “We would like to clarify that Karachi Bakery was founded by Shri. Khanchand Ramnani, who migrated to India during the partition. The essence of Karachi Bakery is absolutely Indian by heart,” it said.
6-yr-old twins kidnapped from school bus in MP found dead in UP
Shreyansh Rawat and Priyansh Rawat, the six-year-old twin brothers who were kidnapped 12 days ago from their school bus in Madhya Pradesh’s Chitrakoot, were found dead in a river in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday. MP Police has arrested six people in connection with the case. The victims’ father, a medicated oil businessman, had paid ₹20 lakh ransom to the kidnappers.
PM launches ₹75,000 crore scheme to give ₹6,000 to farmers annually
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched ₹75,000 crore farmers income scheme from Uttar Pradesh’s Gorakhpur. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi proposes to give ₹6,000 to farmers in three instalments annually. Calling it a historic day, PM Modi said this is a scheme that will give wings to the aspirations of crores of hardworking Indian farmers who feed our nation.
60 hectares of forest gutted in and around Wayanad Sanctuary
Nearly 60 hectares of forest were destroyed in fires in and around Kerala’s Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary over the past three days. Though the fire was brought under control in many parts of the wildlife sanctuary, residual fires still pose a serious threat, officials said. Lack of summer rain leading to high temperatures might have caused the fire, another official added.
Odisha govt launches boat ambulance service for remote areas
The Naveen Patnaik-led Odisha government has launched a boat ambulance service to ferry patients to hospitals in remote areas. The project, which costs around ₹5.40 crore, reportedly includes six boat ambulances and 60 jetties with walkway. While the first boat ambulance was launched on Saturday, the remaining will be introduced in a phased manner, an official said.
TV distributors asked to place same genre channels together
TRAI has directed TV channel distributors to ensure that channels belonging to the same genre are placed together. It further asked them to ensure that a channel appears only at one place, failing which it will take action against the distributor. Earlier this month, the regulator had extended the timeline for consumers to make their channel preferences till March 31.
Amazon Air cargo plane crashes in Texas with three on board
American airline Atlas Air-operated Amazon Air cargo plane crashed in Texas with three on board. The Boeing 767 cargo jetliner flying from Miami to Houston, Texas lost radio contact 48 km from Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, officials said. “Our…prayers are with the flight crew, their families and friends…during this terrible tragedy,” Amazon worldwide operations SVP said.
PM to address world’s largest video conference on Feb 28: Shah
BJP President Amit Shah on Sunday said that PM Narendra Modi’s interaction with BJP workers and sympathisers on February 28 will be the world’s largest video conference. PM Modi is expected to interact with over 1 crore people spread across 15,000 locations, he added. Shah further asked people to send their questions for PM Modi to answer during the conference.
BJP’s mentality to give farmers ₹6,000 atrocious: Mayawati
After PM Narendra Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, BSP chief Mayawati said BJP’s mentality to give farmers little monetary help is “atrocious and arrogant”. “Giving ₹17 daily to…farmers just before…elections is pure hoodwinking,” she added. The PM-KISAN scheme promises income support of ₹6,000 per year to farmers owning up to two hectares of land.
Don’t know why he’s doing it: Sheila Dikshit on Kejriwal’s fast
After Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal announced that he will sit on indefinite fast to demand full statehood for Delhi, former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit said only a Parliament session can change the Constitution. “Since no parliament session will be held now, why is he doing this? I don’t understand,” she added. Kejriwal will go on hunger strike from March 1.
Afghanistan’s Rashid breaks Afridi’s record with 4-wkt haul
Afghanistan’s spinner Rashid Khan broke Shahid Afridi’s record of picking up the most wickets against the same team in T20Is after registering a four-wicket-haul against Ireland on Saturday. In his nine T20I matches against Ireland, Rashid has picked up 24 wickets, while Afridi had picked up 21 New Zealand scalps in 15 T20Is against them.
Pak MP thanks Indian govt for ‘warm welcome’ amid growing tensions
Ramesh Vankwani, an MP of Pakistan PM Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has thanked PM Narendra Modi-led government for according a “warm welcome” to him during his visit to the country. The remark comes amid growing tensions between the two nations over the Pulwama attack. Vankwani came to India as a part of a foreign delegation to attend the Kumbh Mela.
J&K integral part of India, nobody can seize it from us: Amit Shah
BJP President Amit Shah, who was in Jammu today, said, “It’s BJP’s resolve that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and nobody can seize it from us.” “Jahan hue balidan Mookerjee (Bharatiya Jana Sangh Founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee), wo Kashmir hamara hai,” said Shah. On the Pulwama attack, Shah said the jawans’ sacrifice “won’t go in vain”.
100 cars catch fire in Chennai day after 300 cars destroyed in B’luru
A major fire broke out at a private car parking facility in Chennai’s Porur on Sunday, destroying over 100 cars. Eight fire trucks reached the spot to douse the fire, the origin of which is yet to be assessed. This comes a day after 300 cars were destroyed in a fire at Aero India show’s parking lot in Bengaluru.
16-yr-old shooter Saurabh wins WC gold, seals India’s Olympic quota
Shooter Saurabh Chaudhary won gold medal in men’s 10m Air Pistol event at ISSF World Cup in New Delhi with a world record score of 245 points in the final. With this, the 16-year-old secured India its third shooting quota for the 2020 Olympics. Further, it was Saurabh’s first World Cup medal at the senior level.
Arunachal Deputy Chief Minister’s house set on fire by protesters
Arunachal Pradesh Deputy CM Chowna Mein’s house in Itanagar was set on fire by protesters agitating against citizenship to non-tribals. A Joint High Power Committee (JHPC) had recommended granting permanent resident certificates (PRCs) to six communities, who are not natives of Arunachal but have been living there for decades. The protesters also ransacked the office of Deputy Commissioner.
DSP martyred in encounter with terrorists in J&K’s Kulgam
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Operations Aman Thakur has been martyred in an encounter in Jammu & Kashmir. The encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in Kulgam district on Sunday. Security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Turigam area of the district following information about presence of some terrorists there, a police official said.
