Americans shocked 65-yr-old MiG-21 shot down F-16: Zinta hails pilot
Actress Preity Zinta took to Twitter to praise IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman for shooting down Pakistan’s F-16 with his MiG-21 Bison. “People in America r shocked dat a 65-year-old Russian MiG-21 shot down an American made & sold F-16 at Indo-Pak border…tells a lot about pilot training.The best plane is the one with the best pilot inside,” she tweeted.
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince calls PM Modi, Pak PM amid rising tensions
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan PM Imran Khan as part of his efforts to de-escalate the rising tensions between the two countries. He stressed the “importance of dealing wisely with recent developments and giving priority to dialogue and communication”, an official tweet read.
Sending a POW back is not an act of de-escalation: Heena Sidhu
Reacting to Pakistan releasing IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, Indian shooter Heena Sidhu tweeted, “Sending a POW back isn’t an act of de-escalation or a step towards peace as some stupid media people are saying.” “If our “loving” neighbours had sent JeM chief…Masood Azhar…that would’ve been it. Let’s welcome our hero #Abhinandan but don’t see it getting over yet,” she added.
Really shocking you’re destroying Aravalli forests: SC to Haryana
After Haryana amended the Punjab Land Preservation Act, the Supreme Court called it contempt of court, adding, “It is really shocking that you are destroying the forest. It is not permissible”. The amendment opens up around 60,000 acres of forest areas in the Aravalli hills for construction and mining activities. The court asked Haryana not to implement the new law.
China welcomes release of Indian Air Force pilot
China on Friday welcomed the release of Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. “China welcomes the goodwill signal by Pakistan side. De-escalation serves (the) common interest of both sides,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said. China further called upon India and Pakistan “to make a joint effort to deal with the relevant issue”.
US lobbying against us in India: Huawei India CEO
Chinese telecom equipment maker Huawei’s India CEO Jay Chen has alleged that the US is lobbying against the company’s business in India. Chen said Huawei complies with global security requirements, and security concerns over its telecom gears are based more on psychological factors. “China…has given clarification. Chinese government never asks (for data or network access),” Chen further said.
Priyanka, Nick collaborate for Jonas Brothers’ music video
Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas have collaborated for Jonas Brothers’ new music video ‘Sucker’. Joe Jonas’ fiancée and ‘Game of Thrones’ actress Sophie Turner also features in the video. The band, comprising Nick and his brothers Joe and Kevin Jonas, split up in 2013. Announcing the reunion of the band on Instagram, Priyanka wrote, “Yes they’re back…hotter than ever”.
Oscar-winning composer André Previn passes away aged 89
Four-time Oscar-winning music composer André Previn passed away at the age of 89 on Thursday at his home in Manhattan. Previn had won the Oscar for ‘Gigi’, ‘Porgy and Bess’, ‘Irma la Douce’ and ‘My Fair Lady’. He had also recorded a collection of Christmas carols with Julie Andrews and George Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ with Andre Kostelanetz.
Pak PM didn’t criticise Pulwama attack even once: Shah
BJP President Amit Shah on Friday said that Pakistan PM Imran Khan should have criticised the Pulwama attack at least once. “How can we expect anything from him, or trust him… At least he could have done lip service,” he added. Praising BJP, Shah further said, “Maximum…terrorists have been eliminated under BJP government led by PM Narendra Modi.”
Apple making AR headset tech for iPhones, suggests patent
A recently published patent of Apple has suggested it could be developing an Augmented Reality (AR) headset that would work alongside an iPhone to enable users experience an environment where images are overlaid on the real world. Prototypes reportedly communicate wirelessly with another device with a “custom Apple processing brain”. Apple is reportedly aiming to release the headset next year.
Over 1.1 cr farmers have got PM-Kisan scheme payout: PM Modi
PM Narendra Modi on Friday said over 1.1 crore farmers have already received their first instalment of ₹2,000 under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana. “A scheme announced on February 1 has become a reality in the same month itself,” he added. Under the scheme, ₹6,000 per year will be given in three instalments to around 12 crore farmers.
China’s shared housing startup Danke raises $500 million
Beijing-based urban living startup Danke has raised $500 million in a series C funding round at a valuation of over $2 billion. The funding was led by existing investor Tiger Global and new investor Ant Financial, Alibaba’s e-payment and financial affiliate controlled by Jack Ma. Founded in 2015, Danke offers shared housing services at prices set by artificial intelligence-driven algorithms.
TN home guards organise prayer for IAF pilot Abhinandan
Ahead of the release of Wing Commander Abhinandan by Pakistan on Friday, a special prayer was organised by the Tamil Nadu Home Guards at the Kalikambal Temple in Chennai. Praising the Indian Air Force (IAF) for conducting air strikes on terror camps in Pakistan, a TN Home Guard personnel said he was proud of India’s armed forces.
Example of high handedness: Mufti on ban on Jamaat-e-Islami
Condemning the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Friday said that it was another example of high handedness and muscular approach of the Centre. “Is being anti-BJP anti-national now?” she added. The central government on Thursday banned Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir for five years under section 3 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
Will no longer be helpless in the wake of terror: PM Modi
Addressing a rally in Tamil Nadu, PM Narendra Modi said that India will no longer be helpless in the wake of terror. “From 2004-2014 there were several terror attacks…The nation expected perpetrators to be punished but nothing happened,” he added. “[But] this is New India…that will return the damage done by terrorists with interest,” PM Modi further said.
Sitting judge of Delhi HC Justice Valmiki J Mehta passes away
Sitting judge of Delhi High Court, Justice Valmiki J Mehta, passed away on Friday at the age of 59 following a cardiac arrest. Justice Mehta was appointed as an Additional Judge of the HC on April 15, 2009. He studied at Delhi University’s Sri Venkateswara College and Campus Law Centre.
Won’t accept any more Rohingya refugees: Bangladesh
Bangladesh has told the United Nations that it won’t accept any more Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. Bangladesh accused Myanmar of “hollow promises and various obstructionist approaches” during negotiations on the return of the refugees. More than seven lakh Rohingya refugees fled from Myanmar to Bangladesh since August 2017 following a crackdown by the Myanmar Army on the Rohingya militants.
Beating Retreat ceremony at Wagah cancelled over IAF pilot’s return
The Beating Retreat ceremony at Attari-Wagah border in Punjab was cancelled on Friday, ahead of the return of Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan. Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Shivdular Singh Dhillon said, “IAF pilot Abhinandan is more important than the retreat ceremony.” Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi earlier informed that the pilot will be released via the border.
After 26/11 nothing happened, after Pulwama you saw what we did: PM
Addressing an election rally in Kanyakumari on Friday, PM Narendra Modi said, “26/11 happened, India expected action against terrorists but nothing happened. Uri and Pulwama happened and you saw what our brave men did.” PM Modi added that after 26/11, Air Force reportedly wanted to conduct surgical strikes but UPA blocked it, however, now the armed forces have full freedom.
None of the 99 names of Allah means violence: Swaraj at OIC meet
Addressing the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation conclave in UAE as the Guest of Honour, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, “Just as Islam literally means peace, none of the 99 names of Allah means violence.” Further stating that the fight against terrorism is not a confrontation against any religion, Swaraj added, “Every religion…stands for peace, compassion and brotherhood.”
US asks int’l community to take action against Masood Azhar & JeM
The US has called upon the international community to designate Masood Azhar and his Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group to cut the flow of money and deprive them of resources. The US has already designated JeM and its leadership under its domestic laws. Masood Azhar-led JeM claimed responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack, in which 40 CRPF jawans were martyred.
Better to talk to Pak Army General than Imran Khan: Swamy
Calling Pakistani PM Imran Khan a “tape recorder” of the Pakistani military, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on Friday said, “There is no point in holding peace discussions with him, rather it would be better to hold talks with the Army General.” Swamy added, “He will only say what the military will tell him.”
States that back terror must stop: Sushma Swaraj at OIC meet
Addressing a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Abu Dhabi on Friday, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said countries that provide shelter and funding to terrorist camps must stop doing so. She added, “Terrorism is destroying lives, destabilising regions and putting the world at great peril. Terror reach is growing and the toll it is taking is increasing.”
Pakistan to re-open airspace for commercial flights today
Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority has said the country would re-open its airspace for commercial flights from 4 pm local time on Friday. Pakistan closed its airspace on Wednesday afternoon amid tensions with India. The airspace closure caused major disruptions on Wednesday as many global airlines were forced to suspend or reroute flights.
Vedanta says it loses ₹5 crore daily due to TN smelter shutdown
Oil-to-metals conglomerate Vedanta has told the Madras High Court it has been losing ₹5 crore a day ever since the closure of its copper smelter in Tamil Nadu in May 2018. This translates to a loss of about ₹1,380 crore since the plant was shut nine months ago. Vedanta moved the Madras High Court to reopen its Sterlite copper plant.
World number 1 Naomi Osaka hires Jermaine Jenkins as new coach
World number one women’s singles tennis player Naomi Osaka has hired Jermaine Jenkins as her new head coach. “Had a great dinner with the team. Also taking this moment to thank Jermaine for joining us and coming on board lol,” Osaka wrote on Twitter. Jenkins served as hitting partner to Venus Williams from 2015 until the end of last season.
Ola raises ₹400 crore for its electric taxi business
Ola Electric Mobility on Friday announced it has raised ₹400 crore led by several of Ola’s investors including Tiger Global and Matrix Partners India. “This first round of investment will be used for rolling out one million electric vehicles by 2022,” said Ola. The firm was set up to use battery-run cabs as a pilot project in Nagpur.
In India, every prayer ends with a call for peace: Swaraj
Speaking at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Abu Dhabi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, “I come from the land of Mahatma Gandhi where every prayer ends with call for shanti (peace)”. “India has always embraced…pluralism,” she added. “It is [due to] this appreciation of diversity that…very few Muslims in India have fallen prey to…extremist ideologies,” Swaraj said.
101 police personnel awarded for excellence in investigation
As many as 101 police personnel, including 12 female officers, were awarded the Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation on Thursday. The officers belong to 25 states and Union Territories, and various central investigation agencies. The award was introduced in 2018 to promote high professional standards of investigation.
Made realistic proposal: N Korea after summit with US fails
North Korea has said that it made a “realistic proposal” at the second summit with the US. The US said that the summit ended without an agreement as North Korea demanded a complete lifting of sanctions in exchange for dismantling a large part of nuclear installations. However, North Korea said it asked for partial sanctions relief, not a complete lifting.
Woman killed, jawan on leave injured as Pak violates ceasefire
A woman was killed and a jawan who was on leave was injured after Pakistan resorted to unprovoked heavy mortar shelling at various places along the LoC in J&K’s Rajouri and Poonch districts on Thursday. Further, nearly a dozen houses were reportedly damaged in the shelling in Kalal area. The Indian Army retaliated effectively to the ceasefire violation.
Hopeful that we can bring down tension between India, Pak: US
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday asserted that the country is involved in talks with India and Pakistan amid tensions, stating, “I am hopeful that we can take down the tension there, at least for the time being.” Pompeo stated that he encouraged both the countries “to not take any action that would escalate and create increased risk”.
IAF pilot’s timely return our diplomatic victory: Amit Shah
Ahead of the arrival of IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan on Friday, BJP chief Amit Shah said, “Creating a situation for the return of pilot Abhinandan in such a short span of time is our diplomatic victory.” Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs had asked Pakistan to ensure Abhinandan’s “immediate and safe return”.
Kargil war hero Air Marshal Nambiar made Western Air Command chief
Eastern Air Command chief Air Marshal Raghunath Nambiar was appointed as the new chief of Indian Air Force’s sword arm Western Air Command on Thursday. Air Marshal Nambiar is credited with shooting five of the eight Laser Guided Bombs on Pakistani positions from his plane during the Kargil war. He flew the Mirage-2000 in combat during the Kargil war.
Chanda Kochhar’s residence raided by ED in ICICI Bank-Videocon case
The Enforcement Directorate is carrying out searches against ex-ICICI bank CEO Chanda Kochhar and Videocon promoter Venugopal Dhoot in connection with a loan fraud case. The raids are being conducted in office and residential premises in Mumbai and Aurangabad. Dhoot allegedly invested in Chanda’s husband Deepak Kochhar’s firm after Videocon Group received ₹3,250 crore as loan from ICICI Bank.
Parents of IAF pilot Abhinandan get standing ovation on flight
Parents of Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan, who will be released by Pakistan on Friday, got a standing ovation by passengers on flight to Delhi. A video shows that at the time of deboarding, the people cheered and greeted his parents and waited for them to deboard first. The IAF pilot was taken into custody by Pakistan on Wednesday.
US offers $1 million reward for info on Osama bin Laden’s son Hamza
The United States on Thursday offered a $1-million (₹7 crore) reward for information on location of slain Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden’s son Hamza bin Laden, seeing him as an emerging face of extremism. Hamza has threatened attacks against US to avenge his father’s killing in 2011. There have been many speculations of him being in Afghanistan, Pakistan or Iran.
Tabu to be honoured at Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles
Tabu will be honoured at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) in April. “Her work and personality embody everything that IFFLA is about…this couldn’t be a stronger celebration of women in Indian cinema,” Christina Marouda, IFFLA Executive Director, said in a statement. Tabu’s film ‘AndhaDhun’, which also features Ayushmann Khurrana, will be the opening film at the festival.
Kerala orders break time for labourers to avoid sunstroke
Kerala’s Labour Department has issued an order to give mandatory break time to labourers to avoid sunstrokes. All the labourers who are exposed to sunlight, which can lead to sunstrokes, have been ordered to rest indoors between 12 pm to 3 pm during summers. However, the order is not applicable to those working 3,000 ft above sea level.
